CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Introductory remarks -- Sources of information -- Sketch of history of
Southern India down to A.D. 1336 -- A Hindu bulwark against Muhammadan
conquest -- The opening date, as given by Nuniz, wrong -- "Togao
Mamede" or Muhammad Taghlaq of Delhi -- His career and character.

In the year 1336 A.D., during the reign of Edward III. of England,
there occurred in India an event which almost instantaneously changed
the political condition of the entire south. With that date the volume
of ancient history in that tract closes and the modern begins. It is
the epoch of transition from the Old to the New.

This event was the foundation of the city and kingdom of
Vijayanagar. Prior to A.D. 1336 all Southern India had lain under
the domination of the ancient Hindu kingdoms, -- kingdoms so old
that their origin has never been traced, but which are mentioned in
Buddhist edicts rock-cut sixteen centuries earlier; the Pandiyans at
Madura, the Cholas at Tanjore, and others. When Vijayanagar sprang
into existence the past was done with for ever, and the monarchs
of the new state became lords or overlords of the territories lying
between the Dakhan and Ceylon.

There was no miracle in this. It was the natural result of the
persistent efforts made by the Muhammadans to conquer all India. When
these dreaded invaders reached the Krishna River the Hindus to their