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{{Short description|General in the Vijayanagara army}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Saluva Mangu
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| parents = Gunda
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| monarch = [[Bukka Raya I]]
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| honorific_prefix = Gandarguli<ref name="gps">{{Cite book|last =mula|first=thiruvenkatachari|url=https://archive.org/details/madhuravijaya-of-gangadevi-thiruvenkatachari-mula-and-translation/page/n69/mode/1up?view=theater|title=madhuravijaya-of-gangadevi-thiruvenkatachari-mula-and-translation|page=62|language=en}}</ref><br>Dakshina Suratrana Tribhuvanaraya Sthapanacarya Sambuvarayasthapanacarya'<ref name="gps"/><br>Saluvendra<ref name="gps"/>
| battles = {{collapsible list|title = {{nobold|''See list''}}|{{tree list}}
* [[Kampana's invasion of Madurai]]
{{tree list/end}}
}}
| resting_place =
| relations =
| successor =
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| allegiance = [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| occupation = [[Commander]]
| service_years = 1350–1370
| branch = [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara Army]]
| unit = [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara Infantry]]
| office = [[General]] of The [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| rank = [[General]]
| birth_place = [[Basavakalyan]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]<br>{{small|(present-day [[Bidar district]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]])}}
}}

'''Saluva Mangu''' the son of Gunda, was a distinguished general in the [[Vijayanagara army]], serving under the command of [[Kumara Kampana]] during the 14th century. He played a pivotal role in the campaigns to conquer [[Madurai]] and [[Tondaimandalam]].<ref name="ops">{{Cite book |last=G S Dikshit |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.219808/page/n40/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Early Vijayanagara|page=31}}</ref> Mangu's military expertise was instrumental in decisive victories, including the defeat of the Sambuvaraya ruler in [[Tondaimandalam]] and the fall of the [[Madurai Sultanate]].<ref name="cps"/><ref name="hps">{{Cite book |last=Khan |first=Yaqub Ali Ali |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=24YvEQAAQBAJ&dq=kumara+kampana&pg=PA379 |title=Regional History of Medieval India: Society, Culture and Economy |date=2024-11-12 |publisher=Boydell & Brewer |isbn=978-1-83765-136-8 |language=en|page=379}}</ref> Notably, he earned the title "Sambuvarayasthapanacharya" for reinstating the Sambuvaraya as a vassal of [[Vijayanagara]]. His contributions extended beyond the battlefield, as he made significant religious endowments, including donations to the temples of [[Srirangam]] and [[Tirupati]].<ref name="aps"/>

==Genealogy==
The Saluvabhyudayam of Rajanatha Dindima and the Ramabhyudayam of [[Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya]] provide insights into the lineage of Mangu, son of Gunda, the illustrious chief of Kalyana. While three earlier members of the [[Saluva dynasty]] Mallideva, Mangideva, and Mangatha are mentioned, it was Gunda who rose to prominence through his exceptional valor and leadership. Under Gunda’s rule, [[Kalyana]] flourished, surpassing even Amaravati in its splendor. He earned renown by leading a successful expedition into Ramadurga, where he defeated the unruly ruler of the Sabharas and annexed his territories.<ref name="aps">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/madhuravijaya-of-gangadevi-thiruvenkatachari-mula-and-translation/page/n34/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Madhuravijaya Of Gangadevi Thiruvenkatachari MUla And Translation |language=English|pages=27–62}}</ref>

==Military career==
===First Campaign In Tondaimandalam===
Savanna Odeyar, son of Kampana I and brother of Hari Hara Raya I, succeeded his father as the Viceroy of [[Udayagiri, Andhra Pradesh#History|Udayagiri]] adopting the grand title "Lord of the Eastern Ocean." Inspired by Kampana’s fervor for conquest and restoration, Savanna embarked on a campaign in the south, echoing his father’s mission to end Muslim rule and defeat the ruler of Tundira. Historical inscriptions suggest that Savanna and [[Kumara Kampana]] coordinated their efforts, launching simultaneous campaigns Kumara Kampana advancing eastward and Savanna southward from their respective capitals.<ref name="aps"/>

Vira Savanna played a pivotal role in the preliminary campaign against the Sambuvaraya dynasty around 1350-51. Leading this crucial expedition Supporting him was his trusted general, Saluva Mangu, who earned distinction for his remarkable contributions to the campaign. Saluva Mangu’s title, Sambuvarayasthapanacharya (the subjugator of the Sambuvarayas), reflects his instrumental role in defeating the Sambuvaraya rulers and consolidating [[Vijayanagar]]’s power in the region.<ref name="aps"/>

[[Kumara Kampana]]’s involvement in the initial campaign against the Sambuvaraya dynasty around 1350-51 remains uncertain, though it is likely he provided reinforcements. Following the successful subjugation of the Sambuvaraya territory, Kampana is believed to have temporarily stayed in [[Tiruvannamalai]], which served as the provisional capital of the Hoysala ruler [[Veera Ballala III]]. Meanwhile, Vira Savanna led the campaign to victory and reinstated the Sambuvaraya ruler to his position under the condition of recognizing [[Vijayanagar]]’s overlordship.<ref name="aps"/>

