In 1687, Golkonda was controlled by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
and the Carnatic passed under the Nawab of Arcot, who acted on behalf of the
Nizam of Hyderabad, who was supposed to be the Mughal Subedar of the Deccan
though in theory. But Deccan was contested between the Nizam, the Nawab, the
Marathas and the European trading companies. Todar Mal was a Hindu general of
the Nawab of Arcot and made numerous donations to this Temple. There are three
images in the Tirumala temple, just outside the Tirumalaraya Mandapam, facing
the main shrine and in the position of worship. The three statues made of bronze
represent Todar Mall, his mother Mohan Devi and his wife Pitabibi.
It is known that the Todar Mal rendered meritorious
service to the famous Varadaraja Temple at Kanchipuram. His images are also
found in the Sri Rangam Temple and the Anjaneya Temple at Mulbagal and the
presence of the Todarmal wife and mother images in the Tirumala temple
definitely shows that this Hindu general of the Nawab of Arcot gave his
protection and rendered some service to the hill temple and probably the temple
in Tirupati.
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