Portuguese travellers Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz visited the Vijayanagara Empire during his reign. Travelogues indicate that the king was not only an able administrator but also an excellent general, leading from the front in battle and even attending to the wounded. On occasion, the king changed battle plans abruptly, turning a losing battle into a victory.The South Indian poet Muku Timmana praised him as the destroyer of the Turkics. Krishnadevaraya benefited from having an able prime minister Timmarusu, who was regarded by the emperor as a father figure and responsible for his coronation. Timmarusu was regarded as an intelligent advisor who guided Krishnadevaraya to success.