The late 17th century in South India was a period of intense conflict, and few events were as shocking as the betrayal of local chief Yachama Nayak by the powerful Mughal general, Zulfikar Khan. The story is one of a cunning plot, a tragic royal family, and a desperate act of preservation.
The Cunning Plot
Yachama Nayak had a reputation for valor and loyalty, but he made a fatal mistake: he exposed Zulfikar Khan’s secret plan to betray the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and seize power for himself. Yachama Nayak sent a letter to the Emperor, offering to capture the fort of Gingee in just eight days, a feat that Zulfikar Khan had been deliberately prolonging. This letter was intercepted, and Zulfikar Khan immediately sought revenge.
He chose a day of religious significance for his treachery—the Mahanavami feast. On this day, a special worship ceremony meant all weapons of war were disarmed and put away. Knowing this, Zulfikar Khan rode to the Nayak’s capital at North Mallur and invited him to his tent for a private interview.
Unarmed and unsuspecting, Yachama Nayak entered the tent. After a brief conversation, Zulfikar Khan left on a pretext. In an instant, his men cut the ropes, causing the entire tent to collapse and crush the unsuspecting Nayak inside, killing him immediately. His unarmed followers could do nothing to save him. The site of this horrifying act is still known today as Dera Gunta, or “tent-pit.”
A Family’s Tragic Sacrifice
When news of the murder reached the palace, a more profound tragedy unfolded. The royal ladies—the Nayak’s three wives and two daughters—chose to commit sati, a ritual suicide. They preferred a dignified death to the dishonor of falling into the hands of the treacherous Nawab. Their heroic sacrifice is still remembered, with two temples built in their honor in the region.
Amidst this chaos, the future of the family was entrusted to a brave servant-woman named Polu. She was given a small amount of money and three young children—two of the Nayak’s sons and a Brahmin boy raised in the palace. She secretly guided them to safety with distant relatives, ensuring the family’s lineage would not be erased. The tragic event also led to the destruction of the palace records, wiping out much of the previous history of the royal line.
The Bravery of the Velugoti Family
The Velugoti family’s story is one of immense courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming power. The women’s suicide was a powerful statement of defiance against a heinous act of treachery. It was an act of choosing one’s fate rather than submitting to a dishonorable one. This collective sacrifice was not just for their own honor but also to protect the family’s legacy.
Similarly, the servant-woman Polu’s mission to save the children was an act of extraordinary loyalty and bravery. She risked her own life to ensure the continuation of the family line. This is a testament to the strong bonds of devotion that existed within the Velugoti household. The family’s tragic end was not one of complete defeat, but of preserving their honor and ensuring a future for their heirs.
The another Yachama Nayak who helped Rama Deva Raya escape from prison was a prominent member of the Velugoti family and displayed immense bravery during a civil war that tore apart the Vijayanagara Empire.
A Daring Rescue
In 1614, after the Vijayanagara king Sriranga II and his family were imprisoned and murdered by a rival faction led by Jagga Raya, Yachama Nayak took a bold stance. He smuggled the king’s young son and rightful heir, Rama Deva Raya, out of the Vellore prison with the help of a loyal servant. This was a highly risky act of loyalty, as it directly defied Jagga Raya’s authority and set the stage for a major conflict.
The Battle of Toppur (1616)
Yachama Nayak’s bravery was fully displayed in the Battle of Toppur, a massive and brutal civil war that took place in late 1616. Leading the imperial army, Yachama Nayak, along with the Nayak of Tanjore, confronted the combined forces of Jagga Raya and his allies.
His military skill and courage were key to the victory. He led his forces with such force that they scattered the enemy armies and ultimately led to the death of Jagga Raya on the battlefield. This decisive victory ensured that Rama Deva Raya, the young heir he had saved, was crowned as the new Vijayanagara Emperor.
His actions not only saved the life of a young prince but also upheld the legitimate royal line of the Vijayanagara Empire, cementing his place in history as a brave and loyal warrior. They are two different individuals who lived in different time periods but belonged to the same lineage, the Velugoti dynasty. The name Yachama Nayak was a common one within this family.
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