KHANDOJI & THIMMOJI. Written By Venkatachalapathi. P.B. Davangere.
The Vijayanagara Empire, founded in 1336 CE by the brothers Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty, emerged as one of the most powerful and culturally vibrant empires in Indian history. For more than a century and a half, it dominated large parts of South India, acting as a formidable bulwark against repeated foreign invasions while simultaneously nurturing art, architecture, literature, temple-building traditions, and efficient systems of administration. After the Sangamas, the empire briefly came under the Saluva dynasty for about two decades, followed by nearly eighty years of rule under the illustrious Tuluva and later the Aravidu dynasties.
Among the Tuluva rulers, Sri Krishnadevaraya occupies a towering position in history. His reign marked the zenith of Vijayanagara power, territorial expansion, and cultural prosperity. The empire extended over most of South India, and its court became a center of intellectual and artistic excellence. However, following his death, the empire gradually entered a phase of political instability. Weak successors ascended the throne, and royal authority increasingly became ceremonial. One such ruler was Sadashivaraya, who bore the imperial title but exercised little real power. The actual control of the empire rested with his regent and commander-in-chief, Aliya Rama Raya, the son-in-law of Krishnadevaraya and one of the most remarkable figures of the period.
Despite the fragile nature of imperial succession, Aliya Rama Raya proved himself to be an extraordinary warrior, diplomat, and administrator. His military acumen, political foresight, and ability to manage a vast and diverse empire were exceptional. More importantly, he embodied the traditional Vijayanagara ideals of generosity, justice, and concern for the welfare of the common people. Contemporary records and inscriptions portray him as a ruler who was deeply sensitive to public grievances and who responded to them with empathy, fairness, and timely intervention.
It was during the period of Rama Raya’s ascendancy that a remarkable and socially transformative episode unfolded—one involving three barbers named Kondoja, Timmoja, and Bhadroja. These men were not merely attendants in the royal household; they were trusted professionals, loyal servants, and astute observers of social and political realities. Kondoja, in particular, emerged as a leader of rare vision who understood both the needs of his community and the workings of the imperial court.
As royal barbers, Kondoja and his companions had close and regular access to Rama Raya. Beyond their professional duties of grooming, shaving, and therapeutic massage, they were known to share valuable insights about public sentiment, local conditions, and emerging political developments. Their conduct was marked by discipline, discretion, and unwavering loyalty—qualities that deeply impressed Rama Raya. Kondoja’s skill, refinement, and sincerity earned him the personal trust of the regent, a trust that would soon translate into an unprecedented act of social justice.
Legend and inscriptional evidence together narrate that Rama Raya, highly pleased with Kondoja’s service, once offered him the freedom to ask for any reward he desired. At that moment, Kondoja demonstrated extraordinary selflessness and collective vision. Rejecting personal wealth, land grants, or royal titles, he petitioned the ruler on behalf of the entire barber community, requesting a complete exemption from all forms of taxation throughout the Vijayanagara Empire. Timmoja and Bhadroja stood firmly beside him in this historic appeal.
This noble and far-sighted request deeply moved Rama Raya. Recognizing both the sincerity of the petition and the essential services rendered by the barber community across the empire, he immediately agreed. A royal decree was issued granting full tax exemption to the barber caste, covering hereditary taxes, professional levies, tolls, and other dues. The decision received the full backing of the royal household, and strict instructions were dispatched to provincial governors, local chieftains, and revenue officials to implement the order without exception.
The historicity of this episode is firmly supported by a series of inscriptions discovered across Karnataka, each reinforcing the core narrative while adding regional details.
Epigraphic Evidence Supporting the Event
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Hirekerur Inscription (1543–44 CE): Records that Ramarajendra Maharasu (Aliya Rama Raya), pleased with the loyalty and professional excellence of Timmoja, Hommoja (identified with Kondoja), and Bhadroja, granted them exemption from all taxes in recognition of their services in shaving and massage.
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Hiriyur Inscription (1544 CE): Mentions that barbers led by Kondoja submitted four formal petitions to Rama Raya. Acting through Sadashivadeva Maharaya, the royal family approved a complete exemption from taxes and dues.
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Tiptur Inscription (1545 CE): Confirms that Aliya Rama Raya, satisfied with Kondoja’s service and conduct, ordered tax exemption for all barbers in the kingdom, including remission of tolls, duties, and other levies.
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Holalkere Inscription (1546 CE): States that under the authority of Mahamandaleshwara Rama Raya, Kondoja was granted land and widespread tax exemptions across Vijayanagara territories, as sanctioned by Sadashivadeva Maharaya.
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Molakalmuru Inscription (1555 CE): Records that after ascending the “ratna simhasana” (jewel throne), Sadashivaraya reaffirmed the earlier decree, granting tax exemptions to Timmoja, Kondoja, and their descendants. It also mentions the grant of tax-free lands and the formal erection of inscriptions to permanently record the royal आदेश (sugrīvājñā).
A Landmark in Social and Professional History
Taken together, these inscriptions conclusively establish that around 1543–44 CE, Aliya Rama Raya issued a historic royal decree exempting the barber community from general and hereditary taxation across the Vijayanagara Empire. This decision was not an isolated act of charity but the outcome of organized petitions and enlightened leadership by Kondoja on behalf of his community.
In certain regions, such as Srirangapatna, barber families preserved these inscriptions for generations, treating them as symbols of honor and recognition. Subsequent rulers, including Sriranga Raya, upheld this tradition, reaffirming the exemptions and thereby continuing the legacy of compassionate governance.
This extraordinary episode from the sixteenth century stands as a powerful example of progressive statecraft, where professional service, integrity, and collective welfare were formally acknowledged by the highest authority of the empire. It highlights the important socio-political role played by traditional service communities and the emergence of community leadership from within them. For the barber community across India, the story of Kondoja, Timmoja, and Bhadroja remains a source of enduring pride and inspiration—a reminder that dignity of labor, unity, and moral courage can secure a lasting place in history.
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