A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c19.186

c19.186

The battle becoming more general, the Hindus opened a desolating fire from a number of field-pieces and rocket-batteries. The left and right of the Muhammadan line were pressed back after destructive hand-to-hand fighting, many falling on both sides. At this juncture Râma Râya, thinking to encourage his men, descended from his litter and seated himself on a “rich throne set with jewels, under a canopy of crimson velvet, embroidered with gold and adorned with fringes of pearls,” ordering his treasurer to place heaps of money all round him, so that he might confer rewards on such of his followers as deserved his attention. “There were also ornaments of gold and jewels placed for the same purpose.” A second attack by the Hindus on the guns in the centre seemed likely to complete the overthrow of the whole Muhammadan line, when the front rank of pieces was fired at close quarters, charged with bags of copper money; and this proved so destructive that 5000 Hindus were left dead on the field in front of the batteries. This vigorous policy threw the Hindu centre into confusion, upon which 5000 Muhammadan cavalry charged through the intervals of the guns and cut their way into the midst of the disorganised masses, towards the spot where the Râya had taken post. He had again changed his position and ascended his litter; but hardly had he done so when an elephant belonging to the Nizâm Shâh, wild with the excitement of the battle, dashed forward towards him, and the litter-bearers let fall their precious burden in terror at the animal’s approach. Before he had time to recover himself and mount a horse, a body of the allies was upon him, and he was seized and taken prisoner.