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THE
EAST INDIA
GAZETTEER,
/
THE
EAST INDIA
GAZETTEER ;
CONTAINING
J^aiticular iit^criptioug?
OF THE
EMPIRES, KINGDOMS, PRINCIPALITIES, PROVINCES, CITIES, TOWNS,
. DISTRICTS, FORTRESSES, HARBOURS, RIVERS, LAKES, &c.
OF
HINDOSTAN,
AND^THE ADJACENT COUXTRIES,
INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES,
AND THE
Eastern Archipelago ;
TOGETHER WITH
SKETCHES OF THE :\rAN\ERS, CUSTOMS, INSTITUTIONS, AGRICUI^
TURE, COMMERCE, MANUFACTURES,
REVENUES, POPUllvnON, CASTES, RELIGION, HISTORY, &c.
OF THF.IR
VARIOUS INHABITANTS.
BY WALTER HAMILTON.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET,
By Dove, St. Johns Square, Clerlicmcell,
1815.
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ROBERT,
EARL OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE,
President of tli£ Board of Controul, ^-c. ^c.
My Lord,
THE composition of the following; work
was originally suggested by the removal of the restrictions
on the trade to India, and by the numerous petitions pre-
sented in support of that measure. On consideration of
their tendency, it occurred to me, that a work containing
in a small compass, and in the form best suited for refer-
ence, the information dispersed through many volumes,
might at the present period prove of utility, and assist the
judgments of many who had not before applied their atten-
tion to this subject.
Having finished an arrangement of this description, it
could not with equal propriety be addressed to any other
person than your Lordship, under whose auspices the com-
merce with India has been opened to the merchants of
Britain, in a degree as great as appears consistent with
the tranquillity of Hindostan, and with the existence of
that Company by which those extensive regions were first
acquired, and under whose administration they have at-
tained so high a state of prosperity. I shall be happy
if your Lordship will receive it as a proof of my respect
for your public character, and for the abilities which led
to so desirable a result.
I have the honour to remain,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient
And most humble servant,
WALTER IIAMILTOx\.
PREFACE.
Xhe following work is intended to form a sum-
mary and popular account of India, and of its va-
rious inhabitants, adapted principally for the pe-
rusal of those who have never visited that quarter
of the world, and whose leisure has not admitted
of their examining the numerous volumes in which
the local descriptions are dispersed. Until lately
the unceasing changes among the native powers,
the vicissitudes of their politics, and their perpe-
tually fluctuating boundaries, rendered the most
accurate account that could be given, only suited
to the particular period in which it was written;
but since the definitive arrangements of the Mar-
quis Wellesley in 1803 and 5, Hindostan has ex-
perienced a tranquillity, and the relative bounda-
ries of the different governments a degree of per-
manence, unknown since the death of Aurensczebe
viii PREFACE.
in 1707. The territorial divisions continue in many
places perplexed and uncertain, and the jurisdic-
tions of their chiefs ill defined ; but these obstacles
are not of such weight as to preclude an attempt
to class the whole alphabetically.
To form a geographical basis, Mr. Arrowsmith's
six sheet map of Hindostan, published in 1804, and
his four sheet chart of the Eastern Seas, have been
selected, as they exhibit the most correct delinea-
tion of this part of Asia hitherto presented to the
public, and are in general use. Other maps and
charts, subsequently engraved, have been occasion-
ally consulted; but so seldom, that a very great
majority of the latitudes and longitudes, distances
and dimensions, refer to their positions in the two
works above described. Within these limits are
comprehended the following countries, viz.
WEST OF THE INDUS.
Cabul, Candahar, Baloochistan, and all Afghan-
istan, &c.
IN HINDOSTAN PROPER.
Lahore, Mooltan, Sinde, Tatta, Cutch, Ajmeer,
and Gujrat; J3elhi, Agra, and Malwah ; Oude,
Allahabad, Bahar, Bengal, &c.
PREFACE. ix
IN THE DECCAN.
Aurungabad, Bejapoor, Khandesh, Berar, Orissa,
Gundwana, the Northern Circars, Cuttack, Nan-
dere, Beeder, Hyderabad, &c.
INDIA SOUTH OP THE KRISHNA RIVER.
Mysore, the Carnatic northern, central, and south-
ern, Malabar, Canara, Cohubetoor, Travancor, Co-
chin, Dindigul, Barramahal, the Balaghaut ceded
districts, Kistnagherry, &c.
IN NORTHERN HINDOSTAN.
Cashmere, Serinagur, Nepaiil, Bootan, and also
the adjoining country of Tibet, &c.
INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES.
Ava and the Birman Empire, Siam, Pegu, Ara-
can, Assam, Cassay, Tunquin, Cochin China, Cam-
bodia, Laos, Siampa, Malacca, &c.
THE EASTERN ISLES.
Sumatra, Java, and all the Sunda chain, Borneo,
Celebes, and Gilolo, the Moluccas, Papua, Magin-
danao, the Philippines, &c. and also the Island of
Ceylon.
In arranging the alphabetical distribution, the
great diversity of names applied to the same place
by Hindoos, Mahommedans, and Europeans, occa-
X PREFACE.
sioiied a considerable difficulty, wliich has not been
completely surmounted. To obviate it as much as
possible, the whole of Mr. Arrowsmith's names
have been adopted, as being those most imiversally
known, and to enable the reader to find the place
in the map without trouble. In many of the most
remarkable instances the original appellation is also
given, according to Sir William Jones's orthogra-
phical system ; but, although a name be not quite
correct, if generally understood, it is desirable it
should continue permanent, as it answers every
useful purpose, and a deviation even to a more ap-
propriate causes much confusion. The deities of
the Hindoos have a still greater variety of names,
or rather epithets, than their towns ; the most com-
mon have been selected, and adhered to through-
out. The same plan has also been followed with
regard to the names of persons, castes, and tribes.
In the composition of the work oriental terms have
been usually avoided ; but, from the nature of the
subject, could not be wholly dispensed with. Of
those of most frequent occurrence, an explanation
will be found in the short Glossary annexed.
The plan usually followed is that of Brooke's,
Crutwell's, and other Gazetteers, which, on account
PREFACE. Xi
of the number of different articles, anil the conse-
quent abbreviation, does not admit of minute de-
tails, or the investigation of disputed facts. From
this cause also the historical part has been con-
tracted nearly to a chronological series of sove-
reigns and remarkable events. The authorities for
each description are commonly subjoined, and in
many cases this is given as closely as the necessity
of condensing the substance of many volumes into
a small compass would permit. But no person is
to be considered wholly responsible for any article,
the materials in many instances being so intimately
blended with each other, and with the result of the
author's own experience and inquiries, that it would
be impossible to define the boundaries of the re-
spective properties. A very considerable portion
of the most valuable information contained in this
publication will be found to be entirely new, being
extracted from various unpublished manuscripts,
collected by Sir John Malcolm, while he filled im-
portant official and diplomatic situations in Hin-
dostan and Persia, and communicated by him in
the most handsome and liberal manner. Of these
and the other authorities referred to, a catalogue
will be found in the Appendix.
Xii PREFACE.
In specify ins: the extent of countries the whole
length, but only the average breadth is given, to
enable the reader to ascertain the probable area in
square miles. In an arrangement of this sort strict
accuracy cannot be expected ; but it was thought
less vague than the usual mode of stating the ex-
treme length and the extreme breadth, and an ap-
proximation to the reality is all that is required.
The same observation applies to the population of
countries that have not undergone local investiga-
tions. When such instances occur, a comparison
of their peculiar circumstances has been instituted
with those of the adjacent provinces, the popula-
tion of which is better known, and an estimate
computed from the result. Where the number of
inhabitants has been established on probable
grounds, it is particularly mentioned. To facili-
tate tlie discovery of a place on the map, besides
its latitude and longitude, its nearest direct dis-
tance from some distinguished city is stated, and
likewise the name of the province which includes
it. When not otherwise specified, the standard of
distance is invariably the English mile, G9J to the
degree.
The descrii)tion of Hindostan, under the Em-
PREFACE. Xiii
peror Acber, compiled by Abul Fazel in 1582, is
literally extracted from Mr. Gladwin's translation
of the Ayeen Acberry, and is a curious remnant
of Mogul geography. Although wrong in many
instances, the dimensions are surprisingly exact,
considering the era in which they w ere calculated ;
and the limits he assigns to the provinces must ever
form the foundation of any delineation of Hindos-
laa Proper, as they continued to regulate the ju-
risdictions of the viceroys for almost two centuries,
and it Avould be in vain to follow the annually
fluctuating principalities which sprung from the
ruins of the Mogul empire. The distances men-
tioned by Abul Fazel are commonly the extreme
length and extreme breadth ; and the quotas of
troops he enumerates mean the whole that the
province was supposed capable of furnishing on
any important exigence, not the actual number
ever produced.
Owing to the want of uniformity in the modes
adopted by different authors of spelling the Indian
names, the reader, it is apprehended, will at first
experience some difficulty in discovering the place
he is in search of, the whole of the vowels being
substituted for each other, and also several of the
Siv PREFACE.
consonants, such as c for k and s, and g for j.
When the Avord, therefore, does not occur under
the head first suggested, it must be sought under
one of a simihir sound, such as for Tirhoot see
Tyrhoof, and the geographical situations being
very minutely detailed will greatly assist the re-
search. The east and west, north and south, sides
of rivers, and the compass distances, in a great ma-
jority of cases refer to their positions in the map ;
the length of rivers, including the windings, are
estimated according to the rules laid down in Ma-
jor Rennel's valuable Memoir, from which also the
travelling distances are extracted.
Another objection to an alphabetical description
of a country is, that the whole does not appear at
one view, being dispersed and separated overy dif-
ferent parts of the book, which is certainly iagainst
an arrangement in other respects remarkably con-
venient. To remedy this as far as is practicable,
when a kingdom or province is described, all the
most important towns and districts it contains
are also specified, and by a reference to each of
these a tolerable idea of the whole will be at-
tained.
In describing the portions of territory into which
PREFACE. XV
modern Hindostan is subdivided, the different pos-
sessors of the present day are generally particu-
arized at considerable length ; and where there is
not any native proprietor named, it may be consi-
dered (with a very few exceptions) as compre-
hended in the British dominions. Many of the
descriptions will be found extremely meagre, ex-
hibiting little more than the geographical features
of the article under discussion ; but it will have the
good effect of pointing out to the many eminent
men, now residing in India, how little is known in
Europe of countries with which they are inti-
mately acquainted, and perhaps influence them to
supply the deficiency. The facts here stated being
collected within a narrow compass, they will be
enabled with little trouble to correct on the spot
what they perceive to be erroneous ; and in a work
of this nature numerous errors are unavoidable.
Tttk
Cfasit 0ntria <Jlajtttm*,
Sfc. Sfc,
ACHEEN.
ABDON.-^Onc of the small Papuan
islands, about three iniles in cu-
t;umrerence, situated to the north of
the island of "NV ageeoo, and rising-
two hundred feet above the level of
the sea. It abounds with fish and
turtle, on which the inhabitants sub-
sist, as they do not cultixate the land.
L.at.O°. 30'. N.,Long. 131°. 15'. E.
A BOO, (Abu). — A town in the
■Kajpoot territories, in the province
of . Ajmeer, 50 miles S. AV . from
Odeypoor. Lat. 25°. 4'. N. Long.
73°. 20'. E.
• . Abtook, (Aim-). — A town in the
Carnatic, 60 iniles N. from Tridiino-
l)oly. J^at. 11°. 40'. N. Long. 78^.
48'. E.
AcBERPOOR, (Acharpura). — A
town in tlie Nabob's tenitories in
jthe province of Oudc, 30 miles S.
E, from I'vzabad. Lat. 26°. 27'. N!
Long-. 82'''. 30'. E.
. AcBERPooR. — A small town in the
province of Agra, district ofEtawch,
25 miles W. front- Caini])oor. Lat.
26°. 23'. N. Lonfr. 82°. 30'. E.
ACIFEEN,
.^ '(Achi).--A kingdom in the north
y^estern extiemity of the island of
Sumatra, bordering; on the country
^f tlie Eattas, but not extending
Ijilan^ aLuve SO.Hjilesty thy S.E.
On the western coast, where its \r^
fluence was formerly predominant as
far south as Indiapura, it now pos-
sesses no farther than Baroos, and
even there, or at the intermediate
ports, the power of the Acheenese
sovereign is little more than nominal,
The air is eojiiparatively healthy,
the country being more free from
woods and stagnant water than most
other parts of Sumatra. The degree
of insalubrity, however, attending si^
tuations in this climate, is known
so frequently to alter from inscrutably
causes, that a person who has resided
Only two or tluec years on a spot,
cannot pi-etend to form a judgment. .
The soil is liglit and fertile, and
pioduces abundance of rice, excel-
lent vegetables, much cotton, and
the finest tropical fruits. Cattle, and
otlicr articles of provision, arc plenty,
and reasonable in price. In this pro-
vince are found almost all the animals
enumerated in the general descrip-
tion of Sumatia. The horses, al-
though of an inferior breed, are ex-
ported ; and there are domesticated
elephants, on which the inliabilants
travel, as well as on horseback.
Although no longer the great mart
of eastern connnoditics, Acheen still
ca/ries on a considerable trade, both
with European merchants, and with
tlie natives of the coa^st of that part
of India called Teiinga, but whicli
ACHEEN.
is, by the Malays, named Kling, and
applied to the whole coast of Coro-
maudel. These supply it with salt,
cotton piece goods, principally those
called long cloths, white and blue,
and chintz w ith dark grounds ; re-
ceiving, in return, gold dust, raw
silk of inferior quality, betel nut,
{)atch leaf, pepper, sulphur, camp-
lor, and benzoin. The two latter
are carried thither from the river Sin-
kel, and the pepper from Pedeer ; but
this article is also exported from Soo-
soo to the amount of about 2000 tons
annually. The quality is not es-
teemed good, being gathered before
it is sufficiently ripe, and it is not
cleaned like the Company's pepper.
Prior to 1808 the Americans were
ihe chief purchasers. The gold dust
collected at Achcen comes partly
from the mountains in the neigh-
bourhood, but chiefly from Nalaboo
and Soosoo.
In the Acheenese territories there
is a considerable manufacture of a
thick species of cotton cloth, and of
striped and checkered stuff for short
drawers, worn both by the Malays
and Acheenese. They weave also
very handsome and rich silk pieces of
a particular form : but this fabric
has decayed latterly, owing to a
failure in the breed of silk worms,
and probably also to a decay of in-
dustry among the inhalntants. They
are expert and bold navigators, and
employ a variety of vessels. The
Acheenese have a small thin adul-
terated gold coin, rudely stamped
with Arabic characters, called Mas ;
dollars and rupees also pass current,
and other species of coin arp taken
at a valuation. Payments, however,
are commonly made in gold dust, lor
which purpose every one is provided
with small scale> or steelyards.
The revenue of the crown arises
from the export and import duties,
and of course fluctuates considerably.
European merchants pay betwixt
live and six per cent, but the Co-
romandel traders are understood to
be charged with much higher du-
ties ; in the whole uot less thaa 16
.per cent, of which 12 per cent, is
taken out of the bales in the first
instance. This disparity of duty they
are enabled to support by the frugal
manner in which they purchase their
investments, and the cheap rate at
which they navigate their vessels.
These sources of revenue are inde-
pendent of the profit derived from
the trade, which is managed for his
master by a person who is stiled th«
king's merchant.
The govenunent is hereditary, and
more or less arbitrary, in proportion
to the talents of the reigning prince,
who usually maintains a guard of 100
sepoys from the Coromandel coast.
At the king's feet sits a woman, to
whom he makes known his pleasure ;
by her it is communicated to an eu-
nuch, who sits next to her, and by
him to an officer named Kajurau
Goodang, who proclaims it aloud to
the assembly. Sultan Allah ud Deen,
who reigned in 1784, when Capt,
Fonest visited his court, had tra-
velled, and had been a considerable
time in the Mauritius, where he had
been driven when proceeding on a
pilgrimage to Mecca. Besides the
Malay, he spoke French and Portu-
guese, and understood the casting of
cannon and bomb shells. His vizier
was a Turk from Constantinople^
All matters relative to the customs
and commerce of the port of Acheen
are under the jurisdiction of the
master attendaiit, or Shahbunder.
The country is populous, but the
number of inhabitants has never been
satisfactorily ascertained. The in-
habitants difler considerably from the
other Sumatrans, being in general tal-
ler and stouter, and of darker com-
plexions. In their present state they
cannot be considered as a genuine
people, but are rather a mixture of
Battas and Malays with Chalias, as
they term the natives of the west of
India, by whom their ports were fre-
quented in all ages. In their disposi-
tions they are more active and indus-
trious than some of their neighbours ;
they possess more sagacity, have more
knowledge of otlxer countiics, and as
ACHEEN.
merchants they deal on a more liberal
and extensive footing-. At the town
of Acheen their conduct depends
much on the example of the reigning
monarch, which is often narrow, ex-
tortionary, and oppressive.
Tlie language of Acheen consists
of a mixture of Malay and Batta,
with all the jargons used by the Ma-
hommedaiis of the east, whether Hin-
dostany, Arab-Tainiil, or IMoplay.
The Achceuese resemble the Moplays
of Malabar more than any tribe of
Malays ; as a people they have long
been connected with them, and use
many Moplay terms in their lan-
guage, but they make use of the
Malay character. In religion they are
Mahommedans ; and, having many
priests, and much intercourse with
strangers of the same faith, its forms
and ceremonies are observed with
considerable strictness.
Acheen has ever been remarkable
for the severity witli which crimes
are punished by law, but there is
reason to believe the poor alone ex-
perience the rod of justice. The va-
riety of their modes of punishment
are too numerous and horrid to ad-
mit of thoir being detailed; but not-
withstanding so much apparent dis-
couragement, l)oth from law and
prejudice, ail travellers agiee in re-
presenting the Acheeiiese as one of
tiie most dishonest and flagitious na-
tions of the east, w hich the histoi-y
of their government tends to cono-
boratc.
The Acheenese territories were
Tisited by the Portuguese as early as
1509, wlieu Diego Lopez Siqueira
cast anchor at Pedeer, a principal
sea-port on this part of Sumatra.
At this time Pasay, Pedeer, any
other places were governed by petty
princes, occasionally suboidinate to
the sultan of Acheen, and sometimes
receiving tribute from him ; but the
state of Acheen soon afterwards gain-
ed an ascendancy, which it lias ever
since retained.
Even at this early stage of their ac-
quaintance, hostiUties between the
two nations commenced, and con-
it 2
tinned with very little cessation until
the Portuguese lost Malacca in 1641.
In the course of tiiese wars it is diffi-
cult to determine which of the two
is the more astonishing ; the vigorous
stand made by such a handful of men
as the whole Portuguese fori^e at Ma-
lacca consisted of, or the prodigious
resources and perseverance of the
Acheenese monarchs.
About tlie year 1586 the conse-
(pience of the kingdom of Acheen
had attained its greatest height. Its
iriendship was courted by the most
consideral)le eastern potentates, and
no city in India possessed a more
nourishing trade. The customs of
the i)ort being moderate, it was
crowded with merchants trom all parts;
and though tiie Portuguese and their
ships were continually plundered, yet
those belonging to every Asiatic
power appear to have enjoyed per-
fect security in the business of tiKir
commerce. With respect to the. go-
vernment, the nobles, or Orang Cayos,
formed a powerful counterpoise to the
authority of the king. They were rich,
had numerous followers, and cannon
planted at the gates of their houses.
Towards the close of the 16th cen-
tury, the Hollanders began to navi-
gate the Indian seas, and in the yeat
1600 some of their ships airived at
Acheen, when they were nearly cut
off by treachery. The first English
ships, under Capt. Lancaster, visited
Acheen in 1602, and were received
by the king with abundant respect
and ceremony, which was usually pro-
portioned by the Acheenese sove-
reigns to the number of vessels and
apparent strength of their foreign
guests.
In 1607, the reigning sultan, Pe-
ducka Siri, assumed the title of sove-
reign of Acheen, and of the countries
of Aroo, Delhi, Johore, Paham,
Queda, and Pera, on one side ; and
of Baroos, Pa.ssaman, Ticoa, Sileda,
and Priainan, on the other. In his
answer to a letter from King James
the First, in 1613, he stiles himself
King of all Sumatra, a name and
idea, which, if they exist iu the ori»
ACHEEN.
ffinal, he luust have learned from liis
European connexions. In fliat letter
he expresses a strong desire that the
Kiug of Eiiglaud wouhl send liim out
one of his couiitrywonion as a ^^ ii'c,
and promised to make her eldest son
icing of all the pep])cr countries.
The French first visited A cheen midcr
jCoiumodoicBeaulien, in lt;21.
■ In the year 1640, the Dutch, Avilh
twelve men of war, and the Sultan of
Aciieen with twenty-live galiies, ap-
Iieared hefore Malacca, which they
iad for so many years harrassed ;
and the fol!o^vingyear it was wrested
from the Portuguese, who had so long,
and under such diflicuUies, kept pos-
session of it. But as if the opposi-
tion of the Portuguese power, which
tirst occasioned the rise of Acheen,
iivas also necessary to its continuance ;
the splendour and c<msequence of the
kingdom from that period rapidly dc-
«Uued, and in proportion its history
became obscine. 'Ihrough the sub-
sequent weakness of the government,
and the encroachments^ of the Dutch,
flie e?.teut of its ancient dominjion m as
much contracted^
The year 1641 was also marked by
the death of Sultan Pe«lueka Siri,
one of their most jiowerful and cruel
sovereigns, Avho lca\ ing no male heirs
was peaceably succeeded by his
queen, which forms a new era i» the
history of the state, as the siiccession
continued until A. D. 1700, in the
iemaleline ; the Acheenese being ac-
customed and reconciled to this spe-
cies of govermnent, which they found
more lenient than that of their kings.
The last (pieen died in 1700, when
a priest found means, by his intrigues,
io acquire the sovereignty. Since
that period it has continued under a
successifni of sultans, and suilercd
many vicissitudes ajid sanguinary ci-
vil wars ; but it has never ceased to
«xist as an indepeudeiit jiriucipaUty,
notwithstanding its intcrnaj eimvul-
.sions. (3Jarsden, Leijdeu, Funest,
Elmore, Sc.J
AcHiiiiN. — A town situated at tlie
north-western extrcrmity of the island
4if Snuutra, aud thi,- capital vf a
principality of the same name.- h&U
5°. 36'. N. Lojig. OcP. 45'. E. . •,
This place stands about a league
from the sea, on a river whicli em-
pties itself by several channels, near
the N. W. point of the island, na-"
med Acheen Head, where the ship-
ping lies in a road rendered securo
by the shelter of several islands.
The depth of water on the bar being
only four feet at low water sj)ring
tides, none but vessels of the coun-
try can venture to pass ; it and, du-
ring the dry monsoon not even thos»
of the larger class.
The city of Acheen is built in a
plain in a w ide valley, formed like
an an)j)hitheatr;' by lofty ranges of
hills. It is described as extremely
populous, containing 8000 houses,
built of bamboos and rough timber,
standing distinct from each other,
and raised on piles sonie feet from
the ground, to guard against the ef-
fect of inundation. 'I'he apj)earance
of the place, and the nature of the
buildings, ditier but little from those
of the generality of Malay bazars ;
excej)ting that its superior wealth has
occasioned the erection of a greater
number of public edifices, chiefly
mosques, but without the smallest
pretensions to magnificence. The
country above the town i.s highly
cultivated, and abounds with small
villages.
'I'iie sultan's palace, if it deserves
the name, is a very rude and im-
coulh piece of architecture, de-
signed to resist the attack of internal
enemies, and for that purpose sur-
rounded with a moat and strong
walls. Near the gate aie several
l»ieces of brass ordnance of ait
extraordinary size, of which some
are Portuguese ; but two, in particu-
lar, of English origin, attract atten-
tion, 'i'hey were sent by King-
.lames the First to the rcigninfT
uKJuiirch of Acheen, and have still
the founder's name and the date
legible on them. The diameter of
the bore of one is eighteen inches,
of the other twenty-two or twenty-
four. Theii' st-rcnj^th. however, djoyes
A'Dji lifVfin.
Ui'( af all ronesjiontl w'lih fluir (•;>-
librr, nor do ffjcy scoin in other
respects of adequate dimensions.
James, wlio a1>liorrcd bloodshed him-
self, was resolved that liis ;>reseiit
^fiouM not be the instnnnent of it
in otiiers.
Th<! eotnmeroe of the town of
Aelieen, iiide|>eiident of that of the
oiilports, <;ives employment to cip;ht
or ten Coiomandel vessels of 15(> or
200 tons burthen, whieh arrive an-
inially from I'ortonovo and (."orin?,a
abont the month of Ans^'ist, and
sail ai;:iin in j'ebrnary atid March.
Tlie Ivinu: of Aeheen, as is nsnal
witli princes in this part of the world,
is tlie chief merchant of his capital,
and endeavours to be, to the utmost
of his power, the monopolizer of its
trade. No duties are paid on 2;ood»
sold to him, as tliat is considered in
the inice. On all jmrchases of i;Tulf
g'oods by Europeans, such as brim-
stone, betelnnt, rattans, benzoin,
camphor, horses, S^c. the king's duties
are six per cent. There is a ship or
two arrives annually iVom Surat, the
proi)erty of native merchants there ;
from Benu;al the inhabitants arc sup-
plied with opium, tatfattas, and mus-
lins ; besides which, iron, and many
other articles of merchandize, are im-
ported l)y European traders : but it
is necessaiy that a strict guard be
kept on board ship while lyin<^ in
Aeheen liarbour, as the risk of beim?
eut olf by th<! Malay pirates is con-
.siderable. (Marsden, Forres^, El-
more, Sc.)
AcKORA, (Acara). — A smalltown
in the Afghan territories, in the pro-
vince of CaluU, 12 miles N. W. from
u\ttock, on the Indus. Eat. 33° 14'.
N. Long. 71°. 6'. F..
» AcKWALLAH, (Aeavah). — A town
in the Nizam's dominions, in the pro-
vince of lierar, 53 miles S.S. AV. from
J'^llichpoor. Lat. 20°. 42'. N. Long.
77°. 4(i'. E.
Adanad, ( Ad'umtlia),—X town in
the province of INlalabar, district of
Shirnada, celebrate<l as the throne of
tlve Alvangiieri 'I'amburaeul, or chief
of- the Nambnrios, who are the Braii^
mi us of ]\Ialabar. These Nambltrie'si'
will neither ent nor drink with th»
Brahmins ofother countries; but, likf
other Brahmins, they marry andliv*
with their wives, of whom they take
as many as they are able to support.
A Nambnrie'.? children are always
considered as his heirs ; but in orde*'
to prevent their losing dignity by be-
con)iug too numerous, the younger
sons of a Namburi family seldom mar--
ry. 'J'hey live with tlieir eldest bro-'
thers, and assist the wives of the
rajahs, and other Nairs of distinction,
to keep np their families. Many
Namburies have lost cast by having
coi^Huitted murder, or by haviiigr
eaten forbidden things ; in such cases"
their children generally become Ma-
honnnedans.
In the district of Shirnada, the low
hills oceu])y a very large proportion
of the eountiy. Tho soil in most of
them consists of a kind of indmated
clay, whic';, on exposure to the air,
becomes as hard as a brick. Tli«
continuance of the rain in this neigh-
bourhood is sutficient to ensme plenty
of water for any crop, that does not
require more than lour months to
conn^ to maturity. (F. Buchanan, f)-c.)
Adef.nagur, (Adhmgar). — • An
Afghan town in the province of Cabuli
district of Kameh, situated on the N-.
side of tho river Kameh, 60 miles K.
S, E. from the city of Cabul. Lat.
34°. 16'. N. Long. 69°. 34'. E.
Adilabad.— A town in the Nizam's
teiTitories, in the province of Berar^
30 miles S. W. from Chandah. Lat.
19°. 40'. N. Long. 79°. 25'. E.
AoiLABAn. — A toyvn in the Maha-
ratta dominions, in the pjnvinee (if
Khandesh, situated on the N. side of
the Poornali river, 20 miles S. from
Boorhanpoor. Lat. 21°. 4'. N. Long.
76°. 23'. E. Near to this place is a
lake, held in great veneration by the
Hindoos.
Adji River. — A small river which
has its source in the Paehete hills, in
the province of Ba bar, from whenco
it flows through the district of Birb-
hoom, where, dining the rains, it. is
ivdvig'able^ and at last falls into the
6
ADVIGARUM.
Hoogly Branch of the Ganges near
Cutwa.
AuJYGHUR. — A strong fortress in
the province of Biindelcund, situated
at nearly equal distances fiom Cai-
linjer and Pannah, and commanding
a pass through the mountains from
the former to the latter place. Within
the fort are three large reservoirs of
water cut in the solid rock, and the
ruins of three magnificent Hindoo
temples ; the name signifies the im-
pregnable fortress.
In 1809 it was besieged by the Bri-
tish ; and, after a considerable resist-
ance, in which a material loss was sus-
tained by the assailants, evacuated by
the garrison. "When the family of
Lutchman Dowah,the refractory Ze-
jnindar of Adjyghur, was ordered to
be removed, an old man, his father-
in-law, was sent into the women's
apartments, to prepare the females for
their removal. He not returning after
some time had elapsed,, the house
was entered by the roof, when it was
found he had cut the throats of all the
women and cliildren, eight in num-
ber, and afterwards his own. The
deed must have been perpetrated en-
tirely with the consent and assistance
of the females, as the persons in wait-
ing at the door never heard the slight-
est cries while the catastrophe was
performing. (lUA Asiatic Eeg. M.
S. ^c)
Adoni, (Aclavani). — A distiict in
the province of Bejapoor, situated
between the I5th and 16th degrees of
north latitude, and extending along
the south side of the Toombuddra
river. 'J'o the noith it has Rjchoor
in the Nii».am's dominions, and to the
south tlie Gcoty hills.
On the 12th Oct. 1 800, this district,
along with the tract of country situ-
ated south of the 'I'oombuddra and
Kilshna rivers, was ceded to the Bri-
tish government by the INizani, when
it was completely surveyed and
placed under the Bellarycollectorship,
but the revenue has not yet been per-
manently assessed. {5th Report, S)X.)
AuoNi. — A town in the province of
Bejapoor, the capital of a distiict of
the same name, and situated 1 45 miles
S. W.from Hyderabad in the Deccan.
Lat. 15°. 32'. N. Long. 77°. 16'. E.
This city was taken in 1568 by Ali
Adil Shah of Bejapoor, at which pe-
riod it was placed on the top of a high
hill, and contained within its walls
man}'' tanks and tbuntaius of pure
water, with numerous princely struc-
tures. The rajahs of Bijariagur, to
whom it before belonged, considered
it as impregnable, and an asy^lum for
their families in desperate emergen-
cies; but they lost it with their em-
pire, after the great battle fought
with the Deccany Mahommedan
sovereigns in 1564.
For a short time during the 18th
century it was the capital of a small
independent Patau state, and after-
wards became the Jaghire and resi-
dence of Bazalet Jung, brother to the
late Nizam Ali. In 1787 it was be-
sieged, taken, and destroyed, by Tip-
poo Sultan ; and, in 1800, along with
the district, was ceded to the British
by the Nizam. It is now a town of
very little consequence, and contain-
ing but a very scanty population.
Travelling distance tiom SeriiTg-
apatam 243 miles, from Madras 310,
from Hyderabad 175, and from Cal-
cutta 1030 miles. {Ferishta, \2th
Register, bth Report, Rennel, Src.)
Adrumpatnam. — A town on the
sea coast of the province of Tanjore,
37 miles S. by E. from the city of
Tanjore. Lat. 10°. 20'. N. Long.
79°. 3(/. E.
AuRiANNA. — A large village in the
province of Guzrat, district of Chala-
w'ura, containing about IGOO houses.
It is subject to the Coolies of Jhing-
warra, from which place it is distant
about eight mile.s.
Allhougliplaced at sncha distance,
this e(nnitry was infested l)y the de-
predatory robbers of JMaliia, until
Ihev were extirpated by the British,
and this town was regularly deserted
on receipt of intelligence that the
IMallia chief had stfuted on a plun-
dering expedition {M'Mvrdo, Sfc.)
Advigarum. — A town in the pro-
vince of Coimbctoor, 52 iuiles S. E.
AFGHANISTAN.
from Seringapatam. Lat. 12°. 1'. N.
Long. 77°. 28'. E.
AFGHANISTAN.
An extensive tract of country to tlie
west of the Indus, stretching; from the
30th to the 35th degrees of north lat.
and from the city of Canchiliar to the
Indus. This region to tlie N. W. is
bounded by the Hindoo Kho moun-
tains, which separate it from the pro-
vince of Bamian in Persia; to the
N. by the countries of Kuttore, or
Catfristan ; and to the S. by Baloo-
chistan. Tlie Indus river forms the
eastern boundaiy, and the province
of Segistan, in Persia, the western.
From N. to S. it may be estimated
at 350 miles, and tiic average breadth
from E. to W. at 800 miles. Many
of thecontiguousprovinces have been
occasionally subject to their sove-
reigns, but the indigenous country of
the Afghan tribes is comprehended
within the limits specified. Cabul
and Candahar, the two principal pro-
vinces, are subdivided into numerous
districts, and described under their
respective heads, to which the reader
is referred, for further local informa-
tions ; this article being intended to
collect such observations as apply
generally to the Afghan nation.
The country of Afghanistan proper
is denominated by the natives Pokli-
tankha, and is the country adjacent
to the town of Peshawer. The district
of Hashtanagar is situated in the cen-
tre of Afghanistan, and in the early
Mahommedan times was named Roh,
from whence originated the term Ro-
hillah. Hashtanagar derives its name
(which signifies eight townships) from
the eight original selllemcnts of the
country, which are sujiposed to (cor-
respond with the eight tbllowing dis-
tricts ; viz. 1. Nowshehra; 2. Char-
sada, including Paraug and Hesar ;
3. Kezzar ; 4. ( Jtmanzei; 5. Turanzei ;
6- Amarzei ; 7. JSherpai ; 8. Tangeh,
or Barkazei. Tiiis region is univer-
sally reckoned by the Afghans the
conntiy of their lirst settlement in
Afghanistan.
Ningarhav is the name oCan exten-
sive tract of countiy, ^\ atered by nine
mountain streams, which fall into Iho
river Jelalabad, The country of Nin-
garhar is irregular and uneven of
surface, though it has not any Aery
high mountains. It is about 90 miles
in length from cast to west, extending
from Balikot to Surkhab- In breadth
it extends from Caggah, or Cajjah, to
the river Lughman, a distance of
nearly 30 miles. The inhabitants are
chiefly Afghans and Tajies. The
ancient capital of tlie country was
Adinaghm- ; but, as tiiat was difficult
of access, and situated at a distance
fiom the principal river, the town of
Jelalabad was founded on the great
route from Candahar t(» Peshawer.
The Afghans, who occupy Ningar-
har, are chiefly of the tribes of Moh-
mand, Kluigiani, and Waragzei, Of
these the tribes of Mohmand, which
is divided into two branches, the
Tarakzei and the Balzei, is the most
numerous and powerful. This tract
of cotintn i.s now distinguished in
the maj)s by the names of Kameh and
Lumghanat, and contains the towns
of Adecnagnr, Surkhab, and Jelala-
bad. The term Tajie, in the Mogul
language, is said to signify a peasant ;
but it is generally applied by the Mo-
guls to the natives of Persia, who are
neither of Arab nor Mogul extrac-
tion.
The race of Afghans in Hindos-
tan are conrnionly known by the name
of Patans, the meaning or etymology
of which designation does not seem
to l)e satisfactorily ascertained. The
modern tribes of Afghans are very
luimerous, but the principal are those
of Lodi, Lohauni, Sur, Serwani,
Yusefzei, Bungish, Delazai, Khaiti,
Yazin, Khail, and Baloje. By the
best Persian historians the Alghan.s
are said to be descended from the
Jews, and Sir William Jones con-
sidered their language as a dialect of
the scriptural Chaldaic.
The inhabitantsof Afghanistan have
no peculiar written character, but
their language is distinct from that of
the surroijnding nations. In some
8
AF^dHANISTA'N/
Jiistorics of Asia, the Afghans are de-
sciil)etl as Tartars, but thry bear no
resemblance to this people, either in
persp!!, manner, or dialect. They are
a. hardy, robust race of men ; and,
being addicted to a state of predatory
•\yaifari-, hav>- a fixed contempt for
the otcupa lions of civil Hfe. Bread
of. wheat and barley, milk, butter, and
qhecse, eon.posc tlieir usual diet.
Throujchnfit i iindostan the Afghan
cliararter is of the very worst de-
5?cription, and tiiey are reprobated as
ferocious, sanguinary, and tieacherr
ous; but being a l)rave and hardy
race, they are, notwithstanding their
grievous faults, nuich sought after,
and entertained as soldiers by the
native powers.
The Gujars of Afghanistan are of
tlie same race as those v.ho occupy
the mountains of the Punjabs and
XJpper Hindostan. In so)ne districts
tJiey are nearly as numerous as the
Afghans, especially in the territories
of the tribe of Mandar, which form
an extensive district about 100 miles
Jjong, and 60 in breadth. Before the
time of Acber, all tlie Zemindars of
INIandar were of the Gujarrace; but
the APrhaus had occupied tlie moun-
tains .it a more early period ; and, de-
scending fioni these, they gradually
possessed themselves of the plains.
TIjc Irujars of Afghanistan are still
a brave peoj-.le, of pastoral habits,
■yiliose wealth consists chiefly in cat-
tle, and parllcalariy in buffaloes.
They arc still numerous in the dis-
trict of llashtaiiagur.
It is pro!.able tliat not l-50th part
of this \ast country is under a state
f»f permanent cultivation. JNJost of
the gcnniiic Afghan tribes arc niigra-
t.ory, and fhvcll in tents, and subsist
()n the produce ol' their Hocks; such
ps ar< more stationary in their habits,
are but little a(!di( ted to agriculture.
In thcsonlh, Afghanistan is a barren
desert of sand, and to the north of
f aluil it is a savage and mountainous
pou'ntry. The central part through
.which the Cow and Cabni rivers flow,
jS fertile, and uiulcr a tranquil go-
Veriunent niight be rendered extrente-
ly productive; but this "is a small
portion of the whole; The populatibn
is, consequently, very unecjual to the
extent of territory; and, probably,
does not exceed three millions of in-
habitants of aH descriptions. Of these
a very great proportion are jVIahom-
mcdans of the Soonee persuasion, the.'
Hindoos being few, and chielly set-
tled in the towns and villages as mer-
chants, shopkeepers, and bankers. '
The Hazareh are a distinct race
fiora either tJie Afghans or Moguls^
although their tribes are intermixed
with these and other races. Their
original seat is said to have been the
country between Herat and Balk ;
but their possessions extend much
wider, and they occupy a consider-
able part of the country betvA'eeit
Ghizni and Candahar in One direc-
tion, and between Maidan and Balk
on the other. They are, probably, of
Pehlavi extiaction.
The armies of the state are com-
posed of a diversity of nations, but
the best troops arc drawn from the
Afg]ian distiicts. Cavah^ constitute
the chief military sti-engtli ; a service-
able horse, in this country, costing
only about six pounds sterling. A
corps of infantiy, armed with match-
locks, composes also a part of the
Afghan armies.
The cities and towns of Afghan-
istan are chiefly inhabited by Hin-
doos and Mahommedans of the Pun-
jab, who were established by the for-
mer princes of Hindostan to intro-
duce conmierce and civilization;
many families of Persian and Tartar
extraction aic also dispersed in dif-
ferent parts of the country: the for-
mer are denominated Parsewans, the
other Moguls; but both have adopted
the use of the Persian language.
The Afu;hanH received the religion
of Mahommed from their Tartar con-
querors, and like them profess the
Sooni creed, but they are by no
means strict in the performance of
their religious duties, and their couni
try has been the seat of many here-
•sies; 'mostly propagated by the. sworr?.
The nature of their sovereignty -is
AFGHANISTAN.
9
<?Gspotie,l)'ut wlien not conr4raincd
by some exlraoitlinary power or ca-
pacity of the rcip,nin!^ prince^ they
disperse into societies, and resemble
si feudal government.
Certain territories of Afghanistan
were conqnered in the ninth century
by the Khans of Bokliara, of the
Samani race, and annexed to the
Tartar principality of Khorasan, from
whence a subordinate chief was de-
puted to govern at Ghizni ; but it
does not appear that the northern
part of the country was subdued un-
til the rei<;n of Alahmood, th<5 se-
cond prince of the Ghiznavi race,
Avho completed the conquest of Af-
ghanistan.
No substantial tradition of the Af-
ghans, or of the state of their coun-
Iry, is found on record until the year
of the Christian era A. D. 997, when
Sebuctasjhi, a Tartar oHicer in the
service of the Khorasan chief, who
at that period was himself subject to
Munsur at Samani, the groat Khan
of Bokhara, succeeded to the terri-
tory, renounceil the Tartar vassalage,
and extending his con(|uests to At-
ghanistan, made Ghizni the capital of
his empire.
The Ghiznavi dbminions were
chiefly acquired by jMahmood, the
son ofSebuctaghi,and conqnehcnded
a large portion of Persia and Hi;i-
dostan. This dynasty flourished for
the space of 207 years, initil A. \).
1159, when the power was wrested
from it by the Afgh;iu, Mahommed
Ghori. This prince left to a favourite
f?lave, named Eldoze, his possessions
Avest of the Indus, which were soon
* oveiTun by the Persian Prince of
Kharizm, whose successor, Jillal tul
Deciij was eoniiucred and expelled
by Gengis Khaib
From this period until the invasion
of Tamerlane, the Afghan history is
involved in obs( mity. In the year
•1561, l''crishta mentions that Mah-
Tuood, a Patau King of Delhi, drove
the Mognlsiiom Gliizni, and annex-
ed it to the emj)ire of Hindostan. It
is probable it continned subject to
the Delhi thron<', until 'l^imour's ex-
pedition info India In 1398, when
the northern quarter of Afghanistan
became a Mogul province.
After Timour's death, when the'
great fabric of the Samarcand Mogul
empire fell to pieces, we may pre-
sume it was governed by its nativo
chiefs until 1.506, at which period the
Emperor Baber, prior to his invasion
of Hindostan, seized on Cabnl and
(jhizni, which, with Candahar occa-
sionally, were held by his posterity
until tiic death of Aureugzebe (who;
in 1678, subdued an insurrection of
the Afghans), after which event it<<
subjection was scarcely nominal.
About A. I). 1720, the Afghans, un-
der their native chiefs, conqnered
Persia; but, in 1737, were expelled
by Nadir Shah from that country, and
their own subjugated. In 17;"j9, after
the cajiture of Deliii by Nadir Sliahi
Afghanistan was, by treaty, annexed
to the Persian empire.
On the assassination of that con-
queror in 1747, Ahmed Shah Abdalli
seized on the Afghan territorie.?, and
having run through a long and ar-
duous military career, died in 1773.
By a decisive and sanguinary victory
at Paneput, in 1761, he arrested the
progress of the i\Iaharatta contpusts,
which menaced the Malionwuedaii
princes with total expulsion from
iJiiidostau.
He was succeeded by his son, Ti-
mourSliah,\\ iio was at an early period
obliged to relinquish liahore to the
Seiks. On the east of the Indus he
still retained the province of Cash-
mere, the district of Atfock, with
some scattered j)ortions of JMooltaU,
and received tribute from the Ameers
of Sinde. He likewise j)ossess(>fl a
large di\ision of Khorasan, which,
incliuling the city of Herat, extends
on the north to the vicinity of Nis-
habor andTarshish, ami on the south
to the lesser Irak.
Timour Shah died in 1792, after a
reign of 19 years, leaving 19 sons.
To the eldest, Humaycum, he gavR
the sovereignty of Herat and Canda-
har; to '/eniaiur Shah, Cabnl and tlio
rest of^his Aljihan territories, a,s well
10
AGRA.
as Cashmere and Mooltan. Hunia-
yoon was atterwards dethroned and
blinded by his brother Zemaun Sliab,
who, in 1796, advanced as far as La-
hore with an army of 23,000 cavalry,
cansed great alarm in Hindostan,
and retreated.
In 1802 Zemaun Shah was de-
throned and deprived of sight by his
brother Mahmood Shah, who was
shortly after expelled and pardoned
by his brother Swjah ul Moolk,
against whom he rebelled in 1809, in
which year Snjah ul Moolk's army
was discomfited, and his standard
abandoned by most of his chieftains.
IMahommed Khan, the viceroy of
Cashinere, taking advantage of these
dissensions, in 1809 erected the Hag
of independence in that province,
which still continues unsubdued, and
the subjection of the other districts
composing the Afghan empire little
more than nominal. {Foster, Ley den,
Wth Register, Jones, Vansittart, ^c.)
Ager. — A large town with a stone
fort, in the province of Malwah, 42
jniies N. by E. from Oojain. Lat.
23°. 44'. N. Long. 76°. 3'. E. To the
south of this town, which is subject
to Siudia, is a line lake. (^Hunter, Sfc.)
AGRA.
A large province in Hindostan,
situated principally between the 25th
and 28th degrees of north latitude.
It is bounded on the north by the
province of Delhi, on the south by
that of Malwah; on the east it has
the provinces of Oude and Allahabad,
and on the west that of Ajmeer. Jn
length it may be estimated at 250
miles by 180 the average breadth. In
the institutes of Acber, compiled by
Abul I'azel, A. D. 1582, this pro-
vince is described as follows:
" The soubah of Agra is situated
in the second climate. In length from
Chatimpoor (Gau(unip«ior) which
contines it on the side of Allahal)ad,
to Pulwall, the boundary towards
Delhi, it measures 175 coss ; its
breadth is from Kaiiogc to Chaiidicc
in Malwa. This soubah contains 1.^
districts, viz. 1. Agra; 2. Calpee; 3.
Canoge; 4. Cowl; 5. Gualior; 6.
Irej ; 7. Sanwan ; 8. Narwar ; 9. Mund-
layer; 10. Alvar; 11. Tejareh ; 12.
Narnoul; 13. Sehar. These districts
are subdivided into 203 pergunnahs.
The amount of the revenue is
1 ,61 ,56,257 rupees. It furnishes 50,600
cavalry, 477,570 infantry, and 221
elei)hants."
The surface of this province, north
of tlie Chumljul, is in general ilat and
oj)en, and rather bare of trees ; but
south of that river, and also towards
the north western frontier, it is more
hilly, and trees become more plen-
tiful. The climate for the greater part
of the year is temperate, and during
the winter months actually cold ; but
while the hot winds prevail, like the
otlier central coiuitries of Hindostan,
the heat is intejise, and the climate
generally unhealthy. Fortunately
their continuance is not of long du-
ration.
The chief rivers in this province
are the Jumna, the Chumbul, and
the Ganges, besides which there are
many smaller streams; but, upon the
whole, this country is indillerently
supplied with water, and during the
dry season to the north of the Cluun-
bul, excejtt in the immediate vicinity
of the rivers, water for agiicultural
purposes is procured from wells. A
great proportion of the cultivation is
consequently restricted to such crops
as do not, like rice, require a re-
dundant sui)ply of moisture. The
soil is particularly adapted for the
production of indigo, which might be
raised in any quantity, as also sugar
and cotton; but except in that por-
tion of the province under the Bri-
tish jurisdiction, all processes of agri-
culture are in a very backward state,
owing to the confusion and incessant
warfare by which the province has
been distracted ever since the death
of Aurengzebe in 1707. In this jno-
vince there are no remarkable or
peculiar mineral productions, and the
animals are the same as in iliudosr
tan generally, but the horses art
AGRA.
11
much superior to those of Bengal
and the more eastern and southern
provinces.
I'he principal article manufactur-
ed in this province is coarse clolh,
but the export of it is not great.
The Britisli pro\inccs to the south-
east rccii\o tii.nually an ini]>or1alion
of cotton from the south ol'llie Chuni-
bul, by the route of Calpee, but a
considerable proj'ortion of it is the
growth of -V.iilwah, and tlie >hilia-
ratla tcrritoiics to the south-east of
Agra. The Doab, or ttnitory be-
tween the Canges atid llie Jumna,
wliith may be tetmed the garden of
the pro\ince, exports indigo, sugar,
and cotton. The country to the
north-west of Agra, under the jNIa-
clurry Rajah of Aha and other na-
tive chiefs, beijig ill supplied with
water, is of a very inferior quality,
and generally unproductive. L'pon
the whole, the province is but thinly
peopled compared with Kc)igal,Tan-
jore, and the more flourishing of the
British provinces, and does not, pro-
bably, in all its diniensions, contain
more than six millions of inhabitants.
'I'he Doab, and that part of it pos-
sessed by the British, is by far the
most fertile, populous, and best go-
verned. At present this province is
partitioned nearly in the following
manner:
The north-western and western
districts, to the north of the Chuni-
bul, are possessed by the Rajahs of
Macherry and Bhnrtpoor, and other
native chiefs in alliance w ith the Bri-
tish government, who form a pro-
tecting boundary towards the domi-
nions of the Ajmecr Rajpoot chiefs,
and those of the Mahvah Alaharattas.
All the territory to the east of the
Jumna, and a small district round
the city of Agra, is possessed by the
British governmesit, which has there
instituted a regidar civil establish-
ment for the coUettion ot the le-
venuc, and the administration of jus-
tice.
I'he counlry to the south of the
Chumbul, c; mprehcnding Guaiior,
Gohud, Naiwai'j &.c. with the excep-
tion of the town and dislrict of Cal-
pee, are either ai the possession of,
or tributary to, the JV'Jaharatlas, who,
by this arrangement, aie shut out
from the north of Hindostan.
The principal towns in this pro-
vince are Alvar, the capital of the
Machrrry Rajah; Bhuttpoor, the
capital of the Jauts ; Dceg, another
strong Jaut fortress; AJathura, Ka-
noge, Etaweh, Guaiior, Gohud, Cal-
pee, and Narwar. 'I'he natives of
this province arc, in general, a hand-
some robust race of men, and con-
sist of a mixture of liiu(!oos and
]\Jahommedans. few of the iseiks
having vet como so far soiith. A
considerable nuiiiijcr of the culti\a-
tors to the west of the Jumna are
Jauts, who are a liindoo trilie, w Inch
religion still predominates, although
the province has been permanently
subject, since the 13th century, to
the Mahommedans. 1 he language
of common intercourse thjoughout
the Agra province is the IJhulostaiiy,
but the Persian is used for public and
official documents, and in conversa-
tion among the higher classes of
Mahommedans. Ihe ancient lan-
guage of Kanoge is thought, by Mr.
Colebrooke, to form the basis of the
modern tiindostany.
In the remote ages of Hindoo an-
tiquity, tliis province must have form-
ed a very important portion of Jrlin-
dostan, as it contained Kanoge, Ma-
thura, and Binclrai und, the seats of
their most famous empires, and still
among their most venerated jjlaces of
pilgrimage. 'I'he city of Agra is also
supposed to have beeir the birth-
place of the Avatar, or incarnation
of Vishna, under the naihe ot Pa-
rasu Rama, w hose conquests extend-
ed to and included Cejlon- After the
Mahommcdau conquest it followed
the fate of Delhi, and during the
reign of Acber, vNas the leatling j>ro-
vince of the empire. Subscqueist to
the death of Aurcngzebe, in 1707, it
V as alternately possessed and ravag-
ed by the Jauts, jNiaiiarattas, and
dilferent chiefs depulcd from Delhi,
to restore the royal authority. One
.f.J AHMEOABAD.
of the liittpr, kiuljilTKIian, oovorncd
this ])ro\iiir<' iiorili of 1h<> Cluinibul
from 1777 to his df-alh, iiulrpendent
of all toulrrxil from tin; Delhi so-
Acn^igns. (Ahvl I'/izel, Scott, Colc-
Innnkc, Wilford, (Sr.)
AcuA. — A small (listrirf in the
province of Agra, in Ihc immediato
virinity of the- city of A2;ia. Jiy Abnl
J'awi, ill 15K'l, it is described as fol-
lows :
■ " Sircar Asraronfains 33 njahals;
measnremont. <),107?622 begahs ; ro-
vomio, ]{)\,7\9,2m dams. Seynru;-
li-,d, 14,506,818 dams. 'Ibis Sircar
finnishos 11,660 cavalry, and 100,800
infantry." "
'i'hc country immediately to the
sonth of Aura is (ht and open, and
tolerably vveil cultivated, but bare of
trees. l)inin<;; the cold season the
tanks, streams, and rivnlets, areqnite
dry, and water for agricnllnral and
domestic inirposes is procnred iVoni
•wells. Since isOf this district has
been under the IJritish.jniisdiction.
A(iin. — A city in the province of
A'ATU, of which it is the capital, si-
tiiated on the S. W. side of the river
.lumna. Lat. 27°. 12'. N. Lona,-. 77°.
56'. E. By Abul I'azel, in 1582, it
is described as follows:
" Ap;ra is a Iar2;e city, the air of
which is esteemed very healthy. The
river .Inmna rnns through it for tive
coss. 'l"he I'.mperor A(;l>er founded
h<Me a most magniticent city. In
former tinics Agra was a village, de-
pendent on Biiina."
The most remarkable edifiec in
miidcni Agra is the Taujc Mahal, a
mausoleum en-cled by the JMnix-ror
Shah .Iclian, for the crlebraled Noor
Jcharr lUgum. It is situated on th<!
siMidicrn banks of the .lumna, about
thr<c miles from the fort of Agra, and
in biidl entirely of white marble. It
is ciselosed within a space of 300
yards, extending along the river, and
is nearly 190 yar<ls sqnare. The
dome rises from the <-cntrc, and is
about 70 feet in diann.'ter.
The houses in Agra consist of se-
veral stories, like those in Henares,
;ind IImj streets are- so narrow as
scarcely to admit apatanqueeh. Tlrti'
greatest part of this once ilourishing"
city is now a heap oi niins, and al-
most uninhabiled. Six miles to the
north Agra is the mausoleum of Ac-
ber at Secudra. From the snnunit of
the Minaret, in front of it, a spec-
tator's eye may range over a great
circuit of country, not less than 30
miles in a direct line. The whole of
this space is flit, and filled with the
ruins of ancient grandeur; at a dis-
tance the river Jumna is seen, and
the glittering towers of Agra.
In the month of June the river
Jumna, at Agi"a, is about half a mile
broad, and it is not fordable liere at
any season. 'J'hc city rises from the
river, extending in a vast semicircle.
'J'he fort, in which is included tho
imperial palace, is of great extent.
I'his city was greatly enlarged and
embellished in 1566, by the Em-
peror A cber, who made it his capital;
and it has also the honour of being
the birth-place of Abul Fazel, his
prime minister. It was taken by
Aladajee Sindia, and continued in the
possession of the IMaharattas until
1803, when it was captured by the
Dritish army under (General Lake,
after a short and vigorous siege. It
has ever since; remained in the pos-
session of the British government^
and is the seat of a civil establish-.
ment for the collection of the re-
venue, and the admiuistratiou of just-
ice.
Travelling distance from Delhi 137
miles ; from Calcutta by Birbhoom,
830 miles. (Abid Fazel, 5 R<'g.
Hoffocs, Rcnnel, Src.)
AuMEDAiiAD.— A city in the pro-,
vince of Uujrat, of which it is the
ca|>ital. Lat.' 22°. 58', N. Long. 72°.
36'. i:.
This place is situated in a level
country, on the banks of a, small
navigable river named the Saber^
maty, which, together with other
«'0)illuent streams, lalls into the gulf
ofC'ambay, near the city of Cambay,
which is properly the port of Ahme-
dabad; distant about 56 road miles*
About the.iniddlo of> Hic loth ceiiji
3
AHTER.
iii
iAXty thi* tity was the ♦apital of a
Jli)iirisluug imloi)eiKlcMit cmpirt', pai-
ticuhulj iluiiiig the roigu oiMulunood
Bcgia, A. D. 1450, but it has since
lallcn greatly to decay. It stiU rc-
iiiaius ouc ut' tlie best tbrtilied towns
in llie ptovince* ami made a good
dcfeuec when taken by Genei;d God-
durd in 1780. It was restored to the-
jMahaiattas at the peace ot'1783, and
with them it still conliniics. A great
proportion of the itinerant nuisieians,
players, and poets, named bhauaee,
or rasdaree, so eoimnou throughout
Cnjrat, come tVom tlie neighbotu-
liood of this town. In the Gnjrat-
tee villages their peribrmanccs are
paid for at the public expense, as are
also the bauds of jugglers aud wrest-
lers.
Travelling distance from Bombay
321 uiihs; from Poonah, 38L>; froiii
Delhi, 610; and from Calcutta by
Oojain, riU4 miles. {Ketuiel, Drmti-
■uiotid, S,-c.)
vVHAiKOMJ'tiGUR. — A city in the
tnodern province tif Aurnngabad, to
which country this place Ibrmerly
ffaveitsown appellation, having been
ti>r many years the capital of one of
<he Dcccany sovereignties. Lat. 19°.
1'. N. Long. 75^. 4'.^!':.
xVfter tile dissolution of the Bha-
menee empire of the Deccan, Ahmed
^izam S!»ah established liu' iiule-
pendeiit state of Alimciliniggur about
the year 1489 ; in 1493 he laid the
tbundations of this town, and made
it his capital.
He died A. D 1508.
Eijorahan Nizain Shall died 1553.
lioussein Nizam hhah died 1565.
jMortiza Niisam Shah became in-
sane, and was nnndered by his sou
Meeraun Housscin, A.D. 1487. ;.
,;iMcerauji lioussein was assassinatp
«■(! alter a reign of two mcmths aud
llnee days.
Isinaei Nizam Sliah was taken
prisoner, and confined by liis father,
ajtej' ;), very sh(jrt reign.
; JJctorahan Shah died in 1594.
Ibrahim Shah, having reigned four
/jjonth.s^^w as kilb.'d in battle.
'Batiaduiisluiii, aw iniant, was taken
prisoner Ity the Moguls, and courmed
for life in the fort of Cualior, and
with him ended the Nizam ShaJice
dynasty of Ahmednuggin-, about the
year 1600. Nominal suvereigns <if
this family existed at Douh-labad
until 1634, whcn.it was also (aken.
and the Nizam Shalue dominions
Lecaine a province of the jNlogui em-
pire.
Anniednnggnrcontintied underlhc
govcrinnciit (»f the Delhi sovereigns
until the death of Aurengzebe, in
1707, when it was at a very early
period seized on by the iMaliaratfas,
and continued pail of the I'eshwa's
dominions until 171*7, vv hen Dowlet
Bow Sinilia loieed the I'esliwa to
cede to him tnis important fortress,
with the surrounding dlsliid ; by
which cession he not only obtained
the connnand of the city of Poonali,
but the best entrance into the ter-
ritories of the Peshwa and of our
ally, the Nizam.
On the 12th of August, 1803, this
city was taken by General Welles-
ley, and ceded to the British by
Dowlet Row Sindi.i at the treaty of
peace concluded on thc^ 30th De-
cember, 1803. In April, 1804, it was
restored to the Peshwa, and has ever
since continued in his possession.
Travelling distance from Poonah
83 miles ; from Bombay by !^;onali,
181; from Hyderabad, 335; fiuiii
Oojain, 365 ; from Nagpoor, 403 ;
from Delhi, 830; and from Calcutta,
Illy miles. {Scott, Fcrinhta, MaU
lolm, 5th and 7th i»*i'n\y. liiiiuol, iVc.)
Ahmedi'OOK. — A town in the pro-
vince of Cuttaek, siiualed 11 miles
N. from the temple at Juggernanth.
Lat. lb°. 59'. N. Long. 86°. 2'. E.
jjAhmooi), {Amod). — A town in the
province of Gujrat, 24 miles N. trom
the toivn of Broach. La(. 22°. N.
Long. 73°. 3'. E. ^"\ ilh tin; sin--
rounding district, it belongs to the
Maharatta Peshwa.
AlUKR, {Atura). — A town in tha
province of Agra, district of Bah-
doriah, siinated on the sontii side of
the Clnnnbnl river, 50 miles S. E.
frum Ajruj and tiiUulary. to tlie M-i.-
14
AJMEER.
harattas. Lat. 26°. 43'. N. Long.
78°. 33'. E.
AiBECCA. — ^A small town on the
sea coast of tlie province ot" Tra-
vancor; liavin<2; a bar harbour, and
situated 1G3 miles N. W. from Cape
Comorin. Lat. 9°. N. Lonjr. 76®.
S3'. E. Small ships are built liere,
and lime is burned from o)ster and
muscle sh;'lis, of Mhich immense
quantities are found in the neighbour-
iuEf snlt lakes, and between the small
islands. (Fra Paolo, Sfc.)
"Aiou Baua. — A Papuan isle, five
miles in ciicunifercnce, surrounded
by a cluster of .smaller ones, and
situated to the north of Wageeoo.
Lat. 0°. 24'. N. Loner. 131°. 10'. E.
The inhal)itnnts of 7\iou Baba, who
are mostly Papnas, with busiiy friz-
zled hair, cultivate these islands but
very little, havini? great plenty of fish
and turtle, which they dis])ose of at
the island of Wageeoo, and receive
sag-o in return. They also sell tor-
loiseshell and swallo (biehe de mar)
to the Chinese, who trade to this
island in sloops; and occasionally birds
of|)aradise are to be purchased here.
These islands were formerly nomi-
Kally subject to the Sultan ot'Tidore.
(^Forrest, <'^-c.)
Adjuntee Pass, {Ajcnjanti). — A
pas:i through the mountains in the
province of Berar, 38 miles N. N. W.
triun Jaliiapoor. Lat. 20°. 26'. N.
Long. 70°. 12'. E. At the head of the
pass is the tow n of Adjuntee, which is
under the Nizam's goverinnent. It is
enclosed with walls, but is not a place
of any strength. The name is a
Sanscrit word, meaning the difficult
or ini|)regnabie pass.
A.IEK Hi V er. — A river in the Gujrat
pcnin.sula, which rises near Sirdar, in
the ctntrcofthe coun1r>', and after
a short course divides into two
streams at ]Madhuj)Oor, about six
miles below Burkoo village ; after
which both fall into the Kun, near
Balumbaii. In point of size, the Ajee
is next to the Mutchoo river. —
{M'Murdo, 4-c.)
Ajitmul, {Ajitmala). — A town in
the pru\iucc of Agra distiittt of
Etavveh, 25 miles west from Caun-
poor. Lat. 20°. 23'. N. Long. 79°.
67'. E.
AJMEER OR RAJPOOTANA,
(Ajamida.)
A large province in the centre of
Hiiidostan proper, situated princi-
pally between the 2.5th and 30th de-
grees of north latitude. To the north
it is bounded by the provinces of
Mooltan and Dellii ; to the south by
Mahvah and Gujrat ; on the east it
has Delhi and Agra ; and on the west
the province of Sinde. In length,
from north to south, this province may
be estimated at 350 miles, by 220
the average breadth. In the Insti-
tutes of Acbcr, compiled by Abul
Fazel, A. D. 1582, this province is
described as follows :
" The Soubah of Ajmeeris situated
in the second climate. The length,
from Backar and the dependencies
of Umbeer to Bicanene of Jelmeir,
is 168 coss ; and the breadth, from the
extremity of Circar Ajmeer to Bans-
wara, includes 150 coss. On the
east lies Agra, and on the north, part
of Delhi : it has Gujrat to the south,
and Delialpoor of Mooltan confines
it on the west. The soil of this soubah
is sandy, and it is necessary to dig a
great depth before water can be pro-
cured ; so that the success of the har-
vest entirely depends on the period-
ical rains. The winter is temperate ;
but the summer is intensely hot. To
the south are momitains, this pro-
vince abounding in stroug holds.
This soubah comprehends Meywar,
Marwar, and Nadowty, which are
separated into seven districts, sub-
divided into 197 perguunahs. The
names of the districts are, 1. Ajmeer ;
2. Chitore ; 3. Rantanpoor ; 4. Joud-
pooi-; 5. Sarowy; 6. Nagore ; 7.
Bicanere. The measured lands ar»
21,4.35,961 begahs; the amount of
the revenue, 22,841,.507 dams; out
of which 2,326,336 dams aie Seyurg-
hal. It can furnish 86,500 infantry,
aud 347,000 cavalrj."
AJMEER.
15
In delineating this provinee, Abul
Fazel appears to have too much
compressed its limits towards the
south, where were the principal
Rajpoot tributary states, which pro-
bably in his time had been but lit-
tle explored. The province of Ajmeer
is occasionally named Marwar ; but
this appellation is projierly restricted
to the Joudpoor tenitories.
The northern division of this pro-
▼incc, comprehending Eicancre and
the neighbouring districts, is a bar-
ren, unfertile plain, bare of trees, and
almost destitute of rivers and rivu-
lets, and but very thinly inhabited ;
the central territory, which includes
Joudpoor and Jyenagur, is more
hilly, and better supplied with water,
jet not in sutlieicnt tpiantities for
wet crops. TIjc soil is also of a re-
markable f;aliiie nature, containing
salt lakes and springs, and producing
salt and saltpetre spontaneously. The
southern division is very hilly and of
(liihcult access ; but, in general, well
covered with trees and shrubs, and
watered by many mountain streams,
besides the Banass and Chumbul
rivers.
The three grand modern divisions
of Ajmeer, or Rajpootana, arc, 1st,
The state of Odeypoor, named also
Mewar, or the Kana of Chitoie ;
2dly, Joudpoor, named also Marwar,
and its sovereign occasionally de-
seril)ed as the llhatore Rajah, being
of that tribe; 3dly, Jyenagur, J ey-
poor, or Ambeer.
Under these heads respectively,
and the names of the chief towns,
further topographical details will be
found ; it being intended here only to
exhibit a general view of the province,
v\ hicli is at present partitioned in the
following maimer : —
The cit) of Ajmeer, and the forty-
six surrounding peigunnahs, belong
to Dow let Row Sindia, and the dis-
trict of Tonk Rampoorah to the
Holcar family.
The eastern quarter of tlie central
division is occupied by the Jeynagur
Kajah ; and the south eastern by the
Kajahs of Kotub; £ooud«, and other
petty Rajpoot chiefs tributary to the
Mahrattas, and engaged in a con-
stant state of hostilities with each
other.
The western parts of the central
division are subject to the Rajah
of Joudpoor, whose dominions are
of great extent ; and the south-west-
ern are possessed by the Rana of
Odeypoor.
From these principalities the Mal-
wah Maharattas, when they are
strong enough, levy annual contri-
butions, which is the easier effected,
on account of their disunion and un-
ceasing internal warfare. Respecting
the baiTcn and desolate region to the
north, very little is known, as it has
yet, from its poverty, attracted but
little attention.
The constitution of these countries
is feudal ; each district, town, and
even village, being governed by petty
chiefs, dignified with the title of
Thakoor, or Lord, who frequently
yield but a nominal obedience to the
l)erson who is reputed to be their
superior or sovereign. The rents are
very low ; but every village is ob-
liged to furnish a certain number of
horsemen at the shortest notice.
The Rajpoots are hardy and brave,
and extremely attached to their re-
spective chiefs : they are much ad-
dicted to the use of opium — this
destructive diug being produced by
them on all occasions, and presented
to visitors as betel is in other parts
of India. They are usually divided
into two tribes — the Rhatore, and
the Chohan Seesodya Rajpoots.
Respecting the number of inhabi-
tants but a very vague estimate caa
be formed ; but, by compaiison with
certain other districts, the numbers
of which have been ascertained, al-
though occupying so great a space,
the population in all probability docs
not exceed five millions; and of those
not above one-tenth arc Mahomme-
dans. The principal towns are Jye-
nagur, Joudpoor, Odeypoor, Ajmeer,
Kotah, Boondee, Rantampoor, Chi-
tore. Amber, and Shahpoorah.
Although this proviuco occupies
16
AJMEf^K.
the centicQf Hiu«loslaii, and its east-
ern tVouticr is -within 90 niilcs of
'Delhi, it was luver lUoioiiglil.v suIj-
jiiL^ated either by the Patau or Mogul
i;iui)erors. Rajahs of Ajniccr arc
lueiitiouod by Ferishta so early as
A. D. lOOB; at which period they
jcjiucd a cuuibiuatiou of Hindoo
princes against Mahmood of Gliizui,
and in 1193 it was conquered, or
rather overrun by jMahonnued, the
fust Gauride sovereign of India,
After this date it coutinucd tributary
to the throne of Delhi ; and, ou ac-
count of the refractory conduct of its
princes, was fr«(iuently invaded by
tlie emperors, who repeatedly took
and destroyed all their chief towns.
Yet the proviuee ne^er became a
fegular organized i)ossession, like
Delhi, Agra, and many nnicli more
remote countri(\s, but remained in
a sort oV hall-hulepcndent state,
paying a tribute, and furnishing the
imperial armies with a certain num-
ber of Rajpoot mercenaries, who
were always held in high estimation,
ou account of their bravery and lidc-
lity, and formed a counterpoise to the
ilogids and Afghans.
After Aurengzebe's death, in 1707,
and the dissolution of the Mogul
empire, which soon ensued, it con-
tinued for some time under a no-
minal subjecliou to the Delhi throne ;
but, about 1748, assumed total inde-
pendence. 'l"he interval since that
period has been lilled up by internal
warfare, and invasions by the Mah-
arattas and other hordes of plun-
derers. During the latter part of the
reign of Madhajce Sindia, and the
commencement of that of Dowlet
Row Sindia, they were very nearly
comitlctcly subdued by the disciplin-
ed troops under Generals Du lioignc
and Perron in tlie pay of those chiefs.
They have since recovered a little,
hot by any intrinsic addition to their
ow n strength, but by the depression
of their most dangerr)us adversary,
Dowlet Row Sindia, "who does hot
liow possess the same powcrfid nieans
of enforcing his extortions. In 1807,
the Hajalis of Jyeuagur and Joud-
pot>r continued tlieir mutual preten-'
sions to marry the daughter of th«j
Raua of Odeypoor, and engaged in
hostilities, whieli were fermented and
supported i)y Ameer. Khan, Holkar,
Sindia, and other depredators, who
benefit by the dissensions among the
R aj poots. {Abid Fazcl, Rennel, Scott,
BroKg'/iion, Maurice MS. .Vc.)
Ajmeek. — A town in the province
of Ajnioer, of which it is the capital.
Lat." 20°. 3ry. N. Long. 74°. 48'. E. .
This town, and the surrounding
district, containing forty-six pergun-.
nahs, are subject to Dowlet Rovr
Sindia. It is situated in the centre
of the Rajpoot states of Jyeuagur,
Joudpoor, and Odeypoor, was for-
merly rented by Amljajee, and sinet;
his death continued to his brother
Balarow. In 1800 it was held by M.
Perron. The boundary to the west
is at the town of Meerla, which scr
parates Ajmeer from Joudpoor.
Tiie fort of Ajmeer, named Tara-
gur, is built on the north-east end
of a range of hills, and consists prin-
cipally of a plain stone w all along the
edge of the mountain, strengthened
with a few round bastions, lire city
lies at the bottom of the lull, and is"
surrounded by a stone wall and ditch
in bad repair. The streets are nar-
row and dirty, and most of the houses
small, and in a state of decay. It
still possesses a palace^ built in a
garden by Shah Jelian ; besides
which, there are scarcely any re-
mains of magnilicenee to be seen,
cither internally or externally.
The whole country round Ajmeer
forms a Hat sandy amphitheatre, sur*
rounded by low ranges of hills, in
consequence! of which the place is
uncommonly sultry; but it. is well
supplied with water from two lakes,
which are close under its AValls, The
most northern is six riiiles in circum-
ference, and very deep ; and, at par-
ticular seasons, both arc covered
with Hocks of ducks and geese.
The principal attraction of Ajmeer
is the tomb of Khaja Moycn ud Deeii^
one of the greatest jMahonnnedsijji
jiuiuts that ever lloiirished iu Hitt*
ALLESTAR.
17
dosfan, wliicli happened about six
huiKircd jtars a;j;o. It is of wJjite
marble, but rciuavkabic neither for
beauty nor style orarcititccture. Al-
though the distance tVoiu tliis tomb
to Aji,Ta be 230 miles, yet tlie great
and wi!:e Emperor Acber made a pil-
grimage on foot to the tomb of this
saint, to implore divine blessings on
bis familj', which eousisted only of
daughters; but, after tiiis pilgrimage,
received the addition of three sons.
The peer zadas, or attendant |)riests,
who subsist on the conlriinitions at
the tomb, exceed 1100 in unnjlser,
.and demand, or rather extort charity
from all visitors. Madliajee and Dow-
let Row Sindia, although Hindoos,
Mere remarkable for their devotion
to Mahommedan saints and customs.
Tlie latter bestowed a snpcrb pall
and canopy of cloth and gold on the
tomb, and is particularly bountiful to
the devotees ami peer zadas. lour
miles from this city is a remarkable
place of Hindoo pilgrimage named
Tooshkur, or Pokur.
Jehangccr, the son and successor
of the Emperor Acber, occasionally
kept his court here, which caused the
embassy of Sir Thomas Rowe, in
1616, when the East India Compiiny
had a factory established here. Aj-
mecr, or Ajinida, is tieiived liom the
iiauie of an ancient monarch who
ruled the ])ro\iiice.
Travelling di.st;vnce from Delhi
230 miles ; tiom Oojain, 256 ; from
Iiombay, CoO ; and from Caleutia,
1030 miles. {BroHglitDu, liennel, Sic.)
Aklooss. — A town in the Maha-
ratta territories, in the i)rovince of
Bejapoor, near Assudnagur, with a
fort and well-supplied bazar. 'I'his
place is nearly a mile in lengtli, and
has several handsome wells and build-
ings. The Nera river is a little to
the north of the town, and during
the rains is about 100 yards broad.
{31oor, ^-c.)
Akrauny. — A town in the Ma-
haratta tcrritoritvs, in the province of
Jikandcsh ; 82 miles J^. N. E. from
Surat. Lat 21°. 40'. N. Long. 74°.
14'. E.
Alacananda Rtvkr. — This river
springs from the Himalaya moun-
tains, in tlxi province of Serinagur,
and joins the Bhagirathi at Dcvu-
prayaga; the juncliou of the two
forming the Ganges.
A very short distance to the north
of Bliadrinath, the breadth of the
Alacananda does not exceed 18 or
20 feet, and the stream is shallow,
and moderately rapid. I'urther up,
the stream is concealed under im-
mense heaps of snow, wliich pro-
bably have been accumulating here
for ages. Beyond this point travellers
have not dared to venture, although
the shastras mention a place called
Alacapura, the fabulous city of Cu-
vera, the I'lnlus of Hindoo njytho-
logy. At the junction at Dcvapra-
yaga, the Alacananda is the largest
river of the two, being 142 feet in
breadth, and rising in tlie rainy sea-
son 46 and 47 feet above the low
water level. At Ranibaugh the breadth
of the Alacananda is from 70 to 80
yards, with a current of seven and
eight miles an hour.
In this river are a gi-eat many fish
of the roher species, (Cyprimis den-
ticulatus) four or five feet in length.
Tliey are daily fed l)y the Brahmins,
and are so tame as to take bread out
of the hand. There is also a species
of fish named roher, six or seven
feet long: the scales on the back and
sides are large, of a beautiful green,
encircled with a bright golden bor-
der ; the belly white, slightly tinged
with gold colour ; the tail and fijis of
a dark bronze. The flavour of this
tish is equal to its colour, being re-
markably line and delicate. {Raper,
Allf.star. — A town in the pe-
ninsula of Malacca, district of Queda,
where the sovereign of Ihe latlir
principality risides, in a small brick
fort, built about 1785. It stands two
or three leagues up a river, and has
a very mean appearance. "^I'lie royal
palace resembles a spacious farm
house, with many low houses attach-
ed to it, which coutaiu the lung's
seraglio.
18
ALLAHABAD.
The inhabHants arc composed of
Chulias, (from the INIalabur crtast)
Malays, and Cliinesc ; the last have
a temple here. In 1770, AUestar was
plundered and hurncd by the Bui;-
gesses, in conjnuction with the king's
own relations. {Dalrtjmple, Haeit-
s«l, ^-c.)
Alforezf.. — Sec Borneo.
Alibunder. — A town subject to
the Ameers in the province ol'Sinde,
.situated in Lat. 24°. 20'. N. nine miles
fast from Cuddren. At tliis place a
small brancli of the Goonee river is
istoppcd by a mound of earth, which
separates it from Lnekput Bunder
river. A great many camels may be
procured here for the conveyance of
baggage. {Maxjield, cVc.)
Alima — A small river in the pro-
vince of Coimbetoor, on which the
town of Animaylaya is situated.
Alishung, (Alishan). — A district
in tl»e north-eastern extremity of Af-
ghanistan, situated between the 35th
and 36th degrees of north latitude.
On the north, south, and west, it is
bounded by mountains ; and on the
east by Kuttore, or Catlristan: the
thief town is Penjshehr. Respecting
this mountainous region, we liave
had, in modern times, but little in-
formation: by Abul Fazel, in 1582,
it is described as follows : — " The
district Alishung is surrounded by
large mountains, covered with .snow,
in which is the source of the river
Alishung : the inhabitants are called
Catfres. ToomanAlislmng, 3,701, 150
danis."
At present the district is occupied
by varioius wild Afghan tribeS; lujmi-
jially subordinate to the sovereign of
Cabul. {Abul Fazel, >yf.)
ALLAHABAD.
A large province iu ITindostan,
situated between the 2-lth and 2(jth
degrees of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by the provinces
of Oude and Agra ; on the south by
the Hindoo province of Gundwana;
on ihu east it has tlio provinces of
Bahar and Gundwana; and on the
west, Malwah and Agra. In length
it may be estimated at 270 miles, by
120 the average breadth. By Abul
Fazel, in 1582, this province is de-
scribed as follows :
" Soubah Allahabad is situated in
the second cliniate. Its length, from
Sunjowly Jionjjoor to the southern
provinces,isl60coss;andthebreadtli,
from Chowsa Ferry to Gautumpoor,
includes 122 coss. To the east it has
Bahar; on the north, Oude ; Baund-
hoo (Gundvvana) lies on the south,
and Agra on the west. The prin-
cipal rivers of this soubah are the
Ganges and Junma ; besides which
are the Aruna, the Geyn, the Seroo,
the Biruah, and several smaller ones.
This soubah contains ten districts ;
viz. I.Allahabad; 2. Ghazipoor; 3.
Benares; 4. Jioiij)oor ; 5. Manicpoor ;
6. Chunai- ; 7. Bahtgorah ; 8. Callin-
jcr ; 9. Korah ; 10. Kurrah. These
districts are subdi\idcd into 177 pur-
gunnalis; the revenue being53,10,695
sicca rupees, and 1,200,000 betel nut
leaves. It furnishes 11,375 cavalry,
237,870 infantry, and 323 elephants."
In the reign of Ainengzebe the ar-
rangement of this ])rovince was new
modelled ; the division of Bliatta or
Baundhoo, which belongs properly
to Gundwana, having been added to
it. This territory was then con-
sidered as a new conquest, though
long before partially subjected, and
was subdivided into six lesser dis-
tricts; viz. 1. Bhatta; 2. Soliagc-
poor ; 3. Choteesgur, or Ruttenpoor ;
4. Sumbulpoor; 5. Gangpoor; and, 6.
Jushpoor, and formally annexed to
the province of Allahabad. With this
addition of 25,000 square miles of a
high mountainousunproductive coun-
try, Allahabad then comprehended
C0,000 square miles ; but as this tract
was never Uioroughly reduced to sub-
jection, or occupied, it is proper it
should be restored to the province
of Gundwana, where in remote anti-
quity it composed part of the Goaiid
state of Gurrah.
In 1747 the subdivisions of this pro-
y'uiCQ wue, 1. AUahubad ; 3. Kurrak
ALLAHABAD.
19
3. Korab ; 4. Tarliar ; 5. Maiiicpoor ;
6. lieiiitres; 7. Jionpoor; 8. Ghazi-
poor; 9. Chunar ; 10. Callingcr ; 11.
Ahuicdabad Gohrali ; 12. Bliatta,
&c.
The surface of this province in the
vicinity of the rivers Ganges and
Jumna is flat and productive ; but to
the south-west, in the Bund(;lcund
territory, the country is an elevated
table land, diversified with hi,<;h hills,
and abounding in strong liolds. This
part of the province is indiHcrently
cultivated, but contains within its
limits the famous diamond mines of
Pannah. Between these two divi-
sions there is a considerable difler-
cncc of climate ; the former being
extremely sultry, and subject to the
hot winds, wluch is not the case with
the more elevated region.
Tlie principal rivers in the north
are the Ganges, Jumna, Goomty, and
Caramnasa, besides many smaller
streams, which supply abuntlance of
water, and render several of the dis-
tricts, such as Benares and Allaha-
bad, among the most fertile in llin-
dostan. In the hilly country to the
south west, the rivers arc few and
.small(!r, the Cane and Coggra behig
the principal. The periodical rains and
wells are, consequently, in this quar-
ter, chiefly depended on for a supply
of moisture ; but, upon the whole,
Allahabad may be considered one of
the richest and most productive coun-
tries in India.
The exports from this province are
diamonds, saltpetre, opium, sugar,
indigo, cotton, cotton cloths, S^o. the
imports are various; salt from tlie ma-
ritime parts of Bengal being one of
the principal articles in demands
The chief towns art; Benares, Alla-
habad, Callinger, Chatterpoor, Jion-
poor, Mirzapoor, Chunar, and Gazy-
poor. The population of Allahabad
is very considerable, aud may be es-
timated to exceed seven millions, of
which number, probably, l-8th are
]Mahommedans,andthe rest Hindoos
of the Bralirainieal persuasion. In
remote times of Hindoo antiquity,
tliis province must have held a hi^h
c %
rank, as it contains Prayaga (Allaha-
bad) and Beiiares, two of the most
holy places of Hindoo pilgrimage,
and the latter occupying in India
the station which two centuries back.
Rome did in Clnistendom. At pre-
sent, the whole of this extensive pro-
vince is comprehended within th«
limits of the British jurisdiction, and
governed by the Bengal eode of regu-
lations, with the exception of a small
portion of the Bundelcund province,
which still continues in a refractory
state.
We learn from Abul Fazel, that this
province was invaded so early as
A.D. 1020, by Sultan Mahmood of
Ghizni, tlie scourge of the Hindoos,
who made a few compulsory con-
verts to the Mahommedan faith.
lie returned again, A. D. 1023, but
made no permanent establishment.
It was afterwards wholly subdued by
the Patan Emperors of Delhi ; and,
during the 15th century, contained
an independant kingdom, the seat of
which was Jionpoor. Along with tlie
other Patan conquests, it devolved to
the Moguls, and was formed into
a distinct soiibah by the Emperor
Acber, who named the Hindoo sanc-
tuary or prayaga, Allahabad, an ap-
pellation it still retains.
After the fall of the Mogul dynas-
ty, the northern quarter was appro-
priated by the Nabobs of Oude;
but, in 17G4, Korah and Allahabad
were ceded to Shah Allum, the then
fugitive sovereign of DeUii, through
the interference of Lord Clive with
the Nabob of Oude, Sujah ud Dow-
lah. In 1772 they reverted to the lat-
ter, when that ill-advised monarch
returned to Delhi, and put himself
in the custody of the Maharattas,
The Bengal govenunent acquired
the Benares districts by treaty with
Asoph ad Dowlah,in 1775, and Alla-
habad, with the adjacent territory,
in 1801, by cession from Saadet Ali
of Oude. The south-eastern distiicts
of Bundelcund were received from
the Maharatta Pesliwa in 1803, in
exchange for an equivalent of terri-
tory in the Carnatic, Ealaghaat, au4
20
ALLAHABAD,
Gnjrat. (Abnl Fazel. J. Grant, Ctth
Heport, ironside, fie J
Allahabad. — A district iu the pro-
viiK'' of Allahabiul, iuiiucdiately sur-
roniidiiij;:: the eity ot' Allahahad, and
intersected by the Ganges and the
Jumna.
\N lueat intJiis district is a principal
crop, tlie land most ia\ourable to it
being a rich sandy loam, which is a
vei^y common soil here. The coju-
mencement of the niiiis in June is
the season when they be}i.in to iilon^h,
and only a single stirrius:: is given
until they cease. The held is then
plouglied lo diflcrent times belbro
the rieeplion of the seed, a cir-
cnmstaiice whieii proves the inelli-
cacy of the Indian plongh. Septem-
l»er and C)ctol)er are the months for
sov\ing. During the dry season the
land nnist be walercd, which is a
much more laborions task than the
cultivation. Four bullocks andtlncc
waterers are willi dillicnlty aide to
"water an acre in nine days ; the ave-
rage crop is reckoned 15 niauuds
per begah, (seven quarters per acre.)
Barley, pease, oil crops, and a yellow
die, are often mixed with the wheat.
I'he average rent of wheat land is
about one pound per acre.
The breed of sheep in this district
is small, even lor India, and the fleece
consists of a coarse black hair, alto-
geth(;r unsuitable for cloth. Small
rugs are made of it for shepherds.
The dress of the peasantry consists
vf a small piece of coarse cloth round
hismiddlc, generally with oue blank-
et, and a sort of turban made of a
I'otton clout, which articles compose
tiieir whole v\ardrobe. {Tcniiant, yc.)
Allahabad. — A fortilied town in
the j)rovinee of Allahabad, of which
it is the capital, situated at the eoidhi-
enceofthe tiangrs with tlie .lunma.
I<at. 2r>o. 27'. N. I^oiig. 81°. 60'.
This cit > does not make a handsome
ai)peararice, thcio being oidy a lev*'
brick buildings wiliiout ornaments,
'l"he fort is placed at some distance
on a tongue of land, one side being
washed by the .Jnnin.a, and the othiT
nearly upj<roa<,hing the Ganges. It
is lofty and exlen-ive, and coiripletely
connnands the navigation of the two
rivers. There are, probably, few
buildings of ctjual siiic in Enroi)e.
Is'ext the two rivers it is defended
by the old walls, with the addilitm of
some cannon. The third side, next
the land, is pirfer^tly regular, and
very strong. It has three ravelins,
two bastions, and a half bastion, and
stands higher than any ground in
front of it. The gateway is Grecian,
and elegant. Tin; government-house
is spacious and cool, and has some
larg« subterranean rotm^ overhang-
ing the river. In the same line, atio-
th(.r building has been modernized
and converted into barracks for the
iion-eommissioned officers. In the an-
gle isa s(|uare,wliereShah Allum had
his seraglio when he resided here.
U{) to 180.3 the sum expended on
the fortifications amounted to 12
lacks of nipees, and they aro now
quile impregnable to a native arm} j
to an I-luropean army a regular siege
v\ ould be necessary ; it is, conse-
([uently, the grand military depot of
the upper provinces.
The situation of Allahabad being
alike adapted for the purposes of in-
ternal commerce and defence, must
have early pointed it out as an eligi-
ble spot for the foundation of a city,
•tMid most probably it is the site of the
ancient Palibothra. Nine-teutlis of
the present native buildiiigs arc of
mud, raised on the foundations of
njore substantial brick cdilices, which
have long fallen to decay. 1 he in-
habitants, exclusive of the garrison,
are estifualcd at 20,00(). The soil in
the vicinity consists of brick dust,
mortar, and broken potteiy. Tho
Ganges is here about a mile bjead,
and does not appear to be uuich aug-
jiienfed by the tribute of so large a
ri\cr as tiie Jumna, alliiough the lut-
t< r is 1400 yards across.
liy the Erahinius Allahabad is
named Ijhat Prajag, or by way of
distinction, as it is the largest and
most holy, is .simply designated by
the name of Prayaga. 'llio oilier
from Prayagas, or sacred coullucncvs
ALMORA.
21
,of rivers, are situated in tlie province
of .Seriiiap:ur, at the junctiim of the
Alacanauda with otlK?r streams, and
arc named Devaprayaga, Kinhapra-
jaga, Caniaprayaga, and Nandapra-
jaj^a. Part of the relisrioiis cere-
monies enjoined to tlie llindoo pil-
grims, um.st be performed in a vast
suiitenanean cave in tlic middle of
the fort, supported bv pillars. The
vnl}j,ar believe it extends under (ground
to Delhi, and say it is infested by
snakes and noxious reptiles. Many
of the pilgrims drown themselves an-
Jinally at the junction of the Ganges
and Junma, being conducted to the
middle of llie river, and then sunk
Mith pots of earth tied to their feet.
The Emperor Aebir was paitial
to Allahabad, and A\as tlie founder
pf the modern eif j', intending it a^i a
strong hold to o\erawe the surround-
ing country, for Avhicli it v\as well
adai)ted. It was taken, i)i 1765, by
the British army under Sir Robert
Fletcher.
Following the course of the river,
Allahabad is 8'20 from the sea, but
the travelling distance from Calcutta
is only 550 nnles ; from Benares, 53 ;
from J^ucknow, 127; Irom Agra, 29f);
and from Delhi, 412 miles. {Lord
Vafe»tia,Teininiit, Hcpei; IteuiiclyVc.)
Allamuady, {xUumbadi). — A town
in the province of Coimbetoor, 74
mih s E. S. E. from Seringapatam.
Lat. 12°. &'. N. Long. 77°. 55'. 1^.
Allamparva, {Alamparvti). — A
small fort on the sea tnjast of the
Carnatic, 67 miles S. by W. from
Madras. Lat. 12°- 10'. N. Long.
80°. 7'. E.
Within this fortress are several
veils of good water, which is not lo
be found on all parts of the coast so
near the sea. It was giveji to M.
Dupleix by Muzufler Jung in 1750,
and taken from the rvench by Col,
Coote in 1760.
Allygun(;k, (i4%Kjy).— a town
in the province of Bengal, district of
Purneah, 4<J miles N. N. E. from
the town of Purneah. Lat. 26°. 16'.
N. Long. 87°. 3b'. E.
. Almou.v — A district in northern
Hindostan, situated between the 2})th
and 30th degrees of north latitude,
and separated from the liarcily dis-
tricts by the Keinaoon hills. Tiic
face of the country, like the rest of
northern Hindostan, is a succession
of mountains, co\ered with imjKr-
vious forests of tall trees and thick,
jungle, and divided by abrnj)t vallies,
in which are scattered the scanty po-
pulation of the country. This district
is properly a subdivision of the larger
one of Kemaoon; the town of Al-
mora being the capital, and the whole
tributary to the Goorkhali Bajali of
Ncpaul,
I'hc tree producing a fat-like sub-
stance, known to the natives of Hin-
dostan by the name of Phulwarah,
is found among the Almora hills.
Tin; tree is scarce, grows on a strong
soil on the decli\ities of the southern
aspect of the hills below Almora, ge-
nerally attaining the height, v\heu
lull grown, of 50 feet, v\ith a cir-
cumference of six. The fat is ex-
tracted fiom the kernels.
At Bagharghaut, in this district,
the river Causila is about 30 yards
Ijroad; and there being neither bridge
nor ford, it is eros.sed by means of
large gourds collected from the
neighbouring villages. Tlnce or four
of t-iese are fastened by a string, ami
tied round the waist of a nian who.
scr\es for a guide. A string of flie
same kind is attached to the pas-
senger to prevent his sinking, lujt
no personal exertions are re<jwired
on his part, as he has merely to
grasp the bandage of his guide, wlio,
being an exjtert swinnner, convex s
him across to the o)ipositc shore.
'l"hc baggage is transported across oa
men's heads, the luimber of gourds
being proportioned to the weight of
the iiackuge.
In the Institutes of ]Menu, it is
said, Ih.'it all the Kha.syas, or inha-
bitants of the snowy mountains, have
lost their cast. If so, they nmst have
recovered it, for there are numerous
famiiies of Brahmins in these coun-
tries, particularly Almora or Comanh,
\\hu are much respected at Benares ;
22
ALVAR.
the iiiliabiianls of ihat city not con-
sitlerinjc them as liaving lofet cast,
although the bulk of thorn be Kha-
syas. (Raper, Roxburgh, Wilford, ^c.)
Almora. — A town in northern
Hindostan, situated in the district of
Almora, of wliich it is the capital, as
well as of Kemanon. Lat. 29°. 35'.
N, Long. 79°. 40'. E.
This town is built on the top of a
large ridge of mountains, the houses
being much scattered, and extending
down the slope on each side. It is
said to be more extensive and po-
pulous than Serinagur, and a place
of greater tiafTic, but it has not yet
been entered by any European, al-
though so near to the frontiers of
Bengal. The inhabitants are chiefly
foreigners, or the descendants of emi-
giants from the low Jands ; and the
town is tributary to the Ghoorkhali
Rajah of Nepaul, who keeps a gar-
lison stationed here. {Raper, fifc.)
Aloor. — See Alvar.
Aloou. — A town in the northern
Carnatic, 114 miles N. from Madras.
Lat. 14°. 40'. N. Long. 80°. 3'. E.
Alpoor, {Alipoor). — A town in the
nizam's dominions, in the province
of Bcjapoor, 100 miles VV. S. W.
from Hyderabad. Lat. 16°. 40'. N.
Long. 77°. 20'. E.
Alundy, {AlamdeT). — A village in
th^ province of Bejapoor, situated
about nine miles to the east of
Poonah. This place is famous for an
Avantara, or inferior incarnation of
Vishnu, under the name of Nanish-
wer, stated by some Bralunins to
have happened 1200, and by others
only 6 or 700 years ago. Although
so near to Poonah. this village be-
longs to Dowlet Row Sindia, and
during the late war was occupied by
a detachment of British troops.
{Moor, cVcJ
Alunkar, {Alancar). — A district
in the northern portion of Afgha-
nistan, situated abciit the 35th de-
gree of north latitude. It borders
on Calfristan to the north, but in
other respects its limits, like those
of the other Afghan districts in that
<|uartcr, are quite undetermined. In
1682, Abul Fazel describes it as sub-
ject to the Emperor Acber. It is
now inhabited by migratory tribes of
Afghans, who, to the pastoral em-
ployment of shepherds, unite that of
predatory thieves, and pay little or
no obedience to the mandates of the
Cabul sovereign, to whom they are
nominally stibject.
Alvar, {Alor). — A district in the
N. W. quarter of the province of
Agra, situated between the 27th and
29th degrees of north latitude, and
in the Mahommedan histories occa-
sionally named Mewat, and the in-
habitants Mewatics. By Abul Fazel,
in 1682, it is described as follows:
" Sircar Aloor, containing 43 Ma-
lials ; measurement 1,662,012 begahs,
revenue 39,832,234 dams ; Sey m-ghal
699,212 dams. This circar furnishes
6514 cavalry, and 42,020 infantry."
The Alvar district is a hilly and
woody tract of country, lying on the
south-west of Delhi, and on the west
of Agra, confining the low country
along the western side of the Jumna
to a naiTOw slip, and extending to
the west about 130 miles, and from
north to south about 90 miles. Al-
though this tract is situated in the
centre of Hindostan, and approaches
as near as 25 miles of Delhi, its in-
habitants have always been describ-
ed as singularly savage and brutal,
and robbers by profession. In this
last capacity they were formerly taken
into pay by the native chiefs of up-
per Hindostan, for the purpose of
ravaging more effectually the coun-
tries wlxich happened to be the seat
of war.
This territory, although hilly, is not
mountainous, and is susceptible of
good cultivation — a blessing it has
never yet experienced. In general,
there is rather a delieicncy of water,
which in many parts can only be
procured from deep wells. The cul-
tivators at pregent are Jauts, Me-
watteis, and Ahccrs, a savage tribe
vesembling the Jauts in th<'ir man-
ners. The district has often changed
masters, but for some time past has
been possessed by Row Kajah Bu-
AMBAH GHAUT.
23
chawer Sing;!), a Rhalor Rajpoot, and
known by the appellation ot the Ma-
clieny Rajah, whose capital is the
city of Alvar.
In November, 1803, a treaty was
concluded between GciKral Lake,
on the part of tiie Britisli govern-
ment, and the Machcrry Rnjah ; liy
the conditions of which, the friends
of the one p<'irty were to be con-
sidered as standing in the same re-
lation with the other. The Eritish
engaged not to interfere m ith the in-
ternal management of the rajah's
country, nor demand any tribute;
and the rajah undertook to assist the
British govennnent wit/i his anIjoIo
force, wlieu their possessions were
attacked.
J5y this treaty the British govern-
ment guaranteed the security of the
rajah's country against e\t« rnal ene-
mies ; on which ac( oiiut, the rajah
agreed, that if any misniulerstandiug
should arise between him and any
neighbouring chieftain, the cause of
dispute should be submitted in the
first instance to the British govern-
ment, wlii( h would endeavour to set-
tle it amicably: if, from the obsti-
nacy of tile oj)posite party, amicable
terms were not attainable, the rajah
was authorized to demand aid from
the British government; thecvjiensc
fo be defrayed by tlib rajah. {Ren-
nel, Ahul Fazely G. Thomas, Trea-
ties, ^-c.)
Alvar. — A town in the province
of Agra, district of Alvar, being the
capital and stronghold of Row Rajah
Butchawer Singh, the Machcrry Ra-
jah. It is situated about 77 miles
is. S. W. from Delhi, and 84 N. W.
from Agra. Lat. 27°. 41'. N. Lojig.
76°. 40'. E.
Alvarcoil. — A town in tlie dis-
trict of I'innevelly, 70 miles N. li.
from Cape Comorin. Lat. 8°. 50'.
N. Long. 78°. 2'. E.
Alyuhuk, {AUghar). — A fortified
town in the province of Delhi, 7G
miles S. S. E. from the city of Delhi.
Lat. 28°. N. Long. 78°. 10'. E. This
is a place of great antiquity, being
ineutioned as a Hindoo fortress so
early as A. D. 1193, under the name
of Kole.
1'his fortress, one of the strongest
in Ilindostan, was stormed, in 1803,
by the army under General Lake, and
taken, after a most obstinate resist-
ance, by which the assailants suffered
a very severe loss. It was then one
of Dowlet Row Siiidia's principal
depots of military stores, the whole
of which fell into the possession of
the captors.
It is now the head-quarters of a dis-
trict, to which a civil establishment
has been appointed, for the adminis-
tratiou of justice and collection of
the revenue, subordinate to the Ba-
reily division of the court of circuit
and appeal.
Alymohun. — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the province of
Giijrat, 66 miles N. E. from Broach.
Lat. 22°. 7'. N. Long. 74°. 2'. E.
Amarawati. — A small river in the
provhice of Coimbetoor, which flow s
pasttlie town and fortress of Caroor,
on whicli account it is usually termed
the Caroor River- After a short
course it joins the Cavcry about 10
miles below Caroor.
Ambah GnAur — A pass from the
Concaii province on the west coast
of India, up the v estern Ghauts, or
chain of mountains to the interior.
Lat. 17°. 5'. N. Long. 73°. 40'. E-
The mountains here rise to a stu-
pendous height, and are ascended
by a road which winds irregidarly
up, the extreme steepness rendering
an}' other mode of ascent impractica-
ble. The acclivities of this range of
mountains arewell covered with trees
and underwood, which furnish shel-
ter to tigers, and other w ild animals.
From the summit of the pass a sub-
lime inospect of the lower country
is presented, Avhich throughout ap-
pears hilly and mountainous, but
from then- very great height no towns
or minute objects are discernible.
Beyond the top of the pass are hills
still higher, from w Inch the sea is vi-
sible to the westward, but to the
eastward a continuation of still higher
hills appears. (Mocn", ^c.)
24
AMBOOR.
Amp.aHLAH, (AynhaJm/a). — A towft
in the pro\ince ol' Delhi, 126 miles
N. by W, Iroin the city of Delhi, and
fceloH^itif? to Sei'- eliicfs. Lat. 30°.
21'. N. Long. 76°. 1?'. E.
This is a walled town, with a larg^c
citadel. The former is extensive and
populous. The houses arc mostly
built of burnt bricks, ^mtthc streets
are so narrow as scarcely to allow
room for an elephant to pass. In
1808 all the count3y between Am-
bahlah and Muiara was subject to
PeaCour.aiid Koop Cour,the widoM s
of Goor Buksh Singh, and hni Sinjijb
the deceased Zemindars of those dis-
tricts. They could brinjj into the
field between? and 8000fightin<? men,
cavalry and infantry, (llth Reg.^-c.)
Ambeh, {or Ambecr)- — A town in
the province of Ajmecr, district of
Jyenagur, or Jeypoor, of which it v\ as
formerly the capital, until Miiza Ra-
jah Jeysing, in the reign of Aureng-
zebe, built a new city named Jeypoor,
since when the rajahship has taken
that name also. Lat. '26° 58'. N.
Long. 75°. 53'. E.
The state of Ambcer, now Jyena-
gur, or Jeypoor, is said to have existed
for the space of 1100 years. Jeysingli,
or Jayasinlia, succeeded to the in-
heritance of the ancient Kajahs of
Amber, in the year of Vicramaditya
1750, corresponding to A. D. 1693.
His mind was early stored with the
knowledge contained in the Hindoo
writings, but he appears peculiarly
to have attached himself to the ma-
thematical sciences, and his reputa-
tion was so great, that he was chosen
by the Emperor Mahommed Shah
to retbrm the calendar. He finished
his tables in tijc year 1728. {Himter,
Franklin, ^t.)
Amuloo. — A small island in the
eastern seas, about 1.5 miles in cir-
cntj)ference,siluated at the s<mth-east
extremity of Buoro. Lat. 3°. 55'. S.
Long- 127°. E.
I'ins island is but thinly inhabited,
being much iiilested by the depreda-
tions of the mop-headed Papuas
from New Guinea, who, in the year
1765, pluudcrcd it, aud carried oS
many of the inhabitants. Very fine
shells are found on the shores of this
island. {Stavorimis, Songainvllle, i"c.)
Amboor. — A town in the Arcot
district, 108 miles W. S. W. from
Madras. Lat. 12°. 51'. N. Long.
78°. 50'. E.
'J'he Amboor district is comprised
within a range of surrounding hills of
a moderate licight : the Kiver Palar
declining from its apparent southerly
direction, enters this district about
three miles from the eastward, and
washes the Amboor pettah, distant
three miles to the southward of the
fort The skirts of the hills are co-
vered with palmira and date trees,
from the produce of which a consi-
derable quantity of coarse sugar is
made. This tract is fertilized by
numerous rills of water, conducted
from the river along the margin of
the heights, as a supply to the rice
fields, the tobacco, cocoa nut, and
mango plantations. In the hot sea-
son, in the low country, the ther-
mometer, under the cover of a tent,
rises to 100°, and exposed to the rays
of the sun to 120°.
The village of Amboor is tieat and
regularly built, its inhabitants are in-
dustrious, and make a considerable
quantity of castor oil, which they
export.
On the left side of it is a lofty iso-
lated mountain, on which formerly
stood a fort, almost impregnable by
nature. The upper works have been
destroyed since it came into the pos-
session of the Briti.sh, and the lower
is a place of confmement for male-
factors. The plain on the top is
sufficiently large to have rendered its
cultivation au object of importance,
and on it are two tanks, near to where
the barracks formerly stood. The
view from it is noble and extensive,
uiid the air cool in comparison with
w hat it is below.
This district suffered greatly dur-
ing Hyder's different invasions of
what we call the Carnatic, frojn which
it lias not yet altogether rccoveredi
Near Amboor the Earramahal ends,
and the territories of Aicot com-
AMBOYNA.
25
mence. {Martitie, Salt, F. Bucha-
nan, Sfc.)
Amkoyna, (Anihim). — An island in
tlic eastern seas, lyiuR" oli the S- W.
coast of the island of Ceraai. Lat.
3°. 40'. S. Long. 128° 15'. E. In
length it may be estimated at 32
miles, by 10 the avin-age breadth.
The name is a ]\lalay Avord, sigriity-
ing dew.
On the S. W. it is indented by a
deep bay, by which it is divided into
two limbs, or peninsulas, connected
together by a very narrow islhnnis.
Both of these are mountainons, and
almost overgrown with trees and un-
derwood ; between which, at intervals,
some clove trees are planted and cul-
tivated by the Amboynese. The soil
is mostly a reddish clay ; but in the
vallies, where there are no rocks, it
is darker coloured, and mixed with
sand. Many of the hills yield brim-
stone, with which their surface is in-
crustatcd.
Auiboyna produces all the common
tropical fruits and vegetables, and
likewise the cajeput tree, from the
leaves of which the hot and strong
oil, called cajepnt oil, is distilled.
The clove bark tree, or Laurus sas-
safras, and the teak tree, are also
found here, lint the latter in small
quantities, timber lor building being
imported from Java. Altliough the
quantity is not great, the varieties of
Moods are intinite. Valentyn enu-
merates dilferent species of the ebony
tree, the iron tree, the casnarina, the
wild clove tree, the samarua tree,
which is a bastard sort of teak, and
the nani tree, wluch the Chinese use
for anchors and mdders. He also
mentions that, in 1682, Rumphius,
(the author of the Hortus Amboi-
nensis) had a cabinet inlaid with 400
choice and handsome woods, all pro-
duced in the islajid. which he present-
ed to Cosmo, the third Duke of Tus-
cany.
'I'he clove tree resembles a large
pear tree, from 20 to 40 feet high.
At nine years of age it yields cloves,
and continues bearing to about 100
years ; October aud November being
the usual period of the clove crop,
Avhen from two to three pounds are
generally procured from each trce=
Every Amboynese plants a clove tree
on the birth of a child, in order by a
rough calculation to know its age,
ajid these the Dutch dare not extir-
pate, for fear of an insurrection: the
nutmeg trees, however, they manag-
ed to destioy about 30 years ago,
considering the produce of Banda
sufficient. During the Dutch posses-
sion, two years crop of cloves fur-
nished the cargoes of three ships, and
the total annual produce exceeded
650.000 libs.
Indigo, of a superior qualitj', is
produced in Amboyna, but not in
large quantities. The sago tree is
found in abundance, and is a prin-
cipal article of food used by the in-
habitants ; an ordinary tree, from its
twelfth to the twentieth year, when
cut down. Mill yield 350 libs of sago.
They are seven years of arriving at
full growth, and last about 30
years.
'J he woods of Ambo5na swarm
with deer and wild hogs, the Hesh of
which is used by the native fresh,
salted, and dried. The domestic ani-
mals arc buffaloes, cows, horses,
.sheep, goats, and hogs. The last
only are natives of the country, the
others having been brought hither
by the Portuguese and Dutch from
Java, Celebes, and the south western
isles, 'i'here are no beasts of prey
on the island, but plenty of snakes.
Tlie monsoons are exactly the con-
trai-y here to what they are along
the islands of Java, Borneo, Bali,
Lumbhook, and Sumbhava. Wlion
at these islands the fine season pre-
vails, it is the reverse at Amboyna,
Ceram, Bauda, the east coast of Ce-
lebes, and the adjacent seas. ITie
diflerence appears to commence to
the eastward of the Straits of SalayT,
which are about longitude 120°. 30'.
E. The cuiTcnts are not regular at
Amboyna, neither has the moon any
constant or equal influence on the
tides ; high and low water some-
times occur oucc, aud soiuetimes
4
26
AMBOYNA.
twice, in 24 hours, tlie rise being
I'rom six to nine feet.
p'ort Victoria is situated on tlie
soutli-east side ofthc island, and is an
iiTe<ciilar hexagon, with a ditch and
roveixd way on the land side, and
a liorn-worlc towards t)ie sea; but
it is commanded by Imo heights
wi*hin 700 and 1200 yards distance,
the difiienltv of anchoring in tlie bay
constituting the chief strength of
the island.
The town of Amboyna is clean,
neatly and regularly built, and is
well sup[ilied with water. Tlie west
end of tlK; town is inhabited by Chi-
ucse, and the south end by Eiu-ope-
ans, near to which is the tomb of
Rarapliins. On account of the fre-
quency of earthquukes, the height of
the houses seldom exceeds one
i^lory. The medium heat is from
80°. to 82°. of Fahrenheit, and the
severest cold about 72°.
The inhabitants of Amboyna arc,
•the Aboiigincs, or Horaforas, the
Amboyuese, the Emopeans, and the
Chinese ; but of the first there are
now very few remaining. Tlie Am-
boyuese were converted to the Ma-
honiinedau religion about A. T>.
1515 ; the Portuguese afterwards
converted a number of them to the
Roman Catliolic religion, and the
Dutch to the Calvinistic religion,
but the greater proportion arc still
Mabommedans. The principal Am-
boyuese Christians still bear Portu-
guese names, but their number is not
great. The Chinese on Amboyna are
not so numerous in proportion as
on the other islands, yet they are the
only strangers the Dutch permitted
to settle here. They keep shops,
sell provisions, and intermarry with
each other.
'\\ hen I'rancis Xavicr, the cele-
brated Jesuit missionary was at Am-
boyna, in 1.046, he observed the in-
habitants then begitming to learn to
write from the Arabians. The inha-
bitants at present speak the Malay
language. This island was diseo-
\ered by the Portuguese about A.D.
Idld, but was not taken possession
of until 1564, and was conquered
from them by the Dutch about 1607.
In 1615, the English East India Com-
pany's agents obtained possession of
Cambello Castle, through the friend-
ship of the natives, but were soon
compelled to abandon it, being at-
tacked by the Dutch with a superior
force. They still, however, conti-
nued to have a factory on Aniboyart
until February, 1622, when the Dutch
governor, Herman Van Speult, seized
and tortured all the individuals be-
longing to tlic English factory, and
afterwards executed them. They
consisted of Captain Towerson, nine
English factors, nine Japanese (pro-
bably Javanese), and one Portuguese
sailor. Yet was this most atrocious
villain promoted by the Dutch East
India Com])any, in whose service
he died during an expedition up the
lied Sea.
Under the subsequent Dntch go-
vernment, the province of Amboy-
na comprehended 11 islands, viz.
Amboyna, Ceram, Eouro, Ambloo,
Manipa, Kelang, Bona, Ceram Laut,
Noussa Laut,Conimoa or Sapparooa,
and Oma or Haroeha. 'Ihey dis-
couraged the cultivation of rice, irt
order to render Amboyna more de-
pendent on Java, the original inha-
bitants subsisting on fish and sago.
In 1777 the Dutch public establish-
ment here consisted of 52 persons
in civil eiuploynients, three clergj-
men, 28 surgeons, 46 artillerymen,
174 s( amen and marines, 657 soldiers,
and 111 mechanics ; in all 1071 per-
sons, denominated Europeans. In
1779 the charges of Amboyna were
201,082f. and ihc whole revenues,
including the profit on the sale of
goods, amountt.d to no more than
48,747r. leaving a balance against
the Dutch East India Company of
152,335f. or about 13,3501. sterling
ammally.
The Dutch here followed the same
intemperate and destructive mode of
life as at Batavia. Stavoiinus, their
countryman, says, that 10 or 12
drams of arrack, or Geneva, was no
viitcounnon whet at Amboyna. Thtj
AMRAN.
27
Dutch Company's servants usually
married women born in the conntry,
who beins; accnstonicil to the Malay
tonpriie from their inrnncy, spoke
Dutch witli ovtremc dilficulty and
reluctance, M'hich,co!iioiiied with the
natural taciturnity of the men, re-
duced the conversation to Jiearly a
simple negative and affirmative.
L'nder the Dutch p;oYernment this
island continued until 1796, when it
was captured by the British, and
515,940lbs. of cloves found in the
warehouses. At tliis period it was
found to contain 45,252 inhabitants,
of Avhom 17,813 were Protestants,
and the rest Mahommedans, except
a f( w Chinese and slaves. It was
restored to the Dutch at the peace
of Amiens, and was a£:ain recaptured
in February, 1810,' by a handful of
jnen, after a most feeble resistance.
In 1810-11 the imports to Ben-al
from Amboyna were cordajfe and
cables, 6000 Ks. timber and planks,
465 Rs,— Total 6465 rupees. The
exports from Bcnjiato Amboyna
consisted of piece j;oods, 125.437;
opium, 99,475; Madeira wine, 11, 060,
and some other sntallcr articles of
consumption ; the total amounting-
to 2,73,191 sicca rupees. Goods
were also received from Madras and
other parts of British India, but of
which we have not any detail. {Sca-
vorimts and Notes, Lahillardiere, 2
lieg. Bruce, Marsden, bth Report,
Ambong. — A large and commo-
dious liarbour on the north-west
coast of Borneo, having: u,"ood depth
of water, with a but ton-like island
in the centre. Shi[)s, keeping this
island on the right hand side, will
come into a fine harbour on the south
side, close to some salt houses. Lat.
ti°. 14'. N. Long. 110°. 25'. E.
Amerkote, (Amarahata, the Fort
of the Immortals.) — A town in the
province of Sinde, situated about 30
miles east from the river Indus. Lat.
26°. 23'. N. Long. 70°. 24'. E.
This place was formerly an inde-
pendent principality, held by the
Jada Rapootsj but, standing on the
confines of Joudpoor and Sinde, it
.soon became an object of contention
between these two states, and, at
present, acknowledges the autiiority
of the Kajali of Joudpoor. The
surrounding country is so arid and
sterile, tiiat Amcrko<(; does not de-
rive suflicient land revenue to sup-
port a small local military corps, al-
though situated in the vicinity of
many martial and predatory tribes.
Taxes on travellers and inenhandize
arc the only sources from which any
revenue is procined, there being
scarcely any agriculture. In the neigh-
bourhood of this place stands the
principal fortress belonging to Meer
Ciholaum Ali, the chief amccr of
Sinde, in which his treasures are
supposed to be deposited. It is si-
tuated on a hill in the desert, no
water being found within four stages
of it ; but the fortress contains ex-
cellent wells.
The Emperor Iltimayoon, after
his expulsion from Hindostan by
Shcre iSh;ili the Patan, in his ex-
treme distress fled to the Rajah of
Amerkote, in the desert, and was
liospitably received. Here the Em-
peror Acber was born, A. D. 1541.
{jyiacmurdo, Kenneir, Maurice, MS,
f>-c.)
Ammerpoor. (Amarapnra). — A
town in northern Hindostan, district
of Mocwanpoor, situated on the
north-west side of the Bagmutty
river, 10 miles E. from the town of
Mocwanpoor. Lat. 27°. 31'. N. Long,
S2°. 20'. With the rest of the district
it is subject to the Gockhali Rajali
of Nepaul.
Ampora. — A town in the aiaha-
ratta tcmtories, in the provisice of
Kandesh, situated on the north side
of tlie Tuptee, 15 miles S.W, from
Boorham])0or. Lat. 31°. 34'. N. Long.
70°. 11'. E.
A M R A N. — A town and fort rcss, wi th
a district adjacent, situated in the
Gujrat peninsula. Lat. 22°. 35'. N.
Long. 70°. 35'. E.
The fort here is small and square,
with angular bastioiis, and a s(juiifc
towc;^- in each curtain. The town
2S
AMRETSIR.
is disfjnct from the fort, ami situated
on a iisin<^ t?rotTud to the nortlnvard,
aiiont the distance of a musket shot,
'i'lic adjacent fields are uinch <;overed
Avith a speeies of wild balm or mint,
and the seiisilric j;lant is perceived
growins spontiineously. Tiie soil is
a mixture ol" liglit sand and clay,
and is reckoned very productive.
