Indian Antiquary Vol 46

SR No.: 032538
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 508
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 231

SEPTEMBER 1917)
THE HISTORY OF THE NAIK KINGDOM OF MADURA
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perhaps advisable, to force his way through such an obstacle. He was convinced either of the futility of his valour or, what was more probable, of the expedienoy of diplomacy in place of force. He therefore changed his tactics, assumed ingeniously the rôle of an Arbitrator, and called on the two parties to submit their disputes to his decision. After a full enquiry into the justice of the claims of the respective parties, he decided that the fort and the kingdom belonged as of right to Bangaru ; that as Mînakshi was childless, she and her brothers had no claim to the administration; that being the dowager-queen, she must be given all those attentions which had been given in the time of Vijaya Raiga Chokkanatha; that her brother and other followers should be similarly treated; that the jewels, etc., and the money which formed her own property should be hers; and, as for the rest, the palace, the treasury, elephants, horses, etc., these should be handed over to Baugâru Tirumala. Safdar Ali Khan further settled the tribute at 30 lakhs of rupees, and fixed the time of payment: all of which he got in writing from 89 Baigaru."
Minakshi's Alliance with Chanda Sahib. It was a decision, in Mr. Taylor's opinion,90 highly equitable though not disinterested. But to Minâkshi, its justice or impartiality would hardly have appealed. She accordingly, we may be sure, hesitated or refused to acknowledge and bow to it; and Safdar Ali, seeing that the condition of affairg01 was not likely to be easily settled, left the enforcement of his decision to his brother-in-law, Chanda Sahib, and withdrew to his capital. The partisans of Minakshi then approached Chanda Sahib and proposed that, if he left Trichino poly in her hands and resognised her to be the lawful ruler, they would pay him, what he demanded, a crore of rupees. Not satisfied with the words of the Muhammadan general, they insisted with caution that he should take the oath of alliance and fidelity with the Koran in his hands on the banks of the sacred Kaveri. Chanda Sahib, with ready and characteristic unscrupulouses, resolved to resort to an act of deceit, and realise his object of seizing Trichinopoly for himself. He therefore readily agreed to take the oath, but at the nick of time placed skilfully and stealthily, if we are to believe Col. Wilks, a brick, hidden under splendid and glittering coverings, in place of the holy Koran, and with a face of solemn honesty and sincere loyalty, swore in the presence of Perumal Naidu, in the Dalavâi Mantapa, absolute and unswerving support to the queen':02 cause. The simple and incredulous mind of Minakshi was immensely satisfied with this proof, and she at once threw open the gates of the city to her ally. She little dreamed that what she considered to be the irrevocable words of an honest man were sham demonstrations of affected loyalty.
(To be continued.)
80 His of the Carna. Govrs. Wilsou also mentions the same thing, but he does not speak about Safdar Ali's tactios. He simply says that he decided in Bangaru's favour.
900. H. MSS. II. 91 Wilson's account of the whole affair is superficial.
12 The Hint of the Carna. Govrs, says that he simply took the oath to that effect. The Telugu Carna. Dynas, says that he took it with the Koran. Wilks says that it was not really the Koran, but brick. (Wilks, I., p. 155).