treasury was in his hands, he seduced the host[1] of the four arms. He wished to seize and imprison (the sons-in-law) Rama Raya and Tirumala Raya. On hearing these tidings they fled the country and betook themselves to the Penugonda country, where they raised some troops and marched to A′davani [Adhoni, a town north east of Bellary.] There they dwelt four months: and collected more troops in the Candanul<re>Called Kurnool in the maps.</ref> and Gadwal and thereabouts, then they came, with forces of every arm, to attack [the usurper] at Vidyanagar. [A. D. 1563.]
Salacam Timmanna was informed of these matters by his spies. He requested the aid of [the four Turkish chieftains] Kutb Shāh, Farīd Shāh, Nizam Shāh and Ali Adal Shah.[2] He wrote letters to them and to others, saying if you will come with a well equipped army, I will deliver all this kingdom into your hands.
6. They read [his letters] and accordingly came with all their hosts and halted within two miles of Vidyanagar.
When Rama Raya and Tirumala Raya heard of this they summoned Handeh Hanumappa Nayudu [a well known chieftain], celebrated as a warrior, who dwelt at Sonnalāpuram: they enlisted him in their employ, with his troops. They went and halted on the bank of the Tungabhadra[3] two leagues from Vidyanagar. This place being new to the troops of those 'Pachas' [the Musulman chieftains] they appointed Salacam Timmanna's army to go in front, and prepared for a battle.
7. Rama Raya[4] and Tirumala Raya heard of this. They sounded the alarm of war in open daylight, and fell upon Salacam Timmanna's host which was before their face. The soldiers of his host said, This fellow is a (golla[5]) herdsman: being rich he has attempted to usurp dominion. If we aid him the divine aid cannot be grant-
- ↑ Chaturanga balam denotes a host of four kinds: horse, foot, elephants and chariots. Hence the name for chess.
- ↑ Compare Hamilton's Gazetteer under the name Beedur.
- ↑ Toombuddra of the Maps.
- ↑ Page 4.
- ↑ Golla is the proper name of the cow-keeper-caste: but also is the name of those men who are employed as transporters of treasure.