"^rhe district of Amrau originally
belonged to the family of Noanagur,
but was ceded by Jam, the chieftain
of that place, to the family of Khow-
as, along with the two neighbouring
districts of IJalumba and Juria. ]\Ie-
roo Kho-\vas, tho founder of the fa-
mily, was the slave of a neighbour-
ing chieftain, a)id afterwards became
theminisler of tlie Jam of Noanagur.
When the father of the present rajah
died, he conlin^d the young heir, and
received the above three districts as
the price of his liberty.
Amrau is at present subject to
Hirjce Kh(»was, and has 10 or 15
villages sidycct to it, which yield a
revenue of about 15,000rupecs. Near
to one ol them is a monument erected
to connnemorate a traga, committed
in 1807 by a Hajghur Brahmin. To
deter his superior, Hirjee Khowas,
from depriving him of some lands
in the vicinity, he led his mother
to the gate of Amran, and there cut
off hot h<.'ad, which had the desired
effect. Instances of this sort are fre-
quent in (Jnjrat; and, on most oc-
casi(ms, Oic victim, whether male or
lemale, not only consents to, but
glories in, tlie death inflicted. Tho
person who is, in many eases, tho
innocent cause of the catastrophe,
is considered by the Bralnninieal
rode as dannied fur <ver ; while the
wretch who, for his own profit, pre-
petratcs the muriler, is not only held
iunoccnt by his fellow citizens, but
Fullefs no pang either of heart or
cons«cien( e. (iW]\fur(!o,\-c.)
Amkz l'siH,( A mrituSftrax, the Foun-
tain of NiT(ar). — A town in the pro-
vince of l;ah(ire, 40 milts S. l). from
the citv ofi.aliore, and the ca]iital of
the Seik iialion. Lat. 31°. 3i'. N.
Long. 7-1°. 2o'. 11
Tins is an oprii town about eight
miles in eireumlcrence. The streets
are narrow ; the houses, in general,
good, being loffy and buiit of burned
bricks, but fhe apartnuuits are con-
lined. Amretsir is the grand em-
poi iiuii of trade ibr the shawls and
saffron of Cashmere, and a variety
of other commodities from the Dec-
can and eastern j)art of India. The
rajah levies an excise on all the mer-
chandize sold in the town according
to its value. Themaiuii'actures of the
place are only a tew coarse cloths
and inferior silks. Frojn being the re-
sort of many rich merchants, and the
residence of bankers, Amretsir is
considered as a place of opulence.
'I'iie Seik rajah lias buiit a nev/ fort,
v^ liich he has named alter himself,
Kunjeet Ghur, • and lie lias also
brought a narrow canal from the lla-
A'ec, a distance of 3-i miles.
Annetsir, or th«* j>ool of immor-
tality, from which the town takes
its name, is a basin of about 135
pacos stjuare, built of burnt bricks;
in the centre of which stands a tem-
ple, dedicated to GooroGovind Singh,
In this sacred place is lodged, under
a silken canopy, the book of laws,
written by that Gooroo. There are
from five to 600 akalics, or priests,
belonging to this temple, who are
supported by contributions.
When AInned Shah iMwlalli came
to Amretsir, he erased their temple
twice, and killed cows, and threw
them into the water to defile it. I'he
rajah has a uunt here, at m Inch dif-^
ferent coins are struck in the name
of their greatest saint, Eaba Nanoc
Shah. 'J'he names of their teu saints
are, Eaha Nanoc Shah, Amerdass,
Gooroo Arjoon Shah, Gooro Tegh
IJahadur, Gooroo Angut, Gooroo
Kamdass, Gooroo Hurgovind, Goo-;
roo liurkrishua, Gooroo Govind
Singh. ■,
(lood camels are to be purchased
Ik re at about .50 rnju^es each. Ihey
are brought down, A\ifh rock salt,
liom a mine al)Out 80 miles north of
Lahore. Stri\igs of COO are seen oa
the road, Avilh a large lump, rp-
ANDAMAN'S .
29
sembling a block of iiinvrought mar-
ble, sUuif^ on eiich siilc.
Some Scik autlumtirs asoril)0 the
ftmiMlalion of Aiuielsir to Gooioo
Hum Dass, (who died A.D. 1581,)
■\\hirh is not correct, as it was a very
ancient tuwii, known I'oruierly nndcr
tiie name of Chak. Cooroo l{ani
Dass added much to its po[iuh>tion,
and bnilt the famous reser^oir or
tank, named Amretsir, which, in the
course of time, became the name
of Ihe town, it liaviiip; h( en i'ur some
time called Ramdasspoor. {Malcolm,
llth liesr. Sr.)
Amsterdam. — A small island, lying
oil" the iiorth-w csteru extremity of the
Island of Ceyioji, and attached to the
district of Jafnapatnam, from which
it is se))arated by a narrow strait. It
is about live miles in Icni^th, by two
in breadth, and alfords excellent
pasturage for rearing horses and cat-
tle. (Percii-al, i^c.)
Anak iSuNGKi. — A district in the
Island of Sumatra, extending; along
tlie sea coast, oi\ the southwest side,
from Manjuta River to that of Lrei.
The chief bears the title of Siiltan ;
and his capital, if such a place de-
serves the appellation, is i\Io( omoto.
Although the government is ]May-
luyan, and the ministers of the sultau
are termed Mantri, (a little borrowed
from the Hindoos) the greatest part
of the district is inhabited by the
original country people. This state
became independent about 1695, iu
consequence of a revubition iu the
government of Indrapoor. {Mars-
den, Vc)
A NAM. — A town in the Nabob of
Oude's territories, distiict of Luck-
i\o\\., 35 miles \\ . S. VV. from Luek-
iiow, Lat. 26°. 32'. N. Long. 80°^
29'. E.
Anambas. (North) — A cluster of
very small islands in the China Sea,
Lat. 3°. 3t/. N. Long. 106°. 20'. £.
AwMBAs. (Middle) — A cluster of
islands in the China Sea, the largcs.t
uf which may be estimated at 20
miles in circumference. They are
.situated about Lat. 3°. N, Loiig.
106'^. 50'. L.
Anamras. (South^,— a cluster of
very small islands iu xhv China Sea,
situated about Lat. 2°. 20'. N. Long.
106°. 25'. E.
Anamsagur. — a town in the ni-
zam's dominions, district of MtKidgul,
20 miles N. W. from the town of
IVIoodirul. Lat. 1G°. Vi'. N. Long.
76°. 32'. N.
Anantapooram, (Anantapurd). —
A town in the Balaghant ceded t<r-
ritory, district of A\ andicotta, 63
miles E. N. E. from Cuddapah, Lat.
14°. 41'. N. Long. 76°. 6'. E. British.
AxANTPOOU, {Aiiandapnra). — A
town iu the Balaghau : ceded territo-
ry, district of Wandicotta, 55 miles
S. E. from Bellar y. Lat. 14° 4:1'. N .
Long. 77°. 40'. E.
Andamans. — ^The Andaman islands
are a continuation of tin; Archipfla.-
go, iu the Bay of Bengal, which ex-
tends liom Cape Negrais to Acheeu
Head, stretching fnmi 10°. 32'. N. to
13°. 40'. N. \\ hat has been consi-
dered as the gi'cat Andaman is the
most northern, about 140 miles ia
length, and 20 iu br(\'idth. This
island is, however, divided by two
very narrow straits, whidi have a
clear passage into tlicBay ofBengaU
and in fact divides it into three
isliuids: tiie little Andaman is thy
most southerly, and lies wiliiin 30
leagues of the Carnicobar Island. Its
length is 28 miles l>y 17 izi breadth,
but it does not afford any harbour,
although tolerable anchorage is found
near its shores. Situated in the full
sweep of the south-west moiisooii,
and the clouds being obstructed by
high mountains, these islands, for
eight months of the year, are washed
by incessant torrents. Upon the
whole the climate is rather milder
than in Bengal. The tides arc regu-
lar,tlje Hoods setting iu from the west,
and rising eight feet at the springs.
The variation of the needle is 2°. 30'.
easterly.
In the centre of the large Anda-
man is a high mountain, named Sad-
dlepcak, about 2400 feet high. 'I'here
are no rivers of any considerable
size. The most conmiou trees are
30
ANDAMAN'S.
Ihepoon, dammcr, and oil trees; rod
wood, ebony, tlic cotton tree, and
the almo.d tree; sooudry, ehiiigry,
and beady; the Alexandrian lainel,
poplar, a tree rescinbUng satiti wood ;
bamboos, eatch, the nit.liori, aloes,
ground rattans, and a variety of
shrubs. IMany of the trees afford
timbers and planks fit for the con-
struetion of sliips, and others might
answer for masts.
The birds seen in the woods are
pis^eoiis, crows, parroquets, king
fishers, ciulews, fish hawks, fowls.
Tliere are a great variety offish, such
as mullet, soles, ponifret, rock fish,
skate, gurnas, sardinas, roeballs, sa-
ble, shad, aloose, cocknp, grobers,
seeifish, ])rawns, shrimps, eray lish,
a species of whale, and sharks of an
enormous size. During the preva-
lence of the north-east monsoon, fish
are caught in great abnndarice, but
in the tempestuous season they are
piocnred with diflicnlty. There are
many sorts of shell fish, and in some
places oysters of an excellent qnalitJ^
A few diminutive swine are found
on the skirts of the forest ; bnt these
«re very scarce, and probably the
progeny of a stock left by former na-
vigators. Although the ordinary
food of theAndamancrsbe fish, they
eat likewise lizards, guanas, rats,
and snakes. Within the caverns
autl recesses is found the edible bird
liests, so highly prized by the C hi-
nese, and the shures abound with a
variety of beautiful shells, gorgonias,
madn poras, murex, and cowries.
'J he veg< fable productions arc
very lew, tJio fruit of the mangrove
being the principal. As the natives
possess no pot or vessel, that can
bear the action of fire, they cannot
deiive much advantage from such
esculents as the forests may contain;
and nnhappily for the Andamaners,
the cocoa nut, which thrives so well
attlie Nicobar Islands, close in their
"vicinity, is not to be found here.
The first settlement of the English
■was made in the year 1791, near the
southern extremity of the island,
which was aitcrwards removed, Lu
1793, to Port Cornwallis. A riiore
picturesque or romantic view can
scarcely be imagined, than that which
Chatham Island and Cornwallis Har-
bour present: being laud-locked oa
all sides, nothing is to be seen but an
extensive sheet of water, reseinbhng
a vast lake, interspersed with small
islands, and surrounded by lofty
mountains covered with trees, Tlic
original object of the undertaking
was to procure a commodious har-
bour on the east side of the bay, to
receive and shelter ships of war dur-
ing the continuance of the north-east
monsoon. It was also intended as
a place of reception for convicts sen-
tenced to transportation from Ben-
gal; but the settlement proving ex-
tremely unhealthy, it has been aban-
doned, and the convicts arc now scut
to Frincc of Wales Island.
The Audamans, together \nth tlie
Nicobars and lesser islands, were in-
cluded by Ptolemy in the general
appellation of Insulae bonaeFortuiue,
and supposed to be inhabited by a
race of Anthropophagi, a description
which the barbarity of the modern
Andamaners perhaps justifies, as far
as refers to them, lor the inhabitants
of the Nicolars are a very dill'erent
race.
The population of the great Anda-
man, and all its dependencies, docs
not exceed 2000, or 2500 souls: these
aie dispersed, in small societies, along
the coast, or on the lesser islands
within the harbour, never penetrating
deeper into the interior than the
skirts of the forest. Their sole occu-
pation seems to be that of climbing
rocks, or roving along the margin of
the s(;a in quest of a precariuus meal
of fish, which, during the tempestu-
ous season, tJiey often se(>k in vain.
It is an object of much curiosity to
discover the orighi of a race of people
so widely difi'eriiig, not only from all
the inhabitants of the iieiglibouring
conliucnt, but also from those of the
Nicouur Islands, which :ue so near:
hitherto, however, the inquiiies of
travellers have produced no salislUc-
tory couclusiou. lu staltue the A»«
ANIMALAYA.
31
daniancrs seldom exceed five feet;
their limbs arc dis[)iO(>c)iti()iiately
sli'udor; thi-ir bellies j>iotul)craiit,
w ith high shoulders and larajc heads;
and they appear to be a de;;"eiierale
rae,e of negroes, with woolly hair, Hat
noses, and thick lips: their eyes arc
small and red, their skin of a de<'p
sooty black, while their countenances
exhibit the extreme of wrctelicdness,
a horrid mixture of famine and fero-
city. They go quite naked, and arc
insensible to any shame from expo-
sure.
The few implements tliey use are
of the nidest texture. Their jirinei-
pal weapon is a bow, fnun four to
five feet long; the string made of the
fibres of a tree, or a slip of bamboo,
with .arrows of reed, headed with
fish bone, or wood hardened in the
fire. Besides this, they carry a spear
of heavy w^)od, sliarp pointed, and h
shield made of bark. Tiiey shoot
and spear fish with great dexterity,
and are said also to use a small hand
net, made of the filaments of bark.
Having kindled a fire, they throw the
fish on the coals, and devour it half
broiled.
Their habitations display little
more ingenuity than the dens of wild
beasts. Four sticks fixed in the
ground are bound at the top, and
fastened transversely by others, to
which branches of trees are suspend-
ed: an opening just large enough to
admit of entrance is left on one side,
and their bed is composed of leaves.
Being much incommoded by insects,
their first occupation of a morning is,
to plaister their bodies all over with
mud, which ha.rdeni ng in the sun,
lorms an impenetrable armour. Their
woolly heads they paint with red
ochre and water, ajid when thus
completely dressed, a more hideous
appearance is not tobc foimd in the
human form. Their salutation is
performed by lifting up one leg, and
smacking with thcii- hand the lower
part of the tliigh.
Their canoes arc hollowed out of
the trunksoftiees, by fire anduistiu-
m&Hts et stotte; haviug nv trou in
use among them but such as they ac-
cidentally procure from Europeans,
or from vessels wn'cked on their
coast. The men are cunning and re-
vengeful, and have a great hatred to
strangers : they have never made
any attempt to cultivate the land,
but subsist on what they can pick
up or kill.
'J'he language of the Andamaners
has not been discovered to posses.**
the sUghtest alfinity to any that is
spoken in India, or among the
islands.
rhey appear to express an ador.i-
tion to the sun, the mooji, and to
imaginary beings, the genii of the
woods, waters, and monnlaitis. In
storms Ihey apprehend the influence
of a malignant being, and deprecate
his wrath by chantiiig wild ehonis-
ses. Of a future it is not known
they have any idea, which possibly
arises from our imperfect means of
discovering their opinion. {Si/mes,
CuL Colehrooke, Si'c.)
Andapgorguk, {Antapnrghar), —
A town in the province ot Orissa,
district of Kunjeur, 60 miles v.est
from Balasore. Lat. 21°. 33'. N.
Long. 8G°. 20'. E. It is possess<:d by
independent Zemindars.
Andeah. — -A town in the province
of Malwah, district of liaisseen, 22
miles E. from Bilsah, and witliin tho
tenitories of the INlaharattas. Lat*
23°. 37'. N. Long. 7&°. 12'. E.
Angknweel. — A town in the
Peshwa's territories in the province
of Concan, 95 miles S. from Bombay.
Lat. 17°. 34'. N. Long. 72°. 55'. E.
AndicottA. — A town in the Ma-
Ldjar [)ro\iiice, 3S miles S. S. E. tiom
Calicut. Lut. 10°. 54'. N. Long.
7U°. b'. E.
Andhra. — Tlie ancient name of
pail of Telingana.
An I MALAYA, {or Elephant Hill, s»
tailed from the g-reat number of ele-
phants and hills in the neighbourhood).
—A town in the district of Coimbe-
toor, 20 miles S. E. from Palicaud-
cherry. Lat. 10°. 41'. N. Long. 77^-.
3'. 'rhis town contains 400 house.*,
and is situak'd oa the west .side of
32
ANNAGOONDY.
tlie River Alima. It is a common
tlioroiip;ht"are between Malabar atid
the soutlicrn part of the Arcot domi-
nions, being placed opposite to the
wide passage, that is between the
southern end of the Ghauts of Karnata
and the hills that run north from Ca()e
Comorin. The Madura rajahs, for-
merly loids of tlie country, built a
tort close to the river, which having
fallen to ruins, the materials were re-
moved by the Mysore rajahs, and a
uew fort built at some distance to the
westward. The Animalaya poly-
t^ars are 1 2 in number. The gieater
part of the dry field in the ueiglibour-
hood is now over<;iownwilh woods, the
rountry having beenmuch devastated
by the Nairs. The exclusive privi-
lege of collecting drugs in the hills
south from Animalaya is liere rented
to a particular person. The elephants
are increasing in number, o\\itig to
tlieir not having been hunted for some
years past.
The forests are very extensive, and
contain abundance of teak and other
valuable timber, bnt unfortunately it
is too remote from water carriage, to
permit its exportation. (F. Buchanan,
Anjeoiva, (Adjaiha'pa). — A small
island, about one mile in circumfe-
rence, and two from the shore, lying
off the coast of Canara, 57 mibs S.
by E. from Gra. Lat. 14°. 4l'. N.
Long. 74°. E.
In 1662, Sir Abraham Sliipman,
when refused possession of Bombay
by the Portuguese, landed on tliis
island with his troops, amounting to
6()() men, where they continiu-d until
March, 1664-6'.j. During this inter-
val they lost, by sicknes.s, their com-
mander, and when removed to liom-
bay, the survivors of the whole mus-
tered only two ollicers and 119 rank
und file. {Bruce, ^c. St'c.)
Anjkngo, (Anjntenirn). — A town
and small fort, tlic residence of a
c,ommercial agent for the Company,
on the sea coast of Travancor, 7U
miles N. AV. from Cape Comorin.
Lat. 8°. 39'. N. Long. 7G°. 61'. E.
At a siiort distaiico Horn this place
lies Attinga, the residence of the
Queen of Travaaeor, a title always
given to the king's eldest sister. The
interior distiicts of the country are
inhabited by Hindoos ; whereas oil
tiie sea coa.st, the greater part of tlic
inhabitants are Chrislians and i\Ia-
homniedans. So far back as 1G94,
the English East India Company ob-
tained permission, from tiie Queen of
Attinga, to settle and fortify Ajengo,
from whence they expected to pro-
cure a large quantity of pepper and
cardamonis, the staple produce of
Travancor. I'he best coir cables on
the Malabar coast are made here,
and at Cochin, of the fibres of the
Laecadive cocoa nut. The exports
are pepper, coarse piece goods, coir,
and some drugs; the impwrts are of
very small amount. {Fra Paolo,
Bruce, Sit. ^-c.)
Anjekie.— A considerable village
halfway up the Straits of Sunda, ou
the Java shore, where ships may b«
convenient ly sn pplied witlnvater, and
every kind of refriishmcnt ; yet, bo-
cause this side of the strait is occa-
sionally subject to calms, which may
sometimes cause a delay of two or
three days, few of the outward-bound
China ships touch here, preferring
the Sumatran shore, where onlyMood
and water nrv procurable, and where
numbers of seamen yearly fall a sa-
crifice to Malay treatJicry, and totlie
unhealthiness of the place. Tlic
Dutch maintained a small garrison
hereto protect the inhabitants against
the Malays. At this place Colonel
Catchcart is interred, who died on
his May to China as ambassador, in
1785.
Annagoondy, {Anatrnndi). — This
is the Canara name for tiw famous
city of Bijaiiagur. Lat. 16°. 14'. N.
Long. 76°. 34'. E. It is situated ou
the north bank of the Toombuddra,
opposite to the city of AUputna, which
Uiune, as well as Annagoondy, is
sometimes understoodtoiu' hide both
cities. The name of Bijana^ur is still
retained by the Mahonnnedans.
After the conquest of Bi janagur by
the Mahommedaa princes of the
AOR.
3S
Deccaii, ihe nominal rajahs were al-
lowed to retain Auiiagoondy, and
some other districts in Jaghire, for
several generations. Prior to 1749,
the Maharatta chiefs had imposed a
tribute on them, which Hyder in
1775 increased. In 1786 Tippoo en-
tered A imagoondy, expelled the rajah,
burned his palace and all his records,
and annexed the district to the go-
vernment lands. In 1790, the rajah
again seized the district, but was
driven out by Tippoo's general. Cum-
mer ud Deen Khan. In 179fJ, he
ugain made himself master of the
eomitry, and did not submit until the
British army approached. Pnrneah,
the Dewan of tlie INIysore, took the
management of the country from him,
and gave him a monthly allowance of
2008 rupees, Avhicli was reduced to
1500, when Annagoondy was made
over to the nizam, and it is now con-
tinued at tliat rate by the British go-
vernment. The present rajah is a
man of mean capacity, but little re-
moved from idiotism. (Munio, Ren-
nel, Moor, i^c.)
Anontpoor, {Armntapura). —A
small town in the Rajah of ]\1} sore's
teiTitories, district of Bcdnore. Lat.
14°. N. Long. 75°. 22'. E.
Anopshehkk, {Aiiupa S/if/icr). — A
town in the province of Delhi, district
of Bareily, 70 miles S. E. from Delhi,
situated on the west bank of the
Ganges. Lat. 2b°. 21'. Long. 78°. 13'.
On the south, this town is del'eud-
od by a large brick fort, erected chiefly
against the attacks of cavalry, as it
had no battery of cannon, but there
are loop-holes for bows and arrows.
From this citadel there is a coni-
manding view of the Avhole country,
and the Ganges winding thi-ough it
for many miles. About the end of
December this river is reduced to a
very small breadth, but its stream is
pure and clear. 'J'he w est bank rises
perpendicularly about 30 feet, and
on that side the country is not over-
flow ed ; while, on the opposite .side,
tlie slope from the bank is almost
imperceptible, and the fields are in-
Hndated.
The land to the eastward of Anop-
sheher is avcH cultivated, and tole-
rably well fenced. The strong jungle
grass is plaited into webs of a sort of
basket work, and these, placed on
the sides of the field, protect the
grain fiom almost eveiy sort of cattle,
except the wild hogs, which are here
very numerous, as are deer and game
of all sorts.
The town of Anopshcher is con-
tained within a strong mud wall ; and,
though not of great extent, is thickly
inhabited, the houses being a mix-
ture of brick and mud buildings.
The surrounding wall of this place is
in some parts 29 and 30 feet thick.
Formerly, in this part of Hindostan,
when a zemindar's rent was demand-
ed, he betook himself, with all his
eflects, to his fort, and then held out,
until overcome by a superior military
fbice; frequently expending much
more than the sum demanded in re-
sisting thtf claim.
From hence the high mountains to
the north east are seen, the distance
supposed about 200 miles. Tliey ap-
pear like snowy clouds, towering to
an immense height in the skies, and
the wind which blows from them
excessively cold, bringing fluxes and
agues. (Tennant, ^-c.)
Antkky, {Antari). — A walled town
of considerable .size, in the province
of Agra, district of Gohud, situated
at the foot of the hills, on tlie bank
of (he small River Dialoo. Lat. 26°.
10'. N. Long. 78°. 17'. E. The neigh-
bouring hills are of a quartzoze stone.
This town is 14 miles south from
Gualior, and is v ithin the territories
tiibutary to the Maharattas. {Hunter,
4t.)
Antongherry. — A small town in
tiic nizam's territories, district of
Bassuni, 52 miles N. E. from Nan-
dere, Lat. 19°. 45'. N. Long. 78°.
10'. E.
AoR. — A very small island in the
Eastern Seas, lying off the east coa.st
of INIalaeca. Lat. 2°. 25'. N. Long.
104°. 35'. E. Ships bound from
China to the Straits of Malacca ge-
nerally anchor here, if they make the
34
AKCOT,
island in tlie morning. It is very
high, and covered with a close and
lofty wood. Here is a small village
of Malays, who supply cocoa nuts and
vegetables. (Johnson, Ellmorey ^t.)
Apakookit. — A town in the Ma-
lay peninsula, district of Quedali, six
miles S. E. from Allestar, chiefiy in-
habited by Cliuliass. The soil is
sandy and light, but it produces
abundance of grain.
Appolu. — A to.^n in the province
of Bengal, district of Dinagepoor,
80 miles N, N.E. from Moorsheda-
bad. Lat. 25°. S*. N. Long. 8b°.
59'. E.
Aravacourchy. — A small town
in the Coinibetoor district, 53 miles
W. by S. from 1 richinopoly. Lat.
10°. 48'. N. Long. 7b°. E. This place
was formerly inhabited by a person
of the Bayda cast, named Arava, the
name signifying the Seat of Arava.
It afterwards became subject to Ma-
dma, and then to Mysore, the curlur
or sovereign of which built near the
town a neat loit, and gave it the
name of Vijaya-Mangalam, by the
Mahommedans pronounced Bija-
mangle. About the end of Hyder's
reign, an English army took the fort,
at which time the town vas de-
stroyed. It now contains above 300
houses, and is fast recovering. The
inliabitants speak mostly the Tamul
language. (jP. Bvchanan, kc)
Aracote. — A few days journey to
the west of Hyderabad, in the pro-
vince of Sinde ; there is a pagoda de-
dicated to the Goddess Bhavani, at a
place named Aracote. It is described
as being situated in the centic of se-
ven ranges of hills, A\hich the multi-
tude of pilgrims who resort to it con-
sider as too sacred for human sk'[)S,
and the resort of aerial beings. {Max-
Jield, df-c.)
Arawul. — A town in the INIaha-
ratta tenitories, in the ]jrovince of
Khandesh, 65 miles W. by S. from
Boorhanpoor. Lat. 21°. i)'. N. Long.
76°. 2b'. E.
Arcot, {Northern Division). — A
coiiectorship in the Carnalic under
the Madias Presidency, which also
includes Sati^aid, Piilicat, Coon-
goody in the Barramahal, part of the
Balaghaut, and of the western poU
lams, or zemindaries.
Both divisions were transferred to
the British government by the Nabob
of the Carnatic in 1801.
Arcot, {SoiUhern I>ivision\—'A.
coUectorsliip in the Carnatic, under
the Madras Presidency, which in-
cludes Cuddalore and Pondicherry.
In 1806, this district was in a very
miserable slate, but it has since pro-
gressively improved. At that period
the revenue was collected with diffi-
culty ; the villages in part deserted,
and some w holly ; the remaining in-
habitants practising every artifice to
avoid paj ing their rents, and to con-
ceal the public revenue, the general
appearance of the country and vil-
lages indicating extienie misery. This
condition originated partly from the
land being over assessed, and partly
from the rapacious exactions of tho
native officers, who collected there-
venues during the nabob's admi-
nistration.
The principal trading ports in this
district arc Cuddalore, Pondicherry,
and Portonovo, The total value of
the imports, from the 1st of May,
1811, to the 30th of April, 1812, was
4,56,879 Arcot rupees, of which
2,40,791 rupees was from places be-
yond the teiTitorics of the Madras
government, viz.
Erom Calcutta - - - - 26,374
Cevlon - - - - 32,835
Eastward - - - 1,20,580
Prince of Wales ^ qooii
Island - - - ) '
Tjavanoor - - - 1,352
\ arious places - - 27,437.
Arcot rupees 2,40,791
The total value of the exports
during the above period w as 9,74,987
Arcot rupees, of which 5,25,418 ru-
pees was to places bejond tlie terri-
tories of the Madras government,
viz.
ARCOT.
35
To Calcutta 5,848
Ceylon ----- 6,048
I'^astward - - - - 2,10,093
Isles of France - - - 95,G64
Prince of Wales Island 1,88,111
Various places - - - 13,154
Arcat rupees 5,35,418
Excepting small importations of
rice and wheat from Bcng^al, the
whole trade of Pondiehorry, in the
above period, consisted of arrack,
pepper, palmirahs, drawn from Cey-
lon, Travancor, and Prince of Wales
Island. Large supplies of piece goods
were exported to the Isle of France,
and a small quantity of rum to Ceylon.
To Cuddalore the import trade
from the eastward was very consi-
derable, and consisted of betel nut,
pepper, and clepliaiits' teeth. The
exports consisted mostly of piece
goods to Prince of Wales Island.
Portonovo, in like manner, fur-
nished large supplies of piece goods
for the eastern market, and in return
imported betel nut, pepper, benja-
min, camphor, sugar, and elephants'
teeth ; besides which, rice from Ben-
gal, and tobacco from Ceylon, in
.small quantities, were received. (^«-
vetislMW, 5th Report ; Report on Ex-
teriml Commerce, (.Vc.)
Arcot, {Arriicat). — A town in the
Carnatic, situated on the south side
of the River Palar. Lat. 12°. 52'. N.
Long. 79°. 29'. E.
The bed of the River Palar is at this
place half a mile wide, but in the dry
season does not contain a stream suf-
ficient to turn a mill. The hills in
the neighbourhood are extremely
bairen. They are of granite, and ap-
pear to be undergoing a rapid decay.
In many parts of the vallies, formed
by these hills, cluuuim, or limestone
nodules is found, wiiich in Bengal is
called Conkar. The country from
hence to Vellore is but thinly peo-
pled, and a considerable portion of
the land still waste.
Arcot is the nominal capital of the
Carnatic below the Ghauts, as the
nabob's doxninions are named by the
D 2
Mahommcdans and English. Tlie
town is chielly inhabited by IMaliom-
medans, who speak the Deceany dia-
lect, which we name Hindostani.
The fort is large, but not in good re-
pair. 'I'hc town surrounds tlie glacis
on all sides, and is extensive; the
houses also are as good as near to
Madras. There is a manufactme of
coarse cotton cloths here, but they
are dearer than in Bengal.
Arcot is said to be noticed by Pto-
lemy as the capital of tiie Sorae, or
Soranmtidalum, from whence cor-
ruptly Coromandel ; but the present
town is of modern date. After the
Mogul armies captured Giiigee, they
found it so extremely unhealthy, that
they were obliged to canton on the
plains of Arcot, which led to the
establishment of that capital of the
lower Carnatic in 1716.
Anwar un Deen, the Nabob of Ar*
cot, was killed in battle, A. D. 1749,
after which this place was taken by
Chundasaheb, the French candidate.
In 1751, it was retaken by Captai a
Clive, with 200 Europeans and 300
sepoys. The garrison being panic-
struck, made no resistance, although
they amounted to 1 100 men. He was
immediately besieged by the French
and their allies ; but, notv\ ithstand-
ing his garrison consisted of only 120
Europeans and 200 sepoys fit for ser-
vice, he resisted 50 days under every
disadvantage, and at last compelled
the enemy to raise the siege. It af-
terwards fell into the possession of
the French allies; but was finally
taken in February, 1760, by Colonel
Coote, after the battle of Wandc-
wash.
Arcot suiTcndered to Hyder the
3d of November, 1780 ; and, with its
vicinity, suflered greatly by bis dif-
ferent invasions, and during the mis-
government of the nabob's revenue
olRcers, but tliey are now fast re»
covering.
Travelling distance from Madras,
73 miles ; from Seringapatam, 217 ;
from Calcutta, 1070 ; and from Del-
hi, 1277 miles. {F. Buchatwn, Orme,
Wilkes, Rennel, ^c.)
36 ARMEGUM.
ArdhnEllv., (ArdhanhaU). — A town
in the territories of the Mysore Kajah,
named also Urdanhully, 47 miles
S. by E. from Serins;ai)atam. Lat.
11° 48'. N. Long-. 77°. 5'. E.
AnmsGY, (llrdhaiig-a).— A town in
the Eoligar territory, in the southern
Carnatic, 44 miles S. by W- from
Tanjore. Lat. 10°. 9'. N.^Loiig:. 79°.
4'. E.
Aregh. — A town in the teiTitories
of the Maharattas, province of Be-
iapoor, situated 10 miles E. from
Merritch. Lat. 16°. 66'. N. Long.
75°. 11'. N.
Arentis. — A small rocky island in
the Eastern Seas. Lat. 5°. 14'. N.
Long-. 115°. 10'. E.
Arfac. — Very high mountains in
Papua, bearing due south from Dory
Harbour.
Argaum, (Arigrattia). — A small
\illage in the province of Berar, near
Ellichpoor. On the plains, near this
place, a battle was fou2,ht on the
28th November, 1803, betwixt the
British army, under General W^t^lles-
ley, and that of the Rajah of Berar,
in^ which the latter was completely
defeated, with very little loss on the
part of the British. The Maharattas
lost 38 pieces of cannon, all their
ammunition, elephants, and baggage,
and sustained very great slaughter
during their llight. After this battle,
and the .subsequent capture of Ga-
welghur,the Berar Bajah made peace
on the terms proposed by General
Wellesley. The village now forms
part of the nizam's dominions.
AuiANCOOPAN. — A small town on
the s(;a-coast of the Carnatic, near
Pondicheny. Lat. 11°. 54'. N. Long.
79°. 56'. E. In 1748 this ^^as a for-
tified town, and with great difliculty
taken by Admiral Boscawen, prior
to his unsuccessful siege of Pondi-
cherry. {Orme, S,-c.)
Arietoor, {Ari/iftiir). — A town in
the Carnatic. 32 miles N. from 'J'an-
jore. Lat. 11°. 11'. N, Long. 79°. 6'. E.
AuiM. — A town in the jjrovince of
Gundwana, 95 miles S. by 1*1. from
Bultunpoor, possessed by a Goand
uLigf, tributaiy to tkw Najfpoor rajali.
It is a larger and more flourishing
village than is usually found in this
barbarous province; containing some
weavers, and frequented by mer-
chants. {Leckie, 5t.)
Arinkil. — See Worangol.
Arippo. — A village in the Island
of Ceylon, situated on the Gulf of
Manaar, where the civil and military
olticers reside, who attend the pearl
fishery during the season, when it is
carried on. A fiag staff and field
piece are attached to the party, to
make signals to the boats, and to
give notice of their going out and rc->
turning. Arippo is the only place in
this neigh])ourhood w here good water
can be procured. There is a chapel
here for persons of the Roman Ca-
tholic persuasion, who consist chiefly
of Parawas and Malabars, resorting
to this place during the season of the
fishery, {Percival, c^r.)
Arisdong. — A town in the south-
ern part of Tibet, which is named in
the maps the Narytamoe country.
Lat. 29°. 49'. N. Long. 84°. 46'. E.
Respecting this town, and the pro-
vince in which it is sitiiated, very
little is known.
Armacotta. — A town inthesouth-
ern Carnatic, in the district of INfa-
rawas, 75 miles S. by W. from Tan-
iorc. Lat. 9°. 43'. N. Long. 78®.
65'. E.
Armeatie. — A town in the Nabob
of (Jude's territories, district of Ma-
nicpoor, 47 miles S. S. W. from Ey-
zabad. Lat. 26°. 9'. N. Long. 81°.
45'. E.
Armegum. — A town on the sea-
coast of the Carnatic, 66 miles N.
from INladras. Lat. 14°. N. Long.
80°. 18'. E. This was the first Eng-
lish establishment in the Carnatic,
and until the acquisition of Madras.
In tlie year 1625, the principal East
India Compatiy's agents liaving ob-
tained a piece of groiuid from the
iiaik, or chief of the district, they
erected a tactory at this place. In
1628 it is described as being defend-
ed by 12 pieces of cannon moiuitcd
round the factory, with a guard of 23
lactors and soidiens. {^Brnce, (Jr.)
ARRACAN.
37
AnXASSOODIKTniCT. — SrC.TAOHIRE.
Armek, {Ar<iiu).—A 1«\vu in the
Carnatic, 7o miles S. W. tioin ^la-
dras. I.at. 12°. 3D'. Long-. 7iP. 24'.
}']. Diiiiiis? llTclt'i's iiivasitjii of Ihe
Carnatic, in 1782, his f^reat uiap^a-
ziiies were deposited in tlxe fortress
of A nice.
Armtimba. — A small to^vii in the
Gujrat peninsula, situated ni the
Halliar clistrict, not far from the
town of Wankaiieer, and the pro-
perty of the rajah of that phice. It
is surrounded liy a high stone wall,
and has a little castle. 'J'he niilk
bush fences, common in the southern
part of the peninsula, are not to he
seen lierc, dry stone walls round the
fields beinjr substituted. {3P3Iiirdo,
4-c.)
Aroo, — A lar2;c island in the East-
ern Seas to the south of J'apua, the
centre of which lies nearly in tlio
l;35th degiee of ca5t lonji^itude, and
the (ith of south latitude. In lenfjth
it may be estimated at 140 miles, by
35 miles the avera<;e breadth. I'his
island has, as yet, been but very im-
perfectly explored ; and little is
known with respect to either the
country, or the inhabitants. The
Chinese merchants, settled at Banda,
carry on a traftic with tiiis island,
from whence they receive pearls,
bird nests, tortoise shells, and slaves.
'I'his island is supposed to be one
of the breeding- places of the birds of
paradise, of which seven species are
described by A'alentyn. They are
f aught by the inhabitants of the Pa-
puan Isles, who draw their entrails,
and fumigate them, having first cut
their legs off, which gave rise to the
fabulous report that this bird had no
legs, but existed constantly on the
wing in the air. The anangcment of
their plumage is such as greatly to
facilitate their continuing long with-
out touching the earth ; but when
they do, they reascend with great
difliculty, and a particular species is
.said to be again unable to rise. The
largest ar« about two and a half feet
in length.
. A*» aromatic, resembling cinna-
mon in its flavour, and much used
among the eastern islands, and
named the Missoy bark, is princi-
jially jMoctired here and at Papua.
It is seldom carried to Europe.
Aroul. — A small town in the pro-
vince of Agra, district of Kanoge,
13 miles S. 8. E. from Kanoge. Lat.
26°. 56'. N. Eong. 80°. E.
Arracan, (Rnkhan^). — A large
province in the Birman or Ava em-
pire, which extends along the eastern
side of the Hay of Uengal, from the
River Nauf in Chittagong, as far south
as Cape Negrais, where the ancient
Pegue empire commenced. A range
of lof(y mountains, named Anou-
pectoumieou, bound it to the east ;
and towards tlie south approach so
near to the sea, that thojjghits length
may be estimated at .'300 miles, in
many places the breadth in land dees
not exceed 10 miles, and no where
more than lOt).
I'Vwm the side of Chittagong, en-
trance into Arracan must be eflected
b)f a juarcli along the sea beach, iu-
tGiTupted b}' several channels, w hicli
chieflj' owe their waters to the action
of the tide. From the quarter of
IJassccn and Negrais, Arracan can
only be invaded by water, owing to
the numerous rivers that intersect the
country adjacent to the sea. Chednba,
Ramree, Arracan, and Saiidowy,
form four distinct provinces, and com-
prehend the whole of the Arracan
tenitory.
The sea coast of AiTacan is stud-
ded Avith islands, of different sizes,
and numerous clusters of rocks, that
lie at a small distance from the shore,
many of which exhibit a striking re-
semblance to the forms of different
animals. Behind these islands the
sea coast is a»Teeably divcrsilied with
hill and dale, the former covered with
trees.
Tlie natives of AnacanProper call
their country Y«kein, the IJindoos
of Bengal Rossaun. The latter, who
have settled in great numbers in Ar-
racan, are denominated by the ori-
ginal inhabitants Kulaw Yekcin, or
luuiaturaltzcd Arracaners. Tlie Mo-
38
ARRACAN.
gijls know this country by the name
of Keckan. ]Mogo is a term of re-
Ijfrious import and hii:;h sanclitj', ap-
plied to the priesthood and king,
whence the inhabitants are often rail-
ed by Europeans Mug^lis. 1'iie Ma-
hommedans, who have been long
settled in Arraean, call themselves
Rooinga, or natives of Arraean.
In 1582 Abul Tazel describes this
country as follows :
" To the south-cast is' a large
country named Arkung, to which the
Bunder, or Port of Chittagong, pro-
perly belongs. Here are plenty of
elephants, but great scarcity of
horses."
Respecting the interior of this
country very little is known, but a
considerable intercourse subsists be-
twixt the maritime districts and the
Bengal provinces. From AiTacan
there are 40 or 50 boats of 500
maunds each (80 libs) equipped an-
nually by merchants who travel across
the country from Umcrapoor, Cheg-
Lein, and other cities in the domi-
nions of Ava, for the Bengal trade.
Each boat may be valued at 4000
rupees capital, principally in silver
bullion. One half of these boats re-
turn with red betel nut, and this
trade is so systematically established,
that they even farni the betel nut
plantations about Luckipore. The
principal exports from Arraean, be-
sides bullion, are salt, bees wax, ele-
phants teeth, and rice, the latter of
which is produced in great abund-
ance, and the contiguous islands are
uncommonly fruitful. Many Birnian
boats, also, navigating during the
n®rth-west monsoon, proceed from
Bassein, Rangoon, and Martaban,
along tlie Arraean coast, and make
an annual voyage to Chittagong,
Dacca, and Calcutta, where they
dispose of their inoduce, and return
with Indian and European commo-
dities. Prior to 1764 the Dutch used
to purchase rice and slaves here.
I'lie Rukliing is the original lan-
guage of the inhabitants of Arra(;an,
who adhere to the tenets of Buddha,
and formed, in uucient times, apart
of the empire of Magadha, from
which they seem to have derived the
name of Mug, or Manga, by which
they are generally distinguished by
the inhabitants of Bengal. This
dialect (the Rukhing) is the fust of
that singular class of Indo Chinese
languages, which may be properly
termed monosyllabic, from the mass
of their radical words consisting of
monosyllables, like the spoken dia-
lects of China.
Until their last conquest by the
Birmans, the tribes of Arraean seem
for a long period to have presei"ved
their independence ; their language
is, consequently, purer than that of
the Birmans, who suffered various
revolutions. The national name of
the AiTacan race is Ma-rum-nm,
which seems to be only a corruption
of Maha-vm-ma; Vurnia being an
appellation peculiai- to tribes of Khe-
tri extraction. A native of Arraean
cannot, without extreme difficulty,
articulate a wOrd which has a con-
sonant for a final.
Until the Birman conquest, tho
ancient government of Arraean had
never been so completely subdued,
as to acknowledge vassalage to a fo-
reign power, although the Moguls
and the Peguers had, at different
periods, canied arms into the heart
of the country. During the reign of
Aurengzebe, the unfortunate Sultan
Sujah, his brother, was put to death
by the Arraean Rajah. The Portu-
guese, sometinjcs as allies, at others
as open enemies, gained an esta-
blishment in the countiy, which de-
cayed only with the general ruin of
their interests in Asia.
In 1783 this province was con-
quered after a very faint resistanco
by the Birmans, and was followed
by the sunender of Cheduba, Ram-
roe, and the Broken Isles. Many of
the Mughs, or subjects of the great
Mogo, (a title assumed by the Ar-
raean Rajahs) prefeiTcd flight to ser-
vitude, taking refuge in the Dnm-
buck hills, on the borders of Chit-
tagong, and in the deep Ibrests and
jungles that skirt the frontier) wltero
ASSAM.
39
they have formed themselves into
tril>cs of independent jobbers, and
have since caused infinite vexation
to the Birmans. Many have settled
in the districts of Dacca and Chilta-
gong. whilst others submitted quietly
to the yoke.
When the conquest was complet-
ed, Arracan, with its dependencies,
was constituted a province of the
Birman Empire, and a maywoon, or
viceroy, was appointed to govern it.
Sholamboo was the first invested
with that office, and 1000 Birmau
soldiers were left to garrison tlie tort.
Small parties were hkewise distribut-
ed in the dift'erent towns, and many
Birmans, who had obtained grants of
lands, came with their families, and
peltled in the country, thereby add-
ing to the security of the state. The
dethroned Rajah Mahasumda died a
natural death the first year of his
captivity, and thus the reduction of
Arracan was completed in a few
months. {Si/mes, Cox, Ley den, F.
JBuchanan, Towers, Abul Fazel, ^-c.)
Arracan. — A town in the Birmau
Empire, province of Arracan, of which
it is the capital. Lat. 20°. 40'. N.
Long. 93*^. 5'. E. It is situated about
two tides journey from the sea, on
the west side of the Arracan River,
which here expands to a noble sheet
of water ; but rising in the hills to
the N. E. has but a short course.
This town and fort were taken by
the Birmans, in 1783, after a feeble
resistance. They found a consider-
able booty, but on nothing was a
higher value placed than an image
of Gaudma, (the Gautama of the Hin-
doos, a name of Buddha) made of
brass, and highly burnished. The
figure is about 10 feet high, and in
the customary sitting posture, with
•the legs crossed and inverted, the
left hand resting on the lap, the right
pendent. This image is believed to
be the original resemblance of the
Reeshee (saint) taken from life, and
it is so highly venerated, that pil-
grims have for centuries been accus-
tomed to come from the remotest
coiuitries, where the supremacy of
Gaudma is acknowledged, to pay
their devotions at tbe feet of his
brazen representative. Tliere were
also five images of Racsliyas, the
demons of the Hindoos, oCilie same
metal, and of gigantic stature, the
guardians of the sanctuary.
A singular piece of ordnance, of
most enormous dimensions, Mas also
found, composed of huge bars of iron,
beaten into fonn. This ponderotis
cannon measured 30 feet in length,
2 and a half in diameter at the mouth,
and 10 inches in the calibre. It was
transported by the Birmans to Ume-
rapoor by water, as a military trophy,
and Gaudma,with his infernal guards,
wore, in like manner, conveyed to
the capital, with mncli pomp and
superstitious parade. {St/mes, S,-c.)
AuRAH. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Shahabad, 35
miles W. by S. from Patna. Lat.
25°. 32'. N. Long. 84°. 42'. E.
Arval. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Bahar, situated
on the south-east side of the yoani
River, 40 miles S. W. from Patna.
Lat. 25°. 15'. N. Long. 84°. 44'. E.
AsEER. — See Hasser.
AsHRA. — A town in the province
of IMalwah, belonging to the Malwali
Maharattas, 66 miles E. by S. from
Oojaln. Lat. 23°. 4'. N. Long. 76°,
50'. E.
Asia Isles. — A cluster of low
islands in the Eastern Seas, covered
with trees. Lat. 1°. N. Long. 131°.
30'. E.
Ask AH. — A town in the northern
Circars, 36 miles N. W. by W. from
Ganjam. Lat. 19°. 44'. N. Long.
84°. 65'. E.
ASSAM, (ASAM.)
An extensive countiy to the north-
east of Bengal, situated principally
betwixt the 25th and 28th degrees of
north latitude, and 94°. and 99°. of
east longitude. In length Assam
may be estimated at 700 miles, by
70 the aA'crage breadth. In a few-
places of Upper Assam, where the
40
ASSAM.
inoiuitains recede fdiHiest, the
l)re:ulth considerably exceeds lliis
proportion; bnt the probable area of
the whole is 60,000 s(|Uiire miles.
This region is separated liy the
Brahmapootra into three p;rand di-
visions, called f Mrecole, or Ootre-
parah, Deccaticole, or Deocanparah,
and the Majnli. The first denotes
the provinces lying- to the north of
the Brahmapootra, the second those
to the south, and the third, the JNTa-
jnli, «, large island formed by the
Brahmapootra. The country is sub-
divided into Upper and Lower As-
sam : the first includes the country
above Coleabark, where the river
diverges into two considerable
streams, as far as the mountainous
confines to the north and sonth. At
an early period tliis included the
whob of Assam: b'lt the lower pro-
vinces, to the westward, having af-
terwards been annexed by conquest
to the dominions of Surjee Deo, be-
came a separate government.
From the confines of Bengal, or
Bisnee, at the Khoridar Chokey, the
valley, as well as the river and moun-
tains, preserve a northenr direction
to a considerable distince, and in-
cline to the east by north. In the
upper provinces, Assam is bounded
on the south-west by Bengal and
Bisnee ; on the north by the succes-
sive ranges of the moTintains of
Bootan, Auka, Duflala, and Miree;
on the south by the Garrow moun-
tains, which rise in proportion to
their progress eastward, and change
the name of GaiTOW to that of Naga.
The valley is divided, throughout its
whole length, by the Brahmapootra,
into nearly ecpial parts. The Assam
territory, when it is entered from
Bengal, commences from iJie north
ofthe Brahma])ootra, at the Khondar
Chokey, and at Nagrabaree HiU on
the south,
The number and magnitude ofthe
rivers in Assam, probably exceeds
that of any other country in the
Avorld of equal extent: they are iti
general of a suOBcient depth, at all
seasons, to admit of a cojumcrcial
intercoinsc on shallow boats; during
tlie rains boats of tlie largest size
find sufFieient depth of water. 'ITie
number of rivers, of which the exist;-
ence has been ascertained, amounts
to 61, including the Brahmapootra,
and its tv^o great brandies, the
Dehing and tlie Looicliel: 34 of
these flow from the northern, and
24 from the southern mountains.
The source of the Brahmapootra is
unknown.
Many of these rivers are remarka-
ble for their extreme winding course :
the Dckrung, although the direct
distance of its course is only 2.5
miles, performs a winding course
equal to 100 miles, before it falls
into the Brahmapootra. This river
(the Dekrung) is also famous for tho
quantity and quality of its gold ;
which metal is also found in other
rivers of Assam, more especially
near to the mountains.
The southern rivers are never ra-
pid; the inundation commencing
from the northern rivers fills both
the Brahmapootra and southern ri-
vers, so that the water has no consi-
derable cutTcnt until IMay or June.
In 1582 this country Avas described
byAbul Fazel as follows :— " The do-
minions of Assam join to Camroop :
he is a very powerful prince, lives in
great state ; and, when he dies, his
principal attendants, both male and
female, are voluntarily buried alivo
with his corpse."
The vegetable and animal produc-
tions of Assam are nearly the same
with those of Bengal, which country
it much resembles in its physical ap-
pearance and multitude of rivers.
It furnishes, however, considerable
quantities of gold, a metal Bengal is
wholly without. This valuable com-
modity is found in all the small ri- ,
vers of Assam, that flow from the
northern and southern boundary
hills, jiarticularly from the first. It
forms a great proportion of the As-
sam exportations to Bengal; the
other articles being elephants teeth,
lac, a very coarse species of raw silk»
and a still coarser manufacture of
ASSAM.
41
f otton. Many other valuable articles
misflit be discovered, but the ex-
tivnu'ly barl)arous state of tlie coun-
try prevents commercial intercourse,
few merchants ehusinj^ to >enture
further than tljc Company's iVonlior
station of Goalparah. OF the im-
ports from Bengal salt is the princi-
pal; the rest consist of arms and
umminiition of ail sorts, when tliey
can be had, a few Dacca muslins and
cloths, and a very tritling quantity of
European commodities.
No probable estimate of tlie popu-
lation of Assam can be formei!, but
it is known to be extremely thinly in-
habited, 7-8ths of the country being
desolate, and overthrown with jungle,
although one of tiie most fertile on
the face of the earth : tiiis arises from
the incessant warfare carried on l)y
the petty rajahs with each other; oc-
casionally some one gains the ascend-
ancy, wJiich during his life bestows
a sort of calm over the country; but
on his death the whole is to be settled
over again, Kafts, covered with hu-
man heads, are sometimes seen float-
ing down the Brahmapootra, past
Goalparah, in Bengal; but whether
these arc the effect of hostilities, or
are \ictinis oflered to some of their
sanguinajy deities, has never been
properly ascertained. The chief town
in Assam is Gergong, the rajali of
which had, for a considerable period
of time, the supremacy over the
others, and was named the SweiTga
Fajah, or Rajah of the Heavens; but
.since the iusuncctio5i of the iNIoam-
marias, about 1790, the city, palaces,
and fort, have been converted to a
heap of ruins. Rungpoor, a military
station, not far from Geigong, may
be considered as the present principal
strong hold of Assam.
In Assam there are several remark-
able military causeways, which in-
tersect the whole country, and must
have been made with great labour ;
but it is not known at what perittd ;
the Mahoramedans, however, found
them in existence, on their first inva-
sion of this country. One of them
extends from Coos JBahar, in Bengal,
through Rangamatty, to thccxtreme
eastein limits of Assam.
Rospectiug the language orreligion
of this region very little is known ;
but there is reason to believe the lat-
ter is the Brahminical. In the terri-
tory, bordering on the Company's
frontier, the inhabitants use the same
dialects as are common in the adja-
cent parts of Bengal, It may be
supposed the history of this country
remains in e(|ual obsciuity with the
language and religion. In 1G38,
during the reign of Shah Jehaun, the
ijihaliitants of Assam sailed down the
Brahmapootra, and invaded Bengal,
but were rei)ulscd by that emperor's
orticers, and eventually lost some of
their own frontier provinces. In the
reign of Aurengzebe, his general,
Mauzum Khan, advanced from
Cooch Bahar to attempt the conquest
of Assam : he met with no obstacle
but such as arose from the nature of
the country, until he arrived at the
capital Gergong. When the season
of the rains began, the Assamese
came out from their hiding places,
and harassed the imperial army,
wliich became very sickly, and the
flower of the Afghans, Persians, and
Moguls, perished. The rest tiied to
escape along the narrow causeways
tlirough the morasses : but few ever
reached the Brahmapootra. After
this expedition, the Mahommedans
of Hindostan declared, that Assam
was only inhabited by infidels, hob-
goblins, and devils.
About 1793 a detachment of troops
Mas sent from Bengal into Assam,
to assist and restore a fugitive rajah.
They reached Gergong, the capital,
without opposition, and effected
their purpose ; but they subsequently
suffered gieatly by the pestilential
nature of the climate, which no con-
stitution, either native or European,
can withstand, and returned consi-
derably diniinished in number.
On this occasion Maha Rajah Sur-
jec Deo, of Assam, highly sensible
of the benefit he had experienced
from the aid which had been afforded
him by the Bengal govermnent,
4-2
ASSYE.
agreed to abolish the injudicious sjs-
tem of coinmorce that had hither-
to been pursued, and to permit a
reciprocal liberty of commerce on
the following conditions and duties,
Bcg^ociated by Capt. Welsh, in beh.
ny'3.
Imports to Assam.
1. That the salt from Bengal be
siibject to an impost of 10 per cent,
on the supposed prime cost, reckon-
ino; that invariably at 500 rupees per
160 niaunds, of 84 sicca weight to
tiie soer,
2. I'hat tlie broad cloths of Eu-
rope, the cotton cloths of Bengal,
carpets, copper, lead, tin, tuteuague,
pearls, hardware, jewelry, spices.
And the various other goods imported
into Assam, pay an equal impost of
10 per cent, on the invoice price.
3. That warlike implements and
jnilitary stores be considered contia-
band, and liable to confiscation, ex-
cepting the supply of those articles
requisite lor the Company's troops
stationed in Assam, which, with
every other article of clothing and
provision for the troops, be exempted
from all duties.
Exports from Assam.
That the duties on all articles of
export, such as Muggadooties,
]VIooga thread, pepper, elephants
teeth, cutna lac, chupra and jung
lac, nionjeet, and cotton, be inva-
riably 10 per cent, to be paid either
in money or kind, as may be most
convenient to the merchant. Rice,
and all descriptions of grain, are
wholly exempt from duties on both
sides.
For the collection of these duties,
it was agreed to establish custom-
houses and agents at the Candahar
Chokcy, and at Gwahatty ; the first
to collect the duties on all imports
and exports, the produce of the coun-
try to the Avcstward ; and the second
to collect the duties on all exports,
the produce of the country parallel
toit north and south, and also on all
expolt^^, the produce of thecountry to
the eastward, as far as Nowgoug.
The agents to receive a commis-
sion of 12 per cent, as a recompense
for their trouble; and the standard
fixed at 40 seers to tlic niaund,
(about 80 lbs.) 84 sicca weight to
the seer.
As much political inconvenience
had been experienced by both go-
vernments, from granting a general
licence to the subjects of Bengal to
settle in Assam, it was agreed that
no European merchant or adventurer,
of any description, should be allow-
ed to fix their residence in Assam,
without having pre\iously obtained
the permission of the B.itish govern-
ment, and of Maha Kaiah Surjee
Deo, of Assam. {Wade, Turner^
Treaties, J. Grant, Abnl Fazel, Sf-c.)
AssoDNAGiJR, (Asadiiagar, the City
of Liom). A district belonging to
t!ie INIaharattas, in the province of
IJejapoor, situated principally on
the west side of the Beemah River.
The priucijjal towns are Assodnagur
and Punderpoor.
Assodnagur. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, the capital of a
district of the same name, 68 miles
S. E. from Poouah. Lat. 18°. 6'. N.
Long. 74°. 55'. E.
AssvE. — A small town in the ni-
zam's dominions, province of Berar,
24 miles N.N.E. from Jalnapoor.
Lat. 20^. 14'. N, Long.70°. 40 E.
On the 23d Sept. 1803, a battle was
fought near this place betwixt the
British army, under General Wellcs-
ley, consisting of 4500 men, 2000 of
whom were Europeans, and the corn-
lined armies of Dovvle Row Sindia
and theBhoonslah Pajah of Nagjjoor,
amounting to 30,000 men. Li spite
of the disparity of numbers, the Bri-
tish were completely victorious, al-
though with severe loss in proportion
to their numbers. The confederates
tied from the field of battle, leaving
above 1200 slain, 98 pieces of can-
non, seven standards, and their whole'
camp equipage, many bullocks, and
a large quantity of amnmnition.
This victory is the more remarkable,
as above 10,000 of Sindia's infantry
had been disciplined, and were in'
i
AURUNGABAD.
4J^
part officered by Frenchmen and
other Europeans.
AsscwAN, {Asivan). — A town in
the Nabob of Onde's tenitories, 32
miles W. from LurknoM-. Lat, 36°.
60'. N. Long. 80°.25'.E. This place
is distant about a mile from Meah-
gunge, and is more pleasantly situ-
ated, overlooking a small lake; it
has, however, been deserted for the
latter pbce, and is mostly in ruins.
Atama iAC:\,{Ati7nal!ica). — A town
belonging to an independant Ze-
mendar, in the province of Orissa, 70
BiilesN. W. from Cuttack. Lat.21°.
12'. N. Long. 85°. 23'. E.
Atkerah. — A small river which
falls into the sea on the west coast
of India, after a course of 40 miles
from the western Ghauts, near a
town of the same name. Lat. 16°.
12'. N. Long. 73°. 15'. E.
Attancal. — A town in the Rajah
ofTravancor's territories, 67 miles N.
W. from Cape Comorin. Lat. 8°. 40'.
N. Long. 76°. 58'. E.
Attock, {Atttc, a Limi/-). — A tow-n
in the province of Lahore, situated
on the east side of the Kiver Indus,
which is here, in the month of July,
from 3-4ths to one mile across. Lat.
33°. 6'. N. Long. 71°. 16'. E. The
ancient name of Attock, to this day,
is Varanas, or Benares; but it is
more gcneially known by the name
of Attock. The fortiess was built
by Acber, A. D. 1581.
It is remarkable that the three
great invaders of Hindoston, Alex-
ander, Tamerlane, and Nadir Shah,
in three distant ages, and with views
and talents extremely dilierent, ad-
vanced by the same route, with
hardly any deviation. Alexander
had the merit of disco^(■ring the
way: after passing the mountains,
he encamped at Al(?xandria Paropa-
misana, on the same site with the
modern city of Candahar ; and hav-
ing subdued or conciliated the na-
tions seated on the north-west bank
of the Indus, he ciossed Ihe river
at Taxila, now Attock, the only
place where the stream is so tran-
quil that a bridge can be thrown
over it. (Rennel, Wilford, Dr. Ro^
bertson, ^•c-')
Attyah. — A small town in the
province of Bengal, 44 miies N. W.
bv N. from Dacca. Lat, 24°. 10'. N.
Long. 8S°. 48'. E.
Attyah. — A small Aillage in the
Cujrat peninsula, belonging to the
Jam of Noanaggur, and situated on
the hanks of the Roopa Pete, or Sil-
ver Stream, which falls into the
Nagne near Noanagur. On the op-
posite side is a small neat village,
named Mora, both inh.abited by
Brahmins and Koonbees, in good
circumstances,
AuBAR. — A town in the pronnce
of Aurungabad. Lat. 19°. 34'. N.
Long. 76°. 23'. E.
AURUNGABAD.
A large province in the Deccan, si-
tuated principally betwixt the 18th
and 21st degrees of north latitude. To
the north it is bounded by the pro-
vinces of Gujrat, Khandesh, and Be-
rar; to the south by Bejapoor and
Be.ed(T; to the east it has Berar and
Hyderabad, and to tlie west the sea.
In length it may be estimated at 300
miles by 160 the average breadth.
This province is also known by
the names of Ahmednuggur and
Dowlttabad; the first liaving been its
capital during the existence of the
Nizam Shahee djnasty, and the lat-
ter during a short dynast)-, estabhsh-
ed by Mallek Aniber, an Abyssinian,
from 1600 to 1635. I'hc province
was pariially subdued dm-ing the
reign of Acber, w hen its lijnits werti
in a constant state of iluclualion,
until that of Shah Jehaiun, in 1634,
when Dowletabad, the capital, being
taken, the whole country was con-
Verted to a soubah of the Mogul
empire. Ilie capital was then trans-
ferred from Dowletabad to the neigh-
bouring town of Gurka; which, be-
coming the favourite residence of
Aurengzebe, during his vicerojalty
of tlie Deccan, received the name of
Aurungabad, which was subsequent-
ly communicated to the province.
44
ATJRUNGABAD.
TIic surface of Auiungahad is
vorv irregular, and, in general, moun-
tainoHs, paiticularly towards tlie
western Ghauts, m here the hills rise
to a great elevation. It consequently
possesses no rivers of magnitude, al-
though it contains the sources of
many, such as the Beeniah and Go-
davery, that do not attain to any
considerable size until they quit its
limits. This province also abounds
with natural fortresses and strong
holds, which enabled the Maharattas,
whose nati\c country it is, to give
such infinite trouble to Aurengzebc
and his generals.
A eoiisideriible dilTerence must, of
rourse, take place in the agriculture,
according as the land is situated in
the moxuitaiuous or low districts;
but, npon the m hole, tlic province is
reckoned Tcry fertile, and capable of
exporting grain when not harassetl
by internal hostilities. Rice is the
chief grain cuHivaled, the other ve-
getable productions are the same as
ju the rest ofHiiidostan generally,
nor is there any thing peculiar with
respect to the animal oj- mineral king-
doms. Horses arc raised in great
iiumlx^rs for the IMaharatta cavalry;
but though a hardy breed, they are
neither strong nor handsome ; they
suit, however, the light weight of
their riders.
A great proportion of this province,
and all the sea coast, being in the
possession of the Mahajattas, who
are but little addicted to commerce,
lew ol>servations occur on this head.
Piracy was always the favourite oc-
cupation of such of that nation as
ventured to trust themselves on the
ocean, and for this they have been
famous, oj- rather infamous, from the
remotest antiquity. In modem times
they continued to exercise this trade
by sea, as they did a similar course of
depredation by land, until both were
coerced by the stvojig arm of the Bri-
tLsh power.
Three fourths of this province are
passcssed by the Maharattas, and the
remainder by the nizam, with the ex-
ception of the islands of Bombay and
Salsctte, whi(^h belong to the Bri-
tish. The Peshua is the chief Maha-
ratta sovereign in this province, but
there are nmnberless independent
chiefs, who owe him only a feudal
obedience, some of them possessing
fortresses within sight of Poonah, his
capital.
The principal towns are Aunm-
gabad, Ahmedunggur, Dowletabad,
Jalnapoor, Damaun^ and Basseen ;
and in this province are found the
remarkable Hindoo mythological ex-
cavations of Carli and Eliora.
The population of this territory is
in proportion much inferior to the
best of tlie British provinces, and
probably even to the worst. Al-
though it has not of late suffered
much from external invasion, yet it
is but indifferently populated, the
nature of the Maharatta government
behig, on the whole, rather unfavour-
able to an increase of inhabitants,
who may be estimated in this exten-
sive province not to exceed six )nil-
lions. Of these a very great propor-
tion are Hindoos, of the Brachmini-
cal persuasion ; the Mahommedans,
in all likelihood, not exceeding on«
20th of the aggregate.
The Maharatta is the language
principally used, but there are be-
sides various provincial dialects ;
and the Persian and Huidostani
are frequently made use of in con-
versation, and pubhc documents, by
the higher classes.
For the more remote history of
this region, see the words Deccan
and Ahmednuggur ; and, for the mo-
dern, the word MaJiaratta. {Wilks,
Ferishta, i^'c.)
AuRUNGABAD. — A city in the Dec-
can, the former capital of the pro-
vince of Aurungabad. Lat. 19*^ 46*.
N . Long. 76°. 3'. E.
This town was originally named
Gurka, situated a few miles distant
from Dowletabad, which being taken
from the short-lived dynasty of Mal-
lek Amber, in 1634, the Moguls
transfeiTcd the capital of their recent
conquests from thence to the village
of Gurka. It consequently rapidly
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
45
increased in size, and, becoming tlie
favourite residence of Aurengzebe,
during: bis viceroyalty of tlie Deccan,
it received the name of Aiiruiif;abad,
wbicli it eventually communicated to
the province. This city continued
tlie capital for some time after the
iii/ains became independent of Delhi,
4intil they quitted it for Hyderabad;
■pntbably on account of its proximity
to the territories of the INlaharattas.
Auruugahad is no\f within the ni-
zam's tenitories, and, like many other
famous cities of Hindostan, much
fallen from its ancient j;randeur, 'I'he
ruins of Aurcngzel>c's pjilace and
ffardens are still visible, and the
iakeer's tomb is described as a stiuc-
ture of considerable elegance ni the
eastern style. In tlie bazar, which
is very extensive, various kinds of
commodities, European and Indian,
^)arlicularly silks and shawls, are ex-
posed for sale ; and the population,
although much reduced, is still nu-
merous. — See Ahmednuggur, Dow-
let abad, and Deoghir.
Tiavelling distance from Poonali,
18G miles; from Bombay, by l^oonah,
284; tiom Hyderabad, 295; from
jMadras, 647 ; from Delhi, 750 ; and
from Calcutta. 1022 miles. {Willis,
Rennell, !^-c.)
AVA
AND THE BIRMAN
EMPIRE.
This extensive region is situated in
-the south eastern extremity of Asia,
usually distinguished by the name of
India beyond the Ganges, and be-
twixt the ninth and 26th degrees of
north latitude.
Tlie empire of Ava now compre-
hends many large provinces that
formed no part of the original Bir-
nian dominions, but v.hich will lie
I'ound described under their respective
heads. To the north it is bounded by
Assam and 'I'ibet ; to the south by
the Indian Ocean and the Siamese
territories; to the north-east it has
the empire of China, and to the
east the unexplored countries of
Laos. Eactho. uid CaBibodia. Qvl
the west it is seiiarated from t]>»
Bengal districts, Tiperah and Chitta-
gong by a ridge of mountains and the
River Nauf.
'S\ here not confined by the sea,
the liontiers of this empire are in a
perpetual state of llurluation, hut it
appears to include the s])a<o betwixt
the 9th and 26th <legrees of north la-
titude, and the 92d and 104tli of
east longitude; about 1050 geogra-
phical miles in lengih, and GOO in
breadth. It is probable the boundr»-
ries extend still further to the north,
but the breadth varies considerably.
Taken in its most extended sense,
that is, including countries subject to
their influence, the Birman domi-
nions may contain 194,000 square
miles, forming altogether the most
extensive n-ative government, subject
to one sovereign authority, at present
existing in India. Ava Proper is
centrically situated, and surrounded
by the conquered provinces; Avhich
are, Arracan, Pegue, JMarlaban,
Tenasserim, Junkseylon, JMergni,
Tavay, Yunsiian, Eowashau, and
Cassay.
From the Ri\ cr Nauf, on the fron-
tiers of Chitt;igoiig, to the north end
of the Negrais, aie several good har-
bours ; and from 'I'avoy io the south-
ward of the Mergui Archipelago, are
several others. I'he principal rivers
are, the Irawaddy. the Keeuduem,
the Lokiang, and the l^egue River.
Between the Pegue and Afartaban
rivers there is a lake, from which
two rivers proceed; the one runs
north to Old Ava, when it joins the
Myoungnya, or Ijittle Ava Kiver,
Mhich comes from mountains on the
frontiers of China; the other river
runs south from the lake to the sea.
Judging from the appearance and
vigour of the natives, the climate
must be very healthy. The seasons
are regular, and the extremes of heat
and cold selilom exj>erieneed ; tha
dnration of the intense heat, which
precedes the comniencement of the
rains, being so short, that it incom-
modes but very littl(\ Exclusive of
the Delta formed by the njouths ofth*
4(5
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
IrawadJy, there is very little low
land in the Briman dominions. 'I'he
teak does not grow in tlijs Delta, but
in the hilly and mountainous districts
to the northward and eastward of
Rangoon. Even at a short distance
from Syriani, tlie country is dry and
hilly.
The soil of the southeni provinces
is remarkably fertile, and produces
as abundant crops of rice as are to be
found in the finest parts of Bengal,
li'arthcr northward the country be-
comes irregular and mountainous ;
but the plains and vallies, particu-
larly near the river, are exceedingly
fruitftd. They yield good wheat, and
the various kinds of small grain and
legumes, which giow in Hindostan.
Sugar canes, tobacco, of a superior
quality, indigo, cotton, and the dif-
ferent tropical fruits, are all indi-
genous. In a district named Palong-
miou, to the N. E. of Ununerapoor,
the tea-leaf grows, but it is very in-
ferior to the tea produced in Clnna,
and is seldom used but as a pickle.
Besides the teak tree, which grows
in many parts of Ava, both to the
north of Ummerapoor, and in the
southern country, there is almost
every description of timber that is
known in India. Fir is produced iu
the mountainous part of the country,
from which the natives extract the
turpentine, but they consider the
wood of litle value, on account of its
softness. If it were conveyed to Ran-
goon, it might prove a beneficial ma-
terial for the navigation of India.
The teak tree, although it will grow
on the plains, is a native of the moun-
tains. The forests in Asia, like the
woody and uncultivated parts of In-
dia, are extremely pestiferous. The
wood-cutters are a particular class of
men, born and bred in the hills, but
they are said to be very unhealthy.
The kingdom of Ava abounds in
minerals. Six days' journey fiom
Bamoo, near the frontiers of China,
there arc mines of gold and silver,
called Badouem; there are also
mines of gold, silver, rubies, and sap-
phires, at present open on a mouU"
tain near the Keendvem, called
Woobolootan; but the most valuable
are in the vicinity of the capital,
nearly opposite to Keoiimmevum.
Precious stones are found in several
other parts of the empire. The in-
ferior minerals, such as iron, tin, lead,
antimony, arsenic, suljjhur, &.c. are
met with in great abundance. Am-
ber, of a consistence unusually pel-
lucid and pure, is dug up in large
quantities uear4he river; gold is like-
wise discovered in the sandy beds of
streams, which descend ti"om the
mountains. Between the Keenduem
and the Irawaddy, to the northward,
there is a small riv< r, called the Shoe
Lien Kioup,or the Stream of Golden
Sand.
Diamonds and emeralds are not
produced in the Ava empire, but it
has amethysts, garnets, very beau-
tiful chrysolites, jasper, and marble.
The quarries pf the latter are only a
few miles from Ummerapoor. It is
in quality equal to the finest marble
of Italy, and admits of a polish that
renders it almost transparent. This
article is monopolized bj' govern-
ment, it being held sacred, because
the images of Gaudma are chiefly
composed of this material.
I'his empire also contains the ce-
lebrated wells which produce the Pe-
troleum oil — an article in universal
use throughout the Jiirmaii provinces,
and reaUzing a large revenue to the
government, it being one of the nu-
merous royal monopolies. — See Yay-
NANGHEOUM.
An extensive trade is canicd on
between the capital of the Birman
dominions and Yunan,in China. The
principal export from Ava is cotton,
of wliich there is said to be two
kinds; one of a brown colour for
nankeen, and the other white, like
the cotton of India. 'I'his commo-
dity is transported up the Irawaddy
in large boats, as far as Bamoo, when
it is bartered at the common jee, or
mart, with the Chinese merchants,
and conveyed by the latter into the
Chinese dominions. Amber, ivory,
precious stones, betel uut, and the
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
47
<dible nests, brought from the eastern
isiauds, are also articles of commerce;
in return, the Birmans procure raw
and wrought silks, velvets, gold leaf,
preserves, paper, and some ulcusiis
ef hardware.
The commerce bet\vixt the north-
ern and southern quarters of the em-
pire is greatly facilitated by the l\iver
Irawaddy, on which several thou-
sand boats are amiually employed in
transporting rice liom the lower pro-
vinces, to supply the capital and the
uorthern districts, as also salt and
gnapee (pickled sprats). Articles of
foreign importation are mostly con-
veyed up the Irawaddy ; a few are
intioduced by the way of Anacan,
and cariied over tlie mountains on
men's heads. European broad cloth,
a small quantity of hardware, coarse
Bengal muslins, Cossimbazar silk
handkerchiefs, cliiua ware, and glass,
are tlie principal commodities. Co-
coa nuts, brought from the Nicobars,
are looked upon as a delicacy, and
bear a high price. Merchants carry
down silver, lak, precious stones, and
some other articles, but not to any
great amount. ,
In 1795, the quantity of teak, and
other timber, imported to iVladras
and Calcutta, from the Birman do-
minions, requiied a return amount-
ing to the value of 200,0001. value,
and the trade has since been pro-
gressively on the increase. Teak
cannot be conveyed from the Ma-
labar to the Coromandel coast, imless
at so great an expense as to preclude
tlie attempt. The imports to Ava
from the British domiiiious consist
chiefly of coarse piece goods, glass,
hardware, and broad cloth ; the re-
turns are almost wholly in timber.
A small trade is alo carried on with
Prince of \\ ales Island. The mari-
time ports of this empire are commo-
dities for shipping, and better situ-
ated for Indian commerce than those
of any other power. Great Britain
possesses the western side of the Bay
of Bengal, and the government of
Ava the eastern. The harbour of
Negrais is particulaily commodious.
The quantity of tonnage annually
built in Ava for sale and exportation
is estimated at 3000 tons.
The Birmans, like tlie Cliinese,
have no coin, silver in bullion and
lead being the current monies of the
country. What foreigners call a
tackal, properly kiat, is the most
general piece of silver in circula-
tion. It weighs 10 pennyweights, 10
grains, and three-fourths. The sub-
ordinate cunency is lead; and all
conunon market articles, such as fish,
flesh, rice, greens, &.c. are sold for
so many weights of lead, which being
a royal monopoly, is raised in the
markets far above its intrinsic value.
The average price of rice at the ca-
pital is about 2.s.8d. for 84 pounds, at
Rangoon and Martaban about 250
pounds for 2s. 8d. It is necessary for
every meichant to have a banker to
manage his money transactions, who
is responsible fur the quality of th«
metal, atid charges a commissiou of
one per cent.
The Indian nations, east of the
Ganges, have always been more cau-
tious in their intercourse with foreign
slates than those of the west. Tha
courts of Ava and Pekin resemble
each other in many respects, but in
none more than in their vanity and
pride, w hich often manifests itself in
a ridiculous manner. Like the so-
vereign of China, his majesty of Ava
acknowledges no equal. Boa, or
emperor, is a title which the present
King of the Birmans has assumed ;
tlie sovereign of China is termed
Oudee Boa, or Emperor of Oudee,
or China. The principal state officers
at court are the follow ing :
Four woongees, or chief minis-
ters of state. (Woon signifies bur-
tlien.)
Four woondocks, or assistant mi-
nisters.
Four attawoons, or ministers of
the interior.
Four secretaries, or sere-dogees.
Four uachangess, to take note«
and report.
Four sandegaans, who regulate
the ccfcmojoialg.
48
AVA AND f HE EIRMAN EMPIRE!.
Nine sandozains, whose business
is to read petitions.
In the Birman dominions tliere are
no hereditary dignities and employ-
ments — allhoHoviis and offices, on the
demise of the possessors, revcrtinj?
to the crown. The ttsalve, or chain,
is the badfve of the order of nobility.
They arc from three to 12, which is
the highest; tlic king- alone wears 24.
Almost every article of nse, as well
as of ornaments, indicates the rank
of the owner.
It is difficult to form any correct
judgment regardinj? the population
of the Eirman dominions. It is said
1o contain 80U0 cities, towns, and
villages, witliout including Arracau.
Few of the iidiabitanls live in solitary
habitations ; they mostly form tlujm-
selves into small societies ; and their
dwellings, thus collected, compose
their ruas, or villages. Col. Symes
estimates them at 17,000,000, includ-
ing Arracau, while Captain Cox,
who succeeded him as ambassa-
dor, does not go beyond 8,000,000,
whicli is, probably, much nearer the
truth.
One-tenth of all produce is exacted
as the authorized due of the govern-
ment, and one-tenth is the amonnt
of the king's duly on all foreign goods
imported into liis dominions. The
revenue, arising from customs on im-
ports are mostly taken in kind. A
small part is converted into cash, the
rest is distribntcd and received in
lieu of salaries to the various depart-
ments of the court. INIoney, except
on pressing occasions, is never dis-
bursed from the royal coffers. To
one man the fees of an office arc al-
lowed ; to another, a station where
certain imports are collected ; a third
has land in proportion to the ini|)ort-
ance of his employment. By thtse
donations they are not only bound in
their own pei-sonal servitude, but
likewise in that ol' all their depend-
ents. Tliey are called the sla\es of
the king ; and, in tlieir turn, their
vassals are denominated slaves to
them. The condition of these grants
includes services during war, as well
as the civil ditties of office. A/-*-
1 hough it seems almost impossible,
under such a system, to ascertain in
any standard currency the amount
of the royal revenue, yet the riches
of the Birman sovereign arc said to
be immense, which is rendered pro-
bable by the circumstance, that a
very small portion of what enters liis
exchequer, c\er again returns info
circulation — the hoarding of money
being a favourite maxim of oriental
state policy. ,
The Birmans may be described as
a nation of soldiers, every man in
the kingdom being liable to i)e called
on lor his military services. The
king has no standing army, except a
few undisciplined native Christians,
and renegadoes of all countries and
religions, who act as artillery, a very
small body of cavalry, and perhai)S
2000 undisciplined, iil-arnicd, naked
infantry. The armies are composed
of levies raised on the spur of the
occasion by tlie princes, chobwahs,
and great lords ; these holding their
lands by military tenure. The ut-
most of all descriptions, probably,
does not exceed 60,000 men. The
infantry are armed with muskets and
sabres, the cavalry with a spear — all
the latter are natives of Cassay. 'I'he
breed of horses in Ava is small, but
very active ; and, contrary to the
practice of other eastern countries,
they castrate their horses.
The most respectable i)art of the
Birman militaiy force is their esta-
blishment of war boats, l^ery town
of note in the vicinity of the river is
obliged to furnish a certain number
of men, and one or more war boats,
in proportion to the magnitude of the
place. At a very short notice, tlie
king can collect 500 of these boats.
'J 'hey carry from 40 to 50 rowers,
and there arc usually 30 soldiers
armed with nniskcts on board, to-
gether v> ith a piece of ordnance on
the prow. The rower is also pro-
vided with a sword and lance, which
are placed by his side whilst he plies
tlu' oar. The musket was first in-
troduced into the Pcgue and A\a.
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE*
49
conntnes l)y the Porliiguesc, aud are
of tlie worst quality.
The principal provinces of the Eir-
man Empire have been aheady spe-
cified — the names of the most re-
markable towns are Uinmeiapoor,
the capita! ; Ava, the ancient ca-
pital ; Monchaboo, the birtli-place of
Alompra; Pegue, Rauj^oon, Nyriam,
Prome, Negrais, Persaim, and Clia-
gaing.
Almost all towns, and even villages,
in the 5iinnan countiy, are snr-
ronndedwith a stockade, which kind
of defence the Birmaus are very ex-
pert at erecting.
The general disposition of the Bir-
mans is strikingly contrasted with
that of the natives of India, from
V horn they are separated only by a
narrow range of monutains. The
Birmans are a lively, inqnisitivc lace,
active, irasci!)le, and impatient ; the
charactt r of their Bengal ucighboius
is exactly the reverse.
The females in Ava are not con-
cealed from the sight of men, but
are suflered to have fice intercourse
n.s in Europe ; in other respects, how-
ever, there aie many degrading dis-
tinctions, and the Birman treatment
of females, generally, is dosliliite
both of delicacy and humanity. 'J'lie
practice of selling tlieir women to
stiangers is not considered as shame-
ful, nor is the female dishonoured.
1'hey are seldom unfaithful, and often
essentially nsefid to their foreign
masters, who are not allowed to carry
their temporary wives along with
them. Infidelity is not a character-
istic of Birman wives ; in general,
they have top nmch employment to
have leisure for coiTU])tion.
In their featmes the Birmans bear
a nearer resemblance to the Chinese
than to the natives of Hindostan.
The Momen, especially in tl)e north-
ern part of the empire, are tairer than
the Hindoo females, but are not so
delicately formed. The men are not
tall in stature, but are active aud
athletic. They have a very youthful
appearance, from the custom of
|>luckijig- the beard, instead of using
the razor. Marriages are not con-
tracted until the parlies reach the
age of puberty. 'Ihe contract is
purely civil, the ecclesiastical iiuis-
diction having nothing to do with it.
The law prohiliits polygamy, and re-
cognizes only one \\il\t, but concubi-
nage is admitted to an unhmited ex-
tent. When a man dies intestate,
three-fourths of his property go to his
children born in wedlock, and one-
fourth to his widow. The Birmans
burn their dead.
1'he Birmans, both men and wo-
men, colour their teeth, their eye
lashes, and the edges of their eye-»
lids with black.
In tiieir food, compared with tlie
Indians, the Birmans are gross and
uncleanly. Although their religion
forltids the slaughter of animals la
general, yet they ajiply the interdic-
tion only to those that are domesti-
cated. All game is eagerly sought
after, aud in many -places publicly
sold. Reptiles, such as lizards, gua-
nas, and snakes, constitute a part of
the subsistence of the lower classes.
To strangers they grant the most li-
beial indulgence, and if they chajice
to shoot at, and kill a fat bullock, it
is ascribed to accident.
Among the Birmans the sitting
posture is the most respectful, but
strangers are apt to altrilnite to in-
solence, what in their view is a mark
of deference. The Birman houses
are, in general, raised three or four
feet from the ground, on wooden
posts or bamboos, which is the case
with the huts of the me.'^nest pea-
sant in the empire. Tliey are com-
posed wholly of bamboos and mats,
and but indifferently thatched. Gild-
ing is forbidden to all Birmans ; li-
bert}' even to lacker and paint the
pillars of their houses is granted to
tew.
In this empire every thing belong-
ing to the king has the \\ ord slioe, or
gold prefixed to it; even liis majesty's
person is never mentioned, but^ia
conjunction with that precious metal.
AVhen a subject means to allirin that
the king has Jieurd any ibiag, lie
50
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
says, " It luis rcachctl the {golden
eals ;" he who li.is obtaiu«d admit-
tance to (he loj al presence, has been
at the " j^oldeu feet." The pcrlunie
of Otto of roses is described as being
grateful to the " golden nose." Gold
among the Kirmans is the type of ex-
cellence, yet. althoxigh highly AaUied,
it is not used for coin in the country.
It is enijdoyed sometimes in orna-
ments for the women, and in utensils
and ear-rings for th« men ; but much
the greatest quantity is expended in
gilding their temples, in uhieh vast
sums are continually lavished.
'J"he Eirmau sovereign is sole pro-
prietor of all the elephants in his do-
minions, and the privilege to ride on,
or keep one of these animals, is an
honour granted only to men of the
Ycry fnst rank. In Hindostan female
elephants arc prized beyond males,
on account of their being more tract-
able ; but, in Ava, it is the reverse,
females being never used on state
occasions, and seldom for ordinary
riding. The henza, the symbol of
the Birman nation, as tlie eagle was
of the l^oman empire, is a species of
vild fowl, called in India the Brah-
miny goose. It is a remarkable cir-
cumstance, that there should not be
sudi an animal as a jackal in the
A\a dominions.
'I'he Birmans of high rank liave
their barges drawn by war boatvS, it
being thought inconsistent with their
dignity lor great men to be in the
same boat with connnon watermen.
It is customary also tor a person of
distinction journeying on the water,
to have houses built for his aeommo-
dation, at the places where he means
to stop. The materials of thc.-^e houses
are alw ays easy to be procured, and
tlie structure is so simple, that a spa-
cious and comforta!)lc dwelling, suit-
ed to the cHinate, may be erected in
little more than four hours. Batii-
b<Kis, grass tor thatching, and the
ground rattan, arc all the materials
retprisite; not a nail is used in the
whiile edilk-e; and, il'the whole were
to fall, it w(mld scarcely crush a lap-
dog. .Notvvilhslanding the well-
formed arches of brick that are stift
to be seen in many of the ancient
temples, yet Birman workmen can
no longer turn them, v\hieh shews
how easily an art once well known
may be lost. Masomy, in the latter
ages, has not been much attended to v
wooden buildings have superseded
the more solid structures of brick and
mortar.
I'he Pali language constitutes, at
the present day, the sacred text of
Ava, Pegue, and Siam, and is nearly
allied to the sansoit of the Brahmins.
The character in connnon use through-'
out Ava and Pegue is a round Nagari,
derived from the square Pali, oi* re-
ligious text. It is Ibrincd of circles
and segments of circles variously dis-
])osed, and is written liom left to
right. 1'h(? connnon books arc conv-
poscd of the palmjra leaf, on which
the letters are engraved with styles.
It is a singular fact, that the lirst
version of Sir ^^ illiam Jones'.*; tran-
slation of the Institutes of Hindoo
Law , .'honld be made into theBirman
language. It was completed tor the
A\ a sovereign, by an Armenian, iu
1795.
'I'hc laws of the Birmans, like their
religion, are Hindoo ; in fact, there is
no separating their lav\s tiom their
religion. The Birmans call their code
Deinia Sath, or Sastra. It is one of
many of the commentaries on Meim.
'I'heir system of jurisprudence, like
thatT)f the Chinese, provides speciti-
cally lor almost every spe(;ies of crime
that can be committed ; and adds a
copious chapter of prwcedents to
guiile the unexperienced, in cases
where there is any dou!)l or diHiculty.
Trial by ordeal and imprecation are
the only absmd passages in the book,
which, on the subject of fLUiah s, i.s
to a European oll'ensively indecent.
'I'lic iidiabitants of Ava constantly
write the name Barma; though, liwiu
afleeting an indistict pronunciation,
they often term themsel\es Byamma,
Bonuna, and Mv*mma, which are
Old} vocal corrupiious of the written
name.
Thy Birmans arc not shuckltd by
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
51
Rny prejiulices of cast, restricted to
hereditary occupations, or forbidden
from participatint? witii straiis^ers in
every social bond, like the Hindoos
of the Lrahminical reli<i;ion. At pre-
sent their laws are described as being
wise, and pregnant with sound mo-
rality ; and their police as better re-
gulated than in most European coun-
tries. A knowledge of letters is so
Avidely diffused, that there are no
mechanics, and few of the peasaiits,
or even the common watermen, who
cannot read and write in the vulgar
tongue. Few, however, imderstand
the more scienlilic, or sacred vo-
Imnes. All kionms, or monasteries,
are seminaries for the education of
youth, to which the surrounding in-
habitants send their children, where
they are educated gratis by the Rlia-
haans, or monks. The latter never
buy, sell, or accej^t money.
TheBirman year isdivided into 12
mouths of 29 and 30 days alternately,
which they rectify by an intercalation
every third year. They reckon the
month from the beginning to the full
moon, after which they recede by re-
trogressive enumeration until the
month is finished. The week is di-
vided into seven days, as in ilin-
dostan. The Christian year 1795 cor-
responds with the Birman year 1157,
and the Mahoinmedan year 1209.
The Birmans are extremely fond
both of poetry and music, and pos-
sess epic as well as religious poems
of high celebrity. I'hey are accus-
tomed to recite in verse the exploits
of their kings and gcncrais. In the
royal library the books are ranged
with great regularity, the contents of
each chest being written in gold let-
ters on the lid. It is said to contain
more books on divinity than on any
other subject ; but there are separate
works on history, music, medicine,
painting, and romance. If all the
other chests were as well filled as
those submitted to the inspection of
Col. Syni(!s, it is probable his Birman
majest}' possesses a more numerous
lil)rary than any other Asiatic sove-
reign.
E 2
Buddha (of whom the Birmans are
sectaries, as the Hindoos, are of Brah-
ma) is admitted by Hindoos of all
dcscriptiviis to be the 9th Avatar, or
descent of the Deity in the character
of preserver. He reformed the doc-
trines contained in the Vedas, and
severel} censured the sacrifice of cat-
tle, or depriving any thing of life.
His place of birtli and residence is
supposed to have been Gay a in
Bahar.
Gautama, or Gautom, according
to the Hindoos of India, or Gaudma
among tiie iidiabitants of the more
eastern ])arts, is said to have been a
philosopher, and is believed by the
Birmans to have flourished 2300
years ago. He taugiit in the Indian
schools the heterodox, religion and
philosophy of Buddiia. 'ihe image
that represents Buddha is called
Gaudma, or Goutum, which is a
conunonly- received appellation of
Buddha liimself. 'J'his image is the
primary object of worship in all
countries (except Assam and Cassay)
situated between Bengal and China.
'J'he sectaries of Buddha contend
with thoise of Brahma for antiquity,
and are certainly more numerous.
The Cingalese, in Ceylon, are Budd-
hists of the. purest source, and the
Birmans acknowledge to have re-
ceived their religion from that island,
which they name Zehoo, The Klia-
haans (Birman monks) say it was
brought first fiom Zehoo to Arracan,
and thence was introduced into Ava,
and probably into China. The Bon-
zes of the latter counti-y, like the
Rhahaans of Ava, wear yellow as the
sacerdotal colour, and in many of
their customs and ceremonies have a
striking siinilitade. Sir Wni. Jones
determines the period, when Buddha
appeared on the earth, to be 1014
years befoic the birth of our Saviour.
The Binnans believe in the me-
tempsychosis, and that having un-
dergone a certain number of trans-
migralions, their soids will, at last,
either be received into their Olympus,
on the mountain Mern, or be sent to
sulfei torments in a place of divine
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
punishments. "Notwithstanding the
Biirnans are Hindoos of tlie sect of
Buddha, and not disciples of Brah-
ma, tliey nevert1<eless reverence the
Brahmiijs, and ac'-a»owleds;e their
superiority in science over their own
priests. The king and all the chief
oOicers liave always in tlieir houses
some of these domestic sap;es, v.ho
su|)|)ly thein with astrological advice.
'I'lie BJrnians do not inflict on
themselves disgustful tortures after
the manner of t!ie Hindoos, hut they
deem it nieritoii(ms to mortify tiie
flesh by the voluntary penance of
abstemiousness and self-denial. Like
the other sectaries of BndiUia, they
are much attached to their lares, or
domestic ^ods. A Birman family is
never without an idol in some conicr
of the house, made of wood, ala-
baster, or silver.
The Kioums, or convents of the
Rliahaans, are difi'ercut in their struc-
ture from common houses, and much
resemble the architecture of the Chi-
nese. They are entirely made of
wood, comprehending in the inside
one hirge hall, ojien at all sides.
There arc no a})artincnts for tlie pri-
vate recreations of the Rliahaans —
pulilicity is the prevailing system of
Birman conduct. They admit of no
secrets either in church or state.
Yellow is the only colour worn by
the priestliood. They have a long
loose cloak, which they wrap round
them, so as to cover most part of
their body. They profess celihaey,
and abstain from cvciy sensual in-
dulgence. Tlie juniors are restricted
from wandering about licentiously,
the head of every convent having a
discictionary ])OWcrto grant or refuse
pennission to go abroad. The Hlia-
iiaans, or priests, never dress their
own victuals, holding it an a])use to
l)erforjn any of the connnon func-
tions of life, which may divert tliesu
fiojn the contempiation of the divine
essence. 'I'hey receive the coutri-
butioas of tlie laity ready dressed,
and prefer cold food to hot. At the
dawn of day tlicy begin to peram-
bulate the town, to collect supplies
for the day ; each convent sending
forth a certain number of its mem-
bers, who walk at a quick pace
through the streets, and support with
the right arm a blue lackered box, iu
Avhich the donations are deposited.
These usually consist of boiled rice,
mixed with oil, dried and pickled
iish, sweetmeats, fruit, Stc. During
their walk they never cast their eyes
to the right or to the left, but keep
them fixed on the giound. They do
not stop to solicit, and seldom even
look at the donors. They eat but
once a day, at the hour of noon. A
much larger quantity of provisions is
commonly procured than suflicesfor
the mevnljers of the convent; the
surplus is disposed of as charitably
as it M as given, to the needy stranger,
or the poor scholars, who daily attend
them to be instructed in letters, and
taught their moral and religious du-
ties. In the various commotions of
the empire, the Bhahaans have never
taken any active part, or publicly in-
terfered in politics, or engaged in
war ; and the Birnians and Peguers,
professing the same religion, who-
ever were conquerors, equally re-
spected the ministers of their faith.
There were formerly nunneries of
viigin jiricstesscs, who, like the Rha-
haans, wore yellow garments, cut olF
their hair, and devoted themselves
to chaslif V and religion ; but these
societies were long ago abolished, as
being injurious to the population of
the state. At present tiiere arc a fevr
old women, who sliave their heads,
wear a white dress, follow funerals,
and carry water to convents. These
vciicraide dames have some portion
of respect paid to them.
Ava abounds in praws, or temples,
in a luinous state, yet new ones are
daily erecting. For this the Birmans
assign as a reason, that, though to
n.fnd a dccavcd temple be an act of
jjicly, yet it is not so meritorious as
to erect a new one. Those whoso
liiiances cannot erect a new one,
coiitenl themselves with repairing an
old one.
Like sU caslcni nations, the Bir-
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
53
lAans are fond of processions ; such
as a funeral accompanied 1j\ a pomp-
ous public buining, or the cere-
mony of admitting youths into the
convent of Khahaans. The age of
induction is from 8 to 12 years.
From the testimony of the Portu-
guese liistoriaus, it appears, that in
the middle of the 16th century, four
powerful states occupied the re<;ions
that he between the soutli-casteru
province of British India, Ynnan in
China, and the EaslerJi Sea. Their
territories extended from Cassay and
Assam on the N. W. as far S. as the
Island of Junkseylon. Tliese nations
were known to Europeans by the
names of Aracan, Ava, Pegue, and
Siani. Ava, the name of the ancient
capital of the Birinans, has usually
been accepted as the name of t!ie
country at large, wliich is Miamma,
and named Zomien by the Chinese.
The Portuguese authors say, that
the Jiirmans, though formerly sub-
ject to the King of Pegue, became
afterwards masters of Ava, and caus-
ed a revolution at Pegue about the
middle of the 16th century. 'I'he
Portuguese assisted the Birmans in
their wars against the Peguers, and
continued to exorcise an influence in
the Birnian and Pegue countries,
and still greater in Arracan, so long
as they maintained an ascendancy
over the otlier European nations in
the east. During the reign of Louis
XIV. several splendid attempts were
made to propagate liie doctrines of
the church of Kome, and adv;uice
tlie interest of the I'rcnch nation in
the kingdom of Siam, but little is
related of Ava or Pegue.
The supremacy of the Birmans
over the Peguers continued througli-
out the I7th, and during the first 40
years of the 18th century, when the
Peguers in the provinces of Dalla,
iMartaban, Tonglio, and Promc, re-
volted ; a civil wai" ensued, a\ hich
was prosecuted on both sides with
the most savage ferocity. About the
years 1750 and 1751, the Peguers,
by the aid of arms luocined from
Europeans trading to their povU, and
with the assistance of some renegade
Dutch and native Portuguese, gain-
ed several victories oAcr the Bir-
mans. In 1752 they invested Ava,
tiie capital, which surrendeiod at
discretion. Dweepdce, the last of a
long line of Birman kings, was made
juisoncr, with all his family, except
two sons, who eil'ected their escape
to the Siamese. Bonna Delia, or
Beinga Delia, the Pegue sovereign^
w hen he had completed the conquest
of Ava, returned to his own country.
A man now arose to rescue his
country from this state of subjuga-
tion. Alompra, (the founder of the
present dynasty,) a man of low ex-
traction, then known by^ the name of
Aundzea, or hinitsman, was conti-
nued by the conqueror in the chief-
ship of Monehaboo, at that time an
inconsiderable village. His troops ot
lirst consisted of only 100 jueked
men, with whom he defeated the
Peguers in several small engage-
ments; after which, his forces in-
creasing, he suddenly advanced and
obtained possession of Ava, the inha-
bitants of which, on liis approach,
expelled the Peguers. These events
took place about the auttuuii of the
year 1753.
In these wars the French favour-
ed the Peguers, while the English
leaned to the Birmans. In 1754 the
Peguers sent an army and fleet of
boats to retake Ava, but were totally
defeated by Ahtmpra, after an obsti-
nate and bloody battle. From this
period the Pegue power seemed hast-
ening toils wane; yet they still pro-
secuted the war, and massacred the
aged King of the Birmans, and other
prisoners of tJiat nation, under pre-
tetice of apprehended treacherj'.
Upon this the Birmans in the districts
of Pronie> Denoobeu, Loonzay, tkc.
revolted, and exterminated the Pe-
gue garrisons in their towns. The
eldest son of the late king now wish-
ed to regain the throne of his ances-
tors; but, as this did not suit the
views of the successful adventurer,
Alompra, he compelled him to take
refuge among the Siamese, lu 1754
54
AV^V AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
Jicinpa Delia, the Peguc Kins^, be-
sigcd Prome; but liis annv was again
dt-rcated, with great slaughter, by
Aloitipra, wlio followed them so
closely in their retreat, as to trans-
fer the scat of war to the mouths of
the navigable rivers, and the niinie-
lous ereeks and eauals (hat intersect
the lower provinees of Pegue.
On the 21st of April, 1755, Alom-
pra attacked and totally defeated
Apporaza, the King of Pegue's bro-
ther; after which the Pegners de-
serted Eassicn, which was no longer
a place of safety, and withdrew to
S}riam. Abont the year 1754 Alom-
pra subdned the Cassayer, wIjo had
revolted, and on Ijis return south, in
175G, attacked and took the town
and fortress of Syria m by surprise,
after a long blockade. The com-
mandant, and greater part of the
garrison, escaped to Pcgne; many,
however, v,cre slain, and all the
Europeans made jirisoners. It ap-
jfcars all along to have been the de-
termined policy of the French to
espouse the cause of the Pcguers;
but their assistance and supplies ar-
rived too late, when all communica-
tion V ith the sea was cut oil. Mon-
sieur Dupleix, the goveinor of Pon-
dicherry, sent two ships; but the
first that arrived was decovedup the
river, taken, and the whole crew
massacred; the second escaped by
being accidentally delayed, and
can ied the iktal intelligence to Poii^
dichcrry.
'i he fall of Syriam d' termined the
fate of the Pegners: cut off from
all coinmunication with the western
countries of Dalla and Passien,
deprived of the navigation of the
Rangoon P.i^er and the Irawaddy,
and shut out from all foreign aid,
their resources failed them, and sup-
plies by water could no longer reach
them. In January, 1757, Alompra
undertook the siege of the city of
J'eguc; and the mode he adopted
vvas that of cjrcumvallation, which
was a lavouiite practice of warfare
jimung the IJirmans, and famine, a
weapon on which they place groat
reliance. This plan proved effect-
ual; for a negociation was opened,
which terminated in an agreement,
that the Pegue King should govern
his country, under the stipulation of
doing homage to the Birman mo-
narch. A preliminary of these con-
ditions was the snrrciider of the
daughter of the Pegue sovereign to
the victor. Notwithstanding all these
arrangements, in their nature truly
Asiatic, Alompra endeavoured to
obtain possession of the to^n by
treachery, and at last obtained his
object by famine, when he abondoned
it to indiscrimiiiate pimider and mas-
sacre.
The Tallien, or Pegue govern-
ment being extinct, by the surrender
of their capital, it became necessary
for foreigners to conciliate the new
sovereign; accordingly Ensign Lyster
was sent as envoy by the British fao
tory at the Negrais, who had an in-
terview with Alompra on board his
boat, while i»roceeding to his caj)i-
tal. His majesty, on this occasion,
assumed a very lofty tone ; boasted
of his invincible prow ess, and enu-
merated the royal captives of the
Pegue family, who Avere led prison-
ers in his train.
In 1757 the Pegners revolted, and
expelled the viceroy placed over
them; but were afterwards over-
thrown, in a severe engagement,
near Rangoon, and the anival of
Alompra in person finally crushed
the insurrection. He aftcrw ards re-
duced the tow n and district of Ta-
vay, w here many Pcguers had taken
refuge : he then determined to chas-
tise the Siamese, for the encourage-
ment they had given to his rebellious
subjects. His fleet proceeded to
Mogul, while his anny advanced
by land; and tiie town, being ill Ibrti-
fied, was soon taken. Leaxing a
garrison for its defence, the Birmans
marched figainst Tenasseriui, a large
and populous town, surrounded by
await and stockade; iiot\vithstand-<
ing w hich it made a feeble defence.
A Her a very short halt atTenasse-
rim, he undertook an expedition
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
55
ag;ainst tlie cajiital of Siain; but,
fjom various impcLlimnits, a moiitli
elapsfd before ho reached the vicinity
of that metropoUs, wliiili was well
prepared for a vigorous defence.
'l"wo days after the Eiruian army had
erected their stockades, A loMi}>ra was
taken ill of a disease, whicii in the
end proved mortal. lie gaA e orders
for an imn)edia1e retreat, in hopes
of reachiu}? his capital alive; his in-
tentions, however, were frustrated;
for dcatli overlook him witliin two
days niarcli of JMartahan, where he
expired about the 15th May, 1760,
after a short and active ro'v^n of only
eiglit years, aiid before he had com-
pleted the 50th year of his age.
During his reign the wisdom of his
counsels secured what liis \al()Urhad
acquired: he issued severe edicts
against gambling, and prohibited
the use otL^pirituons licpiors through-
out his dominions : he reformed tlie
courts of justice, and abridged tiie
power of tlic magistrates; every
process of iniportan(;e l)eiug decided
iu public, and e\ery decree regis-
tered.
He was succeeded by his eldest
son Namdojee Fraw, who experienc-
ed considerable dilliculty at tirst by
the rebellion of his brother Shemhu-
an, and afterwards by that of ]\ieinla
Kajah, the principal general of his
deceased fiither. Both these revolts
be successfully subdued, although
the latter oj>i)onent had obtained
possession of Ava, the cajiital,
which was recaptured by blockade,
and all the garrison who could not
eflect their escajic, put to deatli.
Namdogee likew isc reduced the for!
of Tonglio, and took prisoner one
of his uncles who h:id rebelled,
whom he spared, but punisiied the
other ringleaders with ileath. The
three succeeding years were emplo}-
ed in reducing the refractory to obe-
dience, j)rin( ipally the Peguers. lie
died at his capital, about the month
of March, 17(i4, after a rf;ign of
little more than three years, leaNing
one son, named Moinieii, yet an in-
fant.
On his decease, his brotlier Shcm-
buan assumed the reins of govern-
ment; nor is it ascertained that he
ever acknowledged holding them in
trust for the minor, whom he edu-
cated in obscurity ainong the Rlia-
haans, or monks. In 17(i5 he sent
an expedition against the Siamese,
with partial success, and went him-
self against the Munipoor Cassayers,
where he acquired considerable booty.
In 17G6 the Birmaa armies marched
south, and had an action with tlie
Siamese, about eight days journey
from the Port of Siam, when they
were victorious; after which they
laid siege to the city of Siam, and
took it on capitulation, after a long
blockade — the favourite system of
Hirman warfare.
In 1767, or 1131 of the Birman
a^ra, the Chinese seat an army of
50,000 men from the western frontier
of "V unan, which advanced as far
into the country as the village of
Gliiboo, where they were henuned
in by tlie Birmans. The Tartar ca-
valry, on whose vigour and activity
the Chinese army depended for pro-
visions, could no longer venture out,
either to procure provisions, or to
protect convoys. In this situation
their army was attacked, and wholly
destroyed, except about 251 '0, whom
the J?irmans sent in fetters tc» the
capital, where they were compelled
to ply then- trades according to the
royal pleasure. They were also en-
couraged to man) Birman wives, as
are all strangers, and to consider
themselves as Birmans,
This custom of the Birmans is
singular among the civilized coun-
tries of the east, and peculiarly re-
markable in a })eople, who derive
their tenets from a Hindoo source.
It is well known that in China, even
the public prostitutes are strictly
prohibited from having intercourse
w ilh any other than a Chinese ; nor
is any foreign woman permitted to
«;nter the territories, orvisit the ports
of that Jeulous nation, jlindoo wo-
men, of good casts, are no less in-
Hcccisible, and admission into d ^c-
56
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
spectable cast is not attainable by
juoiiey.
The Siamese, soon after the Bir-
man araiy had (|nittetl then- territory,
revolted. In \7'> 1, Deeberdee, the
jjencral M'ho had before subdued
them, was detached to punish them ;
but, from diflerent obstacles, was
compelled to retreat without pene-
trating; into the country. A new ge-
neral was appointed; but the Pegu-
ers in the Birraan army suddenly
rose on their companions, commenc-
ed an indisciiminate massacre, and
pursued them to the gates of Ran-
goon, which they besieged, but were
unable to capture.
In 1774Shembuan sent an army,
AThich subdued the Cassay country,
and took the capital Munipoor; but
10,000 men having gone forward to
eflect the conquest of the Cachar
ccuiitry, they v\ ere totally destroyed
by the Caclnus and the hill fever,
within three days marc h of Cospoor,
the capital. A second expedition,
tlie same year, was more successful,
and compelled the Cachar Rajah to
pay tribute: this year also the dis-
tiict and fort of Alartaban were re-
taken from the revolted Peguers.
In 1775Shembuaa sailed down the
Irawaddy, \\ ith an army of 60,000
jnen; and, in the month of October,
arrived at Rangoon, v»here he put to
death Beinga Delia, the old and un-
fortuiiate Pegue monarch, and many
Tallien, or Pegue nobles
In 1776 Shembuan left Rangoon,
and was taken ill in the road to Ava,
•where he died soon after his arrival,
having reigned about 12 years. His
character is that of an austere, in-
telligent, and active prince. He re-
duced the petty sovereigns of several
neighbouring provinces to a state of
permanent vassalage, who had before
only yielded to desultory conquest.
These he compelled, on staled pe-
riods, to repair to the cai)ilal, and
pay homage at the golden feet.
Among them were numbered the
Lords of Sandipoor, (Cambodia) Ze-
mee, Quantong, and Banioo, toge-
ther witli tlie Currianers, the Kajus,
and other uncivilized tribes, inlia-
biting the western hills and moun-
tainous tracts tliat intersect the re-
gions east of the Irav.addy.
Shembuen was succeeded by his
son Chenqnza, aged 18, who proved
a debauched, blood-thirsty monster,
and was dethroned, and put to death
by his uncle, IMindragee Praw, in
1782, after a short, but (as far as re-
fers to foreign wars) tran(}uil reign
of six years.
Minderajee Praw was the fourth
son of the great Alompra, the
founder of t!ie dynast}^ One of his
first acts was to drown his nevdiew
Momien (the son of Namdojee l^raw,
the second sovereign) by fixing him
betwixt two jars, whi- li were sunk
in the stream, conformably to the
Birrnan mode of executing members
of the royal family. "When he as-
cended the tlu-oae he was 43 years
of age, and had two sons already
grown up to man's estate. He had
enjoyed the throne but a short time,
when he had nearly been deprived
both of life and diadem, by a despe-:
rado, named Magoung, who, with
about 1(H> cenfederates, attacked
him and his guards in his own palace,
where they all perished.
During his days of leisure this
king had directed much of his atten-
tion to astronomical studies, and be-
came a thorough believer in judicial
astrology. Brahmins, who, though
inferior in sanctity to the Rhahaans,
are nevertheless held in high respect
by the Birmans, had long been ac-
customed to migrate from Cassy and
Arracan to Ava. JMinderajee Praw
appointed a certain number of them
his domestic chaplains; and, prompt-
ed by their persuasions, he determin-
ed to withdraw the seat of govern-
ment fiom Ava, and found a new
metropolis, which he did at Lmme-
rapoor.
In the year 1783 (conespondm^
with the Birman year 1145) he sent
a fleet of boats against Arracan, which
was conquered, after a slight resist-
ance, and IMahasumda, the ra,iah,
and his family, made prisoners. The
AVA AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
57
surrender of Cheduba, Rainree, and
the Rroken Isles, I'ollowed the con-
quest of Anacais.
Ahhough the Birmans conld not
retain the inland parts of Siani, they
preserved the dominion over the sea
coast as far as AJer^ni. In the year
1785 they attacked the island of
Jiinksejlon, Avilh a ilc ct of boats and
an army; bnt, although first siic-
cessiful, were ultimately compelled
to retreat with considerable loss.
The Birman monarch, wliose pride
was deeply mortilied by this, resolved
to repair the disgrace; and, in 1786,
invaded Siam with an army of 30,000
men, bnt was totally dclcated, near
the frontiers, by Fictiek Single, the
King of Siam, his useless cannon
taken, and liimsclf with great dilii-
culty escaping captivity. '^J'he Bir-
mans, in this ad ion, ascribe their
defeat to the incumbrance of their
cannon, which were old ship guns,
mounted on old carriages.
In the year l/^it the Siamese ob-
tained possession of '1 avay by
tieachery, which the Birmans, in
1701, regained by the same nn.ans;
and that year compelled tlie Siamese
to raise the siege of Mergui. In
1793 peace was concluded wiih the
iSiamese, who ceded to the Jiirmans
the westenrmaritiine towns as fjir
soiitii as _\Jeigiii. thus yielding to
tliem the entijo possession of the
coast of I'enasserim, and the t«o
important sea ports of Mcrgui and
Tavay.
Iji 1795 his Birman majesty,
learning tiutt three distinguisiied rob-
bers, frouithe f-irman dominions in
Arracan, had taken refuge in the
British dii;irict of Cliittagong, wiih-
out comnuniirati;!g his intention, or
in any shape dcmandiiig the fugi-
tives, thought proytcr to order a body
©f 5000 men, under an olliter of
rank, to enter the Company's terri-
tories, with positi'.e injunctions to
the commander not to return, unless
he brought with him the delinquents,
dead or ahve ; and further to suj)-
poit this detachment, an army of
5fO;U00 meu was held iii icadiucss at
Arracan. In conscqnencc of this ir-
ruption, a strong detachment was
sent fnnn Calcutta, a battalion of
Euroijcans by water, and the native
sepoys by land, under the command
of Generai Erskine.
Seree NuniUi Kiozo, tlie Birman
cliief, to whom the task of reclaim-
ing tlio fugitives was assigned, after
liis army hisd crossed the river, and.
encamped on the opposite bank, dic-
tated a letter to tlie Biitish .judge
and magistrate of Chittagong, ac-
quainting him with the reasons of the
inroad, and that tiie captme of the
delinquents was his sole object, with-
out liarbouring any design of hostili-
ties against the English. At the
same time he declared, in a peremp-
tory st}le, that luitil they were given
nj), he would not depart from the
Company's territories; and, in con-
firmation of this metjace, fortified his
camp witk a stockade. 'I'hese mat-
ters being" reported to gtneriunent,
the magistrate of Cliittagong was or-
dered to ap])rehend the retugees, atid
keep them in saiie custody until fur-
ther directions.
On the approach of General Ers-
kiiic, Seree Nundakiazo sent a ilagf
of mice, proposing terms of accom-
modation, slii:ulaling lor the surren-
der of the fagiti>es, as the basis of
the agreement. Tire general re-
plied, that no terms could be listened
to while the Birmans continued on
Enc'-lisii grnnad ; bnt tliat as soon as
they should Avithdraw fiom their for-
tiiied camp, and retire within their
own frontier, he would enter on the
subject of their conii)laints; notifying
also, that unless tliey evacuated the
Coinj)any's possessions in a limited
time, tiDrce would Ijc used to compel
them. I'he Birman chief, in a manly
confidt nee of the British c'.iaracter,
personally waited on General Ers-
kine, and disclosed to him the na-
ture of his instmctious, the enormity
of the oifenders, and the oulrages^
they committed. General Erskinc as-
sured him it was far from the in-
tention of the Biitish government to
screeu deliiu^ueul.s, but that it was
58
BABADERPOOR.
iin})o>'.sible for him to recede from his
first deteriiiiiiation. The Kirnian ge-
neral agreed to Avithdraw his troops,
aiid the retreat uas conducted in the
jHost . orderly manner; nor had one
act of violence l)oen ronmntted by
the Birman troops, during their con-
tinuance in the Company's districts.
The guilt of the refugees being after-
wards established, they were deli-
vered over to the Birman magistrates,
by whose sentence two out of the
three underwent capital punishment.
(Sipnes, Cox, Let/den, F. Buchanan,
DaJrijmph, ^'c.)
AvA. — A town in the Birman Em-
pire, properly named Aingwa, four
miles west from the new capital,
Ummerapoor. Lat. 21°. 51'. IN.
Long. 95°. 58'. E.
This place is divided into the up-
per and lower city, both of which are
fortified, the lower being about four
miles in circumforencc. Yi is pro-
tected by a wall 30 feet high, at the
foot of which there is a deep and
broad fosse. Tlic communication
betwixt the fort and the country is
over a mound of earth crossing the
ditch that supports a causeway; the
Mall is sustained on the inside by an
embankment of earth. The upper
or smaller fort does not exceed a mile
in circumference, and is much the
strongest, but all the walls are mould-
ering to decay. The mateiials of the
houses, which consisted principally
of wood, were transported to the
new city of Unmierapoor; but the
ground, when not covered with grass,
still retains traces of former build-
ings and streets. The disposition of
the latter nearly resembles that of
Ummerapoor.
In the temple of Logatliero Praw
is still to be seen a gigantic image of
Gaudma, of marble, seated in its
customary position on a pedestal.
The height of the idol, from the top
of the head to the pedestal on which
it sits, is nearly 24 feet ; the head is
eight feet in diameter, and across the
breast it measures 10 feet. The
Birmans assert, that it is composed
of one entire block of marble ; nor.
on the closest inspection, can any
junction be perceived. The build-
ing has evidently been erected over
the idol, as the entrance would
scarcely admit the introduction of
his head.
Within the fort stands a temple of
superior sanctity, named Shocgunga
Praw, in which all oaths of conse-
quence are administered, the breach
of which is considered as a most
heinous crime. How this temple ob-
tained so eminent a distinction is not
now known. Besides these there are
numerous temples, on which the Bir-
mans never lay sacrilegious hands,
dilapidating by the corrosion of time ;
indeed, it would be difiicult to exhibit
a more striking picture of desolation
and ruin. {Si/mex, cVc.)
AwASs, {Ams). — A toAvn in the
IMaharatta territories, in the province
of Khandcsh, 05 miles E. of Broaclu
Lat. 21°. 4«'. N. Long. 74°. 34'. E.
AvTi'RA. — A town in the })rovince
of Bengal, district of Pachcte, 127
miles N. W. from Calcutta. Lat.
23°. 41'. N. Long. 86°. 58'. E.
AxiMNAGUR. — A district in the ter-
ritorities of the Poonah Maharattas,
situated to the south of the Krishna
Biver, in the province of Bejapoor.
It contains no town of consequence.
AziMGHUR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, district of Gaz^-
poor, 37 miles N. E. from Jionpoor.
Lat. 24°. ()'. N. Long. 83°. 10'. E.
AzMERiGUNGE, {Ajamida ganj). —
A town in the Province of Bengal,
district of Silhet, 75 miles N. E.
from Dacca. Lat. 24°. 33'. N. Long.
