At the time of Hoysalas there were elite warriors
belonging to the Mugila sect in Kabbahu Nadu. They were called Garuda Lenkaru.
Kabbahu is the combination of two words Kabbinada Bahu (Iron Arm). The Garuda Lenkaru
were the altruistic suicide squad of Hoysala empire. They were ready to die for
their ruler and none would cross the age of 30. Being called a “Garuda Lenka”
was not inherited, it was to be earned. It was not a name; it was a position or
a tittle as that of the Garuda, the loyal mount of Maha Vishnu.
The Hoysala ruled the Deccan plateau for more than
300 years starting from 1026 A.D. Hoysalas were known for their authority and
valour. They had the unique blend of heroism and architectural grandeur. The bravery
of Hoysala will be incomplete without the mention of Garuda Lenka tribe, the
elite bodyguards of Hoysala Kings. This tribe swore Iron Arm allegiance to their
rulers, come what may they would stick their neck out to save the King. Their loyalty
and commitment was such that if they hear the news of their King killed, they
would behead themselves for being incompetent.
In the Sri Hunaseshwara Swamy Temple at Agrahara
Bachahalli, near K.R. Pet in Mandya district is three pillars with a Hoysala inscription
referring to these Garuda Lenkaru. These pillars were erected during the reign
of Hoysala Kings Veera Ballala each pillar is 15 feet tall and is erected in
front of the temple depict the valour of seven generations of elite warriors
belonging to the Mugila sect, of the Bananju family of Bachihalli in Kabbahu
Nadu.
The inscription reveals the story of Kuvara Lakuma who
enjoyed the rank of Senapati under Ballala. He was brought up in the king’s
harem and he was “Manemaga” (Foster Son) to the King. Kuvara Lakuma is said to
have worn a bracelet on his left leg in token of his acceptance of the vow his
life to the ruler. Interestingly his wife Suggaladevi too wore one, declaring
to her husband that “I am not like any other women who having been fed and
clothed by the husband stay back and live after he has passed away.”
No wonder with 1000 member squad of Garuda Lenkaru,
the era of Veera Ballala was marked the pinnacle of Hoysala fortunes. He not
only subdued many refractory chiefs like the Kongalvas, Chengalvas and the
Pandyas of Uchchangi, but also registered a remarkable victory over the Seuna
ruler, Bhillama V in the battle of Soratur (1190 AD).
Veera Ballala II entered into matrimonial allegiance
with the Chola ruler Kulothunga III. When his Pandya vassal overthrew
Kulothunga, Ballala sent his crown prince Narasimha II to the Chola King’s
rescue, and after successfully accomplishing the task, justifiably assumed the
title, “Cholarajyapratishtapanacharya”.
Thus a new dawned in which the Hoysalas were
increasingly sucked into the whirlpool of Tamil politics. Veera Ballala II was,
beyond question, an outstanding ruler of the dynasty, who brought to his
kingdom an unprecedented military glory and consolidated it with a wise, sober
administration, all due to the Garuda Lenka troup.
When Veera Ballala died in the year 1220 A.D the
devoted bodyguards along with Kuvara Lakuma and his wife Suggaladevi beheaded themselves.
This incidence is recorded in Hale Kannada which translates to “No one ever
before had set such a gallant example as Veera Ballala’s Mahamantri and his
wife.”
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