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Ravella Nayaks

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The Ravella Nayaks were a prominent clan under the Vijayanagara Empire, known for their significant contributions to its military and administrative functions[1]

Early History

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The earliest mention of a Ravella chief is found in the inscription of Rajaraja III dated 1257 CE.[2] The Ravella chiefs ruled regions such as Srisailam and Dupatiseema from 1364 CE as vassals of the Vijayanagara Empire.[3]

Military Commanders

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The Ravella clan's notable history begins with Malla Nayaka, who served as a commander in Saluva Narasimha Raya’s army around 1495 CE.[4] Malla Nayaka was celebrated for defeating the Bahmani general Qutb Shah at Gudipadu, earning the title "Rajahridayabhalla Pratapaprabhava."[5] His exploits are detailed in the Telugu poetic treatise "Sougandhikaprasavapaharanamu" by Ratnakaram Gopalakavi. Malla Nayaka maintained a significant military force and contributed to the defense of the Vijayanagara Empire.[6]

Later Contributions

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Malla Nayaka’s descendants continued to serve the Vijayanagara Empire with distinction. His son Tippa participated in Krishnadevaraya's campaigns against the Gajapatis (1513-1515 CE) and was honored with numerous accolades.[7] Tippa’s son Papa captured the Kurnool fort in 1506 CE,[8] and his descendants, including Linga I and Konda, continued their military endeavors, capturing strategic forts like Adoni.[9]

Ravella Nayakas and the Vijayanagara Empire

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The Ravella Nayakas were unique among the Nayakas under the Vijayanagara Empire for claiming a legendary Kshatriya lineage, specifically the Chandra and Kuru Vamsha lineages. [10]

Legacy

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Inscriptions from the Nellore district reveal that the Ravella/Ravilla clan controlled various regions under the Araviti kings, including Podili, Udayagiri, and Kocherlakota.[11] Today, families of the Ravella/Ravilla clan are found in the Krishna, Guntur, Chittoor, and Khammam districts of Andhra Pradesh, as well as in a Zamindari in Tamil Nadu.

References

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  1. ^ "Forgotten Chapter of Andhra History," M. Somasekhara Sarma.
  2. ^ "Nellore Inscriptions, No. 6."
  3. ^ "Kammavari Charitra," K. B. Choudary, 1939.
  4. ^ Nilakanta Sastry, Further Sources of Vijayanagara History.
  5. ^ "Sougandhikaprasavapaharanamu," Ratnakaram Gopalakavi.
  6. ^ "Bharati, Sukla Samputamu," p. 623.
  7. ^ "Krishnaraja Vijayamu," Kumara Durjati.
  8. ^ "Vasucharitra."
  9. ^ K. Iswara Dutt, Journal of Andhra Historical Research Society. Vol. 10, pp. 222-224.
  10. ^ "Sougandhikaprasavapaharanamu," Ratnakaram Gopalakavi.
  11. ^ Various inscriptions from Nellore district.