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{{Short description|1542–1543 conflict in the Vijayanagara Empire}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Vijaynagara Civil War
| partof = Aliya Rama Raya's Campaigns
| image =
| image_size =
| date = 1542–1543
| place = [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
| result = Rama Raya Victory
| territory =
| combatant1 = [[Vijaynagar Empire|Aliya Rama Raya's Faction]]
| combatant2 = [[Siege of Adavani|Salakamraju Pedda Tirumala's Faction]] '''Supported by:''' [[Bijapur Sultanate]]
| commander1 = '''[[Sadasiva Raya]]''' [[Aliya Rama Raya]] [[Tirumala Deva Raya]] [[Battle of Kalyani (1543)|Hande Hanumappa Nayaka]] [[Siege of Adavani|Venkatadri]] [[Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu]] [[Pemmasani Erra Timmanayudu]] [[Vijayanagar Civil War (1542-1543)|Mesa Peddapa Nayaka]] [[Siege of Adavani|Ramaraju Tirumala]] [[Siege of Adavani|Akkaya Cina Timma Nayaka]]
| commander2 = '''[[Venkata I]]'''{{Assassinated}} [[Vijayanagar Civil War (1542-1543)|Salakamraju Pedda Tirumala]]{{KIA}} [[Vijayanagar Civil War (1542-1543)|Salakamraju Chinna Tirumala]]{{KIA}} [[Battle of Juturu|Chintagunti Raghupati]] [[Siege of Adavani|Sanjar Khan]] '''[[Ibrahim Adil Shah I]]''' [[Battle of Tungabhadra River (1543)|Asad Khan]]
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
| casualties1 =
| casualties2 =
| caption =
}}
The '''Vijayanagar Civil War (1542–1543)''' was conflict between [[Rama Raya]] and Salakamraju Tirumala, when Salakaraju Tirumala usurped the throne by assassinating [[Venkata I]] son of [[Achyuta Deva Raya]]. In response, Rama Raya proclaimed the imprisoned [[Sadasiva Raya]] as the rightful emperor and led a war to install him to power. After defeating Tirumala in several battles, Rama Raya then defeated Salakamraju Chinna Tirumala on the banks of [[Tungabhadra River]] killing him. Salakamraju Pedda Tirumala committed suicide In the palace. Rama Raya then entered [[Vijayanagara]] and installed Sadasiva Raya as emperor.<ref name="tps"/><ref name="cps"/><ref name="fps"/>

==Background==
The succession of [[Venkata I]] son of [[Achyuta Deva Raya]] entrusted to the care of his uncle, possibly Ranga, by his late father, Venkata was instead imprisoned by him, as the uncle sought to claim the throne. This usurpation attempt divided the nobility, with [[Rama Raya]] and his brothers supporting the uncle, while the Tirumala brothers advocated Venkata's rights as their sister's son. Backed by numerous nobles, the Tirumala brothers demanded Venkata's release and proposed the appointment of two ministers to govern as his regent. However, the uncle refused, fearing a complete loss of power.<ref name="tps">{{Cite book |last=GOPAL |first=M. H. |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12385/page/n200/mode/1up?view=theater |title=THE HISTORY OF VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE VOL.1 |date=1956 |pages=180–183|publisher=POPULAR PRAKASHAN,BOMBAY}}</ref><ref name="ops">{{Cite book |last=Kainikara |first=Dr Sanu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t3LOEAAAQBAJ&dq=Salakam+Timma&pg=PT325 |title=From Indus to Independence - A Trek Through Indian History: Vol VII Named for Victory : The Vijayanagar Empire |date=2020-08-01 |publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-89620-52-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="gps">{{Cite book |last=Heras |first=H. |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.189282/page/n54/mode/1up?view=theater |title=South India Under The Vijayanagar Empire Vol. 1 |date=1927|pages=5–12}}</ref>

