A History of Agriculture in India v2.c65.s4: Devaraya I (A.D. 1406-1422)
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c65.s4
- Language
- English
Devaraya I (A.D. 1406-1422)
v2.c65.s4.1
During the rule of Devaraya I, Sultan Firuz conquered several districts of Vijayanagar and he also invaded the capital. Devaraya sued for peace, but the Sultan demanded, in addition to gold, his daughter in marriage, and the fort of Bankapur. Taking advantage of Devaraya’s predicament, the Reddis of Kondavidu liberated their territory.
v2.c65.s4.2
Devaraya I realized the value of cavalry in warfare. By purchasing large number of horses from Arabia and Persia and recruiting troopers to man them, he improved the fighting capacity of his army. He was also the first ruler of Vijayanagar to employ Turkish bowmen whom he attracted by liberal grants of land and money. Under his fostering care the Vijayanagar army became an efficient tool of war, and enabled him to withstand the long-drawn contest with the Bahmani Sultan Firuz Shah.
v2.c65.s4.3
An ardent Shaivite, Devaraya I was a devotee of the Goddess Pampa of the Tampi-tirtha. He built several temples at Vijayanagar. During his rule Vijayanagar became the chief centre of learning in South India to which scholars seeking fame and recognition came in large numbers.
v2.c65.s4.4
During the rule of Devaraya I an Italian, Nicolo Conti, visited Vijayanagar. Describing the capital he states, ‘The great city of Bizenegalia is situated near very steep mountains. The circumference of the city is sixty miles (96.5 km); its walls are carried up to the mountains and enclose the valleys at their foot, so that its extent is thereby increased. In this city there are estimated to be ninety thousand men fit to bear arms.’ Regarding Devaraya I, Nicolo states, ‘Their king is more powerful than all the other kings of India. He takes to himself 12,000 wives of whom 4,000 follow him on foot wherever he may go, and are employed solely in the service of the kitchen. A like number, more handsomely equipped, ride on horse-back. The remainder are carried by men in litters, of whom 2,000 or 3,000 are selected as his wives on condition that at his death they should voluntarily burn themselves with him, which is considered to be a great honour for them.’