# Aravidu Thimma

Aravidu Thimma, a prominent member of the Aravidu family, was the son of Aravidu Rama Raja I and Lakkamba. He was a military general and defended the Vijayanagara Empire against Yusuf Adil Shah’s invasion. After his victories against Yusuf Adil Shah he captured Kasappa Udaiya, the governor of Adoni and presented him before Viranarasimha Raya who honored Timma with the Gandapendera anklet for his valor. He was also known for his patronage of literature and religious contributions. His eldest son, Tirumala constructed mantapas, choultries, and temple structures at Ahobilam.

## Family

Aravidu Rama Raja I had a son named Timma from his wife, Lakkamba. Timma married Gopama Devi and had several sons, including Tirumala, Vitthala, Chinna Timma, and Papa Timma. He also had another wife, Tirumala Devi, who gave birth to his sons Konappa and Sri Rangaraja.

## Military Career

Viranarasimha Raya ruled Vijayanagara for five years, facing internal turmoil. His rise to the throne met strong resistance from powerful nobles, leading to widespread revolts. Despite this, he successfully suppressed most rebellions and asserted his authority. While records do not provide a full list of his defeated foes, inscriptions and contemporary Telugu literature mention some of his key adversaries.
Kacha or Kasappa Udaiya, the chief of Adavani (Adoni), controlled a vast region stretching from Adavani on the Tungabhadra to Penugonda in the Anantapur district. Though not a major threat alone, his alliance with Yusuf Adil Shah and possible support from the rebellious Polygars of Ummattur made him a dangerous enemy. Since his treacherous attack on Tuluva Narasa Nayaka in 1490, Yusuf Adil Khan had sought control over the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab. Encouraged by him, Bahmani king Mahmood Shah Bahmani II persuaded his nobles to wage a religious war against Vijayanagara. In 1502, during the final year of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka’s regency, the first jihad, known as the Compact of Bidar took place. Facing minimal resistance, Mahmud Shah successfully captured the doab, including the key fortresses of Raichur and Mudgal and granted the conquered lands to Yusuf Adil Khan.
Yusuf Adil Khan’s conquest of the Krishna-Tungabhadra doab fueled his ambitions for further expansion, especially as Vijayanagara faced internal strife following Viranarasimha Raya’s usurpation. Seeing an opportunity, he allied with Kasappa Udaiya, the governor of Adoni and led an invasion into Vijayanagara territory, laying siege to the vital fort of Kandanavolu (Kurnool). His strategy appeared to involve capturing Kandanavolu, linking up with Kasappa Udaiya at Adavani, and advancing along the Tungabhadra valley toward Vijayanagara. However, his plans were disrupted when Viranarasimha Raya sent the Aravidu chief, Aravidu Rama Raja I and his son Timma to confront him. In a battle, they inflicted a defeat on Yusuf Adil Khan forcing him into a hasty retreat toward Adoni. As he attempted to regroup, the Vijayanagara forces defeated him again near Adoni routing his army and expelling him from their territory. Capitalizing on their victory, Aravidu Rama Raja I and Timma pursued the offensive, besieging and capturing the Adoni fort.
After Thimma’s victories against Yusuf Adil Shah he captured the governor of Adoni Kasappa Udaiya, and brought him as a prisoner before Viranarasimha Raya. Pleased with Thimma’s success and loyalty, Viranarasimha Raya honored him by presenting him with the prestigious Gandapendera anklet, a symbol of valor and distinction in recognition of his service to the empire.

## Cultural Activities

The Telugu poem narrating the story of the Bhagavata was composed by Donuru Konerunatha Kavi and dedicated to his patron, Chinna Timma Raja of the Aravidu family. Among Timma’s sons, the eldest, Tirumala, was known for his devotion and contributions to religious and public works. He built mantapas, choultries, and a garden, while also organizing various forms of worship for Lord Narasimha at Garudadri (Ahobilam). Additionally, he oversaw the construction of the large tank at the temple of Bhargava Narasimha in Ahobilam.