Rise and fall of Vijayanagar - The Hindu Kingdom - 5

Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1530):

In the brief history of Vijayanagar that spanned for 229 years, Krishnadeva Raya was unarguably the most successful King. The time and situation at which he took the reigns and the way he lead the army into victory and the subsequent achievements is in itself self explanatory to the towering personality of this great King of Vijayanagar.

He was given education that is required for a king to lead the country. He showed great promise that he became inevitable and unanimous choice to accede the throne of the most prestigious Empires of India.

Born to Narasanayaka and Nagaladevi in 1471, Jan 21st, he excelled in archery, artillery, horse riding, power lifting, fencing and was articulate in political sciences. He also showed exemplary talent in the field of literature, fine arts, music under the guidance of Sri Vyasaraya.

After his elder brother veera Narasimha nayaka, he took over the responsibility and led the Empire to the heights of glory. Under him the hindu kingdom reached the Pinnacles of Glory. The day he was asked to take charge of the Kingdom, it was engaged in a war and his brother was a martyr in that battle. Anyone can accept the charge when the state of affairs is running smoothly. But to lead the country when it is in crisis - it requires a real MAN.

His day would begin as early as 3.30 A M. He started his routine by bending himself to the limits of physical exercises such as horse riding, fencing, power lifting, wrestling and the likes. He was a fine blend of Kshatra and Bramha Tejas. After offering his daily prayers he would meet his prime minister Timmarasa and his close aides. Amidst all this he took sometime everyday for his family.

Those who met him even once were invariably inspired and impressed by his tremendous personality. Such was his stature. He was at the same time humble, polite and pleasing and strong, sturdy and firm in his decesions. Domingo Paes, a portuguese traveller describes Krishnadeva Raya thus - "the most feared and the perfect king that could possibly be"