The political turmoil in [[Vijayanagara]] deepened as many nobles, disillusioned by misrule, retreated to their provinces, assuming independent authority. Concerned for her son Venkata, Queen Mother Varadamba sought the help of [[Ibrahim Adil Shah I]] of Bijapur promising great wealth in return. While Ibrahim ostensibly aimed to restore Venkata, his true intention was to seize the kingdom. Encamping near [[Vijayanagara]] his advance forced a shift in loyalties among the nobles, who placed Achyuta's brother on the throne to unite against the common enemy. [[Rama Raya]] and his lieutenant, Hande Hanumappa Nayaka, successful in repelling Ibrahim's forces, with a substantial bribe from Achyuta's brother also contributing to Bijapur's retreat.<ref name="tps"/><ref name="ops"/>

===Salakam Tirumala conspires to seize power===
While leading a campaign in [[Malabar Coast|Malabar]] Rama Raya entrusted an agent with guarding the treasury and the imprisoned prince in Vijayanagar. After a successful expedition, [[Rama Raya]] faced resistance from a rebel chief near the capital. Prolonged efforts to subdue the fortress exhausted his supplies, prompting him to request funds from his agent. However, the agent, tempted by the treasury's riches, conspired with the Tirumala brothers to seize power. The agent released the imprisoned prince, Venkata, and won over the army with lavish gold, rallying discontented nobles to Venkata's cause. Hearing of these events, Rama Raya hastily made peace with his opponent and marched back to [[Vijayanagara]].<ref name="tps"/>

===Assassination of Venkata I===
After the crisis subsided, [[Rama Raya]] retreated to his estate, waiting for better opportunities. However, Tirumala, driven by ambition, resumed his ruthless quest for power. He had his nephew and sovereign [[Venkata I]] strangled, followed by the murder of Achyuta's relatives. Fearing opposition from the nobles, he summoned them to court and blinded those who arrived first. Horrified by his tyranny, the remaining nobles fled to their provinces and sought the aid of [[Rama Raya]] and [[Ibrahim Adil Shah I]]to overthrow Tirumala and end his oppressive rule.<ref name="tps"/><ref name="cps">{{Cite book |last=K. A. Nilakanta Sastry |url=https://archive.org/details/history-of-south-india-k.-a.-nilkanta-sastry/page/278/mode/1up?view=theater |title=A History Of South India|pages=278–279 ( K. A. Nilakanta Sastry)}}</ref><ref name="gps"/><ref name="bps">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/bmshri.karnatakathrough0000unse/page/557/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Karnataka Through The Ages |date=1968|pages=557–558 |publisher=The Government Of Mysore |others=Servants of Knowledge}}</ref>

==War==
===Conference at Penukonda===
[[Rama Raya]] seeking to consolidate support against Salaka Tirumala, dispatched royal summons to Hande Hanumappa Nayaka, Mesa Peddappa Nayaka, Majjahari Tulasipati and other jagirdars, commanding them to assemble with their troops. Responding to his call, the leaders, including Mesa Peddappa Nayaka, gathered at [[Penukonda]].<ref name="aps"/> Rama Raya recounted Salaka Tirumala's misdeeds and urged their cooperation, promising substantial rewards and titles for their success in defeating the enemy. Mesa Peddappa Nayaka volunteered to gather intelligence on Salaka Timma's movements, deploying spies to secure critical information. Armed with this knowledge [[Rama Raya]] alongside the chiefs and their combined forces, rebelled against Salaka Tirumala.<ref name="aps"/><ref name="vps">{{Cite book |last=Ramanayya |first=N. Venkata |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.511910/page/80/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Studies In The History Of The Third Dynasty Of Vijayanagara |date=1935|pages=81–90}}</ref>

