Aravidu Venkatadri

Aravidu Venkatadri also known as Venkatadri was the younger brother of Rama Raya. Rama Raya appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief of the Vijayanagara Army trusting him with the defence of the empire. During his service, Venkatadri fought many important battles against the Sultanates of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Bidar, and Golconda.

Military career After the death of the Vijayanagara emperor Achyuta Deva Raya, Rama Raya and his brothers Tirumala Raya and Venkatadri rose to prominence in the empire.

Political Unrest In Vijayanagara After the death of Achyuta Deva Raya the care of his son Venkata I was entrusted to his uncle, possibly Ranga. Instead of protecting him the uncle imprisoned Venkata I and tried to seize the throne for himself. This act split the nobles of the Vijayanagara court. Rama Raya and his brothers supported the uncle, while the Tirumala brothers stood up for Venkata I’s rightful claim as their sister's son. With the support of many nobles the Tirumala brothers demanded Venkata's release and suggested that two ministers rule the kingdom as regents. The uncle fearing the loss of his authority rejected this proposal.

Bijapur Invasion Political unrest in Vijayanagara grew worse as many nobles unhappy with poor rule withdrew to their own regions and began to act independently. Worried about the safety of her son Venkata I Queen Mother Varadamba sought help from Ibrahim Adil Shah I of Bijapur offering him great wealth. Though Ibrahim claimed he wanted to restore Venkata I his real aim was to capture the kingdom. When his army camped near Vijayanagara the nobles quickly changed sides and placed Achyuta Deva Raya’s brother on the throne to face the common threat. Rama Raya and his commander Hande Hanumappa Nayaka successfully drove back the Bijapur forces, helped in part by a large bribe paid to Ibrahim which finally led to his withdrawal.

Vijaynagara Civil War (1542-1543) War Against Salakamraju Tirumala Rama Raya worked to unite support against Salaka Tirumala by sending royal orders to Hande Hanumappa Nayaka, Mesa Peddappa Nayaka, Majjahari Tulasipati, and other jagirdars asking them to gather with their troops. Answering his call, the leaders assembled at Penukonda where Rama Raya spoke about Salakamraju Tirumala's cruel actions and sought their help. He promised rich rewards and titles if they succeeded in defeating him. Mesa Peddappa Nayaka offered to collect information on Salakamraju Tirumala's movements and sent spies to gather details. With this intelligence and the combined strength of the chiefs, Rama Raya rose in rebellion against Salaka Tirumala.

Capture of Forts In Rayalaseema Rama Raya, Tirumala Deva Raya, and Venkatadri joined to rally the nobles and protect the kingdom from falling into chaos. After leaving the capital their support grew steadily as many leaders joined their cause. As they advanced, their forces captured several important forts, including Penukonda, Adoni, Gooty, Gandikota, and Kurnool, which greatly strengthened their position.

Battle of Komali Rama Raya moved towards the Gandikota region where the Pemmasani chief held great influence to gather more troops and strengthen his army. This step, along with the capture of Penukonda directly threatened the authority of Salakamraju Tirumala. Realizing the danger to his rule Tirumala understood that he could not delay any longer. Determined to put down the rebellion and secure his power, he prepared to face Rama Raya and his expanding forces at once.

Battle of Adoni (1543) After the revolution in Vijayanagara Salakamraju Tirumala was overthrown and Sadasiva Raya was crowned emperor. Seeing this sudden change Ibrahim Adil Shah I of Bijapur tried to take advantage of the situation. He sent his commander Asad Khan with a large army to seize the important fort of Adoni. Asad Khan laid siege to the fort and brought it close to capture which caused serious concern in Vijayanagara. Acting quickly Rama Raya responded by sending his brother Venkatadri with a strong force to defend Adoni and drive back the attackers.

When Asad Khan heard that Venkatadri was advancing he raised the siege of Adoni and moved forward to face him. A brief fight took place but Asad Khan soon realized that Venkatadri's army was much larger. He therefore withdrew in good order while Venkatadri followed him carefully for about twenty-one miles. By evening, Asad Khan stopped and made camp and Venkatadri set up his own camp nearly eight miles away to block further retreat. During the night Asad Khan planned a surprise attack. Before sunrise he led four thousand picked cavalry in a sudden assault on Venkatadri's camp catching the Vijayanagara troops unprepared. The Bijapur soldiers broke deep into the camp before any warning could be given. In the confusion Venkatadri escaped with difficulty but his treasures, family members, and elephants were captured by Asad Khan's men.

Acting on the alliance's plan Burhan Nizam Shah I led a campaign into Bijapur territory defeating its armies and causing widespread damage as he advanced toward Sholapur. At the same time Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah of Golkonda captured Kakni, pushed up to the outskirts of Gulbarga and laid siege to Etgeer. On the Vijayanagar front Rama Raya sent his brother Venkatadri with a large army to seize Raichur and secure the Raichur Doab. Near the Bhima River Venkatadri defeated Ibrahim Adil Shah I’s forces and drove him from the Battlefield a victory later recorded in the Narasabupaliyam inscriptions.

