History and Historiography / The Profound Value System of Kuvara-Lakshma and his Heroic Unit of Garudas The Garudas were a select unit of bodyguards who safeguarded Hoysala kings. Kuvara-Lakshma was the head of one such unit comprising 1000 bodyguards. When his master Vira Ballala died, Lakshma and his unit gave up their lives in his honour. By Sandeep Balakrishna / 10 Jan 2024