Administration and Social Life under Vijayanagar c6.65

c6.65

These instances illustrate fully the evils of the regency system in Vijayanagar history. These revolutions had their repercussions on the empire, and generally discontent spread in the realm. When Salakam Rāju Tirumala usurped the throne in 1542 by “sinning” against his lord Veṅkaṭa I, perhaps by murdering him, there was a protracted civil war in South India. The regency system brings out in relief the influence of ministers at the imperial court. Under strong kings they were obedient and loyal while under weak ones they tried to usurp all royal power and rule the country independently of the nominal king and at times even at his expense.