Roots of Krishnadevaraya

The Saluva or Salva dynasty had its branch in Haduvalli or Sangitapura near Bhatkal. They were Jains and revolted in earlier years against the Vijayanagar rule four times. But later when Vijayanagar emerged stronger and centralized Salvas acknowledged not only its superiority but expressed love and regard to Narasa Nayaka (four kings by name Narasinga have ruled Vijayanagar empire). Narasanayaka I (1466-91 CE) & II (1491-1505 CE) were well known rulers. In fact most of the foreign visitors refer to Vijayanagar kingdom as "Narasinga".

The Salvas of North Kanara region, which is known as Haiga and Tuluvas of South Kanara belonged to the same stock and the name of the dynasty is interchanged in many inscriptions. At some point of history a branch of Tuluvas went and settled at Devikapuram of north Arcot district of Tamilnadu. Narasanayaka (father of Krishnadevaraya) is referred as hailing from Devikapuram. Scholars have agreed that Salvas and Tuluvas are the same. Valiant queen Chennabhairadevi who fought the Portuguese, belonged to the Salva dynasty. Though a minor dynasty, Salvas ruled for more than 400 years. Francis Buchanan who toured the entire region in 1801 has confirmed that Tuluvas of Gerasoppa and Haduvalli as also Tuluvas of Vijayanagar had the same ancestry. Originally Jains, they later became Vaidik Vaishnavs.

See Also:
• Vijayanagar Empire