Indian Antiquary Vol 45

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

Page 206

198
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[ DECEMBER, 1916
compelled to leave the task of completing the Musalman conquest of the south to its rival and ally, and withdraw to the north. It seems that, from this time to the conquest of the south by the Mugt al, there was a sort of understanding between the two Musalman powers to the effect that Golconda39 was to retain the mastery of the Carnatic plain to the banks of the Pennar, i.e., the area now covered by the districts of Guntur, Nellore N. Arcot, Chingleput, and a portion of South Arcot, and that Bijapur was to have the mastery of the rest of the Carnatic and get tribute from its princes. According to this arrangement both the states would have well-defined boundaries of their spheres of influence. The eastern boundary of the Bijapur territory would be from the junction of the Krishna and the Tungabadra along the western ridges of the Eastern Ghats right down to the Pennar, where it took a south-western course towards the Mysore territory. To the east of this line and to the North of the Pennär, lay the territory of Golconda ; and every district to the West of the line, including the Ceded Districts and Mysore, would be under Bijapur. South of the Pennar, the regions watered by the Kâvêri and the Vaigai, were under the political supremacy of Bijapur. It was a partition more favourable to the Western power. if the comparative area of the two spheres of influence is considered. But it ought to be remembered that Golconda had a more easily manageable territory. The major portion was Telugu country, and there were no powerful chiefs to dispute its authority and resort to formidable rebellions. On the other hand, Bijapur had yet to subdue Mysore and Madura, and even if subdued, they could with difficulty be kept in a spirit of uniform loyalty.
Bijapur's supremacy over Madura. The army of Golconda, after its withdrawal from Ginji, was not quite successful awainst Sri Raiga Raya and his Mysore ally. Thanks to the advantage of a favourable beginning and the mountainous nature of the country, the Hindus were able to give no small trouble to the Muhammadans. The Bijapur army, on the other hand, had a triumphant career on its southward course. The Tanjore Näik once again took the oath of allegiance and paid an enormous sum or rather booty to the Sultan. The turn of Madura was the next. and the Muhammadan tempest burst upon it. The mind of Tirumal Naik already. oppressed and distracted by the misfortune he had sustained, was paralysed to powerlessness by the fear of treason among his own officers. The safety of citizens required the heroism and the tact of a soldier statesman, but none was equal to the task. The Bijapur army therefore found Madura a helpless prey to its greed, ready to offer the most obiect submission on any terms.' Tho Muhammadan general made the best use of his triumph He imposed a heavy war indemnity on the Madura monarch, compelled him to acknow ledge the supremacy of the Sultan and pay a yearly tribute. In his new allegiance
Tirumal Naik seems to have known no limit or reason. He seems to have co-operated with his new suzerain in helping Golconda in the last phase of the latter's struggle w Sri Rauga in the north. For it seems that after the reduction of the south, the troops of Bijapur, at least a portion of them, proceeded to the region of Arcot where Sri Raiga was making his obstinato resistance. Tirumal seems to have despatched an auxiliary force to fight against his old suzerain. The descendant of Krishộadeva Raya could no more maintain a struggle, and had to withdraw once again into Mysore. The Muhammadans now took the offensive. They were desirous of penetrating into Mysore. of
» Madras was doneequently under Goloonda. For the Nawab's policy towards it, see Wheeler's Early Records of B. Ind. p. 50.