91°. 5' E.
B.
Baad. — A small town in the pro-
vince of Agra, about 10 miles S. W.
from the city of Agra, the road to
which is through a fertile country, in-
terspersed with clumps of mango
trees. Lat. 27°. 5'. N. Long. 77*.
55'. E. {Hunter.)
BABADliRPOOa, ( BaJiadarpur). — A
BACKERGUNGE.
59
town in the IMaharatta territories, in
the province of Kh-.mdcsh, 15 miles
S. W. from Boorhanpoor. Lat. 21°.
15'. N. Long;. 70°. 8'. E.
Babare. — A town in tliP province
of Gujrat, <iistric{ of AVorroar, situ-
ated about 25 miles N. from l^alidiin-
poor. This is one of the jiviticipal
dens of Cooly thieves, and oii^aiially
belonged to the Balooches, hut the
Coolees have gradually superseded
their authority.
Baber. — A small island in the
Eastern Seas, surrounded liy several
others, lying betwixt the 130th and
131st degrees of east longitude. In
Length it may be estimated at 18
iniJcs, by six the average breadth.
Eap.rivA. — A district in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, situated on the pe-
ninsula, betwixt the Gulfs of Cambay
and Cutch. It is but of small extent,
and mountainous, containiug many
stroDg holds. Various small rivers,
Avhieh have their sources in the hills,
flow from tlience, and fall into the
Gulf of Cambay. This district docs
i)ot contain any town of note, and is
iii the possession of native inde-
pendent rajahs.
Baeuan. — A small island, about
25 miles in cucumfercnce, the most
northerly of the Philippines. Lat.
19°. 43'.N. Long. 122°. E.
Babuyanes Isles. — A number of
islands lying otf the north coast of
Luzon, the principal Philijipine, be~
twrxt the I9th and 20th degrees of
north latitude. The largest islands are
named Babuan, Calayan, Dalupiri,
Camigncn, and Fuga, and are ti'om
20 to 30 miles each in circumference.
Besides these, there are many small
rocicy isles.
The Babuyanes Isles, although so
far north, are much infested by the
piratical cruizers from Magindarao.
(Forrest, S)-c.)
Backar, {Bhncnr). — A district ex-
tending along the Indus, in the pro-
vince of Mooltan, situated principally
betw i\t the 28th and 30th degrees of
jiorth latitude. In 1.782, it is described
jby Abu! I'azel as follows :
" Doubeh Beliker, containing 13
mahals, measurement 282,013 bce-
gahs ; revenue, 18,424,947 dams.
Seyarghal, (j0,4l9 dams. This dis-
trict furnishes 4690 cavalry, and
11,100 infantry."
The chief town is Backar; but, re-
specting the country generally, we
have, in modern times, had but little
information. A considerable propor-
tion of the district is composed of
barren unfertile sand.
Backar. — A town in the province
of Mooltan, .situated on an island
formed by the Indus, near its junc-
tion w ith the Dummoody. Lat. 28°.
31'. N. Long. 70°. 2'. L. In 1582,
it is described by Abut Tazcl as fol-
lows :
" Behkoor is a good fort, which,
in ancient books, is called Munsoo-
rah. All the six rivers which pass
through Lahore proceed past Beh-
koor in a collected stream, after hav-
ing divided into two, one going to
the nortii, and the other to the south
of the fort. Here is very little rain,
but the fruit is delicious."
In 1758, when Dara Shekoh fled
from his brother Aurengzebc, he di-
rected his course towards Sindy,
taking possessioii of the strong fort
of Backar, which afterwards stood a
considerable siege. (Abul Fazel, Ber-
nier, SiT.)
Backergunge, (Bacargunj). — A
district in the province of Bengal,
formed about the vear 1800, from the
southern quarter of the Dacca Jelal-
pore district. A considerable pro-
portion of this division, named Bok-
lah, or Ismaelpoor, extends chiefly
along the western bank of the Pud-
dah, or Great Ganges, nearly to its
mouth at the Island of Rabnabad,
which forms the south-east angle of
the Bengal Delta ; the west of Hid-
gellee being the other. About the
year 1584 this district was over-
whelmed and laid waste by an inun-
dation; and, fiom the succeeding
ravages of the Mughs, aided by the
Portuguese, who then inhabited Cbit-
tagong, it continues to this day great-
ly depopulated.
The lauds are very capable of cul-
m
EADRACHELLUM.
tivation, notwithstanding their prox-
imity to the sea, being annually,
during the periodical rains, over-
flowed by the fresh water of. and fer-
tilized by, the slimy mould deposited
by tlie Ganges.
The country, being so well sup-
plied with moisture, ])roduces two
abundant crops of rire annually, fur-
nishing a considerable proportion of
the grain which is consumed in, and
exported from Calcutta. lor the
latter purpose the dry season crop
produced during the cold weather
answers best. Irom the viciaity of
this division to the Sunderbuuds, be-
ing in a manner part of it, the innu-
merable ri\crs by which it is inter-
sected, and the quantity of junjde
still covering its surface, it not only
abounds with alligators and tigers of
the most enormous size, but is also
infested by dacoils, or river pirates,
who rob in gangs to a gTcater degree
than any other district in Eeugal.
A strong establishment of boats
and sepoys is kept up at Barker-
gunge, but their eli'orts have hitherto
been totally unavailing to suppress,
or oven diminish the mnnbcr of these
depredators, who appear to increase
all over the lower districts of Br ngal.
These dacoities, or gang robberies,
are often attended with murder and
torture, to compel the disclosure of
concealed treasr.re; and always ou
the subsequent trials with perjury,
and subornation of perjurj , practised
lor the most atrocious purjioses.
The obslables to the suppression
of th(^se crimes do not arise from any
open resistance to the magisterial au-
thority, but liom the extreme difli-
culty (wliicli only those can appre-
ciate who have experienced it) of
discriminating the innocent froni the
jsnilty. The evil is of great magni-
tude and long continuance, every
mode of remedy hitherto attempted
having contiibutcd to aggravate, in
place of diminishing the calamity.
In this district there still exist se-
veral original Portuguese colonies, of
probably more than two centuries dn-
Viition, wliich exhibit a mcluncholy
proof to what an extreme it is possible"
for Europeans to degenerate. They
are a meagre, puny, imbecile race,
blacker than the natives, who hold
them in the utmost cor.tcmpt, and
designate by the appellation of Caula
Feringics, or black Europeans.
BACIvliRGUNGE. — A tOWH ill tllC
province of Bengal, 120 miles E.
from Calcutta, the capital of a dis-
trict ot tiie same name, and residence
of th<! judge and magistrate. Lat.
22°. 42', N. Long, 81;°. 20'. E.
Badar. — A town in the province
of Bejapoor, situated on the south
side of the River Krishna, 30 miles
>S. E. from Mirjee, in tiie territories
of the PoonahMaharattas. Lat. 1G°.
4t>'. N. Long. 76° 32'. E.
Badarwall. — A town in the pro-
vince of Lahore, district of Kisli-
tcwar, 10 niiles from the southern
range of hills w hit h bound Cashmere,
Lat. 3i>°. 45'. N. Long. 74°. 54'. E.
It is posses.sed by an independent
raj all.
Badaumy, (Badami). — A town
in the territories of the Maharattas,
province of Bejapoor, 80 iuiles S. E.
tiom ai<rritch. Lat. 16°. 6'. N.
Long. 75°. 46'. E. This is a place of
some strength, which can be taken
only by a regular siege, which would
require a heavy equipment.
Bahdoriah, (Bliadria). — A dis-
trict in the province of Agra, inter-
sected by the Chumbul Kiver. It is
print ipally possessed by diflercnt
petty chiefs; those to the south of
the Chumbul being tributary to the
Maharattas.
BADKACHiiLLUM, ( Bhadrachnlam,
the Sacred Mountain). — A town on
the N. E. side of the Godavery River^
belonging to the Polooxishah Rajah,
134 miles W. from Vizagapataiu.
Lat. 17°. 52'. N. Long. 89°27'.E.
At this place the Rajah ofPoIoon-
shah collects taxes upon all goods
passing through his country by this
road. The merchandize is generally
cotton, which tlie IVIaharaltas export
to the northern Circars, importing
from thence salt and cocoa nuts in
exchange. There is a pagoda here
BAGMUTTY.
61
of high repute, sacrxl toSccIa ; 200
yards to the south of \vl)icli the town
is situatod, ooiisisting; of 100 liiits,
the whole lieiiig surrounded witli
jungle. (Blunt, i\c.)
Badroon. — A town m the pro-
vince of Gnjrat, district of Broach,
SO miles E. hy 8. from Cainl)ay. Lat.
22°. 18'. N. Long. 7^°. 13'. E.
Badruah. — A town in tiie jNIaha-
latta tcnitories, in tlie province of
Gnjrat, district of Cimmpancer, 40
miles E. frcmi Canihay. Lat. 22°. 25'.
N. Long. 73°. 25'. E.
B \DKYCAZRAM, ( Vadavicasramo).
— A province in Northern Hindontan,
situated betvvi\t the 3 1st and 33d
degrees of north latitude. This pro-
vince may be considered as the nor-
thern boundary of Hiudostan in tiiis
quarter, being entirely composed of
mountains, wliich rise one over the
Other, and end in the Great Hima-
laya Ridge. 'I'o tlie south it has the
province of Serinagnr, of which it
may be considered as the northern
quarter. It has never been explored,
except by soiue Hindoo devotees,
who describe it as a region of ever-
lasting snow, containing the sources
of the Ganges and other sacred ri-
vers. l"he name Yadavica Asrania
signifies the Bovver of Yadiuica
Trees.
Bagalat.n, ( Bngelen). — A district
in the south of .lava, nearly about
the centre of the island, from east to
west. The dialects of Scindo and of
this district, are said to be very dis-
tinct from the Javanese Proper.
Prom the Bngelen dialect the Sooloo
language is supposed to be derived.
Bagaroo. — A small town in the
Rajpoot territories, in tlie province of
Ajmecr, 12 miles S. by W. from Jye-
nagur. Lat. 2(3°. 47'. N. Long. 75°.
34'. E.
Baghput, (Bhttgapati). — A small
town in the province of Delhi, 20
miles N. from the citv of Delhi. Lat.
29°. \. Long.77°.7'. E.
Baglana, (Bkageiana). — A large
district in the Maharatta territories,
in the province of Aurungabad, situ-
ated principally betvvL\t tha 20th aud
21st degrees of north latitude. This
country is exceedingly mountainous,
but contains many fertile jtlains and
vallies. Eew countries have greater
advantages, in point of natural
strength, which is augmented by a
number of strong fortresses, erected
on the summits of lofty mountains.
The ri'( crs are small, and tliere are
no towns of any great note; tho
chief are Chanderc, Tarabad, and
Iiigauvv.
This is one of the original Maha-
ratta provinces, and is still wholly
possessed by dill'erent leaders of that
nation. On account of its natural
strength, and the martial disposition
of the natives, it Joes not appear that
it ever was completely subdued, ei-
tiicr by the Deccany sovereigns or
the Mogids
The rajahs were often reduced to
the last stage of independence, par-
ticularly by Aurengzebe; but a sort
of feudal obedience, and a tribute
extremely irregularly paid, were the
utmost subjection they ever submit-
ted to. It was first concpicred by
the Mahommedans during tlie leiou
of Allah nd Deen, A. D. 1296; but
it was a conquest they were unable
to retain. About the year 1500 Bag-
lane was governed by an independent
rajah, who was compelled to become
tributary to the Nizam iShahcc dynas-
ty of Ahmednuggur.
Baglana continued under a no-
minal sort of subjection to tJio Delhi
emperors, until the appearance of
llie Maharatta chief Sevajee, wheii
it was amongst the first that revolted,
and has ever since remained luider
tlie Maharatta government. Like
many other districts subject to tfiat
nntion, it is not wholly possessed by
any one chief, but partitioned among
several, whose limits frequently Hue-
tuate. (Feris/da, Rennel, cVc.j
Bag MUTT Y, (Baghamati, Fortu-
nate). — This river lias its source in
the 1-ills to. the north of Catmaudoo,
the capital of Nepaul, from whence
it flows in a seutherly direction, en-
tering the British territories in the
distiict of Tiriiaot aud province of
62
BAHAR.
Bahar. It suLsequciitly falls into
the Ganges, a few miles below
Alonghir, having performed a wind-
ing ct)Urse of about 3(>(» miles.
Bagnouwangie. — A Diilcli port
and settlement situated in the Straits
of Bally, at the eastern extremity of
Java, and distant five leagues from
ttie mouth of Balaiiibonang Bay.
Lat.8° 15'. S. Long. 11 4°. 20'. E.
This place is intersected by a small
river, and has a little earthen foit,
lined with turf, and sunoundcd by a
ditch, over which are two draw-
bridges. The garrison consists of a
lieutenant commandant, a company
of Aiudurans, intermixed with 10
Eurojjcans, and soine Samanap ar-
tillery, with a Dutch second lieu-
tenant and sergeant. Two pilots,
who reside in the village, jireeede the
ships which pass the Straits, to point
out the proper anchoring stations. lu
tlie neighbourhood are two tine plan-
tations of pepper and cofiee, with an
indigo manufactory adjoining, A
league beyond this place, at Saiwra-
daya, are a large old brick-built
house, a hospital, and prison for the
Malays.
Adjacent to this establishment is a
village of the same name, consisting
of 80 Chinese and Malay families,
where the chief, or tomogon resides.
It is separated from Panaroukan by
an exlen^iive desert ; and, being one
«f the most unhealthy stations in the
island, all the malcontents of Sania-
rang and Sourabhaya are banished
hither for five or six months, accord-
ing to the degrees of their offences.
AlltheJavan andMaduran criminals,
condemned for life, arc sent to work
on the plantations in this vicinity.
I'hc fort and villages are surrounded
by marshes, which occasion frequent
putrid fevers among the natives and
Europeans. (Tombe, Ic.)
Bah (Vahu) Kiver. — ^This river
Las its source in the province of Aj-
meer, not far from the. city of Jjud-
poor, and afterwards Hows in a south-
erly direction towards the Gulf of
Cutch, which it never reaches, ■beii>g
absorbed by tlie way,orlostiuthc Huii.
4
BAHAR,
(Vihar, a Monastery of Buddhists.)
A large province of Hindostan, ex-
tending from the 22d to the 27th
degrees of iiortli latitude. It is se-
parated from the Nepaul dominions
by an extensive range of hills, which
rise up on the northern frontier ; ou
the south it has the ancient and bar-
barous Hindoo proAince of Gund-
wana ; on the east it is bounded by
the province of Bengal ; and on the
west by Allahabad, Oude, and Gnnd-
wana. The River Caramnassa was
the old line of separation betweeit
the Bahar and Benares territories.
This provuice is one of the most
fertile, highly cultivated, and popu-
lous, of Hindostan, in proportion to
its extent of plain arable ground,'
which may be computed at 26,000
square miles, divided naturally into
two e(|ual jxjrtions oftenitory, north
and south of the Ganges, whiehruns
here an easterly course of 200 miles,
Oae of these divLsions extends
northerly 70 miles, to the forests of
Nepaul and Morung; is separated
from Goracpoor in Oude, on the west,
by the Gunduck, a:id a crooked line
between that r vcr and the Dewah,
or Goggrah. This northern division
is bounded on the cast by Piirricah in
Bengal, the whole area being one
uninterrupted Hat, which was sub-
diviiled by the Em})eror A(;ber intO'
four districts, viz. I'irhoot, llajypoor,
Sarun, with Chumparun, orBettiah,
including tour pcrgunnahs from Mon-
ghir.
The central division of Bahar ex-
tends south of the Ganges 60 miles,
to that range of hills called in Sans-
crit Viiidhya-chil, which separates
tlie lower plain.s tiom the territory
above the Ghauts. It is divided on
the west from Chunar in Allahabad,
by the Kiver Caranmassa ; and from
Bengal, on the east, by a branch of
the southern hills, extending to the
pass of llUiaghury, o)i the confines
of Rajemal. The district named Ba-
har, v\]iich is in the middle of this
ceutial division, occupies about one
BAHAR.
G3
half of tljc Aviiolc level a von, the
plains ofMoni:,hiroiK-sixtli more, the
lest beirie,' inoiiiiiaiiiou.s, IJotas, the
most soutii-nestcin district, lies
chicdj' between the KiversSoaiie and
Carninnassa ; the romainino; district,
t>lialial)ad, extending' along tlie south
side of the Ganges. This central di-
vision, on acconiit of tire sup(>riority
of the soil and produce, particularly
of opium, yields nearly two-thirds of
the total annual produce.
Exclusive of these two divisions
there is a stragoiini;- liilly country of
8000 square miles, which produces
but little.
Still further to the south there is a
third and elevated region, eontaiaini^
18,000 square miles, though propor-
tionally of inconsiderable value. This
highland territory includes the mo-
dern subdivisions of lalarnow, Rani-
ghur, and Chuta >iai^poor; bounded
on the west by the Soiibali of Alla-
habad, on the south by (Jrissa, and
on the east by IJeiigal. This last di-
vision is geograjthically termed the
'ihrcc Bellads,or Cantons, and is also
sometimes described luider the ap-
pellation of Kokcrah, but more com-
monly named Nagpoor, tiom the dia-
mond inliics it contains.
Square miles.
The assessed lands of < iglit
districts of this province
contain - 26,287
The lauds belonging to Pala-
mow, Ranigluir, and Nag-
I)oor - - 18,553
Portion of hilly country in
JMonghir, Khotas, &.e. 7133
Total superficial contents
of the province - - -
61,973
In the Institutes of Acber, com-
piled by Abul J azel, A. D. 1582, this
province is described as follows:
" 'I'lie length of liahar, from Gur-
her to Hotas, i.s 120 coss, and the
breadth, from Tirhoot to the northern
mountains, includes 110 coss. It is
bounded on the east by Bengal, has
Alluhabud and Oudc to the west,
and on the nortli and south are large
mountains. The princij)al rivers of
this soubah arc the Gauges ar.d the
Soane. The River Giuiduck comes
from the north, and empties itself
into the Ganges near liadjypoor.
The summer months are here very
hot, but the winter is temperate. The
rains continue for six montlis. lu
the district of ]\longhir is raised a
stone wall, extending from the Gan-
ges to tlie mountains ; and this wall
is considered to be the boundary be-
tween Bengal and Bahar. This sou-
bah contains seven districts, viz. Ba-
liar, INlonghir, Chumparun, liaj} poor,
Sarun, Tirhoot, and Rotas. 'I'hesc
are subdivided into 199 pergunnahs;
the gross amount of the revenue is
55,47,985 sicca rupees. It furnishes
11,415 cavalry, 449,350 infantry, and
100 boats "
I'hc province of Bahar possesses
great natural advantages, a temper-
ate climate, high and fertile soil,
well watered, productive of the drier
graiu§^ and all the luxunes required
by ^j^more active inhabitants of the
nortn, • Its geographical situation is
centrical, having easy communica-
tions internally, and ser\ing as a
thoroughfare for the commerce of
Bengal and of foreign maritime
countries, with the ]>rovinees of liin-
dostan. 'I'hcse advantages brought
Bahar into a high state of prosperity
soon after the Patau conquest, which
continued under the Mogul dj nasty.
In Bahar, and the districts con-
tiguous to it, a parching m ind Ijom
the westward prevails during a large
portion of the hot season. It blows
with great strength during the day,
but is commonly succeeded at night
by a cool breeze in the opposite di-
rection. Sometimes it ceases for days
or weeks, giving way to easterly
gales. Beyond the limits of Bahar
the parching winds are still more
prevalent ; refreshing breezes, or
ctwiing showers of rain and hail,
more rare. During the cold season
a blighting fiust is sometimes expe-
rienced iu tlie Bahar and Benares pro-
vinces.
64
BAHAR.
AgTicultiirp, mamifactiires, and
commerce, have always greatly flou-
rishcil in tliis province. Opium may
be considered as its pccnliar produce
and staple commodity^ of the coun-
try; saltpetre is principally manu-
factured in the districts of Ha jypoor
and Sarun. Cotton cloths lor ex-
portation are manufactured every
where, in addition to which are the
ordinary jiroduetions of grain, sugar,
indigo, oil, betel leaf, &c.
'i'lic manufacture of saltpetre
scarcely passes the eastern limits of
JBahar. It is a practical remark, that
the production of nil re is greatest
during the prevalence of the hot
winds, which are perhaps essential to
its formiftion. Tiicse parching- winds
from tiic west did not formerly ex-
tend beyond the eastern limits of Ba-
har, but by the change of seasons
which have been remarked within
these 30 years, the hot winds have
extended their influence to Bengal
Pro})er. Perhaps the manufacture of
saltpetre might, on that account, be
attempted with success in majjy dis-
tricts of BeJigal.
The actual extent of the saltpetre
manufacture would ailmit of a pro-
duction to whatever amount com-
merce required. What is delivered
into the Conipany's warehouses does
not usually cost more than two ru-
pees per maund of 801bs. the rest,
after paying duty and charges of
transportation, and alfoidiiig profit
to several intermediate dealers, sells
in general at four and live rupees per
maund, for internal consumption, or
for traffic with diil'erent paits of In-
dia. The export of saltpetre to iLu-
rope is at all times principally con-
fined to the Company's investment,
but private persons are also occa-
sioually permitted to export it under
certain limitations.
The opium produced in the pro-
vinces of Bahar and Benares is 1:20-
Bopolized by the government, and
sold in Calcutta by public sale. For
vajions reasons, liiis monopoly seems
less exceptionable than many others.
The common produce is ci^id pounds
of. opium per bee;?ali (one-fliird of
an acre), besides which the cultiva-
tor reaps about 14 pounds of seed;
and many cultivators, frojn the same
land, obtain a crop of potherbs, or
some other early produce. 'I'he pre-
paration of the raw opium is under
the immediate superintendance of
the Comi)any's agent. It consists in
evaporating, by exposure to the sun,
tiie watery particles, which are re-
l)laced by oil of poppy seed, to pre-
vent the drying of the resin. The
opium is then formed into cakes, and
covered with the petals of the poppy,
and, when sufficiently dried, it is
packed in chests, with the fragments
of the capsules, from which po])py-
seeds have been thrashed out. The
adulteration of opium is difficult to
discover: it has commonly been sup-
posed to be vitiated with an extract
from the leaves and stalk of the pop-
py, and with gum of the mimosa.
Bahar, like the greater [lart ofHin-
dostan, was anciently supplied with
salt from the Lake of Sambher, in
the province of Ajmeer; but it now
consumes the Bengal salt, and a
small portion of that imported from
the coast of Cororaandel.
In the nature of landed property
there are several distitictions betwixt
Bengal and Bahar, of which the fol-
lowing are the principal :
In Bengal the Zemindaries aro
very extensive ; and thatof Burdwaa
alone is equal in produce to three-
fourths of that of Bahar, in which
province the Zemindaries aie com-
pariti\ cly sniall. The pow er and in-
tluence of the jwincipal Zemindars
in Bengal are proporlionably great,
and they are able to maintain a de-
gree of iiidepeudenc(.', Avhich the in-
ferior Zemindars of Bahar have lost.
The latter, also, luniiig been placed
under a provincial administration,
from distance as well as comparative
infeiioiity, have been precluded
from that degree of information,
which the Zemindars of Bengal,
from their vicinity to Calcutta, and
access to the officers of govcruiiiejuit,
have bcca able to obtaio.
BAHAR.
65
The lands of Bahar have, from
timeinuiieinorial, been let to farm,
and no penci al settlement, since the
acquisition of the Dewanny, had
been concluded between trovern-
nicntand the proprietors of the s«)il,
until the final and perpetual assess-
ment in 1792.
'J'here arc few instances of jaghircs
in Bengal, probably not more than
three or four; but they are frequent
in Bahar.
The custom of dividinp^ the pro-
duce of the land, in certain propor-
tions, between the cultivator and go-
vernment, was almost universal in
Bahar; but in Bengal this custom
was very partial and limited. Upon
the w hole, the proprietors of the soil
in Bahar were in a degiaded state,
comparatively w ith those of Bengal.
In Bahar there are but three princi-
pal zemindars, viz. the Rajahs of
Tirhoot, Shahabad, and Sunnotc Te-
le aroy.
The principal rivers of Bahar are
the Ganges, theSoane, the Gundiick,
the Dummoodah, the Caramnassa,
and the Dcwah ; the two latter being
boundary rivers: besides these there
are many small streams, the flat part
oflhis country being very well sup-
plied with moisture. The chief towns
are Patna, Mongliir, Boglipoor,
Buxar, Dinapoor, Gayah, and Rotas.
The race of men visii>ly improve in
Bahar compared with Bengal, as they
are taller and much more robust.
Bahar having been, at an early
period, conqnered by the Mahom-
medans, anil afterwards retained in
])crmanent subjcclion, contains a
considerableproportion of inhabitants
professing that religion, particularly
in the northern and more (cultivated
districts. Although Gayah, the birth-
place of Buddha, the great prophet
and legislator of the more eastern
nations, be within the limits of this
province, and is stili a place of pil-
grimage for sectaries of that persua-
sion, yet among the resident inhabi-
tants remarkably few Buddhists are
to be foinid, the Brahminical being
the prevailing religion.
In the tcmote periods of Hindoo
history, Bahar appears to have been
the seat of two independent sove-
reignties ; that of Magadha. or South
Bahar, and that of Mithila (Tirhoot),
or North Bahar.
An intimate connexion has always
subsisted between this pro\ince and
Bengal, on which account their his^
tories and political economy are una-
voidably much blended; the reader
is, therefore, referred to the article
Bkngal, for Anther information ou
these subjects, and more particularly
resi)ecting the population. {J. Grant,
Abnl Fazel, Colebrooke, Shore, Gho'
laiim, Hosscin, Sit)
Bahar— A large and fertile dis-
trict in the province of Bahar, situ-
ated betwixt the 24th and 2Gth de-
giees of north latitude. It is bounded
on the north by the Ganges, on the
south l)y Ramgur and Monghir, on
the east by Monghir, and on the west
by the River Soane and the district of
Rotas. 'J'his district occupies about
one half of the whole level area of the
district of Bahar Proper, to the south
of the Ganges. In all its dimen-
sions, according to iMajor Rennel, it
contains 6680 square miles, besides
hilly teiTitory, dismembered from Pa-
lamow, Nagpoor, and Ramgur.
In 1582 Abul i'azcl describes the
district as follow s :
" Sircar Bahar, containing 46 ma-
hals, measurement 952,698 beegahs,
revcmie 83,196,390 dams, seyurghal
2,270,147 dams. Tliis sircar fur-
nishes 2115 cavalry and 67,350 in-
fantry."
A great proportion of this district
is level and highly cultivated land;
but towards the centre are some high
grounds, named the Rajegur Hills,
not equally fertile.
Although extremely well watered
by the Ganges, Soaiie, and number-
less smaller rivers, this is not pro]>er-
Jy a rice country, wheat of an excel-
lent quahty being the chief produce.
The other articles are opium, in ^ery
large quantiiies, cotton, castor oil,
and saltpetre, besides all the other
fruits and vegetables common to
66
LAILURA.
Hiiidoslnfii. Thronglumt llif nbtriot
cotton goods are iiiaiudiuducd, and
a large (iiiaiitity of saltpetre is amm-
ally sent to Calcutta oa the Coiii-
paiiy's account,
"Jho culture of this district, in the
viciiiity of Patiia, is far siipt-rior to
■\vliat is "cueraliy met with in Ben-
gal. I'or several miles round the vil-
lages of Bankijioor and Diiiapoor,
the lieids a^^sume the appearance of
rich and a\ ell-dressed gardens, and
Ihe oi)eration of catering the holds is
carried on 'with great labour and
jierseverance. The surfncc of the
ground, in this part of the province
of Eahar, does not ris* more than
30 feet above tlie level of the Gau-
ges, and in many places the eleva-
tion is still more inconsiderable. The
most common crops are cotton, doll,
and the castor oil plant (the Hicinus
communis). The latter rises to the
height of a large shrub, and shelters
below its broad leaves the doll and
cotton plants. Uarley alone is mixed
with the common pea, is also a very
connnon produce in this vicinity,
but is not equal to that of Britain.
'I'his district is on the w hole ex-
tremely well populated, in the pro-
portion of one Mahonuuedan to four
Hindoos, and the euitivalion of the
land is rapidly extending. The
chief towns arePatua, Dinajiodr, Ba-
Jiar, and Ga\ah. (./. (riant, 'J'cnnant,
Coki/roohe, Ahul FtizeL See.)
Bahar. — A town in the pro> intse
of Bahar, district of Bahar. 05 miles
S. E. from Patna. Lat. 25°. 13'. N.
Long. 85°. 37'. E.
Baharkj: BivKii. — This liver has
its source among the .lendah n.oun-
tains in northern llinilostan, troui
■whence it Hows south through the
province of Oude, to the east of the
Coi'Cgrah, which it joins about '2fj
uules above F}Z?.bad.
Bahotty, (Vdhiitlacati). — A small
town ^^itln^l the ,Seik territories, in
the prfivinec of Lahore, siluated on
the east side of the Jhylaia l^iver.
Lat. 32°. /'. N. Long. 71°. .%'. 11.
About six miles further down for-
inerly stood the fort of Shabat-deeU;
on the Island of Jamad, and to the
south arc salt hills, 'i'his place is
about 112 miles W. N. W. from the
city of Lahore.
IjAIIUY, {BariX — A town in the
pvovincc of Agra, situated al»out 10
sniles to the north of the Chumlnd.
Lat. 20°. 4^'. N. Long. 77*^. 35'. IL
This is the second town in jioint of
consequence in the Kana of Dhool-
poor's dominions. TIk; streets are
narrow, but many ol tlic houses,
which are built of red stone, are
two stories high, and have a greater
appearance of eomlbrt than is usmdi
in Lidian habitations, 'i his place
has. for many years, been chielly in-
habited by Patans, and possesses se-
veral handsome Mahommedan tombs,
'j'hc surrounding country is frequent-
ly haras.sed by depredations, and
consijquently ill culti\ atcd. {Brongh-
ton, St.)
Baidyanath. — A village in Nor-
thern >lindostan, in the district of
Kemaoon, near the boundary of the
Gerwal and Kemaoon dislricts. Lat.
29°. 56'. N. Long. 79°. 40'. E.
This village derives its name from
a large temple, now in a ruinous
condition, and no longer appropri-
ated to sacred w orship. The images,
which eom))rchend a large proportion
of the Hindoo pantheon, are lodged
in a smaller temple, which has the
appearance of great antiquity. It
stands on the banks of the Gautna-
thi Bi\cr, in which are a lunnber of
fish, that arc daily ted !>> ihe Brah-
mins and Fakirs. An aiunuil festi-
val is held at this ])laee, during the
time of the Hurdwar lair, which is
munevousl} allended by people from
all parts of the hills, 'ihe village
coirlains only eight or 10 houses, in-
habited ])riucipally by Gosains; but
there are a few' Canoje Brahmins,
who have the superinlendanee of the
temple The Gaumathi Biver after-
wards fails into the Goggrah, or
Sarjew" Biver. Badyanath, or Vaid-
janatha, is the name of the Hindoo
god of medicine. {Itttper, &c.)
VuV.i.VRX. — A small town in the
Kajuii of Mysore's country. Lat. 12°.
BALAGHAUT CEDED DISTRICTS.
67
65'. N. Long:. 76°. 3'. E. Near to
tliis town is the small River Tihadri,
the couijtry to tlie west of wliicli is
called Malayar, or the Hills, while
th;it to the east is called Meidaun, or
the open eouiitry. In Malayar there
are uo slaves. A eonsiderable trade
is carried on betwixt Bailnru and Je-
manlabad, in the Malabar province.
Cochineal to the extent of about
1500 pounds vveij^lit is made here,
upon the nopals raised by the farmers
as a fence round their gardens. The
cochiner.l is of the inferior kind,whieh
has been introduced into lisdia. and
the plant is the cactus, which is ab-
original in the country. Tliis town
in Sanscrit is named Kailapura, and
stands at a little distance from the
lihadri River. It has a good fort
l)uilt of stone, with a suburb con-
taining above 600 houses. {F. Bu-
chntinn, ^-c.)
Bajulpoor. — A town in the INIa-
liaratla territories, .situated among
the Vindaya mountains, ,35 miles S.
fromOojain. Lat. 22°. 43'. N. Long.
75°. 39'." E.
B.\LAB.\c. — A small island in the
Eastern Seas, aliout 18 miles in
length, by four the average breadth,
lying oil the southern extremity of
♦he Island of Palawan. Lat. 8°. N.
Long. 117°. 10'. E.
B\LABALAGAN. A cUlstcr of 13
small flat islands in tlie Straits of
Macassar, covered with trees, and
having navigable channels between
them, but uneven anchorage. They
are also named the Little Paternoster
Isles. I'he Boadjoos fish here for
sea swailo, or biche de mar, which
tliey strike on the saiid at the bottom,
in eight and 10 fathoms water, with
an iron pronged instrument. {For-
rest, <^r.)
BaLAGHAUT CEnF.D DrSTRlCTS. —
In the south of India a stupendous
wall of mountains, named the Gliauts,
rises abruptly from the low country,
supporting in the nature of a terrace
^ a vast extent of level plains, which
arc so elevated as to alFect tlie tem-
jjciature, and render the climate
cooler. This table land extends from
F 2
the Kri.shna to the southern extremity
of the Mysore, and is nanied Bala-
ghaut, or Above the CJhauts. in eon-
tradistinclion to Payenghaiit.orBelow
the Ghauts. This extensive and fruit-
ful region tbrmed the aneieiil Hindoo
empire of Karnata, no part of which
was below the mountains, althougii,
in moderu times, the term lias been
so misapplied by the Mahommedans
and Europeans, as to signify exclu-
sively the country below the Ghauts.
In the present article the Jiame
Balaghaut is restricted to that terri-
tory acfpiired by the British govern-
ment in 1800, and since subdivided
into til.' two coUectorsliips of Bellary
and C'udapah.
This tract of country was acquired
by treaty with the nizam, dated the
r2th Oct. 1800, and compreliends all
the territory situated south of the
'J'oombuddra and Krishna rivers,
which fell to the nizam's share by the
treaties of Seringapatam in 1792, and
Mysore in 1799, together with the
Talook of Adoni, and all his high-
nesses other districts south of these
rivers.
This large portion of country is
what is now called the Ceded Dis-
tricts; and to these, two-thirds of
Pnugauoor were added, and part of
Goodiput; having been excl'.anged
for certain distiiets, which had been
reserved by the treaty of Mysore, as
the eventual poition of the i'e.sliwah
of the Maharattas, but which, by the
supplementary treaty of IMysore, in
Dec. 1803, fell into the posscssioa of
the Company.
Under the ancient native govern-
ments, this (juarler of the Balaghaut
was subdivided into many districts,
the chief of whieli were Carnoul,
Adoni, Conmiim, HarpouuUy, Ky-
droog, Balhary, Gooty, ^A'andicotta,
or Gundicotta, Cudapah, Gurrom-
coudah, Funganoor, ai:d Sidhout.
The principal towns are Bijanagur,
Balhary, Adoni, Gooty, Ctidapah,
Harponully, and Gununicondah.
Ironi the elevated surface of this
region it has no large rivers exempt
the IvJuisua and Tooinbuddra/ivhich
68
BALAGHAUT CEDED DISTRICTS.
are its proper boundaries, but it pos-
sesses many smaller streams. Much
the greater portion of the lauds is
under the dry rultivation, it being-
calculated, that in the Ceded Districts
the wet cultivation does not exceed
seven per cent, of the whole
lu the Ceded Districts there are
vast tracts of land unoccupied, which
may be j)loughed at once, without
the labour and expense of clearing
away forests, as there are above tluce
millions of acres of this kind, which
were formerly cullivatcd, and might
be retrieved and occupied.
In the ceded territories, di.stricts
are subdivided into villages under
the management of potails, or head
farmers, by whom the ryots are
guided. In all villages the latter are
in the habit of meeting and debating
on the subject of rent, but there are
many villages in which they settle
among themselves the exact propor-
tion of the whole rent that each in-
dividual is to pay. These are cal;ed
vcespuddi, or sixteenth villages, from
the land rent being divided into six-
teenth shares. A great part of the
Cuddapah province is composed of
these sorts of villages, and tliey are
scattered, though more thinly, over
the other parts of the country. A^ hen
the season of cultivation draws near,
the ryots of the vcespuddi villages
assemble to regulate their several
rents for the year. The pagoda is
usually the place chosen for this pur-
pose, from the idea that its .sanctity
will render their engagements with
each other more binding ; every vil-
lage in this manner being a small
collectorate, managed by the potail,
or head farmer.
In 1806, after the survey of these
districts was completed, instructions
were circulated to nutke out new re-
turns of the number of the inhabitants
in every village, as far as was practic-
able by actual muster, except with
those casts who seclude their women
from public view. The total numljcr
of inhabit ants amounted to 1,917,376",
which shewed an increase of one-
fourtli in the population iu five years
of tranquillity, partly arising frojfl
the return of persons who had emi-
grated during the nizam's govern-
ment, but the remainder nmst be at-
tiibutcd to the falsity of former re-
turns. These population lists tended to
prove, that the males were one-tenth
more numerous than the females.
The number of cattle and sheep
cannot be ascertained with the same
aceuracy, not only because the
owners are averse to giving true re-
ports, but because herds and flocks
more ficquently migrate from one
part of the country to another for the
sake of pasture, and many herds are
actually wild. The number of black
cattle was estimated at 1,198,613,
and that of buffaloes 493,906; the
shccj) 1,147,492, and the goats
694,633. 'J'he actual number of the
two last is probably more, as their
owners have a superstitious prejudice
against their being counted by others,
or even by themselves ; and it is,
therefore, more difficult to obtain
correct stuteiuents of them than of
the larger cattle.
In the Ceded Districts indigo is
raised and exported in considerable
quantities, the coarse sugar manufac-
tory is also on the increase. Cotton
is one of the chief productions, but
has not increased lately. The pea-
santry are a very industrious race,
and most of them husbandmen by cast.
In a political and military point of
view these districts are of great
value, for they are now what the
Carnalic formerly was, the countries
from which our armies in the Deccan
must draw all their supplies of cattle
and provisions. When under the
nizara, the revenue of the ceded dis-
tiicts was rapidly declining every
year. An army was constantly in the
tjeld, the expense of which consumed
the collections, and the country was
altogether in such a distracted state,
tiiat the nizani seemed to have given
it up to the Company, because he
could not retain it m subjection.
The Ceded Districts, when obtaiuedi
in 1800, vrcre placed under Colonel
Thomas Muiuo. This extensive tiacj
BALASORE.
6.0
of country, ■nhich, inclmlinEf the tri-
bntaiy district of Karnonl, is larger
than Scotland, and contains a popu-
lation of above two luillions, liad
sunk to the lowest point of declen-
sion, by a weak «nd improvident
j^ovcnnncnt. The value at which it
■was ceded was 16,51,545 star pa-
godas, including; all heads of revenue.
The collector, iu the first instance,
fixed his rents at a rate much below
what had been the former demand,
increasii!^ it only as the means of
the cnllivator, and the state of the
country, im))ro\'cd. In tlic course
of seven years, the land revenues
alone increased from 10,06,693 pa-
t^ados to 15,17,272 ; and, by the able
conduct of Col, Alunro, tlie inhabit-
ants of the province, from disunited
hordes of lawless freebooters, became
a,s far advanced iu civilization, sub-
mission to the lav\s, and obedience
to the magistrates, as any of the sub-
jects under the Madras government.
The total collections in 1808-9
amounted to 18,02,570 star pagodas,
of which 16,69,908 consisted of land
revenue only.
Up to 1810 no permanent settle-
ment had been made in the Ceded
Districts, but the cultivators were so
for protected in the enjoyment of
their property, that a fixed rent had
been settled on all land, and every
ryot could retain his farm, provided
he paid that iixed rent.
The ceded teiritories are novir di-
vided into two collectorships, or dis-
tricts, viz. Bellary and Cudapah.
This part of India having been
brought under tlu; Mahominedan
yoke at a late period, and never
thoroughly subdued or settled, the
proportion of that religion to the
Hindoo is small, probably not jnore
than one in lo-
in remote times these provinces
formed part of the last existing Idin-
doo kingdom <tf Jiijaiiagur, to which
article tlie reader is releiTed for some
historical particulars. A great pro-
portion of the modern polygars claim
tjcseent from the oflicers of the Bija-
jiagur empire, and some from the
royal family. On the fall of the Mo-
gul dynasty it contained several small
independent states, particularly the
Patau Nabobs of Adoni and Cuda-
pah, and sullered encroachments frotn
the Curtnrs of the Mjsore. It was
mostly conquered by Hyder, between
1766 and 1780, and 'in 1800 was
transferred to the British go-.ern-
ment. {Col, T, Munro, bth Report,
Rcnnel, Tliackeraij, Hoclson, ^-c.)
Balambangan. — A small island in
the Eastern Seas, about 15 miles in
length, by three in breadth, lying off
the northern extremity of Horuco.
Lat. 7°. 15'. N. Long. 117°, 5', E.
The harbour called the North East is
the largest ; but at that on the south
side, where the English settled, the
ground is suampy. It is very con-
venient for watering, as by means of
a hose the water may bo conducted
on board without landing the; casks.
The soil is rich and fruitful, and tlio
haibonr abounds with fi»h. At the
north east harbour the soil is sandy
and banen.
In 1774 the East India Company
formed a settlement here with a view
to the spice trade, but were trea-
cherously expelled by the Sooloos in
1775, who surprised the Buggess
centinels, turned the guns against
the guard, and drove the settlers ou
board their vessels. The settlemeat
was re-established in 1803, but after-
wards abandoned. It does not a[)-
pear that this settlemciit would have
answered any purpose capalde of
compensating the great expenditure
requisite to sustain it. The island,
prior to 1774, was uninhabited, and
has proliably remained so ever since
the British quitted it. (Forrest, 5"c.)
Balasore, {Valeswaru).- a town
in the province of Orissa, district of
Mohurbunge, 1 10 miles S. W. from
Calcutta. Lat. 21°. 31'. N. Long.
87°. 13'. E.
This town is built along the Booree
Bellaun River, where the tide com-
monly rises eight feet, 'I'he streanj
is not avigable for vessels of greater
burden than 10!) tons, and even these
can only get over the bar at spring
70
BALKY.
tides, Balasore ^yas formerly a flou-
rishing port, but their manufactory
of Saiiaes cloths is very much fallen
otf, both in quality and qi;antity. At
a very eaily period the Portuguese,
Dutch, and Eui^lish, had factories
here, long a2;o in ruins.
On the 2luh Nov, i68S, during a
rupture between the East India
Company and Aurengzebe, Captani
I feaUi landed a body of troops and
seamen, attacked and took a battery
of 30 pieces of cannon, and plini-
dercd the town of Balasoro. I'he
English factory was burned by the
governor, and the Company's ser-
vants carried prisoners up the coun-
try, and it does not appear that they
were ever released.
The native vessels from Balasore
and Cultack, which carry most of
the grain from Bengal to Madras,
arc larger and of a superior descrip-
tion to other native vessels employed
on tliis coast. After having made
one voyage lo Madras, they usually
return for a second cargo, wiiiuh they
gciicraliy land there in the latter end
of April, or beginning of May. They
afterwards proceed toCoringa, which
is a favourable port, both for obtain-
ing repairs, and cargoes of salt for
Bengal.
Tlie town of Balasore was ceded
to the British government, along with
this part of Orissa, by the Nagpoor
Maharattas, during the administra-
tion of the Marquis Wellesley in
1803. Pilots for the Calcutta Kiver
are procincd in Balasore Roads. Tra-
veUing distance from Calcutta to Ba-
lasore 141 miles S. W. {1st Register,
Leckie, Bruce, Rowel, Reports, ^-c.)
BiLCHORAH. — A town in the Bri-
tish territories, in the province of
Oude, situated near the northern
luouataius. Lat. 28°. 42'. N. Long.
81°. 12'. E.
Balfxundah, (BaJikhanda). — A
town in the nizam's territories, iu
the province of llyderabad, situated
oi» the south side of the Godavery.
Lat. 19°. 10'. N, Long. 70°. 2L»'. E.
Balg AUM. — A town in the province
of Gujrat, situated on the read be-
tween Tlahdunpoor and Therah, a
few miles south of the latter, and be-
longing to an independent Cooly
chief. I'wo miles north of it is ano-
ther Cooly chief's den, named Ba-
ningpoor. The surrounding country
is overspread witii jungle about 15
feet high. {3P3Iurrlo,\c.)
Balharv, (Bcllarif). — ^The terri-
tories ceded by the nizam, in 1800,
werw subdivided into two coilector-
shi])s — Balhary and Cudapah; the
former comprehending the western,
and the latter the eastern districts.
(See Balaghaut ceded territories.)
Balhary, {Vidannri). — A town,
situated on the west side of the Hog-
gry River, 187 miles N. from Se-
ringapatam, and the capital of one
of the Balaghaut collectorships, info
which the ceded districts were di-
vided. Lat. 15°. t/. N. Long. 76°.
55'. E.
Ballary is a lull fort, with a forti-
fied pettah, near to which is fixed the
head quarters and cantonments of a
military division.
The ancestors of the Balhary po-
lygars held the oflice of Dewan under
tlie Rayeels of Annagoondy, and ac-
quired several zemindaries. His de-
scendants paid tiibute to the Beja-
poor sovereigns, and afterwards to
Aurengzebe. In 1775 Hyder took
Balhary, when the polygar made his
escape;. He returned, and levied
contributions in 1791, but was driven
out the year following, and is since
dead. With him the family becamp
extinct, although several pretenders
afterwards appeared. (2'. Mmn-o,
12 Retr. ^-c.)
BvLKY, (Phalaci). — A town in the
nizam's tcnitories, in the province of
Boeder, 45 miles N. E. horn Kalber-
gah. Lat. 17°. 49'. N. Long. 77°.
29'. E. This is a large town, but
now greatly decayed. It was former-
ly surrounded by a wall, with a num-
ber of round bastions, and its rajah
possess(!d the pcrgunnahs of Nitone,
Moorg, and Balky. It now answers
the description of a large village bet-
ter than that of a town. (Upton,
Reg. S)-c.)
BALOOCHISTAN.
71
BALT,ANnotTAKG. — A district, situ-
ated ill the sonth-oasti'rn extiTiuity
of the Island of Java, aloui^ the Straits
of Bally.
A (liaia of hif::li mountains com-
mences in this district, and extend
to the westward, decretisin'? jjra-
dually in heii;!it. This n.li;e di\jdes
.lava l<in^it\idinal!y into two portions,
of which the noHhern is the largest
and the best. From these mountains
many rivers descend, but none of
them arc navi^,able for larfic vessels;
the most considerable is that of Joana.
IJallanbouani;- Bay, the oitrauce of
which begins at Gooningikan, in the
Straits of iJaly, is entirely desert,
and covered with thick woods down
to the water's edge, and haunted by
various sorts of wild beasts. The
ianding at Kallandjouftiig is diflieuit,
and the coast dangerous, i)arljcularly
to tiie north of the river, where there
is a sand bank.
In the Ballaiibouang district tliero
are some pepper and <;oflee planta-
tions, but the climate is tlestructivc,
and the c^nst little Irequcuted. {Sia-
rurhiiis, Tonibe, cVf.)
Ballapili.y, {Balapnii). — A town
in the JJalaghaut ceded territory, dis-
trict of Commim. Lat. 15°. 45' N.
Long. 78°. 38'. K.
Ballapoou. — A town in t!ie ni-
zam's territories, in the province of
Berar, 3.5 miles W. lioni l';Hich[)oor,
Lat. 21°. ly'. N. Long. 77°. 32'. J',.
Baliaghaut. — 'I'his is the Ghaiit
or Port of Calcutta, on the Salt Lakes
to the east, where boats and cralt
land their cargoes. It was formerly
tuo miles from Calcutta, and the
road dangerous to travellers, from the
number of tigers that inhabited the
jungles on ea(-h side. A remark able*
change has since taken place, there
being an avemje of houses and gar-
<lcns the whole way. Some old inlia-
bitants, still resident in Calcutta, re-
collect a creek which ran from Chand-
paul Ghaut to Baliaghaut. They
pay that tlie drain from the govern-
ment house is where it took its course,
and there is a ditch to the soutii of
the Be} takJianab, whicli shews evi-
dent traces oftlie continuation of this
creek. {5ih Report, iVc)
liALOOCllISTXN, (Bahdiaatfiaii).
A large province to tJie west of the
Indus, bounded on the north by Can-
dahar and Seistau in Persia; en the
south by the sea ; on the east it has
Shekarpoor and the j)roviiice of Siu-
de; and on the west, IMckran, iu
Persia, The space comprehended is
principally situated between the 25tli
and 30th degrees of north latitude,
and the G2d and 69th of east longi-
tude ; but the political limits of tlic
province are in such a perpetual state
of Ihictuation, that it is almost im-
jiossible to deline them. 'J li»' nanies
of th»; principal provinces are Jala-
wan, Sarawan, Zukrce, Mekran, Ijis,
and Mutch ; but this includes t( rri-
toiies not subject to Mahmood Khan,
the prcK* nt Ameer of Kelat, the ca-
pital of the province.
'J'o the south. Baloochistan Proper
connncnces at K obi nee, 25 mdes
N. I;;, li-om Bajla, in latitude 20°
3.5'. N. from which place it e\tend.s
to Nuoshkv, 79 miles N. AV. from
Kelat. Lat" 30°. N. This country is
described as a confused hcaj) of
inountHins, through w iiieh the roads
generally lead in water courses, a.'id
tiie beds of small rivers. Jhalawan
is tlie most southern district of 15a-
loochistan, and Sarawan the most
northerly. They are amass of moun-
tains from Kohunwat, on the fron-
tiers of Lus, to the desert which di-
vides them from Candahar ; theiciigtii
of this stupendous range being 350
miles, but varying in brt adtii at dif-
f<!rent places. 'J'hc.se mountains are
barren, and chieily cojuposi'd of hhjck
i,r gr(-y stone ; but the valbcs of
AViidd, Khozdar, andSohrab, are ca-
pable uf cultivation. The climate of
this Alpine region sussimilates, in a
considerabl dv'gree, to that of Eu-
rope, there being four distinct sea-
sons — spring, sumuier, autumn, and
winter. 'I'he heat is seldom un-
pieasaatly great, but the cold is iu-
72
BALOOCHISTAN.
tense dnrinp; the nionlhs of Decem-
ber, January, and lebriiary.
The plains ofWiidd, Kliozdar, and
Sohrab, produce t'avonrable seasons,
plentiful crops of wlicat, barley, and
joaroe ; and in some of tke lesser
vallies grass grows al.undantly. —
Flocks of sheep and cuttle aie nu-
merous in e\ cry part of the country.
Jhalawan and Sarawan arc subdi-
vided into smaller districts, and each
district into innumerable khcils or
gocieties, each of which finnish their
quotas of troops according- to its y.o-
pulation, or the exigence of the scr^-
>ice.
Shal and Mustung, two stages to
tlie northward of Kelat, Avere given
to Nassir Khan by Nadir Shah, for
his services at Meshed, and Anund
Dajil for those in Hindof:tan. The
chmate of Cutch Gundava is exces-
sively hot, the winds which prevail
there in the summer being often fatal
even to the natives.
Nooshky is a small tract of about
36 square miles, at the base of the
Kelat mountains. It is an arid tract,
the sand hills of which are continu-
ally shifting with the winds. A small
stream, called the Xysuj, issues from
the hills, and irrigates a small por-
tion of the country. 7'here are also
small patches of land capable of cul-
tivation in (iiiierent parts of the sand,
but which frequently become sterile
for want of rain. l1ie inhabitants of
this quarter of Baloochistan dwell
Under black felts, stretched over a
frame of wickerwork made of the
guz plant ; this species of village is
named 'lomun, or Kheil, and in
most of them a few Hindoos are to
l)e found.
The soil of this district being so
.•sandy, tin; heat is excessive during
the summer months, at which timo
the inhabitants migrate to the moiui-
tains for cool air and water, as the
stream fails in the valley at that sea-
son. The inhabitants import grain
from Cutch Cundava and Seistan,
and dates from Mekran. Tiic 13a-
Jooch o Ik re arc called Nljarroes, or
Rukshaoii, aad j^re related to those of
tlie same tribe in Seistan and Bun-
poor. In appearance they are tall
nien with small bones, are extremely
idle and dissolute, and addicted to
tiiieving. They undertake predatory
incursions to Mekran, and carry off
into slavery any person they m* et
with; sonif they sell at Kelat and
Candahar, the remainder are brought
in the horde, and incorpoiatcd with
the tribe. In. this part of the country
all the Balooches understand Per-
sian, but thty speak a dialect of the
Euioochy language among them-
selves, different trom that of the
Kooigalee spoken by the Bra-
hooees,
Sohrab is a fine valley extending
north and south nearly 50 miles, by
about 12 miles in breadth. The centre
through which the water from the
hills runs, is well cultivated, with
small villages scattered about half a
mile asunder. The mountains, in
many parts of Baloochistan, are inha-
bited by shepherds, who reside in
temporary huts erected on any spot
that offers good pasturage.
There are few countries in tlie
world so wholly without commodities
suited for commercial exchange as
Baloochistan, which originates partly
from the dispositions of the natives,
who are adverse to all the arts of
civil life, and partly to the nature of
the country, cojisistiiig either of stu-
pendous mountains, or of arid plains,
destitute of water or vegetation. Nei-
ther has Baloochistan the benefit of
a ny navigable river to transport its ma-
nufactures or natural productions, if it
l}ad any ; and the roads are generally
nothing but the dry beds of torrents.
The population is also dispersed into
small societies, generally hostile to
each other, and yielding but a no-
minal obedience to any chief.
The Baloochys and Brahooees, the
two principal tribes, are subdivided
into many different khejis or tomuns,
but thrir actual number has never
been ascertained with any correct-
ness. In religion they are of the
Sooni sect of Mahommedans, and
strenuous aclvcrsaries of the fcJhecasi,
BALOOCHISTAN.
73
The following: are the
tribes of Brahooecs, \iz.
pr
iiicipal
Men.
Tlie Kumbnranee (the tribe
of the Chief, Malimood
Khan), estimated at - - 1000
The tribe of Meiigul, esti-
mated at ----- 12000
Zuicree - - 6000
Panduraiii - 6000
Nahari ------- 6000
Imaum Hosseiug - _ - - 4000
Beguiigje ------ luOO
The Balooches, railed Nharroe or
Riikshani, inhabit that part of Ba-
loochistau lyinj? west of the desert,
and are a tribe of 1000 tip;hting- men,
by whom the jiidgails, or eiiltivators,
have been nearly exterminated out
of Northern Mekran. 1'he P.^w Bra-
hooees that have settled in Mekran,
are naturalized with the Brahooees
of that country. In Cutch Gundava
there are no Brahooees, but Baloo-
ches of the tribes of Kind and Mwg-
ree, who formerly emigrated from
Mekran, and live in villages, which
retain the appellation of 'Foomuns.
The Brahooees of Balottchistan are
a strong, hardy raee of men, their
bones being short, and unconmionly
thick. Their cast of countenance is
extremely diiVerent from that of Asia-
tics in general, having round faces
and blunt features, more like Eu-
ropeans. They are hard working
men, and eat voraciously of halt-
dressed meat and sour milk. All the
Balooches are exeelleiit workmen,
but none are equal to the Brahooees
in strength and courage. They train
greyhounds with great care, and fre-
quently cxeliange them for one or
two camels, or pay 400 rupees for
one when of a superior quality. Their
breed of shcpli."rds' dogs is also ex-
cellent. The broad-sword exercise
and shooting at a mark are favourite
amusements with the Brahooees, and
as swordsmen they are said to excel.
Their coinmon dress is an undercoat,
which fits close to the body, and is
worn over the pyrahun, or shirt ; their
trowscrs are gathered up at the aiiklc,
4
and they wear a small round flat-
topped cap of felt silk. The shep-
herds wear a covering of white felt
above the shirt in winter, with cloth
trowsers, and a small felt cap. The
Brahooees sometimes breed horses
large and hardy, equally accustomed
to the cold of Kelat, and the heat of
Gundava, but they are often vicious.
Amongst the dispersed societies of
Baloochistan there are a few Hindoos
scattered, who carry on the miserable
traffic of tlie country, and act as mo-
ney-changers and agents to the na-
tive chiefs. It is probable, that long
after the first Mahommedan invasion,
a great proportion of the country still
continued in the occupation of the
Hindoos ; but for more than a cen-
tury past the Mahommedan tribes
liave been so progressively increasing;
in barbarity, that no medium could
be observed, and the native Hindoos
have either undergone compnlsory
conversion, or deserted the country.
The few who are still resident seldom
bring their families, and have pro-
bably much degenerated, as travellers
have not observed that they have the
repugnance to flesli-meat, which cha-
racterizes most of the purer casts in
India.
Two centuries ago the city of Ke-
lat, with the sunounding country,
was possessed by Sewah Kajah, a
Hindoo, at which period the Baloo-
ches (as at present) tended flocks of
slieep in the mountains. I'he inha-
bitants Mere much infested by the
depredations of the people residing
in the low country, lying between
Kelat, Sinde, and Shekarpoor; and
to protect them the rajah sent for
Kuraber, a Baloochy chief, and took
him into his service, allowing him
five bundles of glass and wood per
day for each man. In the progres-
sion of time this chief increased his
followers, and seizing the govern-
ment, raised the tribute to 100 bun-
dles of grass and wood daily, besides
a contribution of horses, camels, and
footrunners. This tribute is still oc-
casionally exacted by the Khan of
Kelat, aud paid by the dehuars, or
74
BALLY.
pcasanfrj'. ifi the immediate nci<:^li-
boiirhood, who are said to have come
oiit^inally from Persia, although they
Iiave miieh the appearance and man-
ners of Hindoos.
Kiunber, the first usurper, was
succeeded by his son
Sumbar, the father of the next
prince,
Mahommed Khan, who was suc-
ceeded by his son
Abdulla Kiian, the father of
Nassir Klian, who ascended the
throne after putting to death his bro-
ther, Hajce Khan. This prince per-
formed some important services to
Nadir Shah, who rewai-ded him with
the donation of several adjacent pro-
\inces ; and, being a man of consi-
derable abihties, greatly extended
the Baloochistan dominions, wiiich
he left, in a comparatively floinish-
ing state at his death, in 1795, to his
eldest son, Malmiood Khan, who
then ascended the throne. Since this
period, the territories subject to Ke-
lat have been greatlj' curtailed by the
Ameers of Sinde, and other neigh-
bouring princes, the talents of IMah-
inood Khan being veiy inferior to
those of liis father. He is at present
about 29 years of age, and his bro-
ther, Mustapha Khan, about one
year younger, I'he latter is repre-
sented as being of an active martial
disposition, loud of the chace, and
desirous of improving the hereditary
dominions, by the suppression of the
numerous bands of robbers, by which
the country is desolated.
'JTie temtory immediately subject
to IVIahmood Khan comprises tho
high hilly country of Siwislan, and
the low lands of Cuteh Gundavaand
Amund Da jil to the eastward, bound-
ed on the north by Khorasan ; !»outh,
by Lus and Sinde; on the west l)y
^lekran, and on the east by Sinde.
His whole clear revenue does not ex-
ceed three lacks of rupees, and is
collected from Anund Daji!, Cuteh
Gundava, and the bazar tolls of Ke-
lat. 'I he Khans of Baloochistan ac-
knowieilge the paramount authority
of^the Cabul sovereigns, to whom
tliey are feudatories; but tlicir de-
gree of obedience is in proportion to
the talents of the reigning prince,
and the political circumstances of the
Cabul goverimient. Upon an mgent
emergency, it is supposed the terri-
tories of Mahmood Khan are capable
of furnishing 25,000 infantiy and ca-
valry, but so great a ninuber has ne-
ver yet been collected together, nor
would it be easy, in so bancn a
country, to support them if they
were. {Christie, Kinneir, ^-c.)
Bally, {Bali, or Little Java). —
An iidand in the Western Seas, se-
parated from Java by the Straits of
Bally, and lying betw ixt the 8th and
0th degrees of south latitude. In
length it may be estimated at 70
miles, by 35 llie average breadth.
This island is well cultivated on
the south side, and many of the
lands are inclosed. It is populous,
and the inhabitants spin a great deal
of cotton yarn, which the Chinese
export to Bencoolen, as also check-
ered cloth. The Chinese also carry
in sloops, from Bally to Bencoolen,
pickled pork and jerked beef, w hi(Ji
the Malays call ding-ding. Tl^e Bug-
gesscs export cotton, both raw and
spun into yarn, from this island to
Cebbes, packed in baskets.
At the ro.ad of Carang Asseni on
this island, refreshments for ships
may be had ; and in the Straits of
Lombhook, west of Carang Asscni,
are several places well iidiabited,
named Padaug. Casamba, and 'I"u-
bang. The Straits of Bally are dan-
gerous, and but seldom frequented
by European vessels.
The languages spoken by the in*
habitants of Bally api)ear to be dia-
lects of the Javanese. The greater
part of them profess tlu; religion of
their ancestors, resemble the Hin-
doos in their looks, wear the Hindoo
mark on their forehead, and tlve wo-
men burn tiiemsclves with their de-
ceased husbands, according to the
practice of the Hindoos. They aro
peculiarly addicted to the worship of
Indra, Suna, and Vishnu.
An intfe'icuursu is carrij^d on be*
BAMIAN.
75
fween the natives of Bally and the
Dutih settlement at Baitiiowaiigie,
oil the opposite shore of the Straits
in the Island of Java, but none arc
received, unless I'nrnislied witlj a
passport vvrilien on a badainier leaf.
A lea,c;iie and a half within the
western coast of BaJly, opposite to
Baf^nowangie, there is a v'okano,
which frequently discharges a sliower
of ashes, which cover the Dutch port
and ^illfige, and ail the vicinity ; and
to this vnlcano, with great injustice,
settlers at Bag;nowaugie atlri'>ute the
inihealthiness of the station. {For-
rest, Let/den, lontbe, ^x.)
Balumba. — A town and fortress
possessed by the Rajah ot Aiuran, in
the Gujrat Peninsula, situated on
the Gulf of Cutch.
Balny. — A town in the Dindigul
district, 26 miles W, by N. from the
town of Dindigul. Lat. 10°. 2(i'. N.
Long. 77°. 41'. E.
Bambarah. — The niins of a city
in the province of Sinde, district of
Tatta. Lat. 24°. 40'. N. Long. 6/°.
.50'. E. The i-ite <jf this place was
on a hill now covered with trees and
bushes, and exhibiting in the neigh-
bomhood many totnljs of ^indyaa
warriors, who tell lure in a battle
fought between Ghoianm Shah and
Meer Ali. 'I'he niins now perceptible
at Bambarah arc conjectured to be
those of an ancient city, named
Brahminabad by the Persian aut!;ors,
which, in the 10th century, was the
capital of a nourishing Hindoo prin-
cipality. {Maxfield, ifc)
Bambere. — A town in the IMaha-
ratta territories, in the province of
Khandesh, 70 miles E. from Surat.
Lat. 21°. 18'. N. Loiig. 74°. 1'. E.
Bameeny, {Yamani). — An island
lying olf the coast of Cliittagoitg, in
the province of B<.Migal, formed by
the sediment deposited by the great
Kiver INlegna, and like the adjacent
islands very little elevated above the
level of the water. In length it may
be estimated at 12 miles, by live the
average breadth. '1 he tide runs in
this vicinity \\\\\\ frightful rapidity,
which renders the passage to and
from the island extremely dangerous.
Tlie govenmient have liere an esta-
blishment for the manufacture of
salt, suijordinate to the Buiwah and
Chittagoug agency.
Bam I AN, {Baini}/an). — A city in
Persia, the capital of the province of
Bamian, which is bounded on tlie
east by Cabul. Lat. 34° 30'. N.
Long. 60°. 57'. E.
Although this tovv^n be situated to
the west of the Hindoo Kho moun-
tains, and appertains geographically
to Persia, yet, during the reign of
Acber, it was subject, with the dis-
tiict, to the throne of Delhi, as ap- '
pears by the foUowins: description by
Abul I'azel, A. D. 1582.
" In the distiict of Zohak Bamian
is the castle of Zohak, a monument
of great antiquity, which is in good
condition, v\ bile the fortress of Ba-
niian is in ruins. Tooraan Zohalc
Bamian 861,750 dams."
This fanious city, tlie Thebes of
tlie east, is situated on the road be-
tween Bahlac and Caind, eight days
joiuney liom the latter place. Like
Thebes of Egypt, it is entirely cut
out of an insulated mountain. To
tlie south of it, at the distance of
two miles, are the ruins of an an-
cient city named Ghulghuleh, v\hich,
according to tradition, was destroyed
at a very early period by the Ma-
hommedans. The city of Bami}an
consists of a vast number of apart'
uients and recesses, cut out of the
rock ; some of which, on account of
their extraordinary dimensions, are
supposed to have been temples. In
the Ayeen Acberg, composed by
Abul Tazel. it is saiil there are 12,000
of these recesses in the district of
Bamian.
I'he attention of travellers, how-
ever, is principally attracted by two
colossal statues, 50 cubits high,
which are. erect, and adhere trt the
mountain in niches. At some dis-
tance from these two is a smaller
oise, 15 cubits high. One of the largo
statues is supposed to represent a
male, und one a female, and the
small one their sou. They are all
76
BAMCA.
much disfigured, and the legs of the
male broken; for the Mahoiiimedans
never march that way, Mithoutfiriiij?
two or three shots at tiiem; but,
owing to their wajit of skill, they
seldom do much mischief. From the
numerous fragments remaining, it
would appear as if there had been
many hundred statues in this district;
and Praun Poory, the Hindoo ascc-
tick, who visited tliis place betwixt
1770 and 1780, mentioned with ad-
Biiration the number of statues tliat
then existed, althougli the place had
been long deserted by its inliabitants.
In A. D. 1220 it was taken and des-
troyed by Gengis Khan. {Wilford,
Duncan, Abul Fazel, S)C.)
Bamoo. — A town in the northern
quarter of the Binnan empire, only
20 miles from the frontiers of the
province of Yunan, in China. Lat.
21°. N. Long. 96°. 66'. E. This
toM'n and province were taken from
Hie Chinese by the Birmans, since
the accession of the present dynasty.
The road from this town to Manche-
gee, or Yiinan, lies through moun-
tains, and this is the usual route of
the Birman envoys going to Pelcin.
(Sipncs, ?fc.)
Bamori. — A small village in Nor-
thern Hindostan, containing 30 or
40 huts, situated in the district of
Almora. Lat. 29° 16'. N. Long.79°.
35'. E.
This village belongs to the Mewa-
tis, who have termed a small colony
in these forests, and levy a contri-
bution on all goods and passengers,
on their way to and trom the hills.
An annual lair is held here in the
dry season, to which the hill peo[>le
bring their merchandize for sale, or
to exchange it for the productions
of the low lands. Bamoii is the li-
mit of the Goorkhali tcnitorics in
tliis quarter. {Kaper, ^c.)
Bampoor. — A town in the IVIaha-
ratta territories, in the province of
Malwah, 33 miles S. from Kotah.
Lat. 24°. 44'. N. Long. 75°. 43'. E.
Bamuaguii, (Paniaraghar). — A
town in the province of Urissa, situ-
at«l oa the cast side of tlie Brah-
miny Noy River, 73 miles N. W.
from Cuttack. Lat. 21° 4'. N. Long.
85°. 12'. E. A few miles to the
south are iron mines and forges,
which, with the town, are possessed
by independent zemindars.
Banass River. — SccBunnass.
Banaul. — A small district about
the 34th degree of north latitude,
situated among the southern hills, iu
the province of Cashmere.
At tile distance of five miles to
Uie south-east of the village of Ba-
naul, begins a boundary of a divi-
sion of the Cashmere territory, lying
without the greater circle of moun-
tains. The governors of Cashmere
permit the fertile valley of Banaul,
which is 10 miles iu length, to re-
main uncultivated, that it may not
atlord shelter or provision to the bor-
dering Hindoo states; who, in for-
mer periods, have, through this
tract, approached the interior passes
of Cashmere. The Banaul district is
mountainous, and looks down on the
plains of Cashmere to the north.
(Foster, ^-c.)
Banaul. — A town in the province
of Cashmere, district of Banaul, 43
miles S. E. from the city of Cash-
mere. Lat. 33°. 65'. N. Long. 74°.
18'. E.
Banaavara. — AtoAvnin the Rajah
of Mysore's territories, situated on
the side of a large tank, with a good
mud fort. Lat. 13°. 14'. N. Long.
76°. 14'. E.
This place is in a fine open coun-
tiy, and contains about 500 houses,
many of which are inhabited by
Brahmins. (/". Bnchanan, ^c)
Banca. — An island lying off the
north-eastern coast of Sumatra, from
which it is separated by the Straits of
Banca. In length it may be esti-
mated at 130 miles, by 35 miles the
average breadth.'
'J'he tin mines on this island are
reported to have been discovered in
1710 by theburning of a house. 1 hey
are worked by a Chinese colony,
said to consist of 25,000 persons, un-
der the nominal directions of the
King of Palemhang, but for the ac-
BANCAPOOR.
77
count and benefit of the Dutch Com-
pany, which endeavoured to mono-
polize the tiade, and actually ob-
tained two millions of pounds ainui-
ally. Privjtte 'merchants, Eus^iish
and Americans, also found moans to
participate in the trade. jMany car-
goes arc yearly carried to CMiina,
■\vlicrc the consumption is chielly for
religious purjK)ses. It sells there
lather higher than the English grain
tin, as the Cluuese say it is more
malleable, and on that account pre-
fer it. Of the Banca tin sand, 133
pounds is said to yield about 75
pounds of the metal. There are
seven principal places where it is
dug, which are under the directions
of Chinese man;igers, who provide
and pay the miners. The latter are
arrived at much perfection in reduc-
ing the ore into metal, employing
wood as fuel. In tbrmer times, tlie
profit from it to the Dutch East India
Company was estimate d at 150,()0Ul.
bnt very little was sent to Europe.
At the island the price of the tin,
in a great measure, de|)ends on the
number of ships that are in want of
it. Spanish dollars are tlie only
article that can command a cargo,
the sale of goods being (luubtlul,and
ducatoons not liked. The Chinese
have taiight the Malays to put iron
shot and stones into the middle ofthe
slabs; it is necessary, therefore, to
have them well examined.
Banca is opposite to the River
Palembang, in the Island of Suma-
tra, on which the nominal sovereign
of Banca, possessor also of the tor-
ritoiy of I^alembang, resides. The
island and tin mines were taken
possession of by the British, in 1813.
{Marsden, Staunton, Stavorinus, El-
more, Dnanmond, i^-c.)
Banca, (Straits of). — ^The island
of Sumatra forms the western side,
and tiiat of Banca the eastern side
of the straits. In passing through
them, tli(; coast of Sumatra may be
approached somewhat closer than
that of Banca. The country is co-
vered with wood down to the water's
edge, and the shores are so low, that
the sea outflows thclaiid, and washe.^
the trunks ofthe trees.
I'hc depth of water is very irregu-
lar, the water shoaling, in some
s[)ots, in one cast of the lead, from
12 to seven fathoms, and in others
from seven to four. There are also
coral shoais so near the surface, as to
be easily distinguished by the whiten-
ed sheet of water over them. The
Straits of Banca should always be
entered with a favourable monsoon,
according to the destination of the
vessel.
At the small Nanka Isles, wood
for fuel, and water of an excellent
cpuility, may conveniently be pro-
cured. The tide in these roads rises
and falls about 11 feet. It is per-
fectly sheltered from S. \^', by S. to
N. W. and there can be no high sea
with any wind, as the land is but a
short distance on the open points.
The latitude ofthe Nanka Road is
2°. 22'. S. Long. 106°. 41. E.
{Staunton, King, ^c.)
Banca. — A very small island, sur-
rounded by a cluster of smaller, ly-
ing oil the noi th-eastern extremity
of Celebes. Lat. 1°. 50'. N. Long,
125°. E. This island has a harbour at
its south end, abounds in cocoa nuts,
limes, jacks, fish, turtle, and rattans,
and is well inhabited. Near Banca.
is the Harbour ofTclUisyang, called
Talissc by \alentyn, aj which are
some wild cattle,' but no inhabit-
ants. 'J'hcse islands are much fre-
quented by the piratical cruizers
from iVIagindanao and Sooloo. {For-
rest, Sf-C.)
Bancapoor. — A district in the
province of Bejapoor, possessed bv
diHeient jaghiredars, the feudatories
of tlie Maiiaratta Peshwa. Informer
times this district was frequently do-
nominated Shalmoor Bancapoor.
Bancapoor. — A town in tlie pro-
vince of Bejapoor, in the Maharatta
territories, .'iO miles S. S. E. from
Darwar. Lat. 14°. 5b'. N. Long.
75°. 16'. E. This is a large town,
and was ibrmerly a pli<cc of impbrt-
aiice. Tiie fort was dismantled by
Tippoo's army, diaing one of his
78
BANDA.
campaigns against the Maharattxs,
at which time this wns one of the
chief Ibitilications in tlic Shahurutr
district, and was to distinguisli it
from other places of the same name,
called Shauoor Bancapnor. The
city of Sliahnoor is in sight five or
six miles to the north-east. {Moore,
§-c.)
Bancapoor. — A town in theRoiah
of tiie Mysore's territories, IU8 miles
N. W. from Scriu2;apatam. Lat.l3°.
33'. N. Louf^. 75°. 45'. E.
Bancook. — A sea port in the king;-
dom of Siam, situated on the east
side of the Siam River. Lat. 13°.
40'. N. Long. 101°. 10'. E.
This place is properly the sea port
of tiie city of Siam, ships of burthen
seldom ascending the river higher,
and it is distant from it about 42
Diiles. Towards tlie end of the 17th
century, when an alUance subsisted
between Louis the XIYth and the
sovereign of Siam, tliis place was
ceded to the French, who here
erected a fortress, wiiieh they re-
lahicd for several years. It does not
appear, however, that they ever de-
rived any essential benefit frem it,
as their trade w ith Siam was always
insigniticant. On the degradation
and subsequent death of Coustan-
tiiie Faukon, prime minister to the
King of Siam, they were expelled
from the country, and have never
since attempted to recover then- iu-
tiuence in it.
Bancoot River. — A small river
in the Concan province, on the west
coast of Jndia. which rises in the
Western Ghaut INIouutaius, and
falls into the sea. after a shortcourse,
near to Fort Victoria.
Banda. — ^The islands of Banda,
situated about 120 miles E. S. E.
from Ambayna, arc 10 in number,
viz. Banda Neira, Goouong Assi,
Banda Lantour, Pulo Ay, Pulo
Rundo, Rosyugen, Pulo PLsang,
Craka, Capella, and Souangy; that
of Banda Neira hing in Lat. 4°.
30'. S. Long. 130°. E, being the
scat of the supreme goverameut of
tLc whole. This. island has a spar
cious harbour, but very difficult io I
be entered. Ships anchor under the
cannon of two forts, named Belgica
and Naiissan. The rise of the tide
is seven feet.
The next island is that of Lantoir,
or Banda Proper, which is about
eight miles in lengtji, and, at (he
eastern extremity, live miles in
breadth. The third and fourth isles
in importance are PiUoway and Pu-
lorun. These four islands were the
only places where the cultivation of
the nutmog tree was allowed by the
Dutcb East India Company. Oa
the island of Rosyngeii there is a re-
doubt, to which state prisoners were
often bauished, and Goonong Api
has a volcano constantly emitting
smoke, aiid often flames. Under the
Dutch there were several other
islands belonged to the Banda go- -
vernment, known by tlie appellation
of the Southwestern and South East-
ern Islands. Their inhabitants sup-
plied the Dutch settlers with con-
siderable quantities of different sorts
of provisions, which they bartered
for piece goods and other articles.
I'he Banda Isles are all high. The
soil is a rich black mould, covered
with trees, chiefly nutmegs. The
Dutch Company were the absolute
proprietors of the soil, as well as of
the slaves who cultivated it. The
rearing of the nutmegs being the
chief object, the islands were divided
into a number of plantations for that
purpose, under the management of a
mixed race of Europeans and In-
dians, either as proprietors or lessees
of the spice plantations. The nut-
meg grow s to the size of a pear tree,
ajid it;; h-avcs resemble the laurel.
It appears from experience that
two-tiiirds of all uutnicg trees are
barren, yet it cannot be discovered
until the r2th or 14th year, so that
they cauiiot be cut dov, n at an ear-
lier'age. Its fruit bearing quality is
of short duration, as it will only yield
w ii liom the 12rii to the 20th year,
and geueially perishes at the age of
24 jear.s. Each tree will produce
about 10 pounds auuualiy. From
BANGALOOR.
7JI
Ihc imperfect nutmegs an oil is ex-
pressed.
F.xclusivc of the provisions sont
annually by the Dutch from I'.atavia,
piece <j,<^uiJs, cutlery, iron, ajul other
articles of merchandise, %\(re im-
ported. The Burg;hers and Chinese
merchants exportrd these articles to
Aroo, New Guinea, Ceram, and the
South West Islands. In return they
received from Ceram, sago in bread
and llower, and sometimes salted
deer ; from Aroo they imported pearls,
bird nests, and tortoise shells. J'roui
these islands they also procured
slaves. Cattle and grain Mere im-
ported from liatavia.
The real quantity of nutmeg and
maee(a membraneous substancewhieh
envelopes the nutme<;) produced iu
the Banda Isles has ne^ er been ex-
actly ascertained. When captured
by the EngUsh, in 1796, tlie annual
produce was about 163,000 pounds
of nutmegs, and 46,000 pounds of
mace; the number of inhabitants
5763. Under the old Dutch govern-
ment the produce w as much greater,
and may again be restored to its for-
mer amount if wanted. At the peace
of Amiens these islands were de-
livered up to tlic Batavian govern-
ment, and were retaken by the Bri-
tish in 1810. {Stavoiimis, Asiatic
Registeis, Sx.)
Banditti Isle. — A small island in
the Straits of Lombhook, about 20
miles in circnmt'erence. Lat. 8°. 50'.
N. Long. 115°. 35'. E.
Bandooguu. — A town in the pro-
\-ince of Gundwana, 60 miles N. by
E. from Mundlah. Lat. 23°. 32'. N.
Long. Sl°.25'. E.
Baundhoo, or Bhatta, iu the tune
of Aurcngzebe, was the name of the
northern part of the tiindoo province
of Gundwana, then by an irapcriid
edict annexed to the Soubah of Al-
lahabad, though actually indcpend-
f nt. It is now possessed by an in-
dependent Goand chief. (J. Grant,
Banga, (Blianga). — A town in the
province of Jjcngal, district of Sylhet,
34 miles E.byS. iiom the to\v'n ol'
Svlhet. Lat. 24°. 51'. N. Long. 92°.
lb'. !■;.
Bangaloor, (Batigalmii). — A for-
tified town in the Rajah of Mysore's
territories, founded bv Hvder. I^at-
12°. 5;'. N. Long. 77°. 46'. K Y.y
barometrical observations it stands
2901 [cct above Madras.
The country is very naked from
Catcolli to this place, about one-tenth
only appearing to be arable, and not
above one-twentieth of the latter is
watered. The pasture is ratlier bet-
ter than what is usually seen above
the (jihauts. To the south of Ban-
galoor, about Kingara and Windy,
there is a great deal of stunted copse
Mood abounding with tigers. The
villages are ]io<ir and small, and arc
not fortified like the othi-rs in the
country, the woo<!s by which they
arc sunounded ha\uig, probably,
been suilicient to keep off the irre-
gular tioops that attend Indian ar-
mies, and which consist generally of
cavalry.
At Bangaloor. and the adjacept
country, Indian hemp, gunny, or ero-
talaria juncea, is a considerable pro-
duction, from vhieli a coarse but
very strong sackcloth is made. Castor
oil is made indifferently from either
the large or the small varieties of the
riehms. It is the common lamp oil
of tiie country, and also used in me-
dicine.
I'ht; fort, constructed by ITydcr
after the best fashion of Mahornme-
dan architecture, was destroyed by
his son TipiKX), after he found how
Uttle it was littcd to resist British ar-
mies, but, in 1802, was repaired by
the Dewan, Pnrueah.
The gardens made by Hyder and
Tippoo are extensive, and divided
into square plots separated by m alks.
The Mahonnnedan tashion is to have
a separate piece of ground allotted
for each kind of plant, liius one
plot is entirely filled vvith rose trees,
another with pornegTanatcs, and so
forth. In this climate the cypress and
vine grow luxuriantly, and the apple
and the pea^-h^ both produce fruit :
strawberries iiKo ujc r;iist;vl in the
80
BANGALOOR.
sultan's gardens, and probably most
European fruits and vrgetubles
would, in this elevated re^Jiion, arrive
at perfection. Some oak and pine
plants introduced from the Cape secin
to thrive well.
Duiing; Hjder's reign this city was
\cry populous; Tippoo began its mis-
fortunes by prohibiting trade with
the dominions of Arcot and Hyder-
abad, because he detested the pos-
sessors of both countries. IJe then
sent laige quantities of goods which
he forced the merchants to take at a
high rate. These oppressions greatly
injured the place, but it was still po-
pulous, and many individuals were
rich, M hen Lord Cornwaliis anived
before it, in great distress from want
of provisions. This reduced him to
the necessity of giving the assault
immediately, and tiie town was con-
sequently plundered.
Below the Western Ghauts the
people of Bangalore principally trade
with the inhabitants of Maugalorc,
named here Codeal, or Cowdal. 'I'o
that place are from hence sent cotton
cloths, both white and coloured, and
manufactured in this neighbourhood ;
the returns are raw silk and silk
cloths. The trade to Calicut was
formerly considerable, but latterly
much reduced. 'Ihe chief import
from tlie nizam and Maharattan ter-
ritories is cotton wool, which is very
considerable, with some coarse cot-
ton thread; the returns from Banga-
loor are made chielly in money, with
some few cotton and silk cloths.
The imports from the Comjjany's
tenitories in the Lower Carnatic are
salt, sulphur, tin, lead, zinc, copper ;
European steel, paints, and glue ; in-
digo, nutmegs, cloves, camphor, and
benjamin ; raw silk and silk cloths ;
Englisli woollen cloths, canvass, and
blankets; English and native paper;
English hardware, glass ware, and
looking glasses ; china, sugar candy,
Bengal sugar, dates, and almonds.
The returns from Bangaloor are
chiefly betel nut, sandal wood, black
pepper, true cardammos, shicai, and
tajnaiinds. TIk.; balance of mouey
is generally due by the low cotinlry
merchant. Tanjore merchants bring
hither pearls, and take away money.
Betel nut at Bangaloor is the most
considerable article of trade, and
next to that the country black pep-
per and sandal wood. Numbers of
cumlies, or Idack blankets, are sold
here. A kiiul of drug merchants,
called Gandhaki, at Bangaloor, trade
to a considerable amount. There is
a great deal of salt brought from the
lower Carnatic, as none but the poor-
est people will eat that made in
the country. Goods of all sorts are
transported on the backs of bul-
locks, which animals, when employ-
ed in carriage, are always shod
with light iron shoes. The salt and
grain carriers generally use asses, or
a very }ioor sort of bullock, which
gets nothing to cat except what they
can pick up by the road side.
Tlie clothes nuide here, being en-
tirely for country use, and never hav-
ing been exported to Europe, are
made of different sizes, to adapt
them to the dresses of the natives.
The Hindoos seldom use tailors, but
wrap round their bodies the cloth as
it comes from the loom. The silk
weavers make cloth of a very strong
fabric, of the silk that is imported in
a raw state, but which may in time
be raised in tlie country. The intro-
diietion of the silk worm has not ycit
succeeded in the Lower Carnatic,
but there is reason to believe the
country above the Ghauts, havirig a
more temperate climate, m ill be found
more suitable. There is a small duty
levied here on every loom, which is
gradually diminished on those who
keep many. At the weekly markets
the cotton is bought uj) in small
quantities by the poor women of all
casts, exccj>t the Brahmins ; tor
these never spin, nor do their hus-
bands ever plough the soil. The
women of ail other casts spin, and
at the weekly markets sell the thread
to the weavers.
At Bangaloor (here are many in-
haintar.ts of the Mahommedan re-
ligion ; and, owing to the change of
BANJARMASSIJ^.
81
igrbvcMinient, many of tlieni in great
distress. Above the Ghauts the le-
prosy, in which the skin becomes
viiite, is very common among the
natives. The persons troubled with
It enjoy, in every other respect, good
health, and their children are like
those of other people.
The only year used above the
Ghauts is the Chandranianam, or
hiiiar \oar, by which, among the
Brahmins, all religious ceremonies
are performed. At Bangaloor, the
iC'hristian era of 1800 corresponds
with the year 4893 of the Cali Yiig,
and 1722 of Salivahanani, which is
iji universal use in the south of India.
This place was first acquired to
the Mysore state in 1687, during the
reign of Chick Deo Raj.
Travelling distance from Seringa-
patam, 74 miles ; from Madras, 215 ;
and from Hyderabad, 352 miles. {F.
Buchanan, Willis, Lord Valentia, Ren-
neJ, c.S"c.)
Banglor, (Bangalnrn). — A small
town in the Mysore Rajah's territo-
ries, 20 miles S. E. from Bangaloor.
Lat. 12° 47'. N. Long. 78°. 2'. E.
Banouey. — A small island, situ-
ated off the northern extremity of
Borneo, 23 miles in length, by 11
the average breadth, on which there
is a small river of fresh water, and
})Ienty of tintle. Lat. 7°. 15'. N.
Long. 117°. 25'. E.
Banhangur. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gundwana, district of Singh-
rowla, 88 miles S. S. W. from Be-
nares. Lat. 24°. 4'. N. Long. 82°.
35'. E. It is in the possession of in-
dependent Zemindars.
Baniack, (or Pooh Baniack). — A
small island lying off the west coast
of Sumatra, about Lat. 2°. 10'. N. In
length it may be estimated at 17
miles, by seven the average breadth.
Poolo Baniack is known by a peaked
hill, resembling a sugar loaf, on the
N. \V . end of it, and has a chain of
ishnids to the N. E.
Banjarmassin. — A town and dis-
trict on the south eastern coa.st of
Borneo. Lat. 3°. S. Long. 114°. 65'.
E. The River BanjaiTuassin has a
sliallow bar at the entrance, over
which a boat cannot float, though
light, until after the first quarter of
the flood. Ill this river there is a
poisonous fish or prickle, which
wounds the people in the feet who
attempt to drag the boats over the
bar. This brings on an immediate
swelling in the leg, with violent in-
flammation, causing shortly after de-
lirium ami death, no antidote being
hitherto discovered for its cure by the
natives. Ships anchoring in the Har-
bour of Tombanjou, or Tombornio,
near the mouth of the river, can be
supplied with water, and also with
plenty of fowls and ducks, and ex-
cellent fish, both salt and fresh. —
Many Chinese reside in this place
and neighl>()urhood, from whence a
considerable trade is carried on with
China. The imports to Banjarmassin
consist chiefly of opium, piece goods,
coarse cutlery, gunpowder, small can-
non, and fire arms ; the exjiorts are
pepper, camphor, gold dust, wax,
rattans, bird nests, biche de mar,
and some spices.
The Dutch for a long time main-
tained a factory here for tlie collection
of, or purchasing of pepper and
rough diamonds. They used to re-
ceive 600,000 lbs. of pepper ; the
other articles of tiade were wax,
canes, and sago. Banjarmassin was
of no importance to the Dutch East
India Company, as they did not pos-
.•iess a foot of land beyond their
fort, and were obliged constantly to
guard against the attacks of tlie na-
tives. It was originally a conquest
made by Kings of Bantam in Java,
which afterwards devolved to the
Dutch.
In 1636 the English factors at
Bantam sent a small vessel to Ban-
jarmassin, and obtained 150,000 lbs.
of pepper ; and, in 1700, while the
two East India Companies existed
together, the English, or new Com-
pany, established a factory here.
In 1706, the English settlement at
Banjarmassin consisted of one chief
four members of council, one factor'
and three writers; one officer, 25
82
BANTAM.
English, three Dutch, and 10 Ma-
cassar soldiers; nine J';uroj)can ar-
tificers, 31 Javanese carpenters, five
Chinese carpenters, two Chinese
bricklayers, 70 labourers, 36 slaves,
and nine European seamen. In ad-
dition to this the council requested
from home a large supply of military
stores, and 100 Europeans, two years
being required to complete the forti-
fications. This is an instance of
the rage for multiplying settlements,
which then existed, the establish-
ment being equal in magnitude and
expense to that of Calcutta, yet the
trade so insignificant, and the cUmate
so destructive, that it was soon aban-
doned as worse than useless. As an
inducement to persevere in maintain-
ing the settlement, the agent re-
ported to the Court of Directors that
the island yielded pepper, gold, dia-
monds, dragons' blood, wax, cloves,
bark, and canes. Pepper was the
chief article, of which it appears
1000 tons were procured annually.
On the 27th of June, 1707, the
natives suddenly attacked the Eng-
lish settlement ; and, though they w ere
at first beat ofl", the loss of the Eng-
lish in killed was so great, that it m as
resolved to abandon the place. The
Company's treasure was saved, but
the damage sustained on shore Avas
estimated at 50,000 dollars. This
attack from the Banjauiens was
ascribed by the surviving settlers to
tlie instigation of the Chinese, who
were jealous. of the English.
Banjarmassin has always been
famous for steel, which is reckoned
equal to that of Europe. {Bruce,
Stavorinns, Sfc.)
Bankybazak. — A small town in
the province of Bengal, on the cast
side of the Hooghly Biver, 13 miles
north from Calcutta. The Dutch had
formerly a factory here, frojn which
they were expelled by Aliverdi Khan.
Bansy, (Vansi). — A town in the
British territories, in the province of
Oude, 44 miles N. E. Irom Fysabad.
Lat. 27° 7'. N. Long. 82° 53'. ]<:.
Bantam. — A town in Java, the ca-
pital of a district, comprehending
3
the western extremity of that island.
Lat. 6°. 4'. S. Long. 106°. 3'. E.
The Bay of Bantam, which, in
early times, vas the principal ren-
dezvous of the shipping from Europe,
is so choaked up with daily acces-
sions of new earth washed down from
the mountains, as well as by coral
shoals extending a considerable way
to the eastward, that it is inaccessible
at present to vessels of Imrthen.
With the trade of Bantam, the power
of the sovereign has declined, and
the king has for many years acted as
a sort of viceroy for the Dutch.
Bantam is situated 53 miles from
Batavia, and is a town of consider-
able extent, but only fortified on
the land side. It is built v holly of
bamboo, and stands on the Bay of
Bantam, near the mouth of a river
Avhich falls into the bay. The king
resides in a kind of palace built in
the European style, within an old
ruinous fort, containing 80 pieces of
cannon, of all sizes, some without
carriages; but the whole unservice-
able. Contiguous to it is the Dutch
fort, which conunands tliat of the
king as w ell as the city, and is in a
good stale of repair. The Dutch
garrison here consists of a command-
ant, four artillery officers, and 50
Europeans, who encamp on the out-
side of the city, on account of its un-
healthiness. 'I'he Dutch East India
Company kept a garrison here no-
minally to defend the king from all
hostile attempts; but, in fact, to have
him always in the Company's power.
The chief authority on the part of the
Dutch East India Company was vest-
ed in a senior merchant, with the
title of Commandant, who had the
management of the trade, which con-
sisted chiefly in pepper and some cot-
ton yarn. To the conmiandery at
Bantam also belonged the residencies
at Lampong, Toulang, Baunang, and
Lampong Samanca, situated on the
southern part of Sumatra. The Ban-
tam sovereigns possessed the power
of life and death over their subjects,
but paid an annual tribute of pepper
to the Dutch, of which tins state,
BANTAM.
83
with its dcpendeJicies, furnished an
annual supply of six millions of
pounds. The King of Bantam was
also deprived of the power of nomi-
nating;: his successor, the Company
selecting one of the royal family for
that office. On great public days tlie
King of Bantam assumes the Eu-
ropean costume, and dresses in an
embroidered scarlet or other coloured
coat, with boots, spurs, a sword, and
poinard. The inhabitants of Bantam
in general wear their hair loose, with
Ji small cap,.and nanow round hat
witliout a brim.
Prior to the Dutch invasion Ban-
lam was a powerful state, the sove-
reigns of which had made many con-
quests on the neighbouring islands,
particularly Sumatra and Borneo,
which afterwards devolved to the
Dutch. To this king's dominions
also belonged all the islands in the
Straits of Sunda, from Prince's Island
to Pulo Baby, or Hog Island. Many
of these are inhabited, but others are
desert, and the resort of pirates and
smugglers.
Since the Dutch took possession of
the adjacent province of Jacatra, and
interrupted tlie communication with
the rest of tlie island, the limits of
Bantam have been much contracted,
it still comprehends a considerable
extent of territory, from the River
Taganrong, two leagues from Ba-
tavia, to the western extremity of
the island. Its population is consi-
derable, and is nnich augmented by
Madman deserters, slaves, Chinese
bankrupts, and even murderers, who
take refuge within its boundaries,
where the police officers of Batavia
dare not pursue them, although the
principality be tributary to the Dutch.
In 1595, the Dutch Commander,
Houtman, with four ships arrived at
Bantam, being the first Dutch squa-
dron that had reached India. He
assisted the king against the Portu-
guese, and obtained leave to build a
factory. In Sept. 1G03, Capt. Lan-
caster completed his cargo at this
place, settled a foctory, and then re-
turned to England.
G 2
In 1674 the King of Bantam equip-
ped ships on his own account, and
sent tliem with produce to the coast
of India, and even into the Persian
Gult^ These ships were mostly man-
ned by seamen who had deserted
from the East India Company's ser-
vice, and managed by some of their
inferior civil servants. In 1677 Mr.
White, the agent on the part of the
East India Company, and the greater
part of the civil servants, were mas-
sacred by the Javanese during an
excursion up the river, the sultan
being either ignorant of this attack,
or affecting to be so. In 1681 the
King of Bantam dispatched ambas-
sadors to England, requesting assist-
ance; but, it appears, without suc-
cess ; for, in 1682, Bantam was taken
by the Dutcli, tliey having assisted
the king's son to expel his father. In
1683 tiiey dethroned the son, and as-
sumed the trade and government of
Bantam and its dependencies ; upon
which event the English East India
Company's establishment quitted the
place, and retired to Surat.
The climate of Bantam is still
more pestilential than that of Bata-
via, of which a remarkable instance
is mentioned. On the night of the
18th March, 1804, the King of Ban-
tam was murdered by one of his
grand nephews, who had concealed
himself under his bed, and who was
afterwards discovered, and put to
death. An embassy was sent from
Batavia, to elect and instal the new
king in the name of the Dutch Com-
pany, part of which ceremony con-
sists in lia\ ing him weighed in a pair
of scales at the palace gate, after
having feasted for 15 days. This de-
putation was composed of a coun-
sellor of India, four senior merchants,
a major, lieutenant, Serjeant, two
corporals, 18 I'Vencli and 18 Dutcli
grenadiers. The external forms oc-
cupied 15 days ; at the end of which
time, or soon after their return, the
whole of the European grenadiers
and subalterns died, except two or
three of the French who escaped.
The counsellor, his wife, who had
84
BARBAREEN.
accompanied him, the niajoi-, and
four merchants, all returned with
putrid fevers, whicli bronglit them to
tlie l)rink. of tlie grave, and the se-
cretary died. In 1811, after the eon-
({uest of Batavia, the town and dis-
trict of Bantam surrendered to tlie
British arms without resistance. (Sta-
vorinns\ Tombe, Bruce, Staunton, Qnar-
te7-hj Review, ^'c.)
Ij^R, — A town in the province of
Bahar, district of Bahar, 35 miles
E. S. E. of Patna. Lat. 25°. 28'. N.
Long. 85°. 46'. E.
B.4RKABUTTER.— A fortrcss in the
province of Cuttack, about a mile
N. W. from the town of Cuttack,
built of stone, and surrounded by a
very broad ditch, filled tVoiu the Ma-
hanuddy River. This was tl;c strong-
est fortress possessed by the Maha-
vattris in the province, but was taken
by storm by the British forces on the
14th Oct. 1803, and was ceded at
the peace along with the surrounding
country. {LecJue, Upton, Vc)
Barahat. — A town in northern
Ilindostan, situated amongthc moun-
tains in the province of Serinagur.
Lat. 30°. 48'. N. Long. 78°. 22'. E.
The houses of this town are budt
of large stones, with a slated roof,
and su tiered greatly by an eartluiuake
in 18U3, wliich almost destroyed it.
Barahat is the capital of aTalook of
the Kowain, and originally acquired
its name from being the chief mart ol
12 \ illaa;es. Its central position en-
ables it to maintain a free comnnuii-
cation with all parts of the hills, and
pilgrinw going to Gangotri in general
halt here, and lay in a slock of pro-
visions for 10 (tr 14 days, as there are
no interme<liate villages where they
could l)e certain of pro< uring sup-
plies. The only article brought from
anv distance is salt from Bitotan, but
the quantity is snutll. The distance
from hence' to Gangotri is seven days
journey, to .Janiautri five, to Kidar-
nauth 12. and to Seriiuignr si\ ; but,
excepting to the latter place, the
roads are very bad and dillicult.
Near this village is a curious tri-
dent, tlie pedestal of which is made
of copper, the shaft of brass about
12 feet long, and the forks of the
trident about six feet long. By what
means it came hither has never been
discovered, and although the inscrip-
tion be legible, it is said to be neither
Nagari, Persian, nor Sanscrit. There
was formerly a temple over it, whieli
w;is thrown down by the great eartii-
quakc in 1803, {Roper, Vc.)
IJauaiche, {Bharech). — A district
in the province of Oude, extending
along the north side of the Devali.
or Goggrah River, and separated
from the dominions of Nepaul by a
ridge of lotfj hills. Some part of
this district was ceded to the British
government in 1 800, but a great pro-
portion of it still reniauis in the pos-
session of the Nabob of Oude. The
northern part is very hilly, and co-
vered with forests, but towards the
Dewah, on the south, it is more level
and fertile. 'I'he Dewah and Baharee
are the principal rivers, and the chief
towns Baraiche and Bulrainpoor.
In 1582 this district is described
by Abul Fazel as follows : — '* Sircar
Barayitch, containing 11 mahals,
nieasurement 1,823,435 beegahs, re-
venue 24,120,525 dams. Seynrghal
46(i,482 dams. This Sircar furnishes
1170 cavalry, and 14,300 infantry."
Baraiche. — A town in the Nal>ob
of ( hide's territories, district of Ba-
riache, of which it is the ca|)ital.
Lat. 27°. 31'. N. Long. 81°. 36'. E.
It is described by Abul Fazel as 161-
lows : — " Bariache is a largo city, de-
lightfully situated on the River Sy.
Sultan Alassaood, and Rejeb Sillar,
are both buried here, and held in
great veneration."
Baran River. — ^This river has its
.source in the Hindoo Kho moun-
tains, from whence it thjws in ,\n
easterly direction through the N. 1 1.
quarter of the province ofCabul, and
atterwards joins the Chuganscrai
liiver in the district of Kameh. 'J'heir
united streams afterwards fall into
the Cabul, or Attock River.
Barbareen. — A small village on
the S. AV. coast of Ceylon, with a
sort of harbour formed bv a projet-
BAREILY.
85
tioii of laud, wlifio llif river rims
into tlic M-a. Lat. 0°. 33'. N. Long".
79°. 5.V. F.
Tliis is almost tliP only part on the
roast Mherc tliP liitili surf ami rocky
shore permits ships' boats, of (h(> Eu-
ropean construction, to land. 'I hero
is a manufactory liere for makiuj?
eor(la<;e from the fibres of the cocoa
nut husk. A few miles farther south
the best oysters on the island are
found, which are of a dilferent sort
from the pearl oysters at IManaar.
Barbareen is a ^lahommedan viUag^e,
and the IModeliar, or chief, is also a
Mahommedan. The inhabitants are
fhiedv artisans, who besides the rope
niamifactory, work in all kinds of
metal, and make swords. poi;;nards,
and thin scabbard of jrood workman-
ship. (Pcrciral, M. (Jra/iam, S)C.)
'liAV.CELOR^,{B(tssuritrn). — A town
on the sea coast of the i)rovincc of
Canara, Lat. 13°. 37'. N. Lonj!;.74°
46'. E. This i)lace was probably the
port l?arace of the ancients. In
157.5 IJarcelore was governed by a
female sovereign, or ranny, the
daughters always succeeding to the
government, and the men serving
under them as officers. A consider-
able trade formerly subsisted be-
tween tliis station and the Arabian
coast.
BaREILY, (Barali). — A district in
the j)rovince of Delhi, situated prin-
cipally betwi\t the 28th and 29th
degrees of north latitude. In the
Institutes of Acber it was compre-
hended in the Sircar of Budayoon,
and descril'.ed under that name, but
the original appellation of a great
proportion of the country pnor to
the Itoiiillah compiest was Kuthair;
subsequent to this latter event it was
incorporated with the province of
Kohilcund.
The surface of this district is, in
general, level and well watered by
many smaller rivers besides the Gan-
ges, which bounds it to the west.
The chief towns are Bareily, Anop-
sheher, Rampoor, and Budayoon. In
summer, notwithstanding its north-
ern latitude, the heat is very intense;
but dining the winter months, when
the wind blows from the northern
mountains, the thermomcler falls be-
low 30°, aud water in the tents
freezes.
After the conquest of Kohilcund,
in 1774, by Sujah ud Dowlah, as-
sisted by the British troops, it rapidly
declined, and became almost a w aste.
Betwixt Anopsheher and Bareily ex-
tensive wastes, formerly under cul-
tivation, every where meet the eye.
'1 liey are covered with long grass,
v\hich, in the hot season, becomes
so parched as to be easily combusti-
))le ; and abounds with foxes, jack-
alls, hogs, hares, and every sort of
game, w hich range these wide plains
immolested.
In 1802 this large district was
ceded to the Biitish government,
when it was subdivided into col-
lectorships, and a general court of
appeal and circuit appointed to ad-
minister justice. At this time their
internal situation was very unpro-
mising, aiul the inhabitants greatly
imjjoverished. Since then, travellers
w ho iiave visited this territory, men-
tion the general st.ate of prosperity
and im|>roved cultivation which it
now exhibits, compared with its de-
solate appearance when ceded to the
Company. On this event fairs were
instituted by Lord Wellesley upon
the borders of the Rohilcund coun-
try, for barter with the people of
Nepaul and Serinagur.
In this division ot Bohilcund there
are few Hindoo temples to be found
of any considerable magnitude, 'i'he
zeal of the Mahommedans appears
to Iiave been too intolerant, and
their ])ossession too pennanent to
permit them. The natives are a tall
handsoine race of j.eoplc, and when
«'omjiared with the more southern
inhabitants of India, are white and
well featured.
Bohilcund Euj-ruckabad, and the
upper part of the Doab, abound with
a warlike race of Mahonnnedans
ready to join any leader. Some
thousands of this description served
under llolkar, and many are now
86
BARRACKPOOR.
with their countryman Ameer Klian.
They are disaflected to the British
government, not because it is unjust
or oppressive^ but because there is
no employment for them, and they
are left inactive, without distinction
and >vithout subsistence. Few of
these people enlist in the British ser-
vice, because they cannot bring
tliemselves to submit to tlie strict-
ness of European discipline. These
Patans are, in general, reduced to
much distress ; they are idle, and
with difficulty and reluctance apply
to any profession but that of arms.
Amongst them the influence of a
rebellious or disaflfected chief over
his followers is very great, and is not
founded in the popularity or suppos-
ed justice of his cause, and very httle
on the probability of his success.
Though he be a mere robber, and
his situation quite desperate, still his
people will adhere to him to the last,
and never betray or forsake him.
The Bareilly division of the court
of circuit comprehends the following
districts, viz. 1. Caunpoor; 2. Fur-
ruckabad; 3. Etaweh; 4. Agra; 6.
Allyghur ; 6. South Saharunpoor ; 7.
Moradabad ; 8. Bareily.
The Mahommedan inhabitants of
this district approach nearer to an
equality of numbers witli the Hin-
doos than in most of the others of
Hindostan, but still are considerably
inferior. {Tennant, H. Strachei/, 5th
Report, Foster, 8fc.)
Bareily. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Bareily,
of which it is the capital ; and, at
present, of Rohilcund generally. Lat.
28°. 22'. N. Ijong. 70°. 21'. !■:.
This town is situated on the banks
of the united streams of (he Jooah
and Sunkra, about 40 miles from the
Ganges, and is a large and populous
city. The fort is a great inegular
mass of building, equally destitute of
elegance or strength, and without
bastions for guns. Brazen water
pots are manufactured here in great
numbers. I'his was the capital of
Hafez Rahmut, a Rohillah chief,
slain at the battje of Cuttcrah, and
here he lies interred. In 1774 it was,
along with the district, added to the
dominions of Oude ; and, in 1802,
transferred to the British.
Tiavelling distance from Delhi 142
miles; from Calcutta, by Moorshe-
dabad, 910; by Birbhoom, 805 miles ;
from Lucknow, 156 miles. {Hard-
wicke, Franklin, Rennet, <^c.)
B A REND A, {Varendra). — A district
in the province of Aurungabad, si-
tuated partly in the nizam's territo-
ries, partly in those of the Maha-
rattas. The country about the town
of Barenda is level and open, but
the nizam's portion is of a more
mountainous nature. The principal
river is the Seena, and the chief
towns Barenda and Pangauw.
Barenda, or Perinda. — A towii
in the province of Aurungabad, 125
miles E. by S. from Poonah. Lat.
11°. 19'. N. Long. 75°. 51'. E. This
is a large city, now much decayed,
with a stone fort.
Barkope, {Varaciipa). — A village
in the province of Bengal, nearly in
the centre of the Jungleterry of Bog-
lipoor.
Barnag ORE, ( Varanagara). — A
small town on the east side of the
Hooghly River, about three miles
above Calcutta. It was originally a
Portuguese settlement, but after-
wards came into the possession of
the Dutch. Here the coarsest sort
of blue handkerchiefs are manufac-
tured.
Barooly Ghaut. — A pass into
the hills which bound the province of
Bcrar to the north, through which
there is an ascent to a table land.
The source of tlie Wurda River is
two miles north from Baroolj\
Barrackpoor. — A town in the
province of Bengal, situated on tlie
cast side of the Hooghly River, 16
miles above Calcutta. Here are the
xmfinished arches of a house begun
by the Marquis Wellesley, but dis-
continued by the frugality of the
court of Directors. In the park there
is a menagerie, but it contains few
animals of any sort. Horse races
arc run here iu the cold season, go-
BARRAMAIIAL.
a7
vcrnmcnt having: discouraged those
at Calcutta. (3/. Gruham, Jiv.)
Baukakur. — A river in Wui pro-
vince of Bahar, which, after a sliort
course, joins the Dumniooda, in the
district of Pachete.
Barkamahal. — A district in the
south of India, situated bclwixt the
12th and 14th degrees of north lati-
tude. The 12 places properly con-
stituting the Barraniahal are all in
Dravida Desain, which is hounded
on the west by the Ghauts, au<l on
the east by the sea. These 12 places
are Krishnagiri, Jacadeo, Varina-
ghada, Maharaj'-ghada, Bujunga-
ghada, Tripatura, Vananibady, Gan-
gana-ghada, Sudarshana-ghada, and
Tatucallu.
After the fall of Seringapatam, in
1799, several districts of Karnata
were annexed to this province ; viz.
the talooksof Dcnkina Cotay, Hosso-
uru, Kellamangaluni, Ratnagiri, Vin-
catagiri, Cotay, and that ])ortion of
the Alhimbady Talook which lies to
the left of the Cavery, together with
the Polyams, or feudatory lordships
of Punganiu-H, Pcdda, Nayakana,
Durga, Bagaluru, Suligiri, and An-
kusagiri. All the polygars were re-
stored 1o their estates, and put on a
looting similar to that of the zemin-
dars in Bengal. They pay a fixed
rcjit or tri'>ute for their lordships, but
have no juiisdiction over the inhabi-
tants.
In these annexed districts the na-
tives of the Barraniahal will not set-
tle, on account of the coldness of the
climate during the rainy season. A
considerable proportion of the land
remains nncultivated. In the an-
nexed districts the rice cultivation is
not important ; dry seeds, kitchen
gardens, and plantations of cocoa
nuts, and Areca palms, are the chief
articles cultivated, and the manufac-
tures are coarse, and only fitted for
the lower classes. In the districts
annexed to the Baramahal, the pro-
perty of the soil is vested in the
state, except in the Polyams, and a
few small free estates. When a rich
man undertakes to construct a reser-
voir, at his own expense, for the ir-
rigation of land, he is allowed to
hold in free estate, and by hereditary
right, one fourth part of the lands so
watered ; but he is bound to keep the
reservoir in repair. Tanks of this
sort arc notoriously kept in better
repair than those which the govern-
ment supports. The reason assign-
ed by the natives is, Ihat they can
compel the holder of the free estate
to perform his duty, but the state has
no master. It would therefore seem
advisable to give rich natives every
encouragement to employ their mo-
ney this way.
On the fall of the Rayaroo of An-
nagoondy, the Baramahal, with
Rayacott'ih, and many other dis-
tricts, became subject to Jagadeva,
the polygar of Clienapattans. On
the overthrow of this family, its ter-
ritories were divided between the
Nabob of Cudapah, and the Rajahs
of Mysore. The former took the
Barraniahal, and the latter the do-
minions of the Cheiiapattan familj'.
Hydcr annexed the Barraniahal to the
dominions of Mysore; and, in 1792,
it was ceded to the Britisli govern-
ment at the treaty of Seringapatam.
When ceded, the country was in
a very miserable state; but the good
effects of a just and moderate gt)-
vernmcnt were soon exhibited, while
it was under the superintendance of
Colonel Alexander Read. In the
course of five years the revenues
were more than doubled, w hile the
rents were diminished in an etjual
proportion ; and since the introduc-
tion of the permanent system, this
district has attained a still higher
degree of cultivation. It is now
comprized in the collectorship of
Salem and Kistnagherry.
This district contains a very great
proportion of Hindoo inhabitants,
probably at least 19-20ths, it never
having been subdued by the Ma-
hommedans, until its conquest by
the Nabob of Cudapah, about the
middle of the 18<h «eiitury. {F.
Bucha?ian, Sydenham, T. Munro, 5th
Report, <^c.)
88
BASSEEN,
BarrahTuckrah. — The districts
of Hundah and Cowrah, in the
northern extremity of tiie i)rovince
of Delhi, are denominated tlie Ear-
rah Tucicrah, or Twelve Divisions,
being certain j)ortions of tenitory
bequeathed by a chief of Boliaspoor
to Iiis younger son, about 1 10 years
ago. They now belong to the chief
of Bellaspoor. {Foster, ^-c.)
Barreah. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, district of Gudarah,
90 miles E. from Ahmcdabad. Lat.
22° 53'. N. Long. 74°. 3'. E. It is
now held by a rajah, tributary to the
Gwickar.
Barren Isle. — An island and vol-
cano in the Bay of Bengal, situated
in Lat. 12°. 15'. N. and 15 leagues E.
of the northernmost Andaman.
This island rises to the height of
1800 feet. The eruptions of the
volcanos are sometimes very violent ;
stones of the weight of three or four
tons have been known to be dis-
charged from it. The parts of tlie
island that are distant from the vol-
cano are thinly covered with wi-
thered shrubs and blasted trees.
{Col. Colebrooli, Sfc. )
Baroos. — A town on the west
coast of Sumatra. The inhabitants
here have benzoin and gold, and
procure camphire from the interior.
The imports are the same as specified
under the articic Sinkcl ; to which
may be added white beads, pulicat
handkerchiefs, chintzes, with large
flowers and grounds, white Dunga-
ric^ salt, rice, ghee, oil, a few metal
watches, and gilt hilted swords. {El-
more, Sfc.)
hAR\XAH. — A village in Bundel-
cund, 67 miles W. N. W. from (iiat-
tcrpoor, so called from a rivulet
named the Bcrwa, which runs past
it, and by an embankment is made
to form a large pond (in liindui
called Sagor,) at the back of 1 lie fort,
liat. 25°. 24'. N. Long. 78°. 55'. E.
'I'hc ca.stle very much resLinbles an
old Gothic building, and was erected
by the ancient rajahs of Ouncha.
In 1790 the Hindoo Sonbahdar,
of this district, was an uncommonly
accomplished person, and hod ac-
ciuired a very considrral)le know-
ledge jf European sciences. At tlio
advanced age of 60 he had formed
the project of studying the Enghsli
language, in order to cuniprehcud
the Encyclo])edia l^ritainiica, of
which he had acquired a copy.
Such, however, is the in(;onsist!'u«\y
of human nature, and the strength
with which Hindoo prejudices ad-
here, that, abo)it five ;>ears after-
wards, having been seized with
some complaint, which he consider-
ed as incurable, he repaired to Be-
nares, and there drowned himself iu
the Ganges. {Hantor, w.)
Barv, {Bari). — A town in the
Nabob of Oudo's territories,- in tlie
province of Oude, 28 miles N.
from Lucknow. Lat. 2?°. 15. N.
Long. 80°. 52'. E.
BAS0UDHA,(F«SKrf/<«). — A town in
the province of Malwah, 46 miles
N. E. from Bilsah, situated on the
cast side of the Kiver Betwah. ImX.
23°. 54'. N. Long. 78°. 13'. E. This
is a large town belonging to the dis-
trict of Bilsah, and tributary to the
Mahaiattas. The .soil in the neigh-
bourhood is alternately a black
mould and a reddish clay, with
stones of a ferruginous appearance.
{Hunter, ^-c.)
Basseen. — A sea port town in the
province of Aurungabad, separated
from the Island of Salsette by a nar-
row strait. Lat. 19°. 18. N. Long.
72°. 54'. E.
The district around this town is in
a very unproved state of cultivation,
although under a Maharatta govern-
ment, and fornjs a most CMraordi-
nary contra:<t with the desolation that
prevails in the neighbouring Island of
Salsette, under tlie British govern-
ment. Many of the cultivators are
Roman Catholic Christians. The
Teak tbrests, which supply the ma-
rine yard at Bombay, lie along the
western side of the Ghaut moun-
tains, to the N. and N. Iv of Bas-
seen, the numerous rivers which de-
scend from them afibrding water car-
riage.
BATACOLO.
89
In 1531 tlic Poilui^nese obtained
possession of Jiasscen, by treaty
with tlie Rinji; of Cambay; after
which tliey fortified it. I'roni them
it was wrested, about 1750, by the
Mahrattas. It was taken by General
(Joddard's army, from the JNIaharat-
tas, but restored at the jjoace, and
now belongs to the Peshu a. 'I'ra-
veliinfjj distiuiee from liomI)ay, 27 ;
frojn Poonah 114 miles. {Dhdcohn,
Rennel, BrucK, Sydenham, ]Ma!et, \c.)
Bashef, Isles. — A cluster ol small
rocky islands, lying due north of
Luzon, the largest Philippine, and
between the 2dth and 21st degrees
of north latitude.
