Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c25.s2.68

v2.c25.s2.68

In the *Śivatattvaratnākara* we are told that Saṅkaṇṇa Nāyaka defeated Ankus Khān in a duel in the presence of the Delhi Sultan in about A. D. 1550.¹ Tilting was also practised in the court of Ginjee in about A. D. 1597.² Pietro della Valle informs us that fencing was common at Ikkēri. Viṭṭhala Śeṇai, the ambassador from the court of Veṅkaṭappa Nāyaka, travelled with Pietro della Valle "but apart by himself, came to visit, and entertained with the sight of two young men, who fenc'd very well a good while together, only with Swords made of Indian Canes. On which occasion, I shall not omit to state that amongst the Indians,' tis the custom for every one to manage and make use of one sort of Arms, where unto he accustoms himself, and never uses any other even in time of War."³