Siege Of Trichinopoly (1660)

The siege of Trichinopoly in 1660 was a conflict during Chokkanatha Nayak's reign aided by the treacherous general Lingama Nayak, a Bijapuri army led by Shahaji laid siege to the fort with a combined force of 12,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry. The defenders faced challenges from both the besiegers and conspirators within their ranks. Chokkanatha Nayak's vigilance exposed plots, leading to the execution of traitors and the reorganization of his administration. This swift action turned the tide forcing the retreat of the Bijapuri forces to Gingee.

Background

Upon ascending the throne, Chokkanatha Nayak declared war against Bijapur Sultanate aiming to oust its forces from Gingee restore the Nayaks of the region, and revive the prestige of the Vijayanagara Empire. Entrusting General Linganna Nayaka with a vast cavalry force of 40,000, Chokkanatha Nayak launched an offensive against Sagosi (Shahaji), the Bijapuri general at Gingee. Despite the military strength, the campaign was marred by internal unrest within the Madurai court. A conspiracy, allegedly involving dissatisfied ministers opposed to the king's decision, emerged during this critical time.

The conspiracy against Chokkanatha Nayak stemmed from either his independent spirit or his youth, which emboldened the ambitions of unscrupulous men. The key figures behind this plot were his Pradhani and Rayasam, with the former being a Brahmin. Under the guise of guardianship, they stripped the young king of his power and freedom, banishing or imprisoning loyalists who posed a threat to their authority. Joining forces with Linganna, a general accused of selling out to the Bijapur Sultanate while staging a fake campaign, they formed a powerful triumvirate. Their ultimate goal was to overthrow Chokkanatha Nayak and replace him with his younger brother, consolidating their own control over the kingdom.

The conspiracy against Chokkanatha Nayak was on the brink of success when an unexpected turn of events exposed the plot. A loyal palace lady informed the young king of the treachery, enabling him to act swiftly. Chokkanatha Nayak secretly contacted his exiled allies and, with their assistance, launched a surprise attack within the palace, capturing the conspirators. The Rayasam was executed on the spot, while the Brahmin Pradhani, due to his caste, was spared execution but punished with the loss of his eyesight. However, general Lingama Nayak, a key conspirator, evaded capture. Lingama then joined forces with the Bijapur Sultanate’s general, Shahaji whom he was supposed to defeat. Together, they led a combined force of 12,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry to the gates of Trichinopoly laying siege to the city.

Siege

The siege of Trichinopoly intensified as the besieging forces employed both military pressure and bribery to weaken Chokkanatha Nayak's position. Within his own camp, a member of the king’s family, a kinsman of a former minister, seized the moment to pursue personal vengeance by conspiring against Chokkanatha. However, the king’s vigilance saved him. He swiftly uncovered the conspiracy, expelled the conspirator, and reorganized his administration, purging the disloyal elements. This decisive action reversed the tide of the siege. The besieging Bijapur forces, realizing their efforts were futile, retreated to Tanjore, and many of their soldiers, impressed by Chokkanatha Nayak’s leadership defected to his side. As a result, the strength of the Madurai army surged from 50,000 to 70,000 men.

Emboldened by his recent victory and the growing strength of his army, Chokkanatha Nayak made a decision to press forward and pursue his retreating adversaries to their homeland. His objectives were clear and threefold first, to defeat the Bijapur forces by forcing them to retreat beyond their borders second, to punish his Lingama Nayak for his betrayal and third, to seek reparation from Tanjore for its alliance with the enemies of Madurai. With the momentum of his success and the loyalty of his newfound recruits, Chokkanatha Nayak successfully accomplished all his goals.

Chokkanatha Nayak achieved significant success as he defeated Shahaji forcing him to retreat back to Gingee. With this victory.

Aftermath

Submition of Vijaya Raghava Nayak

Chokkanatha Nayak turned his attention to Tanjore where he compelled its chief to submit to his authority. In a more strategic move, Chokkanatha also sought to neutralize the power of the treacherous Dalavai, not through force but through a politically astute alliance. He arranged a marriage, elevating the Lingama's daughter to the status of his queen.

See also

* Madurai Nayakas
* Shahaji
* Vijaya Raghava Nayak

References

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Battles involving the Indian kingdoms
Battles involving Madurai Nayakas
Conflicts in 1660