The absence of [[Kumara Kampana]]’s inscriptions in the Tamil country for several years after 1352, coupled with the presence of Vira Savanna’s inscriptions during this period, suggests that Kampana likely returned to [[Mulbagal]] following the conclusion of the first campaign. In his absence, the administration and control of the [[Tamils|Tamil]] territories were entrusted to Vira Savanna.<ref name="aps"/>

Literary sources and inscriptions provide clear evidence that the [[Vijayanagar]] prince reinstated the Sambuvaraya ruler after his defeat, under the condition of recognizing Vijayanagar’s sovereignty. The Jaimini Bharatam explicitly praises the general Saluva Mangu for this act, stating that he reestablished the Sambuvaraya in his kingdom, earning him the honorific title Sambuvarayasthapanacharya or "the establisher of Champa." Similarly, the Saluvabhyudayam recounts that Saluva Mangu defeated the Sambuvaraya in battle and restored him to his throne. This event is further corroborated by an inscription from Villiyanallur, which references the title assumed by the general following the victory.<ref name="aps"/>

Savanna Udaiyar established his rule over the [[Tondaimandalam]] region, possibly as the overlord of Rajanarayana, following the Vijayanagar conquest. However, his governance faced resistance from the local populace. An inscription from [[Tiruvottiyur]] dated 1354-55 records an incident where forty-eight Agambadiyars, traditionally responsible for maintaining law and order, neglected their duties, leading to a rise in crime. This act of negligence, possibly a protest against [[Vijayanagar]]’s foreign rule, marked a period of unrest despite their previous satisfactory service. Another inscription further highlights the turbulence of this era, noting the desecration of [[Nayanmar]] images in the Tirukkariswara temple, which were later reconsecrated in 1367 by [[Kumara Kampana]]. These events reflect the challenges faced by [[Vijayanagar]] rulers in consolidating control over newly subjugated territories, as local discontent persisted despite the formal acceptance of their overlordship by leaders like Rajanarayana.<ref name="aps"/>

===Second Campaign In Tondaimandalam===
After completing his campaign in the Tamil country in 1352, [[Kumara Kampana]] returned to [[Mulbagal]], his seat of Viceroyalty, where he remained between 1353 and 1359. This is supported by the absence of his inscriptions in the Tamil region during this period and a reference in the [[Madhura Vijayam]], which states that [[Kumara Kampana]] spent time with his father, received counsel, and then stayed at [[Mulbagal]], awaiting the right moment to act. During this time, Savanna Udaiyar, acting as the overlord of [[Tondaimandalam]], closely monitored developments in the region. It was likely Savanna who communicated the news of Rajanarayana’s death and the subsequent political unrest in the Tamil country to [[Kumara Kampana]].<ref name="aps"/>

The exact date of Kampana's campaign against the Sambuvaraya dynasty is uncertain, but it likely commenced shortly after the death of Rajanarayana around 1362. [[Kumara Kampana]] led a formidable army comprising over a hundred war elephants, swift cavalry, and well-equipped infantry. Entrusting Maraya Nayaka with command, Kampana departed from the [[Vijayanagar]] capital and, within five or six days, reached Kantakanana (Mulbagal). There, he paused briefly to plan his next move before advancing into Sambuvaraya territory.<ref name="aps"/><ref name="jps">{{Cite book |last=GOPAL |first=M. H. |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12385/page/n50/mode/1up?view=theater |title=THE HISTORY OF VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE VOL.1 |date=1956 |page=31|publisher=POPULAR PRAKASHAN,BOMBAY}}</ref>

Marching in stages, Kampana first halted at Virinchipuram to strategize before launching a decisive attack on the Sambuvaraya capital, [[Kanchi]]. The Vijayanagar forces laid siege to the city, engaging in a fierce battle with the Sambuvaraya army, referred to as the "Dramila" forces. The superior strength and strategy of the Vijayanagar army overwhelmed their opponents, forcing many Tamil soldiers to abandon their weapons and flee. The Sambuvaraya ruler, unable to withstand the onslaught, retreated to his stronghold at [[Padaiveedu]]. Kampana’s forces occupied [[Kanchi]] and paused there to regroup and prepare for their final assault on the Sambuvaraya fortress.<ref name="aps"/>

Following their occupation of Kanchi, [[Kumara Kampana]] and his forces launched an assault on the seemingly impregnable fortress of Rajagambhiranmalai. Demonstrating exceptional strategy and determination, the [[Vijayanagar]] troops successfully scaled the fort’s walls and reached the summit. The Sambuvaraya forces stationed on the hill were surrounded and faced heavy losses at the hands of the [[Vijayanagar]] army. Inscriptions praise Maraya Nayaka for his pivotal role in the campaign, crediting him with the destruction of the formidable enemy, referred to as Aliya Aran. Meanwhile, the [[Madhura Vijayam]] recounts a dramatic duel between [[Kumara Kampana]] and the Sambuvaraya ruler, during which the latter was slain.<ref name="aps"/><ref name="jps"/>