These islands are situated between
Formosa and I^uconia, and are live
in number, besides four small rocky
islets. Dampier gave the tbllowiiig
names to the live largi r of them, viz,
Grafton Isle, Monmouth Isle, Groat
Isle, Orange Isle, and Bashee Isle.
'I'hey are inhabited hy a race of
strong athletic men. Grafton isle is
about 13 leagues in circumference,
and has good anchorage on the
western side. 'I'his island produces
abundance of fine yams, sugar cane,
taro, plantains, and vegetables ; be-
sides hogs and goats in great plenty.
Iron is the favourite article of ex-
change, but money is also now un-
derstood. The water on the island is
Tery line, and in great abundance,
close to the beach.
The Spaniards took possession of
these islands in 1783, in order to
procure the golil wlnih is washed
down with the torrents in considera-
ble quantities. The inhabitants ma-
inifacture it into thick wire, which
they wear as an ornament. They
aie an inoH'ensive race of people,
w hose chief delight consists in drink-
ing a liquor called bashee, which is
distilled from rice and sugar-cane ;
after which they engage in dancing
with every mark of satisi'action and
gratification.
The Spanish governor resides on
Grafton Island, with about 100 sol-
diers, several otticers, a few priests,
fl,u4 six pieces of cannon.
Those islands were visited by
Dampier, who gives a favourable ac-
count, both of the civility of the inha-
bitants, and tl)e plenty of hogs and
vegetables with whicii the country
abounds. They Mere afterwards
seen by Byron and Wallis, who
passed without landing. {Meares,
Kiii^, Sfc.)
Basseelan. — An islaud lying off
the south-Avestern extremity of IMa-
gindanao, and sunounded by a
cluster of smaller islands, lii length
it may be estimated at 40 miles, by
60 miles the average breadth, 'i'his
island has a range of mountains in
the centre, but is low towards the
east. It is thinly inhabited, and
destitute of good harbours. The
chief production is grain, which the
soil yields plentifully; cowri(>s also
are abundant. It now belongs to the
Sooloos. {Fomst, Dalrpnple, fyc)
Ba,s.sum, {Basam). — A district in
the nizam's domitiions, in the pro-
vince of Nandere; situated betwixt
the 21st and 22d degrees of north
latitude. It has an uneven hilly
surface, intersected by several small
streams, which flow into the Goda-
very. Bassam, the chief town, is
situated six miles from the Gunga.
Kespecting this part of Nandere very
little is known: in the Institutes of
Acber, Abul Fazel describes it as
follows :
" Sircar Bassum, containing eight
mahals; reveime 32,625,250 dams:
seyurghal 1,826,260 dams."
Batang. — An island lying off the
south-eastern extremity of the Malay
Peninsula, and surrounded by num-
berless small rocky islets. It is se-
parated from the Island of Bintang
by a nanow strait, and may be esti-
mated at 26 miles in length, by 10
miles the average breadth.
Batacolo. — A small fori and gar-
rison on the east coast of the Island
of Ceylon. Lat. 7°. 46'. N. Long.
81°. 50'. E. Owing to the wild state
of the country, this place has little
or no connexion with the south and
west parts of the island, and is a
place of small importance, tlie liar-
90 BATAVIA.
boiir only admitting small craft. The and villas within a circint of 10 miles,
shore in the neighbourhood is nn- contained a population of about
commonly bold; and many of the 116,000 souls, consisting of
immense rocks have acquired names -in,„ rk.w^i r- t /-< »
from the grotesque figures thev re- ^^^ ^"*f ' f ^- Co'nP«"y's
present; such Jo the Friar's Hood. ^^^ ^^ ^^^^y descnp-
IheElephant and the Pagoda Rocks. Burghers;rf;e'citi;ens,ri38;
{r'€}cwai,^c.) •,,„♦„ J ^ff with their families - - - 6660
Batalin. — An island situated oti ^ j ^ »t ^ ^r,Xn,
«u * rr- I K^., ^u,..,i ^^.^^oAiU Javanese and free Malays - 6800
the coast ot Celebes, about the 1 24th p,-:_„„- ^ « „^„
degree of cast longitude, and betwixt ^/""t'' ff^
the first and second degree of south ^^^^^^ ^^'"""
latitude. In length it may be esti- , ncQAn
mated at 25 miles, by seven tiie ^^^^^ ' "^'^"^
average breadlh. Very little is
knowTii respecting this island, which The total population of the go-
appears never to have been explored, vernment, immediately subordinate
Batang, {or Patamj Hook). — A to the city of Batavia, is reckoned at
port in the Gilolo passage, situated 150,000 souls.
on the east coast of Cilolo. Lat. 0°. Besides the walls of the city, com-
9'. S. Long. 128°. 48'. E. posed of well-built bastions, en-
Ou Patany Hook, or Point, is a closed by a wet ditch, very deep and
very strong and capacious natural wide, there is a good citadel, with
fortress, accessible only by means of four bastions, also of stone. This
ladders, up the face of a perpendicu- citadel commands the city, and dc-
lar rock. 'I'he top is fiat ground, fends the entrance of the River Ja-
contaiuing many houses, gardens, catra, wlxich, flowing tluough Bata-
&c. the whole being about tluee via, fills its ditches and those of the
miles in circumference. The people citadel. On the extremity of the left
here, in 1770, supplied the French bank is a fort called Watercastel,
vessels with clove plants, which went which is washed by the sea. Its
no further east than the Island of platforms are of stone, and the para-
Gibhy. I'ormerly the Dutch kept pets are well covered with turf, and
criiizcrs here, to prevent the smug- it contains thirty 16 and 24 pounders,
jling of spices. {Forrest, ^c.) This fort is flanked by batteries,
Batavia. — A large city in the raised on the right and left bank, in
Island of Java, and the capital of the front of the citadel and fortifications.
Dutch settlements in the east. Lat. The left wing is defended by four
6°. 10'. S. JiOng. 106°. 51'. £. works, viz. a redoubt called the
The ground plan of the town is in Flute, above the moutli of the Ancka
the shape of a parallelogram; the River, which it commands; a very
length of which, iVom north to fine causeway communicates with it,
south, is 4200 feet, and the breadth extending to the city walls. There
3000 feet. The streets are laid out are many other redoubts and batte-
in strait lines, and cross each other rics scattered along the shore, and
at right angles. The public build- erected at assailable points, which it
ings consist of the great church, the is unnecessary to particularize, as
trxpcnse of erecting which was they contribute little or nothing to
80,0001. a Lutheran and Portuguese the defence of the town, and when
church, a Mahommedan mosque and attacked, in 1811, by the troops un-
Chinese temple; the Stadlhouse, the dor Sir Samuel Achnmty, were
Spinhousc, the Infirmary, and the abandoned without resistance. This
Chamber of Orphans. In the year left wing is so sickly, owing to the
1792 Batavia contained 6270 taxa- morasses in which it is placed, and
blc houses, which, added to villages tlieir pestilential exlialatious^ that tlie
BATAVIA.
91
nwrtality among the soldiers who
gaiTison it is almost incredible, and
the country houses, which formerly
stood in its \iciiiily, have long ago
been deserted. All the plain which
forms the defence is composed of
mnddy impracticable swamps, which
extend beyond tlie citj', and are in-
tersected by canals.
The whole city of Batavia is pro-
verbially unhealthy, not so nmch
from the heat of llie climate, as from
its injudicious situation and misplac-
ed embellishments. It is not only
surrounded with water nearly stag-
nant, but every street has its canal
and row of evergreen trees. These
canals become the reservoirs of all
the offals and tilth wliich the city
produces; and, having scarcely any
current, require constant labour and
attention to prevent their being
choaked up altogether. On the land
side of the city are gardens and rice
grounds, intersected in every direc-
tion by ditches and canals, and tiie
whole shore of the bay is a bank of
mud, mixed with putrid substances,
sea Aveed, and other vegetable mat-
ter, in a state of fermentation. To
these swamps, morasses, and mud-
l)anks, may be ascribed the insalu-
brity of Batavia, and the prevalence
of acute inllanmiatory febrile di-
seases.
At the mouth of the Anoka, called
by the natives Caiman's River, be-
cause it abounds with alligators, the
bottom is mud and sand, as is also
the bank which has accumulalcd at
its mouth ; but at Slingerlaud Point
the bottom begins, on the coast, to
be a mixtme of sand and coral, with
occasionally small shells; and, being
consequently less unhealthy, country
seats, small villages, and hamlets, are
seen in the vicinity.
In a place so low and maishy the
number of noxious reptiles must be
considerable, but not much damage
is ever sustained from them. No
stone of any kind is found for several
miles roimd the city of Batavia ;
marble and granite, for particular
«ses, are imported from China. The
usual temperature, in the middle of
the day, is from 84 to 90; it is not,,
therefore, to the great heat, that must
be ascribed the destructive eflects of
the climate on the human race.
A circluar range of islands pro-
tects the harbour of Batavia from
any heavy swell, and renders it safe
anchorage ; some of them, such as
Anmst, Edam, Cooper's Isle, and
Purmerend, are occupied by the
Dutch, who have fortified them, and
erected warehouses, liospitals, and
naval arsenals. From the roadsted
there aie scarcely any of the build-
ings of Batavia visible, except the
great church, the rest being hid by
the palms and other high spreading
trees.
On that side of the city which is
iidand, the industrious Chinese carry
on their various manufactures, such
as tanning leather, burning shells
into lime, baking earthen ware,
boiling sugar, and distilling arrack.
Their rice giounds, sugar plantations
and gardens, well stocked with all
kinds of vegetables, surround the
city, which abounds iu all sorts of
tropical fruit; pine apples are in
such profusion, tliat they are sent
to the market in carts, piled up like
turnips.
In the town the Chinese are mer
chants and shopkeepers, butchers
and fishmongers, green grocers, np-
Jiolstcrers, tailors, shoe-makers, ma-
sons, carpenters, and blacksmiths.
They contract for the supply of what-
ever may be wanted in the civil,
military, or marine departments,
and farm from the Dutch the several
imposts, the export and import du-
ties, and the taxes. Their campong.
or town, close to the walls of the
city, is a scene of bustle and busi-
ness, resembling a bazar in China.
It consists of about 1500 mean hou-.
ses, huddled together, containing
20,000 inhabitants and 400,000
swine.
The commerce of Batavia is con-
siderable ; but it is principally a
trade of barter, the exportation of
bullion being prohibited.. When a
9'Jt
CAT A VIA.
Tcs.sel nirivf^s, the cajtfinn iiirloses
his hill vl' lailiiig to Uip slialibuiider,
•who serlrts llie ,ii tirlos, tho oxrltisive
Iradc ill wiiich is reserved for Ihe
East-India Conijiaiiv; siirli as opi-
um, raiuplior, bmzoiii, calin, pow-
ler, iron, sallpotrc, <nn)poMdor,
ginis, ^c. and fixes on wiiat is to be
given in o\chanj,'e. and at what
price. I'ormerly the Dutch Com-
pany insisted, that one quarter, or
one third of a!l the returns should
be talcen in sj)ices.
From Bent,^al the principal articles
imported are opium, drups, patna
cloths, and blue cloths, of diflerent
kinds. Of the first article there were
Ibnnerly from 8(H) to 1000 chests
disposed of here. I'rom Sumatra are
received camphor, benzoin, bird
nests, calin, and elejjlinnts' leetli.
From the Cape of Cood Hope are
imported kitchen jjardcn seeds, but-
ter, Madeira and Constantia wines;
and from China immense <jn:intities
of porcelain, teas, silks, nankeens,
alum borax, brimstone, cinnabar,
mother of pearl, paper, sweetmeats,
and tol>ac<;o.
The Dutch being^ the only nation
who keep up a correspondence Mith
,la|ian, a ship is sent annually from
Jiatavia, laden with kerseymeres,
line cloths, clock-work, spices, ele-
phants' teeth, sapan wood, tin, and
tortoise-shell. The returns fron> Ja-
pan are principally in coi)per, which
is converted into a clumsy sort of
coin for paying- the native and Euro-
jican troops. These ingots arc of
the finest red copj»cr, about a fingi-r's
thickness, and arc c;ist into two,
lour, six, and eight sous pieces of
Holland, having the \:due stamjied
on them. Various other articles arc
sujugglcd in by the ofliccrs, such as
.sabre blades of an cMiellcnt temper,
Japan camphor, soy. china ware,
bukcrcd ware, and silk goods. 'Ihe
caigo always contains a present for
llu'^lMupcn»r of Japan, and he, in
return, sends one t(t the (loyernor-
Ocncral of the Dutch possessions in
India. It consists in general of desks,
chests of drawers, and close stools of
valuable inlaid wood, covered with a
varnish peculiar to Japan, and in-
crustrated with flower:;, and other de-
signs, in niother-oi-pcarl of various
colours.
The staple articles of export from
Batavia are pepper, sugar, rice, cof-
fee, and arrack. The Chinese san-
choo (or burned wine) is an ardent
.spirit, di.stilled from various kinds of
strain, but most comnioidy rice. This
is kept in hot water until the grains
are swollen ; it is then mixed up with
water, in which a preparation has
been dissolved, consisting of rice-
flower, lirjuorice root, aniseed, and
garlic, after which the mixture un-
dergoes fennentation. The liquor
thus j)repared is the basks of the best
arrack, M'hich in Jav a is exclusively
the manufacture of the Chinese, and
is merely a rectification of the above
sjiirit, with the addition of molasses
and the juice ot the cocoa nut tree.
Besides tlie staple articles, there are
exported to China bird nests, biche
de mar, cotton, spices, tin, rattans,
sapan wood, sago, and wax. To the
Islands of Borneo, Celebes, the Mo-
luccas, &.C. a variety of piece goods
and oj>ium, ly ith a very small quan-
tity of I'iUropean articles. All the
Dutch settlements to the eastward
are supplied with rice from hence,
Java being considered as the granary
of this part of the world. In Ba-
tavia there are few shops for Eu-
rojxan goods, which proves there is
no great demand from the interior.
Tlie customs and duties at I?ata-
via are arbitrai-y , and it is dilTicnlt to
procure redress for impositions. The
Dutch Company's customs are usu-
ally eight per cent, and are farjned
by a Chinese ; but there are many
other fees exacted by the diflerent
subordniatc oflicers. The exportation
of specie is rigidly forbid<lcu, and all
shii)s arc s ri('tly examined by the
Chinese who farms the customs. If
any bullion be discovered it is con-
fiscated, and the owners sulijected to
fine and imprisonment. 'J'lie grand
import of the Dutch East India Com-
pany from Europe before tlie Frcncb
B ATA VI A.
93
Revolution was bullion, which ave-
raged in amount near half a niillioa
ainuially ; the remaining imports were
principally on account of tiie ollicers
of ships, and consisted of liardwarc,
haberdashery, liijuors, oilmairs stores,
dress, and millinery, for the use of
llio Europeans on the island, and
among the more eastern <okmies.
Accounts at Batavia are kept i:i rix
dollars, an imaginary coin like the
pound sterUng^, each 48 slivers; but
the currency is doits, stivers, duh-
beltjees, schillings, and rupees. Tiie
jfold coins are the milled Duleh du-
cat, worth ys. 4d. ; old Japan eo|»ang,
21. Is. 3d.; new Japan copang,
II. 3s. 9d. ; English guineas, East
India mohurs. and douliioons. 'I'he
silver coins are the lloriii, or guilder,
value Is. Bd. and the milled diieatoon.
The administration of aiiairs at
Batavia is conducted by a governor-
general, who is president; a direclor-
general, intitled Governor of Java,
with nine counsellors, and two se-
cretaries. The authority of this coun-
<;il is absolute : it makes and sus-
pends laws, maintains troops, ap-
points kings, declares war, and makes
peace and alliances with the eastern
princes. It takes cognizance of all
matters, commercial, civil, and mi-
litary, 'i'he whole authority of the
^council may be considered as united
ill the governor-general who presides,
xis he may adopt, on his own responsi-
bility, any propositions which are re-
jected contrary to his opinion by the
council.
A fiscal is at tlie head of police and
criminal aflairs, and possesses great
authority. He inflicts lines and pu-
nishments arbitrarily. A shahbimder,
or agent-general for trade, acts as
consul for all nations, is the medium
of every operation of trade, and in-
troduces foreigners to the council.
A marine fiscal superintends what-
ever relates to the police of the road-
steds, rivers, and navigable canals.
Notwithstanding the republican
form of the Dutch government, in no
pyrt of the world is the distinction of
»aiiks so tninutely and frivolously ;;^t-
tcnded to as at Batavia, and the sa-
laries allowed tlie Dutch Company's
servants, being iiiadc(piate to tlie
stipport of the establishment, they
think necessary, lor the support of
their dignity, corruption and bribery
are universal, in society, every in-
dividual is as stiff and Ibrmal, and as
feelingly alive to every infraction of
his privileges, as if his happiness or
misery depended on the due observ-
ance of (hem. Nothing is more par-
ticularly attended to at entertain-
ments by the master of the house,
than the seating of every guest, and
drinking tlieir healths in the exact
order of precedency.
To jiixivide against future disputes
on the subject of precedency, the
respective^ ranks of all the Company's
servants were ascertained by a reso-
lution of government, which was re-
vised and renewed in 1764. The act
by which these rules were established
consistss of 131 articles, and enters
into the most minute details respect-
ing the carriages, horses, chairs, ser-
vants, &:c. See. of the Com[»any's ser-
vants.
By the eighth article, little chaises
for children, drawn by the hand,
must not be gilt or j)uinted, but in
exact proportion to the rank of the
parents. Ijadies, whose husbands are
below the rank of counsellors of the
Indies, may not wear at one time
jewels more in value than 6000 rix
dollars; wives of senior merchants are
limited to 4000 ; others to three, two,
' and 1000 ri\ dollars.
Article 49th permits ladies of tho
higher ranks to go abroad w ith three
female attendants, who may wear
" ear-rings of single middle-sized dia-
monds, gold hair pins, petticoats of
cloth, of gold, or silver gauze ; chains
of gold and of beads, and girdles of
gold ; but they iinist not v\ ear dia-
monds, pearls, nor any kind of jewel
in their hair." Wives of senior mer-
chants may have two, and ladies in
an inferior station one female attend-
ant, who may wear " car-rings of
small diamonds, gold hair j)ins, a
jacket vf tine hnt-n, and a. chintz pet-
94
BATAVIA.
ticoat; but no gold or silver stuffs,
or silks, or any jewels, true or false
pearls, or any ornament of gold." —
The 83d article recommends to the
Dutch East India Company's ser-
vants in liengal, not to surpass their
predecessors in pomp of dress and
ay»pearanee; and the 110th permits
the director of tlie factory at Sural,
wiien he goes abroad in state, to
carry, among other things, four fans,
made after the fashion of the country,
with the feathers of the bii-d of para-
dise and cow hair, with gold cases
and hands. It is remarkable, that in
these regulations the tax on carriages
increases dowmvards,from the higher
to the lower ranks, and penalties are
attached to the infraction of these
statutes.
In addition to the baleful effects of
the climate, and the marshy miasma
of Batavia, the manner of life among
the European part of the iidiabit-
ants contributes not a little to fre-
quent and fatal diseases. A plenti-
ful dinner at noon, Avith an after-
noon's siesta, and a still more plen-
tiful supper, terminates the day ; in
the course of Avhich an immoderate
quantity of claret, madeira, gin, and
- Dutch beer are consumed. Few Eu-
ropeans can stand the effect of such
a life. If one in three of the new
comers siUTives the first year, he maj'
account himself a favoured person ;
one in five annually is reckoned as
the average of Europeans of all de-
scriptions of men, including the
troops.
To those who have stood the first
attack, or seasoning, the fe\er be-
comes at last constitutional, and re-
curs at the moist and hot season re-
gularly, without much inconvenience
to the patient ; sudden deaths, how-
ever, iire so frequent, that they make
little impression on the minds of the
inhabitants. A Dutchman at Ba-
tavia, when he marries, makes his
will, but this also usually accompa-
nies a wedding in Holland, and is
partly intended to regulate the pro-
perty according to the wishes of the
parties.
Most of the white women seen at
Batavia are born in India, and many
so altered in figure, manners, and
complexion, as to resemble the de-
generate offspring of the Portuguese.
'I'hey dress, when at home, exactly
in the manner of their slaves, bare-
headed, bare-footed, and wrapped in
a loose long goAvn of red checkered
cotton cloth, descending to the an-
cles, witli large wide sleeves. They
anoint their coarse black hair, with
cocoa-nut oil, and adorn it with the
tuberose, and other strong-.scentcd
tlowers. In this loose and airy dress
they loll about among their slaves
(to whom tliey are occasionally very
cruel), or sit on the ground, having
their legs crossed under them, chew-
ing betel, with which they are inta-
tuated.
These ladies soon ripen, and soon
decay: they are manageable at 11
and 12 years of age, and are ac-
counted old before 30. They hav e
no resources within themselves, and
many of them can neither read nor
write, and are ahnost totally unqua-
lified for the pleasiu-es of social inter-
course. Indeed the two sexes rarely
meet in companies except at great
entertainments, when each liave ge-
nerally their separate coteries ; the
men drinking and smoking in one
apartment, the women chcAving be-
tel with their slaves in another.
When they go abroad in the cool
of the evening to some grand assem-
bly, they dress themselves in a mag-
nificent style. Their jet black hair»
twisted close to the head, sparkles
with a profusion of diamojids, pearls,
and jewels of various kinds, mingled
M'ith flowers of the Arabian jessa-
mine and tuberose. Each lady has a
female slave, almost as richly dressed
as herself, sitting at her feet. Before
.supper is announced, tiiey usuallj
retire to put on their cotton night-
gowns, and the gentlonien do the
same, to exchange their heavy vel-
vets for white cotton jackets ; and the
elderly gentlemen their wigs for
night-caps. In this manner the day
is concluded with a smoking hot sup-
BATAVIA. 9§
pet, and its accompaniments, after
which they retire to rest.
There is a race of Portuguese still
remaining at Batavia, many of whom
are artificers and servants in fami-
lies. Their language is common here,
and still continues to be understood
in most of the old European settle-
ments, which shews how deep a root
that nation had taken during its
prosperity. At Batavia their lan-
guage has survived their dominiun,
and even their religion, which is still
more extraordinary; their descend-
ants having gradually embraced the
Calvinistic tenets of the go% ernment
— a singular instance of Portuguese
prayers and congregation out of the
pale of the Roman communion.
Most of the slaves at Batavia aae
imported from Celebes and the other
eastern islands, particularly from that
of Neas, off the western coast of
^Sumatra. The species of slavery at
Bata\ ia is of the very worst descrip-
tion, and the cruelties exercisetl on
these forlorn wretches so great, as
frequently to drive them to such an
excess of desperation and madness,
as to run the muck, and destroy
whatever they approach, man or
beast. The punishments inflicted by
the Dutch go^ernmeJlt for this and
other crimes, were so horrible and
incredible, as to leave a doubt whe-
ther the perpetrators were human
creatures, or devils in a human shape.
That the severity of the punishment
never prevented the crimes is proved
by the fact, that at the British settle-
ment of Bcncoolen, where the pu-
nishments art! of the mildest nature,
the running the muck, or any despe-
rate Clime, scarcely ever occurs,
while tlie reverse is the case ot Ba-
tavia, and the Dutch settlements ge-
nerally.
When a rich proprietor is about to
return to Europe, it is not unusual to
manumit his slaves, but it is more
frequent when he is at the point of
death. A manumitted slave gene-
rally liires a small patch of ground
from the sei-vants of government, in
'Which iie cultivatt^s flowers, fruits,
and vegetables for the Batavian mar-
ket. The most numerous, expert,
and industrious of all the slaves im-
ported to Batavia, are (hose from the
Island of Celebes, and known by the
natne of buggcsscs and niacassars.
Men.
In 1804 the garrison of Batavia
consisted of French auxiliary
troops ------- 240
23d Dutch battalion - - - 600
National troops, three batta-
lions, of M'hom 200 oflicers
and grenadiers were Emopc-
ans, the remainder Madu-
rans and Samanaps - - - 2400
One battalion infantry chas-
seurs, Madurans and Sama-
naps -------- 4()0
Float artillery, mostly recruits,
Madurans ------ 600
One company light artillery - 100
European cavalry - - _ _ 200
Total 4540
There was also a corps of military
engineers, mostly Europeans. All
the troops, not absolutely requisite
for the duties of the fortifications, are
quartered in the en\ irons, on account
of the unhealthincss of tlic city ; but
the camps of Wcltc Freden and Ja-
catra, although a league and a half
distant, are not exempt from disease,
yet are, on the whole, healthier
than the towii. It has by some been
ct)njectured, that the insalubrity of
Batavia entered into the political
system of the Dutch, with a view to
its defence, and that the seasoned in-
habitants are not particularly de-
sirous of impro^^ng its climate, as it
prevents the intrusion of foreign set-
tlers, and gives them a monopoly of
commerce, and the emoluments of
office.
In 1799, the new camp at AVelto
Freden was established in a woody
plain, a league and a half up the
country, the land adjacent being dry,
and the viciriity but little marshy.
The road is along a fine causeway,
with couRtry seats on one side, aad
m
BATt ISLE.
on the oilier a iiavip;able canal. The
barracks, wliich are bnilt ot" wood
and stone, oceiipy a third of the
groiuul on the opposite Kide of the
entrance, Tatniabanj?. a large Malay
villag:e, in which tiiere are .several
Chinese laniilirs, stands on a hei^Oit
two and a half leajjucs from the
city.
Mester Cornelis is a small fort, a
league beyond Welte Freden, snr-
ronndcd by small Javanese, Malay,
and Chinese viilag,es. The ground
rises iuseasibly to Mester Cornelis,
which is seen half a mile oil'. 'I'liis
fort lies in a hollow on the bank of
the great ii\er, commaiided by a
sniall height. On the right and left
of th<! road are Ijaniboo barracks for
the Madnran artillery, of whieii this
is the depot. 'I'he fort is built of
stone, but is not strong, the demi-
bastions being seareely two feet thick,
by four high, and surronnded by a
dry ditch. '1 he entrance is by a stone
bridge, within which is the guard-
house, and near to it another house
occupied by the European artillery.
The fort is quitted by another bridge
on the opposite side, connnunicating
with a range of wooden barracks, in
which are the artillery officers and
the companies under training.
A. D. 1619, the Dutch governor,
General John Pieterson Coen took
the tow n of Jacatra by assault, and
in a great measure destroved it. He
afterwiirds founded another city, not
exactly on the same spot, but very
near to it, to which he ga\e the name
of JJatavia. During the hostilities
which followed the French Kcolu-
Intion, Ja^a was never attacked by
the Ihitish, until the United States
of Holland were formally annexed to
the I'rench doniinions. In 1811 an
expedition was prejtared at the Bri-
tish sctllenients in India, which ar-
rived in the roads of Batavia on the
4th of August of the same year, when
the troops were ininiediately landed.
On the Hth the city of Batavia sur-
rcnderi (1 at discretion to Sir Samuel
Achinuty, General Jan.sens having
retired to the fortilied camp at Mester
Cornelis, where, on the 25fli of Alii-
gust, 1811, he was attacked by the
British forces, and totally defeated.
{Stavori)ins, Barrow, Cluarterly Re-
view, Toinbe, Staunton, cVc.)
Batchian Isle. — One of the Mo-
lucca Islands, se|>aratcd from Gilolo
by a narrow strait, and situated be-
tween the equatorial line, and the
first degree of south latitude. It is
of an irregular shape, but in length
may be estimated at 52 miles, by 20
the average breadth. In 1775 the
Sultan of Batchian claimed dominion
over the islands of Ooby, Ceram, and
Gorani, but was himself entirely sub-
ject to the iniluence of the Dutch.
The iuhahitants of Batchian are Ma-
lay, and of the Mahommedan re-
ligion, {Forrest, ^r.)
Bate Isle. — An island belonging^
to the province of Gujrat, situated
at the south western-extremity of the
Gulf of Cutch. Lat . 22°. 22'. Long.
69°. 21'. E. Bate signilies an island
of any kind, but the proper name of
this island is Shunkodwara.
This ishind has a good harbour
well secured from the prevaihng
winds, but the anchorage is rocky.
The fort of Bate has lately been
much improved, but is still an in-
significant place, being merely a
square with a double wall on one
side. It was, notwithstanding, at-
tacked by a British force without
success in 1803, which was attribnted
to the want of regular land ibrees-
On this occasion many brave men
lost their lives. About 150 vessels
of diflerent sizes belong to the port,
which are employed chiclly to and
from Mandavee, and until the in-^
terference of the British, were the
piratical vessels so much dreaded by
the traders on the western coasts of
India. The destruction or occupa-
tion of the fort of Bate, will be the
only efl'ectual means of allorditig pro-
tection to the trade of the Gulf of
Cutch, and would, proiiably, benefit
both the inhabitants and the temples.
This island does not produce suffi*
cient food for its own support, and
consequently imports large quantiticb
EATINDA.
97
of gliee, sugar, grain, &c. which are
consumed by the numerous pilgrims
resorting to the holy places. The
town of Bate contains about 2000
houses, chiefly inhabited by Brah-
mins, but all sorts of trades are also
to be found. Vegetables, riased in
small quantities, and milk, compose
a considerable part of the food of the
inhabitants; the iSsh, with which
their shores abound, being held sa-
cred. The Bate government has
also Aramra, Positra, Bhurwalla, for-
tified places, and the little -village of
Rajpoor, subject to it. The whole
revenue arising from the temples, the
port duties, and the sliare of pirated
property, probably, does not exceed
two lacks of ru|)ees per annum.
By an agreement executed with
Major Walker, on the 14th Dec.
1807, Coer Babjee, of Bate, and
Rana Sree Suggarraanjee, of Aramra,
engaged not to permit, instigate, or
connive at, any act of piracy com-
mitted by any person under their au-
thority, and also to abstain fiom
plundering vessels in distress. A free
and open commerce to be permitted
to all British vessels paying the re-
gulated duties. The British, by this
treaty, engaged to afford the temple
at Bate suitable protection and en-
couragement.
Shunkodwar is the proper name of
tlie Island of Bate, and is derived
from that of a Hindoo demon so
named, from his dwelling in a laige
shuuk, or conch shell, wherein he
concealed the sacred Vedas which
lie iiad stolen from Brahma. An in-
carnation of Vishnu, under the ap-
pellation of Shunknarrayan, cut
open the shell, and restored the Ve-
das to their lawful owner. The de-
mon pleaded as his excuse, that he
hoped to have been put to death by
Vishnu for the theft, which would
have secured him future ha{)piness.
In consequence of this exploit
Shunknarayan (Vishnu), or the de-
stroyer of the shell demon, establish-
ed his own worship on the island,
where it continued paramount until
the llislit of another Hindoo deity,
H
named Runclior, fromDwaraca, from
a Mahommedan army, since which
time Runchor has been supreme on
Bate. This place was taken, in 1462,
by Sultan Mahmood Begra, of Ah-
medabad and Gujrat. {M'Murdo,
Treaties, Si~c.)
Batheri. — A small village in
Northern Hindostan, situated among
the mountains in the province of Se-
rinagur. Lat. 30°. 49'. N. Long. 78°.
30'. E. This village is placed on the
hill about 300 feet above the bed of
the Bhagirathi, or Ganges, and has.
a small temple sacred to Mahadeva.
In some parts of this neighbouihood
tlie poppy is cultivated, and the
opium extracted is said to be of au
excellent quality. On the opposite
side of the river is an extraordinary
cascade, which issues from the sum-
mit of the mountain, and exhibits
five distinct falls of water, one above
the other. The top of the mountain
is generally covered with snow, from
the melting of which this cascade
derives its chief supplies. {Raper, ^c.)
Batneer, {Bhatnir). — A town in
the province of Delhi, district of
Hissar Firozeh, 170 miles N. W.
from Delhi. West of this a banen
sandy desert begins, there being no
other town until the Sutuleje is ap-
proached. The chiefs of the Battle
country, of w hich this is the capital,
are called Rajpoot Mahommedans;
the common people are Jauts, most
of whom have also become of that
religion. This town was taken and
destroyed by Timour in 1398. \G.
Thomas, S,-c.)
Batinda. — A district in Hindos-
tan, situated partly in the N. W.
quarter of the province of Delhi, and
partly in the northern extremity of
the province of Ajmeer. This dis-
trict comprehends the Lacky jungle,
so much celebrated for the fertility
of its pasture lands, and for an ex-
cellent breed of horses. This jungle
forms a circle of about 40 miles each
way. On the north it is bounded by
the country of Roy Kellaun, cast by
the province of Hurrianeh, south by
Batueer, and west by the great De-
98
BATTAS.
seit[. If is situated 35 miles iiortli
from Batnecr, and 80 wcstlVoiii Pat-
tealch, to the chief of which place
the Rajah of the Lacky jungle is
tributary. The soil being sandy, the
wells are excavated to a great depth.
The country yields rice, bajerah, and
other sorts of grain, but not abun-
dantly. The original breed of horses
in tills country has been much im-
proved by Persian horses, which
were introduced during the invasions
of Nadir Shah, and Ahmed Shah
Abdalli. (Thomas, cVf.)
Eatool. — A large fortified village
and tank, situated near the sources
of the Tuptce, among the mountains
which bound the north of the Berar
province. From Barooly Gliaut to
Eatool is a table land, well cultivated
with wheat, sugar-cane, Eengalgram,
and other pulses. The village is po-
pulous, and placed in a fertile valley,
near the ancient Kusbaof Kurreem,
now in ruins, three miles distant.
(yith Register, ^c.)
Battalah, (or Vutala). — A town
in the province of Lahore, 75 miles
E. S. E. from the city of Lahore.
Lat. 31°. 34'. N. Long. 75°. 3'. E.
This is a large town, and stands
on a fine ojien plain, about 24 miles
east from Annutsir. It is surrounded
by groves of mango trees and tanks
of water, and is considered the
healthiest place in the Punjab. There
is an excellent plum grows at this
place, named alooeha ; their apples
also are larger and better tlian in
most other parts of llindostan. The
hills lie about 70 miles distant, and
in winter are covered witli snow.
(lUh Register, (^c.)
Battanta. — A small island in the
Eastern Seas, about the 131st de-
gree of east longitude, and sepa-
rated from the island of SallaMatty
by Pitts Straits. In length it may
be estimated at 35 miles, by five
miles the average breadtli.
Battamandk. — A point on the
N. W. coast of Borneo, lat. 6°. 60'.
N. Long. 116°. 45'. E. To the south-
ward of Batoomande is a commo-
dious bay, at the mouth of the Pau-
doossan River. From Pirates Point,
which lies in 7°. N. are several bays,
where shipping, working up and
down the coast, may anchor safely,
and get water from the shore. {El-
more, Si'c.)
Batanpally Isles. — ^Two small
islands off the western coast of Wa-
geeoo, about the 130th degree of east
longitude. They are both (compre-
hended within the circumference of
18 miles.
B ATT AS, (Bntak). — A country in
the Island of Sumatra, bounded on
the north by that of Acheen, and on
the south by the independent district
of Race; extending along the sea
coast, on the western side, from tho
River Singkel to that of Tabuyong,
bttt inland to that of Ayer Bangis,
and generally across the island,
which is narrow in that part, to the
eastern coast ; but more or less en-
croached upon by the Malayan and
Acheenese establishments.
I'he soil is fertile, and cultivation
so much more prevalent than in the
.southern countries of the island, that
there is scarcely a tree to be seen,
except those planted by the natives,
about their villages, which are
found wherever a naturally strong-
situation presents itself. Water is
not so abundant as to the south-
ward, the country being compara-
tively level; about the Bay ot'Tapa-
nooly the land is high and wooded.
The Singkell River, which bounds
this country, and is the largest on
the west coast of Sumatra, rises in
mountains about 30 miles from the
sea. The Batta country is divided
into many small districts, which
yield gold, benzoin, cassia, cam-
phor. Sec.
The natives of the sea coasts ex-
change their benzoin, camphor, and
cassia, (the quantity of gold dust is
very small) for iron, steel, brass
wire, and salt ; of which last article
100,000 bamboos measure are annu-
ally taken olf in the Bay of Tappa-
nooly. These they barter again with
the more inland inhabitants, for the
couvciiicuce of w liicli fairs ar»; est*-
BATTAS.
9^
blislietl at the back of Tappanooly.
Having no coin, all value is esti-
mated amonp; them by certain com-
modities. The ordinary food of the
lower classes is maize and sweet po-
tatoes, rice being reserved for the
rsjahs and great men. Their houses
are built of frames of wood, with the
sides of board, and the roof covered
with Ijoo.
The country is very populous, and
chiefly in the central parts, M'hero are
extensive open plains, on the bor-
ders, it is said, of a great lake. The
government of the Batta country, al-
though nominally in the hands of
three or more sovereign rajahs, is
efiectively divided info numberless
petty chicfships, and it does not ap-
pear likely, from the manners and
dispositions of the peojjle, tliat the
whole country was ever united under
one supreme head. It is asserted
that the succession to the chiefship
goes to the nephew by a sister, as
among the Nairs of Nalabar. Tlie
standard of the Battas is a horse's
head, with a flowing mane, which
seems to indicate a coiniexion with
the Hayagrivas, of Sanscrit history.
The Battas, although of an inde-
pendent spirit, have a superstitious
veneration for the Sultan of Menan-
cabow, and shew a blind submission
to his relations and emissaries. In
their persons, the Battas are rather
below the stature of the Malays, and
their complexions are fairer. I'heir
dress is a sort of cotton cloth, ma-
nufactured by themselves. Their
arms are matchlock guns, spears,
and swords ; the first they purchase
from the Menancabow traders, and
the last they make themselves, as
also their gunpowder. The spirit
of warfare is excited among these
people by the slightest provocation ;
in fact, their life appears to be a
.state of perpetual hostility. They
fortify all their villages ; and, instead
of tower or watch-house, they con-
trive to have a tall tree, which they
ascend to reconnoitre or fire from.
The men are allowed to marry as
many wives as they please, or can
H 3
afford to have ; half a doKcn is not
uncommon. The daughters are
looked upon, as all over Sumatra, as
the riches of the father. The condi-
tion of the women appears to be no
other than that of slaves, the hus-
bands having the power of selling
their wives and children. They
alone, besides their domestic duties,
work in the rice plantations. The
men, when not engaged in war,
lead an idle inactive life, passing the
day playing on a sort of flute. Like
the rest of the Sumatrans, they are
all much addicted to gaming: when
a man loses more than he is able to
pay, he is confined, and sold for a
slave.
The most extraordinary of the
Eatta customs, though certainly not
peculiar to this people, is the prac-
tice of eating the bodies of their
enemies, whom they kill in battle,
and also of a certain description of
criminals. This extreme depravity
has been long doubted, but is now
established by a weight of testimony
not to be resisted. The Battas are
said to eat the body as a species of
ceremony; as a mode of shewing
th fir detestation of particular crimes
by an ignominious punishment, and
as a savage display of revenge and
iusnlt to theircuemics. The objects
of this barbarous repast are prison-
ers taken iji war, especially if badly
wounded; the bodies of the slain,
and ofl'cnders condemned for certain
crimes, particularly adultery. The
prisoners unwounded (but the Bat-
tas are not much disposed to give
quarter,) may be ransomed or sold
as slaves, where the quarrel is not
too inveterate. Convicts rarel}^ sui-
fer, v^hen their friends are in cir-
cumstances to redeem them, by the
customary equivalent of 80 dollars.
Mr. Marsden confines their can-
nibalism to the above twu cases;
but Dr. Ijcyden thinks that they
frequently eat their own relations,
when aged and infirm ; not so much
to gratify their ajipctite, as to per-
form a pious ceremony. Thus when
a man becomes aged aud iniinuj he
100
BATTECOLLAH.
is said fo invite his own children to
eat liini, in the season when salt
and linies are cheapest. This, Dr.
Leyden says, is the aecoont Avhich
the Batlas give of themselves, as
well as of the Malays dwelling in
Iheirvieiuity, This singular eustoni
of Anthropophagy, practised by a
naUon in other respects more civi-
lized tlian the iAlalays,by whom they
are sunonnded, attiactcd early the
attention of Europeans, and led to
the establishment of the fact.
The religion of the Batlas, like
that of all tlie other inhabitants of
the island, who are not Mahomme-
dans, is so obscnre in its principles,
as scarcely to afl'ord room to say
that any exists among them. They
have, however, rather more ceremo-
nies than the otlier Sumatrans, and
there is an order of persons, called
by them Gooroo (a well known Hin-
doo term), who may be denominated
priests, as they are employed in ad-
ministering oaths, foretelling lucky
and unlncky days, making sacrifices,
and the performance of religions
rites. The ceremonies that wear
most the appearance of religion are
those practised on taking an oath,
and at their funeral obsequies.
Europeans not being settled
among the Eattas on the sam6
footing as in the pepper districts,
the principles or practice of their
laws is not well known. Open r«b-
bei-y and murder are punishable
with death, if the parties are unable
to redeem their lives by a sum of
money. In cases of double adul-
tery, the man, upon detection, is
punished m ith death ; but the wo-
man is only disgraced by having her
head shaved, and being sold for a
slave, which in fact she was before.
The Batta language is probably
the most ancient in Sumatra, and is
the chief source of that diversity of
dialect, which is discoverable in the
languages of the islaiul, llu; al-
phabet consists of 19 letters, each
variable by siv vocalic sounds. This
language has a remarkable pecu-
Umty ; it is written neither ironi the
left to the right, nor from the right
to the left, nor from top to bottom ;
but in a manner dhectly opposite to
that of the Chinese, from the bottom
to the top of the line. The material
for writing on is a bamboo, or branch
of a tree, and the instrument for
writhig the point of a creese. The
Battas sometimes read the bamboos
horizontally, instead of perpendicu-
larly ; but they consider the correct
mode of reading to be from the bot-
tom to the top.
I'he Battas sometimes write on
growing trees, and in this case^ if a
blank space occurs, it is towards the
top of the division, a circumstance
which determhies what they con-
sider as the natiual position of their
characters. It is remarkable that
the proportion of people who can
read and wiite, is much greater than
pf those who cannot.
'I'hat this extraordinary nation has
preserved the rude genuineness of
its character and manners, may be
attriboted to various causes; such
as the want of the precious metals,
the vegetable riches of the soil ■easily
obtained, their ignorance of naviga*
tion, the divided nature of their go-
vernment, which are circumstances
unfavourable to the propagation of
new opinions and customs; and
lastly, the ideas entertained of the
ferociousness of the people, from the
practices above described, which
may well be supposed to have damp^
frd the ardour, and restrained the,
zeal of religious irmovators. {Mart'
den, JLei/de7i, Sfc.)
Battecollah, {Batneala). — A
town on the sea coast of the British
district of North Canara, which sig-
nifies the round town. Lat. 13°.
56'. N. Long. 74°. 37'. E.
This place stands on the north
bank of a small river, the Sancada-
holay, which waters a very beautiful
valley, suiTOunded on every side by
hills, and in an excellent state of cul-
tivation. At the public expense
eight dams are yearly made, in or-
der to water the rice grounds,
wliich are constructed of earth, and
BATTU.
101
«n!y intended to collect the stream
during the dry season.
Battccollah is a large open to>vn,
containiiig 500 houses. It has two
mosques, one of which receives an
allowance of 100 pagodas from the
Company, and the other half as
much. Many of the Mahommedans
are wealthy, and go on commercial
speculations to diflerent parts of the
coast. In this part of the country
there are -none of the Bnntar cast,
hor does the language of Tulava ex-
tend so far north. BattecoUah is
properly in the country named Hai-
ga, and the most common fanners are
a kind of Brahmins, named Haiga,
after the country, and a low cast of
Hindoos, named Halepecas. There
are here a great many guddies, or
temples, belonging to the followers
of Vyas. There are two Jain tem-
ples, the only remains of 68, that
were formerly in the j)lace. In this
part of the country the Ikeri princes
seem almost to have extinguished
the Jains; but towards the north
they appear to have met with a more
vigorous resistance. {F. Buchafian,
Eatties, {Bhatti). — The country
of the Batties, or Bhatties, is bound-
ed on the north by the Punjab and
the River Sutuleje ; east, by the dis-
tiict of llurrianah ; west, by the
desert; and south, by Bicanere. —
From north to south it extends about
150 miles, and from east to west
about 100, and comprehends part of
the provinces of Lahore, Delhi, and
Ajmeer.
The part of the country best
adapted for cultivation is along the
banks of the liiver Cuggur, tiom
the town of Futtehabad to Batneir.
This portion of temtory is very pro-
ductive, which is caused by the
abundance of water M'hich descends
from the mountains during the rainy
season, and makes the Cuggur over-
flow. The land w ithin the influence
of this inundation produces wheat,
rice, and barley, but the remainder
of the Bhatty country, owing to a
scarcity of moisture, is sterile and
unproductive. The River Cuggur is
afterwards lost in the sands to the
west of Batneer, though it is said
formerly to have joined the Su-
tuleje in the vicinity of leroze-
poor.
Batneeris the capital of the Bhatty
country ; the other towns o' note are
Arroali, Futtehabad, Sirsah, and
Ranyah. There is but little com-
merce carried on in tliis countrj , the
inhabitants being more addicted to
thieving than industiious pursuits.
With the exceptiou of the sale of
their sur|)lus grain, ghee, and cattle,
they have little intercourse m ith the
neighbouring states, and that prin-
cipally through petty merchants of
the Shiekh Fereed sect. Their im-
ports are coarse white cloth, sugar,
and salt, but the trade is very incon-
siderable.
The Bhatties are properly shep-
herds; various tribes of them are
found in the Punjab, and they are
also scattered over the high grounds
to the east of the Indus, from the
sea to Uch. In the Institutes of
Acber tliese tribes are called Asham-
batty. Their chiefs were originally
Rajpoots, but are now Mahomme-
dans. A majority of the present in-
habitants of the Bhatty coimtry « ere
originally Jauts, who atterwaids
turned Mahommedans. Their cha-
racter is bnt inditierent, being de-
scribed by their neighbours as cruel,
savage, and ferocious thieves from
th(-ir birth, and in the practice of
adding murder to robbery. The
Bhatty females sac allowed to ap-
pear in public unveiled, and with-
out that species of concealment so
common over Hindostan, especially
among the followers of Mahommed.
{Thomas, Wilford, Drummond, ifc.)
BArrowAL. — A town in the ter-
ritories of the Poonau Maharattas,
in the province of Aurungabad, 60
miles N. by W. trom Ahmcdnuggur.
Lat. 19°. 52'. N. Long. 74°. 5o'. E.
Battu, {PhIo Batu). — An island
lying olf the western coast of Su-
matra, situated imm diately to the
southward of the equinoctial line.
102
BAZAAR.
In lengfh it may be estimated at This river rises in tlie hills of Cho-
40 miles, by 10 miles the average
breadth.
This island is inhabited by a co-
lony from the Island of Neas, who
pay a yearly tax to the Rajah of Ba-
luaro, a small fortified village in the
interior of the island, belonging to a
different race, whose ntimber it is
said amounts to only 100, which it
is not allowed to exceed, just so
many children being raised as are
sufficient to repair the deaths. They
are reported to bear a resemblance
to the people of Massacar and the
Buggesses, and may have been ad-
venturers from that quarter. The
influence of the Buluaro Rajah
over the Neas inhabitants, who ex-
ceed his immediate subjects in the
proportion of 20 to one, is founded
on a superstitious belief, that the
water of the island will become salt
wlien they neglect to pay the tax. —
He, in his turn,;being in danger from
the Malay traders, who resort hither
irom Padang, and are not influenced
by the same superstition, is com-
pelled to pay them an annual tribute
of 16 ounces of gold.
The food of the people, as in the
other islands of the Sumatra coast, is
chiefly sago, and their exports cocoa
nuts, oil in considerable quantities,
and swalio, or sea slug. No rice is
cultivated here. This island is vi-
sible from Natal Hill in Sumatra, and
is entirely covered with wood. —
(^Marsden, ^«?.)
Battulaki. — A harboTir, situated
at the northern extremity of the
Island of Magindanao. Lat. 5°.
42'. N. Long. 125°. E.
This harbour is known ])y a re^
markable rock, abont the size of a
large dwelling-house, of a pipe-clay
colour, between which and the main
is a reef of rocks, over whith boats
may pass at high water. In tiie har-
bour there is 10 fathoms water. 'I'he
teesgur, in the province of Gundwa-
na, and receives all the streams that
have their sources on the S. W. side
of the hills, which separate the
champaign country of Choteesgur
from Berar. Its comse has never
been completely traced, but it is
supposed to join the Inderowty Ri-
ver, which flows into the Godavery,
near Badrachellum. {Blunt, S,-c.)
Baaveet. — A small fortified town
in the province of Cutch, situated
on the road from Luckput Bunder
to Mandavee, on the Gulf of Cutch,
from which it is distant about 15
miles to the northward.
This place stands on the side of a
hill to the northward of an extensive
tank. The adjacent comitry is well
cultivated, and the inhabitants ap-
pear industrious. From hence to
Mandavee the road is generally good,
but the country is less cultivated.
{Max field, 4'c.)
Baypoor. — A town on the Mala-
bar Coast, about 16 miles south from
Calicut. Lat 11°. 12'. N. Long. 76°.
52'. E. Tippoo new named this
place Sultanpatnem, and intended
to have established it as one of his
places of trade. Teak ships of 400
tons have been built here from tim-
ber procured in the neighbourhood.
The teak tar is here extracted from
the cliips and saw-dust of the ves-
sel, and is said to excel the Norwe-
gian tar.
Bazaar. — A small village in the
province of Cabul, three-fourths of
a mile from the western shore of the
Indus, about 20 miles above the
town of Attock. Lat. 33°. 19'. N.
Long. 71°. 16'. E. The stream is
here rapid, with a rough, undulating
motion, and about three-fourths of
a mile, or a mile in breadth, where
it is not interrupted by islands, and
having nearly a W. by S. course.
The water is mucli discoloured by a
Dutch once attempted a settlement fine black sand, which quickly sub-
here, but were driven off by the na- sides when put into a vessel. It is
lives. {Forrest, iSc.) also very cold, owing to the mix-
Baum Gunoa, or Wainy River, ture of snow from the mountains,
(Vam Ganga, rapid as an arroiv).-— when thawed by the summer heat.
BEDNORE.
103
This place has been conjectured to recourse to tliis nalive salt, ascainst
be the Baziia of the ancients. {Foster, whicli, however, tlioy have a strong'
Wilford, &iT.)
Beacul, {Vyacula). — A strong na-
tive fort in the distiict of South Ca-
uara, placed, like Cananore, on a
high projecting point into tlie sea,
towards the south, arid having within
it a hay. Lat. 12°. 22'. ^'. Long.
75°. 9'. E.
The town .stands north from the
fort, and contains al)out 100 houses.
prejudice. The black sand ore of
iron abounds here in the torrents.
The country in this neighbourhood
is exceedingly bare, and the ])opnla-
tion scanty. AH the houses are col-
lected in villages, and the smallest
village is fortified. Baydamungaluni
was tbrmerly a considerable place,
and the residence of a polygar. In
the dispute for the dominion between
I'he inhabitants are cliiefiy INIopla} s its ancient lord and Hyder, the town
and Muccas, with a icw 'I'iars, and .suffered exceedingly, and is now
people of the Concan, mIio have greatly deduced, 'llie people in the
long settled in Canara as shop-keep- adjacent country are a mixture of
ers. Beggars swarm here, as is the Taniuls, Telingas, and Carnatacas,
case every where in India, except or Canares, with a considerable num-
Malabar, where there are very few. ber of Malrommedans. {F. Btt~
{F. Buchanan, ^t.) chanan, ^c.)
Beawull. — A town in the jMaha- Bednore, (Beiduntru). — A dis-
ratta territories, in the province of trict in the north-westorn extremity
Khandesh, 35 jnilcs S. W. liom of the Rajah of Mysore's territorie
Boorhanpoor. Lat. 21°. i>'. N. Long.
75°. 48'. E.
Bedagur, (Vedaghar). — A town
in the district of (jiurrah, on the
south side of the Nerbuddah River,
10 miles S. W. from Gurrah. Lat.
23°. 6'. N. Lonff. «0°. 5'. E.
situated on the summit of that range
of western hills, which o%erlooks the
provinces of Canara and Malabar,
and named the Western Ghauts,
These mountains, elevated liom four
to 5000 feet above the level of the
sea, present to the west a surface in
Bedamungalum, {or Betumnnoa- many places nearly perpendicular to
him). — A town in the iiajah of M5- the horizon, and by their height in-
soie's tenitories, near the eastern tercept the clouds of the western
frontier. Lat. 12°. 58'. N. Long, monsoon. Nine rainy months in the
78°. 24'. E, This place is situated year are usually calculated on in this
about 300 yards west of the Palare chmate, and for six of that number
River, which is not here above 40 it is customaiy to make the same
feet wide, and in the month of May preparatory arrangements for provi-
contains only two or three feet depth sion (water excepted), as are adopt-
of water, nearly stagnant. In the ed in a ship proceeding on a voyage,
rainy season it fills several fine re- This extraordinary moisture is not
servoirs, or tanks, for the use of cul- only favourable to the growth of the
tivation. All over the country in pecuhar products of the province,
this vicinity common salt (muriate but covers the face of the covntry
of soda) is very commordy diffused, with timber of great stature, with
It is found in low wet grounds, con- underwood scarcely peneti able,
tained in a poor and bhiek soil, and 'I'he exports from this district con-
in Tippoo's reign was extracted in sist chiefly of pepper, betel nut, san-
considerable quantities. At that dal wood, and cardamoms. The
time the trade with the Lower Car- imports are salt, rice, cocoa nuts,
natic being entirely contraband, so oil, turmeric, and cotton cloths. The
bulky an article as salt could not be roads being bad, most of the goods
smuggled in sufficient quantities for are carried to Mangalore by porters,
the consumption ; the inhabitants the most important article being be-
were consequently obliged to have tel nut. The difference of elevatioai
T04
BEEDER.
makes this climate a month later tilling and selling spirituous liquors,
than it is on tlie sea coast. The cat- 'J'ippoo carried them all to Seringa-
tie, like those below the Ghauts, are patam.
remarkably small. The country Travelling distance from Seringa-
breeds more than is required for its patam 187 miles N. W. from Ma-
cultivation, and a considerable sur- dvas 445 miles ; from Poonah 382
plus is annually exported to the sea
coast, "^rhe horses are indifferent,
but might be improved by sending
into the district a few stallions.
miles. (JP. Buchanan, Wilks, Rcti-
nel, Src.)
Beechipoor. — A village in the
province of Sinde, situated on the
When conquered by Hyder, in -west side of the Goonee, on the
1762, the Bednore dominions ex- route from Hyderabad, the capital
tended over the maritime province of Sinde, to Mandavee, a sea port
now named Canara, and to the east on the Gulf of Cutch, by th^ way
over a tract of more open country, of Luckput Bunder. Lat. 24^^. 35'. N.
extending to Sunta, Bednore, and In this neighbourhood are a num-
Hoolukera, wiihin 20 miles of Chit- ber of fine trees resembling the ap-
ple tree, also the Laurestinus cherry
and drooping willow, and abundance
of the lye bush. The soil is rich,
but except close to the banks of the
river is wholly uncultivated, and
covered with jungle. Nor is any
advantage taken of the numerous
natural canals with which the coun-
try is intersected. They remain over-
grown with rank weeds and bushes,
which impede the navigation, and
{Maxfieldf
teldroog. (WiM, F. Buchanan, S'c.)
Bednore. — A town in the Ra,jah
of Mysore's territories, the capital
of a district of the same name. Lat.
13°. 48'. N. Long. 75°. 6'. E.
This place was originally named
Biderhully, or Bamboo Village, un-
til the scat of government was re-
moved from Ikeri to this toM'n, after
which it was named Bideruru, or
Bamboo Place. On this transfer, the
whole revenue of the country being vitiate the atmosphere,
expended here, Bednore immediate- ^'c.)
ly became a city of great magnitude Beeder. — A province in the Dec-
and commerce, and is said to have can, now possessed by the Nizam,
then contained 20,000 houses, be- situated principally betwixt the 16tli
sides huts, defended by a circle of and 18th degrees of north latitude,
woods, hills, and fortified defiles. To the north it is bounded by Au-
When taken by Hyder, in 1763, it rungabad and Nandere; on the south
was estimated at eight miles in cir- by the River Krishna ; to the cast it
cumference, and it is said the plun- has the province of Hyderabad ; and
der actually realised amounted to 12 to the west the province of Bejapoor.
millions sterling. He afterwards In length it may be estimated at 140
changed its name to Hydernagur. miles, by 65 the average breadtli.
This place was taken and plun- The surface of this province is uiv-
dered by the British detachment even and hilly, but not mountainous,
from Bombay, under Gen. Mat- and it is intei-sected by many small
thews, in 1783, but they were after- rivers, which fertilize the soil, and
wards attacked by Tippoo, assisted flow into the Beemah, Khrisna, and
by the French, and all destroyed, or Godavcry. The country is very pro-
made prisoners. ductive, and under the ancient Hin-
AtTippo's death it contained 1500 doo government contsuned a redun-
honses, besides huts, and it is fast dant population, but it is now thinly
recovering, being a convenient tho- inhabited compared with the British
roughfare for goods. During the provinces. Although long the seat
Banny's government, 100 families of of a Mahommcdan sovereignty, and
Concan Christians settled at Bed- still subject to princes of that reli-
nore, and subsisted chiefly by dis- giou, the Hindoos probably still ex-
BEENISHENR.
105
eeed tlie Mahommedans in the pro- cept the east side, wTiich is a rising
portion of 10 to one. The junction ground about 100 yards high. It is
of the three languages, Telinga, Ma-
haratta, and Canara, takes place in
this province, somewhere near its
capital.
This province is now wholly com
much decayed, but the remains of
many good buildings are still to be
seen. It was formerly noted for
works of tutenague inlaid with silver.
Before the Mahommedan invasion
prehended within the dominions of Bedecr was the capital of a Hindoo
the Nizam, and governed by his olB
cers. The principal towns arcBeeder,
or Ahmedabad, Kalbergah, and Ca-
liany.
After the Mahommedan conquest
this province was the seat of the
Bhamener dynasty of Dcccan sove-
reigns, the first of whom was Sultan
Allah ud Deen Houssun Kangoh
Bhamenee, A. D. 1347, whose ca-
pital was Kalbergah. Besides the
princes of the Nizam Shahy, Adil
Shahy, and Koottub Shahy, founded
on tlie ruins of the Bhamenee dy-
nasty, there arose two others, com-
posed of parts of their once exten-
sive dominions. One was founded
sovereignty. Near the ruins of the
old Beeder, Ahmed Shah Bhamenee
founded the city of Ahmedabad,
which he made his capital in place
of Kalbergah, and this is the modern
Beeder.
I'ravelling distance from Hyder-
abad 78 miles, from Delhi 857, from
Madras 430, and from Calcutta 980
miles. {Upton, Scott, Remiel, Sfc.)
Beejapoor. — A town in the Ma-
haiatta dominions, in the province
of Aurungabad, 65 miles N. from
Ahmediuiggur. Lat. 19°. 64'. N.
Long. 75°. 1'. E.
Beemah River, (Bhinia, terrific).
— ^This river rises in the mountains
by Ameer Bereed about 1518, the to the north of Poonah, not many
prime minister, or rather confiner of miles from the source of the Goda-
the two last Bhamenee Sultans, and very, and passes within 30 miles to
called from him Bereed Shahy. His the east of Poonah, where it is call-
dominions were small, consisting of ed Bewrah, as well as Beemah, and
the capital Bedeer, and a few dis- is esteemed a sacred river. It is onh
tricts round that city. The honours of the principal rivers that join the
of royalty did not long remain in his Krishna, which it does near the town
family, his territories being wrested
from his grandson by the other Dec-
can princes, and the kingdom of
Beeder destroyed.
Along with the other Deccany
of Firozegur, in the province of
Beeder. The length of its course,
including the windings, may be esti-
mated at 400 miles.
The horses most esteemed by the
pro^inces, it fell under the INIogul Maharattas are those bred on the
dominion towards the conclusion of banks of the Beemah. They are of
the 17th century, during the reign
of Aurengzebe, from whose succes-
sors it was separated in 1717 by Ni-
zam ul Muluck, and has ever since
been possessed by his posterity, the
Nizams, resident at Hyderabad. {Fe-
rislUa, Scott, Mackenzie, ^c.)
Beeder. — A town in the province
of Beeder, of which it is the capital.
Lat. 17°. 47'. N. Long. 77°. 48'. E,
This city is fortified with a stone
wall, a dry ditch, and many round
towers. The wall is six miles in
circumference, and the town it en-
doses stands in au open plain, ex-
a middle size, and strong, are rather
a handsome breed, generally dark
bay, with black legs, and are called,
from the country which produces
them, Beemarteddy liorses. {Reii-
nel, 5th Register, ^c.)
Beenishenr. — A town in northern
Hindostan, situated close to the Hi-
malaya mountains, in the district of
MuUiboom, of which it is the ca-
pital. Lat. 28°. 21'. N. Long. 84°.
20'. E. This town stands at the con-
fluence of the Salegrami, or Gun-
duck, and a small stream named the
Hehagde. It is an entiepot of con-
106
BEJAPOOR.
siderable trade, and is sometimes
named Bccni-jee, by way of emi-
nence. {Kirkpatrick, ^-c.)
Beggah, {Bhiga). — A small town
formerly fortified in the province of
Bahar, district of Ram2;ur, 82 miles
S. from Patna. Lat, 24°. 25'. N.
Long. 85°. 20'. E.
Behawulpoor. — A town in the
proA ince of Mooltan, 37 miles S. by
E. from the city of Mooltan. Lat.
30°. 4' N. Long. 71°. 30'. E. This
town is situated near the Ghairah
Biver, in a very bad part of the de-
sert. It derives its name from the
Nabob BhawnlKhan, of the Abassi
family, and suriiamed Dadpootee.
He died in 1808, leaving a son under
age, whose territories were in a si-
tuation of great danger from tlie am-
bitious views of tiie Ameers of Sinde,
Tire BehH.wiilpoor state extends a
considerable way towards Bieancre,
but is tributary to the sovereigns of
Cabu!. To travel in this arid re-
gion, it is necessary to have an esta-
blishment of camels to carry a suji-
p}y of water, as in the deserts of
Arabia. {Registers, Smitk, 4'c.)
B UK RAD. — A small district in the
province of Cabul, situated betwixt
the 34th and 35th degrees of north
latitude. It has the district of Mun-
derar to the north, a range of hills
to the south, the liiver Chuganserai
to the east, and the River Alishung
to the west.
In 1582 it is described by Abul
Fazel as follows :— " 'J'he district of
Bekrad is full of infidels. Instead
of lamps they burn green fir, which
gives a very good light. Here is an
animal called a flying fox, which
flies about an ell from the ground.
Here are also mice, which have a
fine musky scent. Pooluk Bekrad
2,045,451 dams."
Behut RivKR. — See Jhylum.
Beiduru. — An open village in the
district of North Canara, containing
about 150 houses. Lat. 13°. 49'. N.
Long. 74°. 43'. E.
Beiduru once had a foi-t, and was
then a large place, belonging to a
Jain princess, named Byra Devi,
but the Jain sect are now quite' ex-
tinct herei At this place there is a
temple dedicated to Siva, in which
are many inscriptions. These in-
scriptions, among the Hindoos, seem
to be what the legends on the coins
are among the Mahommedans, and
so long as there is a nominal king all
inscriptions and legends are made in
his name. {F. Buckanan, ^-c.)
Bejagur, {Vijayaghar). — A dis-
strict in the province of Malvvah,
situated about the 22nd degree of
north latitude. Although to the soutli
of the Nerbuddah, in the Institutes
of Acber, A. D. 1582, it is placed
in the viceroyalty of Maluah, and is
described as follows : — " Sircar Bee-
jagur, containijig 32 mahals, mea-
surement 283,278 beegahs, revenue
12,249,121 dams. Seyurghal 3574
dams. It furnishes 1773 cavalry,
and 19,480 infantiy."
'i'his district is now possessed by
diflerent Maharatta chiefs. The chief
towns are Awass, Sindwah, and
Gherowd.
BEJAPOOR.
A large province in the Deccan,
extending from the 15th to the 19tli
degrees of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by the province
of Aurungabad ; on the south by the
Toombuddra River, and district of
North Canara; on the east by Au-
rungabad and Beeder ; and on the
west by the sea. In length it may
be estimated at 350 miles, by 200
miles the average breadth.
The western districts of this pro-
vince are very moun4ainous, parti-
cularly in the vicinity of the Ghauts;
but towards the cast the country is
more level, and watered by many
fine rivers, the principal of which
are the Krishna, the Beemah, the
Toombuddra, and the Gutpurba.
I'rior to 1790 the latter was the
boundary which separated the do-
minions of Tippoo from those of the
Maharattas.
There is nothing peculiar in the
agricultiuc or production ol this pro-
BEJAPOOR.
107
vince, whicli are Ihe same as in the
other regions of the Deccan. The
horses reared on tlie banks of the
-Beemah are held in great estimation
by the Maharattas, and furnish tlie
best cavalry in their armies. All the
sea coast being in the possession of
that nation, Avho are little addicted
to maritime commerce, the greater
part of what traffic subsists is carried
on by land carriage ^vith the interior,
but the extent of this species of in-
terchange all over the. Deccan is
considerable.
Four-fifths of this province have
long appertained to the. Maharattas,
and the remainder is under the go-
vernment of the Nizam. The Peshvva
is the nominal lord of the whole, but
possesses efl'ective jurisdiction over
but a small portion, the maritime
district of Concan being the largest
territory actually within his own
power. The principal cities are
Poonah, Bejapoor, Satarali, Mer-
ritch, or Mirjce, Darwar, Punder-
poor, Hubely, and Huttany.
The population of this province
cannot be compared with the best of
the British territories, but is pro-
bably equal to that of the Balaghaut
ceded territories, which being a re-
cent acqui.sition, have not had suffi-
cient time for improvement. Taking
the latter as a scale of comparison,
the inhabitants may be estimated at
seven millions ; of which number,
probably, not more than one-twen-
tieth are Mahommedans, the rest
being Hindoos of the Brahminical
persuasion.
In this province, approaching the
Krishna from the southward, the
Maharatta tongue comes more and
more into use; leaving this river to
the south, the Canara dialect de-
clines in a similar proportion, so that
the Krishna may be deemed the di-
viding boundary of the two lan-
guages, but the Cauara is rather
more spoken to the northward, than
the Maharatta to the south of the
river. The Krishna is also remark-
able for dividing dillerent stiles of
building. To the south the houses
of the lower class arc flat roofed, and
covered Avith mud and clay ; north-
ward the voofs are pitched and
thatched.
After the dissolntion of the Blia-
menee dynasty of the Deccan, Abou
ul MuziiU'er Adil Shah founded the
Adil Shahy sovereignty of Bejapoor,
A. D. 1489, comprehending witliin
the circle of his government all the
country fiom the River Beemrah to
Bejapoor. In 1502 he introduced
the ceremonies of the Shicah sect of
Mahommedans, which did not, prior
to this period, exist in the Deccan.
He died A. D. 1510, and his suc-
cessors were,
Ismael Adil Shah, died 1534.
Muloo Adil Shah, deposed and
blinded, having reigned six months.
Ibrahim Adil Shah, died 1557.
During liis illness this prince put to
death several physicians who had
failed in eflecting his cure, behead^
ing some, and treading others to
death with elephants, so that all the
surviving medical practitioners being
alarmed, fled his dominions.
Ali Adil Shah, assassinated 1579.
In the year 1564, the four Mahom-
medan Sultans of the Deccan formed
a confederacy against Ram Rajah,
the Hindoo sovereign of Bijanagur;
and having totally defeated and slain
him in battle, took and plundered
his capital. With him ended the
long established and powerful Hin-
doo dynasty of Bijanagur.
Ibrahim Adil Shah the Second,
died 1626. In tliis reign the Mogul
power began to be severely felt ia
the Dekkan.
Mahommed Adil Shah, died A. D.
1660. In this reign Sevajee the Ma-
haratta revolted, which, wilh the
Mogul conquests, reduced the Beja-
poor principality to the last extre-
mity.
AU Adil Shah the Second. This
prince died in 1672, after a turbulent
reign, during which he enjoyed tittle
more of royalty than the name, his
countiy being usuiped by Sevajee,
and other vassals.
Secunder Adil Shah, who never ac-
loa
BEJAPOOR.
quired any real power, bein^ merely
an instrument in the hands of his
nobility; and with him the Adil
Shahee dynasty ended in 1689, when
Bejapodr was beaeged and taken by
Aurengzebe, Secunder Adil Shah
being among the prisoners.
This Mahommedan dynasty of
Bejapoor was remarkable for the
practice of conferring Hindoo titles,
they being, m general, exclusively
Arabic.
The destruction of the Bejapoor
Deccany empire, and the beginning
of that of the Maharattas, happened
so nearly at the same time, that this
province cannot with strictness be
said ever to have been subject to the
throne of Delhi, although regularly
enumerated in tlie list of soubahs.
During the reign of Aurengzebe its
possession was disputed with much
slaughter, liut his successors early
abandoned it to the Maharattas, and
with them the greatest proportion
has remained ever since.
At the conclusion of the war be-
tween the British and Sindia in 1804,
the whole of the Maharatta terri-
tories in this province exhibited a
scene of the greatest anarchy; and
although nominally subject to the
Peshwa, his authority scarcely ex-
tended beyond the city of Poonah,
and was resisted by the chief of
every petty village. The different
chiefs and leaders of banditti, by
whom the country was occupied,
were almost innumerable ; but the
names and designations of the prin-
cipal were Goklah, Appah Saheb,
and Bala Saheb (the sons of Purse-
ram Bhow, and heads of the Put-
wurden family), Appah Dessaye,
Furkiah, Bapoojce Sindia, Madarow
Rastiah, the Ra.jah of Colapoor, I'ut-
teh Singh Bhoonslah, Chintamuny
Bow (the nephew of Purst-ram
Bhow), Tautia, Punt Pritty Niddy,
and others of inferior note depend*
jng on these leaders.
Owing to the long confusion that
had subsisted, the country had been
ravaged and depopulated in various
modes, and amongst others by the
rapid succession of governors ap-
pointed by tlie Peshwa, the preced-
ing one always strenuously resisting
his successor. The chiefs above nam-
ed v,ere not properly Jaghiredars,
although distinguished by the appel-
lation of the Southern Jaghiredars.
They Mere the Serinjamy Sirdars of
the Poonah state ; and it is pecu-
liarly the case with Serinjamy lands,
that the possession of tliem may be
changed annually, and are granted
for the payment of troops actually
employed in the senice of the state.
The chiefs in question, however, had
retained possession of the lands for
many years, and had also properties
of other descriptions under the Poo-
nah government.
To reduce this chaos to order, the
British government was obliged to
interpose its arbitration, and began
by endeavouring to ascertain the ex-
tent of the service to which the
Peshwa was entitled from the Sou-
thern Jaghiredars, with the view of
inducing them to aflord that service.
On the other hand, it was resolved
to protect the Jaghiredars from the
oppression of the Peshwa's govern-
ment, and to guarantee to the Jag-
hiredars their possessions, while they
continued to serve the Peshwa with
fidelity. On this occasion the Mar-
quis Wellesley was obliged to ex-
press liis utter disapprobation of the
Peshwa's projects of vengeance and
rapine against the principal familie:^
of the Maharatta state in immediate
subjection to Poonah, and particu-
larly his highness's designs agiunst
the Putwurden family.
To accomplish this most desh-e-
able ariangement, and to restore
tranquillity and good government to
a region long deprived of both. Gen.
Arthur Wellesley (now Duke of
Wellington) was instructed to enter
into negociations viith the different
chiefs, during his march southwards
in 1804, to reconcile their dissen-
sions, and adjust their disputes with
their sovereign the Peslnva. DiflTi-
cult as the task appears, he effected
it without bloodshed by his tempe-
4
BEJAPOOR.
109
rate and decided conduct, and more
especially by ihe penetration with
which he at once fixed on a proper
mode of commencing the settlement
of so many complicated claims and
discordant interests, in which he was
ably seconded by Col. Close, then
resident at Poonah, and Mr. Stra-
/ chey, whom he had appointed agent
Avitli the Southern Jaghiredars.
{MSS. Ferishta, Scott, Moor, WiUis,
Sfc.
BejapooR, (Vijayapura, the Im-
pregnable). — A city in the province
of Bejapoor, of which it mjis the
capital, when an independent king-
dom. .Lat. 17°. 1/. N. Long. 75°
42'. E. In old European books it is
generally named Viziapoor.
When taken by Aurengzebe in
person, A. D. 1689, it stood on an
extensive plain, the fort being one
of the largest in the world. Between
it and the city wall there was room
for 15,000 cavalry to encamp. With-
in the citadel was the king's palace,
the houses of the nobility, and large
magazines, besides many extensive
gardens, and romid the whole a deep
ditch, always well supplied with wa-
ter. There were, also, without the
walls, very large suburbs and noble
palaces. It is asserted by the na-
tives, with their usual exaggeration,
that during its flourishing state it
contained 984,000 inhabited houses,
and 1600 mosqnes.
After its capture the waters of the
reservons and wells in the fort de-
creased, and the country round be-
came waste to a considerable dist-
ance. At present it exhibits almost
nothing but ruins, which prove the
•vast magnitude of tliis city during
its prosperous state.
The outer wall, on the western
side, runs nearly north and south,
and is of great extent. It is a thick
stonewall, about 20 feet high, with
9, ditch and rampart. There are ca-
pacious towers, built of large hewn
stones, at the distance of every hun-
dred yards ; but are, as well as the
wall, much neglected, having in
inany places fallen into the ditch,
and being in others covered with
rubbish. A mile and a half from the
western wall is a town called Toor-
vee, built on the remains of the foi-
mer city, and surrounded by mag-
nificent piles of ruins, among which
are the tombs of several Mahom-
modan saints, attended by their de-
votees. The court way of the fort
is from 150 to 200 yards broad, and
the ditch, now filled with rubbish,
appears to have been a very formid-
able one, excavated out of the solid
rock on which the fort stands. The
curtain is nearly 40 feet high from
tiie berm of the ditch, entirely built
of huge stones strongly cemented,
and frequently adorned with sculp-
tural representations of lions, tigers,
&c. The towers Hanking the cur-
tain are \ ery rmmerous, and of vast
size, built of the same kind of ma-
terials. Measured by the counters-
carp of the ditch, the fort is proba-
bly about eight miles in circumier-
ence. The curtain and towers in
the southern face are most battered,
as it was against these Aurengzebe
raised his batteries.
The mosque and mausoleum of
Ibrahim Adil Shah are built on a
basement 130 yards in length, and
52 in breadth, and raised 15 feet.
Inside it is a plain building, 1 15 bjf
76, covered by an immense dome,
raised on arches. The mausoleum
is a room 57 feet square, enclosed
by two verandas 13 feet broad, and
22 feet high. Besides these there
are many other public buildings,
mucli injured by time and the Ma-
Larattas.
1 he fort in the interior is adorned
with many handsome edifices, in
rather better preservation than the
fort. The great mosque is 97 yards
by 55 yards. Tlie wings, 15 yards
broad, project 73 yards from the
north and south ends, enclosing on
three sides with the body of the
mosque a large reservoir for water,
and a. fountain. The mausoleum of
Sultan Mahmood Shah is a plain
building, 153 feet square, over which
is reared a dome of 117 feet diameter
110
EEJAPOOR.
ill it? conravity, called by the na-
tives the great cupola.
The inner fort consists of a strong
curtain, frequent towers of a large
size, a fausse bray, ditch, and co-
vered way; the whole built of massy
materials, and well constructed. The
ditch is extremely wide, and said to
have been 100 yards; but its ori-
ginal depth cannot now be discover-
ed, being nearly filled up with rub-
bish. 'I'he fort inside is a heap of
i-uiiss, none of the buildings being
in any repair, except a handsome
little mosque built by Ali Adil Shah.
This inner fort was kept exclusively
for the palaces of the kings, and ac-
commodation of their attendants.
The fort now contains several dis-
tinct towns, and although so great a
part is covered with ruins, tliere is
still room found for some corn fields
and extensive enclosures. The in-
ner fort, which is more than a mile
in circumference, appears but as a
speck in the larger one, wliich, in
its turn, is almost lost in the extent
occupied by the outer w all of the
city.
Most of the buildings (the palaces
in the fort excepted) appear to have
had little or no wood used in their
construction. They are, in general,
built of the most massy stone, and
in the most durable stile ; notwith-
standing vphich the workmanship of
some is minutely elegant. The city
is well watered, having, besides nu-
merous wells, several rivulets run-
ning through it. To the north there
are but few hills, the country being,
in general, level, and the soil rich ;
yet it is described as destitute of
wood, and but little cultivated. The
city is but thinly inhabited, and is
now comprehended in that part of
the Bejapoor province belonging to
the Maharattas. According to tia-
dition it must have once been im-
mensely rich, and it is said that large
sums of money and valuables are
still found secreted among the ruins.
Some enormous cannon, still re-
maining here, correspond with the
magnitude of the fort, Oiily 12 we
said to be left, the dimensions of the
three largest are as follows :
1st. A Malabar gun.
Feet. Inches.
Diameter at the breach 4 5
Length from breach to
muzzle - - - - 21 5
Circumference of the
trunnions - _ _ 4 7
Diameter at the muzzle 4 3
Ditto of the bone - 1 9
The second is a brass gun cast by
Aurengzebe to commemorate the
conquest of Bejapoor.
Feet. Inches.
Diameter at the breach 4 10|
Ditto at the muzzle - 4 8
Ditto of the bone - 2 4
Length -----14 1
Circumference in the
middle - - - - 13 7
The third gun is called
the high-flyer, and
measures in length 30 3|
Circumference at the
breach - - - - 9 2
Circumference overthe
moulding, measured
at the smallest part 6
Diameter of the bone 1 1
The first and last of these guns
are constructed of bars ofiron, hoop-
ed round, not upon caniages, but
lying on blocks of wood. I'he brass
gun is fixed on its centre, on an im-
mense iron fixed in the ground, and
grasping its trunnions in the manner
of a swivel, its breech resting on a
block of wood, supported by a thick
wall, so that it cannot recoil. For
the calibre of this gun an iron bullet,
weighing 2646 pounds, would be re-
quired. {Moor, Scott, Src.)
Bejapoor. — A district in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, intersected by the
River Eeeniah, the country to the
east of which belongs to the Nizam,
and to the west to the Poonah Ma-
harattas. The chief town is Beja-
poor.
Bejapoor. — A town belonging to
the Maharattas, in the hilly districts
of Khandesb, 80 miles E. uf Boor-
BELLUxMCONDAH.
Ill
Iianpoor. Lat. 21°- 26'. N. Long.
Bejapoor. — A town in Northern
Hindostan, situated on the banks of
the Cousey River, which is navigjable
tioni Dholatghaiit to Khoorkiit<;haiit,
■within three hours' journey of Beja-
poor, which stands to the east of
the Nei)anlese territories. Lat. 26°.
55'. N. Long. 86°. 25'. E.
Bejighur. — A town in the Maha-
ratta territories, in the province of
Agra, about 70 miles S. ^^^ from
the city of Agra, and 15 S. W.from
Subbulghur. Tliis place stands at
the extremity of a low hill, and has
an upper and lower fort. On a
plain, at the bottom of the lull, is
the pettah, inclosed by a stone v. ail
of good construction. The walls of
the fort are nev,', but they are ill-
pro^^ded with artillery; and the
ascent to them is not ditficuit.
The surrounding country consists
of ranges of low hills much covered
■with jungle, and separated from
each other by intermediate plains,
intersected by deep ravines ; but,
upon the whole, well supplied with
water from wells, which have been
dug, and from nullahs. {MSS. St.)
Bejiporam. — A town pos.sessed
by independent zemindars, in the
province of Orissa, 90 miles W. bv
N. from Vizii^apatam. Lat. 18°. 6'.
N. Long. 82°. 8'. E.
Bejurah, {Bijorali). — A small
town in tlie province of Bengal, dis-
tiict of Dacca, 53 miles jS. E. from
the city of Dacca. Lat. 24°. 7'. N.
Long. 91°. 10'. E.
Belah. — A town in tho province
of AgTa, British district of Etaweh;
43 miles E. from the town of Eta-
weh. Lat. 20°. 46'. N. Long. 79°.
40'. E.
Bejwarah. — A town in the Seik
territories, ni the province of La-
hore, 113 miles S. E. from the city
of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 20'. N. Long.
75°. 35'. E.
Belande. — A town in the Maha-
ratta terntories, in the province of
Khaudesh. Lat. 21°. 0', N. Long.
74°. 50'. E.
Belaspoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Bareily,
38 miles N. from the town of Bareily,
aiid formerly included in Fyzoolah.
Khan's small territory. Lat. 28°.
56'. Long. 79°. 15'. E.
Bflgaum, {Balcrgrama). — A town
in the Northern Circars, 42 miles
W. by N. from Cicacole. Lat. 18°
42'. N. Long. 83°. 27'. E.
Belgram. — A town in the Nabob
of Oude's territories, 12 miles N. E.
fi-om Kajioge. Lat. 27°. 13'. N.
Long. 80°. 3'. E. This is a to'.vn of
some aiitifpiity, being described by
Abul Fazel, in 1582, as being very
healthy, and famous for producing
men with melodious voices. It is
still distinguished by a ruinous fort
and moat. The ruined buildings
appear to have been in the best style
of Mogul architecture ; but the pre-
sent inhabitants, few in number,
dwell in small stnictures. either of
mud or timber. {Abul Fazel, Ten-
nant, <St.)
Belhauy, (VaMian). — A very
ancient town in the northern extre-
mity of the province of Giunhvana.
The old ( Joand fort still remains, to
which the iMaharattas have made
some additions.
Belini>a. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, district of Cur-
rah. Lat. 25°. 54'. N. Long. 80°.
65'. E.
Bella RY. — See Balhary,
Bellaspoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Dellii, situated on the east
side of the Sutubje River, which is
here 100 yards broad whon the wa-
ters are at the lowest. Lat. 31°.
35'. N. Long. 76°. 21'. E. Bellas-
poor is a well-built town, and ex-
hibits a regularity not often seen in
this part of Hindostan. The streets
are paved, though roughly, and the
houses built of stone and mortar.
From Bellaspoor fertile vallies,
though not wide, extend to Bij)olie.
This is the residence of the raimy.
or female ruler of the Calowr terri-
tory. {Foster, St.)
Bellumcondah. — A town in the
Northern Circars, district uf Giiii-
112
BENARES.
toor. Lat. 16°. 22'. N. Long. 79°.
64'. E.
Belour.^— A town in the province
of Agra, district of Kanoge, 52 miles
west from Lucknow. Lat 26°. 52'.
N. Long. 80°. 5'. E.
Belugura. — A fortified village in
the Rajah of Mysore's territories,
containing about 200 houses. Lat.
13°. 27'. N. Long. 76° 18'. E. This
place is in the Garuda Giri district,
which has long formed part of the
dominions of the Mysore femily.
In the sunounding countiy there
are many sheep, and but few black
cattle. The shepherds and their fa-
milies live with their flocks, llie
men wrap themselves up in their
blankets, and sleep in the open air
among their sheep. The women
and children sleep under hemisphe-
rical baskets, about six feet in dia-
meter, and wrought with leaves, so
as to turn the rain. At one side a
small hole is left, through which
they can creep, and this is always
turned to leeward, tliere being no-
thing to cover it.
Benares, (Varanasi). — A large
district, or zemindary, in the pro-
"vince of Allahabad, situated princi-
pally betwixt the 24th and 26th de-
grees of north latitude. When
ceded, in 1775, by A soph ud Dow-
lah, the Nabob of Oude, tliis zemin-
dary was divided into 62 pugunnahs,
containing 12,000 square miles, of
which 10,000 are a rich, cultivated
flat on both sides of the Ganges. The
chief subdivisions are Benares, Ga-
zypoor, Jionpoor, and Chunar. In
the Institutes of Acber, A. D. 1582,
Abul Fazel describes it as follows :
" Sircar Benares, containing eight
mahals ; measurement 136,663 bee-
gahs; revenue, 8,169,318 dams. —
Seyurghal, 338,184 dams. This Sir-
car furnishes 830 cavalry, and 8400
infantry."
The atmosphere of this province,
which in winter is so severe as to
render fires necessary, becomes so
heated for three months after March,
by the setting in of the hot winds,
as to destroy all verduye, aud woulc^
probably prove destructive to all Eu-
ropean artificial glasses, were the
cultivation introduced. Turnips, ra-
dishes, and a variety of greens and
garden stuifs are raised by the na-
tives, principally for the Europeans.
There is not much land employed
in the raising of rice, the chief arti-
cles of produce being barley, w heat,
and several species of the pea. A
small quantity of flax is raised in the
skirts of almost every field, for the
sake of the oil ; its use, as an article
of clothing, is not here understood.
Every field of barley contains a mix-
ture of grain or pease ; and at the
distance of six or 10 feet, there is
planted a beautiful yellow flowering
sluub used in dyeing.
A considerable quantity of sugar
is produced in this district. The ap-
paratus is extremely simple. A stone
mortar and wooden pistern turned
by two bullocks, the Avhole not worth
12 rupees, constitute the most ex-i
pensive pait of the operation. The
boiling pots are of tlie commoa
earthen ware, and here, as in the
West Indies, the sugar harvest is a
joyous and busy season.
From Patua to Buxar, Gazypoor,
Benares, and Mirzapoor, much cul-
tivation and a rich country presents
itself, and the numerous clumps of
mango trees give the district the
appearance of a forest, and afl'ord
an agreeable retreat to the cattle.
Both "sides of the river a little way
above Mirzapoor formerly belonged
to the Nabob of Oude, and exhi-
bited a marked contrast to the flou-
rishing state of the Benares districts;
which, probably, in the scale of prosn
perity, excel all others in India, ex.-
cept Burdwan in Bengal.
Plain and flow ered muslins, adapt-
ed to common uses, aie manufac-
tured in the northern, baftas in the
western, and sanaes in the eastern
parts of the province. Tissues, bro-,
cades, and ornamented gauzes are a
general manufacture. Benares is
supplied with salt of its own manu-
facture, joined with importations
tiooa Sambher La Ajmeer, and other
BENARES;
113
places. A great quautitj' of excel-
lent indigo is annually raised and ex-
ported from this pro^^nce, A\hich
also rurnislies a proportion ol' the
Company's opium. The principal
rivers are the Ganges, tlie Goonit>",
flie Caramnassa, and the Soane, the
two latter being boimdaiy rivers ;
and, on the vvliole, tlie countiy is
extremely Avell supplied with w ater.
The principal towns are Benares,
IVIirzapoor, Jioupoor, Chunar, and
Gazypoor.
In 1801, by the directions of the
Marquis Wellesley, then governor-
general, the board of revenue cir-
culated various questions to the col-
lectors of the dirterent districts on
statistical subjects. The result of
tlieir replies proved, tliat the Benares
province contained 3,000.0(X) of in-
jjabitants, in the proportion of one
Maliommedan to live Hindoos, and
that the zemindar's annual proflt on
his lands exceeded 10 per cent, on
the revenue derived from them by
the government.
The code of regulations for Ben-
gal has, with very little alteration,
been extended to Benares ; but, in
consideration of the high respect
paid by the Hindoo ii)habitants to
the character of their Brahmins, thiy
have received some special indulg-
cncies in the mode of proceeding
against them on criminal charges ;
anil it has further been provided iu
their favour, tliat. in all cases, where,
by law, a Brahmin would be ad-
judged to sufler death, the sentence
ijhall he changed to transportation,
or mitigated at the discretion of go-
vernment.
At the same time some evil prac-
tices of the Brahmins were sup-
pressed ; one of which was, the hold-
ing out the threat of obtaining spi-
ritual vengeance on tlicir adversa-
ries by suicide, or tlie exposure of
the life, or tlie actual sacrifice of one
of their own children or near rela-
tions. It was ordered, tliat occur-
rences of this nature should not, in
future, be exempt from the cogni-
2;aiicc of the magistrate, and the
usual course of criminal law. Ano-
ther tribe of Hindoos, residing ia
the province, named Rajcoomars,
were accustomed to destroy their
female infants, in consequence of
the difficulty experienced in suitably
marrjing them. P'rom this practice
tliey were prevailed on to desist by
the resident, Mr. Duncan ; and au
observance of it now subjects the
oflendcr to the ordinary punishment
of minder.
Musuram, the grandfather of Cheit
Singh, possessed originally but half
the village of Gungapoor, by addi-
tions to which, in the usual modes
of Hindostan, he laid the founda-
tion of the zemindarj' of Benares.
lie died iu 1740, and was succeeded
by his son, Bulwant Singh, who, in
30 years of his own management,
increased his acquisitions to the pre-
sent size of the province. Cheit
Singh received tlie zcmindary in
1770, and was expelled in 1781,
during the government of Mr.
Hastings. (Tennant, J. Grant, Cule-
broohe, uth Report, ^c.)
Br.NARES. — A celebrated city in
the province of Allahabad, the ca-
pital of the Benares districts. Lat.
25°. 30'. N. Long. 83°. E. The
Sanscrit name is Varanaslii, from
Vaia and Nashi, two rivers.
The Ganges here forms a fine
sweep of about four miles in IcMgtli ; »
on the external side of the curve, *
which is the most elevated, is situ-
ated the hoi)' city of Benares.
It is covered with buildings to the
water's edge, and the opposite bein^
level, the whole may be viewed at
once. Gliauts, or landing-places,
built of large stones, are verj' fre-
quent, and arc 30 feet high before
they reach the level of the street,
the erection of them being frequently
excecuted by Hindoos as an act of
piety.
The streets are so extremely nar-
row, that it is difficult to penetrate
them, even on horseback. The
hcKises are built of stone, some six;
stories high, close to each other,
with tciTaces on the summit, and
114
BEVARES:
extremely small windmvs, <o kcrp
tlicm cool, and prevent inspect ion.
The opposite sides of the streets, in
some places, approach ;;o ne;ir io
ouch other, as to i)e united by {gal-
leries. The number of stone and
lirick houses, from one to six stories
hii!,!), is upwrnds of 12,000. The
nnid houses, Rhove 16.000; and, in
1803, the permanent inhabitants, by
enumeration, exceeded 582,000. —
This is exclusive of the attendants
of the three Mogul jirinces, and se-
veral other foreigners, mIio may
anioiuil to 3000; and, dnnij<j the
festivals, the concoijise is beyond all
cakulation. The jNIahommedans are
not suppofsed to be wore thaa one
in ten.
The mosffue, vitli its minars, was
built by Anrenp;zcbe, to mortify the
Hindoos. Not only is it placed on
the highest point of land, and most
conspicuous, from being; close to the
ri\er ; but the foundations are laid
on a sacred spot, A\hcre a Hindoo
temple before stood, m hich was de-
stioycd to make room for it. From
the top of tiie minars there is an ex-
tensive view of the tmvn and adja-
cent country, and of the numeruns
Hindoo temples scattered over the
city and the sunoundiiig- jdains.
'i'he liouscs of the Knglisli at Se-
cr()le are handsome, althougii they
look naked from the want of trees ;
bnt this is absolutely necessary in
India, on account of the harbour
they all'ord to inus(|uetoes.
'J'he Hajah of Eenares resides at
Famnagur, on the op}!Osite side of
tlie river, about live miles froin Be-
ijares. In this city there arc 8000
houses occupied by Brahmins, Avho
receive charitable contributions, al-
though each has projcrty of his own,
'j'here arc but lew Enropeans
here; a jadge, collector, and re-
gister, with a few other civil ser-
vants, constitute the Avhole of the
Company's establishment ; to a^ hich
iitay be added, a few pri\ ate mer-
chants and planters. Amidst such a
crowd of natives, and in sy sacred
A town, it may be supposed the
mendicants are very niim<?rons; mi*
ny of the natives, however, possess
large fortunes, and are actively en-
gaged in trade as merchants or
bankers. Eetiares is the great mart
for diamonds and other gems, brought
principally from the Bundelcund
country. The land in and about
Eenares is extremely high priced,
and law-suits respecting it unceas-
ing,
Eeading and writing are tauglit
here at tlie same time, 'the boys
are collected on a smooth flat of
sand ; and, with the finger, or a small
reed, form the letters in tlie sand,
which they learn to pronouiice at
the same time. '\\ hen the space
bpfbrc each scholar is filled up with
writing it is eflkced, and prepared
for a new lesson.
I'his city has long been celebrated
as tlie ancient seat of ]?rahminica|
learning, and it >s so holy, that se-
veral foreign Hindoo Rajahs havo
vakeels, or delegates, residing here,
who jjcrform for them the re(|uisitc
sacrifices and ablutions. Its ancient
name was Casi (tl)c splendid), whiel?
it siiil retains, but there are not any
notices concerning it in the Avorks of
the ancient geograph.ers, all'aough
they specify Maihura(Metl!ora) and
Clisol)ara,AAhich lay near the Jumna.
In the year 1017, Sultan Mah-
mood of Ghizni took Benares, and
the town of C'risinn or Casuma, now
Patna, and Avcnt as far as the coun-
try of Ougauam, or Unja, to (ho
AA( st of the Cossimbazar Bker. 'i'hc
next year be overrun these countries
again, and penetrated as far as Kis-
raji, or Cacii'ha R;i,ia, or Cooch Ba-
har. From that time the Hindoos,
in tliis pait of India, remained for a,
long time xinniolested by the Ala-
hnmnndnns, as it does not appear
tliey made any permanent conquests
in this province before the end of the
12th century, or about 1190.
On the 14th Jan. 1799, Mr. Cherry,
the resident, and three otiicr Engli>h
genticmeu, Avere treacherously mur-
d(!red here by "S'izier Ali, the depos-
ed jSabob of Oude, and spurious
EENEER.
115
son of the late AsojjJi nd Dowlah.
Mr. Davis, the .jufl2;c of the city,
defended himseU" ami fiiniily v.itli a
short spear, at tiie top of a iiai row
winding" stair-case, on tlic thtl roof
of the house, until assistance ar-
rived.
The Benares division of the court
of circuit comprehends the follow-
ing districts, \\z. 1. Mirzapoor; 2.
Allahabad ; 3. Bundelcund ; 4. Ju-
anpoor; 5. Gonickpoor; G. City of
Benares.
The travelling distance from Be-
nares to Calcutta by Birbhoom is
4G0 miles, by Moorshcdabad 5G5,
from Allaliabad S3, Buxar 70, Ba-
rcily 345, Caipy 239, Kanoge 259
miles. ( Lord Valentin, Tejinant,3d
Register, Wilford, Renne/, 5th Re-
port, 6,-c.) '
EencoolTvN, (Bencauhi, or J^ort
Marlborough). — The chief establish-
ment possessed by the East India
Company, situated on the S. W.
side of the Island of Sumatra. Lat.
3°. 50'. S'. Long. 102°. 3'. E.
By agreement \\\{\\ the neighbour-
ing chiefs the lands for tliis settle-
ment were taken ])osse>siou of so
far back as 1685, but iiiany years
past before it attained a stable form,
owing to the opfiosition of the Dntch,
and other cireuinstanccs. ISo early
as 1698, this settienieut had already
cost the J'/ASt India Company
200,0001. and m as at tlie same lime
so unhealthy, that, in the year 1705,
the governor, three civil servants,
and 41 sla\es, died. Ihe founda-
tions of 1 ort MarliiOiougii were laid
in 1714; but, in 1719, the settlers
were expeiied by ihe natives, who,
glowing alarmed lest the Dutch
should take advantage of the ab-
sence of the English, soon after per-
mitted them to resettle, and com-
plete the foit.
From this time the Company's af-
fairs on tliis coast rentained in a
slate of ti-anquillity until 17G0, when
t])e French, under Compte d'Es-
taigu, destroyed all the English set-
tlements on the coast of Sumatra;
but tliey were so«u re-established,
1 2
and possession secured by the treaty
of Paris in 1763. Fort Marlborough,
which had hitherto been a subordi-
nate of Fort George, or Madras,
was then foimed into an independ-
ent presidency.
The expenses of the government
of Bencoolen having increased very
much, exceeding the revenue 90,0001.
per annum, and the settlement hav-
ing become of little importance as a
commercial establishment, sincepep-
per, the only produce of the adja-
cent country, could be more advan-
tageously suijplied from Prince of
V> ales Island and Malabar, it was
not judged expedient to keep up the
establishment as a principal govern-
ment. In Aug. 1801, accordingly,
the directors ordered it to be reduc-
ed to a residency, under the manage-
ment of a resident and lour assist-
ants, subject to the innnediate di-
rection of tiie government of Bengal.
The ci\il servants, rendered super
numeraries by this anangcment,
were transferred to Madras.
There is now only one solitary
cargo of jiepper of the value of
15,0001. sent annually from Ben-
coolen, which is all its commerce
with England. In 1810 the woollon
goods exported by the East India
Company to Bencoolen, were valued
only at427GI.
in IslO, the Company's property
at this place in buildings and forti-
tications was
Valued at - - - - £243,640
Plate, turniture, planta-
tions, hums, vessels,
and stores - - - 74,544
£318,184
Provisions and refreshments of all
sorts arc scarce and expensive at
Bencoolen, and the trade insignili-
cant. 'I'lie principal imports are
opium, piece goods, and griiin; and
the elsief exports pepper, and other
sj)ices, and bullion. (Marsden, Mac-
p/ierso)!, IJrure, ^a'c.)
Benecr, ( liarJier). — A small dis-
trict in the province of Cabul, ejc^
116
BENGAL.
tending alons^ the west side of tlie
Indus, and silnatcd about the 34th
degree of nortli latitude, rioni the
geographical position it appears to
be tiie district doscrihed by Abul
Jsazel under the name of Beinbher,
viz.
" TJic length of Bembher is 10,
and the breadth 12 coss. On the
east lies Puckcly, on the north Ki-
nore and Casligur, on the south At-
tock Benares, and Seivard is the
western extremity, 'i'here are two
roads horn it to liindostan ; one by
the heights of Surkhaby, and the
other by the iMoIundery IJills. Nei-
ther of these roads are good, but tJic
first is most diflieult to pass."
In modern times Bcneer has been
estimated at 40 miles in length, and
nearly the same in breadth ; but,
like the other regions of this part of
Asia, its extent is not accurately
known. ( Ahul Fazcl, Lcyden, Sfc)
BENGAL, (Banga/a).
A large province in liindostan,
.situated between the 21st and •27th
degree of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by the dominions
of Ncpaul and Bootan ; to the south
by the Bay of Bengal ; on the east
it has Assam and the Ava territories;
and on the west the province of Ba-
har. In length (including INlidna^
poor) it may be estiniuted at .350
miles, by ."JOO miles the axcrage
bread(h. By Abul I'azel, in 1582,
it is described as follows :
" 'i'he soubah of Bengal is situat-
ed in the second climate. From
Chittagong to Kurliee is 400 coss
clifiercnce of longitude, and tiom the
northern range of tnouiitains to the
southern extremity of Sircar IMada-
ruii (Biilihoom) comprehends 200
coss of latitude. When Orissii was
added to Bengal, the additional
length was com])uted to be 43 coss,
and the breadth 20 coss. Bengal
was originally called Bung. Ilie
soubah of Bengal consists of 24 sir-
cars, and 787 mahals. The revenue
is 1,49,61,482 sicca rupees, and ilre
zemindars (who are mostly koits)
fnrnish 23,330 cavalry, 801,158 in-
fantry, 170 elephants, 4260 cannon,
and 4400 boats."
When Abal Fazel compiled the
Institutes of Aeber, the govermnent
of Bengal extended to (Uittack, and
along the Mahanuddy Biver, Orissa
not being then formed into a distiiut
soubah, whieh ap)>e«rs from the ar-
rangement of the 24 sircars, viz.
" 1. Ondumldicr, or Tandeii ; 2.
Jcnnetabad; 3. Futtehabad;4. iMah-
moodabad ; 5. Khalifelabad ; 6. Bo-
kla; 7. Purneah ; 8. Taujepoor; 9.
Ghoraghaut ; 10. Pinjerah ; 1 1. Bar-
buckabad; 12. Bazooha; 13. Soo-
nargoiig ; 14. Silhet ; 15. Chatgong ;
16. Shereetiibad ; 17. Solimabail ; 18.
Siitgoiig ; 19. Madamn ; 20. Jellasir ;
21. Buddruek; 22. Cuttck ; 2;3. Kul-
langdunp'aut; 24. Biije Mahindra.
The five last are in Orissa."
The natural situation of Bengalis
singularly happy with respect to se-
curity from tlie attack of foreign
enemies. Along the whole northern
frontier from Assam westwards, there
runs a belt of low land from 10 to
20 miles in breadth, covered with the
most exuberant vegetation, particu-
larly of a rank weed, named in Ben-
gal the augeah grass, which grows
to the height of 30 feet, and is as
thick as the wrist, and mixed with
these are tall forest trees. Beyond
this belt rise the mountains of North-
ern Hiudostan, containing a thinly-
siattered »nd unwarlikc population.
On the south of Bengal is a sea
coast guarded by shaliows and im-
penetrable woods, ^\ilu only one
port, and that of extremely difficult
access. It is on the west only that
any enemy is to be apprehended,
anil there the natural iiontier is
strong, and the adjaecnt countries
sterile and thinly peo|;kd. The Gan-
ges inter.sects Bengal in a soutii-
easterly direction, and separates it
into two teiritorial di^is!ons nearly
e<pial in extent; in case of invasion
the tract to the east of that river
woiUcl be exempt from the lavascs
BENGAL. 117
of war, and present an asylum to was anciently called B^nr, whence,
tlic inhabitants, esiiceially against probably, the name Bengal M'as de-
armies of cavalry. The north-west rived; the upper parts of Bengal,
is tlie mf)st assailable quarter, but which arc not lial»le to inundation,
possesses many strong points of de- were called Barendra.
fence. Rice, which is luxuriant in the
The area of Bengal and Bahar is tract of inundation, thrives in all the
1 4y,217 square miles, and with Be- southern districts ; but, in the ascent
iiares not less than 162,000 square of the Ganges, it is observed gra-
milcs. The following pruportiiins of dually to yield the first place in hus-
this surface are giounded on many bandry to wheat and iiarley.
surveys after making allowance for The nuili)eiTy, ai climated in the
large nvers. middle provinces of Bengal, shews
Parts, a better defined limit when it meets
Bivers and lakes (one-eighth) - 3 the culture of the poppy, which is
Deemed irreclaimable and bar- peculiar to the northern and western
ren (one-sixtii) ----- 4 provinces.
Site of towns and villages, high- In the opinion of the Hindoos, the
ways, ponds, &c. (one-twenty- resort of tlie antelope sanctifies the
fomth) ---_.-_i couiitry graced by his presence, an
Free lands (tluee-eighths) - - 3 opinion more connected with phy-
Liable for revenue. sical observation, than with popular
In tillage (three-eights) - - - 9 prejudice. The wide and open range
Waste (a sixth) ----- 4 iu which the antelojie delights, is
— equally denied by the forests of the
24 mountains, and by the inundation
— of the fens.
Prior to the cessions made by the The periodical winds that prevail
Nabob of Oudo in 1801, the regions in the Bay of Bengal, extend their
immediately governed by the jire- influence over the flat country until
sidcncy of Calcutta comprehended they are diverted by chains of moun-
the whole soubahs of Bengal and tains into another direction, nearly
Bahar, a part of the adjoining sou- correspondent, however, with tiie
balls of Orissa, Allahabad, and Be- courseof the Ganges. Northeriy and
rar, and some tracts of country which southerly winds blow alternately",
had maintained their indcp(;ndencc during unequal portions of the year,
t'ven in the most flourishing period over that portion of the province
of the Mogul empire. The latter whicli faces the head of the bav.
consisting of part of the Mornng, The northerly wi d prevails diuiiig
Cooch Bahar, and other districts, the cold season, a southerly one diir-
which have become tributary since ing the hot; but the period of their
the English acquired their present change seems earlier on the eastern
influence in Bengal. side of the Delta than on the west :
The first aspect of this province corresponding herein with a similar
suggests for it the designation of a dill'ercnC' in the periodical winds 011
flat campaign country. The elevated the respective shores of the bay. The
tracts it contains are only an exccp- seasons of Bengal conform nearly
tion to the general uiiiformity, and with these changes of the prcvailini'-
the inundation which annually takes winds. They are commonly di,<tin-
place in the regions watered by the guished by the terms cold, hot, and
Ganges, seems the consequence of a rainy.
general descent, and does not any In the beginning of April, and
further invalidate the notion of a ge- sometimc^s earlier, particulaily in the
ueral level. sonth-easternqnarter of l!enga!, there
The tract of annual imuidaliou arc frequent storms of thunder, ligiU-
118
BENGAL.-
nina:, wind, and rain, from ilie iiorllx-
■\vcst quarter, which happen more
frequently towards the close of the
day than at any other time. During
tliis season nuuh attention and care
is required in Jia\ie,aling the large
rivers. These squalls moderate llie
heat, and continue rmtil the setting
in of the jjeriodical rains, which ge-
nerally couimence the beginning of
Jinic. If the rains break up early iu
September, the weather is intensely
hot, and the inhaliitants.especially tlie
Emopean part, become very sickly.
The natives, from the result of
their own experience, assign six sea-
sons to the year, each containing two
months. The spring and dry season
occupy four months, durisig which
the heat progressively increases, un-
til it becomes almost intolerable,
even to those born in the country.
In the middle distnctsit is lessened
by the occasional thunder storms,
named north-westers ; and, in the
eastern, mihler showers of rain are
still more ticquent, and retresii the
atmosphere.
The scorched inhabitants are, at
length, relieved b^ the rainy season,
"which, ii: general, commences nearly
at the same time throughout the
whole province. During the first
two months the rain is heavy and
continual. In this period an interval
of many successive days is rare, and
the rain poiu's with such force and
perseverance, that three, four, and
even five inches of water have fallen
in a single day. In the two subse-
quent montlis tlie intervals are more
frequent, and of longer duration, and
the weather more sultry. The rivers,
and especially the Ganges, which
begins to rise even before the com-
menceinei.t of the rainy season, con-
tinue to incrciisc during the two first
months oi'it, and Ihe (Janges reaches
its greatest height in the third. l\y
this time the ri\crs of liengal are
.swollen, and the Delta of the Uanges
overflowed. The average annnal fall
of rain in the lower parts ol' Ikntgal
is seldom .shorf of 7U, and as rarely
exceeds §0 inches.
At the approach of winter tlie
rivers begin to decrease, the showers
cease to fall, and the inundation
gradually diains off and evaporates.
logs, the natural consequence of
siich evaporation in cold weather,
arc frequent in most parts of Bengal
Proper. Dew, at this season, is
every where abundant and penetrat-
ing ; and, in the higher latitudes of
India, as well as in the mountainous
tracts of it, frost and extreme cold
are experienced. Even in the flat
country ice is obtained by the sim-
ple artifice of assisting evaporation
in porous vessels, although the at-
mosphere be much warmer than the
free zing temperature. I'hroughout
the whole winter, in Bengal, dews
continue copious, and gr^atiy assist
vegetation, afibrding nearly as much
moisture as corn requires in a soil
so loose.
The general soil of Bengal is clajj,
with a consideralde proportion of si-
licious sand, fertilized by various
sal'.s, and by decayed substances,
animal and vegetable. In the flat
country sand is every where the
basis of this stratum of productive
earth, which indicates an accession
of soil on land which has been gain-
ed by the dereliction of the water.
A period of 30 years scarcely covers
the barren sand with soil suflicient
to lit it for rewarding the labours of
the husbandman, the lapse of half a
century does not remove it half a,
span from the surface. In tracts
which are annually in>indatcd, the
progress is more rapid, because the
snp( rincumbent water, having dis-
solved clay, deposits it in the pro-
gress of evaporation. Running wa-
ter deiHisits sand, and keeps the
(•lay, calcareous matter, and other
ferliiizing substances, susprnded. If
the variable |>roi)ortions of clay and
sand, and t!ic « ircnnislancc of frc-
qn<'nt alterations in the cliannelsof
rivers, be considered, gn at inequa-
lity of soil may be expe( ted, though
it be composed of few substances.
In the tract subject to annual in-
undation, insulated habitations, and
BENGAL.
119
fields considerably raised above the
level of the romitry, exliibit the ef-
fects of j)nliei)t indu.-stiv. In the
sauiefrart, during the scusdn of rain,
a scene presents itself, inleresling*
by its novelty ; a navigation over
tields submerged to a (-onsiderable
ileptli, A\in!c the ears of lire float on
tlic surface. .Stupendous dikes, not
altog-ether pieveuUnf!: inundalion,
but eheclxing its excesses. 'l"he pea-
t;ants repairing to the markets, and
even to the fields, on einI>arkalions,
accompanied by tiieir faniihes and
domestic animals, from an appre-
hension that the water might rise
.suddenly, and drown their childrcMi
juid eattie, in the absence of tlieir
boats. AV lieu the peasant's habita-
tion is passed, and the; height oli-
served of the flood, nearly to the
level of the artificial mound on which
bis dwelling stands, his ]>recautiou
does not apjjear supeifluous.
The assemblage of peasants in
their villages, their small farms, and
the w ant of enclosures, bar all great
improvements in husbandry; in a
country, however, so infested by
tigers and gang robbers (dacoits)
or river pirates, solitary dweUings,
and unattended eattie, would be in-
secure. 7\noihcr obstacle to im-
provement is the mixture of trades ;
the peasants indifl'e.rently quitting
the plough to use the loom, and the
loom to resume the plough.
In Bengal and Eahar only one-
4hird of the land is estimated to be
tilled, but this is exclusive of lays
or fallows. In England there are
ibur acres of arable and meadow
land for every inhahitant ; in EcngaJ
little more than one acre of lilied
ground for e\cry inhabitant. The
natural seasons ol' rice are ascc^r-
tainod from tiie prepress of the wild
plant. It sows itself in the first
.month of the >\ inter, and vegetates
with t'iie early moisture at the ap-
proach of the rains. During the
period of the rains it ripens, aud
drops its scod with the eouimeuee-
>Bient of winter.
. I'lie common husbandry sow s the
rice at the season when it should na-
turally vegetate, to gather a crop in
the rains; it also withhohis seed un-
til the second month of thnt seastm,
and reajjs the hardest in the begin-
ning of V. inter. 'J'he rice of this last
crop is esteemed tlie best, not heing
equally liable « ith the other to decay.
The several seasons of cultivation,
added to the influence of soil and
ehuiate,havc multiplied the diirei ent
species of rice to an endless di\ e; ity.
Otiier corn is more liiniled in its
varieties and in its seasons. Of
wheat and barley few sorts are dis-
tinguished ; they are all sown at the
commencement of the cold season,
and rea])ed in the spring. A gicat
variety of different sorts of pulse,
(such as pease, chiches, pigeon pease,
kidtn y beans, ^.<•.j finds its place also
in the occunati<ins of husbandry, no
season being without its appropriate
species; but must sorts are sown or
reaped in winter. These constitute
a vahiable article in tlie Bengal hus-
bandi-j , because they thrive e\ en on
poor soils, and require but little cul-
ture. Millet and other small grains
are also of importance ; se\ ei al sorts,
restricted to no particular season,
and vegetating rapidly, are useful,
because they occupy an interval after
a tedious harvest, which does not
permit the usual course of hu;^baiulry.
Maize is less culti\ated in ]]e;igal
than in most countries where it is
acclimated. It is the most general
j>roduce of poor soils in hill\ e<jun-
tiics, and is, eon>e(iuentiy, \ery ge-
nerally cultivi'.ted in the more wesl-
ein provinces, which are of an irre-
gular surface.
'i lie universal an<l vast coneuinp-
tion tjf vegetable oiis in Bengal is
sujiplied by the extensive cultivation
oi' mustard seed, linseed, scsauiuu,
and palma ehristi, besides what is
procured from the cocoa ntit. 'Jhe
lirst occupy the cold season; the se-
samuni ripens in the rains, or early
after tiicii close.
Among the most important of the
prodjict.ous of IjCugal arc, tobacco,
sugai', indigo, cotton, the mulberry,
120
BENGAL.
and poppy-rinost of which require
land solely appropriated to the cul-
tivation of each.
The plough in this province is
drawn by a single yoke of oxen,
guided by the ploughman himself.
Two or three yoke of oxen, assigned
to each, relieve each other until the
daily task is completed. Several
ploughs, in succession, deepen the
furrows, or rather scratch the sur-
face ; for the implement which is used
throughout India wants a contrivance
for turiiing the earth, and the share
has neither width nor depth to stjr a
new soil. A second ploughing crosses
the first, and a third is sometirnes
given diagonally to the preceding.
These, frequently repeated, and fol-
lowed bv the branch of a tree, or
some other substitute for the harrow,
pulverize the soil, and prepare it for
the reception of seed. The field
must be watched several days, to de-
fend it from the depredations of nu-
merous flocks of birds. It is neces-
sary, also, to prolong the defence of
the field in those districts, which are
much infested by wild boars, ele-
phants, buffaloes, and deer. For
this purpose a bamboo stage is erect-
ed, and a watchman stationed on it
to scare wild animals, should any ap-
proach. In all districts, maize and
some sorts of millet, when nearly
ani\ed at rnaturitj, generally need
defence from the depredations of
birds by day, and of larger bats by
night,
Tlie sickle, for the scythe is un-
known, reaps every harvest. With
this the peasant picks out the ripest
plants, yet often suffers another field
to stand long after the greatest part
of the crop is arrived at maturify.
— The practice of stacking corn, in-
tended to be reserved for seed, is
\ery unusual, the husk which covers
rice preserves it so effectually. At
the peasant's convenience, the cattle
tread out the corn,or his staff tlu-eshes
out the smaller seeds. The grain is
^vimiowed in the wind, and is stored
either in jars of unbaked earth, or in
baskets made of large twigs.
The practice of storing grain in
subterraneous hoards, which is fre-
quent in Benares and the western
provinces, and also in the south of
India, is not adapted to the damp
climate and moist soil of Bengal,
where grain is hoarded above giound,
in round huts, the floor of whifh is
raised a foot or two from the surface.
In the management of forced rice,
by irrigation, dams retain tlie water
on extensive plains, or preserve it in
lakes to water lower lands, as occa-
sion may require. Reservoirs, ponds,
water courses, and dikes, arc more
generally in a progress of decay than
of improvement. The rotation of
crops, which engrosses so much the
attention of enlightened cultivators
in Europe, is not understood in India.
A course of husbandry, extending
beyond a year, Mas never dreamed
of by a Bengal farmer. In the suc-
cessipn of crops within the year, he
js guided by no choice of an article
adapted to restore the fertility of
land impoverished by a former crop.
The In(kan cultivator allows his land
a lay, but nevpr a fallow. T|io cattle
kept for labour and subsistence are
mostly pastured on small commons,
or other pasturage, intermixed with
arable lands, or they are fed at home
on cut grass. The cattle for breed-
ing and for the dairy are grazed in
numerous herds in the forests or on
the downs. The dung, in place of
being applied to the fields, is care-
fully collected for fuel. The Bengal
farmer restricts the use of manure
to sugar cane, mulberry, tobacco,
poppy, and some other articles. Few
lands unassisted are sufficiently fer-
tile to afford these articles. Of the
management of manure little occurs
worthy of particular notice, except,
to menlion, that oil cake is occasionr
ally used as a manure for sugar cane.
