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The Nayaks of Kalahasti were rulers of Kalahasti and Vandavasi principalities. Members of the group include Damal Chennappa Nayagar. These Nayaks served as vassals and loyalists to the Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara Empire, then headquartered at Chandragiri Fort and Vellore Fort.
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Damal Chennappa Nayagar
Chennappa Nayaka was a trusted general under Sriranga Deva Raya. Chennai, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is named in his honor.
Yachama Naidu
Yachama Naidu was one of the famous chiefs of this line. He was a loyalist of Venkata II and Sriranga II. Yachama Naidu was also the son of Kasturi Ranga, another famous general of Kalahasti and was part of Venkatagiri royal family. He helped Venkata II to capture territory from the Deccan Sultans and also quelled rebellions by Nayaks of Vellore and Madurai. When Sriranga II succeeded Venkata II, Yachama supported him against Jagga Raya's faction. Yachama Naidu saved Sriranga II's son Rama Deva Raya by smuggling him out of the Vellore prison, with the help of a Washerman, when Sriranga II's family was imprisoned by Jagga Raya. However, he was unable to prevent the murder of Sriranga II's entire family. He fought on behalf of Rama Deva Raya at Toppur with support from Raghunatha of Tanjore and killed Jagga Raya seizing his Gobburi Estates which formed the regions of Pulicat, Chengalpet and Maduranthakam, but later completely brought under control of Vellore, under control of Rama Deva Raya, the Vijayanagara Emperor.