After the defeat of the Sambuvaraya, the entire [[Tondaimandalam]] region was annexed to the [[Mulbagal]] Viceroyalty under [[Vijayanagar]]’s control. [[Kanchi]], the stronghold of the Sambuvaraya, was subsequently established as a secondary capital for the Mulbagal governor.<ref name="cps">{{Cite book |last=Krishnaswami Aiyangar |first=Sakkottai |url=https://archive.org/details/sourcesofvijayan00krisrich/page/2/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Sources of Vijayanagar history |date=1919 |page=2|publisher=[Madras] : The University of Madras |others=University of California Libraries}}</ref> The [[Madhura Vijayam]] provides a poetic conclusion to Kampana's campaign, stating that after his victory, he took control of [[Kanchi]] and ensured the region’s stability, preventing any further anarchy. From this strategic city, known as Maratakanagara, [[Kumara Kampana]] governed the land peacefully and effectively. This account is corroborated by an inscription which notes that Kampana Udaiyar firmly established his rule after capturing Rajagambhirarajya, solidifying his authority over the newly annexed territories and securing [[Vijayanagar]]’s influence in the region.<ref name="aps"/>

===Kampana Invasion of Madurai===
[[Kumara Kampana]]’s campaign against [[Madurai]] likely began before 1371, as he led a vast and formidable army, including a significant contingent of well-trained war elephants. This large and powerful force is attested to by both Muslim and Hindu sources, The ensuing battle between the Hindu forces of [[Vijayanagar]] and the Muslim defenders of [[Madurai]] was fiercely contested, with neither side gaining a clear advantage for a considerable time.<ref name="aps"/>

During [[Kumara Kampana]]’s decisive campaign against the Muslim forces in [[Madurai]], the turning point came when the "crow banner" of the Yavana (Muslim) king was destroyed by Kampana. This banner, symbolic of the power of the [[Madurai]] Sultan, had served as a rallying point for their hopes of victory. With the destruction of this banner, the morale of the Muslim forces crumbled. Determined to finish off the Yavana king, [[Kumara Kampana]] wielded a sword that was said to be as fearsome as the god of death, [[Yama]]. Mounted on his swift horse, Kampana skillfully dodged the blows from his enemies and struck down the Sultan. The head of the Sultan fell to the ground, a symbol of the end of the Turushka (Muslim) rule in the region. Remarkably, even after the Sultan’s head had fallen, [[Kumara Kampana]] noticed that one of the enemy's hands still gripped the reins of his horse, while the other seemed to strike back, a testament to the tenacity and defiance of the fallen ruler, even in death.<ref name="aps"/><ref name="bps">{{Cite book |last=R. C. Majumdar |first=General Editor |url=https://archive.org/details/delhisultanate00bhar/page/278/mode/1up?view=theater |title=History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 06,The Delhi Sultanate |date=1967 |pages=279|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |others=Public Resource}}</ref><ref name="jps"/>

The death of the Sultan did not immediately lead to the capitulation of the Muslim forces in [[Madurai]]. Following their leader's demise in the battle between Kampana and Qurbat outside the gates, the Muslim defenders retreated into the fort, bolting the gates against the advancing [[Vijayanagar]] troops. Undeterred, the Hindu forces continued their assault. According to the Jaimini Bharatam, Saluva Mangu played a pivotal role in breaking through the fort's gate, forcing the Muslims to surrender. The incomplete final stanza of the Madhuravijayam mentions [[Kumara Kampana]]’s magnanimity, stating that he granted safety to the defeated warriors, though contrasting accounts like that of Shams-Siraj Afif claim that the Hindu victors committed acts of violence, particularly against women. Despite these differing narratives, [[Kumara Kampana]]'s victory marked the end of Muslim rule in [[Madurai]].<ref name="aps"/><ref name="bps"/>

==Cultural Activities==
After his victory over the Sultan, Saluva Mangu turned his attention to honoring his gods and religion. His first destination was the sacred temple of [[Srirangam]], beautifully situated along the banks of the [[Kaveri River]], which seemed to flow in devotion to [[Lord Ranganatha]]. At Srirangam, Mangu performed a ritual bath in the [[Kaveri]] and made significant offerings. He donated a thousand sacred Salagramas and performed all sixteen prescribed acts of charity. In addition, Mangu presented eight well-maintained agraharas to the temple, symbolizing his conquest of the eight directions. To further express his devotion, he endowed the temple with a generous donation of sixty-thousand madas of gold.<ref name="aps"/>

Saluva Mangu's devotion extended to the revered [[Venkateswara Temple]] at [[Tirupati]], which also benefitted greatly from his generosity. As a mark of his faith and gratitude, Mangu commissioned the crafting of a golden kalasam (ornamental finial) and installed it atop the vimanam (tower) of the sanctum sanctorum of Sri [[Venkateswara]]'s shrine.<ref name="aps"/>

==See also==
* [[Gopana]]
* [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
* [[Kumara Kampana]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mangu, Saluva}}
[[Category:Vijayanagara generals]]
[[Category:Indian warriors]]
[[Category:Indian military personnel]]

Saluva Mangu - Revision history

JennyRoyster668: created initial info w/ infobox