===Rama Raya captured forts In Rayala Seema===
The three brothers [[Rama Raya]], [[Tirumala Deva Raya]] and Venkatadri rallied the nobles of the kingdom to save the realm from chaos. Since their departure from the capital, their forces swelled as they captured various forts, including Penukonda, [[Adoni]], [[Gooty]], [[Gandikota]], and [[Kurnool]].<ref name="gps"/><ref name="zps">{{Cite book |last=Ayyangar |first=S. Krishnaswami |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.189280/page/n201/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Sources Of Vijayanagar History |date=1919|page=181}}</ref>

===Battle of Komali===
Rama Raya arrived with his army at Gandikota, requesting [[Pemmasani Erra Timmanayudu]]'s support against Salaka Tirumala. Honoring his pledge of loyalty, Timma Nayudu sheltered [[Rama Raya]] despite pressure from Vijayanagar nobles, who arrived with large army demanding his surrender. Refusing to handover his guest, Timma Nayudu declared his resolve to fight and rallied an army with support from neighboring palegars. Leading this force alongside [[Rama Raya]] he confronted the enemy at Komali. In the ensuing battle, Timma Nayudu's forces decisively defeated the opposing troops, who fled in disarray.<ref name="aps">{{Cite book |last=K.A.Nilakanta Sastry |url=https://archive.org/details/FurtherSourcesOfVijayanagaraHistory/page/n194/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Further Sources Of Vijayanagara History |date=1946 |pages=184–187|language=English}}</ref><ref name="vps"/>

===Battles of Betamcherla and Juturu===
[[Rama Raya]]'s victorious army advanced northward into the Kandanavōlu (Kurnool) province, likely to confront enemy forces stationed in the strategic strongholds of Betamcharla and Juturu. Although the precise sequence of events remains unclear, significant battles occurred near Awuku, the capital of Rama Raja Tirumala, Rama Raya's uncle. Tirumala, credited with saving the kingdom from Salaka Timma's devastation, is believed to have commanded the army, using Awuku as a base for operations. Akkaya Cina Timma Nayaka, a cousin of the [[Gandikota]] captain, played a prominent role in the campaign, distinguishing himself in several engagements and contributing to the army's successes.<ref name="vps"/><ref name="aps"/><ref name="bps"/><ref name="fps">{{Cite book |last=Digital Library Of India |first=Cdac Noida |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.430132/page/375/mode/1up?view=theater |title=A History Of Karnataka (1970)ac 5024 |date=1970|page=375}}</ref>

===Battle of Bedagllu===
Despite his defeat at Juturu, Salakaya retreated with his remaining forces to Bedagallu his jagir in the Adavani region. Determined to eliminate the threat, Rama Raya pursued him along the upper course of the [[Tungabhadra River]]. Salakaya forced to defend his territory gathered his troops at Bedagallu and prepared for battle. A fierce engagement ensued with both sides fighting valiantly. Ultimately Salakaya's forces were routed fleeing in disarray. Recognizing the futility of further resistance Salakaya likely withdrew to [[Vijayanagara]] to align himself with his master.<ref name="vps"/><ref name="aps"/><ref name="bps"/><ref name="fps">{{Cite book |last=Digital Library Of India |first=Cdac Noida |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.430132/page/375/mode/1up?view=theater |title=A History Of Karnataka (1970)ac 5024 |date=1970|page=375}}</ref>

===Siege of Adavani===
Adavani, the last significant stronghold in the region still under Salakarāju Tirumala Raya's control, was entrusted to a skilled Muhammadan officer, Sanjar Khan, for its defense. However, Cina Timma Nayaka led a successful siege, defeating the Khan and his troops. With this victory, the fort fell into [[Rama Raya]]'s hands consolidating his control over the region.<ref name="vps"/><ref name="aps"/><ref name="bps"/><ref name="fps">{{Cite book |last=Digital Library Of India |first=Cdac Noida |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.430132/page/375/mode/1up?view=theater |title=A History Of Karnataka (1970)ac 5024 |date=1970|page=375}}</ref>

