Hande Hanumappa Nayaka
Hande Hanumappa Nayaka | |
|---|---|
 General of The Vijayanagara Empire | |
| Monarch | Sadasiva Raya |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Sonnalapuram, Vijayanagara Empire (present-day Ananthapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India) |
| Died | 1582 Bukkarayasamudram, Vijayanagara Empire (present-day Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh, India) |
| Resting place | Bukkarayasamudram |
| Occupation | Commander |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Vijayanagara Empire |
| Branch/service | Vijayanagara Army |
| Years of service | 1542–1569 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Vijayanagara Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
Hanumappa Nayaka a native of Sonnalapuram and a prominent commander in the Vijayanagar Empire played a crucial role in consolidating the power of Rama Raya during the Vijayanagara Civil War against the Salakamraju Tirumala brothers. His military expertise and leadership were instrumental in securing Rama Raya's victory, solidifying his dominance in the empire.[1][2] Hanumappa Nayaka's greatest achievement came in 1543 during the Battle of Kalyani, where he led the Vijayanagar forces to a victory against the combined armies of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Golconda.[3][4]
Military Career
[edit]Vijayanagara Civil War (1542-1543)
[edit]As tensions grew within the Vijayanagar Empire Rama Raya sought to consolidate his power and counter the influence of Salaka Tirumala. To rally support, he issued royal summons to trusted commanders and jagirdars, including Hande Hanumappa Nayudu, Mesa Peddappa Nayudu, and Majjahari Tulasipati, instructing them to assemble their forces at Penukonda. Responding loyally these leaders gathered with their troops, recognizing the urgency of the situation. At the assembly, Rama Raya detailed the misdeeds and threats posed by Salaka Tirumala, emphasizing the need for unity to restore stability to the empire. He promised generous rewards and prestigious titles for those who contributed to the campaign’s success. Demonstrating initiative, Mesa Peddappa Nayudu volunteered to gather intelligence, deploying spies to track Salaka Timma’s movements. Armed with critical information, Rama Raya supported by his commanders and their combined forces, launched a rebellion against Salaka Tirumala.[1][2]
Following a series of victories against Salakamraju Pedda Tirumala’s forces, Rama Raya advanced towards Vijayanagara determined to consolidate his power. While stationed near Adoni Rama Raya orchestrated a strategic campaign of espionage and psychological warfare. Spies were dispatched to infiltrate Tirumala’s camp, where they spread rumors questioning his legitimacy and caste, undermining his authority among his troops. Additionally, bribes were offered to Tirumala’s captains, sowing further discord and prompting thoughts of desertion. With Tirumala’s forces weakened and divided, Rama Raya launched a surprise assault, exploiting the chaos to secure a decisive victory. Tirumala, abandoned by his captains, fled but was soon captured by Rama Raya’s officers. His execution and the public display of his severed head marked the end of his rebellion. Hanumappa Nayaka, a key commander in Rama Raya’s army, played a vital role in this campaign, contributing to the final defeat of Tirumala and solidifying Rama Raya’s dominance in Vijayanagara.[1][2]
Battle of Kalyani
[edit]In 1543, Ibrahim Adil Shah I of Bijapur, seeking to expand his influence, entered into a secret alliance with Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar against Bidar and Vijayanagara. According to their agreement, Ahmadnagar would focus on Ali Barid Shah I of Bidar, while Bijapur advanced into Vijayanagara’s territories unchallenged. Acting swiftly, Burhan Nizam Shah I captured the fort of Kandhar while Ibrahim Adil Shah I imprisoned Amir Barid Shah of Bidar, who had unsuspectingly sought refuge with him. Ibrahim Adil Shah I then turned his forces south, claiming to have made significant gains against Vijayanagara. However historical records suggest these claims were likely exaggerated, as Vijayanagara's borders showed no notable reductions. Furthermore Rama Raya’s subsequent conflict with Ahmadnagar indicates that Vijayanagara’s military strength and territorial integrity remained intact.[3][4]
