A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c19.32

c19.32

Tirumala then found himself in great straits, and sent ambassadors with large presents to Ibrahîm Âdil Shâh, begging him to march to his assistance and promising that the Vijayanagar kingdom should be declared tributary to Bîjapûr. Ibrahîm, delighted beyond measure, after consulting Asada Khân accepted the terms, moved from his capital, and arrived before Vijayanagar “in the year 942,” which corresponds to the period from July 2, A.D. 1535, to June 20, 1536.¹ “He was conducted into the city by Hoje Termul Roy, who seated him on the musnud of the raaje and made rejoicings for seven days.” This conduct led to a change of front on the part of Râma Râjah and his supporters. They entreated Tirumala for the sake of the country to procure the retreat of the Sultan to his own dominions, promising submission and obedience if this should be done; and Tirumala, thinking that now he had no further use for his allies, requested the Sultan to return home. He paid over the subsidy agreed upon, which was assessed at something approaching two millions sterling, and made many other gifts. The story then ends with a tragedy.