sentences:  One of the hallmarks of the clashes between the kingdom and its European foes was the inability of either side to take and hold land or to permanently cut off supply routes, with the exception being the Dutch, who managed to do so for an extended period of time in 1762.In the 16th and 17th century the Kandyan Kings relied on mercenaries, often Telugu military adventurers.With the arrival of the Nayakkars, large numbers of South Indian Tamil soldiers made up the king's personal guard.