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Chapter 92: Foothold In Lanka
Upon departing from Kochi port, Vijayanagara's battleships swiftly navigated to the northwestern region of Sri Lanka, eventually reaching a small island previously under the dominion of the Jaffna Kingdom.
In the ship, after reviewing the geography of Lanka, Vijay chose the small island as a potential overseas stronghold from which to launch attacks on Lanka. This choice was made due to its potential for more flexibility, especially with the newly acquired Dutch ships. Vijay was notably impressed by the quality of the Dutch ships. In the current era of the 17th century, the Dutch surpassed the British in overseas operations. Their ships are faster, benefiting from sleek hulls, efficient rigging, and advanced sail plans. Additionally, their ships are more durable due to construction techniques such as carvel planking and diagonal framing, resulting in longer service lives. The Dutch possessed a formidable naval power with advanced tactics and skilled sailors, giving them a significant advantage. Thinking about all this, Vijay can't help but feel restless, pondering the possibility that there might be some Dutch shipbuilders in Lanka that he could employ to enhance the Vijayanagara shipbuilding industry. Though it may not reach the same level as the world powers, with advancements in artillery technology in the empire, it will be sufficient for patrol boats and armed merchant ships in the national waters.
As Vijay lost himself in thought, the fleet of Vijayanagara approached a small strip of land on the horizon. The island was faintly visible in the distance. Within a few hours, the fleet managed to find a natural harbour and dock there.
Upon sighting the imposing vessel that had just anchored off the shore, the inhabitants of the island were seized by panic, immediately signalling for military support. Regrettably, they were ill-prepared to face the sheer strength of Vijayanagara's military might. The island had a meagre force of approximately a thousand standing troops tasked with guarding the island. However, they were swiftly overwhelmed by the considerable number of Vijayanagara soldiers and the commanding presence of the ships. The islander's had grown accustomed to the regular passage of these ships in their waters, presuming them to be of Dutch origin.
The island's residents were taken aback to witness individuals who resembled them assuming control of the ships without the presence of white men. Following a brief conflict, the situation was resolved by neutralizing a few senior leaders and discharging the remaining soldiers from their duties. Vijay did not order his men to eliminate the soldiers because of the shared cultural and religious connections. Recognizing the commonalities in their religious beliefs and language, similar to the people in Tamil Nadu within his empire, he chose to show restraint and empathy towards the islander's, This approach was also more convenient for his future rule.
As the stronghold on the island was secured, Vijay made the strategic decision to designate the island he was on, named Mannar, as the central headquarters for all operations. The ships were then dispatched back to Vijayanagara to retrieve the remainder of the army.
Vijay took residence in an office space reclaimed from a Dutch building, which was initially intended as a church. Although the church construction remained incomplete, he chose to occupy it due to its sturdy stone construction and defensive capabilities.
Soon after the personnel from the Vijayanagara Empire were transported back, a middle-aged man dressed in black entered to meet Vijay.
"Welcome to Lanka, Your Royal Highness," the man said.
Vijay observed the man with intrigue, having previously read the report about him. This was Selvan, the new spymaster for the Lanka region. Originally, Selvan served as a foot soldier in the Spy division of Lanka. Owing to his exceptional talent, he rapidly ascended the ranks, surpassing the previous spy chief who had held the position just a month earlier. The former spymaster, despite being proficient in managing information and running the organization effectively, had fallen ill due to the change in environment and was compelled to return home for recovery.
Vijay had heard incredible reports about Selvan's exceptional record and had appointed him as the spymaster of Lanka. Selvan's significant changes to the organization had impressed Vijay. When he received some incredible news about the plans of the Dutch, which was crucial to the battle they fought, the information surprised even Roshan, the spymaster of vijayanagara, a few times.
Now, as Selvan stood before him, it was the first time Vijay had seen him in person. Looking at Selvan, one wouldn't connect him to a brilliant spymaster based on his facial features, as he appeared quite ordinary. However, his report card told a different story.
Following the discussion with Selvan, Vijay initiated a combat strategy meeting. As the attendees gathered, Vijay opened the discussion by stating, "Before proceeding, it's essential to understand the distribution of forces in Lanka."
Upon hearing this directive, Selvan acted without hesitation, retrieving a map and presenting it to everyone in attendance.
Vijay nodded, thoroughly content with the map and Selvan's quick action. Upon studying the map, he observed the Kingdom of Kandy, solely controlled by the Dutch, ruling over the entire region of Lanka. This unified kingdom operated as a puppet state, sustained by Dutch funding for their own advantages. This situation, fortunately for Vijay, was beneficial. He was reluctant to attack any independent kingdom simply for conquest, even though he had significantly evolved since his rebirth, his 21st-century values held him back in such decisions, especially when it involved risking the lives of millions wrongfully. The current scenario made it easier for him to devise a strategy for taking over the nation since the entire island was controlled by a single kingdom under Dutch rule. The Dutch mistreatment of the locals lessened the resistance, making it easier for him to conquer, which was all he could ask for.
"Firstly, observing their lack of awareness regarding our position or our possession of Dutch naval vessels, we will approach Colombo directly as the Dutch returning fleet. Once we conquer Colombo, we'll advance into the heart of Lanka. We'll establish another stronghold in Kotte and proceed towards Sitawaka, the former Capital of Sita kingdom," Vijay indicated on the map as he elaborated further. "Ultimately, from Sitawaka, our direct target will be the present-day capital of Lanka, Kandy," Vijay declared. This plan, straightforward this time, was formulated considering the numerical advantage they possessed.
Finally, Vijay added, "In the event that the Kandy Kingdom attempts to use civilians against us and if we find ourselves outnumbered, we'll mobilize the rebel forces from the former kingdoms that the Kingdom of Kandy subjugated. I am confident that these groups would be motivated to seek retribution, and the downfall of the Kingdom of Kandy would be welcome news for them."
Everyone swiftly assented to the plan, yet Selvan, with some reluctance, raised his hand. "Your Majesty, it appears that you aim to conquer Lanka and assimilate it, but please consider that engaging the Dutch in warfare for an extended period might not be feasible. They are an eminent naval superpower, and our present victory may provoke a stronger and more aggressive response from them, which I'm afraid we cannot bear."
Upon hearing Selvan's concern, all eyes turned towards Vijay, reflecting a sense of worry. However, Vijay, observing their apprehensive expressions, shook his head and smiled in amusement. He responded lightheartedly, "HAHA, Do not worry. The Dutch will no longer have the free time to care about us; they will have bigger problems to face."