Rama Raya recognizing Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar as the primary force behind the alliance against Vijayanagara adopted a strategic approach to disrupt the coalition between Ahmadnagar and Bijapur. Rather than engaging Bijapur directly, he chose to confront Ahmadnagar, aiming to fracture their partnership and weaken their combined strength. Mobilizing his forces, Rama Raya advanced towards Ahmadnagar.[3][4]
To reach Ahmadnagar’s territories, Rama Raya carefully navigated the regions controlled by Golconda and Bidar anticipating potential resistance. Understanding the complexities of the campaign he divided his army into three divisions Rama Raya personally led the forces against the Sultan of Golconda, while his brother Tirumala advanced towards Bidar to neutralize opposition there. The third division, commanded by the seasoned general Hande Hanumappa Nayudu of Sonnalapuram, marched directly towards Ahmadnagar.[3][4]
The campaign against Ahmadnagar vividly recounted in Hindu poems, culminated in the capture of Kaliyani and a decisive battle between the Vijayanagar army and the allied forces of Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bidar. While the Vasucharitramu offers limited details on Kaliyani’s fall, the Annals of Hande Anantapuram provide a thorough account of the confrontation. After reuniting their three divisions, the Vijayanagar forces met the combined armies of the three Sultans in fierce battle. The battle ended in a victory for Vijayanagar as the Sultanate forces collapsed and the Sultans fled the field. In the aftermath, the Vijayanagar army pursued the retreating forces. During this pursuit Hande Hanumappa Nayaka captured Burhan Nizam Shah I.[3][4]
After capturing Burhan Nizam Shah I during the pursuit, Hande Hanumappa Nayudu presented the imprisoned Sultan to Rama Raya and Tirumala Raya. Impressed by his valor and loyalty, the brothers received Hanumappa Nayudu with great admiration and gratitude. Recognizing the significance of this victory and the impact it had on weakening Ahmadnagar’s influence, they publicly praised his efforts. In acknowledgment of his service, Rama Raya and Tirumala Deva Raya offered Hanumappa Nayudu the opportunity to request any reward he desired he replied.[5]
Whatever your honours please it will be equal to all rewards. - Hande Hanumappa Nayaka
Building Activities
[edit]In recognition of his bravery and loyalty, Rama Raya rewarded Hande Hanumappa Nayudu with lands in both the eastern and western territories of the Vijayanagar Empire. Among these were Nandela, Bukkarayasamudram, Dharmavaram, and Kanicallu in the east, along with Bellary and Kargodu in the west. Alongside these grants, Rama Raya conferred prestigious titles upon Hanumappa Nayudu. After receiving these honors, Hanumappa Nayudu took leave of the Rajas and arrived in Nandela in the year 1569 AD, during the month of Margasira. Assuming his new responsibilities, he traveled to Bukkarayasamudram, where he marveled at the grandeur of the lake. Inspired by its prominence, he constructed a royal residence (nagar) near the fort and fortified the area with a bastion, establishing his rule and ensuring the prosperity of the region.[5]
Death
[edit]Hanumappa Nayaka died in the year 1582.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Ramanayya, N. Venkata (1935). Studies In The History Of The Third Dynasty Of Vijayanagara. pp. 81–90.
- ^ a b c K.A.Nilakanta Sastry (1946). Further Sources Of Vijayanagara History. pp. 185–187.
- ^ a b c d e Henry Heras (1927). The Aravidu Dynasty Of Vijayanagara. pp. 75–77.
- ^ a b c d e Heras, H. (1927). South India Under The Vijayanagar Empire Vol. 1. pp. 75–77.
- ^ a b c Charles Philip Brown (1853). The Wars Of The Rajas Being The History Of Anantapuram. Universal Digital Library. The Christian Knowledge Societys Press. pp. 5–6.