Pedda Koneti Nayak Explained
Pedda Koneti Nayak was a governor of Penukonda under the Vijayanagar Empire who later proclaimed his independence and founded the Penukonda Nayak kingdom. He reigned from 1635 to 1652.He ruled Penukonda, Rayadurgam and Kundurpi Forts.[1]
Ancestry and personal life
He was the son of Kasturi Nayaka and his grand father Akkapa Nayak had enjoyed high favour with the fallen kings of Vijayanagar who were ruling at Chandragiri. He hailed from the Vasarasi family of Balija caste.[2]
Reign
Koneti Nayaka impressed Venkata III with his valour and obtained Penugonda as a Chief.[3] Some years afterwards the Bijapur king took Penukonda, but left Pedda Koneti Nayak in possession of Kundurpi Drug on condition that he paid tribute and rendered military service. Koneti Nayak, then, turned out Bommalla, its tyrannical ruler and established his supremacy over it and reigned at Rayadurgam in his stead.
Notes and References
- Book: Rangachar Vasantha . Penugonda Fort: A Defence Capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. 1. Sharada Publishing House . 2000. 74 . 9788185616681.
- Book: K. A. Nilakanta Sastri . Further Sources of Vijayanagara History. University of Madras . 1946. 302. On Sravana ba. 10 of Yuva of 146 years ago corresponding to S. S. 1558, (the Raya) granted the government of Penugonda to Koneti Nayadu, the son. of Kastuiri Nayadu, the son of Akkapa Nayadu, who was the son of Canca(ma) Nayadu of Candragiri, a member of the Vasarasi family of the Balija caste. .
- Book: Bulletin of the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library, Madras. Superintendent Government Press . 1954. 49. The above said Peda Kōnēti Nṛpati (Nayak) First, king of Penukonda . (1635 A.D.) then of Kundurti (1652 A.D.) and of Rayadurga (1661 A.D.) was a Balija by caste, having the surname Vānarāsi . His father Kastūri Nāyak and grand father bencama Nayak had enjoyed high favour with the fallen kings of Vijayanagar who were ruling at Chandragiri .
- Book: M. H. Rāma Sharma . The History of the Vijayanagar Empire: Decline and disappearance, 1569-1679. 1. Popular Prakashan . 1978. 287 .