The simple tools which the native
cmi)loys in every art, are so coarse,
and apparently so inadequate to their
purpose, that it creates surprise how
he can effect his inidertaking; but
the long continuance of feeble efforts
accomplishes what, compared \>'itl^
BENGAL.
121
the means, appears impraciiraLle. —
The plough is amon-^ the inslnunents
that stand most in need of improvc-
jncnt. The readiness A\ith which
the Indian can turn from liis nsiuil
occupation to another braiidi of the
same act, or to a new profession, is
characteristic of liis coiuitry, and the
success of his earliest efl\)rls, in an
employment new to him, is daily re-
marked with surprise.
Tlie want of capital in manufac-
tures and a!;ricnUure prevents the
subdivision of labour. Every niaun-
facturer and every artist working,
on his own account, conducts the
whole process of his art from the
formation of his tools to the sale of
his production. Every labourer and
artisan? who has freipiently occasion
to recur to the lahours of the field,
becomes a husbandman.
In Bengal, where the revenue of
the state has had tlie form of land
rent, the management of the public
finances has a more immediate influ-
ence on agriculture, than any other
bran'^h of the administration. It
may be presumed, however, the lands
in Bengal are better cultivated and
rendered more productive, as not-
withstanding the increased export of
grain, (from ;30 to 45,000 tons annu-
ally), and the large tracts of country
required for tlie growth of sugar, in-
digo, and other articles exported by
sea, the price of rice, and every other
kind of food used by the natives, so
far from being enhanced, was consi-
derably lower on the average of the
10 years, from 1790 to ISOO, than
during any preceding period since
the acquisition of the province ; nor
has Bengal suflercd a famine of any
severity since the year 1770, which
is more than can be said for any
other part of India.
The orchard in this province is
what chietly contributes to attach
the peasajit to his native soil. He
feels a superstitious veneration for
the trees planted by his ancestors,
and derives comfort anil i)rofit fi'om
their fruit. Orchards of mango trees
4iversity the pl^ia in every part of
Bengal; the palmira abounds in Ba-
har. 'J'he cocoa nut thrives in Ihose
parts of Bengal whicli are not re
mote from the tropic. The dale tree
grows every where, but especially in
Bahar. Plantations of areca are
common in the cenliical parts of
Bengal. The bassia thiives even on
the poorest soils, and abounds in Ilni
hilly districts. Its inflated enrols
arc esculent and nutritions, and
yield, by distillation, an intoxicating
spirit. The oil expressed from its
seeds is, in mountainous districts,
a common substitute for butter. —
Clumps of bamboos abound and flou-
rish as long as they are nottoo abrupt-
ly thimied. This plant is remarkal)le
tor the rapidity of its growth. Its
greatest height is completed in a
single year; and, during the second,
its wood acquires all the hardness
and elasticity which render ii ^o usc-
fid. They supply the peasant with
materials for building, and may also
yield him profit, as it is probable a
single acre of thriving bamboos i)ro-
duces more wood than ten of any
other tree.
Potatoes have been introduced
into Bengal, and apparently with tiie
most beneficial eil'ect. The quan-
tity procured by Europeans, at al-
most every season of the year, shews
they are not unsuited to the climate.
The small potatoe is little, if at all
inferior in quality to that of England ;
but the crop being less ai)undant.
this arti(!le in the market is gene-
rally dearer than rice. Tlie watery
insipidity of tropical plants is a cir-
cumstance universally noticed by
Europeans on their aiTival in the
East Indies. Asparagus,eanliflower,
and other esculent plants, are raised,
but they are, comparatively, tasto-
less.
A cultivator in Bengal, who em-
ploys servants, entertains one for
every plough, and pays him monthly
wages, which, in an average, do not
exceed one rupee permoirfh: in a
very cheap district the wages are so
low as half a rupee ; but the task on
the medium of one-third of an aero
192 BENGAIv*
per day is coniplei^'d b* noon. The
t'&iile ai'c th<:^ii left <o <lie lierdsnian's
caie, and l!ic ploughman follows
other occupations during tlic renjaiii-
dcr of the day. Generally, he culti-
vates SQine land" on his own account,
•and this he couunoniy rents from his
employer Ibr a payment in kind.
, If the Iicrd be sufficicufiy nunve-
Xpiis to ocxupy one jjcrson, a servant
is entertained, and receives in iood,
money, and ciothijjg-, to the value of
,oj)c rupee and a half per incuscm.
The plou2,li itself costs loss than a
ru}>cc. 'I'he callie eni]jloyed in hus-
bandry are of the smallest kind ; the
cost, on an avciage, being not moie
than fi\c rupet s each. The price of
labour may be com])uted from the
usual hire of a plough with its yoke
of oxen, which maybe stated on the
medium to be aljout 4d. per day. —
The (leaning of Ibe rice is exe-
cuted witii u wooden pestle and
mortar, the allowance for luisking it
being nearly uniform; the person
perfonning tins contracting to deli-
ver back live-eighths of the weight in
clean rice — the surpltjs, ^viti^ the
chailorbran, j)a5ing for the labour.
Five quarters uf rire per acre arc
reckoned a large produce, and a re-
turn of 15 for one on the seed.
As a middle course of husbandry,
two yearly harvests may be assumed
from each field ; one of \\ bite corn,
and another of pulse, oil seed, or
millet. Tlie price of com in Bengal
fluctuates much more than in Europe,
and has a considerable inlluence on
the %alue of most other articles,
though it camiot regiilate the price
of all. ^Yhcn the crops of corn haj>-
pen to be very al)i:nda!it, it is not
only cheap, but wants a ready mar-
ket; and, as the payment <jf Ihe rent
is regulalcd by the season of the har-
\.&st, tiic cultivator thereby sustjiins
considerable detriment.
I'hc proiits of cattle consist in tlie
increase ol' slock and the milk of but-
faloes, wliich are giazed at a very
small expense, not exceeding half a
rupee annually, and quarter a rujiee
ibr cows. Cattle constitute a consi-
derable portion of tlie peasant's
wealth, arid the profits of stock would
be much gieater, did the corisump-
tioii of animal food take ofl' barren
cows, and oxen which have passed
their prime. This is not sufficient to
render the stock of sheep an object
of general attention. Their wool
supplies the home consuni})<ibn of
blankets, but it is too coarse, and
produces too low a price, to afford a
large profit on this species. of stock.
The abundance of lisb alford a
supply almost attainable to every
class, and in the Ganges and its iji-
numerablc branches are many differ-
ent kinds. Their plenty at some sea-
sons is so great, that they become the
ordinary food of the poorest natives,
who are said to contract diseases
fiom too liberally indulging them-
selves. The smallest kind are all
Cipially acceptable in a euny, the
standing dish in every native family
throughout liindostan ; in fact, witii
a pilau, it nearly comprehends tlieir
whole art of cookery. The bickty,
c;r ( ockup, is an excellent iish, as ks
also the sable fish, which is uncom-
monly jich. But the best and higli-
est-lla\ oured fish, not only in Bengal,
but probably in the whole world, is
the mango fish, so named from its
appearing in the rivers during the
mango season. They arc atavourito
dish at every Eurojieau table, parti-
cularly during the two months when
they are in loe. Small mullet abound
in all the livers, and may be killed
w ith small shot, as they swim against
the stream, with their heads partly
out of the w ater. Oysters are pro-
cured from the coast of Chittagong:,
not as large, but fully as well ila-
A oured as those of Europe. Alliga-
tors and porpusses abound in all tho
Bengal ri\ers, when there arc also
fncredible quantities of .small turtle,
which are, however, of a Aery bad
quality, and only eaten by some in-
ferior casts of natives.
Tlie native Bengally horse, or tat-
too, is a thin, ill-shaped, and every
way contemptible aniiiial, and is ne-
ver used in a team, builucks bciuff
BENGAL*
123
scTrrt/'tl for that purpose. Tlie Boii-
gajlv cart is iitarly as bad as their
pIdUirh. with ill made whiels and
axle trees, which never bcnui: oiled,
Diake a loud seroaking; noise ; nor eaa
the native driver be prcAailcd upon
to alter what was tlie eusloui of his
forelathcrs. 'I'he elephants, canicls,
and o\en, attached to the Company's
tioops, are kept in execliiMit condi-
tion. 'J'lie bufi'aloes are generally jet
black, with long semi-circular horns,
vhich, instead of standing erect, or
bending forward, are laid iiackwards
on the neck. When he attacks, he
pnts his snout between iiis forelegs,
which enables him to point his horns
forward. The Bengally sheep are
jiatnrally of a diniinutive breed, tliiu
and lank, and of a dark grey colonr;
but when lattcmed for the table, the
mutton eqn;ds thai of Europe. Some
liave foui horns, tv. o on each side of
the head.
Pariah dogs infest the sti'ccts of all
the towns in ilengal; and the ap-
proach of evening is announced in
the country^ by the howling of nume-
rous flocks of jackals, wliich then
quit their retreats in the jwngles. —
Apes and monkies swarm in all tiic
ivoods, and sometimes plunder i!ie
fruit sho[)s of a village. Eeiug a sa-
cred animal, the nati\es often volun-
tarily supply their Mants, and sel-
dom injure them, 'i'he brahminy,
or sacred bull of the Hindoos, also
rambles about the villages with-
out intciTUption ; he is cares.sed and
pampered by the people, to fce<l him
being deemed a meritorions act of
religion. The crow, kite, mayana,
and sparrow, hop altout the dwell-
ings of the Jjeiigalcse with a fami-
liarity and sense of safety unknown
in Europe. Storks are r^eeii in great
numbers; and, ironi their military
stmt, arc named adjutants by the
J'AUopean .soldiers. 'i\)ad.s, snaki'N, li-
zards, and insects, which also uboiuid,
are theii' food.
The staple i)rodnctions of Bengal
for exportatiuii are, sugar, tobacco,
iiilk, cotton, indigo, and opium.
/i'obacco it is probable wiis un-
known to India as ■well as to En-
rope, before the discovery of Ame-
rica, It appears from a proclama-
tion of the JEmperor J(!hangire, men-
tioned by that prince in his o\\ )i me-
moirs, that it was introduced by
Europeans into India, either hi his
own reign (the beginning of the 17th
century), or during that of his father
Aeber. The Hindoos have names
for the plant in their own language;
but, these names not exceptijig the
Sanscrit^ seem to be corrupted from
the European denomination of the
plant, and are not to be found in old
compositions. The practice, how-
ever, of inihaiing the smoke of hemp
leaves, and other iuloxieating diugs,
is ancient ; and for this reason the
use of tobacco, when once intro-
duced, soon bt^came general through-
out India, 'i'he plant is now culti-
vated in every part of Ilindosfan.
It requires as good soil as opium,
and the land nmst be well manured.
Though it be not absoluieiy limited
to the same districts, its culture pre-
vails mostly in the nortiiern quailer,
and is but thiidy scattered in the
southern. Including every charge
for duties ajid agency, it maybe pro-
cured in Calcutta at about eight shil-
lings per maund of 80 pounds.
'llie sugar cane, the name ofv-'hieti
was scarcely known to tlie ancient
inhabitants of Europe, grew bixuri-
antly thioughout Bengal in the re-
motest limes. From India it was
ir»troduced into Arabia, and t"ro!<\
thence into Europe and Africa. From
Benares to Rungpoor, and from tlie
borders of Assam to Cuttack. there
is scarcely a district in Bengal or its
dependent provinces, wherein tiie
sugar cane does not llourish. It
.t}ni\ es most especially in the districts
.of Benares, ]>ahar, Bungpoor, iiirb-
hooiu, Brudwaji, and Aliduapoor — is
succes.sfuily cultivated in all; and
there seems to be no otiior bounds to
the possible ]jroduotion cf sugar ia
L'cngid, than the limits of the de-
mand, and the cunsequent vent for
it. 'i he growth ibr home consump-
tion and lor inland trade is vast, and
4
124
BENGAL.
it onl^' needs rnronras^cment lo equal
tlie (innaiul for Europe also. It is
elioaply produced, and frugally nia-
imlaetiHcd. Raw svipar, prepared in
a nio<lc peculiar to India, but aiiala-
jifo'.is to the proees:; of making mus-
covado, inay gsiKTally be purchased
in the Calcutta market, under sie(^a
rupees C 18s. 6d.) per niaund of about
80 pounds wciijcht.
{'olloii is (udlivated throughout
I'en!;!;al, and has lately been raised
and exported by sea in increased
»]uantities. Besides what is pro-
duced ill the countr}^ a large impor-
tation takes place from the banks of
the Jumna and the Deccan. It is
there raised so mncli more cheaply
than in liengal, that it supports a
Kuccessfulconipetition,notwithstand-
ing the heavy expenses of distant
transport by land and water. A fine
i;ort of cotton is grown, in tlic more
rasternpaits of Bengal, for the most
delicate manufactures ; and a coarse
kind is gathered from every part of
the province, from plants thiidy in-
terspersed in fields of pulse. The
names of cotton, in most European
langtiages, are obviously derived from
the Arabic word kutn (pronounced
cootn). Some sorts are indigenous
to America ; others are certainly na-
tives of India, which has at all times
been the country most celebrated lor
cotton manufactures.
Difi'erent sorts of cotton, very un-
equal in quality, are imported into
Bengal ; the best is brought by land
from Nagpoor, in tlie Deccan to Mir-
zapoor, in the province of Benares,
which town is the principal inland
mart tor cotton. Its average price
may be reckoned there, at 21. 6s.
per cwt. The usual price at Nag-
poor, from a variety of averages, is
equivalent to two pence halfpenny
per pound. Cotton is also imported
from Jalooan, a town situated to the
•west of the Jumna Biver, fromHatras
in till! province of Agra, and from
other places.
Europe was anciently supplied
■with silk through the medium of
Indian commerce. The ancient lan-
guage of India has names for the
silk worm and manufactured silk;
and, among the numerous tribes of
Hindoos, derived from the mixture
of the original tribes, there are two
classes, whose appropriate occupa-
tions were the feeding of silk-worms
and the spinning of silk. A peasant,
who feeds his own silk-worms, has
full employment for his family. The
rearing of the silk-worms is princi-
pally confined to a part of the dis-
tiict of Burdwan, and to the vicinity
of the Biiagirathi and Great Ganges,
from the tbrk of these rivers, for
about a hundred miles down their
streams. The stations where the
Company's investment of silk is prin-
ci])idly procured, are, Comercully,
Jungeypoor, Bauliah, Malda, Rad-
nagore, Rungpoor, and Cossimba-
zar.
There is also a considerable quan-
tity of silk obtained from wild silk-
worms, and from those which arc
fed on other plants, besides the mul-
berry. Much silk of this kind sup-
plies home consumption ; much is
imported from tlie countries situated
on the north-east border of Bengal,
and on the southern frontier of
Benares; much is exported, wrought
and unwrought, to the western parts
of India, and some enters into manu-
factures, which are greatly in request
in Europe. Four crops of mulberry
leaves arc obtained Irom the same
field in the course of each year. Th«
best is in December.
The manufacture of indigo ap-
pears to have been known and jjrae-
tised in India from the earliest
l)eriod. Erom this country, whence
it derives its names, Europe was
anciently supplied with it, until the
produce of America engrossed the
market. The spirited and persever-
ing exertions tif a few individuals,
have restored this commerce to Ben-
gal, solely by the superior quality of
their manufactures; for so far as re-
gards the culture, no material change
has been made in the practice of the
natives. The profit depends in a
great measure on the quality of the
BENGAL.
i2i
article, and tliis is very unrcpial
since it varies according to the skill
of the manutUcturc*. In 1807-8, tin-
total manufacture of iudii;o, on a
correct estimate, Avas not less than
120,000 factory maunds (8,880,000),
of wliich probal)]y 20,000 maunds
Tiere wasted or consumed in tiio
country niannfactures. The total
f^uautity of indigo Britisii property,
M'hich Mas sold at the East India
Company's sales in 1810, amounted
to the enormous weight of 5,25;?,489
pounds, and the sale price 1,942,3281. ;
but the average cannot be reckoned
at more than 1,200,0001. annually,
almost the whole being exported
from Bengal. In 1786 the quantity
sold at the Company's sales amount-
ed to only 245,011 pounds.
Bengal, fiom its western lK)uudary
to the sea, is watered by the Ganges,
and is intersected in every direcitiuu
hy many navigable streams, wliich
fall into that river. I'hcre is no dis-
trict wholly destitute of internal navi-
gation during the rains; and, even
during the driest season, there is
scarcely any part 20 miles from a
navigable river. In most of them,
lakes, rivulets, and water-courses,
communicating with great riveis,
conduct boats to the peasant's door.
But his valuable produce, being
reaped at other seasons, and from
necessity disposed of as soon as ga-
thered, he derives less benefit from
the inland water communication,
than the survey of its extent would
lead us to suppose. Land eariiage
conveys the greater part of pio(ince
from the place of its growth to that
of its embarkation on the Ganges.
The internal navigation docs never-
tlieless employ a vast number of ves-
sels, and it is interesting to note, at
a mart of great resort, the various
construction of boats assembled there
from dilfcrent districts, each adapted
to the nature of the rivers they gene-
rally traverse: the ilat clinker-built
vessels of the western district, would
be ill adapted to the wide and stormy
navigation of the Lower Ganges.
I'lie unwieldy bulk of Ujc lofty boats
4
used on the Ganges, from Patna to
Calcutta, would not suit the rapid
and shallow rivers of the vvestciii dis-
tricts, nor the narrow creeks which
the vessels pass in the eastern navi-
gation; and the low but deep iioatii
of these districts, are not adapted to
the shoals of the wcsteni rivers.
In one navigation, wiierein the
vessels descend with the stream and
return with the track rope, their con-
struction consults neither aptitude
for the sail, nor for the oar. In the
other, wherein boats, during the pnt-
grcss of the same voyage, are assisted
by tlie streams of one creek, and
opposed by the current of the next,
as in the Snnderbunds, and under
banks impracticable for the track
rope, their principal dependance is
on the oar; for a winding course in
narrow passages permits no reliance
on the sail. Often grounding in the
shallows, vessels would be unsafe if
built with keels ; and all Bengal con-
structions want this addition so ne-
cessary for sailing.
These vessels are cheaply found.
A circular board, tied to a bamboo,
forms the oar ; a wooden frame, load-
ed with some weighty sui)stanee, is
the anchor; a few bamboos lashed
together supply the mast; a cane of
tlie same species serves for a yard to
the sail, which is made of coarse
sackcloth ; some from the twine, made
of the fibrous stem of the rushy cio-
tularia, or of the hemp hibiscus. 'I'he
trees of the country afiord resin to
pay the vessels, and a straw thatch
with mats supply the place of a deck,
to shelter the merchandize. The
vessels are navigated with equal
frugality; tiie boatmen receive little
more than their food, which is most
commonly furnished in grain, toge-
ther vvitii an iiiconsiderublo allow-
ance in money, foi- the purchase of
salt, and lor the supply of other petty
wants. Thirty years ago in Major
Rcnnel's valuable work, the whole
number of boatmen employed on the
rivers of Bengal and Bahar, were
estimated at 0!dy 30,000; but pro-
bably some mistake must have oc-
i^6
BENGAL.
cun ed in the calculation, as they
ccttainly arc at present much nearer
300,000'. Besides this tiade, most
offhein follow the petf^occupalions
ot's>griculturc, or fiH up Ihe intervals
of their employments as fishermen,
and occasionally aiiginent the hands
of dacoits or river pirates.
Ill the land carriage, tlie owners of
cattle arc also the principal traf-
fickers, oi'tener purchasing at one
market to sell at anotiier, than let-
ting their cattle to resident mer-
chants. 7'hey transport the iner-
c'aaiidize njion oxen trained to hur-
then, somcstimcs hnt not frequently,
upon horses of the tattoo breed and
still more r;neiy on biiifaloes. The
latter, although more docile, are
more sluggish and slower travelieis
than the ox ; and do not bear a much
greater burthen, although much
larger in size. Tliey are also too
fond of lying down in the water,
which they have so often occa-
siuu to wade through, with their
loads.
The higfiways tln-oughout Bengal
are not generally in a condition for
distant journeys on wheel carnages.
At a former period the communica-
tion was better assisted. A magjii-
ficerit road from tlie banks of the
Goggrah or Dcwah to the Firahma-
pootra, formed a safe and conve-
nient comnnaiication at all sea-
sons, in a length of 400 miles,
through countries subject to annual
inundation. Of the causeways and
avenues which formed the road some
remains may yet be traced. At pre-
sent, the beaten path tlnoughout
Uengal directs the tiaveller, but no
artifii'lal road, or any other accom-
modation; and, in the rainy season,
his progress by land is altogether
baired. The total decay of the pub-
lic roads must be ascribed to the
want of substantial and durable ma-
terials for th<.Jr construction. The
llengal government lia\c complet-
ed a road from Calcutta to Ee-
iiares, which was principally done
with a view to tlie expediting of
Biilitaiy luoveiiicnts ; but has, at the
same time, proved a very genehA
convenience.
I'he exportation of grain from
corn districts, and the returns of salt,
constitute the principal object of in-
ternal trade. The importation of
cotton from the western provinces,
and the exchange of tobacco for
betel nut, together with some sugar,
and a few articles of less note, com-
plete the supply of iiiterr.al con-
sumption. Piece goods, silk, salt-
petre, opium, sugar, and indigo,
formerly pasi5ed almost wholly
through the Company's hands; but
now all sorts of traffic are nuich more
open, and practised generally by
every description ofmerchant. Grain,
the internal commerce of which is
entirely conducted by the natives
themselves, supplies the consump-
tion of the cities, and the export
trade of Bengal. Except in cities,
the bulk of the j)eople is every where
subsisted from tlie produce of their
immediate neighbourhood.
I'lain muslins, distinguished by
their various names, according to th«
fineness or closeness of the texture,
as well as flowered, striped, or check-
ered nmslins, denominated from
tlieir patterns, are fabricated chiefly
in the province of Dacca. The ma-
nufacture of the thinnest sort of fine
muslins is ahrost confined to that
pro\iiice: other kinds, more closely
wove, are fa])ricated on the western
side of the Delta of the Ganges;
and a diiferer.t sort, distingi'.ished by
a more rigid texture, does not seem
to be limited to an\ particular dis-
tricts. Coarse muslins, in the shape
of turbans, handkerchiefs, &c, are
made almost in every province ; and
the northern parts of Benares alibrd
both plain and flowered muslins,
which arc not ill adapted for coni-
moji uses, though incapable of sus-
taining any competition with the
beawtiful and inimitable fabrics of
Dacca.
Under the general name of cali-
coes are included varioiis sorts of
clotii, to which jio English names
have bccu yet idSxcd;and arc, fur tli«
BENGAL.
I2t
most part, known in Europe ])y the chintzes; •which appears to be an
Indian dcnomitiations. Cossaes origiiiai art in India, invented long
(khasahs) are fabritutod in that part since, and broiigiit to a perfection
of Bengal which is sitnated north of not yet surpassed in Europe. Dinii-
Ganges; hotween the Aiahanuddy ties, of various kinds, and damask
and Isainutty rivers, from Vlanlda to linen, arc ner.v made at Dacca,
Berbazic. Clotlis, siuiilar in quality, Patna, Tauuda, and other places,
and bearing the same name, are The neighi»uurhood of Moorshe-
inade near Taiida in the Nabob of dabad, is the chief scat of the nianu-
Ondc's dominions. Baftasare nianu- facture of wove silk and tafcta, both
facturcd iu the south-east corner of plain ajid flowered. 'I'issucs, bro-
Bengal, near Luckiporc ; and again, cades, and ornamented gauzes, are
on the Avestern frontier of B iiares, the manufacture of Benares. Plain
in the neighbourhood of Ailaliabad,
aud also in the province of Bahar,
and some other districts. Sanaes
are the cliicf fabric of Orissa; some
are made in tiie district of Midna-
poor; some are imported lioin the
conliguons countries. A similar
cloth, .under the same denoniinati(m,
is wrought in the eastern parts of the
province of Benares. Gurraes arc
the nnuiu facture of Birbhoom; still
coarser cloths, na)ned gezis aud gc-
zinas, arc wove in every district, l)ut
especially in the Doab of the Ganges
asid Jumna. Other sorts of cloth,
the names of which are less familiar
to the English reader, are found in
various distiicts.
Packtiuead is wove into sack-
gauzes, adapted to, the u.ses of the
country, are wove in the western and
soutliciu corner of Bengal. 'I'lje
weaving of mixed goods, made with
silk and cotton, flourishes chiefly at
Maulda, at Boglipoor, and at some
towus.ia the district of Burdwan.
x\ considerable (piantity oi'lilature
silk is exported to the western parts
of India ; and much is sold at Miraa-
jjoor, aud passes thence to the Mn-
haratta dominions, and the centrical
parts of Hindostan.,
'I'he tisser, or wild silk, is procured
in abundance from comitries border-
ing on Bengal, and !rom some dis-
tricts included \a ithin its limit.s'. The
wild silk-'.vorms are there tbund in
several sorts of trees, which are com-
cloth iu many places, and especially mon iu the forests of Silliet, Assam,
on the northern frontier of J5engal
Proj)er, where it is cjnjiloyed as
clothing by liie nioutaineers, A sort
tof canvas is made liom cotton in the
iK'ighbourliood ai'( 'hittagong, Patna,
^nd some other places ; aiid blankets
and t^ie JJeccan. llie cones ar«
large, but spaiingly covered with
silk; and, in colour aud lustre, this
species of siik is far inferior to that
of the domesticated insect. Its
cheapness renders it useful, in the
hrc made every v, here for common fabrication of coarse silks. Thepro-
iise. A coarse cotton cloth, dyed duction of it may be increased by eii-
red, with cheap materials, is very couragcment, and a very large qnan-
gcnerally used, aud is chiefly manu- tity may Be exported in the raw state,
tactured iu the centre c^f the Doab. at a moderate expense. It might be
Other sorts, died ol' various < olours, used in Europe for tiie preparation
but especially blue, are prepared for of silk gi)ods, and mixed with wool
inland conunerce, aiid exportation and cotton, might Ibrm, as it now
by .sea. Both fine and coar.se call- does in India, a beautiful and ae-
coes receive a topical dying with ceptable manulkcture. 'I'he manu-
permanent and witii fugitive colours, facture of saltpetre scarcely pas.s<'.s
for conmion use, as \\v\[ as fm- ex- tlie eastern limits of the Bahar pro-
portatiou. The ijrovinco of Benares, vince, under which head it Avill be
tiie city of Patua, and tiie ncigli- found described,
bourhood of Calculla, are the prin- The export of hides from Bengal
♦•ipal scats of this niauuiucture of might be greatly increased. It is
128
Uengal.
calculated that, inchiding Luflaloos,
these provinces contain at)Ove 50
inillious of cattle. Until reeontly
tlio demand was so smaH, that the
rairier often neglected to fake the
hide oil the cattle that died a natural
death. About 1797, some Eino-
peans engaged in the tanning of lea-
ther, and manufacture of boots and
shoes; which, although not so strong
or water-proof as the British, answer
so well, that they have greatly re-
duced the importation. The natives
have also arrived at considerable per-
fection in the fabrication of saddles,
harness, military accoutrements, and
other articles of leather. Buflalocs
horns might also become an article
of export, although so bulky and dif-
ficult of stowage. An excellent
.species of canvas is now manu-
factured in Calcutia, and sold nuich
cheaper than that imported from
Europe.
Should freight ever be reduced to
Ihe lowest price at which it can be
aflbrded, cornmightbe exported from
Bengal to Europe, Rice, barley,
and wheat, may be shipped in Cal-
cutta, fol- nearly the same price ;
namely, two and a half rupees per
hag, containing two maunds, or from
3s. 4d. to 3s. 6d. per cwt. Rum
might be exported from Bengal, at
from Is. 6d. to Is. yd. per gallon; the
quality is as yet inferior to the Ja-
maica rum, but might be improved to
equal it. Liquorice and ginger are
produced in Bengal, and might be
exported to any extent.
it is extremely probable that an-
notto, madder, coii'ee, cocoa, cochi-
neal, and even tea, would thrive in
British India, which now^ compre-
hends every variety of tropical cli-
mate. The plant from the seeds of
which annotto is prepared, by se-
parating the colouring matter which
adheres to theui, is already cultivat-
ed in Bengal, and coft'ce plants have
thriven in botanical and private gar-
dens. Madder is a native of the
mountainous regions which border
.on Bengal, and this province pos-
ses.ses, besides many ailicles which
miirht be brought info notice fcy si
more extended commerce.
Various dnigs used in djing are
exported to England, such as galls„
turmeric, saiBower, or carthamus;
also myrobalans, which are here used
in preference to galls. Roots of mo-
rinda, w hich dye a permanent colour
on cotton, and blossoms of the nyc-
tanclics, which give a permanent
colour to silk.
Glim arabic, and many other sorts
of gums and resins for manufactures,
arc fhe produce of frees that grow
spontaneously in Bengal, besides a
mulfitude of medicinal gums and
drugs which abound in India and
the adjacent countries. Vegetable
oils, particularly hnsecd, might be
supplied from these provinces, which
are also adapted for the cultivation
of flax, lineal, brought from the
high table land of Tibet, is among
the imports to Bengal; and vege-
table and mineral alkalies may here-
after become a considerable object
of commerce. The fossil alkali is
found in abundance, and the woods
of Bengal arc capable of furnishing
potash in large quantities. The pre-
paration of sal anmioniac might be
advantageously connected with the
manufacture of saltpetre.
Besides the articles already men-
tioned, ^\ hich have a reference prin-
cipally to Bengal, India furnishes
aloe^', assafoetida, benzoin, camphor,
cardamums, cassia lignea, and cas-
sia buds, arraugoes, couries, china,
root, cinnabar, cloves, cinnamon,
nutmcgr., mace, elephants' teeth,
gums of various sorts, mother of
pearl, pepper, (quicksilver and rhu-
barb from China), sago, scammony,
senna, and saffron ; and might sup-
ply anise, coriander, a)id cumin seeds,
and many other objects which would
occujjy too much room to enumerate.
Of hemp and flax, with all their
varieties, and also of the different
substitutes for these articles, Bengal
possesses greater abundance than
any other countiy. The true hemp
is fotuidin many places, but is little
Used by the natives, except for the
BENGAL.
129
ft'-od oii, for medicine, aiid for an Manilla, indigo of a verj' fine qna-
jntoxicatingingrtdicnt which is often lify, sugar, sapan wood, and specie,
mixed with the tobacco of the Hoo- From the i\Ialabar const are im-
kali. ported sandal wood, coir rope, pep-
Forniprly the exports to Europe, per, sonic cardnnioius, and occa-
and to the United States of Amciica, sionally cargoes of cotton wool ; the
constituted the most considerable balance is general sunk in tlie an-
portion of Bengal coninienie. nual supplies with which Piengal
The principal articles of export to furnislics Bombay. From Pegnie are
]VIadras and the Coast of Coroman- brought teak timber, elephants'
del are grain, pulse, sugar, sahj)elre, teeth, lac, Sec. ]'or a more detailed
molasses, ginger, long pepper, cla- statement of the external commerce
rilicd butter, oil, silk, wrought and
unwrouglit, muslins, spirits, and pro-
visions.
After the Coromondcl trade, tJie
next in importance is tliat of the
of Pengal see the article Calcutta.
The inhabitants of Bengal are cer-
tainly numerous in proportion to the
tillage and manufactures that em-
ploys their industry. In 1789, the
eastward and China, to which (piar- inhabitants of Bengal and Bahar
ters the exports, besides opium, con- were estimated at 22 millions,, and
sist of grain, saltj)etrc, gunjjowder, Sir ^\ illiam Jones reckoned them at
i'on (ire arms, cotton, silk, and cot- 24 millions. In 1793, Mr. Cole-
ti)n piece goods. I'he tiade to Bom- brooke was decidedly of opinion,
bay is next, consisting cliiefly of alter mature consideration, that, in-
grain, sugar, raw silk, some silk and eluding Benares, they could not be
cotton piece goods, saltpetre, ginger, estimated at less than 27 millionSj
long pepper, sacking, and liempen
roj)es,
'l"o t]ie Gulfs of Arabia and Persia
Bengal sends grain, .<ugar, silk, and
cottiin piece goods. To Ava and the
Birman empiie, silk and cotton
gijods, fire arms, iron, nails, naval
Mhicli corroborates Sir "Wm. Jones's
calculation. Another estimate made
in 1790, which is not so nnieh to be
depended on, cariies the population
of Bengal, Bahar, and Benares, so
high as 32,987,500 inhabitants. In
1801 a more accurate survey than
and military stores, and a variety of any of the preceding was taken by
European goods. the directions of the Marquis Wei-
Bengal imports from Europe me- lesley, but the result has never been
lals of all soils, wrought and nn- conmnniicated to the public in an
wrought, woollens of \arious kinds, authentic form. Upon the whole,
naval and military stores, gold and the average of 200 to a .square mile,
silver coin and bullion, and almost in districts which are well peopled,
every article of Ijuope, for the Eii- may be admitted as tolerably eor-
r/)pean ynvt of the iuhaititants.
The returns iiom .Madras and the
Coast of Coromandel consist of .salt,
red wood, some iine long clolh, iza-
nees, and chinizcs. The balance due
to Bengal is either settled by go-
vernment bills, ori<mitled in specie.
From the llastern Islands, and the
Malay Coast, Bengal receives pep-
|>er, tin, wax. danimcr, brimstone,
gold dust, specie, betel nut, spices,
rect; and we may estimate the total
population of Bengal, Bahar, and
Benares, not to exceed 30 millions,
nor to fall short of 28 millions of in-
habitants.
Under the Britisli government tlie
population of Bengal has undergone
a progressive increase, which still
continues, and surpasses that of
England in the cultivated districts.
It has occasionally, however, met
benzoin, ike. From China tutenague, with cheeks, as happened in 1770,
sugar-candy, tea, allum, dammer, when it is supposed, on a moderate
{lorcclain, lacquered ware, and a va- coinpiifation, that a l\f^i of the in-
riety of niatluraetmcj goods. From habitants perished by famine: in
K
130
BENGAL.
1784 the snme calamity prevailed,
but ui a much less degree ; in 1787
many lives were lost in the eastern
provinces by inundation, and in 1788
by a partial scarcity ; but since this
last period famine and scarcity ha\ e
been wholly unknown. In 1793, it
was reckoned that 4,000,000 niaunds
of salt, equal to 320,000,000 pounds
of salt, were consumed in Bengal
and Bahar, exclusive of Benares.
In 1793 the estimated produce of
the lands in maunds of 80Ibs. each
was as iollows, but the value aflixed
appears too high.
Rupees.
150,000,000 maunds of
rice, wheat, and bar-
ley, at 12 annas - 112,500,030
60,000,000 of n;illet, &c.
at 8 annas - - - 30,000,000
90,000,000 of pulse, at
10 annas - - - 56,250,000
43,000,000 maunds of
seed, reserved for the
following season - 28,380,000
Oil seeds - - - 12,000,000
Sugar, tobacco, cotton,
&c. 70,000.000
Sundries - - - - 20,00d,000
Gross produce of land 329,130,000
fi-om the observations on the reve-
nues of Bengal by the late James
Grant, Esq. that the assessment was
limited not to exceed in the whole n,
fourth part of the actxjal gioss pro-
duce of the soil. In early times the
demands of the Hindoo sovereigns
were more moderate. The INIahab-
harat states, that the prince was to
levy a fiftieth of tlie*i>roduce of the
mines, and a tenth of corn. Menu,
and other legislators, authorize the
sovereign to exact a tenth, an eighth.
or a twelfth part of grain, according
to circumstances, and a sixth of the
clear annual produce of trees.
Witii respect to the much disputed
nature of landed properly in Ben-
gal, in one point of view, the ze-
mindars, as descendants of the an-
cient independent rajahs, seem to
have been tributaiy princes. In an-
other light they appeared only to be
officers of government. Probably
their real character jiarlook of both-
This, however, must bo ob\iously
restricted to rajahs who jjossessed
great zemindarics. Numerous land-
holders subordinate to these, as well
^tis others independent of them, can-
not evidently be traced to a similar
In the revenue system of Bengal
the rjot, or CTiltivator, is described
as a tenant paving rent, and his su-
perior as a landlord or landholder ;
but, strictly speaking, his payment
heretofore was a contribution to the
state, levied by officers named ze-
mindars, standing between him and
government. In the rule for divid-
ing the crop, whether under special
engagements, or by custom, their
proportions are known, *iz.
Half to tlie landlord and half to
the tenant.
One-third to the landlord and two-
Uiirds to the tenant.
Two-fifths to the landlord and
three-tifths to the tenant.
'J'he standard for the regulation of
rates has been lost, but we learn
The zemindars are now acknow-
ledged for various reasons, and from
considerations of expediency which
decided tlic question, as proprietors
of the soil. Yet it has been ad-
mifted, iiom very high authority,
that anciently the sovereign was the
superior of the soil, that tJie zemin-
dars Mere oHlcers of revenue, just-
ice, and police, and that their office
was licquently, but not necessarily,
hereditary. To collect and assess the
contribu ions, regulated as they were
by local customs, or particular agree-
ments, but A ai-)ing at the same time
■v\ ith the necessities of the state, was
the business of the zemindar, as a
l)ernianent, if not as a hereditary
ollicer. I'or the due execution of
his charge, he was checked by per-
manent and hereditai-j' ofliccrs oS re-
cord and account.
The saycr revenue of the nature
3
BENGAL. 131
of land rent, consists of ground rent expenses of collection at 40 per
tor tlie site of houses and gardens, cent.
revenue drawn fioni fruit tiees, pas- In 1793 the territorial revenue,
tures and malh, and rent of fisheries, which had before fluctuated, was
Other articles of sayer collected permanently and iirevocably fixed,
within the village have been abo- during the administration of Lord
lished ; such, for example, as market Cornvvallis, at a certain valuation of
tolls and personal taxes. Ground the property, moderately assessed ;
rents were not usually levied from but this permanent settlement has
ryots eng:aged in husbandry. not yet been introduced into the ter-
A poll tax, called jaziyeh, was ritories obtained by cession from the
imposed by the Kalif Omar on all NabobofOude, or by conquest from
persons not of the JNIahommedan the Maharattas. The mighty mass
faith. The Musselmaun conquerors of papers which the agitation of this
of Hiiidostan imposed it on the Hin- question introduced among the Com*
doos as infidels, but it was abolished pany's records, proves the ability,
by the Em|)eror Acber. At a sub- labour, and anxiety, with which it
sequent period Aureng-zebe attempt- was discussed,
cd to revive it, but without success. The following are the pai-ticulars
Free lands are distinguished ac- of the revenue and disbursements of
cording to their appropriations, for the Bengal presidency in 1809.
Brahmins, bai-ds, encomiasts, asce-
tics, priests, and mendicants, or for revenues.
a provision for several pubUe officers. Mint ------- ^10,819
'J'he greatest part of the present fiee Post office ----- 34,800
lands of Bengal hroper, were origi- Oude and ceded provinces 1,694,131
Jially granted in small portions of Land ------ 3,851,128
waste ground. The more extensive Judicial ------ 104,831
tracts of free land are managed in Customs ----- 6i(j,.509
the same mode as estates assessed Salt ------- 1,815,822
for revenue. Opium ------ 594,978
Prior to 1790 half the revenues of Stamps -----.. 81,633
Bengal were paid by six large ze- Conquered provinces - -1,111,807
mindaries, viz. Raujeshy, Burdwan, .
Dinagepoor,Nuddea, Birbhoom,and Total revenues ^9,816,458
Calcutta. .;
In Bengal the class of needy pro- CHARGES,
prictors of land is very numeious, Mint ------- 33,955
but even the greatest landlords are Post office ----- 31,690
not in a situation to allow that in- Oude and ceded provinces 409,320
dulgenec and aeconnnodation to the Civil charges in general - 600,906
tenants, Avhich might be expected on Supreme court and law - 46,400
viewing the extent of their income. Adawlets (courts ofjustice) 646,567
Besponsible to government for a tax Militaiy ------ 2,990,673
originally calculated at ten-elevenths Marine ------ 75^082
of the expected rents of their estates, Buildings and fortifications 34,800
they have no probable surplus above Revenue ------ 524,086
tlieir expenditure to compensate for Customs ------ 70,760
their risk. Any accident, any cala- Salt advances and charges 406,000
niity, may involve a zemindar in Opium ditto - w - - - 100,920
difficulties from which no economy Stamps ------ 10,642
or attention can retrieve him. About Conquered provinces - -596,285
1790 the gross rent paid to the land- Interest of debt - - - 1,421,938
holders in Bengal was estimated at
neaily six crores of ruf>ees, and the Total charges 7,898.^34
K ?
132
PENGAL.
Tn 1809 the debt owinp; liy ihe Irihe are inchidcd not only the trnr
East India Company, at ti)is prtsi- Sudras, Init also llic SLveral castes.
20,286,644
dency,
Amonnted to
The amount of assets,
debts, &c. bclongfhio; to
the Company at tlic
same period was - 8,518,131
whose origin is asciilied lo tlie pro-
miscnous intercourse ot" tlie tour
classes. In practice Utile astentioii
is paid to the liuiitalionsot'the castes,
daily observation shews e%en Erah-
mins exercising the menial profes-
sion ot" a siidra. Every caste forms
Excess of delil above itself into clubs and lodges, consist-
the assets - ^'ll,768,ol5 ing of sevcraliudividualsoi'lhal caste
residing within a small <listance.
The Company arc also possessed I'hese clubs govern themselves by
of property to a eonsideralile amount particular rules and customs, or by
ut this presidency, which, iVoin not laws. It may, however, be received
being considered as available, is not as a general ma\im, that the occu-
inscrted among the assets. This patioti appointed for each tribe, is
pro]ier1y consists of plate, honscliold entitled merely to a preference ^
furniture, guns on the ramparts, every profession, v\ itli a few e\eep-
arms, and military stores. The build-
ings might be added, Init their cost
is supposed to be included in the
charges as well as the fortifications.
The whole, how ever, must have ori-
ginally been luocnred by lulvancc of
tiinds cither in England or India.
tions, being open lo every descrip-
tion of persons.
'Ihe civil and military govcnimcnt
of the territories under the IJengal
presidency, is vested in a governor-
general ^ind three coun.'^eilors. Va-
cancies in the council are supplied
. In 1810 the sum estimated to have by the directors, and the counsellors
been expended on buildings ami tor- are taken from the civil servants of
tifieations was - - -5,494,354 not less than 12 years standing. For
Plate, furniture, i)ianta- theaduiinistralionofjustice through-
tions, farms, vessels, out the provinces sul>ject to the pre-
storcs, &c. - - - - 1,496,114 sidency, there are in the ci\il and
criminal departments,
^£6,990,468 One supremo court stationed at
Cakutta.
Six courts of appeal and circuit
attached to six ditfercnt divisions.
I'orty inferior courts, or rather
magistrates, stationed in so many
dilierent districts and cities, viz.
Asira
Among the native popidation in
the eastern districts of Bengal . the
Mahommedans are almost equally
numerous with the Hindoos; in the
middle part they do not constitute a
fourth part.of the pojmlalion, to the
westward the disproportion is still Ailahal)ad
greater. As an average of the whole, Alyghur
the jMalionnnedaus may be com-
puted at onc-tcnth of the jiopula-
tion. Of the four great classes, the
aggregate of the IJramin, Khetri, and
\aisja, may auiount. at the most,
to a iifth jiart of the total popidation.
Commerce and.agiieulture arc uni-
versally i)crmiitcd to all classes, and
under the general designation of ser-
vants to the other three tribes, the
t^udras seem to be aUovved to pro-
secute any manufacture. In thi*
Dacca Jelalpoor
Denagepo<n-
Etavveh
Eurruckabad
Goracpoor
Hooghly
Jessonc
J ion poor
liackergunge
I'arcily
Ilahar
lienares
I'irbhooiK
IU)glipoor(oi]Mong-\leerat
Jhndwan [hir) IMidnapoor
Cawitpoor Mirzapoor
Chittagong INlynuinsiugh
Ealasore ( in Moorshedabad.
•luggeraauth i Cuttaek, Moradabad,
and Buudclcuiiti
BENdAL.
133
Niuldoa Sarnii
]'iiriie-ali iSiiahahud
J^aujeshy Sillict
IJauigiiiir 'rijKiali
l^uii<;poor 'J"i!lio(jt
Saliarunpoor 24 |K'r};nnahs
The cuiirts of oirciiil consist of
tliK^e judges,, ^vitll an assistant ; to-
•{jotlier \vith ualiNc ofliceis, hotli i\Ja-
hoitmiodau and Hindoo. Tlif juds^es
make their circuits at stated ])eiiods
of the year, and liold also n ,<i;idara!id
frequent jail deliveries, 'liny try
criminal oHences accordiiij^ to ti«e
Mahominedan huv ; liiit when tlic
sentence is capital, or iniprisounient
is aw ardcd beyond a d( Hued period,
it does not take elVcct until it re-
ceives eonlirinatioii from the siiijerior
criminal conrt stationed in Calcutta,
named the Nizamnt Adawlet. T!ie
principal business of this co<nt is to
revise trials ; but it is in no case per-
mitted to aggravate the se\ ority of
the sentence.
In the countiy distiicts, the oflicer
who, in his criminal capacity, has
the appellation of magistrate, is also
the civil judge of tlie city or district
ill which he resides. He tries all
suits of a civil nature, pro\ided the
cause of action have originated, the
property concerned be situated, or
the defendant be resident, within his
jurisdiction. To try suits ol a small
iimited amount, the judge may ap-
point native commissioners, from
whose decisions an appeal lies to the
judge. With a few exceptions, the
decisions of the judge are appealable
to the provincial courts of appeal,
Avithin the jurisdiction of which he
resides.
'I'he ultimate court of appeal, in
civil matters, sits in tlie city of
Calcutta, and is st^hnl the Sudder
Dewanny Adawlet. 'J'o this court
all causes resiiecting personal pro-
perty beyond 5000 rupees value are
appealable; with regaid to real pro-
perty, it is ascertained by certain
rules, diirering iiccording to the na-
ture and tenure of the property.
I'rom tliis comt an appeal lies to the
kin^ ill covuicil, if i\u: value of the
pro]K.'rty concerned amounts to 50001.
sterling.
Liidi:r the Mahominedan govern-
ments, suitors pleaded their own
causes, and the practice continued
until 1793, when regiilar native ad-
vocates were appointed, 'i'hese ad-
vocates are cliosen out of the INIa-
hommcdan College at CaU-utta, and
Hindoo College at Benares, and the
rate of fees is fixed by public regu-
lation. This institution ensures
suitors against negligence or miscon-
duct on tlie part, either <»'.' the judge,
or of his native assistant, the advo-
cates being often as conversant in
the business of the court as either of
those oilicer.s. As an ultimate secu-
rity for the purity of justice, provi-
sions have been made against the
corruption of those wlio administer
it. 'I'iie rrceiving of a sum of money,
orotlif r Mdnable as a gift, or present,
or under colour thereof, by a British
subject in the .service of the Com-
pany, is decMiicd to be taken by ex-
tortion, ai;d is a uiisdemeanor at
law.
A\ ritten pleadings have been in-
troduced in the native languages, l<)r
the purpose of bringing litigation to
a point, and entbrcing, in legal pro-
ceedings, as much precision as the
habits of the people will admit. Be-
fore this, the charge and defence
consisted of confused oral com-
plaints, loudly urged on one side,
and as loudly retorted on the (jther.
In receiving evidcaee, gieat indul-
gence is granted to the scruples of
caste, and the prejudices against the
l)ul)lic appearance of females, so pre-
valent in eastern countries.
'I'he Mahoninicdan law still con-
tinues, as the British found it, the
ground work of tJie criminal juris-
j)rudence of the country. In civil
matters, the Hindoos and Mahom-
medans substantially enjoy then- re-
spective usages. The prejudices
of both are treated with indulgence,
and the respect which Asiatic man-
ners enjoins to women of rank is
scrupulously enforced.
The body of ser\ ants, who fill the
134
BENGAL.
commercial, political, financial, and
judicial officers in Bengal, are sup-
plied by annual recruits of young
men, under the appellation of writers,
who generally leave England for
India about the age of 18. When
they have completed three years re-
sidence in the country, they are ele-
gible to ail office of 50()1. per an-
imm, emoluments upwards ; after six
years, to 15001. upwards; after nine
years, to 30001. upwards; and after
twelve years, to 40001. per annum,
or upwards. The directors of the
Company generally appoint annually
about 30 writers for the ci^il ser-
vice. In 1811, the number of civil
servants in Bengal was 391 ; under
the Madras presidency, 206 ; and un-
der that of Bombay, 74 ; — in all, 671.
— The pay, allowances, and emolu-
ments of the civil service in Bengal,
including European uncovenanted
assistants, amounted, in 1811, to
1,045,4001. sterling.
The stations of the commercial re-
sidents, for purchasing the invest-
ment for the Company, are,
Bareily Keerpoy
Baidiah Luckipore and
Commercolly Chittagong
Cossimbazar Maulda
Dacca IMidnapoor
Etaweh Patna
Golagore Badnagore
Goracpoor Rungpoor
Hunial Santipoor
Hurripaul Soonamooky
Jungeypoor
The collectors of the government
customs are stationed at
Benares Furruckabad
Calcutta Hooghly
Cawnpoor Moorshedabad
Dacca Patna
The diplomatic residents are at
Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, My-
sore, Nagpoor, Poonah, and with
Dovvlet Bow Siiidia, who seldom
stays long in one place.
The native, or sepoy troops, un-
der the three presidencies, including
the non-commissioned officers, who
are also natives, amount to 122,000
men; of whom aboitt 9000 are ca-
valry, equally divided between IVla-
dras and Btjngal. European offi-
cers, attached to tliis Ibice, are
nearly 3000. Of Emopean regi-
ments, each presidency is fuinished
with one, besides artillcr>' and engi-
neers; and the total number of these
troops, with their officers, exceeds
4000. The officers rise by seniority.
It has become usual for tiie British
government at home to send to In-
dia a certain number of regiments
from the army of his ma,jesty, which
are for the time placed at the dis-
posal of the Company, and co-operate
with the army immediately subject
to that body. About 22,000 king's,
troops are now usually stationed in
India, at the entire expense of the
Company. The commander-iti-chief
in both king's and Company's Ibrcesis
usually the same j)er.«o)i, nominated
both by the king and by tiie Conit
pany to the command of their re-
spective armies, and acting by virtue
of a commission tiom each. In
1811, the total number of kirig's
troops in India was 21,488; the ex-
pense 1,154,6951. per annum; and
the Company's Bengal army, of all
descriptions of regulars, was 58,690
men.
The annual appointment of cadets?
for tiie three presidencies may be
averaged at 120 for the military, and
10 for the marine service, annually.
In 1811, the number of oll;cers in
the Company's service, on the Ben-
gal establishment, was 1571; the
pay and allowances amounted to
872,0881. per annum. 1 he number
of resident Europeans out of tlie ser-
vice, in the pi ovinces under the Jien-
gal presidency, Calcutta included, in
1810, were computed at 2000.
I'he districts into winch, in modern
times, the province of Bengal has
been subdivided, are Backergunge,
Birbhoom, Burdwau, Chittagong,
Hooghly, Jessore, Mymunsingh,
Moorshedabad, Nuddt-a, Purneab,
Baujeshy, Rungpoor, bilhet, Tip-
perah, the 24 pergunuahs, and to
wliich, from its long comi«xion,
BENGAL.
135
must be added Midnapoor, although
it properly beloni^K to OrisKa.
\\ ithiii these limits arc coniprc-
Jionded throe very large cities: Cal-
cutta, Moorshedabad, and Dacca;
and many prosperous inland trading
towns, of from 10 to 20,000 inhabit-
ants, such as Hoogiilj, Boguangola,
harraiugiinge, Cossimbazar, Nud-
dea, Maulda, Mungulhaut, &c. I'he
small villages, of from 100 to 500 in-
habitants, are beyond number, and
in some parts of the country seem to
touch each other as in China. While
passing them by the inland na\iga-
tion, it is pleasing to view ti)e cheer-
ful bustle and crowded population
by laud and water; men, old w omen,
children, birds, and beasts, all mixed
and intimate, evincing a sense of se-
curity and appearance of happiness,
seen in no part of India beyond the
Company's territories. Nor have
the natives of Bengal any real evils
to complain of, except such as ori-
ginate from their own litigious dis-
positions, and from the occasional
predatory visits of gang-robbers. To
secure them from the last, the exer-
tions of government, and of their
sei-vants in the magistracy, have been
most stri nuous ; neither pains nor
expense have been spared: but, it
must be confessed, hitherto without
tlic desired success, and partly owing
to the want of energy in the natives
themselves. AVith respect to the
first, the Bengalese are, from some
cliaiacteristic peculiarity, particu-
larly prone to legal disputation ; and,
politically pacific, seem socially and
domestically martial. Among them
wai"s seenv tiittered down into law,
and the ferocious passions dwaifed
down to the bickering and suarhng
of the hut and village.
In this province there are many
female zemindars, generally subser-
vient to, and under the management
of, the family Brahmin, who con-
houls their txjiisciences. This pcr-
.son has his own private interests to
attend to, and witliout appearing,
exerts an influence over the pubUc
business. The ostensible managing
agent submits to the contix>ul of a
concealed authority, which he nuxst
conciliate ; and the interests of the
state and zemindar equally bend to
it. A Brahmin in Bengal not only
obtains a lease of land on better
terms, but has exemptions from va-
rious impositions and extortions to
w Inch the in erior classes are ex-
posed.
Beyond Brngal the natives of the
northern mountains pro\e, by their
features, a Tartar origin. They
people the northern boundary of
Bengal.
On the eastern hills, and in the
adjacent plains, the peculiar features
of the inhabitants shew with equal
certainty a distinct origin; and the
cle\ atcd tract ^\ hich Bengal includes
on the west, is peopled from a stock
obviously distinct, or rather by se-
veral races of mountaineers, the pro-
bable aborigines of the coimtry. The
latter are most evidently distinguish-
ed by their religion, character, lan-
guage, and manners, as well as by
their features, from the Hindoo na-
tion. Under various denominations
they people the vast mountainous
tract which occupies the centre of
India, and some tribes of them have
not yet emerged from the savage
state.
In the mixed population of the
middle districts, the Hindoos may
be easily distinguished from the Ma-
honnncdans. Among the latter may
be discriminated the Mogul, the
Afghan, and their immediate de-
scendants, from the naturalized Mus-
selmaun. Among the Hindoos may
be recognized the peculiar traits of a
Bengalese, contrasted w ith those of
the Hindostany. The native Ben-
galese are generally stigmatized as
pusillanimous and cowardly ; but it
should not be forgotten, that at an
early period of our military history
in India, they almost entirely tbrmed
several of our battahons, and distin-
guished themselves as brave and
active soldiers. It nuist, however,
be acknowledged, that throughout
Hiudostan the Bengalese name has
1.36
BENGAL.
never been lield in any repute; and
that Hie descendants of foreigners,
settled in Ecnaal, are fond of tracing
their origin to the countries of their
ancestors.
The men of ojjulcnce now in Bon-
gal are the Hindoo merchants, hank-
ers, and banyans of Calcutta, with a
few at the principal provincial sta-
tions. The greatest men formerly
were the Maliomniedan rulei-s, whom
the Biitish have superseded, and
the Hindoo zemindars. These two
classes are now reduced to povcrtj',
and the lower classes look up to the
oflicial servants and domestics of the
English gentlemen. No native has
any motive to distinguish himself
greatly in the army, as he cannot
rise higher than a soubahdar, a rank
inferior to an ensign.
Slavery, in its severest sense, is
not known in r>engal. Throughout
some districts the labours of hus-
bandly is executed chiefly by bond
servants. In certain other districts
the ploughmen are mostly slaves of
the peasants, for whom they labour,
but are treated by their masters
more like hereditary ser\ants, or
niancipatcd hinds, tiian like pur-
ciiased slaves. Though the fact
must be admitted, that slaves may
be found in Fcngal among the la-
bourers ill husi)andry, jet in most
parts none but free men are oc-
cupied in the business of agricul-
ture.
Many tribes of Hindoos, and even
some Erahmias, have no objections
to the use of aiiiiiial food, beef ex-
cepted. At their entertainments it
is generally introduced; by some it
is daily eaten ; and the institutes of
their religion re(jiiire,that tlesh should
be tasted even by Brahmins at so-
lemn sacrifices; forbidding, however,
the use of it, unless joined with the
performance of such a sacrilice. Dr.
Leyden was inclined to think, that
anthropophagy was practised by a
class of mendicants, named Agora
Punt'h, in Bengal and other parts of
India.
Of the existence of Bengal as a
separate kingdom, with the limits
assigned to it at present, there is no
other evidence than its distinct lan-
guage and peculiar written charac-
ter. At the time of the war of the
Mahabharat, it constitiited three
kingdoms. Afterwards it formed
part of ihe empire of Magadha, or
Bahar, from which, however, it was
t'lismemb' red before the IMahoimne-
dan invasion. The last Hindoo
prince of this province was named
Lacshmanyah, and held his court at
Nuddea. A.D. 1203, daring the
reign of Cuttub ud Deen, on the
Delhi throne, Mahomraed Eukhtjar
Khilijee was dispatched by that
sovereign to invade Bengal, and
marched with such rapidity, that he
surprised and captured the capital,
and expelled Rajah Lachsmaiiyah,
who retired to Juggernauth, \a here
he had the satisfaction of dv ing. —
Tlie Moliammedan general then pro-
ceeded to Gour, where he established
his capital, and reared his mosques
on the ruins of Hindoo temples. —
According toMahommedan testimo-
nies, this large province was com-
pletely subdued in the course of one
year.
I'Vom this period Bengal was ruled
bj' governors delegated by the Delhi
sovereigns until 1340. when I'akhcr
udDeen,havingassassinated his mas-
tei", revolted, and erected an inde-
pendent monarchy in Bengal. After
a short reign he was defeated and
put to death, and was succeeded by
A. D.
1343 Ilyas Khauje.
1358 Secunder Shah ; killed in an
engagement with his son,
1367 Gyasud Deen. He eradicated
the eyes of his brothers.
1373 Sultan Assulateen.
1383 Shunis ud Deen ; defeated and
killed in battle by
1385 Baja Cansa, who ascended the
throne, and was succeeded by
his son,
1392 Chietmull Jellal ud Deen, who
became a convert to the Ma-
hommedan religion.
1409 Ahmed Khan, who sent an em-
BENGAL.
137
A. D. bassy to Shah Rokh, tlie son
of'l'iiiiour.
1426 Nassh-Sluid; succocdeil by !iis
son,
1457 Barbek Shah. This prince in-
troduced mercenary fj^nards
and forces, composed ot" negro
and Abyssian slaves.
1474 Yiiseph Shah, son of the last
monarch, succeeded by his
uncle,
1482 Futteh Shall, murdered by
his eunuchs and Abyssinian
slaves; on which event one
of the eunuchs seized the
crown, and assumed the name
of
1491 ShahZadeh; but after a reign
of eig:ht months, he was assas-
sinat»Ml,and t!ie vacant throne
taken possession of bj'
1491 Feroze ShaliHelisiiy, an Abys-
sinian slave, succeeded by his
son,
1494 JVIahmeod Shah, murdered by
his vizier, an Ab\ssinian, who
ascended the throne ui.der
the name of
1495 Mu'/iff'er Shaii, a cruel tyrant,
slain in battle.
1499 Seid Hossein Shah. This
prince expelled the Abyssi-
nian troops, who retired to
the Dcecan and Gnirat, m here
they afterwards lieeame con-
spicuons under the appella-
tion if Siddees. He also in-
vaded Camroop and Assam,
but was repulsed with dis-
grac{\ He was succeeded by
his son,
1520 Nusserit Shah, who was as-
sassinated by his eunuchs, and
his son J'erose Shah placed
on the <inone; but, after a
reign of threes months, he
was assassinated also by his
xincle.
1533 Mahmood Shah was expelled
by -Shere Shah the Afghan,
and with him, in 1638, ended
the series of independent
monarchs of Bengal. Some
Portuguese ships had enter-
ed the Ganges so eaily as
1517; and in 1586 a squa-
droj) of nine ships, was sent
to the assistance of Mah-
mood Shah; but these suc-
cours arrived too late, and
Bengal once more became
an appendage to the tlirone
of Delhi.
Shere Shah and his suc-
cessors occupied Bengal un-
til 1576, vhen it was con-
quered by the generals of
the Emperor Acber; and iu
1580 formed into a soubah,
or vice-royally, of the Mo-
gul empire, by Raja Tooder
Mull.
The governors of Bengal, under
the Mogul dynasty, were
A. D.
1576 Khan Jehan.
1579 Muzuffir Klian.
1580 R a jail Tooder Mull.
1582 Khan Aziu).
1584 Shahbaz Khan.
1589 Rajah Mansingh.
1606 Cuttab ud Deen Kokultash.
1607 Jehangire Cooly.
1608 Sheikh Islam Khan.
1613 Cossim Khan.
1618 Ibrahim Khan.
162-> Shah Jehan.
1625 Khanczad Khan.
1626 Mokurrem Khan.
1627 Fedai Khan.
1628 Cossim Khan Jobumg.
1632 Azim Ki.an. During the go-
vernment of this viceroy.
A. D. 1634, tlie English ob-
tained permission to trade
with their ships to Bengal,
in conse(jueuce of a firmaua
from the Emperor Shah Je-
han; but were restricted to
the port of Pipley, where
they established their fac-
tory.
1639 Sultan Shujah, the second son
of Shah Jeha!!, and brotiier
of Aurengzebi. lu 1642,
Mr. Day, the agent, v>ho had
so successfully establi.shed
the settlement at Madras,
proceeded on a voyage of ex-
periment to Balasorc ; lioin
138
BENGAL.
A. D. whence he sent tlip first re-
gular dif;patch, received by
1he Court of Directors from
Er-ng-ai, rfConimcndi!!g a fac-
tory at Balasore. In 1656,
owing to the extortion and
opprcKs-ion which the Com-
pany experienced, Iheir fftc-
tories wcic withdrawn tiom
Bengal.
1660 MeerJiirala.
1664 Shaista Khan. During the go-
vernment 9f this viceroy, the
French and Danes establish-
ed themselves in Bengal. He
expelU^dtheMughsof AiTacan
from the Island of Snndeep ;
and his administration was in
other respects able and ac-
tive, although described by
the East India Company's
agents of tliat period in the
blackf si colours.
1677 1 edai Khan.
1578 Snllan Mahommed Azim, the
3d son of Aurengzebi.
1680 Shaista Khan was re-appoint-
ed. This year Mr. Job Char-
nock was restored to his
fiitualion of chief at Ccssim-
bazar; and, in 1681, Bengal
was couslituted a distant
agency from fort St. George
or Madras. On the 20th De-
cember, 1686, in consequence
of a rupture with the I'ouj-
dar, or native military oIKcer
of Hooghly, the agent and
council retiiedto Chattanuttee
or Calcutta, from Hooghly,
considering the first as a safer
station.
1689 Ibrahim Khan. In 1693 Mr.
Job Charnock died, and was
siicceed'td by Mr. Eyre ; the
seat of the Company's trade
continuing at Chattanuttee.
In 1693 Sir John Goldes-
borough was sent out as ge-
neral superintendant and com-
missaiy of all the Company's
possessions; but he died in
Bengal in 1794, having con-
firmed Mr. Eyre as chief. In
1696. during the rebellion of
A. D. Soobha Singh, the Dutch af
Chinsura ; the irench at
Chandeuagore ; and the En-
glish at Chattanuttee (Cal-
cutta), requested pennission
to put their factories in a
state of defence. 'J he vice-
roy having assented in gene-
ral terms, they proceeded with
great diligtnce to raise wails,
bastions, and regular fortifica-
tions ; the first suffered by the
Moguls, witliin their domi-
nions.
1697 Azim Ushaun, giandson to
Aurengzebe. This prince in
1700 permitted the agents of
the East India Company, in
consideration of a valuable
present, to purchase thi'ee
towns with the lands adja-
cent to their fortified factory,
viz. Cliattanuttee,Gorindpoor,
and Calcutta. Mr. Eyre, the
chief, in consequence of in-
structions from iiome, having
strengthened the works of the
fort, it was denominated 1' ort
William, in compliment to
the king.
1704 Moorshnd Cooly, or JalTier
Khan. This nabob, in 1704,
transferred the seat of go-
vennnent from Daccaf o Moor-
shedabad, as beuig more cen-
trical. The annual surplus
revenue, during his adminis-
tration, amoimtcd to from
130 to 150 lacks of rupees
(1,500,0001.), and was regu-
larly transmitted to Delhi
every rebruary, accompanied
by valuable presents. In
1706 the whole stock of the
united East India Company
had been removed to Cal-
cutta; where thegairison con-
sisted of 1 29 soldiers, of whom
66 were Emopeans, exclu-
sive of the gunner and his
crew.
1725 Shujah ud Deen, son-in-law of
the last governor. He was
succeeded by his son.
1739 Serferaz Khan, who was day
BENGAL.
155
A. B. throned and killed in battle
by
1740 Ali Verdy Khan. It does not
appear, that tliis nabob ever
remitted any part of the re-
venue to Delhi. After the
invasion of Hindostan, by
Ahmed Shah Abdalli in 1746,
and tiie death of the Emperor
Mahommed Shah in the fol-
lowing year, the Mogul em-
pire may be considered as
wholly at an end, bc.vond the
immediate vicinity of the city
of Delhi.
1756 Serajc ud Dowlah, gjandson (o
the late nabob, in April tiiis
year, took undisputed jiosscs-
sion of the three provinces ;
but, it does not appear, he
even received or applied for
in vesture from Delhi. On the
20th June, he captured Cal-
cutta, and shut the prisoners,
146, in a room 20 feet square,
where they all perished ex-
cept 23- On (he 1st Jaiiuaiy,
1767, CalciLtta vvas retaken
fiom him by Admiral Watson
and Colonel Clive; on the
20th June, he was defeated at
riassey, and the beginning of
next July was assassinated by
order of the son of his suc-
cessor, in the 2011i year of his
age, and 15th month of his
government. For the subse-
quent native princes of Ben-
gal, see the article Moorshc-
dabad.
From this era may be dated the
commencement of the British go-
vernment in Bengal, although the
dewanny was not obtained until
1765, when Lord Cilve procured it
from the Emperor Shall Alliun, upon
the condition of payiug hitn 26 lacks
of rupees per aimum, besides secur-
ing him a considemble teiritory in
Upper Hindostan; both of which he
subsequently forfeited in 1771, by
putting himself in the power of the
Maharattas. 'I'his important busi-
ness (the acquisition of the de-
)vaxxuy), observes a native lustorian.
was settled without hesitation or ar-
gument, as easily as the purchase of
an ass or any other animal, without
envoys or reference, eitiier to the
King of England or to the Com-
pany.
Lord Clive retunicd to England in
1767, and was succeeded by Mr.
Verelst and Cartier. in 17V 2 Mr.
Hastings was appointed governor,
and continued until 1785 ; when he
Avas succeeded by Kir John Mac-
pherson, who administered the af-
fairs of government, until the airival
of Lord Cornwalhs in 1787.
During his lordship's govern-
ment, which lasted until August,
1793, the land revenue was perma-
nently settled, a code of regulations
enacted, and (he army and magis-
tracy n(\v modelled ; which improve-
ments vvcie prosecuted by his suc-
cessor, Lord 'i eiguHioutb, and com-
pleted by the IVlarcjuis Wellesley.
'I'his nobleman reached India the
26th April, 1798, and left Madras
for England the 20th August, 1805.
The Marquis Cornwalhs anived at
Calcutta, on his second mission in
July, 1805, and died at Ohazipoor,
near Benares, ihe 6(h of next Ucto-
bei". He was succeeded by Sir
George H. Barlow, who contiimtd
at the head of the supreme govern-
ment, until the arrival of Lord
Minto, in July, 1807. Lord Minto
retitrned (o Europe iii 1813, and v\ as
succeeded as governor general by
the Eari of Moua, who still tills that
important station. (Colebroohe,
Stewart, R. Grant, Tennant, J.
Grant, Lambert, Bruce, Lord Tei^n-
nioidh. Sir Henry Strachetf, Milbiirn,
— LJdiiwurg/i Review, SfX.)
Bengal. Bay of. — 'I'his portion
of the Indian (Jceaii has (he tigiuc of
an equilatural triangle, very much
resembhng in shape, tliough larger
in size, than that formed by the con-,
tiuent of the Deccan and south of
India, and usually, but improperly
denominated the Peninsula. Un th©
west, one limb extends from Bengal
to Ceylon ; on the east, from Bengal
to Juukseylon; and the third, ataoss
140
BEOKE.
Iho bay from Ceylon fo Jnnkseyloii.
Isadi lini!) may bo cstimaicd at 1120
miles in leiipjth, nud th« uholc ia
coinpieiieiidcil vithiii the latiliulcs
of b°. and 20°. Jiorlh. At the bot-
tojn of tlic buy, the dificience of
lon;j;;1i1iule bt (\vc( ii tlie towns of Ka-
lasoie and fhitia^onj on the oppo-
Kite sides, 4°. 53'. '
The west coast of (he Bay of Ilen-
JCalisinihospitahle for shippijij":, there
hoiiii;; no harljonr ihr larf;e shijis ; but
the opposite coast a ll'ords many excel-
lent harboiu'S, such as Arraean, Chc-
duba, Ne;j,Tais, andSyriam in Pe;;'nc,
a harbour near IMarlaban, Tavoy
Kivev, Kir.;:!:'s island, and seveial har-
bours in the INfcrgui ArehipelaE^o,
besides Jnnkse^lon, Telebone, and
Pnla Jiada. In other respects the
two coasts diiier materially. Coro-
"inandel bas no sf>nn(iings al-ont 30
miles fi(;m the ;liorc; (he east coast
bas soim!.iinii,"s two degrees off. Co-
vomandel is comparatively a clear
• country ; the east coast of the bay is
covered with ^^ood. Coromandel
is often parched with heat, from
winds blowing- over barren sand ; the
ca,st coast is always cool. On the
west coast, the mouths of the rivers
are baired with sand; on the east
coast, they are deep and muddy.
Coromandel has often destructive
j^ales; the cast coast lias seldom
any.
The numerous rivers that open on
the coast of the bay, bring down
.such quantities of slime and mud,
that tlie sea apjjcars turbid at a great
distance from the shore. In these
parts, the tides and currents run
M'ith great velocity ; and when coun-
ter ciuTents meet, a rippling is form-
ed, extending several miles in a
straight line, attended with a noise rc-
sendjiing breakers.
The winds m tlic Eay of Bengal
-arc said to blow six months from the
N. E. and the other six from the
S. W. This is not precisely the
case, but is sufticieutly accurate for
general purposes. It is remarkable,
that in many parts of India, during
Alarcli and April, there are on shore
strong winds blowing directly from
the sea ; while in the offing it is a
perfect calm. Thus at Bengal, there
are in that season very strong sou-
therly winds, while in the bay, calms
prevail until May and June On
the coast of Malabar, the south-west
monsoon does not commence blow-
ing with strength until the begin-
ning of the rainy season; but, on
shore, there are strong westerly
Avinds from about the venial equi-
nox.
In the Hindoo Puranas by the
term Caiinga is understood the sea
coast at the summit oithe bayof Beii-
ga!,fro!n Point Goda^ er} to Cape Ne-
grais. It isdivided into three jjarts. —
Caiinga iMoper, which extends from
Point Godavcrj to the western l)ranch
of the Ganges. The inhabitants of
this country arc called Calingi, by
Aelian and Pliny. 2dly. Madliya
Caiinga, or the Middle Caiinga,
which is in the Delta of the Ganges,
and is corrujjtly called Medo Ga-
linca by IMiny. 3dly. Moga Ca-
iinga extends tiom the eastern bra neh
of the Ganges to Cape Negrais, iu
tlie country of the Mias or Muggs ;
this is the Macco Calingac of Pliny.
I'he name Caiinga implies a coun-
try abounding Mith creeks, and is
equally ajijilieable to the sea shore
about the mouths of the Indus.
(Forrest, WiJford, Johnson, l-ioincJ,
/»'. Jjitc/ianan, S^'c.)
Bkngermow. — A to«ii in the
Nabob of Uude's teiritories, district
of Lucknow, 43 miles E. frojn Luck-
now. Lat. 36^*. 53*. N. Long. 80°
13'. E. 'ibis town is situated on a
snn)ll river, is surrounded Avith
clumps of UKingo trees, and has the
ajipearance of having been formerly
much more consideiable.
Bkore. — A district in the Nizam's
dominions, in the province of Au-
rungai)ad, situated about the 19th
degree of north latitude. It is a
very hilly district, and Jnis not any
river of consequence. The chief
town is Beorc, and there are besides
several strong holds.
Broke. — A town in the Nizam's
BERAR.
141
dominions, in the province of An- in tin! province of Ciny.Uvraia; T.l
rniif^abad, 42 miles S. tioni the (!ity
of Aunuifrabad. Lat. 19°. 10'. N
Lons. 76° 12'. E.
BERAR.
A larg:c province in tlic Dcccan,
CNtcnJinrc from the IQlli to llic 22d
Ucgrces of nortli latitiuic. To tin;
north, it is bounded by Khaiidesh
and Allahabad ; to the south by
Aurunj;;abad and the Godavery; to
tlie east by the provin<;e of d'und-
■vvana; and to the west by Khan-
desh and Anrungabad. Its limits
we very inactinatcly defined; but,
inclndino; the . modern small pro-
vince of Nandere, which properly
belongs to it, the lens^th may be
estimated at 230 miles, by 120 miles
tlie averaj^e breadth. In the Insti-
tutes of Aeber, compiled by Abul
i'azel, A. D. 1682, it is described as
to Hows:
lichpoor b( iii^" liie proper capilal of
this country. Tlie souuah of Rerar
was formed during tite reign of
Acber, from conquests made south
of the Nerbuddah ; but the Ci>«tcrn
parts were probably never (com-
pletely subjugaled.
'I'his province is ccntrically situat-
ed in the Dccean, nearly at an equal
distance from the two seas. 'J'iie
surface is in geueral elevated and
hilly, and abounds in strong holds;
some of whicii, sueli as (iav\elghnr,
were deemed inspregnable by the
luilivcs, until taken by the army
under General ^V ellesley. It has
many rivers, l!ic principal of which
:u(- the Gt)(hn<'ry, Tufitec, I'oornali,
AV urda, and Kaitna, besides siuailcr
streams. 7\ II hough so well supplied
with wabr, it is but little cultivated,
and thini} ;n!iabited. 'i'liere are
some jtarts of t!ie [)rovince, however,
which aie so favoured by climate
and soil, as to be as well cultivated
IS any part of India, [>rodueing rice,
" The ancient names of this Sou-
bah are Durdatnt, Ruddavoodyut, wheat, barley, cotton, opium, silk (iw
and Eittkener. It is situated in the small quantities and coarse), and
second climate. The length from
Putaleh to Beiragurh is 200 coss,
and the breadth iiom Bunder to
tlindiah. measures 180 coss. On
the east it joins to Beeragurgh ; on
tlie north is Settarah ; on the south
Hindia; and on the west Tilingana.
It is divided into the following dis-
tricts; viz. 1. Kaweel; 2. Poonar ;
sugar — and the whole is susceptible
of great improveuici'.t. 'l"he Rerar
bullocks ar(^ reckoned the best in
the Deccan. The principal tow ns are
Ellichpoor, Gawelgiiur, Narnallah,
Poonar, Xandere, and Palcr\.
At present three-fourths of the pro-
vince are included v ithin the terri-
tories of the Nizam, and the re-
3. Kehrleh; 4. Nernalah; 5. Knllem; maindcr is either occupied by, or
(j. Bassnm; 7. Mahore ; 8. jManick- tributary to the Nagpoor and Mal-
durgh; 9. Patna; 10, Tilinganch ;
11. Ramgiu-; 12. Bheker; 13. Puli"-
yaleh."
It will be perceived, that the pro-
i^ince of Rerar, described by Abul
I'azel, dillers considerably from the
wall Maharattas. Ry the treaty of
peace coucltKled \\ ith the Nagpoor
Rajah, in December, 180.j, the River
Vvurda v\as declared the boundary
betwixt his dominions and those of
the Nizam. I'roni varitnis causes
modern acceptation of the name; this province has never attained to
(he latter including (but improperly) any great population, the inhabitants
the wliol(! country betw ecn DowJeta- probably not exceeiling two niiilions,
bad and Orissa, the eastern part of of which number not more than onc-
which v\ as certainly not rednced by, tenth arc Mahonnnedans, tiie roit
and probably not known to the Em- being Hindoos of the Rrahminical
peror Acber. Nagpoor has generally sect. A singular practice prevails
beeii supposed to be the capital of :imong tlie lowest tribes of the i)i-
lierar; but this is a mistake, as it is habitants of Rerar and Gundwana.
142
BETAISOR.
Suicide is not unl'requently vowed
by such persons in return for boons,
solicited from idols. To fulfil bis
vow, the successful votary throws
himself from a precipice called Ca-
iabhairava. situated iu the mountains
between Tuptee and Xerbuddah ri-
vers. The annual fair held near
that spot, at the bcsiuning: of each
spring, usually witnesses eight or
10 victims of this superstition.
Among the states which arose out
of the ruins of the Bharaenee sove-
reigns of the Deccan, A. D, 1510,
one consisted of the southern part of
Berar, named the Ummad Shahy
dMiasty. It was so called from the
founder Ummad ul Moolk, ar.d last-
ed only through four generations.
The last Prince Boirahan Ummad
Shah, Mas only nominal sovereign;
the power being usurped by his mi-
nister Tuffal Khan. He was re-
duced by Motiza Nizam Shah, who
added Berar to the other dominions
of Ahmcdnuggur in 1574, and along
with the latter sovereignty Berar
fell under the Mogul domination, to-
wards the end of the 17th centurj,
(Abul Fazel, Rennel, Ferishta, C'olc-
krooke, Leckie, 5th Register, S,-c.)
B ERKNG, ( Varanga) — A small cen-
tral distinct in the province of Cash-
mere, situated about 34°. 30'. N.
The chief town is of the same name.
Beheng. — A town in the province
»f Cashmere, 37 miles E. of the city
of Cashmere. Lat. 34° 18'. N.
Long. 74°. 23'. E. Near this town
is a long strait in a mountain, in
which there is a reservoir of v\ ater
seven ells square, which the Hin-
doos consider as a place of great
sanctity. (Abid Fazel, §-c.)
BERNAGHUR,(Fm(ffg-flr.) — A small
town in the province of Bengal, dis-
trict of Baujshy, five miles N. from
Moorshedabad. Lat. 24°. 16'. N.
Long. 88°. 13'. E.
Bernaver. — A smnll tovni in ilie
province of Delhi, formerly compre-
liended in the district of Sumroo
Begum, 35 miles N. N. E. from the
eity of Delbi. Lat. 29*. 10'. N.
Long. 77° 19'. E.
Besouki. — A large village in the
north-eastern quarter of the Island
of Java, situated about three leagues
from the coast. Lat. 7°. 45'. N.
Long. 113°. 50'. E. The surround-
ing country is an immense plain
of rice fields interspersed with
thickets. The village of Besouki is
the capital of a small Malay princi-
pality ; the chief, or tomogon, of
whicli, in 1804, was of a superior
description as a native, possessing
some knowledge of mathematics and
physics, although of Chinese origin.
His palace is built of large white
stones, in the European manner,
Jiaving;n front an extensive court,
with a wooden gate. (Tomhe, Sfc.^
Besseek. — A distri-t in Nortjiern
Hindostan, situated about the 32d
degree of north latitude. It is in-
tersected by the Jumna, and bound-
ed on the east hy the Ganges, with
the province of Lahore on the west.
It has been but little explored, ex-
cept by the Goorkhali armies, it
being tributary to the Nepaid go-
vernment.
Bessklv Ghaut, (Bisavali-ghat).
— A pass through the v^estern range
of mountains, leading from the Mj^«
sore into the maritime province of
Canara. This road has been formed
with great labour out of a bed of
loose rock, over which the tonents
run during the rains with such force,
as to wash away all the softer parts ;
and, in many parts, leaving single
rocks four or five feet in diameter,
standing in the centre of the road,
not al)ovc two feet asunder. Th#
trees in the vicinity are of an enor-
mous size, several of them being
100 feet in the stem, without a
branch to that height. The descent
is very steep, yet it is often travelled
at night by torch light, which has a
very grand effect among the trees
and precipices. By this pass nume-
rous flocks of oxen descend to the
sea coast with grain, and return with
salt. (L&rd Valentia, Sc.)
Betaisor. — A town in the pro-,
vinee of Agra, situated on the S. W,
side of Uie Jumua, 37 miles S. S. £.
BEZOARA.
143
from Apra. Lat. 26®. 58'. N. Long.
78°. 2S'. E.
Bettiah, (B/iattia, named also
Cimmparun). — A district in the pro-
vince of Bahar, situated fjctween
the 27th and 28th degrees of north
latitude. It is bounded on the north
by the Terriani, on the cast hy Moc-
wanny and Tirhoot, and on the west
by the River Gimduck. This district
was not completely subdued until
the acquisition of the dewanny by
the Company, v.hen it ^yas annexed
to Chumparun ; and, together, they
contain, iii their greatest extent,
2.546 square miles.
The chief towns are Bettiah and
Boggah, and the principal river the
Gunduck; on the banks of which,
and indeed all over the district, large
timber trees for ship building arc
procured, and firs fit for masts. In
cultivation and manufactures it is
much inferior to the more central
districts of Bahar, a considerable
proportion of the counUy still re-
maining coveicd with primeval fo-
rests, (J. Grant, Verelst, ^c.)
Bettiah. — A town in the pro-
yincc of Bahar, district of Bettiah,
90 miles N. N. W. from Patna. Lat.
26°. 47'. N. Long. 84°. 40'. E.
Bettooriah, {Bhitoria). — A dis-
trict ia the province of Bengal, si-
tuated principally betwixt the 24tli
and 25th degrees of north latitude,
and now comprehended, with its ca-
jiital Nattore, in the laiger division
of Raujeshy. The principal river is
the Ganges, but it is cut and inter-
sected, in all directions, by smaller
rivers, miHahs, and water courses;
and ha.s, besides, large internal jeels
or lakes, which, in the height of the
rains, join and form one vast sheet
of water, interspersed with trees and
villages built on artificial raoimds.
It is fertile, and well adapted for the
rioe cultivation, of which grain it
produces, and exports large quanti-
ties. A. D, 1386, Rajah Causa, the
Hindoo zemindar of tliis district, re-
"belled against Shums ud Decn, the
sovereign of Bengal, who was de-
feated and slaiu> Od tlus event Ra^
jah Cansa ascended the vacant
throne, which, after a reigu of seven
years, he transmitted to his .son
Chcetmul, who became a Mahom-
mcdan, and reigned under the name
ol Sultan Jcllal ud Doen.
Betwah, (Vttava). — This river,
from its source soutli of Bopal in
the province of Malwah, to its con-
tluence with the Junma below Cal-
pee, describes a course of ,340 miles
in a north-easterly diiection. Near
the town of Barwali, ia (iie month
of March, it is about three furlongs
broad, sandy, and full of round
stones, and the -water only knee
deep; but, dnringthe rains, it swells
to such a height as to be impassable.
{Hunter, 4t.)
Beyah, {Vipasa). — ^This riverrises
in the province of Lahore, near the
moTUitains of Cashmere, and not far
from the source of the Sutulcje,
v^ Inch it afterwards joins, i'or tlie
first 200 miles its course is due
south, after w hich it pursues a west-
erly direction. The whole length of
its present journey maybe estimated
at 350 miles ; it appears, however,
that it formerly fell iuto the Sutuleje,
much below the place w here they
now meet, there being still a small
canal, called the Old Bed of the
Beyali, Abul Fazel writes, that the
source of the Beyah, named Abya-
koond, is in the mountains of Keloo,
in the pergunnah of Sultanpoor.
This is the fourth river of the
Punjab, and is the Hyphasis of
Alexander, after its junction with
the Sutuleje, about the middle of its
course. In 1805 Lord Lake pur-
sued Jeswunt Row Holkar to the
banks of this river, where he at last
sued for peace. {Rennel, Makobn,
Abul Fazel, .^x.)
Beyhar, (Vihar). — A town in
the province of Bengal, district of
Coos Beyhar, situated on the cast
side of the Toresha River. Lat. 26°.
18'. N. Long. 89°. 22'. E,
Beykaneer. — See BiCANEnE,
Bezoara, {Bijora.) — A town ia
the Northern Circars, district of
Condapilly, situated ua the east bank
144
BHADEINATH.
of the Krishna river. Lat. 16°. 32'.
N. Loiin:. 80° 2?', N.
BilADlUNATH, {Vadarinatha.) — A
town and tenijile in Norllicrji IJiti-
dostan, iii the province of Scrinagnr,
siUialed on tlie west bank of the
Alncananda River, in tlie centre of a
valley, abo'it four miles in length,
and one niiie in its greatest lj)eadth.
Lat. 311°. 43', \. Lonff. 7i;°. 38'. E.
Tliis town is bnilt on the sloping
bank of the river, and contains only
20 or 30 hnts, for the acconimodatiou
of the Jirahinins and otlier attend-
ants on the temple. The strnctnre
of this editice is by no means answer-
able to the reputed sanctity of tlie
place ; for the support of which large
sums are aiurnally rceived, inde-
pendent of the land revenue appro-
priated for its maintenance. It is
built in the form of a cone, with a
small cupola, suiinounted by a square
.shelving roof of copper, over which
is a golden ball (gilt) and spire. The
height of the building is 4t» or 50 feet,
and the era of its foundation too re-
mote to have reached us even by
tradition; it is, consequently, sup-
posed to be the work of some sujje-
rior being. This specimen of Hin-
doo divine architecture, however,
Avas too weak to resist the shock of
the last earthquake, vvhicli left it in
so tottering a condition, that human
efforts were judged expedient to
preserve it from ruin.
Here is a w;n la bath, supplied by
a spring of hot water that issues from
the mountain, with a thick steam
strongly tainted with a sid|)hureous
smell. Close to it is a cold si)ring.
B*»sides these there are numerous
other springs, having their pecidiar
names and virtues, which are turned
to a good account by the Bralnnins.
In going th<^ round of purilicalion,
the poor jiilgrim finds his purse
lesson as Ijis sins decrease; and the
numerous tolls that arc levied on
this higli road to paradise, may in-
duce him to think that thestraightest
path is not the cheapest.
'I'he principal idol, Jlhadrinath, is
about three feet high, cut in black
stone or marble, dressed in a suit of
gold and silver brocade, the head
and hands oidy being uncovered.
His temple has more beneficed lands
arlached to it than any sacred Hin-
doo establishment in this part of In-
dia. If is said to possess 700 vil-
lages, situated in different parts of
Gerwal or Kemaoon, Avliich are all
under the jurisdiction of the high
l)riest, who holds a paramount au-
thority, nominally independent of the
ruling power.
The selection for tlie office of high
priest is confined to the casts of Dec-
cany Brahmins, of the Chauli or
Namburi tribes. In former times
the situation was a permanent one;
but since the Nepaulese conquest,
the pontificate is put up fo sale, and
disposed of to the highest bidder.
— ^"riie territorial revenue probably
forms the least part of the riches of
this establishment; for ev^ry person
who pays his homage to 'he (leity is
expected fo make otlerings in pro-
]iortion to his means. In return for
these oblations, each person receives
what is called a ])resad, which con-
sists of a liffle boiled rice, whicli is
distributed with a due regard to th»
amoimt of the oflei ir.gs.
A large establishment of servants
of every descripfion is kept up; and,
during the months of |)ilgrimmage,
the deity is well clothed, and fines
sumjifuously ; but, as soon as the
winter connnenccs, the priests take
fhcir de|)arfure, until the periodical
letniii of the holy season. The trea-
sures and valuable utensils are bu-
ried in a vault under th»! fenjple,
which was once robbed by a few
mountaineers, who were afterwards
discovered, and put fo death. The
III ahminsv\ ho reside here are chiefly
from the Deccan, and do not colo-
nise.
'i'he number of pilgrims wlio visit
Bhadrin;:th annually is estimated at
50,000, the greater part being fakirs
(devotees), who come fioin (he re-
motest quarters of India. All these
people assemble at tiurdwar, and,
us soon as the fair is concluded,
BIUTTIA.
145
♦ake their departure for the holy
land.
( )u tlie 29th of May, 1808, masses
of snow, about 70 feet thick, still re-
mained undissolved on the ruad to
liliadi inath ; and the tops of (he high
nunnitains were covered with snow,
which remains congealed through-
out the whole year. (Raper, cSr. J
Bh AG MUTTY, {Bhugumuti). — Tlie
mountain of Sheopoori, near Cat-
mandoo, bordering tlie Nepaid val-
ley, gives rise to the Bhagniutty and
Bishenmutty rivers. The .sources of
the first (which also bears the name
of Brimha Sera.ssuti) are situated or
the north .side of the mountain, round
the east foot of which the river
v\ inds, and enters the valley of Ne-
paul. A short distance below Cat-
mandoo, the Bishenmutty joins it,
and loses its name. The cour.se of
the Bliagmutty from thence, until it
pa.sses Hiiirecpoor, is imknown ; it
afterwards continues its course to
ISIunniary, where it cnterit. the Com-
pany's territories, and falls into the
(ianges a few miles below Monghir.
Its course, including the windings,
may be estimated at 400 mile.s.
'i'his river is navigable dining the
rains for boats of all burthens, as
liigh a.s Seriva in the Nepaul tenittv
ries, and probably much further up.
{Kirhpatrick, •^•c.)
BHAGwr'NTGiR. — A rajpoot vil-
lage, in the province of Ajmcer,
dei)eudent ou the district of Ban-
taiiipoor, with a small fort or watch-
house on tlie top of the hill, 65 miles
..S.S. E. from JvonaKur. Lat, 26°.
7'. N. Long. 7(j°. 12'. £.
. Bhajepocr, (Bajpur). — A town
Su the jnovince of Oude, district of
Baieily, 107 miles N.from Lucknow.
Lat. 26°. 3'. N. Long. 8U° 58'. E.
Bhareh, or Bharragharry. — A
■town in Northern fliudostan, in the
dominions of Nepaul, which, although
the ordinary residence of the Soubah
of the AVestcrn Turrye, is a mean
place, coutainiug only fioin 30 to 40
.huts. Lat. 26°. 50'. N. Long. 85°.
.25'. E. 'Ihe fort is not more re-
spectable than the town; nor would
the governor's habitation attract no-
tice any wher<> else, alllioiigh built
of well-burne-1 bricks and tiles.
The situation of Bhareh is very
unhealthy ; and Capt. Kinloch's de-
tachment, N^hich remained here tor
some time after the unfortunate at-
tempt in 17G9 to penetrate into Ne-
paul, suffered greatly from the jiesti-
lenlial etl'ect of the climate. (An7i-
patrick, i^c.)
Bhatgan, or Bhatgon'g. — A town
in Northern llindostan, situated in
the valley of Nepaul. Lat. 27°. 32'.
N. Long. 85°. 45'. E.
Bhatgong lies east by south of
Catmandoo, distant nearly eight
road miles. Its ancient name was
Dhu.'iuaputten, and it is called by
the Newars Khopodaise, who de-
scribe it as resembling the dumbroo,
or guitar of Mahadeva. This towu
is the favourite residence of the
Brahmins of Nepaul, containing
many more families of that order
than Catmandoo and Patn together;
all those of the khetri cast (military)
flocking to the capital, while Patu is
chiefly inhabited by Newars,
In size it is the most considerable of
the three, being rated only at 12,000
houses ; yet its palace, and the build-
ings in general, are of a more striking
ajipcarancc, owing chiefly to the ex-
cellent quality of the bricks, which
are the best in Nepaul — a country
remarkable for the superiority of its
bricks and tiles. The former sove-
reigns of this state possessed the
smallest share of the valley; but
their dominions extended a consi-
derable way eastward to the banks
of the Coosey. Bhatgong is the
Benares of the Ghoorkhali domi-
nions, and is said to contain many
valuable ancient sanserif mauu-
scripts. {Kirhpatrick, kc.)
Bhatgoxg. — See Bhatgan.
Bhattia. — A town in the v.'estcrn,
extremity of the Gujrat Peninsula,
situated a few miles to the east of
Oak a.
This place contains about 500
houses, chiefly inhabited by Ahcers,
au industrious aad uaeful class of tine
140
BHORSET.
peasantry, originally herdsmen, but
who of late years liave applied them-
selves to the enhivation of land. —
The country to the north of Bhaltia
exhibits an appearance of cultivation
and prosperity superior in general to
the rest of the peninsula. The grain
chicily raised is bajeree. {31'3Iurdo,
$-c.)
Bhavani FivEn. — A river in the
Coinibetoor province, which flows
past the town of Sathuuugalum, and
afterwards joins the Cavery at Bha-
wani Kudal.
Bhawam Kudal. — An old ruin-
ous fort in tlie Coitnbetoor distiict,
.situated at the junction of the Bha-
wani with the Cavery. Lat. 11°.
25'. N. Long. 77°. 47'. E.
Tliis place contains two celebrated
temples ; the ojic dedicated to Vish-
nu, and the other to Siva, and was
built by a polygar, named Guttimo-
daly, who held all the neighbouring
countries as a feudatory under the
rajahs of Madura. At that period
the dominions of the latter, including
Saliem, Treehinopoly, and all the
country south of Sholia or Tanjore,
were called by the general title of
Angaraca, and comprehended the
two countries of Chera and Pan-
dava.
AtApogadal, 10 miles from this
place, a sandy loam is reckoned most
favourable for the cultivation of rice ;
and, according to its four qualities,
lets for 41. 2.s., 31. 12s., and 31. 4s.
per acre. Inferior soils let so low
as 18s. per acre. {F. Buchanan, §*c.)
Bheels, {Bhailu). — A savage
tribe, scattered over Hindostan Pro-
per and the nortli of the Deccan,
particularly along the course of the
Nerbadilah River. They are a jungle
people, and in a state of great barba-
rity. I'hcy arc used by the Maharat-
tas as guides, and travel with a bow
and aiTovvs, subsisting by rapine and
plunder. The Bheels are supposed
to have been the aborigines of Guj-
ral an<l t!i?; adjacent quarters of Hin-
dustan, in common with the Coolees.
The lirst now inhabit the interior,
niid live ou what tlicy can prociue
by hunting and thieving ; the latter
are generally found in the western
districts of Gujrat, and along the sea
shores, where they employ them-
selves in fishing and piracy.
'Jlie whole range of mountains
from Songiiur (a frontier town be-
longing to the Guikar), to its south
limits, is in the possession of th«
Bheels. (7o?(e and 6th Register.)
Bhehera (Fi/tffr) River, — A river
of the Punjab, or province of Lahore,
which has its source in the hills to-
wards the frontiers of Cashmere,
from whence it Hows in a south-
westerly direction, and afterwards
joins the Jhylum, or Hydaspc*
Kiver.
Bhehera. — A town in the Seik
territories, in the Lahore, situated
on the west side of the Bhehera, or
Bhember Biver, 98 miles W. by N.
from Lahore. Lat. 32°. 2'. N. Long.
72°. 11'. N.
BHEiL,orBHALSA. — A small town
in the province of Lahore, 65 miles
N. by A¥. from MooItaQ. Lat. 31®.
29'. N. Long.71°. 2'. E.
Bhey. — A small village in ths
Gujrat Peninsula, situated on the
Run, about 15 miles from the fort-
ress of Mallia. It consists of a few
houses, principally inhabited by Go-
sains, with several large and appa-
rently ancient tanks in the vicinity.
The soil here is rich, deep, and
marshy. {M'Murdo, ^c.)
Bhind. — A town in the province
of Agra, district of Bahdoriah, 30
miles E. N. E. from Gohud. Lat.
36°. 34'. N. Long. 78°. 47'. E.—
This place was guaranteed to the
Rannah of Gohud in January 1804.
Bhiroo. — A town in the Nizam's
territories, in the province of Bi-rar,
20 miles south of Chandah. Lat
19°. 51'. N. Long. 80°. 5'. E.
Bhon'Gaung. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, district of I'.laweh,
65 miles E. from Agia. Lat. 27®.
15'. N. Long. 79°. 7'. E.
Bhorset. — A town ia the pro-
vince of Gujrat, district of Broach,
20 miles E. from Cambay. Lat,
22°. 21'. N. Lonff. 73°. 5', £.
BHURTPOOR.
147
Bhowanny. — A town and fortress
in the iirovince of Delhi, district of
Hunianah, taken by assault by th.e
British forces on thc"29th Sept. 1809,
after a most obstinate resistance.
Bhurtpoor, {Bhuratapura). — A
town in the province of Ao^ra, 28
miles W. N. W. from the city of
Agra. Lat. 27°. 13'. N. Long. 770^
28'. E.
The Rajah of Bhnrtpoor is one of
the principal chieftains of the tribe
of J ants, and possesses a conside-
rable territory and several forts in
tlie vicinity of Agra and IMathura,
on the south-west or right bank of
the Jumna,
The tribe of Jauts for the first time
attracted notice in Hindostan about
the year 1700, when having migrated
from the banks of the Indus, in the
lower part of the province of Mool-
tan, they were allowed to settle in
the avocations of husbandly in seve-
ral parts of the Doab of the Ganges
and Jumna. ^ Their subsecinent pro-
gress was uncommonly rapid; and
during the civil wars, carried on by
the successors of Aurengzebe, the
Jauts found means to secure them-
selves a large portion of country, in
which they built forts, and accumu-
lated great wealth. The title of rajah
is a Hindoo distinction, which some
of them have assumed ; but to which
they have no more real right, than
their ancestors had to the contents
of the imperial caravans, Avhich they
were in the habit of plundering.
During Anrengzebe's last march
towards the Deccan, Churanum, the
Jaut, pillaged the baggage of the
army, and with part of the spoil
erected the fortress of Bhurtpoor.
Sooraj Mull, one of his successors,
new modelled tJie government, and
"Was afterwards killed in battle with
Nudjifl' Khan, A. D. 1763. He was
succeeded by his son, Jewar Singh,
■who was secretly nnudered in 1768.
At this period the Jaut territories
extended from Agra to within a few
miles of Delhi on the west, and to
near Etaweh on the east. They
also possessed a, tiact of land south
L 2
of the Jumna ; and, bp<;iclos places
of inferior strength, h;ul three forts,
which were then deemed impreg-
nable. About 1780, Nudjifl' Rhaii
subdued great part of the Jaut coun-
try, and left the rajah little besides
Bhurtjioor, and a small district of
about seven lacks of rupees per ann.
On the death of Jewar Singh, in
1768, his brother, Ruttun Singh, as-
cended the throne ; and, being also
assassinated, was succeeded by his
brother, Kairy Singli. On the death
of this chief, his son, Runjeet Singh,
assumed the sovereignty, in posses-
sion of which he still continues. —
When Madajec Sindia first under-
took the conquest of Hindostan Pro-
per, he experienced essential assist-
ance from Runjeet Singh, who, on
tliis account, was treated with great
comparative lenity by the Maha-
rattas.
In September, 1803, a treaty of
perpetual friendship was concluded
by General I^ake, on the part of tli«
British government, with Ra,jah Run-
jeet Singh, of Bhurtpoor, by which
the friends and enemies of the one
state were to be considered th»
friends and enemies of the other;
and the British government engaged
never to interfere in the concerns of
the rajah's country, or demand tri-
bute from him. I'he rajah, on the
other hand, engaged, that if an eno-
my invaded the British territories,
lie Mould assist with his forces to
compel his expulsion ; and, in like
manner, the British government un-
dertook to assist the Bhintpoor ra-
jah in defending his dominions
against external attacks.
Notwithstanding this ti'eaty, con-
cluded in the most solenm manner,
and with all the customary formali-
ties, in 1805, the rajah most nnac-»
countably embraced the declining
cause of Jeswant Row Holkar, re-
peatedly discomfited by Lord Lake,
and admitted him with the shattered
remains of his army into the fortress
of Bhnrtpoor. The consequence
was, a siege commenced, which will
be memorable in the annals of ladia^
148
BICANF.RE.
for the sanguinary obstinacy both of
the attack and (Id'cnce. The i^nr-
rison repulsed Avitli vast shur^hter
tiie most desperate assaults of the
besicoers, who, from the I)readth and
deepness of the wet ditch, never
could get in sufficient numbers to
close (jnarters, although afew, halt-
swimmiiip;, half wading, did reach
and ascend tiie ramparts, but only
to be tuu)l)led hack into the ditch,
in the course of this siege the ]jri-
tisli sustained a greater loss of men
and olTicers, than they liad suiTercd
in any tlirec of the greatest pitched
battles they had fought in India ;
but the rajah perceiving that the
British perseverance must ultimately
j)revail, sued tijr peace, sent his son
to Lord Lake's camp A^ith the keys
of the fortress, and agreed to compel
Holkar to quit Bhurtpoor.
Ou tlie 17th of April, 1805, the
siege being thus conchided, a second
treaty was arranged, by which the
former conditions of friendsliip A\ere
renewed, but with stipulations cal-
culated to ensure a stricter jierforin-
aucc of them on tlie part of the ra-
jali, who agreed, that, as a security,
one of his sons should constantly
remain with the ofhccr connnanding
the British forces in Upper Hindos-
tan, until such time as the British
government should be perfectly sa-
tislicd in regard to the rajah's fide-
lity ; upon the estabhslmicnt of
[ Avhich they agreed to restore to him
. the foi-tress of Dccg.
In consideration of the peac'c
granted, the rajah bound himself to
pay tiic British government 20 lacks
of rupees, live to be paid innnedi-
ately, and the remainder by instal-
ments. In consequence of the pa-
cilication, the country before pos-
sessed Ity the rajah was restored to
liim, and he engaged to assist the
Biitish against all invaders, and not
to receive any Europeans into his
service. As by the second article
of t!ie treaty the Britisli government
became guiuantcc to tlic rajah for
tin' security of his country against
"•xtcrnal tucmies, it was agreed, that
in case a misunderstanding afose
between him and any other chief, he
would, in the first instance, submit
the cause of dispute to the British
government, v\hich would endea-
vour to settle it amicaljly ; but if,
from the obstinacy of the opposite
party, this was unattainable, the ra-
jah was authorized to demand aid
from the British government.
The extent of the rajah's territo-
ries has never been accurately defin-
ed, but they contain no town of con-
sequence besides Bhurtpoor, Biana,
and Deeg, wliich last was restored
to him. At present he apjjears to
be cordially attached to the British
government, and really sensible of
the important protection aifordert
him by the treaties suhsisting with
that state ; as a proof of which, h«
permitted, and even invited, the
Biitish officer Mho was surveying
that p;nt of Hindostan, in 180(i, to
survey his territories also. {Marquis
WcUcxIcif, Hunter, Franklin, Craiv-
furrl^ treaties, 3ISS. vVr.)
BiAN'A, (Bi/ana). — A town in the
province of Agra, 44 miles W. S. W.
from the citv of Aa,Ta. Lat. 2G°. 5G'.
N. Long. 7/°. 1()Ce.
This town preceded Agia a.s tlio
capital of the province, as we learn
from Abul Fazel that Sidtan Seeuu-
der liodi made it his metropolis, and
kept ids comt here, while Agra was
a village dependent on it. It was
first concjuered by the IMahomme-
dans in 1197. Biana is still con-
siderable, and contains niany large
stone houses, and the whole ridge
of the Iiill is covered with the re-
mains of buildings, among which is
a fort, containing a high |>illar, con-
spicuous at a great distance. lu
1700 the town and district belonged
to Banjeet Singli, the Itajah of
Bhurtpoor, and with him it probably
still remains. {Abul Fazel, Hunter,
BiCANERE, (Bicamr). — A large
district in the province of Ajineor,
situated about the 29th degree of
north latitude. It is bounded on the
iiorth bj the country of the Battles,
EIJANAGUR.
149
wrst by the dcswt, S. W. by Jcssel-
nieip, south by Joudpoor, S. E. by
.?«'yi)oor, and east by tlie district of
IJiiiTianah.
Tfie country is elevated, and the
soil a liglit brown sand, from the
nature of \vliicli the rain is al^sorbed
as soon as it falls, ^^"ells aie, con-
sequently, of absolute necessity,
and are made of brick, generally
from 100 to 200 feet deep. Ivdch
family has, besides, a cistern for the
collection of rain water. A\ itli the
exception of a few villages towards
the eastern frontier, the cultivation
of Bicanere is precarious ; bejurah,
and other species of Indian pulse,
being the only produce, the inhabi-
tants depending greatly on the neigh-
bouring provinces for a supply of
provisions. Horses and bullocks, of
an inferior breed, are raised, and arc
nearly the sole export.
This district imports coarse and
fine rice, sugar, opium, and indigo.
The former articles are l)rought from
Ijahorc by Rajghur and Churoo.
Salt is procured from Sambher, and
wheat from the Jeypoor country ;
s])ices, copper, and coarse clotlj, from
Jesschncre. The chief place of
strength is the city of Bicanere.
Churoo, Raugeham, and Bahudra,
arc reckoned strong places by the
jiatives, but they are ill supplied
■with water. The country being an
extensive level plain, contains few
natural strong holds, or fortified
jdaccs. To cross the Desert of Bica-
nere requires a march of 1 1 days.
ITie country is governed by the
Rhatore Rajpoots, but the cultiva-
tors are mo^tIy Jants. In 1582, this
district was desci i!)ed by Abul i'azel
as follows : " Sircar Reykanecr, con-
taining 1 1 mahals, revemic 4,750,000
dams. This sircar furnishes 1200
cavalry, and 50,000 infantry." {17to-
iiuis, Franklin, SfC.)
BiCANERi:. — A. town in the pro-
vin(!e of Ajmeer, the capital of a
district of the same name, 220 miles
W. by N. horn Delhi.
This city is spacious, well built,
and siuToundcd bj a wail of CoiUv.er.
On the south Mest side is the fort,
where the rajah resi<les. It is a place
of considerable strength, built in the
Indian style, and encompassed by a
broad and deep ditch ; but the chief
security of both tlie city and fort,,
arises from the scarcity of water in
the sunounding country.
In the service of the Bicanere
Rajah are several Europeans of dif-
ferent nations, who reside within the
fort. The Battles nnd this rajah are
generally in a state of hostility ; and,
in Nov. Ibi08, the city and fort were
blockaded by the ]?!ijah of Joudpoor
and his allies, {Thomas, llth Re-
gister, (^-c.)
BicKUT. — A town tributarj' to the
Mahardttas, in the province of Agra,
district of Narwar, 40 miles east
from the city of Narwar. Lat. 25°.
43'. N. Long. 78°. 52'. E.
BlDZFEGL'R, (Vijai/agliar). — A
town in the province of Allaliabad,
district of Chnnar. Lat. 21°. 37'.
N. Long. 83°. 10'. E.
The fort is a circumvallation of a
rocky hill, measniiug from the im-
mediate base to the sinnmit about
two miles. Its strength consists in
the height and steepness of the hill,
atid the unhealthy nature of the sur-
rounding countiy. Three deep re-
servoirs, excavated on the top of the
liill, supplied the garrison with wa-
ter. It was taken by the Brilisli
forces in 1781, dining the revolt of
Cheit Singh, and has ever since
been neglected, and in ruins. 'JVa-
velljng distance from Benares 56
miles. {Foster, Rennel, ^r.)
BijANAGUK, {Vidipiagar). — A city
in the Balaghaut Ceded Tcnitorii.-s,
in the south of India, now in ruins,
but once the capital of a great Hin-
doo empire. Lat. 15°. 14', N. Long.
76°. 34'. i:.
'i'he remains of this citj' are si-
tuated on the south bank of the
Toombuddra River, directly oppo-
site to Annagoondy. On the north
side of Comlapoor fort arc a great
number of rugged hills, covered with
pagodas. The city has been enclos-
ed with strong stone walls on the
150
BIJORE.
east side, and botvnded by the river
6n the west, the circiimrerence of
the whole appearing to be about
eight miles. Betwixt the immense
piles of rocks crowned with pagodas,
several streets can be traced from 30
to 45 yards wide, and there is one
remains yet perfect. There are a
number of streams flow through the
ruins of the city, which is named by
the natives on the spot AUpatna.
The river at one place, at the ibot of
these ruins, is only 1 6 yards \v ide,
l^elow Avhich there lias been a stone
bridge. Annagoondy, wliich was
formerly only a part of the city, is
now the Canarese name for the
whole.
The building of this metropolis
was begun A. t). 1336, and finished
in 1343, by Aka Hiirryhur, and Buc-
ca Hurryhur, two brotlicrs, the for-
mer of whom reigned until A. D.
1350, and the latter until 1378. It
was at first named Vidyanagara, the
city of science, but was afterwards
named Yijeyanagara, the city of
victory.
The Chola (Tanjore), the Chera,
and the Pandian (Madura) dynasties
were all conquered by Nursing Ra-
jah, and Krishna Rajah of Bijanagur,
in the period between 1490 and
1515, The kingdom was then called
Bisuagar, and Narsinga, in old Eu-
ropean maps, and comprehended the
whole Carnatic above and below the
Ghauts ; when visiled by Caesar
Frederic, who described the city as
liaving a circuit of 24 miles, and
containing withjn its walls many hills
and pagodas.
A state of incessant hostility sub^
sisted between the Mahommedan
sovereigns of the Deccan, and this
Hindoo principality ; notwithstand-
ing which we learn from Ferishla,
that Rajah Deo Ray, of Bijanagur,
about 1440, received Mahommedaus
into his service, and erected a mos-
que for them in his capital, com-
manding that no person should mo-
lest them in the exercise of their re-
ligion. He had 2000 soldiers of this
xciigion in his army, fighting against
the Bliamenee Mahommedan princes
of the Deccan. At that era they
were reckoned more expert bowmen
than the Hindoos.
In 1564 the four Mahommedan
Deccany Kings of Ahmednuggur,
Bejapoor, Goleonda, and Beeder,
combined, and totally defeated Ram
Rajah, the sovereign of Bijanagur,
on the plains ofTellicotta, and after-
wards marched to the metropolis,
which they plundered and sacked,
I'he city was depopulated by the
consequence of this victory, and de-p-
sorted by the successor of Ram Ra-
jah, who endeavoured to re-establish
at Pcnnaconda, the ruins of a once,
powerful dynasty. About 1663 the
Sree Rung Rayeel, or Royal House
of Bijanagur, appears to have be-
come extinct, as we hear no more of
it after that period. For the history
of the nominal rajahs who followed,
see the article Annagoondy. The
latter are said for many years to
have kept an exact register of the
revolutions in the Deccan and south
of India, in the vain hope of being,
by some future turn of the wheel,
reinstated in their ancient rights.
Travelling distance from Madras,
386,' from Seringapatam, 260, from
Calcutta, 1120, fiom Delhi, 1106,
and from Hyderabad, 264 miles.
{Wilks, Rennel, Fcrishta, Scott, Sfc.)
BuEYGUB. — A town and fort in
the province of Agia, district of Fm-
ruckabad, 45 miles N. N. E. from
Agra, Lat. 27°. 47'. N. Long. 78°.
11'. E. It was taken, in 1803, by
the British forces, after considerable
resistance by the zemindar,
BuoRE, {Bajatver). — A small Af-
ghan district in the province of Ca-
bul, situated about the 34th degree
of north latitude, and coinp'chend-
ed within the division of Sewad.
Abul Fazel, in 1582, describes it as
follows :
'- Bijore is in length 25, and in
breadth from five to 10 coss. On
the east lies Sewa<l, on the north
Kinorc and Cashghur, on the south
Bicliram, and on the west Guznoor-
gul. The iur of this district re»
EINDRABUND.
15t
seinWes that of Sc^vad, exccptincf
Uiat tlie heat and cold are rather
»nore severely felt here. It has only
three roads; one leading to Hindos-
tan, called Danishcote, and two that
go to Cabul ; one of which is named
Summej, and tlie other Guznoorgul.
Danislicote is the best road. Ad-
joining to Bijore, and confined by
tlie mountains of Caljul and Sinde,
is a desert, nieasnring in length 30
coss, and in breadth 25 coss."
'J'his distiict contains eight exten-
sive vallies, of which Rod is the
largest. It is only partially possessed
by the Yusefzei tribe, many portions
being occupied by the jMohniand,
.SaJii, Shinwari, and Turcalani tribes.
{Abitl FcLzel, Lejiden, ir.)
BiJORE. — An Aigliaa town in the
province of Cabui, tlie capital of a
district of the same name, 55 miles
west from the Indus. Lat. 34°, b'.
N. Long. 70°. 43'. E.
BiLAUAH. — ^A townin the Rajpoot
tenitories, in the province of Aj-
nieer, 52 miles E. by N. from (.)dev-
poor. Lat. 25°. 50. N. Long. 74°.
62'. E.
BiLESUK, {Bilesnara). — A town
in the dominions ol" the Maharattas,
m the province of Bejapoor, 20 miles
west from Satarah. Lat. 17°. 53'.
N. Long. 73. 45'. E.
BiLGY. — A town in the Bajah of
Mysore's territories, 102 miles N.W.
from Seringa])atam. Lat. 14°. 23'.
N. Long. 74°. 53'. E.
BiLLETON. — An island in the East-
ern Seas, about the 3d degree of
north latitude, situated betwixt Su-
jnatra and Borneo. In length it may
be estimated at 50 miles, by 45 the
average breadth. Little is known
respecting this island.
BiLLouNJAH. — A small district in
the province of Gundwana, bounded
ou three sides by the British pro-
vince of Bahar, and to the south by
the district of Singhrowlah. The
Soaiie, which is the northern boun-
dary, is the principal river, and the
chief town is Ontairee. It is pos-
sessed by independent zemindars;
but, although so ucar to the coun-
tries being occupied by the British,
very little is known respecting it.
BiLSAH, {Bihesa).—A town be-
longing to DowletrowSindia, in the
province of JMalwah, situated on the
Betwah Riven which takes its rise
from a large tank near Bopal. Lat,
23°. 33'. N. Long. 77°. 50'. E.
The town, or fort of Bhilsali, is
enclosed with a stone wall, furnished
with square towers, and a ditch.
The submbs without the walls are
not very extensive, but the streets
arc spacious, and contain some good
houses. This place is situated nearly
on the S. W. extremity of the dis-
trict, where it is contignous to that
of Bopal. The town and surround-
ing country are celebrated all over
India for the excellent quahty of the
tobacco, Avhich is botight up with
great eagerness and exported. 'J'he
country is open, and well cultivated.
To the east^\ ard of the town, at tlie
distance of six furlongs, is a high
and steep rock, on the top of whicli
is a durgah, consecrated to the me-
mory of a Mahommedan saint, nam-
ed .Jelalud Dcen Bokhari. It was
first conquered by the Mahonime-
daus about 1230, and again in 1292.
Travelling distance from Oojain,
140 miles, from Nagpoor, 249, from
Benares, 416, from Calcutta, by
Mundlah, 867 miles. {Hunter, Fe-
rista, Reiuiel, cS'c.)
BiMA. — Sec SUMRHAWA.
BiMLIPATAM, {BIdmalapaian). — A
town in the Northern Circars, si-
tuated on the Bay of Bengal, 12
miles N. from Vizagapatam. Jvat,
17°. 50', Long. 83°. 35'. E. The
Dutch had formerly a fort here, the
road before which was practicable
from Dec. to Sept. In the adjacent
country piece goods of various sorts
are manufactured.
