Veera Ballaladeva was the strongest monarch in the south — his kingdom had survived two islamic invasions. He was building his country back and getting prepared to address the Islamic threat from the north — and for this, he had moved his capital temporarily to Tiruvannamalai. As a wise old man, Islamic invasions and destruction of his peers — Yadavas and Kakatiyas at the hands of mlecchas must have been a devastating event in his life. Recall, all three bowed to the Chalukya throne only 100 years ago. Surely, he has heard stories from his ancestors.