Aravidu Somadeva

Aravidu Somadeva
Lord of Aravitipura
Reign	1331-1340 Ad
Predecessor	Tata Pinnama
Successor	Raghavadeva
Born	Kurnool
House	Aravidu Dynasty
Father	Tata Pinnama
Mother	Gonkala Devi
Religion	Hinduism
Military service
Battles/wars	Battle of Mudgal

Aravidu Somadeva (1331 - 1340) the ruler of the Kurnool in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh and the ancestor of the Aravidu Dynasty, was a formidable leader who played a crucial role in resisting the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His military prowess was demonstrated through a series of successful battles, where he decisively defeated the Sultanate's forces, thereby securing his territory and establishing a legacy of resistance against Muslim domination. ^[1]

Origins

Tuta Pinnama and Somadeva, ancestors of the later Aravidu dynasty, emerged as powerful figures in the Kurnool region during a period of political upheaval. Tuta Pinnama notably dismantled the rule of the Ceruku chiefs, who had governed the district under the Kakatiya dynasty. His actions weakened the existing Kakatiya authority in the area, paving the way for further expansion. Building on this momentum, Somadeva not only seized control of Kurnool but also captured several other strategically important forts in the vicinity. Their conquests laid the foundation for the rise of the Aravidu kings, who would later play a significant role in the history of the Deccan. ^[2]

Military Career

War With Delhi Sultanate

During the period when the Musunuri chiefs were engaged in their conquest, the Hindus of the Western Telugu country, who were under the authority of Malik Muhammad, the governor of Kampili, rose in revolt. Led by Somadeva, an ancestor of the later Aravidu chiefs, the rebellion gained momentum as the local populace, inspired by the spirit of Hindu nationalism, refused to pay taxes and took measures to reconquer territory from the Sultan's control. ^[3] Somadeva, with the support of his followers and potentially aided by Prolaya Nayaka and his associates, embarked on a successful military campaign, capturing fourteen forts in a single day, including strategic locations such as Kurnool, Mosalimadugu, Kalvakolanu, Etgir, Satanikota, Raichur, and Ganginenikonda. His victories extended across key battles in Nagulapadu, Mudgal, Kunti, Sara, and Anegundi, where he decisively defeated local Hindu chiefs and Muslim forces alike. ^{[4] [5] [6]} Malik Muhammad, though making several attempts to reassert Sultanate control, was repeatedly defeated and ultimately captured by Somadeva. Despite promising to acknowledge Somadeva's supremacy, Malik Muhammad reneged on his pledge after securing his freedom, underscoring the persistent instability and tension in the region during this tumultuous period. ^{[7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]}

Conflict With Vijayanagar Empire

Around 1336 A.D., Harihara Imade a decisive move by capturing Anegundi and its surrounding territories, a victory that would soon play a crucial role in the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire. Although contemporary inscriptions do not explicitly mention the capture of Anegundi, records like the Kapalur and Yarragudi grants indicate that Kunjarakona Anegundi had become the capital of Harihara's kingdom by this time. This account is further corroborated by the Portuguese chronicler Nuniz, who notes that Anegundi was indeed Harihara’s capital before the establishment of Vijayanagara. ^[13] The exact circumstances under which Harihara took control of Anegundi remain unclear, but it is plausible that Somadeva and his allies, fresh from their victories at Anegundi, Mudgal, Raichur, and other locations, clashed with Harihara I. Overpowered in this conflict, they were likely forced to submit to Harihara's burgeoning authority. ^[14]

Migration Into Reddy Kingdom

As the region around Kurnool fell under the control of Harihara by 1339-40 A.D., it is likely that Somadeva or his successor, having been displaced from their ancestral stronghold, sought refuge elsewhere. Faced with the growing power of Harihara, they moved toward the Reddy frontier, a region where they might have anticipated finding a safe haven. ^[15]

See Also

• Musunuri Kapaya Nayaka
• Harihara I
• Veera Ballala III
• Aravidu Dynasty

References

1. R. C. Majumdar, General Editor (1967). History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 06,The Delhi Sultanate. Public Resource. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 76.{{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help)
2. Venkataramanyya, N. (1942). The Early Muslim Expansion In South India. p. 190.
3. Venkataramanyya, N. (1942). The Early Muslim Expansion In South India. p. 177.
4. Venkataramanyya, N. (1942). The Early Muslim Expansion In South India. p. 179.
5. Henry Heras (1927). Aravidu Dynasty Of Vijayanagara. p. 18-19.
6. ACL-CPL 00758 Copper Plate Inscriptions Of Andhra Pradesh Government Museum Hyderabad -Vol.I. p. 163.
7. Venkataramanyya, N. (1942). The Early Muslim Expansion In South India. p. 180.
8. R. C. Majumdar, General Editor (1967). History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 06,The Delhi Sultanate. Public Resource. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 76.{{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help)
9. Dr.V.Yashoda Devi (1975). After The Kakatiyas. p. 39.
10. N G Ranga (1984). Kakatiya Nayaks Their Contribution To Dakshinapathas Independence 1300 1370 Ad. p. 87.
11. K A Nilakanta Sastri. Further Sources Of Vijayanagara History Vol Iii 1946. p. 6.
12. Sherwani, h k (1973). History Of Medieval Deccan Vol-i 1295-1724. p. 82.
13. Venkataramanyya, N. (1942). The Early Muslim Expansion In South India. p. 189.
14. Venkataramanyya, N. (1942). The Early Muslim Expansion In South India. p. 190.
15. Venkataramanyya, N. (1942). The Early Muslim Expansion In South India. p. 191.