BiNDRABUND, {Vrindavana). — A
town in the province of Agra, near
to Mathura, situated on the west
side of the Jumna River, 35 miles
j^'. by W. from Agra city. Lat. 27°.
37'. N. Long. 77°. 38'. E. The name
Vrindavana signifies a grdv*- of tuisi
trees, and the place is famous as Vhs
152
BISNEE.
scene of some of the youthful sports
of Krishna, the favourite deity of
the Kiudoos ; and, on that account,
continues to be a place of piij^iiniage
much resorted to.
BiNDiKF.E. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, 62 miles S. W.
from Lnrkiiow. Lat. 26°. 3'. N.
Long;. 80°. 34'. E.
BiNDou.ui. — A town in the terri-
tories of the INIaharattas, in the pro-
Yince of Agra, 80 miles E. S. E.
from Gnahor. Lat. 26°. 2'. N. Long.
79°. 3 1'. E.
BiNTAXG. — An island lying oil' the
sonth-easiern extremity of tlie JMu-
lay Peninsula, about the fa-st degree
of novtii latitude. In length it may
be estimated at 35 miles, by 18 the
average breadth. The chief town
is Rebio, or Rio, a port of consider-
able trade. This island is surround-
ed by niinibcrless small rocky isles
and islets, which render the naviga-
tion intricate and dangerous.
BiRBOOM, {Vtrab/ttimi, the Land
of Heroes). — A disti ict in the pro-
A'ince of Bengal, situated about the
24th degree of north latitude. To
the nortii it is bounded by Monghir
and Rajemal ; to the south by Biird--
■wan and Pachcte; to the east it has
Banjishy ; and to the west rilonghir
and Pachete. By Abul I ::zel it is
named Madarun. In 1784 the su-.
pcrficial extent comprehended 3,868
.s'vjuarc miles, a considerable propor-
tion of which is hilly, jiuigly, and
bat thinly inhabited. The revenue
was then 611,321 rupees. I'he Ad.ji
is the chief navigable river, and this
district is, on the whole, one of the
worst ott' in the province, Mith re^
spect to water carriage. The agri^
culture and population are inferior
to the more eastern parts of Bengal,
and the principal maimfacturc is
tliat species of calicoes named gur-
ras. The chief towns are Surool,
Sooro, and Nagore.
]>irbooin is the largest Maliomme-
dan zeinindary in Bengal, and was
originally conferred on Assud UUah,
lather of Budder ul Zemaun, of the
Afjjhttu or Patau tiibe, who was al-
lowed to settle here about the time'
of Sliere Shah, for the political pur-
pose of guarding the frontiers of the
west against the incursions of the
barbarous Hindoos of Jeharcund.
A warHke iMahommedan militia
were entertained as a standing army,
with suitable territorial allotments
under a principal landholder of the
same faith. la some respects itcor-
respo;)ded with the ancient military
tiefs of Liirope, certain lands being
exempted from rent, and appro-
priatt J solely to the maintenance of
troops. This privilege was resumed
by Cossiui Ali in 1763, and is now
still more uimccessary.
In 1801, by the directions of the
Marquis Wellesley, then governor-
general, th(; board of lexeimc cir-
culated various queries to the col-
lectors of the diflerent districts ou
statistical subjects. The result of
their replies proved that the district
of Birbhoom contained 700,000 in
the proportion of one Mahommedan
to 30 Hi)idoos, and that any lands
advertised tor sale readily met witli
purchasers. {J. Grant, Colebrooke,
SfC.)
Birch ££.■ — A town in the Maha-
ralta territories, in the province of
Khandesh. Lat. 21°. 20'. N. Long.
74°. 47'. E.
BiRHEMABAD, {Bralimahacl). — A
small town in the province of Agra,
10 miles N. W. from Kauoge. Lat.
27°. 8'. N. Long. 79°. 41'. E.
BiSANO, — A small island, about
20 jniles in circumference, lying off
the north-eastern extreniiiv of Ce-
lebes. Lat. 2°. 5'. N. Long. 125°
5'. E.
BisEYPOOR,(F/.yK;«;?!<rfl'). — A town
in the Nabob of Oude's territories,,
in the province of Oude, situated on
the east side of the Dew ah, or Clog-,
grab River, 53 miles N. W, from
Jbvzabad. Lat. 27°. 18'. N. Long.
8i°. 33'. Ji.
BiSNEi;, {Bi}iiee).-r-A. district in
Assam, situated ou the south side of
the Brahmapootra, and lying be-
tween Goalparah (in Bengal) and
Nagerbarya, To the south it is
BISSUNPOOR.
153
bounded hy the GaiTOw mountains.
The Rajah of Bisnee, besides the
lands lie possesses within the Com-
pany's i)roviuces, lias also tenitorics
in tiie adjacent Bootan countrj'. The
Chaantciiieu Kivcr, which passes
Wandipoor in Bootan, flows along
the flat surface of this distiiet into
the Biahinapootia. {Wade, Turner,
I2th Register, Src.)
B I s s E N G u R ,( F/.v// mighar). — A town
in the province of Bahar, district of
Rainnnr. Lat. 23°. 6'. N. Long.
85°. 56'. E.
BisSENPRAAG, {Vislinvpmyagd). —
A village in Northern Hindostan,
situated at the junction of the Ala-
cananda, with a river called the
Dauli or Leti, in the province of
Seriuauur. Lat. 30°. 36'. N. Long.
79°. 39'. E.
This place contains only two or
three houses, and is not held in great
veneration ; for, alliiough in point of
magnitude, tliispra\aga may be con-
sidered next to Devaprayaga, no
particular ablutions are here enjoin-
ed by the Shastras. The mountains
to the northward on each side rise to
a stupendous height, and nearly
meet at their base, lea%ing only a
passage of 40 or .50 feet tor the cur-
rent of water, which is obstructed
by large masses of rock. The Ala-
cananda, above this confluence, is
called the ^ isluui Ganga, from its
flowiug near the feet of Vishnu at
Bhadrinath. It comes from the
north, and is in breadth from 25 to
30 yards, with a rapid stream. The
banks are stecj) and rocky, and the
passage of the river is ellected on a
platform about )i\ e feet broad, and
extending from shore to shore. {Ra-
per, l^T.)
EissoLEE, (Visavali). — A district
belonging to the Seiks. in the pro-
vince of Lahore, extending along
the north-west .side of the Ravey
River, and situated between the 32d
and 33d degrees of north latitude.
Jroni Bcliasi)oor fertile vallies,
though not wide, extend to Bissolee,
where the country is covered with
fcjj^h hills, \\ hich extend with little
variation of the limits of Cashmere.
The chief town is Bisselee, and the
greater part of the district is n.sually
tributai-)' to the Jamboe Rajah.
Bissolee. — A town belonging to
the Seiks, in the province of Lahore,
73 miles N. E. frosn the city of La-
hore. Lat. 32°. 22'. N. Long. 74°
52'. E. This plaee stands on the
N. W. side of the Ravey River,
which is here 120 yards broad, when
the waters are at the lowest, and
very rapid. It is fortified, and com-
mands the entrance to the northern
hills.
BissoLiE. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Bariely,
30 miles W. from Bariely. Lat. 28°
20'. N. Long. 7«°. 50'. E. This was
a flourishing place during the early
periods of the Mogul empire, and
afterwards under the Rohillahs. Se-
veral of the family of the Rohillah
founder, Ali Mahommed, are Vmried
here. Jt is now very desolate, com-
])ared with its former state. {Frank'
lin, St.)
BissuNPOOR, {Visfinupura). — A ze-
mindarj , in the province of Bengal,
now comprehended in the district of
Burdwan, which, in 1784, according^
to Major Rennel, measured 1256
square miles, and the revenue was
3,86,707 current rupees. This zc-
mindary appears to be one of the
most ancient <states in the province;
for, by an era peculiar to itself, it
nmst have been in the possession of
the present proprietor'sfamily through
a course of 1099 years; during which
period they were nearly independent,
paying only a small tribute to the
sovereign until 1715, during Jaflier
Khan's administration, when the
country was completely reduced.
The zemindars are of a Rajpoot fa-
mily, and possess a list of 56 succes-
sive rajahs, who governed the coun-
try in regular succession. (Davis,
J. Grant, ^-c.)
BissuNPOOR, (Vishnapoor). — A
town in the province of Bengal, dis-
trict of Burdwan, 77 miles N. W.
from Calcutta. Lat. 23°. 4'. N. Long.
87°- 35'. E.
154
BOBILEE.
BiswAH, (Viswa), — A town in the
Nabob of Oude's tenitorics, in the
province of Oude, 37 miles N. by
JE. from Liicknow. Lat. 27° 20'.
N. Loii^. 81°. E.
BissY, {Vesi). — A town belonging
to the Nagpoor Maharattas, in the
province of Gmidwana, 25 miles S.
bj E. from Nagpoor. Lat. 20°, 48'.
M. Long. 79°. 55'. E.
Bo, or Hod. — A cluster of small
islands lying E. S. E. from the sou-
thern extremity of Gilolo. They are
inhabited, and supplies of cocoa-
nuts, and salt, and dried fish, may
be had liere.
BoAD, {Bcdha). — A large fenced
village in the province of Orissa, si-
tuated on the south side of the Ma-
hanuddy River, whicli at this place,
in the month of October, is 1| miles
broad. Lat. 20° 50'. N. Long. 84°
18'. E. The face of the whole coun-
try', in this neighbourhood, is moun-
tainous, interspersed with vallies
from foiu- to 16 miles in circumfer-
ence. The ■\illages are fenced with
bamboos, to protect the inhabitants
and their cattle tiom wild beasts.
In the fields the women are seen
holding the plough, while the female
children drive the oxen. It is pos-
sessed by an independent zemindar.
{\st Register, iSt.)
BoADjoos. — See Borneo.
BoBiLEE. — A town in the Nor-
thern Circars, 33 miles west from
Cicacole. Lat. 18°. 27'. N. Long.
83°. 28'. E.
In 1757 the first in rank of tlie
polygars of this country m as Kan-
garoo of Bobilee. His fort stood
about 60 miles N. E. of Vizagapatam,
close to the mountains; the de-
pendent district being about 20
square miles. Tliere had long been
a deadly hatred betwixt tliis poly-
gar and "V'izcram Rauze, an adja-
cent polygar, whose person, how
much soever he feared his power.
Kangaroo held in the utmost con-
tempt, as of low extraction, and of
new note. Yizerara Rauze per-
suaded the French commander M.
Bussy, to espouse his side of the
quarrel ; and the latter not foresee-
ing the terrible event to which he
was proceeding, determined to re-
duce the whole connti-j', and to ex-
pel the polygar and his family.
A polygar, besides his other towns
and forts, has always one situated in
the most diflicult part of his country;
which is intended for the last refuge
for himself, and all his blood. The
singular construction of this fort is
adequate to all the intentions of de-
fence, among a people unused to
cannon, or the means of battery.
Its outline is a regular square, wliich
rarely exceeds 200 yards; a round
tower is raised at each of the angles,
and a square projection in the
middle of each of the sides. The
height of the wall is generally 22 feet;
but the rampart within only 12,
which is likewise its breadth at the
top, although it is laid much broader
at the bottom. The whole is of
tempered clay raised in distinct
layers, of which each is left exposed
to the siui, until tlioroughly harden-
ed before the next is applied. 'J'lie
parapet rises 10 feet above the ram-
part, and is only three feet thick.
It is indented five feet down from
the top in interstices six inches
M ide, which are three feet asunder.
A foot above the bottom oi" these
interstices and battlements runs a.
line of round holes, another two
feet lower, and a third two feet from
the rampart. 'I'hese holes are usually
formed with pipes of baked clay, and
serve for the emplojnient of fire,
aims, anows, and lances. The in-
terstices are for the freer use of these
arms, instead of loop holes, which
cannot be inserted or <;ut in the
clay.
The towers and the square pro-'
jection in the middle, have the same
parapet as the rest of the wall ; and
in two of the ])rojections in the op-
posite sides of the fort are gateways,
of which the entrance is not in front,
but ono one side,from whence itis con-
tiimed through half the mass, and then
turns by a right angle into the place.
On any alarm, tli« whole passage i&
BOBILEE.
155
choked upwith trees; and tlicoutside
surrounded, to some distance, with a
strong bed of thick brambles. The
rampart and parapet is covered by
a shed of strong thatch, supported
by posts ; the eves of this shed pro-
ject over the battlement. Tiiis shed
affords shelter to those on tlie ram-
part, and guards it against the sun
and rain. An area of 500 yards or
more, in every direction round the
fort, is preserved clear, of which the
circumference joins the high wood,
which is kept thick, three or four
miles in breadth, around this centre.
Few of these forts permit more than
one path through the woods. The
entrance of the path from without,
is defended by a wall exactly simi-
lar in construction and strength, to
one of the sides of the fort ; having
its round towers at the ends, and
the square projection in the middle.
I'rom natural sagacity, they never
raise this redoubt on the edge of the
wood, but at the bottom of a recess
cleared on purpose ; and on each
side of the recess, raise a breast-
work of earth or hedge to gall the
approach. The path admits only
tluee menabreast, winds continually,
and is every where commanded by
breast-works in the thicket; and has
in its course sca oral redoubts similar
to that of the entrance, and like that
flanked by brcast-woiks on each
hand. Such were the defences of
Bobilee, which are given at length
as a general specimen of all polygar
forts; against which JM. Bussy
marched with 750 Europeans, of
whom 250 were horse, four field
pieces, and 1 1,000 peons and sepoys,
the army of Yizeram Rauze, who
commanded them in person.
The attack com)nenced at break
of day, on the 24th January, 1767,
Mith tlie field pieces against the
four towers; and by nine o'clock,
several of the battlements were
broken. All the leading parties of
the i'our divisions then advanced at
the same time with scaling ladders ;
but, after much endeavour for au
hour, not a man had been able to
4
get on the parapet, and many had
fallen wounded. Other parties fol-
lowed with little success, until all
Avere so fatigued, that a cessation
was ordered ; during m hich the field
pieces, having beaten down more of
the parapet, gave the second attack
greater advantage ; but the ardour
of the defence increased with tli©
danger. The garrison ibnght Mith
the indignant ferocity of wild beasts,
defending their dens and famiUes;
several of them stood as in defiance
on the top of the battlements, and
endeavoured to grapple with the
first ascendants, hoping with them
to twist the ladders down, and this
failing, stabbed with their lances;
but being wholly exposed, were
easily shot by aim from the rear of
the escalade. The assailants ad-
mired, for no Europeans had seen
such excess of courage in the na-
tives of Hindostan, and continually
offered quarter, which Avas always
answered by menace and intention
of death ; not a man had gained the
rampart at two in the afternoon,
Avhen another cessation of attack
ensued. On this Kangaroo assem-
bled the principal men, and told
them there was no hopes of main-
taining the fort; and that it was
immediate!}^ nccessai-y to preserve
their Avives and children from the
violation of the Europeans, and th»
still more ignominious authority of
YizfMam Rauze.
A number, called without distinc-
tion, Avere allotted to the Avork.
They proceeded every man Avilli his
lance, a torch, and his poinard, to
the habitations in the middle of ti)e
fort; to Avhich they set fire indis-
criminately, pljing the flame Avith
straAv prepared aa ith tutch or brim-
stone ; and every man stabbed Avilh-
out remorse, the woman or child,
Avhich soever attempted to escape
the flame and suflbcation. Tiie
massacre being finished, those who
accomplished it, returned like men
agitated by the furies, to die them-
selves on the w alls,
INIr Law, avIio commanded one of
156
BOGLIPOOR.
the divisions, ohserverl, while looking
at (ho couHagnition, that the mnn-
l)er oi' (I(>feiidors was considerably
diminished, and advanced again to
the attack. After several ladders
had iailcd, a few grenadiers got over
the parapet, and maintained their
tooting in the toMcr, until more se-
<;ured the posses- ion. Kangaroo,
hastening to the defence of the
tower, was killed by a musket-ball,
liia fall increased the desperation of
his friends, wlio crowding to revenge
his deatli, left other parts of the
rampart bare. 'J'he other divisions
of the French troops having ad-
vanced, numbers on all sides got
over the parapet without opposition;
nevertheless none of the defenders
quitted the rampart, or would ac-
cept quarter, but each advancing
against or struggling with an an-
tagonist, would resign his poinard
only with death.
The slanghter of the conflict being
over, anotlier mui'h more dreadful
presented itself in the area below.
Ihe transport of victory lost all its
joy ; all gazed on each other with
silent astonishment and remorse,
and the iiercest could not refuse a
tear to the deshuetion spread before
them. Four of the soldiers of Kan-
garoo on seeing him fall, concealed
themselves in an unfrequented part
of the fort, until the night was far
advanced ; when they dropped down
from tiie walls, and speaking the
same language, passed unsuspected
through the quarters of Yizeram
Kaijze. '^J'hey concealed themselves
ill the thicket, and the third night
after, two of them crawled into the
tent of Yizeram Katize, and stabbed
him in 32 places, ajid were innne-
diately cut to pieces. Had they
failed, the other two remaining in the
forest, were boinul by the : ame oath
to perform the deed or perish in the
attempt. {Ornie, Vc)
BotiCAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of liahar, district of Bcttiah,
situated on the cast side of the River
(Jundnck, 120 miles N. N. W. from
Tatua. Lat. 2°. -t'. N. Long. ^i°.
13'. E. Excellent thnber for ship
building is procured in this neigh-
bourhood, and floated down tha
Gunduck and Ganges to Calcutta.
RoGAKiAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of ]Monghir,
130 miles N. W. from jSIoorsheda-
bad. Lat. 24°. 53'. N. Long. 86°.
52'. E.
BoGELA or BoGALCUND, {BJutge-
hlikanda). — A district in the pro-
vince ofGundwana; but, during the
reign of Aurengzebe, anjiexed by
edict to the Soubah of Allahabad,
although it was never actually sub-
jugated by his forces. It is situated
about the 24th degree of north lati-
tude, and is boxuidcd on the west
by the British tenitories in Bundel-
cund, and to the east by the small
district of Manwas. The Soane is
the principal river, and the chief
town is Rewah, where an indepen-
dent rajah resides.
The produce of the countiy is
Avheat, barley, and diller.'nt kinds
of pease, and the inhabitants possess
large Hocks of cattle and sheep ; the
land, however, is but little cultivat-
ed, tlie natives scarcely raising grain
enough for their own subsistence.
Except Kewah, there is no town
that deserves the name ; and the
country is occupied by many petty
independent rajahs, who carry on
an incessant predatoiy warfare with
each other ; nor are there any re-
mains found to indicate a former and
superior state of civilization.
BoGLU'(>oR,(l?//ffg-t'//)oor).- — A dis-
trict in tiie province of Bahar, novr
comprehended in that of jVlonghir,
to which it sometimes communi-
cates its name. It is nearly equally
divided by the Ganges, and origi- '
)ially contained 2817 square miles.
It is well supplied with water and
fertile; the weaving of mixed goods
made with silk and cotton, flourishes
in the town of Boglipoor, and the ad-
jacent eoTuilry.
Near (Joganallah, one stage from
Boglipo«n-, is a monument resem-
bling a pagoda, erected to the me-
mory of Mr. Clcvclaud, by tlic ef-
BOMBAY.
lo7
fleers and zemindars of ilio Jun^l-
'teny of Hajeniahai; who, prior to liis
time, wore a race of savaijes, and
wlioiH, by conciliating^ ineasures, he
induced to ])lacc themselves under
tlie protection of the Biitish {govern-
ment. A corps of 300 of these na-
tives liave been taken into the ser-
vice of the East India Con)pany, and
now protect the territory they nsed
to desolate. (J. Grant, Colehrooke,
Lord Valentin, Sfc.) See Monghir.
Bog LI POOR. — A town in the j)ro-
vince of Bahar, district of Alonghir,
situated about two miles from the
main ))ranch of the (ranp:es. Lat.
25° 11'. N. Lono-. 86°. 5U'. E. A
majority of the inhabitants arc jMa-
honimedans, and a college of that
relisrion still exists, but in a state of
great decay. There are two very
singular round towers, about a mile
N. W. from the town. The Rajah
of Jyenagur consider them so holy,
that he has erected a building" to
slielter his subjects who \isittliem.
There is a noble banyan tree at the
entrance of the town. — (Lord Va-
lentia, ice.)
BoGWAXPOOR, (Bhagavanpura). —
A town in the province of Bahar,
district of Rotas, 47 miles S. E. from
Benares. Lat. 2.5°. N. Long. 83°
40'. E.
BoGWAN'GOLA, (BhascnviDi Gola).
— A large inland trading town in the
province of Bengal, eight miles N. V,.
from Moorshedabad. Lat. 24°. 21'.
-N. Long. 88°. 29'. E. 'J'his is a
. great mart for grain, from which the
to\vnofMoorsliedai)ad is principaliy
supplied. The tow n, which is en-
tirely built of bamboos, mats, and
thatch, has been more than once re-
moved, on account of the encroach-
ments of the Ganges, and exhibits
more the appearance of a temporary
fair or encaijijmient than that of a
town. (CoL Colcbronke, Ve.)
BoHANDEvi. — A small village in
Northern Hindostan, situated among
the mountains in the proviut-c of
Serinagur. Lat. 30°. 36'. N. Long.
78°. 12'. E. In this neighbourhood
are many European productions,
such as the peach, aprieot. walnut,
strawberry, rasben y, dandelion, but-
ter-llower, and v\bite rose. Here
arc also forests of sjtreading firs of
very large dimensions, and yielding
much pitch. {Raper, ^c.)
BOMBAY.
A city and island on tlie west
coast of India, (ormerly eompre-
lu'iided in the province of Aurunga-
bad, but now the principal British
settlement on tlic west coast of In-
dia. Lat. 18°. 58'. N. Long. 72°.
38'. E.
Bombay is about 10 miles in
length, by three the average breadth,
and has now lost all pretensions to
its insular name; as, in 18U5, Mr.
Duncan completed a causeway, or
vcllard, at Sion, across the narrow
arm of tlie sea, which separated it
from the contiguous island of Sal-
sette, an operation of infinite sersice
to the farmers and gardeners who
supply the Bombay nuirket, but
which is said to have had a preju-
dicial ell'ect on the harbouj'.
The fortifications of Bombay have
been improved ; but are esteemed
too extensive, and would require a
numerous garrison. Towards the
sea they are extremely strong, but to
the land side do not offer tiie same
resistance ; ajid to an enemy landed,
and capable of making regular ap-
proaches, it mu^t surrender. The
town within the walls was begun by
tiie Portuguese ; and even tiio.vc
liouses that have since beeu built
are of a similar construction, wiih
wooden pillars supporting wooden
verandahs; the consequence of which
is, that Bombay bears no external
resemblance to the other two presi-
dencies. The government liouse is
a handsome building, with several
good apartments; but it has the
great inconvenience, of the largest
apartment on both floors being a
passage-room to the others.
The northern part of the fort is
iidiabited by Parsee families, w ho are
not remarkably cleanly in thtir d'>-
158
BOMBAY.
mestic conocrns, nor in the streets
where they live. The view from the
fort is extremely beautiful towards
the bay, which is here and there
broken by islands, many of which
are covered with trees, while the lofty
and curious shaped hills of the table
land form a striking back 2:round.
The sea is on three sides of the fort,
and on the fourth is the esplanade ;
at the extremity of Avhich is the
black town, amidst cocoa-nut trees.
Bombay is the only principal set-
tlement in India where the rise of
the tides is sufficient to permit the
construction of docks on a large
scale; the very highest spring tides
reach to 17 feet, but (he nsuul height
is 14 feet. The docks are the Com-
pany's property, and the king's ships
pay a high monthly rent for repairs.
They are entirely occupied by Par-
sees, who possess an absolute mono-
poly in all the departments ; the per-
son who contracts for the timber
being a Parsee, and the inspector of
it on dehvery of tiie same cast. On
the 23d of June, 1810, tlie Minden
74, built entirely by Parsees, with-
out the least European ass^istance,
was launched fiom these dock-yards.
The teak forests, from whence these
yards are supplied, lie along the Mest-
ern side of the Ghaut mountains, and
other contiguous ridges of hills on
the north and east of Easseen; the
numerous rivers that descend from
them alfording water carriage for the
timber.
The common and sweet potatoe
are ^ ery good at Bombay ; but the
vegetable for which Bombay is cele-
brated all over the cast, is the onion.
Potatoes are now produced in this
quarter of India iu the greatest abun-
dance, altliough so recently intro-
duced ; the Bombay market is saip-
plicd with this root tiom Gujrat, and
also with some cheese, Avhich is hard
and ill flavoured. The bnflalo fur-
nishes the milk and butter, and oc-
casionally the beef; but Europeans
in general are prejudiced agtiiust it.
The Bazar mutton is hard and
lean ; but, when well fed^ is AS geod
as the English. Kid is always g-ooa,
and the poultry abundant; but not
good, unless fed on purpose. The
fish are excellent, but the larger
kinds not plentiful, 'i'he bumbelo
resembles a large sand eel, and, after
being dried in the sun, is usually
eaten at breakfast, with a dish of
rice and split pease, coloured with
turmeric, named kedgeree. The
prawns are uncommonly fine. Tiie
island is too small to furnish much
game ; but the red-logged partridge
is nut uncommon, and snipes are
sometimes seen. The frogs here are
large, and are eaten by the Cliinese
and Portuguese.
'I'his little island commands the
entire trade of the north-west coast
of India, together with that of the
Persian Gulf. The principal cargo
of a ship, bound from Bombay or
Surat to China, is cotton; in the
stowing and screwing of which, tl*e
commanders and olliccrs are remark-
ably dexterous. Some of the large
ships Mill cany upwards of 4000
bales, containing about 2,500 Bom
bay candies, of 560 pounds avoir-
dupois, or total, 1,400,000 pounds.
The other part of their cargo con-
sists of sandal wood and pepper,
from the Malabar coast; gums,
drugs, and pearls from Arabia, Abys-
sinia, and Persia; elephants' teeth,
cornelians, and other produce of
Cambay, sharks' fins, bird nests, &c.
from the Maldive and Lackadive
Islands. These sliips generally ar-
rive at Canton in the month of June,
or beginning of July, and lie there
idle (except delivering their cargo
and recei\ ing the return cargo) un-
til the month of December or Janu-
ary. In 1808, the quantity of cotton
brought to Bombay for ic-exporta-
tion was 85,000 bales, of 375 pounds,
the half of which is procured from
the couutry on the Ner!nuldah, and
the rest from Gujrat and Cutch ; the
quantity, however, is not usually so
large. The cotton screw is worked
by a capstan, to each bar of which
there are 30 men, amounting, in the
Wliole, to about 240 to eaoh st>revf.
BOMBAY.
159
Hemp is.packed in the same man-
ner ; but it requires to be carefully
laid in tlie press, for the fibres are
Hable to be broken if they are bent.
I'or the European market, Bom-
bay is an excellent place to procure
g»ais and dnigs of all sorts. Mocha
coflce, barilla, cornelians, agates, and
also blue and other Surat goods. In
1810, the prime cost of the goods,
exported from England to Bombay
l^- the East India Company, amount-
ed only to 116,7871.
Commerce of Bamhai/, from the \st
May, 1811, <w the siith April, 1812.
Tlie total value of goods imported
from London, from the 1st May,
1811, to the 30th April, 1812,
amounted to 2,045,363 rupees, viz.
Grain and other articles of food 4,772
Articles for the use of the
natives 75,363
Sundries for Europeans 1,313,661
Ditto for manufactures - 368,293
Ditto for re-exportatiou - 202,942
Piece goods - - - - 80,332
deira, during 1811-12, amounted to
70,360 rupees. I'here were no ex-
ports.
The impoi-ts of merchandize from
the Brazils in 1811-12 was 160,750
Treasure 1,357,650
Treasure
2,045,363
13,579
Rupees 2,068,942
The value of the exports to Lon-
don, during the above period^ was
041,282 rupees, viz.
Surat manufactines - - 3,183
'l"hc produce of Madeira - 39,880
Ditto j\Iosambi(pie - - 15,834
Ditto Bengal - - - - 62,957
Ditto Penang & eastwards 54,142
Ditto Malabar ic Canara 81,169
Ditto Persian Gulf - - 14,678
Ditto Arabian Gulf - - 401,603
Ditto Cashmere - - - 12,683
Ditto Gujrat . - - - 49,450
Piece goods - - - - 110,650
Treasure
Horses
941,282
589,018
7,500
Rupees 1,537,800
Rupees 1,518,400
The exports direct from Bombay
to the Brazils were only 43,334 ru-
pees; the Portuguese ships having,
as usual, proceeded from hence to
Demaun and Surat for their home-
ward bound cargoes.
In 1811-12, the imports from the
Isles of France amounted to 634,1 83
rupees, of which cloves composed
two-thirds ; the rest prize goods re-
captured on the surrender of the
islands. TIic exports to the Isles of
France amoimted in value to 263,403
rupees, consisting principally of Eu-
ro])can articles, Bengal produce, and
piece goods, llie treasure cxpoiled
was 59,250 rupees.
In 1811-12 the value of goods im-
ported from China amounted to
32,06,298, viz.
Grain, and other articles of
food 288
Articles for the use of the
natives 10,82,218
Sundries for Europeans - 281,514
Ditto for manufiictures - 470,322
Ditto tor exportation - 940,634
Piece goods - - - - 431,628
Sundries ----- 794
Treasure
32,07,398
8,57,256
Rupees 40,64,654
The exports to China, during
1811-12, amounted to 37,06,254 ru-
pees, viz.
Snrat manufactures - - 481
The produce of Europe 10,839
Ditto Madeira - - - 12,.560
Ditto America - - - 27,872
Ditto Mosambique - - 139,471
Ditto Penang and eastward 7000
The imports to Bombay from Ma-
Carried forward 188,22S
160
Broiig;lit fonvard
198,223
Ditto Malabar ami Canara 99,879
Ditto Persian
Gulf - -
149,317
Ditto Arabian Gulf - -
21,802
Ditto Cashmere - - -
425
Ditto Gujrat
_ _ - _
3,222,911
Ditto Cutch
_ _ _ _
2000
Piece goods
11,617
3,706,174
10,048
1300
Rupees
37,17,522
BOMBAY.
Raw silk 14,01,683
Piece goods - - - - 647,361
Sugar 243,688
Gunnies _ . . _ _ 27,521
Grain - 266,902
Suiidri«s - - - - - 182,997
Rupees 27,70,051
In tills period; there was a con-
siderable deialcation in the exports
to China, ou account of the singu-
larly untavonrable state of the mar-
kets of that country, and the sus-
pected credit of tlie Chinese mer-
chants.
In 1811-12 the imports from Ma-
nilla amounted to 2,29,350 rupees, of
which the article of sugar alone was
1,56,667 ru[»ecs in value. The ex-
ports were only 78,837 rupees, and
consisted almost entirely of iron and
wine.
'i'liere were no imports fiom Pegue
during 1811-12, and the exports to
that country amounted to only 6458
rupees.
In 1811-12 the imports fiom
Prince of Wales's Island, and the
rastwai-d, amounted to 4,90,629
IVciisure ----- 9357
Rupees 499,886
In 1811-12 the exports to Bengal
consisted of a great variety of small
articles, and 1,13,905 of Europe
goods were exjiorted, the value of
the whole amounting
To ------- 314,455
Treasure 82,760
Horses 28,400
Rupees 4,25,615
In 1811-12 the exports to Prince
of Wales's Island, and the eastward,
of merchandise, amounted
'I'o ------- 471,852
Treasure 276,808 Treasure
HoiTses 5900
In 1811-12 the imports from tlie
coast of Cororaandel amounted to
only 80,771 rupees, the exports to
that quarter to 1,87,464 rupees.
In 1811-12 the imports from Cey-
lon amounted to 1,14,331 rupees,
consisting almost entirely of sundry
articles for Europeans ; the exports
to 67,048 rupees.
In 1811-12 the imports from Ma-
labar and Canara amounted to
30,01,139 rupees of merchandise,
viz.
Grain, and olhcr asliclesof
food ------ 658,316
Articles for the use of the
natives 750,214
Sundries for Europeans 39.305
Ditto for manufactures 660,381
Ditto for re-exportation 695,422
Piece goods - - - - 197,148
Sundries ----- 358
3,001,139
46,916
Rupees 754,560
Rupees 30,48,055
During the above period the ex-
In 1811-12 the imports from Ben- ports to Malabar and Canara con-
gal amounted to 27,67,615 rupees, sistcd of a great variety of articles,
of merchandize, viz, amouatiug, in tlic whole,
BOMBAY.
ro - - '
iioiscs
- - - 957,780
- - - 706,413
- - - 102,000
Rupees 1,766,193
In 1811-12, the imports from Goa
and the Concan amounted to
1 ,932,637 of merchandize, viz.
Grain, and other articles of
food 1,117,812
Articles for the use of the
natives • - - - - 249,014
Sundries for Europeans 24,780
Ditto for manufactures - 62,476
Ditto for re-exportation 89,277
Piece goods - - - - 388,768
Sundries ----- 501
1,932,637
Treasure 107,727
Rupees 2,040,364
In 1811-12, tlie exports to Goa and
the Concan amounted to 3,766,471
rupees of merchandize, viz.
Surat manufactures
_ _
13,263
The produce of Europe
825,223
Ditto Madeira
- -
121,433
Ditto America
- -
23,079
Ditto Bengal - -
- -
1,125,325
Ditto Penang, and
the
eastward - -
- -
181,461
Ditto Malabar and Canara 381,192
Ditto Persian Gulf
-
217,614
Ditto Arabian Gulf
-
6,442
Ditto Cashmere
-
51,292
Ditto China - - -
-
264,113
Ditto Gujrat - - -
-
118,040
Ditto Concan - -
-
5,273
Ditto Ceylon - -
-
17,486
Ditto Cutch - - -
-
7,909
Ditto piece goods -
-
375,002
Ditto sundries - -
21,555
3,766,471
Treasure - - - -
. -
1,287,956
74,795
pees
Ru
5,129,222
In merchandize
Treasxne - -
161
354,036
9,646
Rupees 363,682
In 1811-12, the imports from Bas-
sein, and sundry adjacent villages,
uniouuted to
The exports to Bassein, &c, dur-
ing the above period, were various,
and amounted altogether to 296,179
rupees.
In 1811-12, the total imports from
Cutch and Sinde amounted to
In merchandize - - - 267,759
Treasure ----- 3,059
Horses 55,850
Rupees 326,668
During the above period tlie ex-
port of merchandize to Cutch and
Sinde amounted to 1,111,227 ru-
pees, of which Chinese goods were
nearly one half, and European goods
only 81,775 rupees. The remainder
consisted of a great variety of goods,
but the commerce with these pro-
vinces happened, for different rea-
sons (particularly the unsettled state
of the China cotton market) to be
small compared with the prior years.
In 1811-12, the imports to Bom-
bay from the Persian Gulf amounted
to 1,151,211 rupees of merchandize,
viz.
Grain, and other articles of
food 279,429
Articles for the use of the
natives 293,015
Sundries for Europeans - 22,213
Ditto for manufactures - 466,192
Ditto for re-exportation 88,356
Piece goods - - - - 1,388
Sundries ----- 618
1,151,211
Treasure 813,704
Horses 175,825
Rupees 2,140,740
In 1811-12, the exports to the Per-
sian Gulf amounted to 1,939,705 of
merchandize, viz.
162
BOMBAY.
Snrat mamifactnres - - 27,407
The produce of Europe - 139.360
Ditto Madeira - - - - 11,510
Ditto America - - - - 1,850
Ditto Mosambique - - 1,040
Ditto Bengal - - - - 469,154
Ditto Penang and eastward 178,328
Ditto Malabar and Caaara 173,333
Ditto Persian Gulf - - 500 Ticasme
Ditto Arabian Gulf - - 138,192
Ditto Cashmere - - - 16,046
Ditto Cliiua - - - - 236,965
Ditto Gujrat - - - - 17,141
Ditto Concan - - - - 9,183
Ditto Cutch - - - - 49,185
Ditto piece goods - - - 469,685
Ditto sundries - - - - 530
Brought forward 58,832
Sundries for Euiopcans -
Ditto for manufactures -
Ditto for re-exportation -
Piei e goods - - _ _
Sundries - - - _ -
60,048
28,111
331,474
486,567
2,818
966,850
63,406
Rupees 1,030,336
In 1811-12, the exports of mer-
chandize frouj Bomljay to Surat
aaiiounted to 1,429,351 rupees, viz.
Treasure - - -
1,939,705
8,500
Rupees 1,948,205
In 1811-12, the imports from the
Arabian Gulf amounted to
Mcrchaudize - - - - 425,908
Treasure 511,184
Hoi-ses 7,200
Rupees 944,292
The exports during the same pe-
riod, in merchandize, amounted to
364,731 rupees, of which only 73,483
consisted of European goods.
In 1811-12, tlic imports of mer- Treasure
chandize to Bombay from the east Horses
coast of Africa, amounted to 137,886
rupees.
The exports of merchandize, dur-
ring the same period, amounted
To ------- 44,339
Treasure 2,110
Surat manufactures - - 601
The produce of Eiuope - 2;')2,764
Ditto Madeira - - - - 34,736
Ditto America - - - - 63,108
Ditto iMosam1)ique - - 38,315^
Ditto Bengal - - - - 602,183
Ditto Penang and eastward 27,059
Ditto Malabar and Canara 109,586
Ditto Persian Gulf - - 13,645
Ditto Arabian Gulf - - 9,333
Ditto Cashmero - - - 9,802
Ditto China - - - - 77,628
Ditto Gujrat - , - - 8,710
Ditto Concan - - - - 540
Ditto Ceylon - - - - 891
Ditto Cutch - - - - 1,629
Ditto piece goods - - - 176,757
Ditto sundries - - - 2,064
1,429,351
475,981
1,700
Rupees 1,907,032
Rupees 46,449
In 1811-12, the imports of mer-
chandize from Surat amounted to
966,850 rupees, viz.
Grain, and other articles of
food - - - - - - 1,287
Articles for the use of the
natives 67,045
In 1811-12, the imports of mer-
chandize from the northern ports of
Gujrat amounted to 5,062,012 ru-
pees, viz.
Grain, and other articles of
food 1,467,825
Articles for the use of the
natives 376,107
Sundries for the Europeans 58,991
Ditto for manufactures - 27,086
Ditto for re-exportation - 2,786,564
Piece goods _ - - - 344,559
Sundries ----- 880
Carried forward 58,332
Carried forward 6,062,012
BOMBAY.
163
Brought forward 5,062,012
Treasure ----- 41,974
Horses ------ 7,650
Bombay, le.tweentheXst May,\%\\,
and the 30th April, 1812.
In 1811-12, the exports of mer-
chandize from Bombay to tlie north-
ern ports of Gujrat amounted to
3,915,057 rupees, viz.
Suiat maiuifac'ures - - 2,852
Tlic produce of Europe - 1,057,609
Ditto Madeira - - - - 64,266
DiUo America - - - - 180,«89
Ditto Mosambique - - 64,370
Ditto Bengal - - - - 1,268,593
Ditto Penang and eastward 124,061
Ditto Malabar and Canara 601,377
Ditto Persian Gulf - - 144,268
Ditto Arabian Gulf - - 22,786
Ditto Cashmere - - - 3,460
Ditto China - - - - 184,256
Ditto Gujrat - - - - 5,173
Ditto Concan - - - - 9,348
Ditto Cejlon - - - - 17,077
Ditto Cutch - - - - 17,317
Ditto piece goods - - - 144,444
Ditto sundries - - - 12,911
Arrived under English tons.
Rupees 5,111,636 colours 62 ships measuring 25,601
Arrived under Spanish
colours 2 ships measuring 960
Arrived under Porteguese
colours 3 ships measuring 1950
Anived under Aral
colours 12 ships measuring 3660
Treasure
Horses
Rupees 3,915,057
- - - 36,615
- - - 1,900
Rupees 3,953,572
In 1811-12, the total value of mer-
chandize imported to Bombay
Was ------ 16,970,626
Treasure imported - - 3,737,084
Horses 239,875
Rupees 20,947,585
In 1811-12, the total value of the
merchandize exported from Bombay
Was - 14,550,642
Treasure 3,027,963
Horses 229,473
Rupees 17,808,100
^Statement of the Ships and Tonnage
which arrived at and departed from
U 2
79
32,161
Departed under English
colours 93 ships measuring 38,337
Departed under Spanish
colours 2 ships measuring 950
Dejjarted under Portuguese
colours 1 ship measuring 750
Departed under Arab
colours 14 ships measuring 4551
110 44,588
Launched in 1811-12 one
ship of 457 63-94
Ditto ditto of 1283 82-94
Ditto ditto of 985 35-94
On the 31st Dec. 1811, 26 large
ships belonged to Bombay, the ton-
nage of which was 15,899 tons.
The ships built at Bombay ar«
reckoned one-third more durable
than any other India built ships.
The Company's marine at Bombay
consists of 15 fighting vessels, be-
sides armed boats, advice boats, and
other craft, and gives employment
to a regular establishment of officers
and seamen. The maintenance of
this force is rendered necessary by
the swarms of pirates who infest the
western coast of India, from tlie
shores of the Persian Gulf to Goa,
and who are distinguished, particu-
larly those who lurk in the more
northerly tracts, by their courage,
cunning, and ferocity. These nau-
tical banditti have haunted the very
same regions since the time of Alex-
ander the Great, and probably longer.
Out of 104 marine covenanted ser-
vants, Bombay employs 93.
164
BOMBAY,
A court of jiidicaliuc is held at
Bombay, by a sinsjlc jml-^c AVitli the
tiUe of recorder, the authority and
practice of tliis tribunal bciiip: al-
together conformable to those of the
supreme court at Calcutta. The law
ftraetitioners of this court iire three
barristers, and eight attorneys.
In 1811 the number of civil ser-
vants on the Bombay establishment
was 74, and the pay, allowances,
and emoluments of the whole civil
service, including the European un-
covenanted assistants, amounted to
174,2381. In the same year the pay
and allowances of the military officers
on the Bombay cstablislHiient, 549
in number, was 171,4501. and the
amount of the Cinnpany's I^ondiay
regular army of all descriptions
20,988 men. Surgeons 40, pay and
allowances 22,8761. Chaplains five,
])ay and allow ances 47951. In the
l?ombay army a veiy great ])ro])ortion
of the sepoys come from the Maha-
ratta country in whole fai-.iilics to-
gether, and, mixing but little with
the other sects, still retain their na-
tive langnage.
Bombay is supposed to contain
above 220,000 inhabitants. Of this
inrmbcr about 8000 arc paisees, and
nearly as many iMahommedans, and
three or 4000 Jews ; the remainder
are Portuguese and Hindoos ; the
latter composing more than thrce-
iourthsof th<' whole population. The
houses of the rich are of great ex-
tent, because the children of the
family coutinne to live in the same
house even after they ar(> manicd.
The lower classes have small huts,
mostly of clay, covered with a mat
made of the leaves of tlic palmyra.
' 'i'hcir wages are a great deal higher
than in Bengal, but food is dearer;
palan(p7in bearers receive scvcji and
eight rupees per month.
Among the liUropeans the rage
lor coiuitry houses prevails as gene-
rally as at Madras, and is attended
with t'le sanu^ ineonvcnieuces, all
businrss being necessarily transacted
in the tijit. The geueraiijy of the
loinitrv hoiijcs aio comfortable and
elegant, and, although not st> splendid
as those of Calcutta and Madras,
are better adapted to the climate,
and enjoy most beautiful views. Th«
only English church is in the fort.
The Poriiiguese and Armenian
churciies are nunjerons, both within
and without the walls ; and there are
three or four synagogues, with many
temples and mos<]ues. The largest
pagoda is in the Black 'i'own, l^
miles from the fort, and is dedicated
to ]Momba Devi.
The Parsee inhal)itants of Bom-
bay possess nearly the whole of the
island, and seem to have perfectly
domesticated themselves in their
new abode, shicc their e\j)ulsion
from Persia by the Mahommcdans.
They are an active and loyal body of
men, and contribute greatly to the
prosperity of the settlement. In
every European house of trade there
is a J'arsce partner, who usually
jnoduces the largest portion pf the
eai)ital. They wear an Asiatic dress,
but they eat and drink like the Eng-
lisij. In the morning and evening
they crowd to the esplanade to ])ay
their adoration, by prostration to the
sun ; on these occasions the females
do not ajipear, but they still go to
the well for water.
Most of the original Parsee cus-
toms continue unaltered, particu-
larly the mode of sepulture, which
is as follows :
The body of the defunct is de-
posited in a circular building, open
at the top, al)onf 55 feet in diameter,
and 25 in height, filled up to within
five feet of the top, excepting a well,
15 feet in diameter in the centre,
the part .so filled being terraced w ith
a slight declivity toAvards the weH.
Two circular grooves, tJnee inches
deep, are raised round the Well, the
first at the distance of four, and tlie
second at the distance of 10 feet
from the well. Grooves of the like
depth and height, and four feet dis-
tant liom each other at the outer
part of the outer circle, are carried
straight tiom the wall to the well, com-
municating with the circular ones to
BOMBAY.
165
»'aiTy off the water. Tlie tomb is,
by this means, divided info three
circles of j)artitions ; the outer for
men, the middle for women, and the
inner for children. There they are
respectively placed, wrapped loosely
in a piece of cloth, and left to be
devoured by the vultures; which is
soon done, as muiibers of these birds
are always seen hoveiin^ and w atch-
ing about these charnel houses for
their prey. The friends of the de-
ceased, or tiie persons wlio have
charge of the tond), come at the
proper time, and throw the bones
into their receptacle, the well in the
centre. From the bottom of the
well subterranean passages lead to
remove the bones, to prevent the
Avell from filling. Meji of great pro-
perty sometimes build one of the
above sort for themselves. The pub-
lic tombs are five in number, but not
all in use, and are .situated about
three miles north-westerly tiom
Bombay Fort. The stin and the sea
partake with lire in the adoration of
the Parsees ; their year is di\ided
into 12 lunar months, but they have
no division of time into weeks.
There is a great difference be-
tween the character and habits in
society of the natives of our prin-
cipal settlements and those of the
interior. A person who has resided
only at Bombay, cannot have an in-
timate know ledge respcctuig the ha-
bits and manners of the natives in
the interior provinces of India. Not
many years ago, a widow at Bom-
bay wanted to burn herself with her
Imsband's corpse, which being pre-
vented, she applied to the governor,
who refused permission ; upon which
she crossed the harbour to the Ma-
haratta shore, a!id there underwent
the ceremony. That few crimes of
magnitude occur at Bombay, is
proved by a statement made in open
court by the recorder in May, ISIO,
that, for six years prior to that pe-
riod, he never had had occasion to
condemn any criminal to the punish-
ment of death.
'I'he society here is Jess numerous,
and the salaries of Ihc public ser-
vants smaller than at the two chief
presidencies ; economy is conse-
quently more attended to, but the
stile of living is iiet|uenlly elegant,
and always condbrtable and abun-
dant. Bice, the chief fond of the
lower orders, is frequt^ntly imported
from Bengal,' even in favourable
years.
A society has been establislied at
Bombay on a plan somewhat simi-
lar to the Bengal Asiatic Society;
but it intends to limit itsidf to tlve
present state of manners among the
inhabitants of the country. The
situation of Bombay ought to be
healthy, but it is said to be tiio re-
verse, and that the liver is a com-
plaint more frequent and fatal here
than in any other part of India. Ex-
posure to the land breeze, which sets
in every evening, is frequeuUy fol-
lowed by a fever ; moderate living,
cautiously avoiding opposite ex-
tremes, is found most conducive to
healtlv
The travelling distance from Bom-
bay to Calcutta is 1300 miles; to
Delhi, 965; to Hyderabad, 480; to
Madras, 770; to Poonah, 98; to
Seriugapatani, 620; and to Smat,
177 miles.
As a i)laee of consequence Bom-
bay owes its oiigin to the Portu-
guese, to whoui it was ceded in
1530, having been before a depend-
ence on a (;liief residing at Tannah,
inSalsette. On account of its fin«
harbour a fort « as erected b\ tliem,
but the vicinity of Goa, the Portu-
guese capital, prevented its becom-
ing in their hand a place of any con-
quence. 'J'wu deri\ati(>ns are as-
signed to the name, one from the
Portuguese Euon bahia(a good bay),
and the other from the Hindoo G'od-
dess, Bomba Devi.
This island was ceded to King
Charles the Second in June 1661, as
part of Queen C^atluiine's portion ;
and in March, 16(j2, a licet of five
men of war, under the ronunand of
the Earl of Marl!)orough, was di.s-
patched, with 5Ui) troops under Sir
ICO
BOMBAY.
Abraham Shipman, and arrived at
Bombay on the 18th of September,
1662 ; but the Portuguese Governor
evaded the cession. The English
admiral demanded Bombay and its
dependencies, comprehendijig Sal-
sette and Tannali, and the Portu-
guese interpreted the treaty to sig-
nify Bombay only. The troops were
removed to the Island of Anjidiva,
where the mortality was so great,
that the surviving commanding of-
ficer, Mr. Cooke, was glad to accept
the Island of Bombay on any terms,
and to this place they were trans-
ferred in February, 1664-65, the sur-
vivors musteiing only 119 rank and
file. Such was the unfortunate com-
mencement of this afterwards flou-
rishing settlement, which in the
hands of the Portuguese had re-
mained almost a desait. jMr. Cooke
may be considered as the first Eng-
lish Governor of Bombay ; on the
6tli of November, 1666, he was suc-
ceeded by Sir Gervase Lucas.
It was soon discovered that the
king had made an unprofitable ac-
quisition, and that the East India
Company wore much injured by tlic
ti-ade carried on by persons in the
king's senice, who sold European
goods, for which they paid no freight.
In consequence of these and other
reasons, the king, on the 27th of
March, 1668, by letters patent, trans-
ferred the Island of Bombay from
the cro^vn to the East India Com-
pany, in free and common soccage,
as the manor of East Greenwich, on
payment of the annual rent of 101.
in gold, on the 30th of September
of each year. The revenue of the
island, shortly after the cession, was
estimated at 28231. ])cr annum.
Sir Gervase Lucas died the 21st
of March, 1667, and was succeeded
by the deputy-governor. Captain
Henry Geary. At the commence-
ment of this government, Mr. Cooke,
the first governor, endeavoured to
assemble a force at Salsettc, assisted
by the Jesuits of Goa, to re-esta-
blish himself in the Island of Bom-
bay, but ineffectuidly. In 1667-68,
the revenues had increased to 64901.
the garrison was 285 men, of which
number 93 were Englishmen, and
the rest French, Portuguese, and
natives.
On the 23d of September, 1668,
Bombay was taken possession of
for the East India Company by Sir
George Oxinden, the chief Com-
pany's governor, and tiie troops
were transferred from the king's to
the Company's service, along with
the arms, ordnance, and stores. Sir
G. Oxinden died on the 14th of July,
1669, and was succeeded by Mr.
Gerald Augier, as Chief of Sural
and Governor of Bombay, which
continued extremely unhealthy, and
much infested by the depredations
of the Maharatta pirates.
In 1672-3, a strong Dutch fleet ap-
peared otf Bombay, and created
great alarm ; but, after reconnoitiing
it, disappeared without making any
attack. In the succeding year there
were 100 pieces of cannon mounted
in the fortifications, and the garrison
consisted of 400 regulars, of which
the greater proportion were topasses,
and 300 militia. In 1676, letters
patent were obtained tVom the king
to establish a mint at Bomba}', at
which they were empowered to coin
rupees, pice, and budgerooks.
Mr. Augier died in 1677, and was
succeeded at Bombay by Mr. Henry
Oxinden. At this time Bombay
continued of very little pohtical or
commercial importance, which in
part proceeded liom the vigorous
goverument of Aurcngzebe on th»
Delhi throne, and the rising power
of the Blaharattas, under the mar-
tial Sevajee. In 1679, the Island of
Kenery was occupied by the troops
of Sevajee, and the beginning of the
next year the Island of Kenery was
seized on by the siddee, or Mogul
Admiral, the Bombay government
not daring to oppose either, and
from their proximity being kept in a
state of continual alarm.
In 1681, Mr. John Child, the bro-
ther of Sir Josiah Child, was ap-
pointed President at Surat, one of
BOMBAY.
1(57
the junior counsellors being' appoint-
ed to act as tU'puty-j^oveinor of
Bombay, la 16«;i-4, tlie Court of
Directors, in consequence of tlie
rapture of Bantam by tiio Dutch,
constituted Bombay an independent
English settlement, and tlie sent of
the power and trade of the Eiifjlish
nation in the East Indies.
On the 23d of December, 1683,
Captain Richard Kegwin, who com-
manded the Company's garrison, as-
sisted by Ensign Thouipson and
others, seized on jMr. Ward, the
deputy-governor, and such members
of the council as adhered to him,
and assumed the goNermnent. 'J'he
garrison, consisting of 150 English
soldiers, and 2U0 topasses, were
joined by the itdialtitants of the
island, who elected Captain Keg-
win governor, and declared they
would only acknowledge the king's
authority, although, in the interval
betw i\t the acquisition of the island
and this period, the East India Com-
pany had expended 300,0001. at
Bombay on fortifications and im-
provements.
In 1684-5, Captain Kegwin ne-
gocialed a treaty with Rajah Sam-
bajee, from whom he recovered
12,000 pagodas due to the Com-
pany ; and on the 19th of Novem-
ber, 1684, he surrendered the island
to Sir Thomas Grantham, on con-
dition of a general pardon to him-
self and his adherents. He had not,
it appears, embezzled any of the
Company's money in the fort, which
was restored to them entire, but had
subsisted on the revemies of the
island.
In 1686, the seat of the English
government was ordered to be trans-
fened from Surat to Bombay, and
next year, Sir John Child dying, the
oflice of Presideiil devolved on Mr.
Harris, then a prisoner atSmat, but
released by the Mogul goveiiior
next year.
In 1688-9, the siddhee's ileet (Mo-
gul's admiral) invaded Bombay, and
got possession of JMahein, Maza-
gong, and Sion, and kept the go-
vernor and garrison besieged in the
town and castle. An order was soon
after obtained from Anrengzebe, di-
recting the sidhee to withdraw his
troops; but the evacuation did not
take place until the 22d of June,
1690, when the lands belonging to
the Portuguese Jesuits were seized,
they having been active in promoting
the views of the siddee during the
invasion.
In 1691-2, the population of Bom-
bay Avas much reduced by the })lague,
of the civil servants only three re-
maining alive ; and in 1694, Sir Jo-
shua Gayer arrived, asGovernor.it
Bombay, which he found in a dis-
astrous state, principally caused by
the depredations of the English pi-
rates on the Mogul ships. Atireug-
zebe insisting that all the loss sus-
tained by his subjects should be
made good by the I^ast India Com-
pany. These pirates in 169ft pos-
sessed two frigates, of 30 guns, off
Cape Comorin, under Captain Kidd,
who was afterwards taken and hang-
ed ; one of 50, one of 40, and one
of 30 guns, off the Malabar Coast.
In 1798-9, Sir Nicholas Waite
w as appointed resident at Surat, on
the part of the New or English Com-
pany ; and in 1700, by his intrigues,
pro(!ured the imprisoiunent of Sir
John Gayer and xMr. Colt, the Old
or London Company's servants. At
this time B<mibay was in a very
weakly state, and under constant
alarm of invasion from the INlaha-
rattas, Arabs, or Portuguese. In
1702-3, it was again visited by the
plague, which carried off many hun-
dreds of the natives, and reduced
the garrison to 76 men.
In 1708, the two rival Companies
having united. Sir Nicholas Waite
was dismissed, but Sir John Gayer,
the legitimate governor, still con-
tiiming in confinement at Surat, Mr.
Aislabie was appointed ; and such
was the continued feebleness of the
settlement, that the Bombay govern-
ment this year declined receiving an
envoy from the King of Persia, for
tear be should observe the weak-
168
BONARATTE.
jiess of the plaee, both by sea and
land.
With the junction of the rival
Companies, in 1708, Mr. Bruce's
authentic History of the East India
Company conchides, and we have
no documents that can be depended
on to fill up the interval since that
period. The history of the infancy of a
colony is, however, always the most
interesting ; and it will be seen, from
the foregoing- nanative, with what
pcrseverauce the East India Com-
pany supported a settlement, from
which, for many years, they derived
no profit, and experienced much
trouble.
At presenl Bombay may be said
to rule the whole Avestern coast of
India, and its inlluence is felt along
the coasts of Persia and Arabia ; but
the territorial possessions under its
immediate jurisdiclion are small,
rompiu-cd with those of Bengal and
Madras. They consist principally of
the districts of Surat, Broach, Cam-
bay, Goelwarah, and other coun-
tries extending along both sides of
the Gulf of Cainbay, a considerable
proportion of which were obtained
since 1802 from Anund Row Gui-
cowar, a Maharatta prince, and the
whole are contained within the pro-
vince of Gu jrat, of which they com-
pose by far the most fertile, highly
cultivated, and popidous portion.
The inhabitants of this region are
anioiig the most iiitelligent and in-
dustrious of Hindostan, and from
hence large quantities of cotton nia-
luifactures are exported to all parts
of the world. From these districts
also a great export of the raw ma-
terial takes place, partly the produce
of the lands v.ithin the Company's
influence, and partly brought from
the interior on the large navigable
rivers, such as the Nerbuddah, Tup-
tee, Mahy, and IMehindry, which,
with many others of smaller note,
empty their streams into the Gulf of
Cambay.
The principal sea port towns, be-
sides Bombay, are Surat, Broach,
Cambay, and Gogo, from >\ Inch are
procured the best native seamen in
India, the natives along the gulf,
particularly on the west side, being
much addicted to navigation. The
contiguous Island of Salsette is aLso
subordinate to this government, but
most unaccountably continues to ex-
hibit the same state of desolation iu
which it was originally received.
It is difficult, with any precision,
to define the extent of the Bombay
territorial possessions, as some of
the peshwa's districts are intennin-
gled with tlieni, and ajiproach within
a few miles of the city of Surat. On
a rough estimate, how ever, they may
be calculated to comprehend 10,000
square miles, containing a popula-
tion exceeding altogether two and a
half millions, in the probable pro-
portion of one Mabommedan to 1.5
Hindoos. Nearly nine-tenths of all
the existing Parsees are resident
within the Bombay limits, but no
estimate of their numbers, approach-
ing to exactness, has even been
made. {Lord ValeiUia, Bruce, M.
Graham, Moore, Elmore, h. Grant,
Blalcohn, Macpherson, Rennel, 12
Reg. ^c.)
BoNAA. — A small island iu the
Eastern Seas, 25 miles in circum-
ference, lying off the N. W. ex-
tremity of Ceram. Lat.3°. S. Long.
128°. 5'. E.
BoNAWASi. — A small town in the
province of North Canara, district
of Soonda, on the confines of the
Bednore district. Lat. 14°. 2?'. N.
Long. 76°. 12'. E. In Hydrr's time
it contained 500 houses, but is now
nuich reduced. Its walls are ruin-
ous; and, although it has been aplace
of great celehrity, do not appear to
IiaAc been of considerable exteiit.
A great part of the adjoining eoun-
tiy is waste, and overgrown with
forests, but not containing much
teak. This place is noted by Pto-
lemy, and is said fo have had a dy-
nasty of kings, who nilcd 1450 yearsi
before the Christian era. {F. Bu-
chanan, Si'c.)
BoNARATTE. — A Small island ia
the Eastern Seas, due south of Sale-^
BONY
1(59
yer, principally inhabited by Biig-
gesscs. On this island, and Ca-
lawc, a small island in tlie neigh-
botuliood, the Bng[;ess sovercii^n is
said to have an establishment tor the
education of his dancing girls.
BoNUHiK, {Vanag/iiri, a uoodi/
mountain). — A district in the Ni-
zam's dominions in the province of
Hyderabad, situated between the
17th and 18th degrees of north lati-
tude. It is better peopled and cid-
tivated than a great proportion of
the Nizam's country, but has no
river of consequence. The chief
towns are Bonghir and Hydcrshy.
BoNGHiR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, district of
Bonghir, 21 miles E. from livdera-
bad. Lat. 17° 18'. N. Long. 7i>°
6'. E.
BoNH.ARA. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, district of Broach,
35 miles E. of Surat. Lat. 21°. 7'.
N. Long. 73°. 33'. E.
BoNNEE BiVEK, (Vaui). — The
Soank, which rises in the district of
Chut a Nagpoor, joins liic Burkee
Biver, about Lat. 21°. 43'. N. Long.
84°. 50'. E. Irom m hence the united
streams pursue a comse of ai)Out
110 miles, under the appellation of
the Braminy Noy River, \s hich it
then changes for that of the Boinice
Biver. Its course is afterwards
nearly due east, until it is joined by
the Coyle, or B\turnee River, when
they flow together into the Bay of
Bengal, 10 miles north from Point
Pahniras. '1 he whole course, from
the rise of the Soank, may be esti-
mated at 360 miles, iiicluding the
windings; andtiie countries it passes
through are Chufa Nagpoor, Gang-
poor, Sumbhulpoor, aad Cuttack.
BoxsoLO. — A district in the terri-
tories of the Poonah Maharattas, on
the sea coast of the province of Be-
japoor, betwten the 16th and 17th
degrees of north latitude. It is inter-
sected by many mountain streams,
■which How from the ^^ estern Ghauts,
such as the Gheriah, Denghur, and
Atkerah Rivers, so named iiom for-
tresses at their junctions ^v^th the
sea, and formerly the resort of the
])iratical fleets v,hich inU^sted t'.iis
coast. The pririeij)al towns are Ghe-
riah, Raree, and Vingorla. A great
proportion of this district belongs to
an independent JMaharatta Chieli
named the Rajah of Colapoor.
BoNTAiN. — A small district in
the Island of Celebes, situated at
the soutliern extremity. It was an-
ciently considered among the de-
pendent allies of Macassar, but was
afterwards ceded to the Dutcli East
India Company. Captain Carteret,
who |)ut into the Bay of Bonlain, in
Lat. 5°. 33'. S. Long. 119°. 47^ i:.
gives a very good character of tJia
inliabitants. He describes Bontain
Bay as large and capacious, and
says, that ships may lie in safety
there during both monsoons. In
this bay there are several small
tow ns ; that which is called Bontain
lies to the north, and has a small
pallisadoed fort. Wood and water
are to be procured here in great
plenty, and also fresh provisions.
Eowls and fruits abound, and rice
may be had in any quantity. There
are great numbers of wild hogs in
the woods, which may be liad cheap,
as the natives, being Mahommc-
dans, never eat them. The titles
are very irregular; commonly it is
liut once high water, and once low
w ater in 24 hours, and the diiicrcnce
is seldom more than six feet. {Sta-
vori7iiis, WiJcocke, i^c.)
BoNV. — A kingdom in the Island
of Celebes, extending 20 leagues
along the western shore of the Gulf
of Bony, from the River Chinrana to
the River Salinico. This gulf, or
arm of the sea, is named by the na-
tives, Sewa, and by the Euro})eans,
Buggess Baj, and deeply indents
the Island of Celebes to the south.
Witli the kingdom of Bony a consi-
derable trade is carried on, it pro-
ducing gold, rice, sago, cassia, tor-
toise shells, pearls, i^c. 6ve.
To the north of Bony, along the
bottom of t!ie bay, the country is
w ell iidiabited, and abounds in sago,
which is very cheap ; also cassia and
170
BONY.
pearls. Near tlie bottom of tlie gulf,
at the River Loo, boat building is
carried on; also a tiade in gold,
sago, cassia, and seed pearls. The
inhabitants along the sea-coast fish
for swallo, (named also sea slag, tri-
pana, and biche de mar) which they
carry to Macassar, and sell to the
Chinese junks. On the east side of
the bay the country is not so well
inhabited as on the w est, and navi-
gation of the bay is extremely ha-
zardous to ships of burthen, on ac-
count of the numbeiless shoals and
small rocky clusters in it.
This is the proper countrj' of the
Buggesses, (bugis, or bouginese)
who are remarkably industrious and
skilful in all kinds of curious filla-
gTce work in gold and silver, and in
weaving the striped and checked
cotton cloths worn in all the Malay
islands, 'i hey excel also in making
jnatchlocks, firelocks, and all kinds
of arms and accoutrements, and in
building large prows and other ves-
sels. 'J'his ancient, brave, and mar-
tial nation became known to Euro-
peans only in their decline. In cou-
rage, enterprise, fidelity, and even
fair dealing in commerce, they are
placed at the head of the Orang
Timor, or eastern men. I'he nation
to which the bugis exhibit the great-
est resemblance are the Japanese.
Tlie Bugis may be reckoned the
originril language of the island of
Celebes. On the sea-coast it is
much mixed with the Eastern Ma-
lay, and is found pme only in the
ancient books, and in the interior of
Celebes. The alphabet consists of
22 letters; the form of the character
is peculiar, but resembles the Batta
andTagala. The Koran has been
translated into the Bugis language,
and they also [losscss traditional and
historical songs and romances in that
dialect.
'J 'he Buggesses possess a code of
V ritten laws ; but they also deter-
mine many disputes by single com-
bat, never avenging themselves by
personal assassination. In tiiis they
difter essentially from the Sooloo na-
tion, who never think of patting:
themselves on an equality w ith their
antagonist, but always attack him
in the dark, or when ofi his guard.
According to Stavorinus, the first
monarch of tlie Buggesses, affirmed
by them to be of celestial origin, in-
stituted the laws of tlie country,
which are still observed. He ap-
pointed seven electors, the dignity
to be hereditary in particular fami-
lies, and descending to females as
well as the other sex. All matters
of importance must be decided by
this electoral college, their power
extending to the deposition as well
as the appointing of their kings, and
also the making of peace or war.
In the beginning of the 17th cen-
tury, the Buggesses were compelled
by the Macassars to adopt the Ma-
hommedan, but we have no account
of their prior religion. The king-
dom of Bony w as once so poweriwJ,
that the state could bring 70,000
lighting men into the lield, and
greatly assisted the Dutch in the
conquest of Macassar, of which they
have since had reason to repent.
Rajah Polacca, a powerful prince
and sovereign of Bony, died in 1(J96,
and was succeeded by his son, La-
patoua, who died in 17 13.
'i'he daughter of the latter, Bat-
tara Todja, succeeded him as the
16fh sovereign of Bony, and resigned
in 1715, when she was succeeded hy
her half-brolher, Lapadang Sajati,
who was deposed in 1720, and the
Queen Battara Todja restored. Her
reign was a perpetual scene of civil
and foreign war; during which she
was repeatedly dethroned and re-
elected, and the capital taken and
plundered by the contending parties
several times. In 1749, she died,
and was succeeded by her half-bro-
ther, Lama Ossong, under the namtt
of Abdul Zabshab jelaluddeen, who
reigned in 1775, and was then above
80 years of age. Prior to this period
tlie state of Bony had been brought
under subjection by the Dutch, to
whom the king Avas obliged to take
an oath of fidelity and allegiance.
BOONDEE.
171
Tlie policy of the Dutch was to keep
tlie Maciissars ami BiJS?,esscs in a
state of perpetual hostility, by which
they at last subdued the former prin-
cipality, and tiic latter soon followed.
On the decline of the Dutch power,
the state of Bony aj;ain attained in-
dependence, which must have been
confirmed by the conquest of the
Dutch settlements in Celebes, in
1812, by the British. (Starorinitf,
Forrest, Leijden, Qnarterhj Review,
Dahijmph, <St.)
BooBooAN. — A small island in
the Eastern Seas, lying off the south
end of the Island of Basseelan, and
having a small hnmmock on the
north part of the island, whicli is
very woody, but inhabited.
BooDicoTTA, {Buddhacatn). — A
town in the Baraniahal district, 30
miles E. by S. from Bangaloor. Lat,
12°. .51'. N. Long. 78°. 18'. E.
BooGECOOGi., {BImjahhnj). — A
town in the province of Cutcb, pos-
sessed by independent native chiefs,
situated about 10 miles inland from
the Gulf of Cutch. Lat. 23°. 15'. N.
Long. 69°. 45'. E. 'I'he fort of this
district is named Mnddi, and stands
at the mouth of a small river, about
20 miles distant from Boogebooge,
and is one of the chief places of ex-
port in the province of Cutcli. In
1809, the name of the chief of Booge
was Futtcli Mahommed, who had
extended his infliu'nce a<ross the
(Julf of Cutch, and placed a garri^:on
in Po.sitra, in Okamundel, from
whence he claimed a share of all
piratical captures. By the natives
this place is frequently named Cutch
Bhoojung, and reckoned the capital
of the province.
Bool. — One of the southernmost
of the Philippine Isles, situated about
the 10th degree of north latitude.
In length it may be estimated at
<ib miles, by 30 miles the average
breadth.
Bool, or Bullum. — A small dis-
trict above the ^^ estern Ghauts, but
now comprehended in the British
province of Canara. It is situated
about the 13th dt^re« of north lati-
tude, and is so mountainous and
covered with forests, that although
nominally subject to tlie former My-
sore sovereigns, it ne\ er v\ as ellcc-
tually conquered until militan roads
were 'opened througii the ioiTst
towns by Gen. \\ elleslev in 1801-2.
It contains no town of consequence,
and being situated on the top of a
ridge of hills, its rivers are mera
mountain streams.
BooLACooMBA. — A district sul>-
ject to the Dutch, situated at the
southern extremity of the Island of
Celebes. The land is fertile in rice,
abounds with game, and has exten-
.sive forests ; but the timber is not
well adapted for tJie construction of
houses. During the west monsouu
the road before Boolaeoomba is dan-
gerous lor ships; small vessels, how-
ever, can ruu into the River KaU-
kongaimg. Near th« mouth of this
river stands the Dutch pallisadoed
fort Carolina, in which a resident
WAS. stationed, who also had the su-
perintendence of the kingdom of
Bera. The men of the latter pro-
vince are, in general, good warriors
both by sea and land. The richest
are merchattts; others employ tJrera-
selves in building prows, and in ma-
nufacturing a coarse cloth from the
cotton, v.hich is ])lenty. A small
tribute of these cloths was annuall}'
paid to the Dutch East India Com-
pany. {Stavvrimts, cVc.)
BooNDKE, {Bimdi). — A town in
the province of A j me, r, district of
Harowt>. tributarv to the Iviaharaf-
tas. Lilt. 25°. 26'. N, Long. 75°.
35'. E.
I'his town is situated on the south-
erly <leciivity of a long range of hills,
which runs nearly from cast to west.
The j»alace of the rajah, a largo
massy building of stone, is about
halfway up the hill, and a kind of
forthication extends to the top. The
Bondce Kajah is of the llara tribe,
and was formerly ol' considerable
power and possessions, but both
have been greatly reduced by the
Slahrattas. >lis territories, though
of small extent and revenue, are of
172
BOORO.
importance, as thej' command a
principal pass into Upper Hindostan.
During the retreat of Col, Mon-
son, in 1804, the Booudee Rajah
gi-eatiy assisted him in his distress ;
and his conduct had been uniformly
friendly to the English ; 3'et, at the
peace of 1 805, he was abandoned by
ilie British govennnent to the ven-
geance of the Maharattas. {Mal-
colm, Hunter, cVc.)
BooNTAL, {Bhavmttala). — A small
district in the northern part of the
Lahdack country, situated betwixt
the 35th and 36th degrees of north
latitude ; respecting which nothing
is known, except its geographical
position.
BooREE Rapty River, (Revati).
— ^^rhis river has its source in the
hills which separate the province of
Oudc from the Nepanl territories in
Northern Hindostan, from whence it
flows thiongh the Goracpoor district,
and joii'S the Goggrah, a few miles
belowf Dooryghaut.
BooiiPHANA. — A small town in
the province of Delhi, within the for-
mer district of Siimroo Begum, 42
miles N. N. W. from Delhi. Lat.
29°. 18'. N. Long. 77°. 20'. E.
BooRGHAUT. — A ghaut, or pass,
through the western range of moun-
tains, which is ascended on the road
from Bombay to Poonah. This pas-
.sage, although very rugged and
steep, is not so mucli so as the Am-
bah pass ; yet the hills are of great
height, and present many fine scenes
to the artist to delineate. Near the
summit is a small village, named
Coondallah, and another at tlie bot-
tom named Expoly, with a handsome
tank of great extent, enclosed with
a stone wall, and havhig a flight of
.stone steps to the vatcr. {liJoor,
BooRHANPOoR. — A City HI the
]Maharatta tenitories,in the province
of Khandesh, of wliich it was former-
ly the capital, situated on the N. W.
side of the River Tui»tee. Lat. 21°.
20'. N. Long. 76°. 20'. E.
This town is the head-quarters of
a singular sect of iVlahoiumedans,
named Bohrah, whose monllab, or
iiigh priest resides here. They dis-
tinguish their own sect by the name
of Ismaeeliah, deriving their origin
from one of the followers of the pro-
phet, who flourished in the age im-
mediately succeeding that of Ma-
hommed. They form a very large
society, spread over all the countries
of the Deecan, and carry on an ex-
tensive commerce in all the provinces
where their members are dispersed,
appropriating a certain portion of
their gains to the maintenance of
their high priest. In Surat, there
are 6000 families of Bohrahs, aud iu
Oujain 1500. A younger brother of
the niouUah resides at Oujain, and
exercises a temporary and spiritual
authority over the Bohrahs resident
there.
This city was taken possession of
by the British army under Colonel
Stevenson, on the 16th Oct. 1803,
witliout resistance ; but was restored
at the conclusion of the peace, in
Dec. 1803. It is much fallen ofl"
from its former grandeur; and the
decay is likely, tiom the nature of
the govennnent to which it is at
present subject, to continue.
Travelling distance from Oojain,
154; Nagpoor, 256; Poonah, 288;
Bombay, 340 ; Agra, 508 ; and Cal-
cutta, by Nagpoor, 978 miles. {Huu~
ter, Rennel, ^c.)
BooRKoo. — A small village in tlie
Gujrat Peninsula, situated near the
Run, six miles S. W. from Annan,
and surrounded by a wall of black
rock, which abounds in the adjacent
country. 'Phis village belongs to
Siinderjee Sewjee, the agent for
horses to the Bombay government.
BooRO. — An island in the eastern
seas, situated betwixt the 3d and
4th degrees of of south latitude, and
the 126th and 127th of east longi-
tude. In length it may be estimated
at 75 miles, by 38 miles the average
breadth.
I'he principal settlement on tliis
island is Cajelli, situated at the bot-
tom of a gulf of the same name, in a
maishy plain. The Dutch built a
BOOTAX.
173
sibne fort here, wliicli was 1)lown up
in 1689; since wliich they liavc only
had an inclosnre of pallisailoes, tlio
island proving hnt an unprofitable
settlement to them, as it prodnced
no spi«'ercis. Buflaloes and liec are
to be had here in abmulanee, and
also cocoa-nuts, bananas, lemons,
citrons, hitter oranges, a few ])inc
apples; and it is on this island that
the best cajepnta oil is procnrcd,
Booro produces dilferent sorts of
ebony, and also the sago, palm, and
teak trees. Ships may be supplied
here with rice, cattle, and other
refreshments, and tiie MOods abound
with tlie babi ronssa or hog deer.
Tiie Chinese trade here tor cabi-
net woods, and f<ir ditterent species
of dye woods. Part of the inhabit-
ants are Mahomsnedans, and have
a mosque here; but the interior of
the island is inhabited by the abo-
rigines or horaforas, who live dis-
persed among the inaccessible monn-
tains, and subsist on sago, fruits, and
the produce of the chacc. The south
of Kooro is much infested by the
Papuas from New Guinea. {Forest,
La Sillardiere, Bougainville, Stavo-
rinus, S'c)
BoosNAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Jessore,
60 miles, W. by S. from Dacca.
Lat. 23°. 31'. N. Long. 89°. 39'. E.
BOOTAN, {Bhutan).
A country in Nortliern Hindosf an,
situated principally between the
27th and 28th degrees of north
latitude. By the inhabitants of
Hnidostan it is also named the
t-ountry of the Deb Kajah ; and by
the inhabitants of 'I'ibet, Dukba,
The boundaries are very inaccurately
defined; but, as an approximation,
the province may be estimated at
^00 miles in length, by 9(t miles tlie
average breatlth. To the north it is
.separated from Tibet by the Hi-
malaya, or Soomoonang iVIountaiiis,
to the south is tlie province of
Bengal ; to the east it has an un-
t^xplored region north of Assam; and
to the west the Kyrant country, sul>-
ject to the Nepaulese.
'I'his province presents nothing to
the view, but the most mis-shapea
irregidarities ; mountains covered
with eternal verdure, and rieli willi
abundant forests of large and lofty
trees. Almost every mountain has
a rapid torrent at its base, and many
of the loftiest have ])opulous vil-
lages amidst oixhards and other
plantations. In its external appear-
ance it is the reverse of Tibet, which
is a level" table land.
The mountains of Bootan fonii
part of tlie great chain, which geo-
graphers term Afons Imaus ; and of
which frequent mention is made iu
the mythological histories ot the
Brahmins, by the name of Himalaya.
At the foot of the chain of hills, to-
wards the Bengal frontier, is a j)laiii
of about 25 miles iu breadth, choked
up with the m.ost luxuriant vegeta-
tion ; and from its inaptitude to sup-
ply the wants, or facilitate tiic func-
tions of human life, may be con-
sidered as appertaining properly to
neither. The exhalations arising
from the multitude of .springs, which
the vicinity of the mountains pro-
duces, are collected and confined
by tlie woods, and generate a most
pestilential atmosphere. The trees
are large, and the forests abound
with elephants ; the human inhabi-
tants arc much debased in form,
size, and strengtii.
The climate of Bootan, affords
every degiee of variation ; for, at tlie
time the inhabitants ftf I'nnakha are
cautious of exposing th(;mseives 1<»
an ahnost vertical sun, (hose of
Gliassa feel :U1 tlic rigour of >\ inter,
and are cliiiicd by perpetual snows;
yet both places arc within sight of
each other.
In this province almost every
favourable aspect of the mountains,
coated Avith the smallest quantity of
soil, is cleared and adapteil lor culti-
vation, by being shelved into hori-
zontal beds, 'i he country abounds
with excellent limeslone; Imt the
natives apjicar unacquainted with
174
BOOTAN.
its uses, cilhcr for building; or for
agricultural purposes. The season
of the rains about Tassisudon, the
capital, is remarkably moderate;
there are frequent showers, but none
of those heavy torrents which ac-
company the monsoon in Ben;;a!.
In Bootan are to be foimd straw-
bcnics, raspbenies, and blackberries,
growing wild; there arc also the
apple, pear, peach, and apricot trees ;
also the ash, birch, maple, yew, pine,
and lir, but no oak trees. The
forests abound with a variety of
handsome timber, and the iir is often
found eight and 10 feet in circum-
ference. The turnips are remark-
ably good, being large, free from
fibres, and very sweet. The best
fiaiits are oranges, ])cachcs, apricots,
pomegranates, and walnuts. For
iiTigation the Booteas conduct wa-
ter across the chasms of the moun-
tains, through the hollow trunks of
frees. In this country great part of
tlie field labour falls on the females.
They plant, weed, and to them
eventually the task f:\ils of ap|)lyiug
the sickle, and brandishing the tlail.
In all laborious odices they are ex-
posed to hardships and inclement
weather.
A\'ild animals are not numerous
in Bootan, but monkies of a large
and handsome kind aboTuid, and
are held sacred by the Booteas, as
well as by the liindoos. The spe-
cies of horse, which is indigenous to
Bootan, is called Tannian or 'J'aJi-
gun, from Tangustan, the general
appellation of that assemblage of
mountains, which constitutes the
territory of Bootan; the breed being
altogether confined within these li-
nu'ls. Thev are usuaily 13 hands
high, and remarkable Ibr their sym-
metry and just proportions. I'hey
are distinguished in general by a
tendency to piebald, those of one
colour being rare. 'Jhey are short
bodied, clean limbed, and though
decj) in the chest, extremely active.
Acctjstomcd among their native
mountains to stmggle against op-
position, they seem to inherit this
spirit as a principle of theiriiattircj
and hence, have acquired among
Europeans, a character of beinghead-
strong ajid ungovernable, though
in reality it proceeds from an excess
of eagerness to perform their task.
I'rom Bootan a caravan annually
visits the district of Ruugpoor in
Bengal, bringing with it oranges,
walnuts, and the coarse woollen
manufactures of that country, v^ ith
the horses that cany them, tor sale.
The same privilege has never been
allowed by the Bootan government
to the inhabitants of Bengal. The
presents sent by the Deb Kajah to
the Bengal presidency, in 1772, con-
sisted of sheets of gilt leather,
stamped with the black eagle of the
Bussian armorial, talents of gold
and silver, and bulscs of gold dnst ;
bags of genuine musk, narrow v^ool-
len cloths, the manufacture of Tibet,
and silks of China. The chests
which contained them were of good
v\orkmanship, and joined together
by dovetail work. The Nanaiuee,
a base silver coin struck in Coos
Bahar, is cunent through Bootan,
as in that countrj' there are local pre-
judices against a mint. It is of the
value of about lOd. or one-third of
a sicca rupee ; the name is derived
from the Hindoo mythology.
The Deb (devaj Rajah who re-
sides at Tussudon is the supreme
head of the province, and his autho-
rity is obeyed by a considerable part
of it, particularly the country adja-
cent to the road leading liom Ben-
gal to the metropolis. ^^ illi the
country to the east and west of this
line we are but httle acquainted ;
and it is quite impossible to form
any rational estimate of the ])opu-
lalion, which from the remotely
scattered sites of the towns and vil-
lages, and tlie precipitous natme
of the country, we may conjecture
to be very scanty. The principal
towns are Tassudon the capital, Poo-
naUha, Wandipoor, (Jhassa, and
Murrichom. I'ilo is the title given
to a provincial governor, and soubah
to those of inferior rank.
BOOTAN.
175
Tlic military weapons of the Boo-
teas are the bow and arrow, a short
straif^ht sword, and a faulchion re-
flected like a pruning; knil'e. I ti war
they use jwisoncd arrows ; the poi-
son (hey procure from a plant as yet
unkno\\ H to lilui-opeans, and it is an
inspissated vegetable juice, in con-
sistence and appearance much re-
sembling crude opium. Their
matchlock muskets are very con-
teniptiljle, and of no use, except in
the finest weather when the match
will burn, and the priminj in an
open pan take fire. In the manaojc-
ment of the sword and shield they
are very dextrous, and most ex«;el-
!cnt archers. They have wall pieces,
but no cannon. A slrong jealousy
of all intercourse witli the inhabi-
tants of Hindostan Projx^r, prevails
universally among the nHti\ es on its
northern frontier; and it does not
appear that Bootan was ever con-
<}uered, or even seriously invatlcd by
the Mahommedans,
There is a remarkable dissimi-
larity between the feeble bodied and
meek spirited natives of Bengal, and
their active and Herculean ncigh-
bom-s the mountaineers of Bootan.
A shong similaiity of features per-
vades the whole race oftheBooteas,
who are much fairer and more ro-
bust tlian their Bengalesc neigh-
bours, with broader faces and high
cheek-bones. Tlicy arc greatly af-
flicted with glandular swellings in
the throat, from which the natives
of Bengal are exempted; it being
calculated that one person iu six
is affected with this distemper.
The Booteas have black hair,
which they cut close to tlie head.
The eye is a very remarkable fea-
ture of their faces, small, black, and
svitli long pointed corners, as if
stretched and extended by artificial
means. Tlieir eye-lashes are so thin
as to be scarcely perceptible, and
the eye-brow is but slightly shaded.
Below the eye is the broadest part
of the face, which is rather flat, and
narrows from tlie cheek-bones to the
■t'hin. Tlus chsiractei- of counte-
nance prevails among tlie Tartar
tiibes, butismore remarkable among
the Chinese. The skins of the
Booteas are smooth, and most of
them arrive at a very advanced age,
before they have even the rudiments
of a beard ; their aa hiskei-s also arc
of a very scanty growth. Many of
them are six feet high ; and, taken
altogether, their complexions are not
so dark by several shades as those
of the European Portiigucse.
Their houses are in general but of
one story; but the palace of the
Deb Rajah, at Tassudon, consists of
many floors, the ascent to which is
by lofty stairs, which is an unusual
circumstance in Bootan. In a coun-
try composed of mountains, and
abounding with torrents, bridges
musr necessarily be very frequent;
and a traveller has commonly to
pass one or more every daj's jour-
ney. They are of various construc-
tion, generally of timber, but some-
times of iron chains.
Woollen cloth for raiment, meat,
spirits, and tea, are in use among
the Booteas, who are strangers ta
the subtle niceties and refined dis-
tinctions of the Hindoos, which con-
stitute the absurd perplexity of caste.
As a refreshment tea is as common
in Bootan as in China, but it is
made in a very different way from
that which Europeans are accustom-
ed to follow. The Booteas make a
eomjiound of water, flour, salt, but-
ter, and bohea tea, with some other
astringent ingredients, all boiled and
beat up together. Wheti they hav«
finished the cup, they lick it in order
to make it clean ; the liigher classes
afterwards wrap it up in a piece of
scarlet silk. In some instances their
medical practice is rendered unplea-
sant to the physici.'in, who, when
the Bootan Bajah takes a dose of
physic, is obliged to swallow, how-
ever unseasonably, a i)ro]ioi tionat«
quantity of the same medicine.
The ministers of religion in Boo-
tan are of tht- sect of Buddha, and
a distinct class, confined solely to
the duties of their faith. Th« com-
176
EOREA.
mon people jMctciidiiig; to iioinlorlVi-
ence in maltcrs of spiiitn;»l concern,
leave religion, wifli all its I'ornis and
ceremonies, to those Avho are at-
tached trom eaiij' habit to its obliga-
tions and prescriptions, (hnn nunuiec
paimee ooni, a form of words to
which ideas of pecniiar sanctity are
annexed by the inhabitants of Boo-
tan and Tibet, arc placed on most
of their consecrated buildings. 'J'hey
are frequently also engraved on tlie
rocks in large and deep characters,
and sometimes seen on tlie sides of
liills, formed by means of stones
fixed in tlie earth, and of so great a
size as to be visible at a considerable
distance. In the performance of any
religious duty, the Booteas admit of
no interrnption jNliatever, Avhich has
proved the cause of mu( h delay and
inconvenience to those who have
had business to transact with their
chiei's. {Turner, Saunders, Hcunel,
BooToN. — An island in the East-
ern Seas, hing off the south-eastern
extremity of Celebes, about the 5th
degree of south latitude. In length
it may be estimated at So miles, by
20 miles the average breadth ; and
it is separated from the Island of
Pangansane by a strait, whidi is
passable for square rigged vessels.
This island is high and woody,
but well cultivated, and produces
rice, maize, yams, a variety of tro-
pical fruits, and abundance of the
wild bread fruit tree, tlie kernel of
which is indigestible. Fowls, goats,
buiialoes, and fish, arc also to be
procured here, in payment of which
money is prefeired by the natives to
any species of barter. The inhabi-
tants are very tawny, of short sta-
ture, and ugly; their language, on
tlie sea coast, is the JMalay, and
tlicir religion the Mahommedan.
The Dutch had lormerly a settle-
ment here in the Bay of Booton,
and lield the chief of the island un-
der a sort of subjection as an ally.
They paid him isu rix dollars an-
nually, in return for which he per-
mitted tliem to send an officer an-
nually, named the exlirpafor, who
inspected the woods, and destroyed
the clove trees.
On the east side of this island is a
>)ay, named by the Dutch Dwaal, or
Mistake Bay, into Avhich if a ship
])(! drifted by the currents, she can-
not get out until the west monsoon
s(>ts in, and even then it is difficult.
A Dutch governor, going to Banda,
was detained in this vexatious gulf
a whole year. {Stavoriiius, Labcl~
JariUere, Forrest, Bougainville, ^'c.
BoPAL, {Bhupala, a King). — A
town in the province of Malwah,
107 miles east of Oojain, the capital
of a small state tributary to the Ma-
harattas. Lat. 23°, 16'. N. Long.
77°. 27'. E.
'I'his place is extensive, and sur-
rounded with a stone wall, on the
outside of which is a large gunge, or
mart, with wide and straigiit streets.
On a rising ground to the S. W. on
the outside of the town is a fort
called Futtehghur, built on a solid
rock. It has a stone wall w ith square
towers, biit no ditch. To the south-
west, under the walls of this fort, is
a very extensive tank, or pond,
formed by an embankment at the
confluence of five streams, issuing^
from the neighbouring hills. The
tank is aboxit six miles in length.
The hills in tUe neighbourhood con-
tain a soft free stone, and a reddish
granite, from which issues the small
liver Patarah, and the Betwah also
has its source in this vieinit}'.
The town and territory of Boi)al
are occupied by a colony of PataiKS,
to whom they Mere assigned by Au-
rengzebe. In 1790 the revenue of
Bopal was estimated at 10 lacks of
nqiees, but it has been since greatly
reduced by the depredations and en-
croachments of the Maharattas.
(Uiinter, ic)
BoREA. — A town in the northern
extremity' of the province of Delhi,
situated in the Doab of the Jumna
and Sutulege rivers. 'J he country^
in the neighbourhood, is inhabited
by Singhs and Sieks,
3
BORNEO.
177
BORNEO, Cftmtni).
The lariACst of the Asiatic Isles,
p\f(;nilirig (Voin llic seventh piiraliil
olnoitli.t'j tlicfointh parallel ol'south
latitude, aud from the IWtli to the
1 18lh (deast longitude. Tliis island
is of a mole solid eompaet ligine,
and not so nuieh indented hy arms
of tlie sea as the; rest of the Eastern
Archipelago, ulthongii it possesses
many bays and harbours, some of
Iheni as jet but little explored. It
is sunouuded by inimberless small
islands and rocky islets, many of the
latter not larger than a common Eu-
rojiean house, aTid in length nuiy be
estimated at 750 miles, by the 3a0
miles, tlic average b-readth.
'Jlie interior of this! island bein^
■wholly unexplored, we are compelled
to trust to llie inaccurate (•(•minuni-'
iiications of the ignorant natives to
Ihc Europeans formerly settled on
the island, or occasionally visiting
the sea-coast on tradings voyages.
This species of information is obvi-
ously not entitled to much attention;
iVoiJi a concurrence of tesliinony,
liovvcYcr, we may infer, that in ge-
neral, for above 30 miles inland, it
continues marshy and covered with
jungle, but inhabited, and in some
degree cultivated. Further inland
it becomes mountainous, and is co-
vered \tith forests of tall ti-ees,
swarming with wild animals, and
j)roducing that species of large n\)c,
iianu'd by tlic Malays the orang
ootang, or man of the woods. If we
may credit tiie IMalay accounts, this
centrical tract is also inhabited, as
they assert that many of the ai tides
of traflie sold to Europeans are
Itrongbt from a distance of 20 dajs
jouincy up the country.
The rivers of tills island best
knowi) to Europeans are those of
Ijorneo, Barjarmassin, and I'assir,
which are ascertained to be navi-
gable fitr boats above 60, from then*
junction with the ocean; but they
liave never been ascended higher by
Europeans, and very seldom by Ma-
Jays. From the nature of the coun-
tiy, it is probable tlicy do not con-
N
tinuo navigable much further up>
which is an additional obstacle to
the examination of the centrical
tracts, to those presented by the Ma-
honmicdau inhabitants of the sea-
coast, v\ ho endeavoiu" to monojiolize
all the tralhc, and prevent any inter-
course between the natives of tiie
interior and the Chinese or Euro-*
peans.
TJie climate of the northem pfti t
of Borneo nnich resembles that of
('e\lon, being from the abundance
of verdure always cool, and not sub-
ject to hot land winds, like the coast
of Coromandel. It is watered also
by a number of fine rivers, several of
which fall into the Bay of Maloodoo,
without bars. The Sooloos, who
jiretended to a sovereignty over this
part of the coast, many yeais ago
made a grant of it to the English,
M'ho nc\ct took possession, and the
right of the donors thus to dispose
of it may reasonably be doubted.
In tiiis quarter of the island is the
high mountain Keeneebaloo, near
to v\hich live the wild idaan, named
also inaroots, lioraforas, or aUbrcze.
The "\\ hole of this tract, however, to
European constitutioits is singularly
nnheallhy.
On the mainland, on tlie north
coast op[)Osite to Balambangan anti
Banguey, there are forests of tall
timber without underwood, a'ud free-
stone is also found in abundance.
Here aie large cattle called lisang,
and liOeks of tlecr and wild hogs feed
on the extensive j)Iaitis without fear
of the tiger. Tlie country produces
all sorts of tropical fruits, and some
few species not to be '.uuud oa thy
other islands.
The principal native town is that
of Borneo; and the chief European
settlements, . Passir, Banjarmassiii,
andPontiana. Under their respeelivo
titles some jiarliculars will be found
resi^ectingthe commerce and exports
of Borneo, and for fuithcr niiseclia-
neoiis details, see the articles, Man-
O KKDA RA , M \ I.LOonoO, PaIT AN, Pa P-
I'AL, and Mamtava.
The sea-coast, aud tlic mouths of
178
BORNEO.
the iia\i<;able livas of Borneo, arc cfl tJicin- in streni!:tlj and activity.
ii)habitt'd b} Mahomnu'daus, vho Thcy-iUG luiivei sally iiulc and lui-
rccoi\e I'lam Enropciius the <::on(Tal Ictterod ; and, Mheii lliey have not
name ol' Malays. They are an iin- been reduced to the stale of shives
pure nu\tiire of Macassars, Java- of the soil, their manners have a ge-
iicse, INlalays, Arabs, and some con- ucral resemljianee,
verted Biajoos, or aboi igiuf.s, and In tiieii- manners, the most singu-
aro a rapacious, treacherous race, hu" feature is, the necessity imposed
niuch addicted to piracy, with -whom on every person, of sonielinie in his
Europeans have never jet been abb; life, emhruuig his hands in hunutti
to establish a secure intercourse. It is blood; and, in general, among ail
a remarkable fact, lio\ve\Vr, that the llieir tribes, as Aveii as the idaan, no
unarmed and un[)rotcct('d Cliinese ])erson is permitted to marry, injtil
trade uitiiout dillicultv on a coast so he can shew the skull of a man he
fatal to Europeans; jet tlie cargoes
arc valuable, and their vessels de-
fenceless. The chiefs, or rajahs, of
these piratical states, possess, each,
one or more strong holds,from m hieh
they have, assisted by the pcstilen-
has slaughtered. They eat the tlesh
of their enemies like the battas of
Sumatra, and drink out of their
skulls. The ornaments of their
honses are human skulls and teeth,
which are, conseiiuenlly, in gieat
laal climate, repeatedly repelled En- rcipiest among Iheni ; as formerly in
ropcans, with severe loss. Trading Sumatra, the ancient inhabitants of
ships, while lying oft" the coast of w hich arc said to have had no other
Borneo, should be particularly ou
their guard, and always ready to re-
sist an attack.
'i"he inhabitants of the interior, or
aborigines, have usually recci\cd ihe
iiame of idaan, and in every respect
circulating medium than the skulls
of their enemies. The horaforas are
found in all the Moluccas, in Cele-
bes, the Phillipiues, and Maginda-
nao, where they are termed sabano
ormunubo; and the ferocious race,
;ippeartoresenil)lethc raceofhorafo- mentioned by Marsden, who li\e
fas, or alfoers, as they are termed by inland frojn Samanka in Sumatra,
the Dutch, being, except the Papuas, and are accustomed to atone for
in all probability, the most ancient their own faults, by offering the
and original race of the Eastern Isles, heads of strangers to the chiefs of
The idaan are sometimes termed villages, are probably of the same
maroot, which is tlie Sanscrit name descrij.i1 ion.
of the 49 regents of the winds, and The Sooloos assert, that the idaan.
companions of Indra. They are a of the interior' believe that their gods
barbarous, but brave and active race, are pleased with human victims, and
iiud their language, which is reckon- that several in poorer circumstances
ed original, but has no wiitten cha- will club togelijcr to buy a Philip-
raeter, is named, indiscriminately, pine slave, or any other person that
the biajoo, tiroon, or idaan. They is to be sold cheap, fhat all may
are certainly the original inhabitants partake in the merit of the execu-
of Borneo, and resemble the hora- tion. Their anus are long knives
foras in stature, agility, colour, and and soompiltans, a, tube of wood
murmcrs. about six feet long, through which
Th<; horaforas aro indigenous in they blow small arrows, j»oisoned at
almost all the l:;a:5tern Isles, and are one end ; having, at the other, a small
fcothcli^nes Ibund in the same island bit of cork wood, just large enough
with the Papuas, Ol' oriental negroes; to fill up the liollow of the tube,
bat the lalter have never yet been They are 'generally well acquainted
discovered in Borneo. They are with poisons. The jioisonous juice
often lighter in coloui than the PJa- used for this ptnpose is extracted
■ hoimnedau races, and gcucrally ex- from a tree, which bus not ytt bccu
BORNEO.
179
ascertiiincd by Europeans, and the
V ound caused by it is mortal.
These idaan, althou^ii of such
barbarous and sanguinary liabits, are
Hot mere savages, 'i ney cuUivato
the eartli, and raise fruits and vege-
tables, which they carry to the sca-
eoast, and exchange with the Bia-
joos and Malays for salt ; this arlieio
in lumps passiii'; in the market for
cuirency. These idaan rear hogs,
and sympathize with the Europeans
wlien they see tliem eat pork, which
the Malays hold in abhorrence; but
they consider the latter advanced a
step beyond themselves in ci^i!iza-
tion, as having a religion^ wliile they
have, in fact, not any.
The Biajoos may be considered
as the same race with the idaan and
horaforas, tlieir manners being some-
what diversified by the nature of
their pursuits, which are those of a
maritime life. They are in reality a
species of sea gipsies, or itinerant
fishermen, who live in small covered
boats, and enjoy a perpetual sum-
mer on the Eastern Ocean, shifting
to leeward from island to island,
with the variations of the monsoon.
In some of their customs, this sin-
gular race resemble the natives of
the Maldive Islands. They annu-
ally perform their ottering to the god
of evil, by launching a small bark,
loaded with all the sins and misfor-
tunes of the nation, which are ima-
gined to fall on the unfortunate crew
that may be so unlucky as to meet
with it.
The Biajoos, on tlie norlh-wcst
coast of Borneo, are more civilized
than the others ; and, when the Eng-
lish coioiiy at Balambaugan existed,
used to supply it with rice, fowls,
and other provisions ; by the Malays
they are named oran laiit, or men
of the sea. 'J'hese fishing Biajoos
have boats of about five or six tons,
with whole families on board, who
fish for swallo, or sea slug, in seven
snid eight fathoms water. 'I'hey also
dive for it; the best, which is the
black, being procured in deep water,
souiit of them of tUe w ei^jht of half
N 2
a pound. It is sold to the Chi-
nese at foiu- and live debars per
pecul, (133| pounds). Some Biajoos
dwell close to the sea on the islands
round Borneo, and at the moullis of
rivers, their houses being raised on
posts. Many of this last class have
become converts to the Mahomme-
dan religion.
On the north-cast coast of Borneo
is a savage people, named orang ti-
dong, or tiroon, who ap])ear to ho
another variety of the Biajoo race.
They reside up the rivers, and lit out
pirati('al vessels to cruize among the
Philippines, and on the north-east
coast of Borneo. They are a hardy
race, and subsist mostly on sago
during their cruizes. The Mahom-
mcdans of Magindanao and the lUa-
nos att'ect to despise them ; but when
they meet among the Pliilippines,
Avhich arc their common prey, they
do not molest each other. They are
described as eaters of human flesh
occasionalh'. Their boats are small,
and the planks are sewed together,
of which they take pieces and cany
overland, when enclosed in any of
the bays by the Spanish armed ves-
sels. Their conduct to theii' prison-
ers is cruel in the extrenjc, often
mutilating the stoutest, or leaving
them to perish on some sandy desert
island, 'i'hey sell a great deal of
sago to the Sooloo islanders, wiio
afterwards dispose of it to the Chi-
nese junks.
There remains another class of
Biajoos, who wander about Celebes,
Borneo, and the Philippines, and
who Cvre composed of a medley of
dillerent nations ; such as Chinese,
with long plaited hair ; Javanese,
Avith bare throats, plucked beards
and whiskers ; and Macassars, with
black shiiiing teetli. Their religion
is said to be Mahonnncdaii and
Chinese; and their boats arc ma-
naged by the women as well as the
men.
Comparing the state of this island
in civilization and cultivation with
other parts of India, the population
of whicli is a^cmt^uad, 'AlLUuuglx of
IBO
BOrSLAGUR.
so immense a size, we eannot assinii
a greater iiinjiber than three uiillious
to the iiihahitants of Borneo; not
including in tlie estimate the orans:
outungs, whieli some authors assert
is also a cooking aniina!.
The inhabitants ol" the north coast
of Borneo iia ve a tradition, that their
country was once subject to China;
l)Ut when lir^t AJsited by the Portu-
guese, in 1530, tiiey ibuiid the Ala-
honniieilan religion firmly establish-
ed all along the sea coast.
The Dutcii had Ibrnierly a settle-
ment at Banjarmassin; and, in 1778,
obtained 1 andak and Succadana by
cession from the King of Banttun,
Avhose ancestoi-s in remote times had
conrjuered them. They sent a small
force to take possession of them, and
erected a fort at I'ontiana ; but, like
many olher of their establishments,
tliey never realized profit fiom it
equal to the expense incurred; yet
among the exports are enumerated
rough diamonds, eamphire, benzoin,
canes, iron, copper, bezoar, sago.
Max, bird nests, and gold. {For-
rest, Dalnpnple, Lnjden, Stavoriims,
Wilcocke, Ebnore, Sc.)
Borneo. — A town on the N. W.
coast of the Island of Borneo, situ-
ated 10 miles u|> a river of tiic same
name. Lat. 4°. 50'. N. Long. 114°.
44'. E. The river is navigable far
above the town for ships oi burthen ;
but the month is narrow, and has a
bar, over wliich there is scarcely 17
teet at high water. U]) to the town
the water is salt, and the tide runs
at tlie rate of four miles an hour,
in the mid<lle is six fathoms water;
and here lie moored, head and stern,
the Chinese junks, four or five of
whicli, abjut500 tons burthen eacli,
arrive atumally from Amoy. The:-e
junks carry to China a great quantity
of black viood, which is uoiked up
into furniture ; abuj rattans, danmier,
eiove l)ark. swallo, or biche de juar,
tortoise-shell, bird nests, and (!\eel-
leni nalivv' cam|tiiire. On aceouiit
'of thi" goodness and plenty of timix-r,
the Chinese freciuently buihl junks,
Bome so lar^c as 5U0 tons, which
they load with the roiigli produce of
the islam!, and send to China. This
industrious pro|)le have many pep-
per gardens in the niiglibomhood of
the t?jwn, keep shops both on board
their ships and on shore, and infnse
life into the town. i>y a proper
management, it is probable, th.it
wooli(;ns might be convejed through
this channel into China.
T!ie houses of this town are built
OR each side of the river uiion posts,
and are ascended by stairs and lad-
ders. It resembles Venice, in hav-
ing small water channels in place of
streets ; and all traflic is transacted
on board of boats, wliich float up
ajid (low n the river with the tides,
and are in general managed by wo-
men.
The captains and supercargoes of
Euro[)ean trading-ships should be
careful of Ncntiiringon shore here,
nor should tlicy on any account take
their ships ui) the river, for' fear of
treat liery. The IVIalay and Cliinese
vessels, trading to this port, hang ;i
bag of lime in the water close lor-'
ward under each bow, wliich, im-
pregnating the water around, in their
opinion keeps off the worm.
The form of govermnent at this
place is difiicuit to understand. 'J'he
chief person is styled eang de pa-
tuan, and the second sultan ; then
come tile pruigerans, or nobles, 15
in number, m ho tyrannize over th«
people. Formerly there was ait
English factory here, but it has long
since been abandoned.. (Forrest,
Ehnorc, Ath Register, Vc.J
BoRow. — A town in the province
of Gujrat, 27 miles N. W. from
Camba'v. Lat 22°. 33'. N. Loiig.
72°. 2-1'. E.
BouJi'.POOR, {Bhojapurn\ — A
town in the province of Bahar. dis-
trict of Shahabad,68 miles W. from
Batna. Lat. 25° 36'. N. Long. 84<».
y. TL
BoUSLAGUK, (BhomlngJiar). — A
large grand village in the j)rovinee
of Gnndwana, 110 miles S. froia
Buttuui)oor. Lut. 20°. 4U'. N. Long.
82°. 28'. B.
BRAHMAPOOTRA RIVER.
181
About ihis place tlie streams are
ohservi'd to rnn \\ estward, Ihe couu-
try beiiii; drained into the Goda\ ery ;
to the north of this tlie little rivers
mil eastward, and tail into the M.\-
hanuddy. I'roni Conkair to tliis
place, a dislanee of 40 niilej^, there
is not a single habitation lliat ean he
called even a handet. A hut or two
are observed liere and there, w itii
small spots of land somewhat clear-
ed; when; the Goands, having cut
down (he trees to within three feet
of the o^round, and having intcr-
\vo\ eu the bjanehes, so as to fence
Jheir plantations against the incur-
sions of wild beasts, clear a spot,
and cultivate a little uiaize. (^Bhuit,
330UTAN.— A high round island,
vith several smaller ones near it,
l}ing olf the north-east coast of tlie
3Ialay Peninsula. Lat. 6°. 32'. N.
Loti'l 9iP. 10'. K.
IjOWal. — A village in the province
of Bengal, district of Dacca ilclal-
pore, 20 miles N. bv E. from the
«:ity of Dacca. Lat. 2;i° 57'. N.
Long. 90°. 23'. E. The country sur-
rounding this place swarms with
game of all sort.s, among which may
be enumerated eleiihauts, tigers,
leopards, bears, buflaloes, \\ iid boars,
deer of many varieties, foxes, hares,
jackals, tiger cats ; and, of the fea-
liiered tribes, florekins, peacocks,
the doiuesiic fowl in a wild state,
diil'crent sorts of partridges, snijies,
fjiiail, wild ducks, leal, and wild
pigeon.s.
Bkahmapootra River, — The
largest river ol India, known iu
'J'ibct by the; name of the Sanpoo.
The sources of this ri-.er have never
been e\i>lored, luit it is probable they
are separated from those of the
Ganges only by a narrow range of
snow clad j)eaks, alioiit tlie 32d de-
gree of north latitude, and 82d of
cast longitude. l''r.)ni hence the
Jhabmapootra takes its eoiu-se east-
ward through the <'<nuitry of Tibet,
north of the Himalaya Mountains,
where it is known by the name of
JJanpoo, or Zauchoo, which is im-
derstood to mean the river, as Gunga
is among the Rrahmiuical sect of
Hindoos. Li its course eastward,
it passes to tlie north of Teshoo
Loomboo, the residence of Teshoo
Lama, wlieie it is stiled E^nchoom-
boo, and thence flows in a v\ ide-ex-
tended bed, through many channels,
and forming a multitude of islands.
Its principal channel is described as
narrow but deep, and never ford-
able. At this place it receives the
tributary waters of tlie Painomtchieii,
and many other streams, before it
jiasses Lassa, and p;'ii'.i;atcs tlie
frontier mountains that diudc Tibet
from A.s.sam. In this part of its
course it takes a \ ast circuit through
the mountains, before it enters the
latter khigdom, and approaches
vvitiiin 220 nules of Yunan, the
most western [jrovince of China.
Here it turns suddenly west through
Assam, where it re(;ei\es a copious
supply from that region of rivers,
before with increased vohime it
rushes, to the notice of Europeans,
below Rangamatty; on the borders
of Bengal. Eroni hence it hastens
to meet the Ganges; these rivers
being nearly related in their birth,
as well as united in their tenninu-
tiou.
After entering Bengal, it makes a
eirciiit round the western ])oint of
the Garrow Mountains, and then al-
tering its course to the south, in the
Dacca province, is joined by the
Mcgna, which, although net the
10th part of its size, nio.st unaC'
couiitably absorbs its name, and coui-
inunicates its own to the great mass
of waters, ui.-til they iuiermi\: with
those of the Ganges, near ilu: L'ay
of Bengal. The whole kno\vrt
cour.se of .tids river, including its
windings, may be estimated at 1G50
miles ; but it is the fate of the Brah-
mapootra to penetiate a rude cli-
mate and stubborn soil, seldom ap-
proaching lh(' habitation of civilized
men; while tiie Ganges, en the con-
trary, tlows along a fertile territory,
and through rich and polished na-
tions. Until 1700 the Bralmiapcotra
■m:
182
BRAMBANAN.-
was imkno-wn in Europe as a ca-
pital river of India.
I'his river, during a course of 400
miles through Bengal, bears so inti-
mate a resemblance to the Ganges,
that one description answers both,
except that, during the last 60 miles
before then- jnnction, imder tlie name
of Mcgna, it fonns a stream, which
is regiilai'ly from four to five miles
Avide, and, but for its freshness,
might pass for an arm of the sea.
The junction of these two mighty
rivers below Luckipoor now forms
a gulf interspersed with islands,
some equal in size to the Isle of
"Wight. The Bore, which is a sud-
den and abrupt influx of the tide
into a river or narrow strait, prevails
in the principal branches of the
Ganges, and in the Megna; but the
Hooghly River, and the passages
between the islands and sands, situ-
ated in the gulf, formed by the con-
fluence of the Brahmapootra and
Ganges, are more subject to it than
the otlur rivers. {Turnerf RenncI,
§'c. c5-c.)
Brahminabad. — The extensive
ruins of BandKuah, in the province
of Tatta, are supposed to be those
of the ancient city of Brahminabad,
named also Manhawar and Ma-
lianra by Persian authors. Lat. 24°.
40'. N. Long. 67°. 60'. E. In the
10th centuiy Brahminabad was the
capital of a powerful Hindoo king-
dom. {Khmer, Wilford, Ferislita,
Bra LA. — A small island, lying oft
the eastern coast of Malacca. Lat.
4°. 55'; N. Long. 103°. 40'. E.
BkambaNan. — A village in the
district of Mataram, in the Island
of Java, and nearly in the centre of
the latter. It stands at the northern
base of a range of mountains, jun-
ning east and west to a great ex-
tent, ami called V by the Javanese,
from their position, the Mountains
of the South.
At this place are many extraor-
dinai7 remains of Hindoo images,
temples, and inscriptions. The area
occupied by tlie ruius of all descrip-
tions, is equal to 10 miles. Over
this smface there are scattered, at
various distances, the niins of se-
veral temples ; but the most remark-
able niins are known to the native^
by the name of the Thousand Tem-
ples. This collection constitutes a
sqTiare group of buildings, each mea-
suring about 250 paces. In the cen-
tre of the square stood one laige
temple, which was surroimded at
eqriai distances by three square rows
ot smaller ones, each row but a few
feet distant from the other. At each
of the four cardinal points, where
there appeared to have been once
gates, were two gigantic statues,
named by the Javanese Gopala, one
of the names of Krishna. Each of
them had a mace in his hand, and a ,
snake twisted round his body.
In the large temple there are no
images ; but, from tlie remaining pe-
destals, it appears there once Merc
some. T!ie inside ^^ alls were adorn-
ed v.itli ijgures of tlie conch shell,
of water vases, and of the sacred
lotus, ail indicating a Hindoo origin.
On the outside of the large temple
are figures of Brahmins. In some
of the small temples there are still
some images ; and among the other
ruins there is a group of large tem-
ples, one of which still contains an
entire fignre of Bhavani, and ano-
ther of Gancsa; on an adjacent
building are sculptured many Hin-
doo figures in relief. Abut a mile
and s half distant from the Thou-
sand Temples there is another clus-
ter of buildings, close to which is
an oblong slab of granite, seven feet
long and three broad, one face of
which is covered with aninscrii)<ion,
asserted to be the common Deva
nagari character, containing a le-
gend from the Mahabharat: other
stones with inscriptions are also
scattered about.
The stones of these buildings are
of hewn granite, admirably well
cut and polished, and laid on each
other with great skill and nicety.
No mortar has been made use of,
but, instead of it, the lower suifaco
ERODRAH.
183
of each stonr ha<! a promiiipnce,
wliicli fits accurately into a j^roove
in the upper suvfiice of the one tiii-
dcriiealh, b\ wlsicli contrivance the
stones are (irmly retained in Iheir
situations. The roofs of the tem-
ples arc all, like tlie rest of the
buiidinfi:, of hewn granite; and it is
in their construelion that the great-
est skill has heen displayed. Every
thinj rei^ardiiip; these ruins is wrap-
ped in the u,i«'atest obscurity. 'I'iic
fabulous accounts of the .lavanese
asciihe them 1<> a person celebrated
in tlieir romances, whom they naine
Bandung, whose skill in magic is
said to have raised them in one
night. A Javanese manuscript a.s-
serts then to have been creeled in
the Javanese year 1188 (A. D.
1261).
The neighbourhood of Rramba-
nan, to the extent of 20 miles, is
cultivafed with cotton, which is here
produced in greater ahundance, and
of better (piality, than in any other
part of tlie island. The village of
Brambanan is, in fact, the lirst, if
not the only mart in Java for cotton,
V hich is here known by the Hindui
name of Kapas. {Edinburgh Re-
vieiCy rf-c.)
Brourah, {Broderti). — A town
in the province of Gujrat, district
of Cliamj)aneer, 40 miles N. N.W.
from the citv ot Broach. Lat. 22°.
13'. N. Long. 70°. 24'. E. 'J'his is
the capital of a iVIaharatta Ciiicflain,
known by the family name of the
Guicovvar (Gaikcvad). vvlio divides
with the peshwa and the British tiie
largest and fuiest jxirlionof (Uijrat ;
liis particular share hiiig piineipally
in the norfhein districts. In Aii-
rengzebe's reign this a\ as a large and
wealthy town, and still continues a
place of considerable trade, but we
have no detailed (bscription of it.
PillajeeGiiieowar(t he great grand-
father of the present Giiicowar) in-
vaded the province of Gujrat iu
1726, and iu 1730 was confirmed in
liis concpiest by Saiioo IJajah, the
grandson of Sevajee, and reigning
swvcfciga of the Muharattass. Pil-
lajee was sttcoeedcd by his son Da-
majee, who was taken prisoner by
tlte Peshwa Bajerow, but afterwards
ransomed, and received a snmiud
for (he half of Gujrat. His successor
was his son I'utteh Singh, who dying
in 1789 was succeeded by his bro-
ther jVlanajee, who died in 1792,
when another brother, named Go-
vind Row, ascended the throne. This
chief died in 1 800, and was succeeded
by his .son, Anund Bow Guicowar,
who .still continues at the head of
the government.
This state was first noticed in the
political transactions of th(; British
about tlie year 1782, vvlicn, at the
peace conchided with the JVIaha-
ratta Chiefs of I'oonah, it was stipu-
lated, that the established Jaghire
of l''uttch Singh Guicovvar (who had
sided wi(h the Bri(ish) should con-
tinue in Ins possession, the said Fut-
teh Singh Guicowar performing the
same obedience, and paying ths
same tribute to the peshwa as had
before been ciLstomary. By the
treaty of BasscLu, concluded with
Ww peshwa on (he 31st of Deeem-
bf^r, l!i;02, the Bvitish engage to ar-
bi(ratc and atljiist all dilferenccs be-
tween the peshwa and Anund Row
Guicowar.