Battle of Khaspur Facing pressure from three sides, Ibrahim Adil Shah I and his ally Kasim Barid tried to ease the situation by attacking Paranda Fort on the Nizam Shahi border. This forced Burhan Nizam Shah I and his allies to turn back to relieve the fort, reducing the threat to Sholapur. Yet, when Ibrahim and Kasim attempted to block their enemies at Khaspur they were defeated and forced to flee abandoning their camp and baggage. Kasim Barid escaped toward Bidar but was chased by Jamsheed almost to the city gates. Bijapur almost collapsed and only the sudden withdrawal of Jamsheed Quli Qutub Shah who returned to Golkonda with rich spoils, saved Ibrahim Adil Shah I from disaster.

With Bidar weakened Ibrahim Adil Shah I then marched south and claimed to have occupied parts of the Vijayanagara Empire. However these claims are doubtful as there is no clear evidence of Vijayanagara losing any territory during this period. In fact Rama Raya later fought against Ahmadnagar showing that Vijayanagara's military strength and political power remained firm despite Bijapur's campaigns.

According to Hindu literary sources, this campaign included the capture of Kaliyani a major battle with the combined Sultanate armies and the sack of Ahmadnagar. While the Vasucharitramu gives few details, the Annals of Hande Anantapuram describe the events clearly. After the three Vijayanagara armies reunited they fought the allied forces of Ahmadnagar Sultanate, Golkonda Sultanate and Bidar Sultanate and won a victory. As their troops defeated the three Sultans fled the field and during the pursuit Hande Hanumappa Nayaka captured Burhan Nizam Shah I.

Siege of Ahmednagar (1543) After capturing Burhan Nizam Shah I, Rama Raya continued his march and laid siege to Ahmadnagar. The city could not resist the strong Vijayanagara army for long and soon fell. Rama Raya ordered the capital of the Nizam Sultans to be destroyed and according to the Ramarajiyamu castor seeds were sown on its ruins as a symbol of complete ruin. Because of this act the poem praises him as the “Destroyer of the Fortifications of Ahmadnagar.” With Burhan Nizam Shah I held captive Rama Raya achieved his main aim by forcing him to break his alliance with Ibrahim Adil Shah I of Bijapur. Having secured this political victory Rama Raya released the Sultan and returned to Vijayanagara.

Though defeated Jamsheed Quli Qutub Shah quickly recovered and captured Kaulas Fort, Narayankerra, and Ahswabad. To strengthen his position he invited Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar to support him. Burhan still angry with Ali Barid for refusing help during the Battle of Hoorchean in 1546 AD, readily agreed. Seeking revenge, Burhan Nizam Shah I marched against Bidar and began the campaign by laying siege to Ausa.

Capture of Udgir and Kandhar After his victory at Ausa, Burhan Nizam Shah I moved against Udgir and captured the fort. Encouraged by this victory he advanced further and laid siege to Kandhar. Though the defenders resisted bravely they were overcome in battle and Kandhar soon fell into Burhan's hands without further resistance.

Burhan Nizam Shah I first moved against Sholapur but on Rama Raya’s advice he turned his attention to the more important fort of Kalyani. The combined armies of Ahmadnagar Sultanate and Vijayanagara Empire marched there and began the siege. Alarmed by this Ibrahim Adil Shah I marched out to help his ally Ali Barid Shah I and relieve the fort. However, when he faced the allied forces he was defeated and forced to retreat. With Ibrahim driven away the allies cut off all contact between Kalyani and the outside and the garrison soon began to suffer from hunger.

Determined to save the fort Ibrahim Adil Shah I returned once more and camped close to the allied army. Burhan Nizam Shah I strengthened his siege works and continued the attack. Ibrahim then sent his fast Maratha cavalry to harass the besiegers making sudden raids and cutting their supply routes. As these attacks continued, food became scarce in the allied camp causing hardship and slowly weakening their position.

Third Invasion of Bijapur (1552) Capture of Raichur and Mudgal After the successful campaign against Bijapur, Ibrahim Adil Shah I tried to take back the important fort of Kalyani. Burhan Nizam Shah I asked Rama Raya for help. Rama Raya sent ambassadors and agreed to join the alliance. The two leaders met near Raichur to plan their strategy. Rama Raya would capture Raichur and Mudgal, while supporting Burhan in taking Sholapur and Gulbarga. The allied forces took Raichur by force and Mudgal surrendered without a fight. Rama Raya then left his brother Venkatadri in charge to help Burhan with the campaign and returned to Vijayanagar.

