Hande Hanumappa Nayaka

Hanumappa Nayaka was vassal king of Ballari and Anantapur under Vijayanagara Empire he founded the city of New Ballari and established Hande dynasty, he was born to Laxmigouda and Devakki in a Nadgouda(Village chief) family of the Veerashaiva Hande clan(Handevazir) in present day Bijapur. initially, he served as a chieftain in the court of Ibrahim Adil Shah I of Bijapur, where he gained the title of Badshahi Vazir, and was rewarded with ownership of 11 parganas(1 Paragana equals 48 Villages) Thus, to this day, a branch of his descendants calls themselves Hande Vazir/Handevazir. According to the Ballari and Kurugodu Kaifiyat, it is believed that once Hande Hanumappa Nayaka was summoned to the court of Bijapur. He arrived there with his five sons. The Badshah, upon seeing his sons, asked him to hand over one of them so that he could be converted to Islam. Hande Hanumappa Nayaka, was deeply enraged by this demand and boldly retorted, "Hand over one of your wives to me, and I shall give you sons like mine." Offended by his defiance, the Badshah ordered the captivity of Hanumappa and his five sons. However, Hande Hanumappa Nayaka managed to evade capture by the Sultan’s forces, successfully crossing the Krishna River to escape. Later he became a prominent commander in the Vijayanagar Empire played a crucial role in consolidating the power of Rama Raya during the Vijayanagara Civil War against the Salakamraju Tirumala brothers. His military expertise and leadership were instrumental in securing Rama Raya's victory, solidifying his dominance in the empire.

Following a series of victories against Salakamraju Pedda Tirumala’s forces, Rama Raya advanced towards Vijayanagara determined to consolidate his power. While stationed near Adoni Rama Raya orchestrated a strategic campaign of espionage and psychological warfare. Spies were dispatched to infiltrate Tirumala’s camp, where they spread rumors questioning his legitimacy and caste, undermining his authority among his troops. Additionally, bribes were offered to Tirumala’s captains, sowing further discord and prompting thoughts of desertion. With Tirumala’s forces weakened and divided, Rama Raya launched a surprise assault, exploiting the chaos to secure a decisive victory. Tirumala, abandoned by his captains, fled but was soon captured by Rama Raya’s officers. His execution and the public display of his severed head marked the end of his rebellion. Hanumappa Nayaka, a key commander in Rama Raya’s army, played a vital role in this campaign, contributing to the final defeat of Tirumala and solidifying Rama Raya’s dominance in Vijayanagara.

Battle of Kalyani In 1543, Ibrahim Adil Shah I of Bijapur, seeking to expand his influence, entered into a secret alliance with Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar against Bidar and Vijayanagara. According to their agreement, Ahmadnagar would focus on Ali Barid Shah I of Bidar, while Bijapur advanced into Vijayanagara’s territories unchallenged. Acting swiftly, Burhan Nizam Shah I captured the fort of Kandhar while Ibrahim Adil Shah I imprisoned Amir Barid Shah of Bidar, who had unsuspectingly sought refuge with him. Ibrahim Adil Shah I then turned his forces south, claiming to have made significant gains against Vijayanagara. However historical records suggest these claims were likely exaggerated, as Vijayanagara's borders showed no notable reductions. Furthermore Rama Raya’s subsequent conflict with Ahmadnagar indicates that Vijayanagara’s military strength and territorial integrity remained intact.

Rama Raya recognizing Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar as the primary force behind the alliance against Vijayanagara adopted a strategic approach to disrupt the coalition between Ahmadnagar and Bijapur. Rather than engaging Bijapur directly, he chose to confront Ahmadnagar, aiming to fracture their partnership and weaken their combined strength. Mobilizing his forces, Rama Raya advanced towards Ahmadnagar.

Whatever your honours please it will be equal to all rewards. - Hande Hanumappa Nayaka

Titles and honors After the battle, Rama Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire conferred prestigious titles upon Hande Hanumappa Nayaka in recognition of his valor and service. One such elaborate honorific was:

śrīman rāja haṇḍe yaśavanta paradaḷa vibhāḍa ari-rāya māramardhana which translates to "The illustrious King Hande, glorious in battle formation, vanquisher of enemy kings." In addition to these titles, Hanumappa Nayaka was also honored with Mayura Pincham (Navilugari) a ceremonial peacock feather, traditionally a mark of valor and royal recognition. Navubatu a special leather instrument awarded/played as a part of courtly or military honors symbolizing martial prowess. Haldi Nishana a military banner, symbolizing victory and valor.

Building activities After receiving these honors, Hanumappa Nayaka took leave of the Rajas and arrived in Nandela in the year 1569 AD, during the month of Margasira. Assuming his new responsibilities, he traveled to Bukkarayasamudram, where he marveled at the grandeur of the lake. Inspired by its prominence, he constructed a royal residence (palace) near the fort and fortified the area with a bastion, establishing his rule and ensuring the prosperity of the region. The fort is square-shaped featuring four bastions positioned at each corner. The northern entrance is decorated with floral motifs of the Vijayanaga style. In the past there had been a total of 14 wells within the fort, and it had been a place for water conservation but today unfortunately, except three wells all got destroyed. which marks the beginning of the spring season, as well as the beginning of the New Year.

Dwikuta Temple of Moka village Dwikuta Temple located 2 km southeast of the Sri Malleshwara Temple in Moka village, with one sanctum housing a Shivalinga in the Navaranga (mantapa) and the other featuring a Venkateshwara statue. This architectural design symbolizes the equal reverence for Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, this temple is believed to have been associated with or built under the patronage of Hande Hanumappa Nayaka, who was although a follower of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat faith , who not only upheld his own traditions but also extended respect and patronage to other faiths, including Vaishnavism.

Other Temples Built and Patronized by Hande Hanumappa Nayaka Several of the temples constructed by Hande Hanumappa Nayaka still exist today, including: Kote Basaveshwara Temple, located within the historic Ballari Fort premises. Swami Venkateshwara Temple, situated in Rupanagudi village, Ballari Taluk, Ballari District. Ramalingeshwara Temple, located in Rupanagudi village, Ballari Taluk, Ballari District. Shivalaya Temple, also in Rupanagudi village, highlighting the village's religious significance. Sri Veerabhadreshwara Temple, found in Karekallu village, Ballari District. Sri Nagareshwara Temple, situated in Ballari city, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sri Malleshwara Temple, located in Moka village.

Nallacheruvu Lake It is also believed that Nallacheruvu Lake, one of the largest urban lakes in the former Madras Presidency (South India), was expanded by Hande Hanumappa Nayaka to supply water to his military unit stationed at the base of Bellary Fort.

Basvannakunte Lake Basavanakunte, a lake in Bellary, was constructed by Hande Hanumappa Nayaka for the welfare and good practice of the local people and to counter water scarcity in that region. The lake still exists and is a part of the region's historical landscape.

Death Hanumappa Nayaka died in 1583. His remains were buried in Nidumamidi Mutt in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.