In 1802 Malliar Bow commenced
hostilities against Anund Row, and
took possession of Vessanagur. The
latter .solicited t!:c assistance of the
British, and a delachnient v\ as sent,
which defeated Mulhar Row, ex-
pelled him (rom the Guieowar's
couniry, and took the fort of Kurree
and the rest of his possessions. An
alUance was then foimed with the
Guicowar, who made several ces-
sions of territory to reimburse the
expense incurred by the British, and
consented lo receive and support a
.subsidiary force of 2000 regular in-
fantry, and also (o reduce an ex-
pensive corps of Arabians, which he
had in his service. By this treaty it
was dcterinined, likewise, that all
the Guicowai's political aiTrange-
rnents at Poonali should be con-
ducted by tiio Biilish Ilc.sidont,
184
BROACH.
conjimctly with the Giiicowai's Va-
teel.
By a supplementary treaty, con-
chided on the 18th of I'cbruary,
1803, between the Guicowar, and
Major Walker on the part of the
British, the followino^ districts were
peruiaiiently ceded for the support
of the subsidiary force, viz.
The pcrpfnnnah of Dolka,
yicldinsf a revenue of - 450,000
r>itto of Neryad - - - 175,0(K)
Ditto of Bejapoor - - - 130,000
Tlie Tuppa oi' Kuirce, con-
tiguous to Bejapoor - 25,000
Rupees 780,000
On the 2d of June, 1803, the
Cjuicowar as^rced to subsidize an ad-
ditional body of 1000 irdantr}', tor
the payment of wliich the ioUowing
districts were made over ;
The pcrgnnnah of flatter,
valued at - ^ _ - - 130,000
Ditto of Modha - ^ - 110,000
The customs of Kiinkato-
dra, north of the Tuptce 50,000
Rupees 290,000
Tlie actual extent of the Gui-
cowar's influence, and the limits of
his vemaiuiug- territories, it is almost
impossible to disciiminato, and de-
pend g;reatly on the talents of the
rei;,',iiiiig prince. His cl.iims to tri-
bute are very indefinite, and extend
over the whole province ; but the na-
ture of the goveinmeat being wholly
feudal, only occasional obedience is
paid by his vassals, who arc more
ice]it in awe by his alliance with the
British, than from any diead of his
own intrinsic resources. What re-
venue he leceives is generally col-
lected by the presence of a military
force, and but a small portion of it
ever reaches the treasury at the ca-
pital. {Marquis Welleslcij, Treaties,
ijC. <St.)
Broach, {Barigosha). — A district
ill tl;e province of Gujrat, situated
between the 21st and 23d degrees
of north latitude, and bounded on
the Avest by the (iulfof Cambay. In
1582 it is described by Abul Fazel
as follows :
" Sircar Bchroatch, containing 14
niahals, measurement 349,771 bee-
gahs, revenue 21,S45,b"()3 dams,
Seyurghal 141,820. 'J'liis sircar fur-
nishes 990 cavalry, and 20,800 in-
fantry."
'I'hjs is one of the best cultivated
and populated territories on the
west coast of India; and was ac-
quired iiually by the British, at the
treaty of peace concluded with
I>o^^ let Row Sindia. in Dccenil)er,
18t!3. As a j)articular favour, the
peslnva was allowed to retain the
perguiuiahs ofAhmood, .Jumbosier,
and Dubboi, being old fiefs of his
family; and even the town of Olpar,
v\ ithin seven niiles of Sural. 'I'his
intermixture of dominion is not un-
common in Hjndostan, but was .al-
ways more customary among tlio
Maharattas, than any other nation.
A smaller tract of country, imme-
diately adiaccui to the city, is pro-
perly called the distriit of Broach.
Three-fourths of this territory, con-^
taiuiug 122 villages, are named ka-
num lands, which posses a rich soil,
preferable to tlie Barra land, close
to the sea. The annual govern-
ment assessment upon kanum land,
inconstant cultivation, is 12 rupees
per acre; but, after a year of fallow,
it is double that rate. Land v\ liich
is allowed to lie fallow is named
vassel, in contradistinction to tliat
named bhoot, which is tilled every
season. The crop on the lirst, is
double that on the last, and the
rent in proportion. About the town
of Broach, a begah (one-ihird of an
acre) of common vassel, is assessed
at eight rupees, aiid one of biioot at
four rupees, I'o raise tliis double
])roduee, the spot must also be iur-
])roved by exposure, ii ligation, and
manures.
loity villages, bordering on tlie
sea-coast, compose the division of
AmUsecr and ruckujia; and tUeir
BKOACH.
155
earned away the bunks of the i ihiid
whi re it jiTows, ;>iid alun;;; with tlieui
siu-li parts of the tree, a., liad ex-
tended their roots so far. Wliat
still rciiiaitis is about 2(J0f) feet ia
circiuiiR'it'iicc, nieasiirinj:^ round thg
different stems; but, the hiinj.;iiig
branches, the roots of wiiich havo
not yet readied tlie ground, cover a
iinuh larj>,er extent. The chief
trunks of this tree amount to 300,
all sujierior in size to the generality
of Euj^lish oaks and elms; and tiie
sniidier stems, forming strong- sup-
jioitors, arc niore than 3000, and
from each of these new brandies
banjinc; roots are proccdin^-, wliich
time will form trunks, and become
the parents of a fiit'ue projcj'.y.
This is the tree de;>eril>ed by iVlil-
ton in Parailise Lost; and tiie natives
have a tradition that u 3000 years
old, and assert that 7000 persons can
!ej)ose under its shade.
Being so conveniently situated,
the Bom bay government made many
attempts to obtahi this district, and
had possession of it for a shjrt tiiue
prior to 17S2; but. at that period, in
order to procure the concurrence of
Madhajee hindia to tiie treaty of
Salbey, Broai h with its valuable
territory yielditjp a revenue 200,0001.
was a private and separate agree-
ment ceded to him. ( Drnmmond,
Lord Valeiitia, Moore, dtk liigister.
Broach. — A town in the province
of Gujrfit, district of Broach, of
which it i.s tlie capital, situated on
the norlli boiik of the Xerbuddah
River, about 25 miles above its junc-
tion with the sia. Lat. 21° 41'. N.
Long. 75". 6'. E, .
TiiLs place is said to derive its
name from the Hindoo saint or de-
votee ]>hrigu, and to be properly
W'rittcii Bbrigu Kshetra or Bin'igu-r
pura, the tov/n or place of J3!)rign.
It is thougiit to have been tiie B.ary-
gaza of tin: ancients, and when it
named Kuveer Bur, in honour of .surrendered to the EiJiperor Acber,
a famous saint, and was formerly in 1572, continued to be a place of
much larger tiiaii at present; for great trade.
Jii^h Uooda have at dillcrcut times Very fine bafts and other cotton
soil and climate are considerably
different, from the rest of the mari-
time tract. In tliis particular terri-
tory, which is named Barra, cultiva-
tion docs not commence until Au-
pist and September. On this spe-
cies of land, the government assess-
ment may generally be a^eraged at
three rupees per begah, or one gui-
nea per acre. The soil in the dis-
tricts of Broach, Jumoosier, and the
adjacent ojies east of the Gulf of
Cambay, suits extremely well with
the cultivation of cotton ; which is
sown on fallowed spots along with
rice, the latter being of speedy
growth, and reaped at tlie opening
of the rainy s3a.son. The grassia
lots of land in the Broach district
in 1804, exempted from the revenue
As.sessments, amounted to 58,000
begahs.
The number of violent deaths and
robberies in this district, have greatly
decrea.sed since it has fallen under
the Britisli government. In former
times, the deiinqueuts being almost
universally punished by the intiic-
tion of lines, by no means propor-
tioned cither to the crime or to the
amount of their i)roperty, the rich
could com.'uit crimes \\ illi inipunity ;
at present the punishments being
personal, their apprehensions of the
conscfjucnces are nnich gn ater.
When sinking under the weight
of years, or absorbed in spiritual con-
templation, Hindoo devotees not un-
frequently descend into a pit dug
hy themselves or disei])les, and then
sidjmit to be smothered alive. This
is related of Kuveer, from whose
tooth-pick the natives assert sprung
the great tree, on an island in the
Reva or Nermada, of which tlic fol-
lowing is a deserij)tion :
On an island in the Nerhuddah,
10 miles from the city of Broach,
stands the famous banyan tree, sup-
po.sed to be the largest and most
extraordinary in existence. It is
II
BUBOORARA.
jfoods ar^ .mnmifao^irrefl heiP, and
the T.a1<;rs <>i tlio NeilMidda!! are
said io Irave a pindiar jmiperty in
blcacliiul;' ejolliyto a pure white.
At Eroadl the hire of an ahle-hodicd
mail fur the Avhdle day issmeii pice,
or 4d. English; a woinaii five pice,
and boys mni a;irl!j from a haU'pomiy
tit 2d ; Ihc Avliole of which rates arc
ahiiost do\iblc those of Bengal, in
the liiasmfacturin";- districts. The
price of f(Jod for conimon occasions
is from one to two .tarlhiiigs per
pound, and on festivals they can af-
ford a relish of milk or tish.
At the period of the great famine,
in 1791, the number of houses in the
district immediately attached to the
lown of Broach was 14,835, and the
inhabitants 80,922. AftiT tlic fa-
mine, it Avas found that 2351 of the
former had been abandoned, and
tliat 25,295 of the latter liad died.
In 1804, the wliole number of resi-
dents in Broadi fort and the enri-
rons was reported to be 22,468 souls,
but at present it is believed to be
more than double tluit nundier, Tlie
town and district immediately at-
tached to Broach may be estimated
to cojitain 100,000 inhabitants. In
1807, there were 25 nats, or socie-
ties, in Broach, of the banyan caste,
tomjuchendini;- 5261 individuals of
both sexes; and, by ;x census taken
the same yCar,. it was found there
•were 3101 parsees of the mobid
(sacerdotal) and belidcea classes,
(laity) in tlie city and suburbs.
Atthis pUtce there is a piujrapole
or hospital tor animals, supported by
donations from the Hindoo inhabi-
tants. Every marriage and mercan-
tile transaction is taxed for the pin-
jrapole, by which aliove 10001. is
raised aiunially, a g^reat portion of
which is absorbed into tlu; coffers of
the nuMiagers. The only animals
it at pres(;iit contains, are milk cows,
which yield the expense of their
keepinjj;. In the sural piujrapole,
the only animals kept that cost any
Ihiiijt, ;ue a ft.-w wild bulls, and some
inonkies.
By the ticaty cflucludcd with the
Peshwa, and the combined Malva-
ratta poAvers iu June, 1782, the city
and perjruimah of Broach, were
ceded to the East India Company.
In July, 1782, they were made over
to Madhajee Sindia, ostensibly a»
a recompense for his humane treat-
ment of the British prisoners and
hostages taken at Wnrganm ; but,
in reality, for his assistance in bring-
ing aliout the paeilication, which,
at that time, on account of Ifyder's
invasion of the Carnatic, was urgent-
ly wanted.
In 1772, Broach was be.'iieged by
an army from Bond)ay, commanded
by General Wedderburue, who was
killed under the walls ; and a fc\y
days after his death, it was captured
by storm, although then a place of
very considerable strength. It re-
mained in the possession of the Bri-
tish until 1782, when it was ceded
along with the district to Madhajee
Sindia, at the treaty of Salbcy ; but
was agam taken from his successor,
Dowlet Row, on the 29th August,
1803, by the anny under Colonel
"W oodington, and has remained witli
the British ever since.
Travelling distance from Bombay
221, from 'Onjain 266, and from
Poonah 287 miles. (Drinnmond,
WUford, T'reaties, Moor, Rennel,
BuBooRARA. — A Tillage in the
province of Sinde, situated on tlie
road from Hyderabad to Luckput
Bunder, and about 24 miles N. from
Luckput Bunder. Lat. 24°. 10'. N.
This place stands on the edge of
the Run or desert; and, during the
dry season, is abandoned by the in-
habitants. There is a small tank of
good water about a mile and a half
to the north, round which there is a
little grass. The rest of the couiir
tiy is a banen, salt, marshy desert.
Erom henee to Luckput Bunder,
the road is over the desert in a
southerly direction for about 16
miles, where stands a small hill
named Teyroy, on which are four
wells of good water, but the whole
coutaiujng only a small tiuautKy*
BUJANA.
187
From TejToy to Luckput Bunder
Fiver, is ovtr a soft iniuldy swiurip
for seven miles. {Maxfield, S-c.)
BucKRAH. — A town ill the pro-
vince of CKuie, situated on thelianks
of tlic Buekrah Jecl, named also the
Lucinnersar Lake, the theme of a
popular sons? in I Jindoslan. Lat. 26°.
64'. N. Long. 83°. 4'. E.
BucKRAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Hajvpoor.
Lat. 26^ 2'. N.- Long:. 85°. 8'. N.
BuDAYOON, {Budavaii). — A town
in the province of Delhi, district of
Bareil.v, 30 miles S. AV". from the
town of Bareily. Lat. 28°. 3'. N.
Long. 70°. 4'. E. In 1582 it is de-
scribed by Abul Fazcl as follows :
" Sircar Budayoon, containing 13
mahals, measurement 8,093,850 bc-
gahs, revenue 34,717,063 dams. Sc}-
W'ghal 457,181 dams. This sircar
furnishes 2850 cavalry, and 26,700
infantry." J?udayoon was first con-
quered by the Maliommedans, A. D.
1203, and continued a town of con-
siderable note during the Patau and
Mogul governments, giving; its name
to the adjacent country, now com-
prehended in the district of Bareily.
BuDDOO, {Bnddlui). — A village in
the province of Lahore, 72 miles
N. E. from the cit\' of Lahore. I^at.
32°. 35', N. Long'. 74°. 38'. E. An
annual fair is held on the 11th April
at this place, which is tributary to
tlie Rajah 6f Jamboe.
BuDDUA KiVER, {Bhadra, excel-
lent). — ^"I'his river has its somee in
the hilly district of the jMysore coun-
ti7, not far from the frontiers of
Coorg, from whence it flows in a
northerly direction until it joins the
Tunga River, the junction of the
two forming the Tungabhadra, or
Toombuddra River.
BuDUKUCK, (Vadarica). — A town
in the province of Cuttack, 44 aniles
S. W. tiom Balasore. Lat. 21° 5'.
N. Long. 86°. 44'. E. This place is
situated on the north bank of the
Sollundee River, which, at one sea-
son of the year, is here 300 yaids
broad, and at asiother is fordable.
From this part of Orissa come most
4
of the people termed, in Calcutta,
Balasore l)earers. {\st IicQ;istci\ ^c.)'
BCDGEBl'DGE, {Bhujabhuj). — A
small town in the province of Ben-
gal, situated on the east side of the
J{ivcr Uooghly, 10 miles below Cal-
cutta in a straight line, but almost
double that number following the
windings of the river. Lat. 22°. 29'.
N. Long. 88°. 20'. E.
During the government of Seraj
ud Dowlah, this place had a separate
fortress, which, on the 29th Dec,
1756, was besieged in form, and a
breach cflected by the forces under
Admiral Watson and Colonel Clive,
who intended a general assault a
little before day-break. During the
night, however, it was most inform-
ally stormed by a sailor of the names
of Strahan, who, happening to get
drunk, wandered up to the breach,
and fired a pistol at some of the gar-
rison, who, supposing he must be i'ol-
lowed by the whole army, fled out
by the opposite side, and left him in
possession of the place. {^Ives, cVc.)
BuDGERooNS. — Three small rocky
islets in the Straits of Salayr, off the
southern cxtjemi(y of Celebes. The
passage is betwixt the souihernmost
and middlemost, and is about a mile
broad.
BuGANO. — An island about 50
miles in circumference, lying off the
si'uth-eastcru coast of Sumatra. I^at.
5°.20'.S. Long. 102°. 25'. E. There
is fresh water to be had on the east
side of this island.
BuGGEssES. — Sec Boj^Y and Ge-
LEIiES.
BuJANA. — A large and populous
town in the province of Gujrat, dis-
trict of Jutwar, situated on the south
bankof the Ruii,which, in December,
is in maiiy places merely moist nmd,
and in others an extensive sheet of
shallow water. Lat. 22°. 55'. JN.
Long. 71°. 25. E.
The present chieftain of Bujana is
aJhut, named Mulliek Sujah, who,
in concert with his brother, Deria
Khan, manages the district. He is
indebted for his elcvaiion to the
Mulliek of Bujana, and is installed
183
BUNDELCL'ND.
by having a hirban confened on him.
(lW3Iur(/o, .Sr.)
BULDAMCIliiTTY.— A towji 111 the
province of Baliar, district of Chuia-
nagpoor, 226 miles ^y. N. W. IVom
Calcutta. Lat. 23° 10'. N. Long.
« i°, 58'. E.
BuLRAMPOOR. — A iown in the
Nabob of Oudo's tenitorics, in the
province of Oudc, 44 miles north
IVojn I'jzabad. Lat. '27°. 22'. N.
Long. S2^M0'. E.
Bvsx}V-LCVSD, {Baudiflkhand). — A
lar-;e.district in the province of Alla-
habad, situated princij>ally bet\vi\t
the 24lh and 26t!i degrees of north
latitude. It is formed of the whole
c'ircar mentioned by Abul lazel un-
der tlie name of Ahniedabad Gohrah,
Avith three- fourths of <]iat of Cal lin-
ger, stretching nortli to the southern
banks of the Junma, over an extent
of 11,000 square miles.
The country is high and moun-
tainous, and but imperfectly culti-
vated. The snumiits of the hills,
though mostly rocky, are covered
v.ith small coppice wood, there being
few timber tiecs of a large size.
About Adjygluu- the whole of the
Ghauts, and almost every hili in this
part of Bnndclcund, is a ta')le land,
and the country one of the strongest
in the world,, every hill being a na-
tin-ai fortress froin their great height
and steepness. The face of the
country presents a heavy close jun-
gle ; the soil, in many places, but
not generally, is rich, and produces
a number of teak trees, which ap-
pear to he' of (he bastard kind, beuig
of stunted growth.
This district is comprehended be-
tween the. Bctwah and Cane rivers,
but lias no river of magnitude flow-
ing thvougli it. The south-western
frontier towards Gundwana begins a
few miles soiitli of the village of
DoMM a. Lat. 24°. N. Long. SU. 45'.
31 -I'he famous diamond mines of
Pannah, in the timeof Acber valued
at tight lacks of rupees, are within
tliis district, but are not now so pro-
dnetiv^ ; the other chief towns are
Chatte^poor, TeaiT, aiid Jyghtpcor,
Callinjer, Jhansi, t)ulteen, and Be-
jaour. Under the chiefs who ruled
in the last and preceding centuries,
the government of this countrj' was
denominated the Hindupati of Bun-
delcund, the rajahs being of the,
Bundela tribe of Rajpoots. The
founder of this family was Bajah
Beer Singli, from whom the family^
of the Oorcha chief is descended.
The greater pait of his di)niiuions.
Avas Mrested fiom him by Kajah;
who was the last sole possessor of
the Blnlde!cundpro^ince, then esti-
mated to produce a land revenue cf
one crore (10 millions) of rupees an-
nually. At that period its capital
was Callinger, one of the sfrongebt
fortresses in Hindostan ; but tlie re-
sidence of the rajah was tlic city of
Purna, or Pannah, situated above,
the Ghauts, and celebrated iVom all
antiquity for its diamond mines.
During the government of Rajah
Chuttersal, Bnndclcund Mas invaded
by jMahommed Khan Eungish, the
Pattan chief of Furruckabad, and
the peshwa Sewai Bajerow was in-
vited from ilie Deecan to assist in
repelling the invasion. AVhcn thi*
M as accomplished the rajah adojjted
the peshwa as Ids son, and di\ided
his territory between his two sons»
Ijirdee Sah and Juggeth Sail, and
the peshwa, his son by adoption.
The tv.o portions assigned tollirdee
and Juggeth Sah continued to be
held by their numerous descendants,
or by the nominal adherents and de-
clining branches of that family, uu-
ti! a long series of domestic dissen-
sion and civil war in the Bundelcund
province had prepared it for subju-
gation by a foreign power.
]\ladhaiee Sindia, dming his last
and successful attempt in 1786 ou
the expiring Delhi sovereignty, was
accompanied by a strong detach-
ment (,'f Deccany troops, under the
command of Ali Baiuidur, an ille-
gitimate grandson of the first Peshwa
Bajerow, by a jMahommedan wo-
man. The peshw a's object, in march-
ing this body of troops, was to ob-
tain possession of the northeih dis'
nUNDELCLND.
1B9
tvicts of the Doab, df the Cniigcs,
and Jinniia, to bo s^ovonuHi in Ali
Bfiluiuder as his iT]trcsciit;iti\o.
Ill the army of iMadliajof Kiiidia
v.as also lh.' late Rajah iiiinnmt
Balmiider, a poworiul cojiinKuitlrr
of a hiige body of horse, and of a
iiuiDorOH.s party of g•o^aills, (tr nan-
gas, a pc'ouliar class of armed ijv^-
gars and religious devotees, ai)(l of
Mhoin Kajah IJimmut v as not only
the military leader, but also the sjii-
ritnal head. 'J'his chief falling lui-
tlcr the susiiieioii of Sindia, to es-
cape seizure and imprisonment, took
refiige under the Zurecn Pntka, or
principal banner of the Mahaiatta
empire, which had been entrusted
by the pcsh« a in this expedition to
Ah Bahauder, and is always guarded
by a select body of troops. In con-
sequence of this measure, a breach
ensued. between Sindia and Ali Ba-
Ilander, ^vhose views on the Doab
were vsholly frustialed, Sindia de-
termining to establish his own inde-
pendent authority in that country.
, Ali B'lhander, thus di-appointed
of aggrandisement in I'pper Hin-
dostan, prepared to return to Foo-
nah, but destitute of funds for the
support of his army. When, in tiiis
distress, Rajah Iliuuniit Bahauder
suggested to him the entire eoncpiest
of JJundclcnnd, of which country
he was a native ; and au agTOemcnt
Avas conchuled betwixt them, by
which a large portion at the province
was, wiieii coiKpieied, to be con-
signed to the iudependent iiianagc-
Hient of ilimnuit IJaliauder, and the
revenue appropiiated to the support
of flic trbtjps, v\ hi!:h he engaged to
maintain in the service of Ali Ba-
hauder,
'i'he distracted and turbulent state
of the province was such, that an
invitation was soon received from
one of the contending parties, and
ihe invasion undertaken A. D. 17S9.
Jii a short time the country was
iioarly wholly subdued, but it re-
quired several years before the Ma-
haiatta authority could be ])ropeily
established in a region wlicr« every
village was a forties^, and, in fact,
accoiding to Juiropcau ideas, its i«-
dnction never was aceoiupii^hed.
At this period an arrangement
was made with the Fcshwa, by
vvhieli he Avas ai^knowledgcd the so-
vercigii and paramouiit h rd of all
the conquests made by Aii Bahau-
der in Bundcicund, vvho engaged to
obey him and furiiisli a triijute, but
neither of these conditions v.ere, in
fact, ever fullilLxl. In the mean
time, Kajah Ilimmnt Bahauder,
afraid that the return of tranquiHltr
would bring about the downrall of
his own po'.ver, was contiaually ex-
citing disafieetion and disttn-batices
in all tlie districts subject to the 3Ia-
harattas, in M'hieh he was Aveli se-
conded by tiie restless and tmbulent
disjiositions of tlie native chiefs.
'Ihe Nabo!), Ali Bahauder, died
in 1802, during the blockade of Cal-
liujer, wliicli he was unable to take,
having been 14 years employed i;i
the reduction of Bundelenud ; at the
end of whicli time his progress was
no greater than it had been in the
third year. Shumsherc Balmuder,
his eldest son, was then in his 18th
year, and resident 'at Poonah ; and
Bajaii Hirnnrut Bahauder, whose
intluence was now pietiominant, ap-
pointed a distant Mahonnnedaii re-
lation, named Gliunee Bahauder, as
regent during his aljsence.
At this period tiic war of the Bri-
tish with DowletRow Sindia and tiiw
other Maharatta chiefs oiiginated,
consequent to tlie treaty of Basseiri
v\ ith the peshwa ; and it appeared
the inteiitioi'i of Holkar io use the
inilueiice of ShnmsJiorc Bahauder,
as a m^ans of invading the British
possessions in the Benares province
through Bu/ideleund. Kajah Him-
mut ]Jahandcr also foreseeing the
annihilation of Iris own povv'er by the
success of tlie latter, deterniinVd to
endeavour to elieet the transfer of
that province to the British; on se-
curing an advantageous indemnity
to himself.
AVlien alfairs were in this state, a
proposal on the part of the peshwj
190
BUNDKLCUND.
was iDade for ;i cession of a j)oi'Hon
of tcnitdrv in liundclcuml, in lieu
of the tlisliicls in the Deceit n which
had been ceded by the tfcaty oflias-
sein. 'J'his proi-)osid havini;- been ac-
cepted by the jiritirjh guvennnciit, a
T'ajiih Hiinnnit Bahauder died in
1804, niter \\ liicli his (enitorics were
rcsnnjcd by the Britisli g:overnnieut.
Ills irrep;tilar troops disbanded, ajid
his family pro%idcd for. In 1805 the
estimated revenue of the British
deed of cession to the l^ast India portion of Eundelcund was as foi
Company olterritory in Kundelcnud h)ws, viz.
of 32 hicks and 16,000 rupees in
place of the subsidy, and of four
Jacks of rupees for the exjxuise of
1,533,184
500,000
subduing it. By this arrai!,:;en>ent
the peshwa, whose authority o\er
the conquests of Ali Bahauder had
been hitherto merely uomiuai, and
who had nevei- dt rived any revenue
from it, was enabled to liquidate the
claims of the British government, i'or
the payment of tlie subsidiary force
which ])rotectcd his hereditary pos-
sessions,
'i'he occupation of the province of
Bundelcund during the war, by the
British troops, liecame necessaiy for
the defence of the countries in the
Doab,- as well as of the town and
district of Mirzapoor, and the city
of Benares, which v\ ere all exposed
to invasion from this quarter. Nor
without it could the secure navi-ga-
tion of the Jumna be depended un,
from the restless and turbulent cha-
lactcrs i)i' the Buudelah chiefs. In 1807 a considerable tract of
S«bse(i|uent to this peiiod, while country in this province, containing
the British detadimcnt was oc* u- mi::i(;rous villages above the Ghauts,
pied with the siege and conquest of and some diamond miaes, was grant-
Calpee, a eonciliatoi-y negociatiun ed to Biijidi Kishore Singh, the de-
was opened with Shumshcre Bahau- sccjidant of Kajah Hirdee Sah, and
der, to whom a tenitory of foiu- the ancient family of Bundelcund,
'l"he several districts then
actually possessed by
government, including
Calpee, and part of Ry-
poor, on the banks of
the Jumna - - - - 1,400,000
The territory of Raj all
Himnuit Baliauder
The districts of Callinjer,
Jeypoor, Iluldtn, and
part of Cutolee, below
the Ghauts, estimated
at five lacks of rupees,
but chargeable with
Jaghires and provisions
for the native leaders -
The city and diamond
mines of Pannali, with
a porti(»n of tenitory
■ adjacent, the probable
revenue being - - - 200,000
Rupees 3,633,184
lacks of rupees per annum was se-
cured in the peshwa's remaining
share of Bundelcund, of which ho
was afterwards appointed govcrnoi.
With the Soubahdar of Jhansi, and
the Rajahs of Dulteen and Simtheer,
but who had longbeen dispossessed by
difi'erent chiefs, under the condition
tliat he woidd guard the passes, and
suppress ail marauders and dis-
turbers of the ])ublic peace. At this
time considerable progress had been
conciliatory arrangements were also made in restoring tranquillity to this
concluded, and a short time after* long distracted country, by the re-
wards with the Rajahs of Churkaree, duetion of the district of Koonch,
Jeytpoor, Jind Bejaour. By the mea— and the expulsion of the refractoi^
eures adopted every hereditary chief- zemindars, which was completed, iu
tain, who possessed power or in-
fluence in Bundelcund, has been
concihated or subdued, and placed
i« due subjection to the British au-
thority.
1810, by the capture of CaJlinjer.
In 1804 Bundelcund was formed
into a British district, subordinate
to the Benares court of circuit, and
a civil cstabUshmcut appomted for
BUNWOOT.
191
the administration of justice, and
collccliou of the revenue. ( MSS.'
J. Grant, Scott, Ironside, lieiiud,
Colehrooke, Truatits, Sw)
liuNDEKMALANCA, {Bunder vmhii
lanca). — A town ou tlu; sea-coasl ot"
the NortliciuCireais, 67 uiik'.s E. by
N. tVoiu ]M:i.sulij)at;nu. Liit. 1G°. 28'.
N, Long. 82°. 7'. E. TraAcllini;- dis-
tance, from .Madras 358 miles.
BuxGSH AT, {Bang-a<>luit). — A dis-
triet in tlie province of C'abul, siUi-
ated about the 3od doj^rce of nortii
latitude. It is bounded on the east
by the Indus, and is intersected by
the Kiver Cow, or Cowmull; .alonu;
the south side of \^hich, near its
junction w ith tlie Indus, Scylax is
conjectured to have built his \ essc-ls,
and from thence to have sailed down
the Indus. The princi])al towns are
Goohauf , Bunnou, and Kohaut.
Tirah is one of the di'.isions of tlie
Bangasliat, or districts occupied by
tfie bungish clan, which is one of
the most powerful, numerous, and
>aliant tribes among the Afghans.
This tribe occupies the difficult hill
country to the south of the moun-
tains of Lughman, which is about
200 miles in length, and 1(X) in
breadth on a rough ( alculution. The
district of Tirah is about 150 miles
in length, extending from Iriah to
Kohaut, and is divided into nume-
rous glens and mountain \ allies, part
of which is occupied by the tribe
afridi, and the rest by the blmgish.
{Leyden, iSt.)
BuNJABUKE Ghaut. • — A pass
among tlie hills, in the province of
Gundwana, ll)8 iniles S. W. from
Buttunpoor. Lat.2l°. lo'.N, Long.
81°. 20'. E. This is so high a spot
of ground, that it causes the ueigh-
boming rtvers to take opposite
courses. (lAickie, ^-c.)
EuNNASs RiVER.^This river has
its source in the province of .'Vjmeer ;
in passing through which it attains
to a very consideralite bulk, and
even when pursuing its course from
Detsa, tlnough the Mehwass, its
size is notiusigniticaitt'i but it after-
Wards loses itself yx the k^kiesc,
and by the time' it Tcaelics Rahduu-
po(ir is dwindled to a sniall stream.
'rlirte miles hel-.iW Hahduiijiuor
th(> iu'd of ihe river is about Indf a
mile in breadth; but nui m«m: than
20 jards of this space, ia lb*' dry sea-
sou^ contains water. 'Ihecmreut at
this period is nither rapiil, an<l ai»out
two and a half feet in depth ; the
water isof anevceilcut quality. The
baidcs, at this part of its course, ar«
nearly on a level with the surround-
ing conntry, which is inuiidatcd du- .
ring the ruins to the extent of two
miles. (M'Mnrdi^ ^c.)
Bt NNoo. — A town in the provinro
of Cubul, district of Buugshat, 33
miles west from the Indus. Lat,
32°. 5C/. N. Long. 70°. 2o'. E.
BuNTWALLA. — A towu in the pro-
vince of South Canara, 17 miles from
Mangalore. Lat. 12°. 4b'. N. Long.
75°. 9'. E. 'i'his place contains about
300 houses, and is siiuated oii the
north bank of a river passing Areola,
which is named the Netiawati. The
tide flows 110 higher than Areola;
but canoes, carrying 160 bushels of
rice, can at all seasons ascend 10
and 11 iniles from Xagara. The
channel is very wide and full of
rocks, which in the dry si-ason form
many islands. 'I'liis town is fast im-
proving, being the tiioroiighfare tor
the trade betu een Mysore and Ca-
nara ; the iiihabJtants are mostly
Braliniins, but of an inferior caste.
{F. Jinvhanan, Lord Valeutia, Sc.)
Blnvvoot. — An island abouj 18
miles in circumference, lying oil"
Pollok Harbour, in Magindanau.
Lat. 7°. 14'. N, Long. 124°. 28'. L.
On the 12th September, 1775, this
island was ceded to Capt. Thomad
Forrest, for the East India Company,
by the sultan and government of tiie
City of AJaj!;indaiiao ; the grant being
written in Spanish by a native of
Pampanga, once a F.lave, but vviio
obtained his liijeriy by turning Ma-
honunedaii. This island is covered
with tall trees, cFear of underwood,
and, at the date of tiie grant, was
luiiniiabitcd. There are fcwspriiigs,
but uiauy pouds of liesh rain -^yater ;
m
BURDWAN'.
nnd it abounds \a 1th wild lioo:s, iiioii-
kcysj giuiiioi, and stiKiit Kjuikcs tibont
is iiicljcs ioii:;. In tlris state it jdo-
biblyroiiiaiiis, as it was never taken
j»oss(ssiou of. (T'orrcsi, St.)
EuRi\LLE. — A town ii'i llieiN'izam's
trrrifories, in t!io p)o\ii;('e ot lierar,
iV7 miles S. \V. lioni Eiliclipoor.
JLat. 20°. 3(/. N. Long-. 77". S'i'. E.
EuRDKK. — A town in the proviiiet;
<jf Allahabad, situated on the south
?ide o!" the same river, 60 miles
iS. S, Vv , fje.ui Eenares. l^at. 24°.
87'. N. Long-. 82°. 27'. E. 'llic
coinrhy aionnd this piaec is very
desolate, and much covered with
jnnp^le. The Burdre rajah's territo-
ri 's are intcrnii\ed with those of the
Company. {Bhmt, cVc.)
Euro WAN, (Vardhaman, produe-
tive). — A district in the province of
Eei!sr,i], situated between tlie 22d
and 24l!i degrees of north latitude.
l\ is bounded on tlie nortli by Bir-
boom andKanjeshy; on the south
by Midnapcor and f loog hly ; on the
east by the I'iver Hooghly ; and on
west by Tvlidnajjoor and Pachete.
In 1784, this district contained
5174 square miles, according- to Ma-
jor Keiiucl's measnrement ; and, in
j)i-()portion to its dimensions, is tlie
best ciiitivated, and most productive
of any similar extent of territory in
India. It b«'came subject to the
IJiitish governinent, along Anth the
-other ceded lauds, in 176U. It is
environed by the jungles of Midna-
■poor i<j Orissa, of Paclicte, and Eir-
booni, and appears iike a garden
surrounded by a vv ikiernoss, It pro-
duces grain, cotton, silk, sugar, and
indig^o, in g^reat abundance, and of
exccHent quality. The weaviixg of
mixed goods, made with silk and
cotton, llonrisiics at several towns in
tiiis difitrict.
'J'he zeniindary, or estate, known
'bythe Jianie of the Enrduan zemin-
■dary, ona rough estimate, maybe
taken at 73 miles long: and 46 broad,
. t-omprehonding about .3280 miles,
■•jicarJy the whole of which is in a
Jijgh state of cultivation, and well
sttocked with inhabitants. Subse-
quent to 1722, it was bosto-wcd (M
KecrutChund,otthckhctriormihtary
caste, the first known progeiitor of
tlie present fanrily; and, in 1700, the
existing rajah paid a yearly rent to
g-ovcrnmciit of 400,0001. sterhng. lit
1784, the revenue of the whole dks-
trict was 4,358,020 current rupees,
'i'he chief tow ns are Eurdwan, Bis-
snnpoor, and Keerpay; and the
principal rivers, the llooghly and
Dunnnood-rth; but this district has
not generally the advantage of a
good inland navigation; the com-
merce, however, lias been much fa-
cilitated and extended by the open-
ing of three giand roads loading to
Hooghly, Cnhia, and Cutwa.
In 1802, from the number of vil-
lages, and of the houses in each vil-
lage, the inhabitants were estimated
at 1,780,000, supposing each house
to contain four iidiabitants, which is
too low an average. The actual
number probably exceeds two mil-
lion.s, one-sixteenth of whom are
supposed to bo i\lahomniedans.
I'hen; are no brick or nmd forts in
this district ; but the remains of sc-
veial are visible, originally con-
structed for protection against the
Maharattas.
'i'he oiih persons possessing rank
ar(! the Eajahs of Eurdewaii and
Eissunjioor; but neither of these
novt maintain many followers in their
.service. Eor puijtoses of state or ce-
remony, when they apjiear abroad
they hire a retinue ; but before the
inti-oduction of the permanent sys-
tem, the number of persons called
7:eniindary pykes, employed for po-
lice and other purposes, was above
21,000. I'he other zemindars are
of no considerable rank; many of
the principal manage their estates
by means of an agent, having their
own residence in Calcutta. There
are many considerable native mer-
chants, who carry on an extensive
counui'ice in salt, tobacco, grain,
and cloth ; but the indigo works are
entirely inanagcd by European.s.
The peasanliy arc pcculiaily opu-
lent.
BURTAPOOR.
193
TIric are few villages in this dis-
trict ill Mliicli there is not a school
where ( hiiiiren are taii;;ht to read
Mild write; but there arc no seliools
lor iiistruciion in the Maliomniedaii
or Hindoo law. 'J'he most learned
t)f the latter are found in ihv adja-
cent district of Nuridca,froin vheiue
and from l^euares the other stations
uie supplied. The IMahonnnedans
bear but an inconsiderable propor-
tion to the mass of inhabitants, and
r(-'ceive their education in the com-
iiion branches, from the village
sclioolmasters, or from their own
relations, (iang i-obl)cry is the crime
most prevalent in this, as in all the
lower districts of Bengal.
That this district continues in a
progressive state of impiovcmeiit, is
evident from the number of new vil-
lages erected, and the increasing
miinbcr of brick buildings, both for
«loinestic and religious purposes. To
Burdwan must be assigned the first
lank in all India, for productive agri-
cultural value, in proportion to its
size; the second may be claimed by
Tanjoie. {E. Thompson, J. Grant,
Colchroohe, 5th Report, Lord Corn-
wallis, ^-c.)
Burdwan. — A town in the pro-
•vince of Bengal, district of Burdwan,
60 miles N. N. AV . from Calcutta.
Lat. 23°. 15' N. liong. 87°. 57'. E.
BuuGUNDAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, belonging to the
T<izani, 73 miles N. W. tiom Raja-
luundey. Lat. 17°. 52'. N. Long.
«1°. 19'. E.
BuRHAMPOOR, {Barhaiipnr). — A
town in the province of Bengal, dis-
trict of Kaujeshy, situated on the
east bank of the Bhagirathi, or Cos-
.simbazar River. Lat 24°. 3'. N.
Long. %b°. 14'. E. Here a brigade
of troops are stationed in commo-
dious cantonments, which consist of
a fine range of buildings on one side
of a large open Jawii, aionnd which
are the houses of dill'crent European
gentlemen. It is distant five miles
tiom Moorsliedabad. {Lord Valen-
tin, Src.)
BiRlAS. — One of the Pliilippinc
o
Isles, lying due south of Luzon-
Lat. 13°. N. Long. 123° E. In
extreme lengtli it may be estimated
at 43 miles, but the average breadth
does not exceed nine miles. Al-
though this island is situated in the
very centre of the Philippines, and
so near to the great Islaiiil of Luzon
and its capital iVfanilla ; y<'t, in 1775,
it was jwssessed by a colony of pi-
ratical Illanos cruizcrs from Magin-
danao, the Spaniards not having been
able to dislodge them. This island
is surrounded with rocks and shoals
to a considerable distance. [For-
rest, iSc.)
BuRMOOL. — A small fortified vil-
lage on the frontiers of the province
ofCuttack. Lat.20° 21'. N. Long.
85°. 10'. E. Tlie whole way from
this place to Kliussumgliur may be
called a pass; but that part, named
Burmool Ghaut, is moie particularly
strong. The entrance is 600 yards
from Burmool, and it continues near
a mile. It is ibrmed by two lofty
mountains, almost perpendicular,
200 yards fiom each other, between
which the road lies.
BuRRAMooTEE. — A large town in
the province of Bejapoor, 44 miles
S. E. from Poonah, and one mile
froniMemd. Lat. 18° 14'. N. Long.
74°. 31'. E. This place has a strong-
fortification, divided by tlie Kuirah
River.
Eerruah, {Bharua). — A town in
the province of Cuttack, 29 miles
N. E. from tlie town of Cuttack.
Lat. 20°. 47'. N. Long. 86°. 45'. E.
BuRRUMGHAiJT. — A towu in the
Nabob of Oude's territories, in the
province of Oudc, situated on thr
south side of the Dewah, or Goggrah
River, 50 miles N. W. by W. from
Fvzabad. Lat. 27°. 5'. N. Long.
8i° 25'. E.
BuRSEAH. — A town in tlie Malia-
ratta territories, in the province of
Mahvah, 30 miles N. from Bopal.
Lat. 23°. 42'. N. Long. 77°. 32'. E.
BuRTAPooR, {Bharatapura). — A
town in th« British territories, in th»
pronncc of Oude, 120 miles N.N.W,
from Fvzabad.
194
BUXEDWAR PASS.
BuKWA, (Bharwu). — A town in
the province of Oiid«', flistiict of
Chuta Natrpoor, 240 miles W. N.^^^
from Calcutta. Lut. 23°. 20'. N.
Long-. 84°. 46'. E.
BuawARAH. — A mud Tort, with
round bastions and a ditcli, in tlie
Kajah of Jvenagvir's teiritoiit^s, in
the piovincc of Ajmeer, 7G miles
S. S. E. from the citv of Jvnianur.
Lat. 26°. N. Lous:. 76°. 8'. i-. '
Bi.'ssEA. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Chula ISaa^poor,
210 miles W. N. W. from Calcutta.
Lat. 22°. 58'. N. Long-. 85°. 1 1'. E.
BusTAK, (Vistar), — A town in Ihe
province of Giindwana, tlie capital
of an independent rajah. Lat. 19°.
44'. N. Lo)ij?. 82°. 38'. E. 177
miles south from Kuttiinpoor. The
Goand inhabitants of <lie Bnstar
country arc probably amongst the
wildest of Hindoslan. 'J'hcy arc de-
scribed, both men and women, as
going about in a state of entire na-
kedness. {Blunt, Sir.)
BusTEE, (Basli, a dwelling). — A
town in the British territories, in the
province of Oude, 37 miles E. from
Fvzabad. Lat. 26°. 48'. N. Long.
82°. 45'. E.
Bus'SUNDAR. — A town in North-
ern Hindostan, district of Keniaoon,
subject to the Goorkhali Kajah of
Nei)aul. Lat. 29°. 48'. N. Long.
80°. 41'. E.
BusvAGoN. — One of the Cala-
maine Isles, belonging to the Phi-
lippines, situated about the 12th
degree of north latitude. In length
it may be estimated at 50 miles, by
13 the average breadth.
Bi'TTooL, {Battlmli). — A small
district in the northern extremity of
the jirovince of Oude, situated be-
twixt the 27th and 28th degrees of
north latitude. On the north it is
separated by hills and forests from
the territories of the Goorkhali Ba-
jah of Ncpaul. This territory was
ceded to the Comptiny by the treaty
concluded on the lOth Nov. 1801,
between the Nabob of Oude and the
Manjuis Wellcsley.
BijXak.— A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Shahabad, situ-
ated on the S. E. side of the Ganges.
Lat. 2.3°. 35'. Long. 83°. 58'. E.
The fort of Buxar, tliough of very
inconsiderable size, commands the
Ganges ; but it is now dismantled,
nor is there a single fortified place
befwecn Calcntta and Allahabad.
I'A'ery boat passing up and do«n
the Ganges is obliged to come to at
this place, and produce her pass ;
every traveller by land dcx^s th«
same, the ])olice being very strict.
A celebrated victory was gained
here, in Oct. 1764, by the British
forces under Major, afterwards Sir
Hector Mumo, over the united ar-
mies of Sujah ud Dowlah and Cos-
sim Ali Khan. The British army
consisted of 856 Europeans and 6215
sepojs, of whom 87 Fanoi)oans and
712 sei)oys A\cre killed and wound-
ed; the eondnnetl troops were com-
puted at 40,000 men, 2000 of whom
are supposed to have been slain in
the battle.
The tlight of the allies was so ra-
]>id, that they did not sto]> at Buxar,
bnt hastene<l to a nullah (small river)
beyond it, vhicli being very full,
many were drow ncd and slaughtered
in attempting to pass. The plunder
was very great, as they left their
tents standing, and their whole train
of artillery, consisting of 133 pieces
of various sizes, were taken.
A native historian describes the
camp of the two chiefs in the follow-
ing terms: " A bridge of boats being
thrown over the Ganges, the allied
ainiies began their march in num-
bers not to be reckoned; but, fiom
the ignorance of the generals, and
want of discipline, murdering and
plundering each other. It was not an
army, biit rather a moving nation."
Travelling distance from Benares,
70 miles ; from Calcutta 'by Moor-
shedabad, 485; by Birboom, 408
miles. {Lord Valeulia, Foster, Gho-
lairni, Hosscin, Reimel, St.)
BuxEDVVAR Pass, {or Pasahn). —
A remarkable pass in Nortliern J-lin-
dctstan, in the province of Bootan.
Lut. 25°. 47'. N. Long. 19°. 21)'. Iv
I
CABUL.
195
j^iixedwar is a place of great na-
tural strenf^th, and, being a frontier
station of llicse mounlains, iias been
rendered stronger by art, Tlie vil-
lage consists of 10 or 12 houses, in-
visible until tlie very moment of ap-
proach. It is placed upon a second
table of levelled rock, upon which is
very little soil; yet it is covered with
verdure, in conse<pieuce of its shel-
tered situation, sinrounded on three
sides by lofty niountains, and open
only to the south, which atfords a
narrow prospect of Bengal.
'I'he country continues tlat to the
foot of the Buxedwar Hill. The
ascent to Santarabarry is easy, but
the ]oad afterwards becomes abrupt
and precipitous, the hills being co-
vered with trees to their sunnnits.
AtSautarabarry are extensive orange
groves, and raspberry bushes are
found in the jungles. {Turna; kc.)
Bux I POOK, {Bahshipurd). — A toAvn
in the province of Bengal, district
of Baujishv, 51 miles S. E. from
Moorshcdabad. Lat. 23°. 48'. N.
Long. 88°. 69'. E.
BuxYGUNGE. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Diiiage-
poor, 84 miles N. N. E. from Muor-
shedabad. Lat. 25° 16'. N. Long.
88°. 56'. E.
Bydell. — ^A town and small pcr-
gimnah in the province of Bengal,
•which, although surrounded by the
district of Dinagepoor, yet was foini-
erly under the jurisdiction of that
Purncah; situated 95 miles N. from
Moorshcdabad. Lat. 26°. 32'. N.
Long. 88°. 10'. E.
Byc' NBARRY, (T7«'crt,'/^//a Ban). —
A town in the pr(Aiiie(^ of Bengal,
district of Mymiiiisingh, of which it
is the capital. It is situated on the
west side of the Brnlunapootra, about
75 miles N. by E. from the city of
Dacca. Lat. 24°. 4G'. N. Long.
90°. E.
BYR.\HGUR,(Frte>tfo/mr). — A town
in the province of Gundwana, dis,-
trict of Chandah, 133 miles S. by E.
from Buttunpoor. Lai. 20°. 25'. N.
Long. 83°.
This place formerly belonged to
o 2
Chandali, and the countiy still bears
that name, though they aie now se^
parate soubahdanies. It is ctuisi-
dered by the iVlaharattas, whose au-
thority is well established here, as a
strong town, and consists of about
300 thatched and tiled houses. It
has a stone fort on the north-west
side, under the east face of which
runs the Kobragur, which after-
wards falls into the Wainy, or Baura
Gunga.
Byrahgur is a place of some traffic,
and nnich frequented by Brinjarries
fiom Choteesgur, and the northern
circars. The trade is prinripally in
cotton, which is brought from the
nortli-west parts of Berar and Clio-
teesgur. 'fhis is purchased by mer-
chants from the circars, who give in
exchange salt, betel, and cocoa imts.
{Blunt, Sfc.)
c.
CABUL.
A largo province in Afghanistan,
situated betwixt the 33d and 35th
degiees of north latitude. On the
north it is bounded by KuKore, or
Caflristan ; on tlu' south, by C'anda-
liar and Balloochistan ; to the east it
has the Indus ; and to the west, the
Hindoo Kho INIountaius, and pro-
vince of Bamian, in Persia. In
length it may be estimated at 250
miles, by 150 the average breadth.
In 1682, this jirovince is described
by Abul I'azel as follows:
"• Sircar Cabul is situated in the
third and fonith clintates. The
length, from Attock Benares, on the
banks of the Sinde, to Hindoo Kho,
is 150 coss ; and tlie breadth, from
Carabagh to Cliuganserai, 100 coss.
On the east lies Hiadostan ; on the
west, inclining to the north, are
mountains, between which is situ-
ated Gliour ; on the north is Inderal)
of Badakhshan, and Hindoo Kho;
on the south, Fermed and Nughz,
The water and air of this province
196
CABUL.
arc cxcellonf. 'J'lic parts in which
snow falls, ;\ud those \vhic!i are *.'ii-
tirt'ly frre from it, are so near to
each other, that ;\ on may pass from
heat lo cold in the course of a day.
The snow licc,i!istofall iiilhe moun-
tains in September, but uot in the
plains until November.
"I'he fniits of lliis country are
delicious, excepting the melons, but
the harvests are not very nourishing:.
The surromiding mountaijis and
wilds defend Calml fiom sudden in-
vasion. Hindoo Koh lies in llie
centre, between Cabul, Eadakh-
slian, and 13a Ik. There are seven
roads from Tooran to Cabul, and
six trom Cabul to Ilindostan. No
less than 11 languages are used in
the viceroyalty of Cabul, each na-
tion speaking its own ; viz. Turkish,
INIughooly, Persian, Iliudy, Afgha-
neejPusbtowey.Piuvatehy.Gncbree,
Burkee, Lunighanec, and Arabic.
" Tlie natives arc chieily of the
tribes of II ezareh and Afghan, which
possess all the pasturage. The tribe
of the Hezarch are the remains of
the Chaghlai army, which Mangu
Khan sent to the assistance of Hola-
koo Khan, and they inhabit the
country from Ghizni to Candahar,
and are upwards of 100,000 families.
The Afgliaussay they are descended
from the eliildren of Israel. Some
Afghans consider themselves to be
of Egyi»tian extraction, asserting,
that when the children of Israel re-
turned from Jerusalem to I'^gypt,
tins tril)C migrated to Hinduslan,
" Sircar Cabul, conlaiuing 22 ma-
hals; reveime, 80.507,40.0 dams.
.Seynrghal, 137,178 dams. This sir-
car furnishes 28,187 cavalry, and
217,700 infantry."
The country of Cabul, in respect
to its naturalgeography, is divided
into two parts, separated b} a ridge
of very high mountains usually co-
vered with snow, whicli runs from
west to east from the neighbourhood
of Gliizni to that of Deenkote on
the Indus, below Attock. The tract
lying to the north of this is named
Luuighanat, and to the south Bun-
gishshat ; each having one or more
considerable rivers intersecting their
whole length, and disemboguing
themselves into the Indus. That tif
Lumghanat is the Bivcr of Cabul.
named also the Kameh. and in its
low er part the Attock ; tliat of Bun-
gishshat is the Cov\', or Cowmull
River.
Cabul is a country highly diversi-
fied, being made u}) of soowy moun-
tains, hills of moderate height, ex-
tensive plains and forests. I'nmi the
Indus to the city of Cabul there is
an invariable delieieney of wood,
insonnich that the lower class of
])eopie, in the winter season, sutler
nnuh from a want of fuel. Near
Baranunv there is a sandy, uninha-
bited valley, 20 miles in length. The
air in the country aroimd Gunda-
mouck is ))robably strongly impreg-
nated with nitrous paiticles, the ex-
posed part of the body Ijeing co-
vered with a white scaly substance
of a saline taste, which excoreates
the skin. The chief towns are Ca-
bul and Pesiuuver; and the prin-
cipal rivers have been already men-
tioned.
The central districts about the ca-
pital, possessing few Indian conmio-
dities, receive .sugar and cotton
cloths mostly from Pcshawer, whi-
ther they send iron, leather, and to-
bacco. To Candahar are exported
iron, leather, and lamp oil, whence
the returns are made in sundry ma-
nufactures of Persia and Europe.
The Tartars of Bochara bring to
Cal)ul thehorses of "^{'urkistau, furs,
and hides, the latter resembling
those termed in FiUropc Bulgar; the
])roeecdsare applied to the ])urchasc
of indigo, and other productions of
liindostan.
The roads throughout this ])ro-
vinee are much infested by the na-
tive Afghans, a most ungovernable
race, and averse lo all peaceful occu-
pations. This i)articularly applies to
a sect nauKHl the Plybers, who arc
greatly aided in the ])ursuit of a
fiee-JMHitiug hfe by the .situation of
their country, whicli forms a chaiu
CAEUL
197
of nioinitains, -whose scanty slips of
v:ilky allbrds bill little food. This
nulc race of nicti still durll in (•■•ivcs,
or in the fissures of roeks. They
profi'ss the Mahoinmedau rclij^^ion
of the iSooiii persuasion, and hate
the Persians, and all the se(!laries
of All. The libber dialeet is found-
ed on the eonimon lanj;iia<!je of the
Afghans, bnt is harshly <;nttural,
and ill understood by tlie adjacent
tribes.
The province of Cabiil, en ac-
count of its mountainous snrlaee,
Avas orio^nally named Hob, from
Avhence is derived the term Kohiilah;
it is also somelimes named Zabu-
lislan from Zabul, one of the names
of (ihii^ni.
In A. D. 997, Avhen Cabul Avas in-
vaded by Sebuc(a£,i, the first sove-
reign of the Ghizni dynasty, the
eastern tpiarler of this province, aj-
thounh situated to the west of the
Indns, Avas still occupied by Hin-
doos, subject to a i)rince of that re-
ligion named Jjpal, whose capital
was named Balhinda, and vhosc
ilominions extended, in a north-
west direction, from Lahore to Lum-
ghanat, and in a south-east line
iiom Cashmere to JNlooltan. The
whole Avas finally subdncd by Sultan
Mahmood about A. D. Iu08, and it
Avas severed from the Delhi empire
by Nadir Shah in 1739. (See xii-
ghanistan.)
In 1809, in consequence of the
confederacy A\ith the state of Persia,
projected by the French, for the
purpose of invading the Abdalli do-
minions in Afghanistan, and ulti-
mately those of the British govern-
ment in India, the lioiiouraljle
Mountstiiart Eljihinstone Avas dis-
patched as embassador to the Cabul
court, on the j)arl of Lord .Miu'io,
then governor-general, for the pur-
pose of concerting Avitli the Cahnl
government the means of mutual
defence against tlie exjtecled inva-
.sion of the i'reneh and i^rsians, and
of explaining the friendly and bene-
ficial ol)ject of his mission.
The Cabul suveieign, sensible of
the advantage of alliance and co-
operati<ui betv\ eon the two states, di-
rected his ministers to confer Avith
Mr. l.lpiiinstone, and, consulting the
welfare of both governments, to con-
clude an arrangement. It was in
consc<pience agreed, that, if the
I'rench and Persians endeavonred to
pass through tiic; Cabul territories,
the armies of that .state shixild use
tlic utmost cNcrtion to repel them,
and |)revent their elVoetuating this
o!>ject ; and that if, hi pursuunce of
tlieir coiifederacA, the enemy should
adAance towards the King of Cabui's
country,in a hostile manner, the Bri-
tish state shall hold themselves liable
to alford the exjienses uc^cessurv for
the above-nii'iitioned service, to the
exti'ut of their ability : tiiese condi-
tions to be in tbrce while the eoiife-
dcracy l)et\veen the 1 rench and Per-
sians continued. {Faster, Rennei,
Abid Fazel, Treaties, Stewart, Scott,
^■c. <St.)
CAhUL. — A city in Afghanistan,
the capital of the province ofCabnl.
Lat. 34°. 31'. N. Long. 68°. 34'. E.
Ill 1582 it is described by Abul
I'azel as folloAvs :
" Cabul is a very ancient and beau-
tiful city, of Avhicli Pusheng is said
to be the founder. There are double
Avallsofnmdofconsiderablestrength:
on the south-east side is a small hill,
named Shah Cabnl. Inoni early an-
ti(piity, Cabul and Candahar have
been reckoned tiie gates of Ilin-
dostan ; one afioiiling entrance; from
Tooian, and the other iicmi Iran."
This city at jiresent is the resi-
dence and capital of the Abdalli so-
vereigns of Afghanistan. It stands
in a V. ide plain, Avell Avatered, and
interspersed Avith AvalUnl villages. —
The Cabul River runs through the
plain, overAvhich, at tlie distance of
four or five miles to tiie sonthward
of the city, is a iiridge l)ni!t of brick.
It is surrounded by a wall about one
mile and a half in i ireinnleience, and
is situated on tlu- e:(st(,-rn side of a
range of two united hills of a semi-
cireuiar figure. The ibrtiiicalions are
of a very simple construction, Avifli
198
CACHAR.
scarcely any ditch ; the houses avo
built of rough stones, clay, and iin-
burncd bricks, and exhibit a very
mean appearance.
Baiarc-sir, the name of the king's
palace, slands on a rising; ground iji
the eastern quarter of the city, and
does not at all correspond to the
view with the dignity of its master.
A!i ]Merdan Khan, a celebrated no-
bleman in tiic reign of Jehangeer,
erected here four spacious bazars in
the centre of tlie city, ^vbich were
supplied with fountains ; the last are
now choked up with tilth, and the
first occupied by the meanest order
of mechanics. The fmits in the
market are of a good kind, and in
great plenty, as apples, pears, peach-
es, poinegianates, and a vaiiety of
grapes. The environs of the city
are chiefly occupied by garden
grounds, and watered by numerous
stieams, the largest of which runs
tliroiigh the town, and hfis a small
bridge over it. To the S. W. of Ca-
biil the hills are of a moderate
height, but the country is thinly
cultivated. On account of the prox-
imity of this cat'ital to the Indian
Caucasus, or Hindoo Kho Moun-
tains, the temperature of the at-
mosphere is liable to very sudden
variations.
The great bazar here is I'requently
crowded with Lsbeck Tartars, who
have the same cast of features as
the Chinese and Malays, but more
harsh ; and here are to be found the
remains of a colony of Armenians,
captured by Nadir Shi.h during his
I'urkish wars. ]Many Hindoos fre-
quent this city, chiefly from Pe-
.shawer, who contribute greatly to
its prosperity, and are carefully pro-
tected by the Afghan govenmient.
Travelling distance lioni Delhi,
839 miles; from Agra, 976; from
Liuckuow, 1118; and from Calcutta,
1815 miles. {Foster, Rennel, Abul
Fazel, AC.)
Cabul JRivER. — This river has its
source in the western part of Cabul,
near the Hindoo Klio Mountains,
and flows past the city of Cabui,
from whence it proceeds in a S. W".
course towards the Indus, Avhicli it
joins in front of the town of Attock,
after receiving the addition of many
streams. From Jelalabad down to
Pcshawer its proper name is Ka-
meh, after which it is IVequrutly
named the Attock, and Hindostan
connnences at its junction a\ ith the
Indus. At Jelalabad it is navigable
for jalehs, or rafts of a particular
construction ; and its vn hole course,
including the windings, may be esti-
mated at abov e 300 miles.
Cabyna. — A snrall island about ^
21 miles in length, by 15 in breadth,
King due south of the eastern limb
of Celebes. Lat. 5°. 18'. S. Long.
121°. 53'. E.
Cachar, {Cosari). — A district tri-
butaiy to the Bii man empire, situ-
ated about the 25th degree of north
latitude. To the north it is bounded
b} Assam, and to the south by t!io
Cassay country ; to the east by Cas-
say, and to the west by the districts
of Tipperah and Silhet, in the pro-
vince of Bengal. Its dimensions arc
uncertain, but are known not to bo
great.
A communication exists by water
through Assam to the centre of both
Cachar and Genliah, although hi-
tiierto deemed inaccessible even by
land, lormerly the connnerce be-
twixt Beng!'.! and Cachar was carried
on by land from.Silhel; for the As-
samese at tiiat period were so jealous
of their Bengal neighbours, that no
acce'<s whatev er was allowed tluough
the Brahmapootra,
Although so far to tlie east, and
for many centuries almost com-
pletely interdicted all communica-
tion with Hindostan, the inhabitants
of tiiis country are, like their neigh-
bours the Cassayers, Hindoos of the
Brahniinical persua:ion. The Ra-
jaji of Cachar, who is a Khetri of
theSuryabansi (Children of the Sun)
race, nevertheless occasionally sends
several ga} als to be sacrificed on cer-
tain hills in his country. The Ca-
char country is fertile, but greatly
overgrown with jungle, and thinly
CAFFRISTAN.
199
populated. It is nmcli less known
ilia II its iminciiiato vicinity to the
})!oviiicc of ]Bcii;;al would had lis to
t:\ppct. 'J'lie name of tlic capital is
C'ospoitr.
Ill 1774 Onndaboo, the i^eneral of
Shcuibiiaii, tlie reigning" Birman nio-
iiarcli, uuiiicm)il)eiod vvith hag2:ap,c
or artillery, marclied against Cliewal,
the Kajah of Cachar; who jios-
sessed the sovereignty of a produc-
tive though mountainous country,
iiorth-west of ^Iiuiipoor. In his ad-
vance he overcame Anoup Siugli,
prince of a country called Mugge-
loo, and advanced within three days
march of Cospoor, the metropolis of
Cachar. Here he was opposed by
Chawal, leagued \<,[\h the Gossain
Rajali ; and his troops being" at-
tfick'Hl by the hill fever, (a disease
fataliy known to the British troops),
his army was dispersed, cut off in
detail by the natives, or perished by
disease.
A second expedition under Ka-
meouza (anoiiier general) was more
successful, who, aniving at the pass
of Inchamutty, \nthin two dajs
march of Cospoor, the Ra jah Clia\val
consented to pay, besides a sum of
money, the homage of a maiden of
the royal blood to the King of Ava,
and also to send him a tree witli tlio
roots bouud in the native clay, as an
unequivocal jtroof of vassalage.
(Si/»ies, Wade, Colebrookc, d)T.)
Cadutinada, (or Cartiuaad). —
A small distrii t in the Malabar pro-
Aince, the rajah ofwliich resides at
Kutiporam. It is tolerably well cul-
tivated, and is naturally a rich couu-
try, but does not produce grain
adequate to the sustenunee of the
inhabitants. The liigher part of the
hills are overgrown with wood,>\liivh
the Nairs formerly eucouraged, as
aflording them protection against
invaders. lu the hills which form
the h)wer parts of the Ghauts iu
Cadutinada, and other northern dis-
tiicts of Mala) a, are certain jilaces
that naturally produce cardamoms.
The female Nairs in this part of
Hie country, while thildrcu, go
throTigh tlie ceremony of marriag:©
both with Namliouries and Nairs;
but licre, as well as in the south, the
mau and wife never cohabit. When
the girl is come to maturity, she is
taken to live in the house of some
other Namhuri or Nair. A Nair
here is not astonished when asked
who his fa'iher was, and a mau has
as nnich certainty that the children
born in his own house arc his own,
as a European htjsband has; yet,
such is the perversity ef custom, that
he would be considered as unnatu-
ral, w ere lie to have as much alfec-
tion lor liis omu children, as for
those of his sister, which lie may
perhaps never have seen. In 1761,
the Bombay government concluded
a treaty with the chief of this coun-
try, for the purchase of pepper, iu
w hich he is sliled tlie King of Cai-
tenaddu. {F. Buchanan, Treaties,
Caffristan, (or Knttore). — An
extensive mountainous country,
bounding Cabul to the north ; the
general level of which is consider-
ably elevated above the countries
on each side of it, and extending
northward from the 3oth dcgTce of
north latitude.
Kuttore appears to be the general
name of this tract, Mhich has the
Seward, Bijore, and Puekoli dis-
tricts to the south, and extends from
tlu north west frontier of Cabul to
Cashmere, ll has also obtained the
name of Cailristan, or the land of
iulidels, from the ^Mahommedans. It
is classed as a (h^peiidency of Cash-
gar, by the people of Hiiidostan, but
seems to have been but little known
to Ihem. The expedition of Ti-
mour to tiie mountains of Kuttore
is paiUcularly related by iSherilled-
din ; by which it appears, that 'i'i-
mour proceeded tiom iiadakhshan
to Kawuek or Khawick, the furtliest
or most eastern of the passes, leading
through (he HiudooKhu Mountains,
into the province of Cabul. In ol-
der to arrive at tiie fortress of Kut-
tore, he crossed several ranges of
high mouutaius, rising one above th«
200
CALCUTTA.
other, some of them covered \vi<Ii
snow. The fortress was situated at
the foot of the further range, havingc
a river of great depth and rapidity
close under its walls.
Since this remote period, we have
heard very little of tlicsc Alpine re-
gions ; we may conclude, however,
that they have contributed their share
of military adventurers to the invad-
ing armies of IJindostan. At pre-
sent we are ignorant of the nature
of their government, the inimber of
inhabitants, and the religion they
profess. The Mahommedan is the
most probable ; but, as Kuttore bor-
ders on Tibet, where the doctrhies
of Buddha under the Lama hierarchy
prevail, it is likely there is an inter-
mixture of the latter sect. The
nature also of the counti^ gives us
reason to suppose it is possessed by
numerous petty and independent
chieftains, the leaders of hostile
clans or tribes, in a state of per-
petual warfare Avith each other.
None of (he eastern con.'iucrors ever
reduced this country into a state
of permanent subjection, nor does
the object seem adequate to the
trouble and dilliculty.
Calagody, (Calag/iudi). — A town
in the province of Tinnevclly, 113
miles N, E. from Cape Comorin.
Lat. 9° 13'. N. Long. 78°. 30'. E.
British.
Calamaines. — A number of small
islands in tlic Eastern Seas belonging
to the Philippines, situated about
half-way be<ween Mindoro and the
Island of Palawan, about the r2th
degree of north latitude. The two
largest are named Busvagon and
Calamianc, the latter being about
23 miles in length, by five miles the
average breadtli. The coast around
these islands is surrounded by num-
berless shoals, rocks, and liagments
of islets, which reader the navigation
exti'eniely dangerous.
Calanore. — A small district in
the Scik territories, in the province
of liahorc, situated betwixt the 31st
i»nd32d degrees of north latitude.
Calanore. — A town in the pro-
vince of Lahore, 70 miles E. from
<iie city of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 51'.
E. Long. 75°. 0'. E. Here Acber
was first proclaimed emperor, on the
death of his father Hamayoon in
1556.
Calastry. — A town in tlie Car-
natic, 65 miles N. W. from Ma-
dras. Lat. 13°. 42'. E. Long. 79°.
43'. E.
Calayan. — A small island, one of
the Philippines, about 23 miles ia
circumference, situated due north
of the large Island of Luzon or
Luconia.
Calcergah. — Sec Kalueugah.
CALCUTTA, (CaUcata.)
A city in the province of Bengal,
of which it is the modern capital,
and the seat of the supreme govern-
ment of British India. Fort Wil-
liam, its citadel, stands in Lat. 22°.
33'. N. Long. 88°. 28'. 1^.
The local ?;itualion of Calcutta is
not fortunate, for it has extensive
muddy lakes, and an immense forest
close to it ; and was at fast deemed
hardly less unheallhy than Bata\ia,
which it resembled in being placed
in a Hat and marshy country. 'I'hc
English, it has been remarked, have
been more inattentive to the natnral
advantages of situation than the
I'Vench, who have always in India
selected better stations for founding
their Ibreign settlements. The jun-
gle has since been cleared asvay
to a certain distance, ti^e streets
properly drained, and the punds
filled U|) ; by which a vast surface of
stagnant water has been removed,
but the air of the town is still
much alltctcd by the vicinity of the
Sunder bunds.
The city sttands about 100 miles
from the sea, on fhe cast side of )he
western branch of the Ganges,
named by Einopcaus the Hooghly
River, but by the natives the Blia-
girathi or true Ganges, and con-
sidered by them peculiarly holy. At
high water the river is here a fuU
CALCUTTA.
201
mile in breadth ; but, during the
ol)b, the opposite side to Calcutta
exposes a loiijv rauf^e of dry sand
banks. In approaching Calcutta
tVoni the sea stranger a is nuuh
stiiick witli i(s magnificent appear-
ance ; the elegant villas on each side
of the river, tlie Cfnnpany's botanic
gardens, tiic; si)ircs of the eliiuches,
temples, and minarets, and the
strong and regular citadel of Ftsrt
William. It exhihiied a very dif-
ferent appearance in 1717, of which
the following is a conect descrip-
tion :
The present town was then a vil-
lage ajipertaining to the district of
Nuddea, the houses of which were
scattered about in clusters of 10 or
12 each, and the inhabitants chiefly
husbandmen. A forest existed to
the southwiu-d of Cliandpaul (ihaut,
which was afterwards removed by
degrees. Jjctueen kidderpoor and
the forest v\cre two villages, whose
inhabitajits were i;ivitcd to settle in
Cakulta, by tiie ancient fuiiily of
the Seals; who were at tliat time
merchants of great note, and very
instrumental in briogiiig Calcutta
into the form of a town. Fort W il-
liam and the esplanade are the
site where this forest and the two
villages abovc-mentioMcd forineily
stood. Ihere an; still inhabitants
alive, who recollect a creek wfiich
extended from Cliandpaul Chant to
lialliaghaut; and who say, that the
drain before the goverinnent-lumsc
is w here it took its course, 'i'o the
south of the Eeytakhanah tliere is
still a ditch, which shews evident
traces of the coniiiiuation of this
creek. In 1717 there was a small
village, consisting of straggling
houses, surrounded by pu<Ulies of
water, where no v. stand the elegtmt
houses at Chowruigliee; and Cal-
cutta may, at this period, be des-
<*ribed as extending to Chitpore
Eridge, but tl;e intervening s{)ace
consisted of ground covered with
jungle. In 17 W a ditch was dug
round a considerable part of tlie
boundaries of Calcutta, ta prevent
the incursions of the Maliarattas;
and, it appears from Mr. Oriue's liis-
tory of the \\ ar in Bengal, that at
the time of its capture in 175G, thei(^
were about 70 houses in the town
belonging to the English. Wliat
are now called the esplanade, the
site of Fort W illiam and Chowrin-
ghee, were so late as 17.56 a com-
plete jungle, interspersed with a few
huts, and small pieces of gj-azing and
arable land.
The modern town and suburbs of
Calcutta extends along the east side
of the river aljove .six miles, but
the breadth varies very nmch at dif-
ferent [)laces. The esplanade be-
tween tlie town and J'ort Williaui
leaves a grand opening, along the
edge of which is placed the nc\r
govcrjunent-honse erected by the
Marquis Wellesley ; and, coiitnmed
on ill a line with this edilice, is a
range of magnificent houses, orna-
mented with spacious verandalis.
Chowringliee, Ibrmerly a collection
of native huts, is now an entire vil-
lage of palaces, and extends for a
considerable distance into the coun-
try. The architectiue of t lie houses
is Grecian, which does not appear
the best adapted for the country or
climate, as the pillars of the veran-
dahs are too much ehxated, to keep
out the sun durii\g the morning and
evening, although at both these times
the heat is excessive ; and, in the
wet season, the rain beats in. Per-
haps a nior(> coniine<l iJindoo stile
ofbuilding, although less ornamental,
might be found of more practical
comfort. The princij)al square ex-
tends about oOO yards each way,
aiid. contauis in the centre an ex-
tensive tank, surrounded by a hand-
some wall and riuling, and having a
gradati<in of steps to the bottom,
which is 60 feet from th'- top of its
l)anks. A range of indillercnt look-
ing houses, known by the name of
the ^V riter's Unildings, occupies one
side of the sipiare ; anil near to it,
on the site of the old fort, taken by
Seraje ud Dowlah, in 17o7. is a cus-
tom-house and several other liaiiJ-
202
CALCUTTA.
some bnildings. . The hiack Iiolc is
now |)<ut of a waiehousc, aiul lilled
with merchandize. A inonmucjit is
erected fticiiig; the gale, to coinme-
moratc the uidortiinate poisons who
there perished ; but it ]ias been
struck by lightning, and is itself fast
going to decay. A quay lias been
ibrmed in front of the cnstom-honse,
which promises to be a gieat im-
provement : and it would be a still
greater, were the emb;irkKient ex-
tended along the whole face of the
town next tlic river.
'i'he goveniment-house is the most
remarkable public edifice in Cal-
cutta. The lower story forms a rus-
tic basement, with arcades to the
building, which is ionic. On the
north side there is a flight if steps,
under which carnages drive to the
entrance ; and, on the south, there is
a circular colonnade with a dome.
The four wings, one at each corner
of the building, arc connected with
it by circular passages, so long, as
to secure their enjoying the air all
round, from which ever (juarter the
"wind blows. These A\iiigs contaiji
all the private apartments ; and in
the north-east angle is the coniicil-
room, decoiated like the other pub-
lic rooms with portraits. The centre
«if the buildiug contains two un-
connnonly fine rooms: the lowest
is paM'd wiUi dark grey marble, and
supported by done columns chu-
named, resembling marble. Above
tliis hall is the ball-rooin, floored
with dark poli.-;hed MOod, and sup-
porteil b} ionic piiiars. Both rooms
are lighted by a profusion of cut
glass lustix's, suspended from the
painted ceiling, where an excellent
taste is displaced in the decora-
tif>ns.
Besides the government-house the
other publii' buildings are a town-
house, the court of justice, and two
churches of the establislu;d religion,
one of which nuikes a very hand-
some appearance, but the other is a
plain building. There are also
churches lor the Portxiguese Catho-
lics, auotherof the Greek persuasiou,
an Armenian church, and many small
Hindoo temples and Mahonnnedau
mosques. The hospital and jail are
to the south of the to^^'n. The bo-
tanic garden is beautifully situated
on the west bank of the river, and
gives the name of Garden Reach to
a bend of the river. Above the gar-
den there is au extensive plantation
of teak, which is not a native of this
part of Intlia, but which thrives well
here. There is a private dock-yaid
nearly opposite to Fort William, and
another one mile below it on" the
same side of the river.
'I'he black town extends along the
river to the north of Calcutta, and
cxliibits a remarkable contrast to
the part inhabited by the Europeans.
It is extremely large, and swiuming'
with population. The streets are
narrow, dii ty, and unpaved ; the
houses of two stories are of brick,
with flat-terraced roofs; but the great
majority are mud cottages, covered
with small tiles, with side walls of
mats, bamlioos, and other combusti-
ble materials. Fires are, conse-
quently, of frequent occurrence, but
do not in the least affect the Euro-
pean quarter, which, from the mode
uf building, is wholly incombustible.
In this part the houses stand de-
tached from each other within a
space enclosed by walls, the generid
approach being by a flight of steps
under a large verandah, their whole
appearance being uncommonly ele-
gant and respectable.
Eiicks, mortar, and wood, are not
scarce in Calcutta, yet the money
siMik in building a house is very con-
siderable ; and, Iteing a perishable
commodity, requiring constant re-
pair, house rent is proportionally
high. The white ants are so de-
structive in their operations, that,
sometimes, every beam in a house
may be completely excavated in-
ternally, while outwardly it appears
pcrlictly sound.
Foit V^ illiam stands about a quar-
ter of a mile below the town, and is
superior iii strength and regularity to
any fortress in India. It is of au
CALCUTTA.
203
octagon form, five of llic faces arc
regular, \vhilethe forms oftlic other
throe next the viver are aecorilinj;- to
the local circumstances. As no ap-
proach by land is to be ai)prchoiuleil
on this siile, tho river cominp; up to
th(^ glacis, it m as niere!\' necessary
to u»ar<l against an attack by water,
by providin<? a great snperiorily of
lire, which purpi>se has been attained
by giving" the citadel towards the
water the form of a large salicist
angle, the faces of wiiich cnlilade
the conrse of the river. I'roMi these
faces the guns (M>ntinue to bear upon
the object till it approaches very
near the city, when they would re-
ceive the lire of batteries parallel to
the river. 'J'liis part is likewise de-
fended by the adjoining bastions,
and a counter-guard that covers
them.
'I'iie five regular sides are towards
the land; Ihe bastions have all very
salient orilions, behind which are re-
tired circular Hanks, extremely spa-
cious, and an inverse double flank
at tlie height ol' the bevnie. Ttiis
<louble flank would be an excellent
defc>i;e, and would serv to retard
the passages of the dilcii, as from
its form it cannot be enlilad(>d. ''I'he
orilion preserves it from the effect of
ricochet shot, and it is not to be
seen from any |)araHel. Th(! bcrme
opposite to t!ie curtain serves as a
road to it, and contributes to the
defence of the ditch like a fausse-
bray.
The ditch is dry, with a cunette
in the middle, wiiicli receives the
Avatcr of (he river by means of two
sluices that are comnnuided by the
fort. The counterscarp and covered
way are excetient, vyeij curtain is
covered witii a large half moon, with-
out ilatiks, boriuet, or redoubt, bnt
the faces mount 13 jiieces of lieavy
artillery each, thus giving to the de-
fence of these ravelins a tire ol' 2G
guns. The deini-bastiotis, which
terminate the live regular fronts on
each side, are covered by a counter-
guard, of wliich the taces, like the
half-moons, arc pierced with 13 em-
JL
brasurcs. Tliese cour.ter-guardsare
tomiected with two redoul)ls, con-
si ructed in the ])lace of a! ins of the
adjacent re-enlering angles; th«
whole is faced and pallisadoed v.ith
care, kept ii\. admirable condition,
an<l capable of making a vigorous
defence against any army, however
formidable. The advanced works
are executed on an extensix c scale ;
and the angles of the half moons
being extremely acute, project a
great way, so as to be in view of
each other beyond the flanked angle
of the polygon, and cai)able of tak-
ing the trenches in the rear at an
early period of the approach.
Tills citadel was connnenced by
I^ord Ciive soon alter the battle of
Plassey, and was iMtcnded by him to
be complete in every respect, but it
has since been discovered that it is
erected on too extensive a scale to
answer the purpose for which it was
intended, that of a tenable post in
case of extiemity, as the number of
troops required to garrison it properly
woidd be able to keep the lield. It
is capable of containing 15,000 men,
and t!ie works are so extensive tiiat
10,000 would 1)0 required to defend
them eihcieiidy, and from lirst to
last have cost tlu; East India Com-
pany two millions sterling. The
works are seareely at ail raised above
the level of the surrounding country,
of course do not make an imposing-
appearance from without, nor are
they pcrceptilde until closely ap-
proached. This excites great sur-
prise in the natives coming from the
interior, who alw ays coimect the idea
of great strength with great eh^va-
tion, and generally mistake the bar-
racks for the fort.
The fort only contains buildings
that arc absolutely necessary; such
as the residence ot'thc co)nmandaut,
quarters for the ollicers and troops,
and the arsenal. The barracks make
a very handsome appearance, and
afford excellent acconnnodation both
to the privates and oiriccus. The in-
terior of the fort is perfectly ojien,
presenting to the view large grass
204
CALCUITA.
plots and prravcl walks, kept cool by
ro\vs of tiers ; and, ia tlie finest or-
der, intermixed ^ith piles of can-
non, bomb shells, and balls. E;ich
gate has a house over it, destined for
the residence of a major. Between
the fort ;;;id toMn an extensive level
space intervenes, called the Espla-
nade.
The gaiTison wsually is composed
of two or three European battalions,
one of artillery, with ariiticers and
workmen for the arsenals. '1 he na-
tive corps, amounting: to about 400G
men, are generally cantoned at Ear-
rackpoor, 15 miles hij^her up the
river, and supply about 1200 monthly
to perform the duty of the tort. The
wells in th.e diflerent outworks of
I'ort William, some of which are
500 yards from the river, during the
hot season become so brackish as to
be unfit either for culinary purposes,
or forwashiuE;. Government has, in
conscipience, formed an immense re-
servou", occ-upying- one of the bas-
tions, to be fillod when required with
rain water.
Calcutta possesses the advantage
of an excellent inland navigation,
foreign imjjorts being transported
with great facility on the Ganges,
and its subsidiary streams, to the
jiortliern nations of Ilindostan, while
the valuable productions of the in-
terior are received by the same chan-
luls. 'I'hcre are seldom less than one
million sterling in cloths belonging
to native merchants deposited in
Calcutta for sale, and every other
species of merchandize in an equal
pro))ortion. l"he total capital be-
longing to the native monied and
commercial interests has been esti-
mated to exceed 16 millions sterling,
which is emjiUned by them in the
government funds, loans, and dis-
counts to indi\i(luals, internal and
external trade, and in various other
wa\s. The formerly timid Hindoo
now lends moniy on respondentia,
on distant voyages, engages in spe-
culations to various parts of the
world, ensures as an miderwriter,
and erects indigo works in diflerent
parts of the provinces. He ha.s the
advantage of trading on his own ca-
j)ital with much greater frugality
than a European ; and, exclusive of
the security of his property, enjoys
the most perfect toleration of his re-
ligion. In Sept. 1808, the Calcutta
go\ernment bank was established
with a capital of 50 laeks of rupees,
of whi( h goA ernment have 10 lacks,
and individuals the remainder. Tiie
notes issued are for not less than 10
rupees, or more tlian 10,000. I'ur-
tlier commercial information, wjtli
the details of the external commerce
of the port of Calcutta, will be found
at the conclusion of this article.
Tliere have been various opinions
as to the po])ulation of Calcutta, but
it does not appear any very correct
census has ever 1)een taken, lu
1802 tiie police magistrates estimat-
ed the population of Calcutta at
(500,000 ; a few yeais ago Sir Henry
Russel, the chief judge, estimated
the population of Calcutta and its
environs at one million ; and Gen.
Kyd the population of the city alone
at betw een four and 500,000. Pro-
bably half a million will be a toler-.
ably correct approximation to the
real nundjer. 'I'he adjacent country
is also so thickly inhabited that, in
1802, the police magistrates calcu-
lated that Calcutta, with a circuit of
20 miles, comprehended 2,225,000
souls.
The number of houses, shops, and
other habitations in the tov\ n of Cal-
cutta, in 1798, belonging to indivi-
duals, was as follows :
Eritish subjects - - - - 430a
Armenians _ _ _ - - 640
Poitugucse and other Christ-
ian inhabitants - - - 2650
Hindoos ------ .56,460
IMahommedans - - - - 14,700
Chinese ------ 10
Total 78,760
The above statement does not in-
clude the new and old forts, and
many houses the property of tli^
East India Company.
CALCUTTA.
205
The Enropcan society in .r;ilru(tu
is iui:iierous, gay, atid cuiivivia!, and
the fetes given by the "ovoinors-
gcneral splendid and welt arriuiged.
Eaeh of ilic principal ofTicers of go-
vernment \Mi\(i Iheir public days for
the recei.ti^iii of their friends, inde-
pendent of Avhicli not a day passes,
particnlarly during the cold season,
V ithont seveial large dinner jiarties
being formed oi' from 30 to 40. A
subscription assenrbly also subsists,
but it is unthsliionable, aUliongli it is
the only place of public amusement,
the society l)eing much subdivided
into parties.
It is usual, in ralcutfa, to rise
early in order to onjoy tlie cool air of
the morning, uliicii is particularly
pleasant before sunrise. Betwixt <ine
^md two a meal is taken, wiiich is
called tiliin, after wliich many retire
to i>ed for two or three hours. 'J'lie
dinner is couuivonly after sunset,
whieli necessarily keeps the guests
up until midnight. The viands are
excellent, and scned in great [sro-
fusion ; and as the heat of tin; cli-
mate does not admit of their being
kept, great ])art are at last thrown
out to tbe pariah dogs and birds of
prey. The lower orders of Portu-
gncse, to whom alone they would be
serviceable, cannot consume the
whole ; and the religious prejudices
of the native servants prevent their
tasting any food belonging to a per-
son not of their caste or religion.
To this circumstance is to be attri-
buted the amazing docks of crows,
kites, and vultures, which, undis-
turbed by man, live together hi ;imi-
cable society, and almost cover tiie
houses and gardens. In their pro-
fession of scavengers the kites and
crows are assisted, during the daj',
by the Iarg«! adjutant stork, and at
Jiight by pariah dogs, foxes, and
jackals, w hieh tiien emerge from the
neighbouring jungles.
'I'he wines cliii lly drank are iMa-
deira and claret ; the former, which
js excellent, during the meal, the
latter afterwards. The claret being
medicated for Ibe vovaoe. is bv some
considered too strong. The Calcutta
market supplies a great variety of
game, such as snipes, wild ducks,
l)artridges, and various species of the
ortolan tribe — the whole compara-
tively cheap. 'J'lie v,ild venison is
much inferior to tliat of Ihitain, but
the park or stall fed is equally good,
'i'he lir.re is a vei-y poor animal, and
diflers in many qualities from tiiat of
J'higland, being deficient in size,
strengtii, and swiftness, whicli ob-
senation also apjjlies to the Bengal
fox. The tables of the gentlemen in
Calcutta are distingnished by a vast
profusion of most beautiful fruits,
procured at a ^•ery mcjdcrate ex-
pense, such as jtine apjiles, plan-
tains, mangoes, jjomeloes, or shad*
docks, melons of all sorts, oranges,
custard apples, gua'/as, peaches, and
an endless variety of other orchard
fruits.
The usual mode of visiting is ia
palampiins, but many gei'.tiemeii
have carriages adapted to the cli-
mate, and the breed of horses has
lately been greatly improved. It is
universally the custom to drive out
between sunset and diimer, and, as
itbecomes dark, servants withtorches
go out to meet their masters, and
nui before their carriages with an
astonishing raj.idity, and for a great
length of time. It was formerly the
fashion (and it is still adhered to u\t
the country) for gentlemen to dress
in white cotton jackets on ail o<-ca-
sions, being well suited to the cli-
mate, but being thought too much of
an undress for piibhe occasions, they
are now laid aside for coats of i'hig-
lish cloth.
The Ihitish inhabitants stationary
in Calcutta, and scattered through-
out the pro^^nces, are generally ho"—
pitable in the highest degree, and
most liberal where their assistanee is
wanted. \\ hen an oflicer of respect-
ability dies, in either ser\ ice, leaving
a widow, or children, a .subscription
is immediately commenced, which,
in every instance, has pro^ed gene-
rous, and not imfrequently has con-
ferred oti the parties a degree of a.f-
206
CALCUTTA.
flucnce, that llie life of the Imsbaiid
or parent could not for many years
have acoompli.shed.
The Company s;iai!t a princely al-
lowance to their civil rorvaiits, l)irl,
larj^e as it is, it docs not always snl-
iice for the expenses of the juniors ;
juany of whoai, on their first aniva!,
set up an extravagant establishment
of horses, carria,2:cs, and servants,
and tliercby involve tliemseives in
embarrassments at a v<My early pe-
riod of their lives. To support tliis
profuse manner of livini? they are
ol)liged to borrow Irom their Dewan,
who is generally a monied nati\e of
rank, who snpjjlies tiieir extrava-
gance, and encouraaes tbeir dissi-
pation, until their difficulties are al-
most inextricable. While the young
civilian remains in an inferior situa-
tion, the debt to the Dewan con-
tinues to acciunniate; and when
higher appointments are at length at-
tained, it requires years to cleai- oif
the embarrassments of his juvenile
thoughtlessness. ' Instances of this
sort are rare now compared to what
they were at an early period of the
Company's accjuisitions, and not-
M'ithstamling the nudtiplied tempta-
tions, a very great majority of those
Avho arrive at the higher stations
wholly escape their innuence, .and
arc distinguished for the most un-
sulhed integrity of t:haracter. ^^ hen-
ever a deviation has occurred, it
could invariably be tiaced to the
imprudence of tiie young man on his
first arrival, and his subsequent de-
pendence on his Dewan.
The British merchants of Calcutta
are a numeroiisand respectal)le body
of men, many of whom have ac-
quired large fortunes by their in-
dustry and cnterjtrising spirit, and
f-onduce essentially to the i)rosiif'rity
of the province. 'I'liey here disiday
a liberality in their manner of living
seldom equalled in any oth(>r i)art of
the world, and their acts of charity
and munilicence to persons in dis-
tress have never been surpassed by
any shnilar nuiuber of men of any
r^uik whatever.
The Armenians arc a rcspccfaWrV
and, probably, the most numerous*
body of foreign merchants at tht"
presidency. 'I'hey cany on au ex-
tensive trade to Cliina and the cast-
ward, and to the west as far as the
Arabian Gulf, or Bed Sea. Some of
the most respectable aie commonly
invited to the public balls and enter-
tainments. The number of Greek
uicrrhants in Calcutta is not con-
siderable. Tliey maintain one clergy-
man, who pcrtbrms religious worsliip
according to their rites. The Portu-
guese houses of agency are, in pomt
of number, next to those of the
English. A very considerable num-
ber of the progeny of that nation re-
side in Calcutta and tlic environs,
and have approxin.ated very closely
to the natives in colour and manners.
Among the various classes of the
mercantile comuiunity no mention is
made of Jews. Few <>f that nation
have settled in Ilindostan, and Cal-
cutta is p.robabiy the only very opu-
lent town that is wholly free from
them. Their practices and occn])a-
tions arc engrossed by the native
bari}ans, sircars, and writers, most
of vvhom are quite a match for any
Jew. The shops of these petty traf-
fickers, althought better than their
houses, are mean and disagreeable.
The European shops aie singularly
splendid.
'J'he maintenance and education
of children belonging to Emopeans
in India, have, on account of tiieir
nnndjer, Ijccomc objects of great
im])ortance. Two institutions of this
sort have been formed, one tor the
education of ollicers' children, and
the otiier I'or those of private soldier.:.
To these charitable foundations ma^
be added a irec-.school and native
hospital,
^\ ithuut being attached to some
department of the service, or edu-
cated to some mecham'cai trad«! or
l)rofession, tliere is hardiy any hope
of prosperity to a young man com-
ing out on chance from Europe.
Here all the inferior simations of
clerks, overseers, ike. are iiecesprily
CALCUITA.
207
occupied by natives, and it is by
tliosc gradations that in Europe
youn^ nu>n rise to opnlence in tlic
commercial world. It is sciueely in
the power, even of a governor-u;en-
eral, to assist a person of" r('S])eet-
able eonnexions, who is nol in one
of the services or liberal professions,
Althoiiuli Ihe ilimate is not essen-
tially improved, Europeans are now
nnieh better aecpiainted villi the
means of eounteraetiiij!; i<s elfcets
than formerly, and dc.idis aie far
from being so frequent. Kegidarity
of living, avoiding too inneh expo-
sure to the sun, and all extremes,
(even of abstinenee), are nnich more
jiraetised by the present iidiabitants
than they were by the first adven-
turers. Yaeaueies, e<)nsequent!y, in
any line oi- trade are of much r:uer
occurrence.
The stipreme court of justice at
Calcutta consists of a chief-justice
and two puisne judges, nominated
to their situations in India by the
king. Its cognizance extends to all
British subjects; that is, natives, or
the descendants of natives oi' Great
Britain, in India, and to all live in-
Jiabitants of Calcutta; but tins court
is allowed no cognizance over the
land revenue. In suits, to which
the natives are j)arties, the judges
are enjoined, by act of parliament,
Jo respect the usages of the country.
In matters of inheritance, or con-
tract, the rule of decision is to be
the law acknovxledged by the liti-
gant parties. Should only one of
the parties be a Mahummedan or
Hindoo, it is to he the law aeknow-
ledged by the defendant. Criminal
offences are tried by a jury, consist-
ing, exclusively. t)f British sidjjeets ;
in trials of a civil natme the judges
decide both on the law and on the
fact. The supreme court also tries
criminal charges against the Com-
pany's servants, and civil suits in
uhich the Compajiy or the C\>m-
pany's servants are con<erned. '^I'he
law practitioners, attached to the
supreme couit, are 14 iittoruies and
sd\ barristeis.
Little morality is learned in a
court of justice ; and, notwithstand-
ing the severity of the police and of
the English laws, it appears probable
that the morals of th<^ native inha-
bitants are worse in Calcutta than
in the provincial districts. This is
not t(t be attributed solely to the size,
population, and indisciiminate so-
ciety of the eajjital, but in part to
the supreme court, every native con-
nected with which ap])earing to have
his morals and maimers contami-
nated by the coimexion. In men-
tioning this evil, it is not intended,
in the mo.st remote degree, to attri-
bute it to any individual or body of
men, or to speak with <lisrcspect of
the institution itself; but merely to
mention a fact, v\lii(h has probably
been rtnuarkcil by every judge th;'l
ever sat on that bench. \\ ithin tlKse
few years the natives liaAC attained a
sort of legal knowledge, as it is usu-
ally denominated. This consists ol"<i
skill in themts of collusion, intrigue,
perjury, and subornation, whicli ena-
bles them to jierjjlex' and balile the
magistrates with inliuite facility.
Notwithstaufling the temptations
to which the natives are exposed, it
is surprising how .stldom thefts of
burglaries are committed on the pro-
pel ty of Eumpcans in Bengal, who
scarcely take any precaution against
them. In some families 30 and 40
domestics sleep during the niglit
within the enclosure, or in tlie jias-
sages and verandahs of the house,
wheie every door is open, and dct('(<-
tioii almost iinpossi!»ie. Eroin their
extreme timidity, they seldom ven-
ture to rob opeiil), or on .a largB
scale, but prefer a more eiieuitous
and complicatetl mode of small pil-
fering and cheating.
The court of appeal and ( iretiit
for the Calcutta divisi"n compre-
hends the following districts, viz. 1.
Buidwuii; 2. Jungle Mahals; 3.
^lidnaiioor; 4. Cuttack; 5. Jessore;
G. Nuddea ; 7. Hooghly ; 8. The fo-
reign settlements of Chaudcrnagoic,
Chinsura, and Serampore: 9. The
21 pcrguunahs.
2oa
CALCUTTA.
Commercirtl ihtails of the prkalc
trade, from the \st June, 1811, to
the SOth April, 1812, pi months).
Diirinp; llio al)ove jKniod the pai-
ticuhiisofUic external commerce of
Calcutta were as follows :
Imports.
Merchandize 11,338,692
Treasme - G,785,(;9S
I-Jrot. fonvard
Java - - -
Pcuaiig and
Eastward -
China - -
New South
Wales
Pexuc - -
£•
Sicca rnpe<'s 18,124,390 2,265,549
M<^rchandi;:e
Treasure
ENjiorts.
34,003,009
614,673
34,617,682 4,327,210
52,742,072 6,592,759
l.eavins: a !Mt defirit in the trade
of the preeedi:i<v vear of sicca rupees
19.433,053, or 1,304,1321.
This deficiency Avas in the imports,
as there wa;^ an excess on the ex-
ports of sifca rupees 410,649.
The actual falling off of (he jm-
ports was, ;^icca rupees 10,843,702,
or 1,355.4631.
The rejection of one month in 12
partly accounts for this defalcation ;
but the ^Tcat deficiency in the inr-
ports was in the article of treasure;
for ou merchaiidize there was an in-
creased iuijxirt to the amount of
sicca iUj)ees 853,815.
I.MPOUF OF
TRKASURE.
In In
1810-11. 1811-12.
T'rom London
Jltazils - -
America
Isles of Trance
Manilla - -
Aral)ia & Per-
sian Gulfs
Coast of Su-
matra - -
Coast of Cora-
mandcl
127,922 3,637
1,623,206 1,341,093
6,513.605 459,869
25.000
2,366,931
399,520 463,456
457,907 255,985
142,470 33,000
11,656,561 2,5.57,04!t
222,(X>7
1,960,753 1,111,300
4,824,492 2,877,801
41,209
17,550
18,483,015 6,785,698
Deduct 6,785,698
12,001,010
303,493
Deduct
Net decrease 11,697,517 orl,462,19<3
£
IMPORTS FIICJI LONDON'.
1810-11. 1811-12.
Broad cloth -
Cutlejy - -
Copper & co])-
per nails
Carriages - -
Corks - - -
Claret - - -
Towling-iiicces
and pistols -
Flannels, blan-
kets, ^ carpets
Glass ^^are
Hosiery - -
Ilaherdasliery
Hardware
Hats - - -
Hoojjs ic jivets
Hock - - -
Iron - - -
Ironmongc^ry -
IMusical itistiu-
nients - -
Lead; red and
while - -
I\Iall liiiuors -
Madeira wine
Morocco lea-
ther - - -
Oilman's stores
Perfumery
Piece goods -
Paints - - -
147,882
27,451
438.100
78.2U8
21.629
465,273
52,73.*?
52,52a
38,7.50
46,918
44,829
663,162
38,813 22,832
24,312
222,933
50.323
90,453
33,946
78,173
47,;X.2
21,818
86,619
62,217
46,166
313,756
36,378
70,452
43,439
1] 7.806
53,520
33,3«)0
31,9;>8
79,793
16,852 48,614
42,884
17.5.154
251,526
24,715
119,216
39,782
73,446
10,089
26,080
191,482
183,742
.39,193
201,816
44,325
88,499
38,092
Caniedforwardl 1,656,561 2,557,040 Canied fonvard 2,689,716 2,610,466
CALCUTTA.
209
1810-11. 1811-12.
l^rot. forward 2,689.716 2,610,466
I'oitwiiie - - 94,392 154,187
Slalioncry - 101,791 80,006
Sundries - - 863,403 1,095,961
3,739,.302 3,940,610
Treasure 127,922 3,637
Sicca rupees 3,867,224 3,944,247
EXPORTS TO LONDON.
Piece goods - 465,681 429,180
Shawls - - 42,.501 31,213
Indigo - - 5,136,300 5,426,521
Sugar - - - 91,.346 10.4.58
Silk - - - 461,805 1,409,116
Cotton - - 133,167 9,351
Lac lake - - 210,600 69,550
Sundries - - 146,930 300,334
6,688,330 7,685,723
Re-exports 399,436 612,395
7,087,766 8,198,118
Treasure 314,673
Sicca rupees 7,087,766 8,512,791
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from the Brazils were,
Merchandize - - - - 157,110
Treasiue - - - - 1,341,093
Sicca rupees 1,498,203
EXPORTS TO THE BRAZILS.
Piece goods - - - - 2,785,579
Shawls ------ 2,300
Indigo 82,642
Silk 6,605
Grain --_-_. 7,980
Bengal rum - - - - 156
Sundries ----- 9,458
Imports re-exported
2,894,720
37,095
Total exports, sicca rupees 2,931,815
AMERICA.
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from America were,
Merchandize - - - - 126,565
Treasure ----- 459,869
Total imports 585,434
EXPORTS TO AMERICA.
Piece goods - - - - 1,434,081
Indigo 31,469
Sugar ------ 30,065
Canvas 4,304
Sundries ----- 31,606
1,631,525
Imports re-exported - 63,849
Total exports, sicca rupees 1,695,374
In 1811-12, the intercourse with
America was almost wholly inter-
rupted ; the importation from thence
amounling to only 586,434 rupees,
(73,1791.), which includes 469,869
rupees, (57,4841.) of specie, shew-
ing a decrease of imports in the
prior year (which had also been a low
import year) of 6,186,460 mpees,
(773,3081.)
In the exports to America there
was also a serious defalcation in
the value of everj' principal article,
amounting in the whole to 6,240,991
rupees, (656,1241.)
MANILLA.
The imports from Manilla, were,
In 1810-11 - - - - 2,969,942
In 1811-12 - - - - 327,450
Difference 2,642,492
The exports to Manilla were,
In 1810-11 - - - - 1,270,641
In 1811-12 - - - - 873,481
Difference 397,060
In 1811, the exports to Manilla
were.
Piece goods - - - - 643,756
Bengal rum - - . - 410
Canicd fonvard - 644,160
210
CALCUITA.
4^'^
Brought forward 61i,l()f)
0|iinm ----._ 110,4"! 5
t'auvris ------ 3,727
Sundries - _ . - ^ 8,Gi>7
Imports re-exported
7;y7,00o
100,476
Sicca rupees 873,481
In 1811-12, Conner was llie only
article ofnieiTliandize imported lioui
jMani'.la, and there was a falling off
in il tii' ■2t),6.jU rupees, TJie pre-
ceding >far hrondit 2,306,931 ru-
pees (•2!/5,8o6l.) of treasTire from M;\-
liiila ; but in 1811-12 there was uoiic
recei^ed.
In the exports the dcficienc}'^ fell
wholly on piece floods to the amount
of sicca rupccs504,801, (63,1001.); in
opium there was an increase in the
sum of 86,559 rupees, (10,8201.); ii«
sundries, 10,13a rupees, (1,2671.);
and in re-exports, 11,047 rupees.
This stagnation <jf trade bct'.veen
Calcutta and Manilla was in part
owing to the enoriuous quantity of
goods sent to the ■Manilla market in
1808-9, ori the first oi)eniug of the
intercourse, and occasioned a glut,
w hieli it did not recover for several
years.
ARABIAN AND PERSIAN GULF.S.
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from the Arabian and Persian Gulfs
were 976,115
Treasare ----- 463,456
Sicrca rupees 1,439,571
EXPORTS.
Piece goods - - - - 2,312,146
Shawls 5,860
Indigo _ - _ _ - 457,654
Sugar 103,483
.Silk - 6,132
Grain ------ 202,808
Canvas ----- 1,072
Suutlrics 14,621
ftnports re-exported
3,103,796
74,783
In 1811-12, the imports fi-om the
I'ersian and Arabian (Jnlfs increased
in merchandize 435,625 rupees,
(54,4531.); to whicli sum must also
be ad<!cd an increase in the amount
of treasure of 63,936 rui)ees, (7,9921 ),
making the total increase of this
year's importation, compared with
that of the preceding year, 499,561
rupees, (62,4451.)
The articles on w hich there w as an
increase were copper, cowries, horses,
guns, timber, and planks. The de-
crease fell cliietiy on corals, collee,
spices, and galls. >
The exports to the two Gulfs shcAV
a neat increase of 988,371 laipecs.
Piece goods, grain, and sundries
composed this increase; in the ar-
ticles of indigo, sugar, and raw silk,
tliere w as a decrease.
PRINCIi or V/ALES'S ISLAND (PKNANC),
AND THE EASTWAHD.
l"he imports fronr Penang were.
In 1810-U - - - - 3,264,297
In 1811-12 - - - - 2,097,239
)ecrease - 1,167,058
The exports were,
In 1810-11 - -
In 1811-12 - -
Decrease
- 2,534.351
- 2,528,183
6,1C3
In 1811-12, the imports consisted
of, Alerchandize - r - 985,939
Treasure ... - 1,111,300
Sicca rupees
2,097.239
Sicca rupees 3,178.579
EXPORTS.
Piece goods _ - - - 641,910
Shawls - 1,520
Indigo ------ 678
Sugar 1,320
Grain 4-5,167
Bengal rum - . - - . 16,294
Opium -1,768,780
Cotton ------ 12,239
Canvas 10,893
Sundries 84,019
Canied forward 2,482,720
(■i^^<:
CALCUTTA.
Brought forward 2,482,720 Brought forward
Imports re-exported - 45,463 Beng:al ram - - -
Canvas - - - -
Sicca rupees 2,528,183 Sundries - - -
In 1811-12, the ti-easure imported
from Penaug and tlie eastward is
less than the preceding year by the
sum of 849,453 rupees, (106,1321.)
which is the principal defalcation.
'I'he net decrease in the exports
was in the articles of piece goods,
cotton, and in re-exports; but there
being a considerably increased ex-
port of opium, grain, and sundries,
brought the net amount of the two
years nearly to a level.
CHINA.
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from China were,
INIerchandize - - - 1,923,348
rupees
China ^
Sicca
4,801,149
TJie exports to
fvere,
Piece goods
-
- 55,136
SJiawls -
-
2,977
Grain
-
- 25,600
Opium -
-
4,542,968
Cotton -
-
1,532,389
Canvas
-
4,485
Sundries
-
- 10,853
Imports re-exported
6,174,458
47,551
Sicca nipces 6,222,009
PEGIJE AND THE BIRMAN EMPIRE.
In-1811-12, tlie amount of the im-
ports from Pegue were,
Merchandize - - - 400,924
Treasure _ _ - 17,550
Sicca rupees 418,474
Tlie exports to Pegue were.
Piece goods - - - 63,906
Shawls - - - - 600
Sugar - - - - 4,704
Grain - - - - 5,326
Imports re-exported
211
74,43G
16,552
1,900
21,164
114,0.52
22,890
Sicca rupees 136,942
MALDIVES ISLANDS.
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from the Maldives Islands were mer-
chandize sicca ru})ces 302,367.
There appears an increase in the
importuUons over the preceding years
to the amount of 162,620 rupees,
(20,3281.); cocoa nuts Avrre im-
ported in less quantities than the
preceding year, but spices, timber,
pianks, and sundries, were increased.
EXPORTS TO THE MALDIVES.
Piece goods ----- 16,405
Sugar 19,280
Grain 46,320
Opinm 1,610
Sundries ------ 2,537
Sicca rupees 86,152
Carried forward 74,436
NEW SOUTH WALES.
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from Botany Bay Aerc merchandize
sicca rupees 26,526.
EXPORTS TO NEW SOUTH WALES.
Piece goods 93,803
Shawls 800
Indigo ------ 1,745
Sugar 100,363
Grain 4,.548
Bengal rum 39,976
Ojjium 59,425
Canvas - 6,107
Sundries 68,820
365,587
Imports re-exported - - 101,547
Sicca rupees 467,134
r 2
212
CALCUTTA.
COAST OF SUMATRA.
Ill 1811-12, the amonrit of imports
from the coast of Sumatra were.
Merchandize - - - - 78,400
Treasure ------ 255,985
Sicca rupees 334,385
EXPORTS TO SUMATRA.
Piece goods ----- 494,934
Shawls ------ 600
Sugar ------- 240
Silk ------- 1,120
Grain 10,050
Opium ------ 546,875
Canvas - 1,100
Sundries ------ 39,827
less by sicca rupees 106,329(13,2911.)
than the preceding year.
MADRAS AND THF. COUOMANDEL
COAST.
In 1811-12, the anxount of imports
from Madras and the Coromandel
Coast were,
Merchandize - - - - 945.191
Treasure ----- 33,000
1,094,746
Imports re-exported - - 63,878
Sicca nipees 1,158,624
Upon the exports to Sumatra there
w as, this year, an increase equal to
the sum of'831,010 rupees (103,8761.)
above the exports of the j»receding
year.
BOMBAY AND THE MALABAR COAST.
In 1811-12, the amonut of imports
from Bombay and tl)e Coast of Ma-
labar were morehaiulize 572,695 ru-
pees, which exc<>eds the amount of
the two prior years considerably.
EXPORTS TO BOMBAY, &:r.
Piece goods 603,918
Shawls 14,427
Indigo ------ 18,850
Sugar ------- 180,073
Silk 1,029,441
Grain - - 124,612
Bengal rum 310
Canvas 40,(k">9
Sundries ------ 80,918
2,092,687
Imports re-exported - - 3i),732
Sicca rupees 2,132,370
I'he exports to Bombay and the
Coast of Malabar were, tins year,
Sicca rupees 978,191
EXPORTS TO MADRAS AND CORO-
MANDEL.
Piece goods ----- 198.-353
Shawls ------ 8,236
Indigo - 22,744
Sugar ------ 43,827
Silk - - 248,-576
Grain ------- 698,091
Bengal rum ----- 20,739
Opium ------ 60,575
Canvas ------ 36,775
Sundries ------ 171,062
Imports re-exported
1,508,982
- 207,716
Sicca rupees 1,716,698
The exports this year exceeded
those of the preceding year 593,242
nipees (74,155!.)
CEYLON.
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from Ceylon were more!iandize94,913
nipees. being an incrcjise of 32,290
ru|jees (40361.) on tlie preceding year.
'I'h;.' import of rum and arrack iiom
Ce\lon decreased, but that ofehanks
(large sliclls) pepper, and sundries,
increased.
EXPORTS TO CEYLON.
Piece goods ----- 22,176
Sugar 9,9.'?5
Grain ------- 83,044
Bengal rum ----- 1,544
Opium 1,725
Canvas ------ 1,374
Carried forward 119,79*
CALCUTTA.
Brought forward
Siincliics - - -
Imports re-exported
119,798
23,831
143,629
11,022
Sicca rupees 154,651
AMBOYNA,
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from Amboyna were merchandize
sicca rupees 1238.
EXPORTS TO AMBOYNA.
Piece goods ----- 147,995
Grain 3,100
Bengal rum ----- ] ,275
Opium ------ 167,720
Canvas ------ 1,500
Sundries 23,470
345,060
Imports re-exported - - 44,336
Sicca rupees 389,396
The exports this year exceeded
those of the preceding year 116,205
rupees (14,5261.)
ISLES OF FRANCE.
Rupees.
Amount of imports from
the Isles of France in
1810-11, merchandize 134,688
Ditto, ditto, 1811-12, ditto 337,715
Net increase 203,027
The articles spices, copper, bran-
dy, and sundries, gave tlic increased
importation. Coflee and betel nut
decreased.
Exports to the Isles of
France in 1810-11 - - 572,807
Ditto, ditto, in 1811-12 -1,451,280
Increase 878,473
EXPORTS IN 1811-12.
Piece goods -
Shawls -
Carried forward
635,287
47,462
682,749
Brought forward
Sugar - - -
Silk
Grain - - -
Bengal rum -
Cotton - - -
Canvas - - -
Sundries
Imports re-exported
Treasure
213
682,749
8,159
33,810
70,134
17,914
37,702
27,483
- 121,739
999.690
- 151 .590
1,151,280
- 300,000
Sicca rupees 1,451,280
The specie 300,000 rupees (37,5001.)
formed an unusual article of expor-
tation from tliis j)residenc}' as private
trade ; a favourable remittance to
England in bills drawn by the go-
vernment of the Isles of France in-
duced the speculation.
JAVA.
In 1811-12, the amount of imports
from Java Mere,
Merchandize - - - 123,444
Treasiue - - - 222.007
Sicca rupees 345,451
EXPORTS TO JAVA.
Piece goods
Shawls -
Sugar
Grain
Bengal rum
Opium
Canvas -
Sundries -
Imports re-exported
273,106
150
3,482
53,606
22.937
459,705
7,490
112,318
934.794
138,691
Sicca rupees 1,0V3,485
Abstract of the Tinportx and Exports
comiected with the Bengal Presi-
dency, of which the detail is given
as above, for 11 months of lSll-12.
214
CALCUTTA.
Imports.
Exports.
London
3,944,247
8,512,791
Brazil - -
1,498,203
2,931,815
America
585,434
1,595,374
Isles of
France -
337,715
1,451,280
CapeofGood
Hope - -
19,142
8,718
Manilla - -
327,450
873,481
Arabian and
Persian
GiiUs - -
1,439,571
3,178,579
Coast of Su-
matra - -
334,385
1,158,624
Malabar and
Bombay -
572,695
2,132,370
Ceylon - -
91,913
154,651
Aral)oyna -
1,238
389,396
Java - - -
345,451
1,473,485
Pcntinp; and
eastward
2,097,239
2,528,183
China - -
4,801,149
6,222,009
N»w South
Wales
26,526
467,134
Pegue and
Ava - -
418,474
136,842
Slaldives Is-
lands
302,367
86,152
Sicca rupees
18,124,390
34,617,682
Total imports from the in-
terior to Calcutta - 26,054,270
Total exports to ditto from
ditto - - - 6,527,074
Tlie revenue which "government
derived from the imports and ex-
ports of external private trade,
amounted to 851,881, according to
the following statement.
Government duty on ex-
poils - - - - 54,006
Ditto on imports - - 833,071
Sicca rupees 32,581,344
If to the above sum of 13,851 ru-
pees be added the net revenue yield-
ed by the external commerce, the
total sum which goverument received
on the external and internal private
trade of this presidency amounted
to t!ie net sum of 865,732 rupees,
(108,2161.)
The East India Company's external
Commerce.
The extent of the East India Com-
panj's commerce is given, in order
to exhibit, in one view, the whole of
the external commeice of Bengal,
both public and private ; and to
shew, at the same time, the resources
of the provinces subordinate to this
presidency.
The Company's consignments of
merchandize from England to Ben-
gal, received between the 1st June,
1811, and the 30th April, 1812, toge-
ther with the value of salt imported
from the coast, and spices from Am-
boyna, amounted to 9,960,331 ru-
pees; to which, having added the
imports of private trade during the
same period, the total iimount of tlic
imports, public and private, received
in Calcutta in the year 1811-12,
gives a sum of 28,084,721 rupees,
or 3,510,5901. sterling.
Deduct drawbacks on ex-
portation - - -
587 735 East India Compatnfs Imports.
From Europe, merchandize 2,605,320
35 g54 Marine stores 87,812
Sicca rupees 851,881
Or (106,4851.)
Tlie inland trade of Calcutta, in
the year 1811-12, amounted to the
sum of sicca rupees 32,581,344,
(4,072.6081.) yielding a clear revenue
of 13,851 rui)ces, after deducting
drawbsicks allowed the importer.
721,869
Sicca rupees 2,753,132
Salt from Coro-
mandol - - 708,072 }
Rock salt - - 13,707 J
Imports of treasiue from
Bombay - - - 5,150,000
Spices from Amboyna and
eastward _ - - 1,335,330
Canicd over 9,960,331
CALCUTTA.
215
Total E.T.Comp.'s exports 9,960,331
Add imports ol' private
traiU' :
IMcrchnndize 11,338,692 ? iq ,o4 ooa
Treasure - 6,78o,098 ) ' '
rr 4 1 r • • * ~) 28,084,721
Total foreijrii imports, f ' .'
sicca rupees - j .^.-^^"^Ir^g^i
The above is exclusive of military
stores, as nsnal, and iiills shoi't l>y
3,108,140 of llicamoiuil imported 011
tlie iiiii)li<- aeeoiiiit of s^'ovrmncut
and private individuals iu the \ear
1810-11.
Exports of the East India Company
ill 1811-12.
To London
St. Helena
10,976,583
22,356
Ca. ofGoodTlopt
426,500
To Indian Ports
Bencooleu
97,658
]Madras
8,337
Eomba}'
113,235
Penang-
456,182
China
921,212
Cevlou
3,576
Amhoyna
51,838
10,989,939
2.078,598
Total E. 1. Co.'s exports 13,077,537
Exports of private trade 31,617,682
Total foreign exi»orts 47,695,21 9
Of the above exports, sicca rupees
19,489,374 (2,436,1721.), in value of
niei chandize, was consigned to Eng-
land in the foliowiisg proportions:
East India Company's ex-
ports - - 10,976,583
Exports of private trade 8,512,791
The total amount of tlu^ imports
and exports oi' the o.tcrnal eoni-
meree, eanied on between Calcutta
and the ports and phiees with which
it had inlercoinse, from t!ie 1st June,
1811, to the 3011» April, 1.S12, will be
found in the following abstract siate-
juent :
4
^ ^-«
y' E
K
X X ^^
■r. -r
^
if-
W--
^
C'
*'.-'
r;
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^
o
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o w
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^
V
05
35 M
nJ
<
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c
— X
*. V
V.
