Indian Antiquary Vol 45

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

Page 90

82
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[MAY, 1916
youth and vigour, and left it at his death in 1600 the strongest power in Scuth India. His skill, tact and genius intrcduced unity of policy in the State. While rulers changed, he managed to continue in office, and as he worked in a most disinterested manner with the prestige of the kingdom and the welfare of the people in his heart, he was able to tide over obstacles and consolidate the kingdom in such a thorough manner that it was able to hold the first place in South Indian politics for the next one and a half centuries. Aryanatha was able to maintain himself in power for such a long period, because his experience in statecraft made his services indispensable to the Nóik ruler. His character endeared him to the people, while his capacity kept turbulence in check. Herein is the cause of the singular absence of the disturbance of his administration by conspiracy or rebellion. Feared by the Polygars and beloved by the masses, he was never reduced, except on two or three occasions, to the necessity of punishing or pardoning treason.
The cause of Aryanatha's domination ought to be attributed not merely to his character and to his services to the State. It was due to other circumstances also. We have seen how the principle of joint authority in the royal office had the tendency to promote reliance on ministerial wisdom. The vicissitudes of the Vijayanagar Empire in this age had the same effect. The disaster at Talikottah was followed by the practical dismemberment of the Empire. Aryanatha, on whom devolved the management of the imperial affairs, placed the relationship between Madura and the decaying Empire on such a basis that, while continuing in name the vassalage to the Empire, he was able to ensure practical independence to Madura. It was an arrangement which satisfied all parties. The Emperor was content to receive tribute and nominal allegiance without trouble, while the Madura chief was gratified by practical independence. He came thus to be looked on as a friend by all. To the Emperor he seemed the preserver of imperial integrity, and to his immediate master, the best and truest benefactor. Both therefore upheld his policy and depended on his wisdom.
The result of all this was seen in the growing strength and prosperity of the kingdom, Its frontiers extended from Maisur to the Cape and from sea to sea. It had an excellent system of military defence. Its legions were victorious in all quarters, and held Tanjore on one side, Maisur on the other, in effective check. It had a number of loyal magnates, who kept a vigilant police and maintained the security of person and property. It had a contented population, who grew in wealth and in happiness. It had a sound system of finance. It, above all, was able to engage in an enterprising foreign policy and conquer Ceylon. It attracted the cupidity of European merchants, just then coming to the peninsula, It was able to dazzlo the world by its temple architecture, its arts of peace. Lastly, it was attractive enough for the missionary, especially the Jesuit, who saw in it the stronghold of Hindu civilization and therefore the most worthy subject of spiritual conquest.
SECTION I.
Kumara Krishṇappa (1562—1572). On the death of Visvanatha I, the viceregal throne devolved on his son, Kumara Krishnappa, a prince of high talents and acknowledged abilities. In an age when the security of power was dependent on personal valour and military glory alone, the true
Also known as Peria Krishnama. According to the Hist. of Carna. Dhorai and " Supple. MS." he ruled from 1458 A.D. (Bakudhanya) to 1489 (Kilaka). But the Pand. Chron, and Mirt. MSS. say that he ruled from 1562 (Rudhirdikari) to 1573 (Angila). Very amasing, but false, events are given by Wheoler in regard to this ruler. He attributes to him the date 1562-1572. "The new Naik was only threo years old when his father died, but he was carried in procession through the streets of Madura, and installed upon the throne with the usual ceremonies. His grand father Nagama Ndik and Aryanâtha M udali, the ininister and commander-in-chief, acted as regents for the infant prince. As he grew up he actod according to their advice, and followed the example set by his father; he maintained the rights of the Bralimans and those of the temples; he married and bad a son before be arrived at years of