Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c25.s2.87

v2.c25.s2.87

We are told in *The Accounts of Tirumali-Naicker, and of his Buildings* that there was an arena for the combat of gladiators to the north of the palace of Tirumala Nāyaka at Madura, that various kinds of animals were there, and pavilions and buildings on the western side of the arena were reserved for the relations and favourites of the king for looking at the spectacle.² In another connection the account continues to state that Tirumala Nāyaka built public choultries at a distance of every seven miles. "At nearly the same time he established in the town of Madura combats between gladiators and elephants, tigers and bears; and for the purpose of looking on during this spectacle, he had a two-storied building constructed, in an excellent manner, in a place named *Tamakam pottal*. From that time forwards the Carnataca governors always came hither to see the spectacle".³