A lonely, small building just opposite the Gagan Mahal in Penukonda is called Timmarasu Jail. We get to know that he is the prime minister of Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Empire. Why was he prisoned? Was it because of high treason? Was he a traitor? If he betrayed the King why not death penalty? Why he was kept in solitary cell? These innumerable questions were brimming in our mind.
The small building has one door, which was locked and three small windows, that are very close to the floor. We peeped through the window. There was enough light to see what is inside. We had craned our neck to see the roof without much success. It is a plain four-walled formation with octagonal-like structure from the middle and lotus-type shape at the top. From outside we could see a balcony, but very narrow and constricted. We wondered why a jail would have a balcony? Wouldn't the prisoner try to jump out to escape? Or was it some other building before they turned it in to a cell?
Story: Timmarasu had served as prime minister under Viranarasimha Raya, the predecessor and half-brother of Krishna Deva Raya. Portuguese traveler Fernao Nuniz's record says King Viranarasimha Raya commanded Timmarasu to gorge Krishna Deva Raya's eyes in order stop him from being a king. At that time he was dying and he wanted his minor son to inherit the empire. However, Timmarasu presented a pair of she-goat eyes to the king instead. So, it is said Timmarasu was instrumental in Krishna Deva Raya becoming the next king. This story is refuted by many historians insisting the two half-brothers shared a warm and cordial relationship. Timmarasu was actively involved in Krishna Deva Raya's coronation. The prime minister was largely influential almost throughout Krishna Deva Raya's reign. Some say King used to address Timmarasu as Appaji (father).
Somewhere around 1525, Tirumala Raya, the crown prince was poisoned to death. Krishna Deva Raya suspected Timmarasu's involvement and had the entire family of his prime minister and trusted adviser blinded. Then, he was prisoned in the same cell. Though of a cheerful nature Krishna Deva Raya was said to be short tempered and can be insane by fit of rage at times. Later King realizes Timmarasu's innocence and releases him from the prison. He regretted this decision, but What's done cannot be undone. Timmarasu vehemently declined to accept any guilt charity from his old king and lived the rest of his life in destitution and secrecy.
There is a reconstructed water tank just a few steps from the jail. And if you go further will see a tower of a temple. It looked beautiful. We wanted to know what this temple is called. Unfortunately neither there is anyone to ask around nor any signs guiding us. We gathered very few people visit this less popular destination. Even though if they do so, they only visit Gagan Mahal or Penikonda Fort.
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| Water Tank |
Tips:
Route: Bengaluru-Devanahalli-Chikkaballapura-Bagepalli-Penukoda
Distance: 141 KM
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