Indian Antiquary Vol 43

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 51

MARCH, 1914.)
THE HISTORY OF THE NAIK KINGDOM OF MADURA
of the Mackenzie+2 MSS. says that between 1500 and 1535 there were a number of Naik governors in Madura. These were Tenna Naik who ruled from 1500 to 1515; Narasa Pillai, 48 1515-1519; Timmappa Naikar, 1519-1524; Kottiyam Kamaiya Naik, 1524-1526; Chinnappa Naikar, 1526-1530 ; Vijaya Naika, 44 1530-1535; and Viâsvanatha Naik, 1535-1545. What was the relation between these governors and Venkatappa Naik? Was he superior to them all? If so, how long was he in that position. All these questions are difficult to answer. Further epigraphical discoveries alone can enlighten us.
The local kings in the same period. It is certain that while Saluva Naik, or Venkatappa Naik, was representing the imperial interests in the districts of Trichinopoly and Madura, the indigenous rulers continued to rule as his subordinates. In Trichinopoly, for instance, one Channaiya Bâliya Deva ruled about 1530 and acknowledged the supremacy of Krishna Deva, and gained distinction 15 by his gifts to the god and goddess at Uraiyûr. It seems that this chief looked on Saļuva Naik with suspicion, if not hatred, and proved himself, as we shall see later on, a no mean enemy of his. Coming to the south, the region around Madura was under the immediate rule of the Vanada Râvars. Still further south were the Pâidyan rulers of Tenkâsi, who claimed a nominal supremacy over the Vanada Rayars, but readily paid allegiance to Vijayanagar and its representatives. We have already seen how, at the time of the usurpation of Narasa Naik, Alagan Perumal Parakrama was ruling in Tinnevelly. He continued to govern during the reigns of Vira Narasimha and Krishnadeva. He died in 1516 and was followed by the joint kings Abhirama Parakrama and Ähavarâma, the first sovereigns of the Pudhukottai plates. 46 These held power till 1533 when one of the most remarkable kings of the dynasty, Jatilavarman Srivallabha, ascended the throne.
12 The Pand. Chron. ; see also Mad. Manual; Sewell's Antiq. II, p. 223. 43 Pillai, Naikan, and Aiyar seem to have been used interchangeably.
44 Also called Aiyakarai Vyappa. Is he the same as Krishna Diva's general mentioned in the Karnataka Raja's Savistdra Charitra ?
+ See. Ep. Rep. 1892, (aug). 45 See Mad. Ep. Rep. 1908. 16 Trav. Arch. series. The genealogy as given in these plates is as follows:
Abhirama Parákrama.
Ahara Rama
Paråkrama P.
Salivatipati
Srlvallabha. Srlvallabha. Manabharana, (Pandya Rajya relationship doubtful. Sthapanacharya).
alias Kulasekhara. Månakavacha Kaliyuga Raman Tirunelveli Perumal Vira Påndya his
Co-Regent.
Ati Vira Rama. Srivallabha.
Guia Rama
Varatunga RÂme.
The Donors. Mr. Venkaiyah thinks that Abhirama Parâkrama was the same as the Parikrama Pandya of Caldwell who ascended the throne in 1516 A.D. The relationship of Srivallabha and Manabharana who are said to be the brothers of Srivallabha Pardya Rajyasthapanâ charya by Mr. Venkaiyah is disputed by Mr. Gopingthi Rao who believes that there is nothing to shew in the original that they are his brothers. The actual donor is a certain Tirumal Naik of Chintalapalle, minister of Vira Mahipati, (ie, Virappa Ndik). He is said to have fought in the battle of Vallaprakara wherein the army of Virabhupa was annihilated and the troops of Achyuta were completely, routed. For an explanation of the latter part see Chapt. III.