NAGAMA NAYACA. 
45 
him by a venerable man of smiling aspect, which pro- 
mise was finally accomplished. In due time he had 
a son, whom he named Viswanat’ha Nayaca. This 
boy was placed under the ablest masters in every de- 
partment of education, and grew up to be as much 
admired as well for his wisdom and skill in arms as 
for the beauty of his person and the general accom- 
plishments of his mind. 
A story is recorded of this youth having severed at a 
single stroke the head of a buffalo, the horns of which 
extended backward as far as the tail, cutting sheer 
through those tough protectors, and thus performing 
an act of decollation which none of the Raya’s officers 
had the resolution to attempt ; it being necessary that 
this victim of an annual sacrifice to Durga should be 
immolated by a single blow. This feat of prowess so 
delighted the Raya, that he loaded the young man 
with jewels, advanced his rank, and promised him 
still further honours. Some time after this, several 
dependant princes revolted, when Viswanat’ha being 
sent against them, made himself master of their terri- 
tories, and, having appointed proper persons to govern 
the conquered provinces in the name of his master, 
was advanced by him to the highest dignities. 
The King of Tanjore having invaded the dominions 
of the King of Madura and deposed him, the Raya 
sent Nagama Nayaca against the aggressor, whom he 
had orders to expel from the conquered province, and 
to restore the deposed monarch. Nagama immediately 
marched with a considerable force against the sove- 
reign of Tanjore, and routed him; but, instead of re- 
storing the lawful sovereign, he usurped the govern- 