First Siege of Gulbarga (1552) With Venkatadri's help the Sultan of Ahmadnagar quickly captured Sholapur and strengthened its defenses before returning to his capital. However, the attempt to take Gulbarga failed. According to Ahmadnagar's records, Burhan Nizam Shah I was left without support when Rama Raya returned to Vijayanagar leaving the army too weak to continue. Misunderstandings between Burhan and Venkatadri may have caused this. Soon after, Burhan Nizam Shah I died and his son Hussain Nizam Shah I became the ruler. To ensure peace, Hussain held talks with Ibrahim Adil Shah I. The two kings met at their border discussed their differences and reached an agreement ending the war for a time.

When Saif Ain-ul-Mulk saw that the king would not support him he went to his own lands and collected taxes to pay his soldiers. The forces sent by Ibrahim Adil Shah I to stop him were defeated twice which greatly increased Saif's strength and confidence. With growing wealth and army, he began to act like an independent ruler. Ibrahim Adil Shah I finally marched against him in person but Saif used clever tactics and struck at the right moment. In the battle Saif attacked the center of the royal army caused confusion and forced the king to flee. Saif won a victory captured the royal camp, elephants, and artillery, and then marched toward Bijapur. Panic spread in the city as Saif attacked its outskirts and tried to cut off supplies.

Second Siege of Gulbarga (1558) The Gulbarga Fort was very strong and difficult to attack with a deep water-filled ditch and walls that even cannon fire could not easily damage. Hussain Nizam Shah I laid siege to the fort and ordered his commanders and artillery leaders to press the attack, and for many weeks both sides fought with great determination. After heavy fighting, the walls were finally breached and a fierce battle followed in which many important commanders were killed but the defenders still held out. When the situation became desperate, the garrison appealed to Ibrahim Adil Shah I who in turn asked Rama Raya for help. Rama Raya's intervention caused Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali to secretly abandon his alliance with Hussain Nizam Shah I and withdraw from Gulbarga. Enraged by this betrayal Hussain punished Qasim Beg and made changes in his court, but realizing that continuing the siege was no longer practical he finally lifted it and returned to Ahmadnagar.

Second Siege of Ahmednagar and Capture of Kalyani (1558) When the allied armies advanced, Hussain Nizam Shah I quickly withdrew into his own territory and left the defence of Kalyani to Bhopal Ray a trusted Hindu officer. Feeling unsafe even in his capital he placed it under a strong garrison and moved to Paithan on the Godavari. The allies sent part of their army to continue the siege of Kalyani and marched with the rest to Ahmadnagar which they closely surrounded for nearly two months. Although Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah secretly tried to help the garrison, the fall of the fort seemed certain. To hasten the end of the war, Rama Raya ordered his general Sadasiva Nayaka to raid the countryside up to the Godavari. During this campaign Sadasiva Nayaka fought Nizam Shahi forces at Jamkhed where a fierce battle took place. While some sources disagree about the result there is strong reason to believe that Sadasiva Nayaka gained the upper hand. Soon after, Hussain Nizam Shah I made peace with Rama Raya especially after learning that Bhopal Ray had surrendered the fort of Kalyani to the allies.

Vijaynagara Invasion of Golconda Battle of Tarpully After returning from Ahmadnagar, Rama Raya and his allies camped at Tarpully, about thirty miles from Golconda. Ibrahim Qutb Shah tried to drive them away but failed, as the allied army was far stronger. Rama Raya pressed his advantage and did not allow Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali time to recover or reorganize his forces. He ordered Venkatadri along with Jagadeva Rao and Ain-ul-Mulk to raid the areas around the Golconda capital and cause widespread damage. At the same time, he sent his nephew Siddhiraju Timmaraju, the governor of Kondavidu, with fifty thousand infantry to attack Kondapalli and Masulipatnam. He also encouraged Sitapati (Cittapa Khan) and Vidiadri to march from Rajahmundry and strike Ellore.

Battle of Korkul While Rama Raya stayed with the main army and plundered the areas around the enemy's capital Ibrahim Qutb Shah Wali sent Muzahid Khan to face Venkatadri. The two forces met near Korkul where fighting continued for several days. the battle ended without a decisive victory for either army.

Battle When Rama Raya learned about the alliance formed against him he showed no fear and remained proud and confident. He treated the hostility of the Shahi rulers as unimportant and even dismissed their ambassadors from his court with insult. This act led the allied kings to openly prepare for war and gather their armies at Sholapur. In response, Rama Raya sent his brother Erra Timma Raja with a huge force to guard the crossings of the Krishna River and his brother Venkatadri followed with another army for support. He also ordered all his governors and vassals to rush to the capital with men, money, and supplies. Soldiers from every region and community poured in, and the wealth of many ports and cities was used to equip them. Though already in his eighties, Rama Raya finally marched towards the frontier with a massive army.

Family Venkatadri had two wives, Rangamma and Krishnamma. Through these marriages he had two sons named Rangappa and Rama Raja III.