2023-02-17 20:22:01 by ambuda-bot
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INTRODUCTION
49
was that some Hindu power would arise to defend the
country from any such disaster in future; and when, a
few years later, certain princes took the lead, they were
enthusiastically supported by almost all parties".
4. EARLIER ATTEMPTS
The first attempt made by any Hindu ruler in the
South to relieve the situation was undoubtedly that of
the Hoysala ruler Vira Ballāla III. He moved from
Dwarasamudra and was camping at Tiruvaṇņāmalai
between 1328 and 1340 waiting for an opportunity to
strike. He did strike in 1341 at the battle of Kanna-
nur Koppam and was very near ousting the Muslims.
He put his entire strength into this final struggle and
according to Ibn Batuta he had "100,000 men besides
20,000 Mussalmans, rakes, criminals and fugitive
slaves while the Muslim army numbered only 6000
troops". With his large army he "routed the Muslims
near Kubban (Kuppam). He besieged it for six months
at the end of which the garrisons had provisions for
only fourteen days".
The Muslims made overtures for peace and Ballala
said he would agree if he was allowed to occupy the
town. The Muslim soldiers said they would not accept
any responsibility but should get the consent of the
Sultan. The Hoysala ruler offered them a truce for
a fortnight and informed the Sultan about the terms
of the peace. The 'Faithful' wept and said, "We will
sacrifice our lives to God; if the infidel takes that town
(Kuppam) he will then lay siege to us; we prefer to
24. E.C., Vol. XI, Db. 14; Dv. 60, v. Ak. 66 (also p. 71 of Vol. IX).
Also Sewell: Historical Inscriptions of South India, p. 183.
25. K. A. N. Sastri: Foreign Notices, p. 280.
7
49
was that some Hindu power would arise to defend the
country from any such disaster in future; and when, a
few years later, certain princes took the lead, they were
enthusiastically supported by almost all parties".
4. EARLIER ATTEMPTS
The first attempt made by any Hindu ruler in the
South to relieve the situation was undoubtedly that of
the Hoysala ruler Vira Ballāla III. He moved from
Dwarasamudra and was camping at Tiruvaṇņāmalai
between 1328 and 1340 waiting for an opportunity to
strike. He did strike in 1341 at the battle of Kanna-
nur Koppam and was very near ousting the Muslims.
He put his entire strength into this final struggle and
according to Ibn Batuta he had "100,000 men besides
20,000 Mussalmans, rakes, criminals and fugitive
slaves while the Muslim army numbered only 6000
troops". With his large army he "routed the Muslims
near Kubban (Kuppam). He besieged it for six months
at the end of which the garrisons had provisions for
only fourteen days".
The Muslims made overtures for peace and Ballala
said he would agree if he was allowed to occupy the
town. The Muslim soldiers said they would not accept
any responsibility but should get the consent of the
Sultan. The Hoysala ruler offered them a truce for
a fortnight and informed the Sultan about the terms
of the peace. The 'Faithful' wept and said, "We will
sacrifice our lives to God; if the infidel takes that town
(Kuppam) he will then lay siege to us; we prefer to
24. E.C., Vol. XI, Db. 14; Dv. 60, v. Ak. 66 (also p. 71 of Vol. IX).
Also Sewell: Historical Inscriptions of South India, p. 183.
25. K. A. N. Sastri: Foreign Notices, p. 280.
7