===Salakam Tiruamla seeks aid from Ibrahim Adil Shah===
As Rama Raya advanced toward Vijayanagar, Tirumala, fearing betrayal by his agent, executed him and seized power. Seeking support, Tirumala appealed to [[Ibrahim Adil Shah I]] offering vast sums of money and even pledging the empire as a tributary. Enthralled by these terms, Ibrahim marched to [[Vijayanagar]] with his general Asad Khan where Tirumala welcomed him lavishly and celebrated his arrival for seven days.<ref name="vps"/><ref name="tps"/> [[Rama Raya]] avoided open conflict with combined army of [[Ibrahim Adil Shah I]] and Salakamraju Tirumala and resorted to diplomacy. Through persuasive letters, he expressed repentance and highlighted the dangers of inviting Muslim forces into their Empire including the defilement of temples and loss of sovereignty. Convinced by these arguments and Rama's pledge of loyalty, Tirumala dismissed the [[Bijapur]] forces after paying the promised subsidy of 50 lakhs of hoons and lavish gifts.<ref name="vps"/><ref name="tps"/><ref name="gps"/>

===Battle of Thungabadra River===
As sultan left the city [[Rama Raya]] broke his promise and advanced toward [[Vijayanagar]] to punish the salakam tirumala. One of the Tirumala brothers, likely the younger, marched out to confront him on the banks of Thungabadra River.<ref name="cps"/><ref name="gps"/><ref name="fps"/> However Chinna Tirumala's army deeming his cause unworthy defected to [[Rama Raya]]'s side, leading to Chinna Tirumala's capture and execution.<ref name="mps">{{Cite book |last=Raghunadha Rao |first=P. |url=https://archive.org/details/ancientmedievalh0000ragh/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Ancient and medieval history of Andhra Pradesh |date=1993|page=90 |publisher=New Delhi : Sterling Publishers |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-81-207-1495-3}}</ref><ref name="vps"/> Upon hearing of Rama's victory the queens of [[Krishna Deva Raya]] ordered the city gates opened to welcome him. The remaining Pedda Tirumala, consumed by despair,<ref name="gps"/><ref name="bps"/><ref name="rps">{{Cite book |last=Bh. Sivasankaranarayana |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.135802/page/n84/mode/1up?view=theater |title=Andhra Pradesh District Gazetteers |date=1970|page=366}}</ref> inflicted havoc in his final moments blinding the royal elephants, mutilating the horses, and destroying the kingdom's priceless treasures. In a final act of desperation, he took his own life just as Rama's forces entered the palace, marking the end of his rule.<ref name="tps"/><ref name="nps">{{Cite book |last=Charles Philip Brown |url=https://archive.org/details/warsoftherajasbe034936mbp/page/n10/mode/1up?view=theater |title=The Wars Of The Rajas Being The History Of Anantapuram |date=1853 |publisher=The Christian Knowledge Societys Press |pages=4–5|others=Universal Digital Library}}</ref><ref name="vps"/>

==Aftermath==
Rama Raya entered [[Vijayanagar]] in triumph, reclaiming control of the administration and restoring stability to the kingdom. With the unanimous support of all factions,<ref name="tps"/><ref name="nps"/><ref name="cps"/> [[Sadasiva Raya]] the son of Achyuta's brother Ranga, was recognized as the rightful heir and ascended the throne of [[Vijayanagar Empire]].<ref name="bps"/><ref name="rps"/><ref name="vps"/>

==See also==
* [[Rama Raya]]
* [[Bijapur Sultanate]]
* [[Vijaynagar Empire]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Battles involving the Vijayanagara Empire]]
[[Category:Military history of India]]
[[Category:16th-century conflicts]]
[[Category:16th century in India]]
[[Category:Wars involving India]]
[[Category:1500s conflicts]]

Vijayanagara Civil War (1542–1543) - Revision history

Vikifzj: Created Basic Entry From Scratch