Book Title: Indian Antiquary Vol 61
Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
( NOVEMBER, 1932
But what may be noted is that a statement by a foreign traveller, especially when it relates to one of the titles assumed by the monarchs, is in itself insufficient for historical pur. poses. Likewise is a mere assertion in the inscriptions of the Hindu rulers themselves not of any value so long as it is not confirmed by external evidence. Thus for example, an inscription dated Saka 1530 (1608-9 A.D.) tells us that Venkatapati Dêva " levied tribute from all countries and from Ilam (Ceylon). Vira Pratâpa Sriranga Deva, we are told in an epigraph dated Saka 1505 (1583-4 A.D.), "having taken every country was pleased to receive tributo from Ceylon."25 The same is seen in an earlier inscription of the same monarch, dated Saka 1499 (1577-8 A.D.).36 This activity of Ranga II in regard to Ceylon is mentioned together with his subjugation of the Kallars and Maravars in Kongu and Malai-nadu, according to an inscription dated 1583-4 A.D.37 We are told in an epigraph of Saka 1490 (1568-9 A.D.) that Vira Vasanta, i.e., Venkata I, conquered Ceylon. $8 Even Sadasiva boasts of having " looted Ceylon,” according to an inscription dated Saka 1486 (1564-5 A.D.) Then we have Sadasiva, son of Rangappa Nayaka Udaiyar, "who received tribute from Ceylon," in Saka 1469 (1547-8 A.D.).30 There is reference in Hindu literature of about this period to an invasion of Ceylon. Råma Raya Vitthala and Tirumala, the first cousins of Rama Raya," are given credit for having set up a pillar of victory on the Tamraparņi and even to have sent out an invasion to Ceylon."'31
But these claims of the later Vijayanagara rulers cannot be acoepted as authentic, since they cannot be substantiated by independent evidence. All that may be said about such assertions is that the later monarchs continued to prefix among their titles that relating to the conquest of and tribute from Ceylon, in memory of some real conquest of that island that must have taken place prior to their times. We have to find out how many times Ceylon was conquered by Vijayanagara kings.
Let us begin with Nuniz, whose account is certainly of great importance. He speaks of Saluva Timma-"He is lord of Charamaodel and of Nagapatao, and Tamagor and Bomgarin and Dapatao, and Truguel and Caullin, and all these are cities; their territories are very large, and they border on Ceylon."39
About Deva Raya II. the chronicler relates the following "At his death he left a son called Deorao, who reigned twenty-five years.... This (i.e., the revenue of eight hundred and fifty millions of gold) was no great sum, seeing that in his time the king of Coullao (Quilon) and Ceyllao (Ceylon) and Paleacate (Pulicat), and Peguu, and Tanacary (Tenasserim) and many other countries paid tribute to bim."33
Then there is the account of a son of a " Pureoyre Deoro," called Ajarao: ".......... he reigned forty-three years, in which time he was always at war with the Moors; and he took Goa, and Chaul, and Dabull, and Ceillao, and all the country of Charamandell......"34
The fact that the viceroyalty of SAļuva Timma bordered on the coast of Ceylon is no evidence that the island was subject to Vijayanagara. But there is some epigraphical evidence which may enable us to understand the situation better. An inscription dated Saka 1461 (1539-40 A.D.), found in the Raja-Gopala Perumal temple at Tanjore, informs us that, Achyuta Raya conquered tļam.35 According to the late Mr. Venkayya, this assertion "had to be looked upon as a meaningless boast not uncommon with the later Vijayanagara kings.''36
91 No. 92 of M E.R. for 1923. 38 No. 128 of M.E.R. for 1918. 36 No. 134 of M.E.R. for 1918. 27 No. 30 of M.E.R. for 1905; Madras Ep. Report for 1905, p. 52. 28 Ep. Report for 1899-1900, para. 82.
39 No. 451 of M.E.R. for 1905; No. 120 of 1905; Arch. Sur. Rept., 1899-1900, para. 70; Madras Ep. Report for 1905, p. 52.
30 No. 1 of M.E.R. for 1019. 81 Dr. S. K. Aiyangar, The Sources of Vijayanagara History, p. 16. 83 Sewell, op. cit., p. 384. 38 Sewell, ibid., p. 302.
84 Sewell, ibid., p. 301. 36 No. 40 of M.E.R. for 1897. 38 Madras Ep. Report for 1900, p. 26.
