Gandikota

The build up

There were four of them seated in deep contemplation in the tent, a rather sombre mood, settling, as the light filtered through the opening. The Raya, was deeply contemplative, as he looked at the man sitting across him.  Endowed with a broad chest, and shoulders, which had borne the scars of many a battle, and eyes that pierced with a sheer intensity. His long hair locks cascading down his shoulders, his thick black moustache fiercely reflecting the pride of his clan. Not an ounce of fat on his body, as he stood in front of the Raya with reverence.

Ramalinga Nayaka, the commander of the Vijayanagara army, of the Pemmasani clan of Gandikota.

Many a warrior, had fought for Vijayanagara, but there was something in Ramalinga that made him the Raya's favorite commander. It was not just his bravery and courage. Or his reverential attitude, there was something more, it was his character. Ramalinga was one of the most intelligent commanders he ever had. A man who planned every move on the battle field, like a master chess player, moving the pieces around. 

He was also compassionate with the soldiers, treating them like human beings, rather than just cannon fodder. When a soldier was slain, Ramalinga, would visit the family, offer them the support to make a living. It was not a surprise that he had won the respect of the soldiers through his conduct and character. And it was precisely why the Raya had choosen, Ramalinga as the commander for this daunting mission.

"Ramalinga Nayaka,I had seen your prowess when you vanquished the Sultans of Golkonda, Gulbarga and Ahmednagar at once. No commander in the history of Vijayanagara so far, had even come close to this. You are not my favorite commander Ramalinga, without a reason. And I trust you know why I choose you to head this mission"

Ramalinga bowed reverentially.

"The Pemmasani Nayakas of Gandikota have always served Vijayanagara faithfully Raya. I come from a tradition of honor and loyalty. I am indebted to you for placing this burden on my shoulders. I assure you,  that you shall not regret the trust and faith you have placed in me. Rest assured, by the grace of Virupaksha, and the blessings of Narasimha, victory shall be ours".

The assurance tone, somewhat soothed the Raya's nerves, but the worry was still writ on his face.

"I do not doubt your capabilites Ramalinga, but the delay worries me. It has been close to a week since we have set camp here, and yet we have not started the offensive. The troops are becoming impatient, and there is an air of restlessness all around. I trust you always to do the right thing, but the time is running out right now. We had put together the largest army ever to seize the fort, what exactly stops us from going ahead.".

Ramalinga was silent for a while, gathering his thoughts. 

"I understand your concern Raya, just give me some time to explain it "

As he drew aside the large sheet of coarse cotton, across the table, displaying the small scale model of the fort, and it's surroundings. 

"As you can see the approach to the fort, is open plains, with some rocks strewn around. Unlike Udayagiri, Kondavidu that had a thick forest at the foothills to give cover, here our forces are exposed right in the open, and this is the biggest obstacle we have ahead"

He said, tapping the ramparts of the fort model, and drawing a semi circular arc,around the base.

"The artillery of the Bahmanis, manning the fort,  they have some of the largest and deadliest cannons, that can blow to smitheerens, our soldiers in a moment. Basically as our armies approach across the plains, they would be target practice for them, and it is not really a wise strategy to allow them to become cannon fodder. And keep it in mind, these annons have wrecked havoc in the ranks of Golkonda, Ahmednagar, and the reason why Bijapur has become the most powerful of all the Bahmani kingdoms".