Short biography of VIRA NARASIMHA (A.D. 1503—A.D. 1509)

After the death of Narasa Nayaka in 1503, his son Vira Narasimha succeeded as regent. He was the founder of the Tuluvas dynasty (1506-1570). The prince Immadi Narasimha had now grown up and was quite capable of managing the affairs of the state, the regent was in no mood to give up his authority.

On the other hand, he had resolved to remove the prince and usurp the throne. Immadi Narasimha was got assassinated and the Vira crowned himself as the king. His ignoble act was resented by the nobles, many of whom revolted.

Kasappa Udaiya, governor of Adoni, came to an understanding with Yusuf Adil Khan and his nominal overlord Bahmani King Mahmud Shah, Palaigars of Talakad and chief of Ummattur to capture Krishna-Tungabhadra Doab. The Bahmani King Mahmud conquered the doab and the two strongholds Raichur and Mudgal which he handed over to Yusuf Adil Khan.

In alliance with Kasappa Udaiya, Adil Khan tried to capture Kanda- navolu (Kurnool) and proceeded against Vijayanagar when they were defeated by the forces of Vira Narasimha, commanded by Arevidu chief Ramaraya I and his son Timma.

Prataparudra, Gajapati king also seemed to have invaded Vijayanagar in A.D. 1509 but was pushed back by “Vira Narasimha’s brother Krishnaraya. Narasimha was successful in suppressing the rebels of Karnata and Tulu Districts but failed to subjugate the revolts in Seringapattam which was led by the chief of Ummattur with the help of Palaigars of Talakkad.

He met with considerable success in Tulu-nad. He was making preparations for fresh campaigns in Karnataka when he suddenly fell ill and died.

Estimate

Vira Narasimha was continuously engaged in wars throughout his brief reign of 6 years but still he found time to improve methods of recruitment and training of his soldiers. He was the first king who broke the monopoly of Arabs and Persian merchants in the import of horses.

He deputed one of his ministers to the Portuguese governor Almeida and signed a treaty with him for the purchase of all the horses imported by them. He infused a patriotic spirit among his people who were exhorted to be brave and warlike and shun cowardice.

With this purpose in view he instituted the custom of settling disputes by fighting duels in the presence of the Emperor. He tried to help the poor ryots and abolished several taxes. He was perhaps the first King who did away with the marriage tax which was a great burden on the poor people, particularly the peasants.