Pl
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5: Ci
^
H
^
<i o
;!t
93
""
CO X
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in
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io
4^ X
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i»^
4^
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li
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'^
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or -^
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ft
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o
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— ■
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to O
aq
<o
If to sicca i-upees 76,779,940, (the
sum total of ovternal commerce) the
value of the inland or iateriial trade
be addeii,tlie grand total will amount
to the sum total of sicca ru[)ees
108,361,284, or 13,545,1601. sterling ;
giving au excess of 4,799,063, oi'
216
CALICUT.^
599,8831. sterling, beyond the capital
engaged in the internal and external
commerce of the year 1810-11.
Ships and Vessels arrived at Calcutta
in 1811-12.
Uuder English colom-s, 193
tonnage - - 78,504
Under Portuguese do. 11 4,180
Under American do. 8 2,313
Under Indian, including
donies - - 389 60,227
601 151,224
Ships and Vessels departed from Cal-
cutta in 1811-12.
Under English colours, 194
tonnage - - 77,072
Under Portuguese do. 10 4,020
Under Spanish do. - 1 650
Under American do. 8 2,369
Under Indian, including
donies - - 386 65,650
Tons 599 149,761
(Parliamentary Reports, Lord Va-
lentia, Tennant, Melburn, M. Gra-
ham, R. Grant, Sir H. Stracheij,
J. T. Brown, Rennel, Williamson,
Calian. — A town in the province
of Aurungabad, 32 miles N. E. from
Bombay. Lat. 19°. 17'. N. Long.
73°. 12'. E. This place sustained
numerous sieges, during the wars of
the Mahommedans and Maharattas ;
and is surrounded with ruins of dif-
ferent sorts. It is still a populous
town, and carries on some trailic in
cocoa-imts, oil, coarse cloths, brass,
and earthen-ware. Its appearance
indicates a former state of superior
grandeur; but it is now a poor
Mahommedan town. The travelling
distance from Poonah is 91 miles.
(il/. Graham, Rennel, Sec.)
Calicut, (Calicodii). — A district
in the province of Malabar, extend-
ing along lh(! sea coast between the
parallels of 10°. and 12°. north
latitude; and one of the principal
3
countries of that extraordinary Hin-
doo sect the Nairs, the Calicut Ra-
jah or Zamorin of the Europeans
being one of their chiefs. By his
own caste, and the other natives, he
is called the Tanuui Rajah.
All the males of the family of Iho
Tamuri Rajah or Zamorin, are called
Tamburans, and all the females are
called Tamburctties. All the chil-
dren of every Tamburetti are en-
titled to these appellations ; and, ac-
cording to seniority, rise to the high-
est dignities that belong to the fa-
mily. These ladies are generally
impregnated by Namburis, (Brah-
mins of high caste), and sometimes
by the higher rank, of Nairs; but the
sacred character of the Namburis
always procures them a pret'erence.
The ladies live in the houses of their
brothers, and never have any inter-
course with their husbands, which
would be reckoned scandalous.
The oldest man of the family by
the female line is the Taumri Kajah,
or Zamorin, who is also named
Mana Yicrama Samudri Rajah, and
is regularly crowned. 'J'his chief
pretends to be of a higher rank than
the Brahmins, and to be only in-
ferior to the invisible gods, which
pretensions are acknowledged by his
lay subjects; but held absurd and
abominable by the Brahmins, who
treat him as a Sudra. The Zamorin,
although of a caste inferior to the
Cochin Rajah, and possessed of less
extensive dominions, was commonly
reckoned of equal i-ank, which is
attributed to the superior prowess
of his people. In 1766, when Hyder
invaded Malabar, the Cochin Rajah
quietly submitted to pay tribute ;
while the pride of the Zamorin re-
fused any kind of submission ; and,
alter an unavailing resistance, being
made prisoner, set fire to the house
in which he was confined, and was
burned with it. Several of his per'
sonal attendants, who were acci-
dentally excluded when he shut the
door, aftciAvards threw themselves
into the flames, and perished with
their master.
CALLAO.
217
It tippoars from iho records of
TilliolK'ry, that the Eti<;lish first be-
gan to trallic in the Zamorin's domi-
nions in the year 1GG4. Hydcr
invaded the country, in person, in
the year 17C(J ; but, was soon after-
wards called away, by a war in the
dominions of the Naijob of Arcot.
Tlie Tanuiri Rajahs embraced this
opportunity, and iiaving re-possessed
themselves, held their lands fur seven
years. A Brahmin named Chinavas
Row, was then sent against tiiem,
and drove thcni into the dominions
of Tratancore. After nine years of
his administration, the British came
and took Falighat; but, in the ap-
proach of Tippoo, were oblis^ed to
retreat by Paiiiaui. The Rajahs
continued in exile until ITDO, when
a little before the battle of Tiruvana
Angady, they joined Colonel Hart-
ley with 5000 Nairs. At the peace
with Tippoo, in 1792, this district,
consisting of (53 talock, and the
resemie estimated at ei;.!,ht and a
lialf Jacks of pagodas, was ceded in
per|>ctuity to the Company.
Formerly the chiefs of Pnnatoor,
Talapuli, MannacoUalil, Tirnma-
iiachcry, Agenicutil, and many
othei-s, were tributary to tlie Za-
morin, and tiiruished on emergencies
quotas of troops. He has now no
authority whatever, and is subsisted
by the bounty of the British govern-
ment. Further particulars respect-
ing this district will be found under
the article Malabar. {F. Buehanau,
Wilkes, Duncan, Sec.)
Calicut. — A town on the sea
coast of the Malabar province, the
capital of tlie district of Calicut.
Lat. 11*^. lb'. N. Long. 75°. 50'.
li.
The Portuguese under Vasco do
Gama, arrived at Calicut on the
18th May, 1498, 10 months and two
days after their departure from Lis-
bon. In 1509, Don Fernando Cou-
tinho, Marechal of Portugal, with
3000 troops attacked Calicut; but
was slain in the attack, and his army
repulsed with great loss. In 17G6
>t was invaded and conquered by
IFydcr, who enlarged and improved
the fort; but 'I'ippoo afterwards
destroyed both town and fort, and
removed the inhabitants to Nellnru.
the name of which lie cha»ge<l to
Furrnckabad being like all the .Ma-
hommedans of India, a great changer
of the old Pagan names. Fiiteen
months after this forced emigration,
the English con(|uered the province,
and the inhabitants returned with
great joy to their old habitation.
The town in 1800 contained above
5000 houses, and Avas rapidly im-
proving. The inhabitants were
chiefly Moplays. The priricipal ex-
ports are pepper, teak, sandal wood,
cardamums, coir cordage, and wax.
Travelling distance iioin Seringa-
patam 129 miles, S. AY. (/'. Ba-
chanttn, Wilks, Bruce, Rennel, lio-
bertson, ^-c.)
Calicooth, (Calicuta). — A town
in the Northern Circars, near the
Chilcah Lake, 20 miles N. W. from
Ganjam. Lat. 19^^ 20'. N. Long.
85° 21'. E.
Caligauw, (Caligrnma). — A town
in Northern Ilindnstan, tributary to
the Ghoorklmli. Rajah of Nepaul,
and situated in tli(^ countn of the
24 rajahs. Lat. 2S°. 40'. N. l-.ong.
33°. 56'. E.
Calingapatam. — A town on the
sea coast of the Northcrii Circars, 70
miles N. E.from Vizaifapatam. Lat.
18°. 25'. N. Long. 84°. 15'. E.
Callacoil. — A town in the dis-
trict of Marawas, 34 inilcs E. from
Madura. Lat. 9°. 53'. N- L-JUg.
79°. 41'. E.
Callacaiid. — A town in the pro-
vince of Tinevelly, 42 miles N. by E.
from Cape Coniorin. Lat. 8°. 31'.
N. Long. 7/°. 44'. I).
Callao. — ^Tliis island lies opposite
to the coast of Cocliin China, and
about eight miles to (he eastward c>r
a considerable river, on the banks
of which is situated the town of
Faifoo, a place of some note, not lar
from the harbour of Tinon. The
extreme points of the island lie in
Lat, 15°. 53'. N. and 15°. 57'. N.
The greatest lengtii is about live
218
CALLINGER.
miles, and the average breadth two
miles.
The only inhabited part is the
S. W. coast. One of the mountains
to the south is about 1500 leet high;
tlie low grouful contains about 200
acres, 'ihis beautiful spot is diversi-
fied with neat houses, temples, clus-
ters of tiees, small hillocks covered
with shrubbery, and frees of various
kinds. A riil of water is carried
along tlie upper ridg^es of the vale,
to water the rice grounds. The
juimbcr of (he houses on the island
are about 60. This would be a
most advantageous spot to establish
a settlement. A very few men
Mould seive for a garrison, a j^reat
part of the coast being already forti-
fied by nature. The depth of water
in the bay and road is sufficient for
ships of any burthen, and there is
shelter from every wind except the
south-west; on this quarter, how-
ever, the distance of the continent is
so inconsiderable, lliat it nould break
the force of the sea. {Staunton, ^-c.)
Callianpook, {Cali/aiipnra, the
flourishing town). — A town on the
sea coast of the province of Canara,
36 miles N. by W. from Mangalore.
jLat. 13°. IS'. N. Long. 74°. 48'. E.
Call! ANY, {Cahjaui). — A small
district in the Nizam's temtories, in
the province of Becder, situated be-
twixt the 17th and 18th degrees of
north latituile.
Calliany — A town in the pro-
vince of Becder, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name, 77 miles W.
by N. from llvderabad. Lat. 1<°.
22'. N. Long. 77°. .13'. E.
Calling ER, (Calatijara). — A dis-
trict in the province of Allahabad,
situated about the 25t!i degree of
north latituile. It is bounded on the
north by the River Jumna, and on
the west by Bundelcund, its sou-
thern limits are micertain. The
Cane and Jumna are tlie principal
rivers, and the chief towns Callinger,
Senrab, and Attouah. In 1582 it is
described by Abnl Fazel as follows :
"Sircar Callinger, containing 11
mahals, measurement 508,273 bee-
gahs, revenue 23,839,474 dams.
Seyurghal 614,580 dams. The circar
furnishes 1210 cavalry, 12 elephants,
and ] 8,000 infantry."
This district was ceded to the
British in December, 1803, by the
]Maharatta Peshwa, in exchange for
other districts nearer to his own
capital. Tiie jMaharattas early ren-
dered this territory nominally tribu-
tary, but derived no benefit tiom it;
being in reality unable to enforce
their authority, from the refractory
disposition of the iidiabitants, and
the number of natural strong holds
they possessed.
Callinger. — A town and strong
fortress in the province of Allaliabad,
the capital of a distiict of the same
name. Lat. 24°. 68'. N. Long. 8t.°
25'. N. Abul Fazel in 1582 des-
cribes it as follows: — Callinger is a
stone fort, situated on a lofty moun-
tain. Here is an idol named Kal-
bihroop, 18 cubits in height. At
the distance of 20 coss from the fort
husbandmen sometimes find small
diamonds, and in tlie neighbourhood
is an iron mine."
Rajahs of Callinger are mentioned
so early by Mahommedan historians
as A. i). 1008 ; but, it was not con-
quered until 1203, and then not per-
manently retained. In 1.545, it was
stormed by the troops of Shere Khan,
who lost his life during the assault,
by the explosion of some ammuni-
tion.
This fortress resembles in its situa-
tion, and exceeds in its size and natu-
ral strength the fortrcssof (jiualior, be-
ing built on a high rock of great ex-
tent, which forms one of the ranges of
mountains extending tiom Rhotas
or Sasseram, to the cunfuies of
Ajmeer. To garrison it efficiently
M ould require 5000 men. After the
iu\asion of Bundelcund by Ali Ba-
hauder and Rajah llinnnut Ba-
hauder, the siege of this ])lace was
attempted; but, at an early period,
for want of a battering train was
converted into a blockade, which
lasted for many years, but withont
ultimate success. Tiie power and
CAMS AY.
219
influence of tlic KollaJar of Callinp;er
were tiu" chief obstacl(;s to the suc-
cess of All Bahadcr, duriiig the last
five years of his lil'c, ami compelled
him to encamp a considerable part
of his army in the vicinity of that
fortress.
The same opposition with in-
creased energy was continued after
the cession of the conntry to the
British, and Callinp,er became an
asylum for all the disaffected asid
banditti in the pro\iuce. After
many inetiectual attempts to obtain
possession by an amicable arrauj-'c-
ment with the Killadar or gov rnor,
it was in 1810 besiej;ed in form by
the British, who were repulsed wmi
great slaughter, in an attempt to
carry this nearly iiupregnable for-
tress by storm. 'I'lie garrison, how-
ever, although successful, were so
intimidated by tlie determination
displayed by the assailants, that they
evacuated it during the night. {3IS6'.
Calliokdroog, (Cahjanadurgn). —
A town in the Baiaghaut ceded
districts, situated on the west sid«
of tlie Hoe,gry River, 44 miles S. by
E. Irom Bel'lary. Lat. 14°. 30'. x\.
Long. 77°. 9'. E.
Calowk. — A very liilly and woody
distiict, situated principally in the
province of Lahore, about the 32d
degree of north latitude. It is bound-
ed on the north by the Kaugrah dis-
tricts; to the eastward by a large
tract of country named Bessecr ; to
the southward by Nhan ; and to the
west by Punjab. In 17S3 it was
sobject to the Rannv of Bellaspoor.
and the revenue was estimated at
12 lacks of rupees. The Sutuleje is
the only river of consequence, and
Bellaspoor the principal town.
{Foste?-, Sj-c.)
Cali'Ee. — Sec Kalpy.
Caltuka. — A village and small
fort, about 28 miles to the south of
Columbo, in the Island of Ceylon.
Lat. 6°. 42'. N. Long. 7<j°. 54'. E.
The river at Caltma is one of the
largest branches of the IMuliwaddy,
and is here about a mile broad. It
washes two sides of the fort by
wliich it is conmiimdod, and is navi-
gable by boats to the sea. Some
tracts of cinnamon are scattered up
and down in the vicinity ; but a short
way further south we come to the
termination of ihe fertile district of
Columbo, which contains so great a
proportion of the wealth of Ceylon.
A quantity of arrack is made from
the produce of the cocoa-nut trees,
and there is a large plantation of
sugar canes, and a distillery of rum
carried on by some Dutehuien,
which is much inferior in qualily
to the West India rum. (PercivaL,
Calygong Hills, {Caligrama). —
A ridge of hills betwixt the Tuptec
and Nerbnddah rivers, which bound
the province of Berar to the north.
As yet they have been but little ex-
plored.
Calymere Point. — A promontory
on the sea coast of the province of
Tanjore, near to which are some pa-
godas visible from the sea. Lat. 10°.
20'. N. Long. 79°. 54'. E.
Camandoo. — A town in the Scik
territories, in the province of La-
hore, situated on the east side of the
Eevah River, 124 miles N. E. from
the citv of Lahore. Lat. 32°. 26'.
N. Loiig. 75°. 50'. E.
Cameay, (Camhoja). — A town in
the i)rovince of Gnjrat, situated at
the uiioer part of the Gulf of Cam-
bay. ' Lat. 22°. 23'. N. Long. 72°.
45'. E.
Near the town the tides of the
gulf run with great rajjidity, and rise
and fall 40 feet, so that at high water
ships can anclior near the town, but
at low water the river runs almost
dry, so that the ve:^sels in tlie river
Hiust lie aground in the mud. When
Ahmedabad, in Gnjrat, flourished
the capital of an independent slate,
Cambay was its sea-j>ort, and ex-
perienced great prosperity, but it
decayed with its metropolis, and is
now much redueed. Elephants'
teeth and coineiians are procured
here lor the China market, but the
chief article of export is cotton to
220
CAMBODIA.
Bombay, and grain ; tlie imports are
tlie same as in (he {»rovince of Gujrat
generally.
Mnior A^'ilford is of opinion, that
in the .5th centiiry Tamra-nap:ara, or
Cambat, (Canibay) was the capital
of the Balarayas, and perhaps of the
Hindoo enipernrs of the west, when
the two dig-nities happened to be
united in the same person. Osorio,
a l^ortug;uese m liter, says, that when
Francis d'Almeida landed near Cam-
bay, in the year 1.515, he saw the
ruins of sumptuop.s buildings and
temples, tlie remains of an ancient
city. It is said such ruins exist to
the present day to the south of Cam-
bay, OH the Broach side, m here theie
are temples and other buildings half
buried in the sand, with which this
place Avas overwhelmed. Cambay
was taken and jiiilaged by the Ma-
hommedans in A. D. 1297, during
the reign of Alia ud Deen.
At this town, and others in Guj-
rat, are Hindoo subterranean tem-
ples, which have been constructed
since the Wahominedan invasion,
and still remain. In the houses of
Ojjulcnt persons are also freciuently
found apaitments under ground,
Avhcre they conceal their females
and property during times of alarm.
In a .Tain subterranean tejnple, at
Cambay, are two massy statues of
their deities, one of which is white,
and the other black. The inscription
on the tirst intiniates that it is an
imago of Parsw anatha, a Jain deity,
carved and consecrated in the reign
of the Jilmperor Acber, A. D. 16U2.
The black one has merely the date
inscribed, 1651, with the names of
the two Banyans who brought it
th«n-e.
Tiic natives of Cambay are reckon-
ed the most e\j)ert plaisterers in the
(ilujrat province. In the north-west
•piarter of India, it is supposed that
the saline particles in the water, even
M lure remote liom the ocean, give
that appearance of dampness and
coarseness to the walls for which
they are remarkable, when com-
pared with those of Coromandol.
This town is now comprcliended in
the British territories under the
Bombay presidency.
Travelling distance from Bombay,
281, from Delhi, 663, from Calcut-
ta, 1253 miles. (Drmnmmid, Wil-
ford, Malet, Maurice, Elmore, Ren-
nel, 5c.)
Cambay, Gulf of. — A gulf on
the north-west coast of India, which
penetrates about 150 miles into the
province of Gujrat.
The tides in this gulf run with
amazing velocity, and at low water,
during spring tides, leave the bottom
of the l)ay dry from lat. 22°. 3'. N.
to Cambay town. No vessels at-
tempt to go above Gongway in one
tide trom Jumbosier, it being often
attended w ith bad consequences ; for
if they cannot get into Cambay
Creek, they must return to Gong-
wa}', which is distant five leagues;
In maijy places the current is so
rapid, that if a ship takes the ground
she immediately upsets, and, in aM
probability, every person on board
perish. It is supposed that the depth
of water in the Gulf of Cambay has
progressively decreased for more
than two centuries past.
Fifteen miles east of Cambay city,
the bed of the gnlf is reduced to six
miles broad, and is dry at ebb tide ;
but the passage ought never to be
attempted, either ou horse or foot,
without a natiy<' guide, as there is a
danger of wandering among the mud
and quicksands, and being overtaken
by the flood tide, which rushes fu-
riously in, like the bore in the Cal-
cutta Kiver. {Elmore, Driaumond,&-e.y
Cambodia, (Camboja). — A coun-
try in India beyond the Ganges, .si-
tuated principally betwixt the 10th
and 15th degrees of north latitude,
and extending along the east side ot'
the Bay of Siara. To the north it
is bounded by Laos, to the south by
sea ; to the cast it is separated from
Cochin China by a ridge of moun-
tains, and to the west it has Siam
and part of the Birman empire. In
length it may be estimated at 35tt
miles, by 150 the average breadth.
CAMBODIA.
221
Rcspcclinjc this ronntry wc have
wry little recent iurormation, and
tJie ohl is either obsolete, or nut to
be depended upon. It is likewise
named t'aniboja, Cainbu-chat, and
by the Birmans Yoodra-shan, and
extends to the southernmost point
of India beyond the (jan':i;es, (Ma-
lacca excepted) wliere tlic whole
coast from Cambodia point, to the
westcru point of tlic f!;reat Cam-
bodia River, is covered with un-
derwood, and exceedingly low. In
this part the sea is so shallow,
that at the distajiec of fiv<; or six
miles tiom the sliore ti)e water is
seldom more than four fatiioms deep,
and nothinj:!: lur-^er than a boat can
approach within two miles. 1'his
southern extremity of Asia sinks
into the sea by very slow gradations.
The vegetable j)rodnctions of this
provin<c are the same as of tiie
neighbouring countries, Ava and
Siain ; the colouring matter, named
gamboge, derives its name from this
kingdom, beiugthe concrete resinous
j«ice of certain trees found here of
superior quality, but produced like-
wise in other })arts of It)dia. Very
little external conunerce has at any
time subsisted with the European
settlements of India, but the cojui-
try is extremely well adapted for an
inland navigation, as the rivers of
Cambodia ami Siam communicate
in the interior by a considerable
branch named the Annan. 'J"he Chi-
nese and IVlacao Portuguese still
carry on a small trallic, importing
silk goods, China and lackered ware,
tea, sweetmeats, tin, and tutenague;
and exporting a variety of dried tish
and woods, such as sapan wood,
rose wood, black wood, &:c. drugs,
mother-of-pearl, slielLs, and skins of
dillerent sorts. The chief port of
export is Saigong in Siampa. The
IVIayl^aung (properly Mekon) or
Cambodia or Don-iiai River, rises
in Tibet, and is navigable lor boats
during a considerable part of its
oomse, part of whidi is through the
province of Yunan in China, lor
^•hip? it is navigable 40 miles from
its junction with the sea, where the
city of Saigoe.g is situated. It has
several braiiehes, but the width of
the principal branch is about two
miles broad, and the water Acry
deep. The eliief town is Lowaick,
but, like the river, is also riiuned
Cambodia by Europeans, but there
are only three other eolIeetii>ns of
houses that deserve the name of
towns. Lower Cambodia being in-
corporated with Cochin China, en-
tir«"ly resembles it.
Tiie Khomen language is used by
a nation of that n;ntie, who reside
(»n the banks of the jMe-kon, or
Hiver of Cambu Cha't, or Cambo-
dia, 'i'he khomen are reckoned au
ancient and learned peo])le, and were
formerly subdued by the T'hay J'hay,
or ancient Siamese race. Tlie mo-
dern T'hay, or Siamese, still deno-
minate the Bali character, Nangsu
Khom, or the Khomen letter from
this nation. They are not, however,
supposed to have existed as a polish-
ed people so early as the Law (Laos).
but are believed to have derived their
origin from the warlike race of moun-
taineers named Kho, the Gueos of
the Portuguese historians ; who are
still represented as practising their
ancient customs, of eating human
llcsh, and tattoing their bodies. Th«
name of Camboja is often mentioned
in the Ramayon, and other ancient
Hindoo poems, where its horses ar«
celebrated; but the designation, pro-
bably, refers to Cambay in Gujrat,
as we can scarcely suppose that, in
the remote times of Hindoo anti-
quity, an intercourse subsisted be-
twixt t)ude, the cai>ital of the great
Ram, and this remote country.
\^ ith the present state of the in-
terior we arc wholly nnae(piainted.
and its religion can only be guessed
at. Sunounded on all sides iiy na-
tions professing to follow the do<'-
trincK of Buddha, the njajori^y of the
inhabitants of Cambodia arc, pro-
bably, sectaries of the same religion.
The accounts we have of tl»e numn-
taineers assimilate them to the bar-
barous aborigines foHud all over In-
222
CANANORE.
dia, wliPFP neither the Hindoo nor
the Mahommedan religion has pene-
trated, or made any lasting inipies-
sion. (Leyden, Staunton, F. Bu-
chanan, Si/nies, De Bissachere, ^c.)
Cambodia. — A city ni India be-
yond the Ganges, the capital of the
jkingdom of Cambodia. Lat. 13°.
Long. 104°. 35'. E. By the Eirmaiis
it is named Lowaick, and is situated
on the Hiver Mekon, or Cambodia,
about 150 miles from the sea.
Cambing. — A small island, abont
30 miles in circumference, lying off
the north coast of Timor, bctniYt
the 8th and 9th degrees of south
latitude.
Cambyna. — An island in the East-
ern Seas, about 60 miles in circum-
ference, lying off the south-eastern
extremity of Celebes. It is veiy
mountainous, and one hill in parti-
cular is of a very gieat elevation.
Camigten. — A small island, one
of the Philippines, about 10 miles ia
length, by lour the average breadth,
situated due north of the island of
Luzon. There is a considerable trade
carried on here for wax, gold, cocoa
luits, and cassia.
Camroop, (Camarnpa, the aspect
of desire). — A province in Assam,
uhich formeily gave its name to an
extensive kingdom, of which Kan-
gamalty seems to have been the ca-
pital. It extends from the Candar
Chokey in Ootrecole, along the banks
of the Brahmapoo(ra to the province
of Dehrung. Goalparah and the
Candar Chokey to the west, are the
natural boundaries of Assam, for
they are in reality the natural boun-
daries of a new climate.
This province is intersected in va-
rious directions by rivers flowing from
the mountains, and by branches of
the Biahmapootra, m hich are navi-
gable during the inundation for boats
of any size. The breadth of this
province^ from the banks of the
Brahmapootra to the mountains is,
on an average, 40 miles ; its length,
from Candar Chokey, to the Burra-
nuddee, is about 100 miles. A mi-
litary causeway extends from Cooch
Bahar to the north of this and other
districts, to the utmost limits of As-
sam. In most places it is now in a
state of decay.
This province was invaded by Ma-
hommcd Bukhtyar Khiiijee in 1204,
innnediately after the conquest of
Bengal by the Mahommcdans ; but
he was com])elled to retreat after
losing nearly the whole of his armj'.
It is probable the dominions of Cam-
roop, at this ])criod, extended much
further to the westward than the
modern tenitor)% and included many
districts since annexed to Bengal,
such as Bangamatty, Rungpoor, and
Cooch Bahar. The mode of defence
adopted by the princes of these coun-
tries Avlien invaded, was to retiie
with their families and effects into
the jungles, until the violence of the
rains, the inundation of the country,
and the pestilential effects of an un-
healthy climate, compelled the ene-
mies to capitulate, or to attempt a
destiaictivc retreat. {Wade, Stewart,
eye.)
Cananobe, (Camtra). — A town
on the sea coast of the province of
Malabar. Lat. 11°. 52'. N. Long".
75°. 27'. E.
The countiy about this place con-
sists of low hills and nanow vallies ;
the hills inland are covered with
bushes, and beautihilly skirted with
plantations. The rice grounds are
extensive, well drained, and care-
fully supplied with water.
Caiianore was piuchased from the
Dutch by the ancestors of the Bil)y,-
(female sovereign) who is a Moplay,
or jMahommedan. Prior to this the
family were of little consequence,
and entirely dependent on the Che-
rical rajahs; but having acquired a
fortress, considered by the Nairs as
impregnable, they became powerful,
and were looked up to as the head
of all the Mahommedans of Malabar.
'J'ho succession goes in the female
line as usual in Rlalabar. The chil-
dren of the Biby's son will have no
claim to the sovereignty, but will be
succeeded by tlie son of his niece,
who is the daughter of liis sister.
CANARA.
223
The lenitory of lliis princess on
the rontiiieiit is verv small; \ot she
jjuvs a n'\enue of 14,000 rupees as
l;iiid-ta\, and llie T'^ast India Com-
l^iiiY receive all the customs, 'i'hc
liiliy is allowed to collect all the re-
venue, hut her pmfit from tliencc
must he inconsiderable. IMost of
the Laceadives are siiliject to her ;
but they are wretched islands, ])ro-
ducing no <^rain, nor an\ tliinj;^ hut
cocoa-nuts, hetd nut, and plaintains.
Tlic Biby of Cananore possesses seve-
ral vessels that sail t() Arabia, and
carries on ii considerable trade to
Bengal, Arabia, and Sumatra.
This town is situated at the bot-
tom of a small bay, which is one of
the best on the coast, and contains
several good houses belonging to
Mahommedan merchants, 'I'lie peo-
ple here have no communication
with the Maldives, although the sul-
tan and inhabitants of these islands
are Moplays also. Cananore is de-
fended by a fortress, situated on the
point which Ibrnis the l>ay; and it
has been strengthened with w'orks
after the European fashion, since the
province was ceded 1o the Company ;
and it is now tiic liead-qiiarters of
tlie goverrmient.
The small district of Cananore ex-
tends no where more than two miles
from the glacis of the fort. The sur-
face is high and uneven, bitt not so
much as to prevent the whole from
being cultivated once in three, six,
or nine years, according to the q\ia-
lity of the soil. In 1800, the num-
ber of houses in Cananore and the
district of Chcrical w as 10,386, and
of slaA es there were 4G70. In Che-
rical and Cotiote there are slaves,
chiefly of the Poliar and Pariar
castes ; but the greater part of the
cultivation is carried on by panicar,
or hired men. A trade is canied
from hence with Arabia, Bengal,
Sumatra, and Surat; from whence
liorses, ainjonds, piece goods, sugar,
opium, silk, benzoin, and camphire
are imported; the exports are, prin-
cipally, pepper and cardamums, san-
dal wood, coir, and sharks' fins. So
early as 1505, the Portuguese had a
fort at Cananore. {F. Jiuvhana/t,
Bruce, i-c.)
CANARA, {Carmta).
A province on the west coast of
India, exteiiding from the I'ith to
the 15th degree of north latitude.
To the north it has the Maharalta
territories, in the province of Bcja-
poor; to the south the Malabar dis-
tricts ; on the cast it has Mysore,
and the I?ahigliaut teriitories; and
to the west the sea. In length it
may be estimated at 200 miles, by
35 miles the average breadth. The
province was transferred to the
Company in 1799, and now forms
one of the coUcctorships under tiie
Madras presidency ; but, in geogra-
phical description, is usually divided
into north and south Canara, under
which heads furtlier topographical
details will be found.
The tract distinguished in our
maps as the province of Canara. by
a fatality nnexampled in the history
of nations, neither is, nor ever was
known by that name to the people
of the country, or of any part oi' In-
dia. Voyagers and Mahommedan
strangers, finding that it was a de-
pendency of the kingdom of Canara^
and probably that the officers of go-
vermnent spoke that language, gave
the name of Canara to the district
called by the natives Tulava, which
name, however, applies more parti-
cularly to the country noi th of the
River Chandragiri. Canara is a cor-
niption of Karnata, the table land
above the Ghauts ; the British pro-
vince of which is composed of the
maritime countries of l^ilava, Uai-
ga, and tlu; adjacent parts of Alala-
bar and the Hindoo kankana.
'^i'he province of Canara continued
undisturbed, under a Hindoo go-
vernment, until 1763, when it \\as
subdued to Hyder. On his taking
possession, it w as a highly improv(<i
country, tilled with industrious in-
habitants, who enjoyed greater ad-
224
CANAEA.
Tanta<i:cs than tliciv iicighboxTrs abcive
the Ghauts; the small estates into
which it was subdivided were consi-
dered the actual property of the
liolders, and the assessment tixed
and moderate. Prior to the aecjui-
sition of this province by the Com-
pany, the popuhitiou was much re-
duced in consequence of wars and
internal fends, tlie destruction of
many principal towns by Tippoo
ISultan, and to his sending above
G0,000 Christian inhabitants captives
into Mysoie, from whence but a
small uuml)er ever returned. The
country was consequently found in
a state of desolation, and contained
large tracts of unclaimed waste, ovcr-
proAvn with woods, particularly in
the vicinity of tiie Ghauts.
From tiie first transfer of Canara
to the British authority, it has con-
tinued a solitary example of tranqnil-
Jity; of ail easy and rcgidar realiza-
tion of the revenue and of general
property. Tliis has been attributed
to the nature of the temues by m Inch
landed property is held in tliis pro-
vince, to the moderate re\enae
exacted, and to its local situation,
which is advantageous for the dis-
posal of its produce.
The rent at present received by
proprietors from fixed tenants and
tenants at will, is estimated to be
generally about one-half of the
gross produce, the government tax
being about 60 per cent, of the land-
lord's rent, and 30 per cent, of the
gioss produce. Since the cession
a great improvcnieiit has been
exhibited among the people in
dress, mode of living, and other per-
sonal comforts; and the aggregate
revenue has increased, and is rea-
lized with singular' punctualitj',
notwithstanding thq numberless
estates lron\ which it is collected,
'j'his last circumstance arises from
the natural division and subdivision
of propertj' under the Hindoo laws,
and amounted, in one district of the
province only, to above 22,000, some
of which yielded only one fanam of
rent. All the land here is private
property, deri\ed from gift or puf-*
chase, or descent trom antiquity too
remote to be traced.
In a country so rocky and uneven
as Canara, where cattle are not only
scarce, but can rarely be employed;
where every spot, before it can be
cultivated, must be levelled with
great labour liy the hand of man;*
the expense of the lirst preparation
of waste land mast have been so
great, that it never would have been
attempted unless the revenue assess-
ment had been very moderate. Even
after the land is brought into culti-
vation, if it be neglected for a few
years, it is soon broken up by deep
gullies, formed by the torrents which
fall during the monsoon. In this
proviikc, and also in that of Mala-
bar, the liroprietor of land bestoAvs
on his little spot all that minute la-
bour and attention, which is so im-
portant to Indian husbandry. Each
man lives on his estate; and tlie
neatness of the culture and of the
enclosures shew tiie attention with
which the proprietor improves and
embellishes iiis ground.
Canara will probably never be a
manufacturing country, because it
produces none of the raw materials
necessary to render it such ; and be-
cause the heavy rains, which last so
great a part ol' the year, are insur-
mountable obstacles to all operations
M Iiicli require to be carried on in the
open air under a clear sky; but the
same rains that deny it manufac-
tures, give it a succession oi' never-
fiuiingcrops oi'riee,wlnch is exported
to Malabar, Goa, Bombay, and
Araiiia.
The principal places recorded as
trading ports in tJiis province are
Mangalore, Ankala, Onore, Cunda-
poor, Barkoor, and Becul. Manga-
lore is the emporium fioni whence
and from others, in a .small degree,
arc exported to Araijia cardamoms,
coir, pepper, moories, pc/on spars,
lice, sandal wood, oil, betel nut,
ghee, and iron ; to Goa, large sup-
plies of rice, horn, grain, and to-
bacco; to the Maharatta conn-
CANARA, (NOnTH). 225
tries, iron, rice, betel mit, iiatdicriy, the mountains. Tlie part of the
ScC. Hindoo Kankann (Concan) included
I'loni Arabia are imported dates, in this division, l()riiiin;r tlie district
briinslone, salt fish, and horses; of Ancola, is larger than either of
from Uombay, brimstone, sup;ar, and the districts into which Haiga is di-
horses; lioin the Maharatta conntiy, vided. All the country fi-om Onore
horses, shawls, blue cloths, Sec. in<;Iusive as faras Gaukarna, is called
The total value of imports from Haiga, and is said formerly to have
plae<>s beyond the territories of the been under the influence of Ravana,
Madras jiovernment, between the KingofLanca or Ceylon. Li 1800 it
1st May, 1811, and the 3()lh April, paid only 29,000 pagodas,whileOnore
1812, was, Arcot rupees 470,082, produced .51,<X)0, and Kundapura
viz. 50,000, ^\hich arose from Ancola's
I'Vom Arabia ----- 67,248 having long been in an unsettled
Calcutta ------ 22,293 state, and much ravaged by the
Bombay ------ 97,472 Maharattas.
Ciiina ------ 3,562 North Canara produces sandal
Maharatta country - - - 244,853 wood trees, sugar canes, teak, wild
Various places - - - - 44,474 cinnamon, nutmegs and pepper, and
cut or teira japonica. In the south-
Arcot rupees 470,082 eru part the quantity of rice ground
is small, and a great part of the
The total value of the ex])orts country is covered with low woods,
during the above period, to places inwhieh are to beseenthe inclosures
beyojid the limits of the Aladras of former gardens. The water in
j::overnment, was, Arcot rupees the wells is nowhere at any great
2,284,876, viz. distance from the surface. To the
To Arabia _ - - - 336,943 north of Battecolla much of the soil
Calcutta ----- 2,867 is poor ; in many places the laterite
Bombay ----- 854,956 being entirely naked. About Bei-
Ceylon ------ 16,516 luru are many groves of the calo-
Gnjrat .-_--- 861,069 phylhun inophyllum, from the seed
^laharatta country - - 152,970 of which the common lamp oil of the
Various places - - - .59,655 country is expressed, and in this
neighbourhood a good cocoa nut
Arcot rupees 2,284,876 tree is reckoned to produce 50 nuts
anmiallj'. In 1800, the number of
From tlie 1st May, 1811, to the teaktreescutdowiiannuallyamount-
30tli April, 1812, 943 vessels and ed to about 3000. The mimosa ca-
craft, measuring 36,951 tons, arrived techu grows spontaneously on all
in the province ; and 882, measuring the hills in South Concar, from which
24,576 tons, departed. {WUhs,Mun- the terra japonica, or cut, is made.
ro, F. BncJuumn, Riports, Hudson, The only cattle in the part of the
Thacheray, Lord William Benlinch, district named Haiga are butialocs
§-c.) ^ and oxen, an equal number of which
Canara (NortiO. — The noltheni are yokevl in the plough. In Haiga
division of the pro\ince of Canara, carts are not used,
situated betwixt ilie 13th and 15th The sea coast is principally occu-
^legrees of north latitude, and con- pied by villages of Brahmins, the
taining three smaller districts — Kun- interior parts belong to the Buntar
dapura, Onore, and Ancola. On caste. About Ancola it is not llie
leaving Devakara, in North Canara, custom for the iiihal)itants to live in
the Karnata country begins, which towns. A few shops are collected
extends below the Ghauts, and oc- in one place, and all the oliier na-
cupics all the defiles leading up to tives of M'hat is called a viUas; e, ar«
9
226
CANAKA, (SOUTH).
scattered upon their farms. Most
of the people about Aiicola are of
Karnata extraction, and but few of
Coiican descent remain, except a
particular kind of Brahmins, who
are all merchants, as those of Haiga
are •cultivators. Being originally
descended of the Pansh Cauda, or
Brahmins of the North of India,
those of Concan arc held in great
contempt by the Dravida Brahmins,
or division of the south, one of the
strongest reasons assigned for which
is, that they eat lish.
In the country about Battecola
there are none of tljc Euntar caste,
nor does the language of I'ulava ex-
tend so far to tlie nortii. Battecola
is properly in the llaiga countiy,
and the most common farmers arc a
kind of Brahmins, named Haiga,
after the country, and a low caste of
Hindoos named Halepecas.
The Comarapeka in this district
are a tribe cf Concau descent, and
seem to be sudras of pure birth, who
properly belong to the country, in
the same manner as the IS airs are
Ihe pme sudras of Malabar- By
birth they are all cultivators and sol-
diers, and, as usual with this class
of men among the Hindoos, strongly
inclined to lobbery. I'rom the
anarchy which had long prevailed
in tlijs part of Caiiara, they had ac-
quired an extraordinaiy degree of
cruelty, and had even comi)elIed
many Brahmins to assume their
customs, and adopt their caste.
The principal towns in the district
of North Canara are Battecola, An-
cola, Cai-war, Mirjaow, and Onore :
on account of the siiort distance be-
tween the Western Ghauts and the
sea, there are no rivers of great mag-
nitude, but many mountain streams.
In this district, in 1800, there wcro
385 houses occupied by Christians;
1.500 by Mahomme'dans; 4834 by
Brahmins; 147 by Sive Bhactars;
and 87 .Tains.
A Brahmin of tliis district, v.lio
luid written an account of the cap-
ture of. Seringapatam by General
■ Wains, although he knew it hap-
pened on a Saturday, yet, beraus&
Saturday is an uiducky day, altered
it to Monday, as it now stands in iiis
liistory. Such discordailcics, there-
fore, in Hindoo Chronology must
not be considered by the antiquary
as any proof of either ignorance or
ciTor. (F. Buchanan, Vc.)
Caxaka (South).— The southeni
division of the province of Canara,
situated principally betwixt the 12th
and 14th degrees of nortJi latitude.
Tlie country to the north of the lli-
ver Chandragiri, A\hcre Malabar
ends, is called Tulava hy the Hin-
doos, and South Canara by the
British.
The soil of Tulava gradually grows
worse for grain, as it is distant from
the sea. The best in quality extends
irom Mangalore to Buntwala, the
next from thence to Puujalcotta, and
the worst liom tlience to the hills.
About Cavila, cast of Mangalore,
some of the hills are covered with
tall, thick forests, in which the teak
tree is found, 'j'hestrat^i of Tulava,
near the sea coast, resemble entirely
those of Malabar, and consist of la-
terite, or brickstoue, with a very
few rocks of granite interspersed.
Poor land of every description le-
quires more seed than richer land of
the same kind. A garden of 300
arecas requires the labour of six
people if it be watered fiom a vfell,
but of only three if it be watered
Irom a tank. Cultivators who arc
rich keep froin 20 to 25 ploughs, but
at least one half of the actual farm-
ers have only one. Frojn Urigarato
Hossodurga, the eountiy near the
sea is low and sandy, and too poor
to produce even cocoa nuts.
The exports by land consist chiefly
of salt, salt tish, betel nut, ginger,
cocoa nuts, cocoa nut oil, and ravr
silk. The imports by land arc chiefly
cloths, cotton, thread, blankets, to-
bacco, and black cattle, with a small
quantity of peeper and sandal wood.
In 1800, thi-s di\ isicn of the Ca-
nara province containc<l 206.633
males, and 190,039 fciiiales. Thi-s
excciss of the males over the fouiuls
CANARA, (SOUTH)*
227
pop\ihiIon, has also Loon foimd to
prevail in tlie Banau);ihal and other
parts of ll)c south of India. The
iuunber of houses was ahout 80,000,
of whicli there were 2545 inhabited
.by Christians ; 5223 by Mahom-
liiedans; 71H7 by Brahmins; 2700
by Jains ; and tlie remainder by di!-
fercnt low castes of Hindoos. 'I'he
number of slaves of both sexes was
7924. Swine are kept by some of
the low castes, but the porlc of tame
.swine is an abomination with the
Bunts, as with all the higher ranks
of Hindoos, although many of theui
relish the ilesh of the wild hos:. No
horses, sheep, goats, or asses, are
bred in Tulava, nor have its inha-
bitants any carts.
To judge from appearances, the
occupiers of laud in this district arc
richer than those of ?»Ialabar, Avho
are probably in easier circumstances
than tliose of Coimbe(oor, or those
above the Ghauts. The universal cry
of poverty in India, and the care
with which every thins; is concealed,
render it veiy .difficult to ascertain
the real circumstances of the culti-
vator. A good slave sells for about
10 paijodas, or four guineas; free
lueji of low caste, if they be in debt
or trouble, sometimes sell theusistei-s'
childicu, who are their heirs. They
have no autiiority over tlieir own
children, who belong to their ma-
ternal uncles. The Bialimins of
Tulava, like the Namburis (Brah-
mins) of INIalabar, pretend, that the
country was created expressly for
their use by Parasu Rama, and that
they are the only persons entitled to
be called proj)rietors of the soil. In
the northern parts of South Canara
there are two castes, called Baca-
daru and Batadaru, both of whom
are slaves, and have exactly the
same customs ; yet each disputes for
pre-eminence, and will not eat or
intermarry together.
Along the sea coast, from Cavai
to Ui igara, the inhabitants are prin-
cipally Moplays (JMahommedans),
wiio now possess the sea coast, as
Hie Nairs do the interior. Although
2
the Nairs arc more numerous than
the jMoplays, yet, during Tippoo's
reign, ^\ hen not protected by govern-
ment, the Hindoos were obliged to
skulk in tlie woods, and ail such as
could be catched were circinncisctU
This mode of conversion, however
involuntary, is perfectly eifectual,
and the convert immediately be-
comes a* good Mahonnncdan, a;*
othenvise he would iiave no caste at
all ; and although the doctrine of
caste be no part ol' the faith of Ma-
hommcd, it lias yet been fully adopt-
ed by the lower rank of Maliom-
inedaus in India.
The chief towns in this district are
Barcciorc, INlangalore, and Callian-
poor ; there are no ri\ ers of niagiii-
tude or consequence, but many
mountain streams. The lan'guage
of Tulava, or South Canara, has a
strong resemblance to that of IMa-
labar, and the w rittcn characters ar«
the same ; but in the language of
Tulava, there is a gieat admixture
of words from all the countries, con-
taining the five simthern nations of
India, viz. Teling'a, jMaharashtra,
Karnataca, Gujura, and Dravida.
In Tulava the era of Salivahanam is
in use, by which the year A. D. 1800
corresponds with 1722; but to the
north it is reckoned the year 1723.
Tiie year is solar. The people of
this division, although longer sub-
jected to a foreign yoke than tliose
of jMalabar, never were so entirely
subdued as the greater part of tli*
Hindoos, and have alwajs been able
successfully to resist the pretensions
of their governors, to be proprietors
of the soil.
The former sovereigns of this
country, princes of the house of
Ikcri, had always given great en-
couragement to the Christians, and
had induced 80,000 of them to settle
in Tulava. They m ere all of Con-
can descent, and retained the lan-
guage, dress, and mamicrs of the
people of that country. I'lie clergy
adopted the dress of the order to
which they belonged, but they arc
ali natives, dcsetndud Uom Coxiciiit
228
CANARA, (SOUTH).
families, and were purposely edu-
cated in a seminary at Goa, where
tliey were instructed in the Portu-
guese and Latin languages, and in
the doctrines of the Churcli of Rome.
In Tulava they had 27 churches,
each provided with a vicar, and the
whole under Inc coutroul of a vicar-
general, subject to the Ar<]i1)ishop
of Goa. Tippoo threw the priests
into dungeons, forcibly converted to
IslamisiTi the laity, and destroyed
the churclics. The Christian religion
does not, like the Hindoo, prevent
the re-admission into the church of
such delimpients; and these invo-
luntary Muhonimedans have, in ge-
neral, reconciled tlieniselves with
the clergy, more than 1:3,000 having
rcturaed to JNTangalore and its vi-
cinity: 10,000 made their escape
from Tipfioo to JMalabar, from
whence they are also returning.
These poor people have none of the
vices usuall} attributed (o the native
Portuguese, and their sujjerior in-
dustr}' is acknowledged by the neigh-
bouring ]-findoo«.
The Jain sect abonnd more in this
province than any of India, and at
no remote distance of time must
have been the prevailing sect; many
J'ain temples still remain.
The ])ropcr name of the Jain sect
is Arliita, and they acknowledge
that they are one of the 21 sects Avho
were considered as heretical by San-
kara Acharja. Like other Hindoos,
they are divided into Brahmin,
Khi'tri, Vaicya, and Sudra. These
castes capnot intermany ; nor should
widOAvs biun with their husbands.
TheVedas aiid the 18 Purans of the
lirahmins, the Jains reject as here-
tical. They say that tiiese books
were composed by a saint, named
Vyasa, whom the orthodox Bralimins
consider as an inearnalion of the
deity. Their chief book of doctiino
is named Voga. It is written i!i
the Sanscrit language and character
of Karnata, and is explained by 2^1
purans, all wrilteii by its author, w !>o
was named VtishajiaSayana, o saii't,
who, by long coutinued prMyer, Isad
obtained a knowledge of divine
things. They admit that all Brah-
mins are by ])irth of equal rank.
The gods of the Jains arc the spirits
of perfect men, Avho, on account of
their gieat virtue, have become ex-"
em])t from all change, and are all of
eqtjal rank and power. They are
called collectively by various titles,
such as Jineswara, Arhita (the
worthy), and Siddha (the holy). — ■
These saints reside in a heaven called
Moeslia. Concerning the great gods
of the 18 Purans of the orthodox
Brahmins, the Jains sa) that Vishnu
was a rajah, who, having performed
certain good works, was born a se-
cond time as a rajah, named Rama.
At first he was a great hero and con-
queror; but aftenvards lie retired
from the pleasures of the world, and
becanjc a Sannyasi (a solitary de-
votee), and lived a life of such pu-
rit)', that he obtained Siddha under
the name of Jina, vvhii^h he had
assumed when he gave up his earthly
kingdom.
By the orthodox Brahmins, who
follow the doctrines of Vyasa, the
Jains are frequently confounded with
the Saugata, or vvorshippers of
Buddha. 'I'heir doctiine has, in
many points, a great resemblance to
that Avhich is taught in Ava by th«
followers of Buddha. The Jain
Brahmins abstain from lay affairs,
and dress like those who follow the
doctrines of Vyasa. 'I'heir gooroos,
or cliicf priests, have the power of
fining their followers who cheat or
lie, commit murder or adultery. I'he
fijies are given to the gods, that is to
say, to the priest.
The '.lains extend throughout In-
dia, but at present thoy are not nu-
merous, except in South Canara.
They have two sorts of temples, one
covered with a roof, aud called
Busty; the otlier an 0])!>u area, sur-
roiuldcd by a wall, acd called Betta,
whi(-h signifies a hill. In tiie tenqiles
called T^ctta, the only image of a
saint li tl'.Jtt of a person named
Oomnta Baya, who \tln\c on earth
Avas a powerful king. 'I'he imag<j»
CANDAHAR.
22Q
of Gonuita l^aya arc naked, and al-
ways of a colossal size. 'I'liu one at
C'aniilla is niadt; of a single piece of
Pfranilc, the extreme diiricusioiis of
\vl)i( li, above {ground, are 38 feet in
height, lUv.ia breadth, and 10 i'ect
in thickness. By an inscri|i1iou on
it, il ap[X'ars to have been made in
theycar A.D. 1431.
The IJralnniiis generally abound
in the odium theologicum ; it is,
however, between tlie jMadnal and
the Sri Vaisliiiavam, although botli
followers of Vishnu, that the most
violent antipathy prevails. Tlio
Smartal Bralmiins, although ad-
herents of Siva, or Mahadeva, agree
nmoh better with the Madual; and
in South Canara and IMalabar these
two live on tolerable t<irms. In Sonth
Canara it is not unconmion for cnie
temple to belong to both gods ; and,
in most places there, the temples of
Vishnu and Siva are built near to
each other, and the same chariot
serves for the procession of both
idols. To the cast of the Ghauts,
the JNIadual Brahmins scorn to sene
as priests, even in the temples of
Vishnu, and are the proudest of the
whole sa(!rcd order. 'I'hey look with
abhon-ence on the doctrine which
inculcates, that the spirits of good
men arc after death absorbrd into
the deity ; in \Vhich they dilfcr both
from the Smartal or Siva Bramins,
and the Sri Vaishnavam Brahmins.
Madua Acharya, the chief of the
Uladiial Brahmins, was born at Pa-
dnca Chaytia, about six centuries
ago, bat had gone through several
prior incarnations.
Travancor, Malabar, and South
Canara, aloneescaped Mahonnnedan
conquest, until the two latter were
invaded by H.Adcr, A.D. 1765-6.
(/^. Jihchaiian, (St.)
CwK Hivi;k, {Kena). — This river
has its source on the north side of
the Viiidhva Mountains, in the pro-
vince of Malwah, and, after a wind-
ing course of about 2.00 mileti, falls
into the Junma, in the district of
Curnih. Major Rennel thinks itistlic
Caina.':; ur Cane of Anian and i'iiny.
Candhar, {Ganihara). — A town
in the province of Agra, 80 miles
S. E. of Jev;>oor. Lat. 26°. 2'. N.
Long. 76°. 30'. E. This fortress be-
longs to the Rajalis of Jeypoor, or
Jyenagur, and was built about 80
years ago bj' one of the rajahs of
that state. It is deemed impreg-
nable by the natives, but its chief
strength consists in its elevated situ-
cition, amidst rugged and projecting
rocks, covered with jungle to the
top. {Bruiigliton, tVc.)
Candhak. — A town in the Ni-
zam's dominions, in tlie province of
Nander, 16 miles S. from the town
of Nandcre. Lat. 18°. 66'. N.
Long. 77°. 37'. E.
• Candesh. — Sec Khandfsh.
C.ANDAHAR, {Ganclhava). — A })ro-
vincc in Afghanistan, situated prin-
cipally between the 31st and 34th
degrees of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by the province
of Balk, in Little I'artary ; to the
south, by Baloochistan ; on the east
it has Sinde and Baloochistan ; and
on the west the province of Segistan,
in Persia. Having been but little
explored, its modern boundaries are
wholly unknown. By Abnl Fazel,
in 1582, it is described as follows:
" Sircar Candahar is situated in
the tliird climate. 'l'h(^ length, iioni
Kelat Bujarch, is 300 coss, and it
measuies in bieadth, from Sindo
to Furreh, 260 coss. On the cast
lies Sinde; on the north, Gour and
Ghourghistan; on tb,;' south, Sewee ;
and on the Mcst, Furreh and Cabul.
On the norlh-w est it is bounded by
(ihuzneen. The \yhcat of Candahar
is \ cry white, and is seat to a dis-
tance as a great rarity. In the vici-
nity of the town of Candahar arc
the ruins of a great city, the native
place of the Gharian Sultans. Be-
tween llirmund and Candahar is si-
tuated the well known city of Mcy-
mund, mentioned in old astronomical
tables."
'J'hc quarter of Afghanistan about
Killaut (70 miles V.. by N. from
Candahar) has the general aspect of
a desert, and, excej)t small portions
230
CANDAHAR.
of arable land contig^ious to the in-
habited places, no other cultivation
is scon. From Ghizni to Candahar
the road tends to the south-west, and
has universally a barren appearance.
The buildings, from a scarcity of
timber, arc constructed, as in the
province of Cabul, of sun-burned
bricks, and covered with a flat roof
of tlie same materials.
This province having been seldom
visited by Europeans, we remain
but little acquainted with its inha-
bitants or productions. A native
traveller, of 1795 (Seid Mustapha),
among other productions, mentions
V'heat, riLC, joarce, gram, peas,
and seeds of diflerent sorts ; dates,
almonds, saffron, and otr of roses.
The cultivators he describes as com-
posed of Moguls and Afghans ; and
the language of the country the
Pushtoo". Among the inhal)itants he
reckons a considerable number of
Hijidoos (partly Kanogc Brahmins),
both settled in the towns as traf-
fickers, and cultivating fields and
gardens in the vicinity.
The face of the country through-
out is hilly and rocky, and in many
places destitute of fresh water; but
some of the vallies exhibit verdure
and feitllily. The climate during
tin; winter is very cold, although not
so much as about Ghizni, in C abul ;
bv>t during the summer the opposite
e\lrenie is experienced. In the cold
sea:ion, the ])oorersort of inhabitants
Avear a species of coarse blanket,
and the richer classes shawl gowns
and long silk caps. Like the rest of
Alghanistan, tlie country is very
thinly peopled, a c'onsiderable por-
tion of the natives still leading a
pastoral and migratory life. The
pnncipal domestic animals are ca-
mels and dogs, the latter being men-
tioned as a very superior breetl for
strength, sagacity, and courage, —
Among the wild animals are tigers,
buffaloes, deer, and antelopes. Iron
is procured fiom ores found in <he
hills, and precious stones of various
sorts, particularly diamonds and to-
pazes in diller cut p arts of the pro vince,
With respect to religion, the great
bulk of the inhabitants are Mahom-
medan« of the Soonee persuasion ;
and the country abounds with
mosques, in which, Seid Mustapha
asserts, both IJindoos and Mahoni-
medans worship, and in other re-
spects nearly assimilate. This pro-
vince has, in general, been consi-
dered as an integral part of the
Persian Empire ; but was for many
years subject to the Delhi sovereigns,
from whom it was wrested by Nadir
Shah. On th^ death of this usiu-per
it became subject to Ahmed Shah
Abdalli, the Afghan Chief of Cabul,
and has ever since remained attached
to that government, although under
a veiy fluctuating degree of obe-
dience. {Seid MusLaplia, Abul Fazel,
Foster, <S"c.)
Candahar. — A fortified town in
the province of Candahar, of which
it is the cajjital, Lat, 33°. N. Long,
65°. 34'. E. By Abut Fazel, ux
1582, it is described as follows:
" Candahar is the capital of this
Sircar. It has two forts. The heat
is very severe, and the "cold tem-
perate, except in the months of De-
cember and January, when water
freezes. Here are flowers and fruits
in abundance."
Nadir Shah destroyed the old
fortress of Candahar, which stood
on the top of a high rocky lull, and
founded on a contiguous plain a city
named Nadirabad, which was com-
pleted by Ahmed Shah Adalli, but
is now only known by the name of
Candahar. This modern city, coift-
prised within an ordiiuiry forfilica-
tion of about three miles in circuin-r
ference, and of a square form, is
populous and flourishing, and stand-
ing on the great road which connects
Hindostan with Persia and Tartaiy,
lias long been a distinguished mart.
It is plentifully and cheaply supplied
with provisions. The grapes and
melons are high flavoured, and equal
to those of Europe."
The environs of Caudahai'. occupy
an extensive jtlain, covered with
fxiiit gardens and culti\a1iou, aii<l
CANDY.
2?31
infersprfod by nnmerons streams.
Tlip adjacent hills arc of a moderate
hei{:;Iit, and the climate a medium
fcetwoen the heat of India and the
cold of Ghizni. Two or three miles
to the northward of Caiuhdiar are
tlie remains of the old fortress on
the sumaiit of a rticky mountain.
Six miles from this city are some ca-
verns and ancient excavations, ap-
parently of Hindoo origin ; and at
two niiies distance is the mosqne of
of Zaafer Tayer, a Mahommedan
saint, who came from iVIecca 700
years ago. South from Candahar is
the mosque of the celebrated ISfoval
Ali, where arc shewn the marks of
his feet in stone. In the vicinity are
t\vo enormous pillars lyins; on the
ground, described by Seid Mustaplia
as being- the length of a palmjra
tree, regardinsj the oiigin of which
he relates a fabulous storj^.
At Candahar arc established many
Hindoo families, cliiefly of Mooltan
and the Rajpoot districts, Avho, by
their industry and mercantile know-
ledge, have essentiallj' aHg;mented
its trade and wealth. I'he Turco-
maun merchants of Bokhara and
Samarcand also freqicjit this muit,
wliCJice the}' transport into .heir own
countiy a <onsidera1)le quantity of
iudi^o, wliich is received frorn Hiii-
Uoslan. Among- the iidiabitants are
a few Jews, but it is obsened they
are never numerous where the Hin-
doos ha\e scttk'd as merchants and
mouc}' chaugers. I'he Cabtil sove-
reign has a iuint established here,
whi( h has not of lute had much em-
ployin!>nt.
>\ ])ilc the Persian and IMogul
en!]iires existed in a st-ate of pros-
perity, Ctmdaiiar was a liontier city,
and the object of mueh competition.
It was betrayed to the Ku)pcror Jo-
hangircby the Persian governor, Ali
Merdan Khan, in 1(338. On the
decay of both cini)ires, it was, for
a short time, possessed by native
Afgiiau chiefs ; but, in 1737, Nadir
jShali, havinsf deposedThamas Mirza,
tutered Ai'ghauistaii wifh a large
anny, and took Candahar, ut tiiis
time held by an Afghan cliief, named
Hossein KJian, alter a siege, from
tirst to last, of 18 months. < )n Na-
dir's assassination, Ahmed Shah Ab-
dalli obtained possession, and in-»
tended to make it his capital, but in
this design he did not persevere ; it
has, liowever, ever since contimied
attached to the Cabnl sovereignty.
Travelling distance from Delhi by
Cabul 1071 miles; fromAgva, 1208;
and from Calcutta, 2047 miles. {Fos-
ter, Scid Miistapha, Rennd, AbuL
Fazel, <§-e.
CANDY.
A territory in the .centre of the
Island of Ceylon, which forms the
present dominions of the King of
Candy. AVoods and mountains, al-
most impenetrable, cut off this re-
gion on all sides from the countiy
on the sea coast, possessed by Eu-
ropeans. The passes which lead
through these to the interior are
extremely steep and difficult, and
scarcely known even to the natives.
10 or 20 miles inland, the country
differs greatly from the sea coast, in
soil, c!imat<', and appearance. Af-
ter ascending the moiuitains, and
passing the woods, the country
seems not advanced many stages
beyond the first stage of inipiove-
mt- nt ; as we proceed towards the
centre of the island, tlie country
gradually rises, and the woods and
mountains ^\hich separate the dif-
ferent jiaris become more steep and
impervious. It is in tlie midst of
these jastnesses that the native
prince still preserves those remains
of territory and power, which have
been left him by successive in-
vaders.
The provinces which still remain
to him are Noorecala\a and Hot-
courly, towards the north aiul north-
west ; while JVIatuly, comjirehending
the districts of Eintana, Velas, ]*a-
noa, with a ll-w others, occupies those
parts more to the eastward. To tlie
south-east lies Ouvale, a province of
some iiote; the western parts art
232
CANDY.
chiefly included in the provinces of
Cotemal and Kolleracorley. These
different provinces are subdivided
into corles, or districts, and entirely
belong to the native prince.
In the hiffhest and most central
part of this sovereign's tenitories lie
the corles of Oudanour and Tata-
no ur, in which are situated the two
principal cities. These districts are
pre-eminent above the rest, and are
better cultivated, and more popu-
lous, than the others ; and are distin-
fuished by the name of Conde Udda.
"his province of Conde Udda is still
more inaccessible than the others,
and forms as it were a separate king-
dom. On every side it is surroiiiided
by lofty mountains coveredwith wood,
and tho paths by which it is entered
seem little more than the tracts of
wild beasts. Guards are stationed
all round to prevent entrance and
escape.
In this province are the ruins of
some tov.iis, which appear to have
been larger and better built than
those at present existing. • In the
province of Nourse Calava, in the
northern part of the kingdom, are
tlie 1 uais of the city of Anuvodg-
buiro. It stands aLnost at the north-
ern extremity of the Candian domi-
nions, and liordt rs on the district of
Jafnapatnam. In former ages this
was the residence of the Kings of
Ceylon, ajul has long been the place
of their binial. 'i he Portuguese
captured and destroyed this town.
The whole of the CanJian teni-
tories, with the exception of the
plains arouiid Anurodgburro, pre-
sent a constant interchange of steep
mountains and deep vailies. The ex-
cessive thickaessof tiie wooiis,wbieh
_ cover tlie grcitttv part of tlso coun-
try, causes heavy fogs and unwlule-
some ii.impt: lo prevail ; every evf n-
jug the fogs fall with the close of tlie
day, and au not again dissipated
until the uv. i.^a acquired great
power. I'he vailies are, in general,
marshy, full of springs, and excel-
lently ada. tc.i for the cultivation of
jrice, and rearing of cattle.
The high range of mountains,
which extend acres? the country
of Candy, seems to divide the island
into two different climates. It has
been a continued drought on one
side of them for years, while it has
rained on the other without inter-
mission. The seasons among the
mountains in the interior are regu-
lated by diflerent laws, and do not
correspond exactly with either of the
monsoons. Among them it rains
incessantly during the months of
March and April, at which period it
is dry in the low lands. The coun-
try of Candy can never receive any
improvement from internal naviga-
tion : several large rivers intersect
it; but, during the rainy season,
tliese are rendered so rapid by the
torrents from the hills, tliat no boat
can venture on them ; while in the
opposite season they are dried ujj.
The intercourse betwixt the Cin-.
galese under the European govern-
ments, and the Candians of the in-
terior, has always been more com-
pletely cut oil', than betwixt .any of
the most savage and hostile tribes of
North America. Even during the
intervals of peace no connnunication
is opened, nor is there au} attempt
on either side to carry on a secret
traffic, or coiTcspond with each
other. The poUcy of the Dutch,
therefore, succcede<l in rendering the
Candians completely insulated ; and
to make them look with apprehen-
sion and hostile jealousy, on the ap-
proach of a sti anger.
The Candians are divided into
caste;>, which lake precedence of
each other according to the most
scrupulous regiilaMons. The first
rank includes the nobles; the next
the arlUicers, such as goldsmiths,
painters, carpe.iters, smiths, is>c. the
third is composed of lower occupa-
lioiis, su(h as barbers, potters, wea-
vers, &.C. with \\honi the common
soluiers raak ; aiid the 4th caste
comprehends the peasantry, and la-
bourers of all descriptions, who
either cultivate the lands lot them-
selves, or are hired out to work for
oHiors. The preference given to
artificers over husbandmen and sol-
diers, is a very uncoiiiiuon I'act in
the arrangement of caste, and pe-
culiar to Ceylon.
Besides these castes, there is here,
as in other parts of India, a wretched
race of outcasles, the martyrs from
n^o to age of this barljarous institu-
tion. They are allowed to exercise
no trade or profession, nor to ap-
proach any of the human race but
the companions of their miserj', and
whatever they touch is polluted and-
accursed. As they are not allowed
to work, they are obliged to beg
contiimally for sustenance, and thus
from generation to generation be-
come a dead Aveight on soci(;1y.
As they are degratled. so low, tliat
they cannot by good conduct ever
retrieve their condition, it is an ob-
ject worthy a benevolent govern-
ment to attempt converting this lost
body of men, by instructing them in
a superior system of religion, which
umst be the first step towards atfect-
ing their improvement. These people
of no caste are obliged to pay the
lowest of the Candians as mucli res-
pect and reverence, as eastern ser-
vility ordains the latter to pay to the
king.
Although the Candians are go-
verned Mith the most complete des-
potism, y(>t as their prejudices and
customs are shared and respected by
their nioiiarehs, they arc proud of
being lice from a tbreign yoke, and
despis(^ the Ciiigaline in the British
.service, as a mean antl servile race,
'J'he Candian women have scarcely
ever been seen by Junopeans, which
concealment must have originated
in political motives, as the Can-
dians are by no means jealous of
their females.
'i'he king of Candy on tlie tinonc
in 1800 was a native of the Island of
Kaniiseram on the Malabar coast,
opposite to Manaar; and was a
descendant of the royal family by
a female branch, l)ut by no means
tli<" nearest heir. He was brought
iu hy the iuilucuce of Iho adigur, a
CANDY. 233
minister. When the last king lias
no innnediate descendants, and when
the hereditary right lies between
equidistant males and females, the
pref(uence, by the Candian laws, is
given to the female branch. In the
year 1795, the reigning king of
Candy manied a IVlalabar princess
of his own countiy, and a near rela-
tion to the liajah Ramnaad.
The King of Candy yields to no
eastern branch in the nuiuber and
extravagance of his titles, and they
are attended with a corresponding
reverence on this part of his subjects.
The adigar, or minister, is the only
one wiio has access to liis person, he
consecpiently issues what mandates
he pleases, and is in eOect the sove-
reign. There arc generally two
adigars, whom the king endeavours
to api)oint from opposite factions;
but one generally engrosses tiie
power. And appoints the other. Tlie
officers next in rank 'to the adigarx
arc the dessauvas, who are go-
vernors or corles or districts, and
are the principal military com-
manders.
I'he bulk of the king's revenues
consists of presents or contrii)ulion8
brought him by the people, orratiier
irregularly enibn.ed by his officers,
tw o or three times each year. Tliose
contributions consist of money, pre-
cious stones, ivoiy, clolh, curii, Iviiit^
honey, wax, arms, and other articles
of their own nianuficliue, such as
spears, arrows, pikes, targets, &.c.
&c. The regular troops amoimt to
about 20,000 men ; but, ilie inhabi-
tants are oi)liged, without disliiic-
tion, to take arms whtn conunanded.
Their armour is of a very motley na-
ture; spears, pikes, swords, targets,
bows and arrows, niatchioeks, with
about 1000 fusees or nnisUets, and
bajonets, all in bad order. 'Jheir
pay and subsistence coiisi.>is of a
small allowance ol rice and salt, ami
they are exempted liom taxes and
all other services.
To lide on horseback is a royal
privilege, monopolized by the mo-
narch. There arc no horses kept iu
254
CANTAL.
llie interior, eXc<'pt lliose belonging'
to the rojal stud ; wliicb have Ijeen
received as presents from the Euro-
pean governments on the coast. In
1782 Mr. Boyd went as ambassador
to Candy from Trincolmale. On his
anival within 20 miles of that place,
be was desired l)y the Candians to
go round about 1o the Columbo
road, and approach from thence, as
they would not otherwise have exact
precedents for the ceremonies to be
performed. Their capital punish-
ments are always attended Avith
some aggravating cruelty, and the
administration of justice is mostly
intrnsted to the dessauvas and adi-
parS. There are Hindoo temples in
Candy, the present idng being of
Ihe 'Hindoo Brahminical religion,
■while the great majority of his sub-
jects are worsltippers of Enddha.
(Percival, Knox, Harrington, Boyd,
Candy. — 'A city in the Island of
Ceylon, the capital of the Candian
dominions. Lat. 7°. 23'. N. Long.
80°. 47'.
This town is situated at the dis-
tance of about 80 miles from Co-
lumbo, and tM ice as far from Trin-
colmale, in the midst of lofty and
steep hills covered with thick jungle.
The narrow and difiienlt passes, by
which it is approached, are intersect-
ed with thick hedges of thorn ; and
hedges of the same sort are drawn
round the hills in the vicinity of
Candy, like lines of circumvallalion.
Tluongh them the only passage is
by gates of the same tliorny mate-
rials, so conlnved as to be drawn up
and let down by ropes. I'hese hedge
rows form the chief forlifieations of
Candy. The Mali\agonga Kiver
nearly sunounds the hills on which
it stands, and is here broad, rocky,
and rapid; and on the banks of it
a strict watch is kept by the Can-
dians,
The town is a poor miserable
place, about two miles lojig, and
consists of one" principal street, ter-
minated by the palace at the upper
•nd. There ure many lesser streets
branching off, but of no great lengtlt.
The palace is built with a sort of
chunam or cement, perfectly white,
with stone gateways. It contains a
great many rooms, painted in a gro-
tesque maimer, and many of th«
walls covered with pier glasses. The
houses of the town are mean and
low, but their foundations are raised
in such a manner, or rather the
street is so sunk, that they seem
lofty to passengers. The palace
consisfs of two enclosed squares,
one wilhin the other; and in the
inner are the royal apartments,
where the court is held, and audi-
ences given.
This town has been several times
burned by the Europeans, and was
once deserted by the king, who re-
tired to a still more inaccessible
part of his dominions. The ambas-
sadors sent to Candy were always
conducted into the town at night
by torch-light, and re-conducted be-
fore morning, on which account few
particulars A\'ere known of the town
until the 20th Feb. 1803, when it
was captured by the British, having
previously been evacuated by the
king.
I'he garrison left here, under Ma-
jor Davie, were singularly unfor-
tunate. From February to June,
officers murdered by the Canadians
16, died from the effects of the cli-
mate 16, of the civil service 5; total
37. Privates of the 19th regiment
nuudered 172, died of the eftects of
the climate 120, died after their re-
turn to Columbo 300 ; total 592.
About six or seven milcf to tlie
south of Candy lies the town of
Nelemby Ncur, where the king has
also a palace and stone houses. (Pcjv
cival, bth Register, ifc.)
Canouj. — See Kanoge.
Candroody. — A small district iw
the province Gundwana, situated
betv\ixt the 23d and 24tli^de.grees of
north latitude. It is intersected by
the Soane River, and is possessed by
independent chiefs, but contains n»
town of note.
Cantal, {Catifttl, th» jack fvftit
CANTON.
235
irec). — A small mountuinoTis district
in Nortliern Hindoslaii, l)€t\vi\t the
S4th and 35th dcfjrees of north lati-
tude; and adjoining the oiistein ex-
treniit}' of the piovinee of Cashmere.
It is remarkable for the hip,h peak of
Canlal, or Kciiti, called Lar b) the
Cashmerians.
CANTON.
A sea-port in the empire of China,
io Avhicli the Eurojiean maritime
traffic is cxclnsivelv eonlined. Lat.
23°. 7'. N. Lat. 113°. 14'. E.
This city stands on th-e eastern
bank of the Fe-kiang River, ^vhich
flows from tlie interior in a navif;,able
stream of 300 miles to this town,
where it is ratlicr broader than the
Thames at London Bridge, aud from
hence falls after an additional course
of 80 miles in the southern sea of
China, near its junction, with ^Aiiich
it takes among foreigners the name
of Bocca Tigris. The town is sm-
touuded by walls about five miles in
circumference, on which a few can-
non are mounted ; but the whole of
its fortifications, Avith a view to de-
fence, are in every respect despi-
cable, and only serve to prevent the
intrusion of Europeans.
Although Canton is situated near-
ly, in "the same pajallel of latitude
with Calcutta, yet there is a consi-
derable diH'ercnce in their tempera-
ture; the former being much the
coolest, and requiring fires during
the winter months. Ihe suburbs
may be frecjuented by Europeans;
bnt they ;u-e not permitted to enter
tiic gates of the Tartar city, which,
however, in its building and exterior
appearance, entirely resembles the
suburbs. The streets of Canton are
very narrow, paved with little round
iitones, and ilagged close to the sides
of the houses, 'J'he front of every
house is a shop, and those of parti-
cular streets are laid out for the sup^
ply ofstrjyigers; China-street(named
by the seamen llog-lane) being ap-
propriated to Europeans, and here
tlie productions of almost every part
4
of the globe arc to be found. On«
of the shopkeepers is always to bo
seen sitting on the counter, writing
with a camel's hair brush, or calcu-
lating with his swan-pan, on which
instrument a Chinese M'ill perform:
operations in numbers with as much
celerity as the most expert Europeau
ai ithmetician. This part of Canton
being much frequented by the sea-
men, every artifice is used by th«
Chinese retailers to attract their at-
tention, each of them having an Eng-
lish name for himself pauitod on the
outside of his shop, besides a num-
ber of advertisements, composed for
them by the sailors in their peculiar
idiom. 'I'he latter, it may he sup-
posed, are often duped by their Chi-
nese fiiends, who have, in general,
picked up a few sea phrases, by
which they are ©uticed to enter the
shops ; but they suit extremely well
together, as the Chinese dealers pos-
sess a command of temper not to be
provoked, and humour the seamea
in all their sallies.
The foreign factories extend for a
considerable way along the banks of
the river, at the distance of about
100 yards. The^ are named by the
Chinese hongs, and resemble long-
courts, or closes, without a thorough-
faie, which generally contain four
or live separate houses. They are
buill on a fine quay, and have a broad
parade in front. This promenade is
railed in, aud is generally called the
respondentia walk ; and here the
European merchants, com'uanders,
aud officers of ships meet after cbn-
ner, and enjoy the cool of the even-
ing. The English hong, or factor} , far
surpasses the others in elegance and
extent, and before eacii the national
(lag is seen tlying. Tlie neighbour-
hood of the factories is occupied with
M'arehouses for the reception of Eu-
ropean goods, or of Chinese produc-
tions, until they are shipped.
For the spa( e of four or five mile*
opv.ositc to Canton the river resem-
bles an extensive floating city, con-
sisting of boats and vessels ranged
parallel to each other, lea> iug a nar-
23(5
CANTON.
row passage for vessels to pass and
repass. In these the owners reside
•with their IamiHcs,the latter of wliom
but seldom visit the shore. Tlie
Chinese junks that trade to Batavia
and the Eastern Islands lie in the
centre of the river, moored head and
stern, many of them exceeding 600
tons burthen. A Chinese ship, or
junk, is seldom the property of one
man. Sometimes 40 or 50, or even
100 didereut merchants purchase a
vessel, and divide into as many com-
partments as there are partners, so
that each knows his ow u particular
part in the ship, M'luch he is at liberty
to fit up and serure as he pleases.
The bulk heads, by which these di-
visions are formed, consist of stout
planks, so well caulked as to be
completely water-tight. A ship thus
formed may strike on a rock, and yet
sustain no serious injury ; a leak
springing in one division of the bold
will not be attended with any da-
tnage to articles placed in another,
and from her firmness she is qualified
to resist a more than ordinary shock.
A considerable loss in stowage is of
course sustained; but the Chinese
exports generally contain a consi-
derable value in a small bulk. Some
of these sliips are not less than 1000
tons burthen, ha^ ing a crew of 500
men, owners of goods and seamen,
besides other passengers, wlio leave
their country to better their fortunes
at Batavia, ' Manilla, and among
the Eastern Islands. The Chinese
coasting vessels are usnally divided
into 13 distinct compartments, M'ell
caulked and ^^ ater-tight. In navi-
gating these vessels the same com-
pass is used as in Europe; but in
China the south alone is considered
as the attracting power, the Chinese
compass is named ting-nan-ching, or
the needle pointing to the south.
'J he Chinese junks generally sail
with one monsoon, and return with
another. In the north-east monsoon
they sail to ]\Ianilla, I'anca, and Ba-
tavia, and return to Emoy and C.ui-
ton with that from the south west.
There are liAc junks annually from
Emoy to Batavia, on board of which
a considerable number of Chinese
emigrate.
Canton is about 15 miles above
Wharapoa, and in tliis distance are
five chop, or custom-houses, where
boats are examined. The head ton-
tiff, named by the mariners John
Tuck, regulate the emperor's duties,
respecting M'hich the importer re-
mains entirely ignorant, as they are
paid by Ihe purchaser of the goods,
which are generally weighed and
carried ofi' immediately on landing.
'I'he cargoes are weighed with Eng-
lish weights of 50, instead of 56
pounds, and afterwards reduced to
Chinese catties, by multiplying by
three and dividing by four; and then
converted to peculs, by dividing the
product by 100. A pecul M-eighs
133| pounds English, and catty 1§
po- nd ; but the Chinese sale weights
are generally inaccurate, and must
be attended to. All goods in China
are bought and sold by weight, even
articles of food, such as milk, fowls,
hogs, &c. The long measure is the
cubit of about 141 inches. A tael is
equal to 5798 decimal, troy weight ;
and in the East India Company's ac-
counts the tael of silver is reckoned
at 6s. 8d. sterling.
The Chinese measure a ship from
the centre of the fore-mast to the
centre of the mizen-mast for the
length, and close abaft the main-
mast from outside, taking the ex-
treme for the breadth. I'he length
is then multiplied by the breadth,
and divided by 10, the result being,
according to their ideas, the mensu-
ration of the ship. At the custom-
house, ships that arrive are classed
under three denominations, first, se-
cond, and third rates; and ships,
however small, pay as third rates,
which is a heavy charge on the small
vessels that frequent the port ; nor is
the duty augmented on ships exceed-
ing the size of what they term first
rates. The proportions are,
1st rates, 74 cubits long &. 26 broad
2d 71 ditto 22 to 23 do.
3d ... .65 to 71 ditto ... .20 to 23 do.
CANTON.
237
The duties on sliips of the smallest
«lass amount, on an average, to about
4000 dollars, and not a ,^cat deal
inure is exacted for ships of larger
dimensions. Small country ships
frequentlj' lie off about Linliug l<'ora,
or Large Ba}', until some of the large
China ships from Europe come i«
sight, j\iien they shift their cargoes
on board of them. It is usually car-
ried up to Canton for one per cent.
by wliich expedient the duties, cus-
toms, and measurement on tiie ship
are saved, as well as the emperoi's
present.
The monopoly of all foreign trade
is consigned by the policy of the
Chinese government to a limited
number of merchants, seldom ex-
ceeding eight, l)ut occasionally more;
ill 1793 tiiey were 12, and in 1808
14. All foreign cargoes pass through
the hands of these merchants, who
are commonly men of large propci-ty,
and by them also the reti;rn cargoes
are furnished. AVith them the East
India Company's supercargoes tran-
sact the concerns of their employers ;
they dispose of the goods imported,
and purchase the commodities which
compose the homeward-bound cargo.
At the close of tlie season they are
generally indebted to the Company
above half a million sterling, and
have, besides, property in their hands
belonging to the Company and other
British subjects, the aggregate of
which has been estimated at two
niillions sterling.
The whole establishment of the
Ikist India Company here consists
of 12 supercargoes and eight writere.
The latter have a small annual allow-
ance and a free table ; and they suc-
ceed i» rotation to the situations of
the former, who have also, a free
table, and annually divide among
themselves, in shares proportioned to
tlieir seniority, a sum seldom falling
short of 80,0001. sterling. This arises
from a per centage on the import and
export .cargoes, producing to the
chief, ou au average, 86001. per an-
num; and, to the first, second, and
tiiird nienjl>€rs of tlie select commit-
tee, above 71001. The senior super-
cargo has ahout 60001. per annum,
and the juniors in proportion declin-
ing on a graduated scale; but none
of the supercargoes have less than
15001. per anniun. Having an addi-
tion to this, the accommodation of a
free house and table, they may b«
considered as the best paiil service
in the world. The services to b«
performed for this liberal remunera-
tion consist in a residence for throe
or foiH" months every year at Can-
ton, during the season of intercourse
with the hong, or security merchant,
to whom they deliver the imported
goods, and receive the teas and other
return produce. AVheu the business
of the season is fini.shed, the ships
laden and dispatched (o England,
they retire to Macao for the rest of
the >ear, where they remain until
the opening of the ensuing season.
Here they have very Httle tb do, and
are cooped up within a space not
exceeding two or three miles, with
scarcely any .society but what is
formed among themselves.
Tlic external commerce of Canton
is verj' considerable, and the articles
of export numerous ; but their com-
parative importance is almost ab-
sorbed in that of tea. The imports
are more miscellaneous. From Bom-
bay and the Alalabar coast they con-
sist chiefly of cotton, pepper, sandal
wood, putchick, sharks' fins, oliba-
num, elephants' teeth, rhinoceros*
horns, pearlr,, cornelians, and beads.
From the countries adjacent, to th»«
straits of Malacca, tin, pepper, betel
nut, rattans, sea swallo, (biche de
mar) and bird nests are imported.
The principal articles imported to
Canton by the Ea.'^t India Company
arc cloths, long ells, camblets, lead,
and tin. In 1808-9, the value of
woollens iinpoi ted at Canton by th«
East India Company was 877,5691, ;
the total \alue of all their imports,
1,095,3171. sterHng. Li 1786, th«
imports of woollens amounted to only
202,02.31. Prior to the commutation
act, in 1784, tlie imports of that ar-
ticle were Small and 'extremely diffi-
- 4
CANTON.
cult to sell. The proLily, punctu- about 60,000 bales. Opium is pro*
ality, and credit of the East India hibited by the Chinese government,
Company and their agents js known yet above 2000 chests are annually
to be such by the Chinese, that their imported, the avertige Kale- price
^oods are taken away as to quantity being about 1200 dollars per chest.
and quahty for what they are declared The imports from the East'jrii Archi-
iu the invoice, and the bales with pelago are various, gold is the most
their mark pass in trade, without ex- material, but it is impossible cor-
amination, through many hands and rectly to estimate the qnaritity. The
an immense extent of coimtry, and imports of merchandize from foreign
arc never opened until they reach Europe and from America are, in
the shop of the person who sells for many respects, siniiiar to those from
actual consumption. The (luanlity England, but small in quantify, bul-
of British tin imported by the East lion being depended on for the pnr-
India Company varies, but may be chase of the homeward bound "cargo,
averaged at 300 tons annually ; the Of this article the average import
Chinese, for many uses, prefer tlic from America amounted to half a
Banca tin, which they assert is more million annually, and about 100,0001.
malleable. The other articles im- in goods.
ported from England as private trade The principal exports from Cantoa
by the officers and commanders of are tea, cliina ware, gold in bajs,
the Company's ships are lead, skins sugar, sugar candy, rhubarb, china
and furs, cochineal, window glass, root, snake root, sarsaparilia, leather,
clocks, watches, the latter varying tuteuague, japan copper, varnished
from 40s. a pair to the highest cost, and lacquered ware, drugs, leaf gold.
To suit the Chinese taste they nmst utensils made of white and red cop-
be sold in j)airs. The other articles per, cast iron, silk raw and wrought,
are small quantities of cutlery, hard- thread, nankeens, mothcr-ot-pearl,
ware, looking glass, and coral; the gamboge, quicksilver, allum, dam-
whole private trade being estimated mer, red lead, vermilion, furniture,
at 220,0001. per annum. toys, and a great variety of drugs.
The imports from British India are In 1809-10 the cost and charges
very considerable, but are liable to on the goods exported from Canton
imich fluctuation in quantity. In by the East India Company amount-
1805 the total imports from the Bri- ed to 2,378,8831. sterling, arid sold
tish possessions in India amounted in England for 3,723,1161. The sale
to 15,060,577 rupees, consisting of amount of goods exported by the
Cotton ------ 9,452,619 commanders and officers in private
Opium - 3,284,570 trade amounted to 353,4181; The
Piece goods - - - - 470,661 quantity of tea sold at the East In-
Pearls ------ 422.987 dia Company's sales in 1810 was
Saltpetre ----- 287,000 24,540,923 pounds,the duty on which
Sandalwood- - - - 275,674 was 3,548,8601. In 1806-7 the quan-
Shark fins ----- 251,223 tity of tea shipped at Canton on
Craitt ------ 156,500 board English ships amomited to
32,683,066 libs.
Sicca rupees 14,606,724 On board of two unknown
ships 1,534,267
The remainder was made up of In 1806 on boaid of Ame-
articles of smaller amount and value. rican ships - - - - 9,644,667
Until 1802 the cotton was received •
entirely fiom Bombay, but since tliat Total 43,862,000
period Bengal has- supplied a con- — —
siderable proportion, the whole an- In 1807 there was shipped o;i
miiii imj^oit, ou au average, b^ing boa^d of Amoricaxi sliips £i-oui Caa*
CANtOY. 239
♦on 7,730,933 libs. In 1810-11 there lapidaries cut diamonds, and Heir
was no tea sliip[)ed tioai Canton on artists are extreiuely expert in imi-
board either foreign or American tatinj;; European works. They mend
ships ; on board of British shipa and e\en make watches, copy paint-
27,lG3,0fi6 pounds. The price of the ings and colour drawings witli great
East India Conipaijy's teas has con- success. They also make coarse silk
tinned nearly stationary for above 40 stockings, and have beoj long celo-
ycars. Nankeens are made of Chi- brated for their toys, known by tli«
nese cotton in a particular province, names of balanceis and tujnblers.
and are exclusively a Chinese ma- They generally assay their gold hero
inifactnre. The new teas seldom with touch needles, by which it is
reach Canton, fiom the interior, be- said t])ey can detect so snial! a djf-
fore tJie month of November. fereuce as l-20Qth part of the ini.v-
In 1805 the total exports to tlie ture.
British possessions in India amount- Provisions and refreshments of all
cd to sicca rupees 12,G7G,51 9, con- sorts arc abundant at Canton, and,
listing of in general, of an excellent quality,
Bullion ----- 8,181,815 nor is the price exorbitant. Every
Piece goods - - - - 699,142 deseiiption of them, dead or alive, is
Sugar and sugar candy 957,048 sold by weight. It is a curious fact,
Tntenague - - - - 692,431 that the Chinese make no use of
Camphor ----- 361,703 milk, either in its liquid state, or ia
Tea ------ 301,398 -the shape of curds, butler, or cheese.
Raw silk ----- 207,743 Among the delicacies of a Chinese
Nankeens - - - - 200,295 market are to be seen horse flesii,
China ware - - - - 110,637 dogs, cats, hawks, and owls. The
country is well supplied with tis!i
from the canals and numberless
The remainder was composed of rivers that intersect the country, and
Tarious articles of smaller value and the inhabitants breed also great mim-
amount. The Chinese make a spe- bers of gold and silver fish, wliich are
cies of paper from the bamboo, which kept in large stock ponds, as well as
is an article of export. in glass and china vases.
Ihe Russians are excluded from The lower orders of Chinese, who
the sea-ports of China, because a engage as servants to Emopcaus at
trade is carried on with tlicm on the Canton, jue extremely ready iu ac-
frontiers of Siberia at Kiateha, and quiring a smattering of the English
the Chinese do not admit of two language, and fertile in inventions
places of trade with the same nation, for making tliemselves intclligibio to
The glass, beads, and buttons, of their employers. All the business at
various shapes and colours, worn by Canton with Europeans is transacted
persons of rank in China, are chiefly ia a jargon of the English language,
made at Venice ; and this is among The sounds of such letters as R, D.
the remnants of the great and al- R, and X, are utterly unknown in
most exclusive trade which the Ve- China. Instead of these they sul^^
iictians canied on with the east, stitute some other letter, such as Lt
The inhabitants of China make great for R, which occasions a Chinese
use of spectacles wliieh are made at dealer in rice to olFer for sale in Eng-
Canton, but the artists do not seem lish a very unmarkttabie commodity,
to understand any principle of op- The common Chinese sahitaticm is
tics, so as to form the eye glasses of " hou, poo hou," the literal meaning
such convexities or concavities as to of which is, " well, not well. Tlic
rectify tlie various defects of vision, name mandarin is unknown among
but leave their customers to find out tlie Chinese, Cuehin Chinese, and
what suits tUeiB b«3t. The Cauton Tunquiucse, the word wsed by all
240
CAP AND BUTTON ISLES.
these nalions for a per,son in anlho-
rity being quaii. Maiidaiiu is a Por-
tuguese Avord derived from the verb
mandar, to conimaiid. No correct
estimate of the population of Canton
has ever been formed, but it is known
to be very great.
The intercourse between Europe
and China, by the way of the Cape
of Good Hope, began in tlic year
1517, when Emanuel, King of Por-
tugal, sent a fleet of eight ships to
Cliina with an ambassador, who was
conveyed to Pekin, and obtained
permission to establish a trade at
Canton. About 1G34 some ships
from England visited Canton, but
made a most inauspicious com-
mencement, as a rupture and battle
immediately took place ; but peace
was afterwards restored, the misun-
derstanding bei g attributed to the
treachery of the Poitugnese. In
16G7 the Court of Directors in their
lotter to the agent at Eantam in Java
desire him, " to send home by these
ships 100 pounds of the best tcy
(tea) that you can get ;" but the first
importation of tea is supposed to
have taken place in 1G69, when two
canisters, containing 143f i)0unds,
were received by the way of Bantam,
as it does not appear any direct in-
tercourse then existed with China.
In the year 1G78 tiie Company im-
ported 4713 pounds of tea, but so
large a quantity seems to have glut-
ted the market, for the imports of
tea for six subsequent years amount-
ed in all to 410 pounds, purchased
generally at Surat or Madras. In
1680 we find the first notice of a
ship sent direct by the East India
Comptny to Cliina. In 1700 ther*?
were three ports open for the recep-
tion of English vessels, viz. Limpo,
Canton, and Amoy.
Since that period the commerce
with Canton has progressively in-
creased, although it has occasionally
met wich accidental intenuptions;
as in 1734 and 1801 when two Chi-
nese were killed by shot from Bri-
tish vessels. The most recent dif-
ference took place in 1806, when au
expedition ha\ing been sent from
Bengal to garrison iYlaeao with Bri-
tish troops, the trade was stopped,
but the troops being subsequently
withdrawn, an amicable arrangement
took place, and the trade resmued
its usual course.
Tchieu-Lung, the old Emperor of
China, resigned his throne to liis
15tli son, the present sovereign Kea-
King, in February, 1796, having com-
pleted a reign of 60 years. He died
in February, 1799, aged 89 years.
Since the accession of the present
monarch the reins of government
appear to have been considerably re-
laxed, as insurrections have been
frequent, anil some of them at no
great distance from Canton. Al-
though, in general, there are a much
greater number of troops quartered
throughout the province of Canton
llian in any other, a precaution ne-
cessary on account of the great in-
flux of foreigners to the port. The
sea coast has also been so much in-
fested by pirates as to threaten the
extinction of the Chinese coasting
and foreign trade in their own ves-
sels. {Staunton, Harrow, Milhw'n,
Elmore, Johnson, Macphcrson, Quar-
terli/ Review, ^c.)
Canyapura, {the Town of the Vir-
gin). — A small town, containing
about 200 houses, in tlie district of
South Canara, situated on the south
banks of a river which surrounds the
town and fort of Cimily. Lat. 12°.
34'. N. I,ong. 7.'>''. 4'. E. The inha-
bitants are chiefly Moplays, Mucuas,
JVIogajers, and Coucanies. {F. Bu-
chanan, 4'i'.)
Cap and Button Isles. — ^Two
small isles in the Stiaits of Sunda,
the first lying in lat. 6°. .58'. S. Long.
105°. 48'. E. ; the second in lat, 5°.
49°. S. Long. 105°. 48'. E. They
appear to have been originated by a
subaqueous volcano.
In the Cap are two caverns nin-
ning liorirontally into the side of the
rock, and in these are found a num-
ber of the bird nest? so mu(;h prized
by the Chinese. Thej^ seem to be
composed «f £ue filaments, cement-
CARIMATA.
*'xi toEjelhci- by 1rans|)aicnt viscous
Inall* r, not unlike \\ hat is hit hy the
tbaiu of the sea upon stones alter-
nately eoveied with the tide, oi- those
!;('latinous animal substanees found
lloating; on every coast. The birds
that build these nests are small p^rey
sv. allows, AVith bellies of a dirty
white. They are veiy small, and so
r|uick of flight, as to be shot with
difficulty. 'J he same nests are said
to be tbund in deep caverns, at the
foot of the highest mountains iu tlic
middle ot" Java, at a great distance
from the sea, from which, it is
thouglil, the birds derive no mate-
rials, either for their food or the
construetiou of their nests. They
feed on insects which they find hover-
ing over stagnated pools Ijctween the
mountains, and it is supposed they
.prepare their nests from the rem-
nants of their food.
The nests are placed in horizontal
rows, at different depths, from .50 to
500 feet. Their value is chiefly de-
termined by the unifoim fineness and
delicacy of their texture, those that
are white and transparent being most
esteemed, and often selling in China
for their weight in silver. The birds
having spent two n)onths in prepar-
ing their nests, lay each two eggs,
which arc hatched in about 15 days.
When the birds become fledged their
iiests arc seized, v\ hich is dojie re-
gularly thrice a year, with the assist-
ance of bamboo and rope ladders.
These nests are an object of con-
siderable traffic among the Javanese,
but it does not appear that the sw al-
loAVs frequent the southern extremity
of Sumatra.
A good birds' nest is about the
size of a small china cup, almost as
white as writing ])aper. and as trans-
parent as isinglass, with a a cry few
downy feathers hanging about it.
The common l)lack nests are more
plentiful, and may be had any where
to the eastward, but they are full of
featheis and dirt. 'I'iic thickness of
the nests is about that of a silver
spoon, and their weight, when dry
and brittle, fVoni a quaj tcr to half
241
(Staunton, Elmore, Sfc.
an ounce.
.3-c.j
Capaluan. — A small island, one
of the Philiippines, lying due south
of the Island of Jjuzon, distant four
miles, Lat. 1.3° 50'. N. In length it
may be estimated at 14 miles, by
ti\e the average breadth.
Caramnassa, (Carina nasa, the
destruction of pious ivorks). — A small
Minding river, which separates the
province of Bahar horn that of Be-
nares.
By an ancient text the Hindoos
were ibrbidden even to touch the
waters of the Caramnassa, but the
inhabitants on its banks claim an
exemption which is admitted by the
other Hindoos, although their aver-
sion to the Caramnassa continues as
great as ever. By the contact alone
of its baneful waters, pilgrims sup-
pose they lose the fruit and efficacy
of their religious austerities and pil-
grimages, and they always cross it
with the utmost caution. Major
Rennel thinks it is the Commenasses
of Arian.
Oji crossing this river on service
fiom Bahar, the Bengal officers re-
ceive an additional pay, to enable
them to defray the increased ex-
penses they are subjected to in the
upper provinces. {Wilford, Foster^
Caranja.— A small island ia the
harbour of Bombay, nanjed by the
natives Uran.
Carci LLA. — An open town in the
province of South Canara, contain-
ing aboAC 200 houses. Lat. 13°. 12'.
N. Long. 75°. 4'. E. Near this place
are the ruins of the palace of the
Byrasu wodears (chiefs), the most
pow erful of the former Jain Rajahs
of Tulava, or Soutli Canara. (F,
Buchanan, ^t.)
Carimata. — A small island, about
30 miles in circumference, lying off
the west coast of Borneo, betwixt
the first and second degrees of south
latitude. This island is high and
woody, with a peak in the middh;,
which is generally cloud capped. It
is inhabited.
242
CARNATIC.
Carimon Java. — An island about
20 miles in circuinfcTcuce, in the
Java sea, suiTonnded by a cluster of
smaller ones. Lat. 5°. 4.V. S. Long".
110°. 15'. K. The mi;Idl(> one is of
considerable size, and as ^vcil as the
smaller ones that encompass it, is
covered with wood.
Carawang. — A distriet on the
north-west coast of ihe island of
Java, adjacent to Batavia.
Carli. — Some reniari<.able caverns
in the province of Auriingabad, si-
ti'.ated Oj)positc to the !brt of Log-
hur, from which they are distant
about four miles, and 30 miles N. W.
liom Poonah.
The chain of hills here nuis cast
and west, but the one in which the
caves are protrudes from tiiem at
right angles. The chief cave fronts
clue west. Here are an extensive
line of caverns, the principal of which
consists of a vestibule of an oblong
square shape, divided from the tem-
ple itself, which is arched and siip-
ported by pillars. The length of Uie
■whole is 126 feet, the breadth 40
feet. No figures of the deity arc to
be found within the pagoda, but the
walls of the vestiijule are covered
■with carvings in alto relievo of ele-
phants, of human figures of both
sexes, and of Euddha, who is re-
presented in some places silting cross
legged, and in others erect. There
are numerous inscriptions on the
Avails. The ribs of the roof arc tim-
ber, and cannot be supposed of equal
age ^^ith the excavation, und are
difficult to be accounted fo.'-, the
worsi)ip of Buddha having been so
long superseded by the Brahminical
religion.
A line of caves extends about loO
yards to the north of the gretit one.
These are flat roofed, and of a square
form, and probably were occupied
by the attendants on the temi)le. In
the last is a (igurc- of Huddlia. The
Carli caves are said to be GCOO feel
above the !e\el of the sea.
'J''hc diifeierK c between the ca-
verns of Elcphanla and Carli are
striking. Here are no persouiiica.-
tions of the deity, and no scparatft
cells for sacred rites. The religious
opinions which consecrated them are
no less different, Ibe first haviug been
dedicated to the deities of the Brah-
minical sect, and the last to those of
the Buddhists, or of the Jains. (Lord
VaJentia, 31. Giakam, ^c)
Carmulla, {Cariinalln). — A town
in the territories of the Poonah Ma-
harattas, in the province of Aurun-
galiad, 100 miles E. from I'oonali.
Lat. 18°. 23'. N. Long. 75°. 32'. E.-
This is a consideralde town, w itli a
stone fort, which has a double wall,
and a ditch between them ; a long
ditch also surnnuuls the outer Avail.
{Upton, \-c.)
Cakxaprayaga. — A village in
northern llindostan, in the province
of Seiinagur, situated at the con-
fhu-nec of the Alacanaiida Avitli the
Pindar River, which comes from the
S. I-:. Lat. 30°. 17'. N. Long. 79°.
15°. E. This is one of the five pra-
yagas, or holy places, mentioned in
the Shnstras, and considered as the
third in point of consequence. I'he
village consists only of six or eight
houses, Avith a math, or shrine, in
A\hich is placed the image of Kaja
Carna. {Rapcr, kc.)
CARXATIC, {Carnata).
The large province, denominated
the Carnatic by Europeans, compre-
hends the former dominions and de-
pendencies of the Nabob of Arcot,
and extends from the 8th to the 16th
degrees of north latitude. 'I'he north-
ern boundary connnences at the
southern limits of the Guntoor cir-
C;;r, defined by the small River Gun-
dezama, which falls into the sea at
j\!oiitapiliy. From hence if stretches
soiitli to Cape Coinorin, a distance
of about 560 miles in length, but of
an unequal brea<lth, the averags
being about 75 miles.
The region south of tlic River
Coteroon is called the Southern Car-
natic, and AAas rather tributary to
the Nabobs of Arcot than a real pos-
CARNATiC.
243
Sl^ssion. Prior to the British sove-
VciiViify it was occiipird by iinmher-
Jt\ss nijalis, polygars, and (ithcr putty
rliiol's. and subdivided into the dis-
tricts of Timievelly, Madiria, :VIa-
rawas, tiie polygar's teniloiy, part
of 'rrichiiiopoly and 'I'anjoro ; the
piiiicipal towns being" Tan joro, 'IVi-
rliinop(»ly, iMadnra/lVanqucbar, Ne-
gapatam, and 'Jiiincveily.
The central Carnatic extends from
tiie Coleroou to tlie Ri\er Pennar,
and contained the remainder of Tri-
chino])oiy, "\ olconda, Paianicotia,
Gingee, Wandewash, Conjee, > el-
lore, Chingleput. Chandf^herry, Ser-
damilly, and part of Nelloor; the
chief towns being- Madras, Pondi-
cherry, Arcot, VS^allajahbad, A^el-
lore, Cuddalorc, Ging^ee, Pnllicat,
Chandgherry, and Nelloor.
The Northern Carnatic extended
from the Rixer Pennar to the Hiver
Gundi'zama and the Gnntoor circar,
and included the remainder of Nel-
loor, Ongole, and some smaller dis-
tricts ; the chief tow ns being On-
j^ole, Carwaree, and Samgaum. This
last region in ancient Hindoo limes
was termed Andhra, and reached to
the Godavery. The sovereigns were
called Andhras about the begiiniing
of the Christian era, at which time
the Andhra, or Andara; kings, were
Very powerful in India.
'I'he pr!nci|)al rivers are the Pcn-
Jiar, the J'alar, the Cavery, and the
Vaggaroo, all of which have their
sources in the table land above the
Ghauts. The vast height of these
mountains, and their great extent,
not only fix the boundaries of the
two Carnatics above and below the
Ghauts, but by stopping tlie course
of tlie winds likewise divide the
seasons.
The climate of tlie Camatic may
be considered as one of the hottest
in India, although somewhat reliev-
ed on the sea coast by llie pri^va-
lencc of the land and sea .breezes.
It is common in May, June, and
July, to have occasional showers,
and at some periods of that time to
have even three or four days heavy
R 3
rain, which rools the air, and ena-
bles tlie (uiltivation for dry grains to
take place. The weather in July,
though iiot, is cloudy, with strong
winds from the west.
In the j^reater proportion of the
Carnatic the soil is sandy, and water
being scarce, much exertion is re-
quired to procure it. In such dis-
tricts as have not the advantage of
being watered by considerable rivers,
or in parts where the water cannot
be convex ed from them to tie adja-
cent ti'-lds, t;<iiks are made, wliieh
being lilled during the periodical
rains, furnish water for the rice fields,
and for the cattle in the dry season.
Some of these are of gi'eat extent,
and were originally made by enclos-
ing deep and low situations \\ ith a
strong mound of earth. Others of
less magnitude for the use of tem-
ples, towns, or gardens, are of a
quadrangular form, lined vvith stone,
and descending inregular steps from
the margin to tlie bottom.
In the towns, as well as the vil-
lages, and along some of the prin-
cipal high roads, are choultries, in
the native language called chauvadi,
from which probaldy the English
term choultry is derived. These
public buildings, for the reception of
travellers, have been erected and
endowed by the magnificence of the
prince, the generosity of some rich
individual, or not uncommonly in
consequence of some pious vow. A
Brahmin resides near, who furnishes
the traveller vvith food and a mat to
lie on ; and contiguous is a tank, or
well, for the pilgrims to perform
tJieir ablutions. Every where, with-
in 40 or 60 miles of Madras, such
useful buildings are very common,
and have been erected and endowed
by rich native merchants of that city.
The only trees that grow sponta-
neously on the baiTcn parts of the
Carnatic are, the melea azadirachta,
and the robinia mitis, the last of
which ilourishes both on the arid hills
of the Carnatic, and on the muddy
hanks of the Ganges. Very little of
the soil betwixt Ori Permalairu and
2J4
CAllNATJC.
Vira Pennal Pillays Choultry will, at on wltirh they nre j)iaocd will for
tlie usual rent repay tUe expense of ever remain, and point out their
tullivatioii, and in the present state former site. Villages and towns in
of the population it won Id not be an open eonntry are bul a daj in
expedient to let it at low rents, as duration, eoinjiaied with fortresses,
by thai means useful labourers miscld especially w hen the latter derive any
be taken from more valuable laisds, portion of their strength for their
The only gxxxl water in this neigh- natural situation,
bourhood is preserved in tanks ; that The great mass of the popidation
which is fouutPin wells is cilled salt in Ihis extensive proviiic<> profess the
by the natives, although the qnan- Hindoo religion of the Brahminical
lity of umriat of soda contauied in persuasion, the Mahommedans being
it is very snialL Famines and searci- buttliinly scattered over the country,
tics are nnich more fri-cpient in the except at the nabob's court, and a
Carnatic and south of India, than in few olher places. In 1785 there
the Bengal proA inces. A\ere reckoned to be about 20,000
In lill those districts of the Car- native Christians of tlie Konian Ca-
jiiatic, into ivhich the permanent sys- tholic sect ; and the Christians of all
tern of revenue assessments has been descriptions probably amount, at pre-
introduced, the eonditfbn of tliecnl- sent, to double that number. The
tivators has been improved; because, population of tlie Carnatic, in its
although the assessment Mas ori- most extensive sense, may be esti-
ginally tixed at one half of the pro- mated at live millions of souls. They
duce, in the eoinsc of time, by im- are considered inferior in bodily
provcmcnts, the half is reduced to strength to the Kajpoots, and other
one tliird, one fourth, ;uid even to a natives of Iliiidostan Proper,
liilh part of the actual produce. The greater part of the llralnnins
There are few countries that can tlnonghout the Lower Carnatic fol-
rxhibit so many large temples, and low secular professions. They al-
other public monuments of wealth most entirely till the dilfercnt offices
and civilization, as the Carnatic ; al- in the collection of the revenue and
most all the pagodas aie built of the administration of justice, and they
same fbrni. A large area, which is are, exclusively, employed as mes-
commonly a square, is enclosed by scngcrs and keepers of choultries,
a wall 16 or 20 Icct high, and in the Much of the land is rented by
middle of the area are the temples, them, but, like the Jews, they sel-
■vvhich, as if intended to^be con- dom put their hand to actual labour,
cealcd from public view, are never and on no account will they hold
raised above the height of the sur- the [)lough. Their farms are chiefly
rounding wall. In the middle of cultivated by slaves of the inferior
one or more of the .sides of this wall castes called Sudras, ami Punehum
is a gateway, over which is built a Eu; dum. Ihese last are by fai- the
high tower, not designed as a de- must la()orious people of the country,
fence of the pagoda, but as a iiisto- but (he greater part of them aro
rical monument of the gods to whom slaves. So sensible was Hyder of
it is dedicated, representing the at- tlieir value, that, during his incur-
tributcs and adventures of tliese di- sions, this was the caste he princi-
vinities. j)a!ly endeavoiu-ed to carry away,
'i'herc were an astonishing num- 'i'hcre are a few Mahonnnedan larm-
bcr of forts -and fotrresses formerly ers who possess slaves, but the most
in the Carnatic, niOitly built of a nuineroys class of fanners is eom-
Kcpi are form. Tfuy.ure now, in eon- posed of Sudras. Some of these pos-
xecj.icnce of t'i<. -jng internal trim- sess slaves, but many of them culti-
qniility, rapidij going to d'-ca) ; but vate their tUrjns with their own
the natural straigth of. the situations hands.
CARN'ATIC.
245
Tliiotigliout lliis ])roviuco tlio ass
is a very louuniiii animal. 'TIic breed
is siiiall, as in Ilciij:;al, hut llicn; is
an uiuuiumon variety ol" colt)ur
aiuoiif;- them. Some arc ot'tho usual
ash colour, while others are almost
))laek, in Avhieh case the cross on
their shouhler disappears. The} are
kept by five classes oC pertple, who
are all of low castes, the hijjher
ranks dis(lainin<^ the use of so im-
pure an animal. One ol" these is a
Mretched caste, named Chensu Ca-
rir, wlio are described as having;
neither house nor cultivation. One
common article of their food is the
white ant, or termes. They travel
from place to place, couvejing their
rhildien and bagr,a>re on asses. —
Every man has also a cow, instructed
like a stalking horse, by means of
vvliich he approaches game, and
shoots it with arrow s.
The most numerous class of Brah-
mins (comprehending- one half of all
the Bralunins in the Lower Car-
natic) is named the Smartal sect,
who are votaries of Mahadua ov
Siva, and followers of Sankara
Aehanya. Throughout both Carna-
tics, except at Madras, the Brah-
mins appropriate to themselves a par-
ticular quaricr of every town, and
generally that which is best fortified.
A Sudra is not permitted to dw. 11 in
the same street with a Brahmin,
while he exacts the same deference
from the Whalliaru or Pariar, and
otlicr low castes. These pco}»le ge-
nerally live in wretched huts about
the suburbs.
Ill both the Upper and Lower
Carnalies taking siniff is imich more
common than in Bengal ; smoking,
on the contrary, is in great disrc|)nte.
The liookah is totally unknown,
except among Mahommedans. The
lower classes smoke cigars, but a
Brahmin would lose caste by such
a practice; and it is eonsidered un-
becoming even among the richer
part of the Sudra tribe.
Throughout tlu; southern parts of
India fowls are a common article of
diet with the lower castes, whereas
in Begal their use is confined en-
tirely to iMahommedans. In Bengal
ducks and geese are commonly used
by the Hindoos, but in the south of
India these birds are not at all do-
mesticated, except by Europeans.
Notwithstanding the great resort
of Europeans, and other foreigners
to the Carnatic, the genuine Hindoo
maimers are retained by the great
majoiity in wonderful purity. If any
person, leaving Madras, goes to the
nearest Hindoo village, not a mile into
the country, he is as much removed
from i'luropean manners and cus-
toms, as if he were in the centre of
Ilindostan.
From that part of the Carnatic
situated between the Hivei-s Palar
and Coleroon, tlie articles of pro-
duce or manufactures exported to
INIadras are chielly piece goods, con-
sisting mostly of blue clotlis, salam-
pores, coarse chintzes, i<c. the blue
cloths arc again re-exported, as are
many of the other coloured goods,
to the eastern markets. Among tin;
other articles sent from this quarter
to IVladras, arc ruin, indigo, grain,
and numerous smaller commodities.
The imports from Madras are very
inconsidirable.
The first irruption of the Mahom-
medans into the Carnatic was in
A. D. 1310, during the reign of
Allah ud Deen on the Delhi throne,
when they defeated Belal Deo, the
Hindoo sovereign. After this pe-
riod occasional tribute was paid to
til ■ Deccany so\creigns, and subse-
quently to i\\Q Mogul emperors, but
actual possession does not appear
to have been taken until towards
the conclusion of Aurengzeljc's
reign, in the commencement of the
18lh century. In the year 1717,
Nizam ul Mulk obtained possession
of the Mogul conquests in tlic Dec-
can and south of India, which from
that period ceased to form part of
th(i empire.
In 1743 Anwar ud Deen was ap-
pointed Nabob of Uie Carnatic and
Arcot by Nizam ul Muik, tin; Sou-
bahdar of tlie Deecan ; and, in 17o-l,
346 CARNOUL.
after severe contests betwixt the dif-
ferent claimants, aided by the French
and English East India Companies,
his son, Mahommcd Aii, was left in
possession of that portion of the
Carnatic recovered for him by the
British arms. In 1763 it was again
sunend(^red to the Nabob Mabom-
med Ali, after being wrested from the
French, the contest having, in all,
lasted 15 years ; in 1783 the British
had again to reconquer it from Hy-
der Ah.
Mahommed Ali died the 13th of
October, 1795, and was succeed-
ed by his son, Omdut ul Onira, who
died the 15th of July, 1801, when
Azim ul Amrah was raised to the
throne.
In 1801, the whole of the posses-
sions of the Nabob of Arcot, situ-
ated in the Carnatic, with the ex-
ception of a small portion reserved
by him as the household lands of
himself and family, w ere transferred
to the Company by treaty. Of the
lands situated in the southern divi-
sion of the Carnatic, consisting of
the Tincvelly and Manapara Pol-
lams, and the two niarawars, Ran-
nad and Shevagunga, and of those
situated to the westward, called the
Western Pollams, the Company had
collected the tribute since 1792. In
1795, the Pollams of Karnnad came
directly under the charge and ma-
nagement of the Company. 'I'he
remaining part oi" the Carnatic ter-
ritories, acquired by the treaty of
1801, consisted of the districts of
Palnaud, Nelloor, Angole, the pro-
vince of Arcot, the Pollams of Chit-
toor, and the districts of Sativaid,
Tinevelly, and Madura.
By the treaty, the nabob reserved
to himself a clear revenue of from
two to three lacks of pagodas an-
imally, nnineinnbered by any charge,
the British government undertaki);g
to support a suHicieut civil and mi-
litary force for the protection of the
country, and colie* tion of the reve-
nue. A liberal establishment was
als<^) provided for the other branches
of the fanii ly of Mahomiued A li Klian,
Alter this event the country was
subdivided into the following eol-
lectorships, which comprehend also
a few districts from the Upper Car-
natic, viz.
1. Nelloor and Ongole, including
part of the western pollams, or ze-
mindaries.
2. The northern division of Arcot,
including Sativaid, Pullicat, Coon-
goody in the Barramahal, part of
Balaghaut, and the western pol-
lams, or zemiiidaries.
3. Chingleput, or the Jaghire.
4. The soutliern division of Arcot,
includingCudalorc and Pondichcrry.
5. Triehinopoly.
6. Tanjore.
7. Dindigul, including Madura,
Manapara pollams, Ramnad, and
Shevagunga, partly in the Carnatic,
and partly in Mysore.
8. Tinevelly, in the Southern Car-
natic.
{F. Bvchatian, 5th Report, T,
Munro, MaJcohn, J. Grant, Rennel,
Wilford, Fra. Paolo, ^c.)
Carnoul, {Candannr). — A district
in the Balaghaut ceded districts, ex-
tending along the south side of the
Toonibuddra River, and situated be-
twixt the 15th and 16th degrees of
north latitude. When ceded to the
British by the Nizam in 1800, it was
in a very desolate state, on account
of the ravages it had sustained, but
its condition has been since greatly
ameliorated. The chief town is Car-
noul.
Carnoul, — A town in the Bala-
ghaut ceded districts, situated ou
the south side of the Toonibuddra
River. Lat. 15°. 50'. N. Long. 77°
58'. E.
In 1752 this Avas the capital of a
petty Patan sovereignty, w hieh had
never been completely sul)dued by
the Miigul dynasty. It was then
taken by the Nizam Saiabut Jung,
through the assistance of M. Bassy's
army, and its ganison of 4000 Pa-
tans cut to pieces. It is still the re-
sidence and jaghire of a Patan chief,
Mho is tributary to the Company,
whose northern boundary in tliis
CARRIANERS.
247
qiiartor is the Tooinbuddra, which
joins <hc Krislina, a il'w miles be-
low Cariioul.
TiaNollinp: distance from Hydera-
bad 127 miles S. S. W. fVoin Ma-
dras, 279; and from Seringapalam,
279 miles. {Orme, 5th Report, Rtu-
nel, Sf-c.)
Carnoul. — A town in the pro-
vince of Rahar, district of Hajy-
poor, 60 miles N.froni Patiia, Lat.
26°. 16'. N, l.on<r. 85°. E.
Cakoor. — A town in the south of
India, in the district of South Coim-
betoor, 42 miles W . from the ttiw n
of Trichinopoly, Lat. 10°. 55'. N.
Lono;. 78°. 12'." E. Tliis town is si-
tuated on the U(>rth bank of the
Amarawati. or Caroor River, and
contains abo^e 1000 houses. At a
little distance from the town is a neat
fort, ^\ith a large tenii)le, and a gar-
rison of sepoys. Tlie supply of wa-
ter in the Amarawati does not last
the whole year, so that in some
seasons there is only one crop of
rice. Near the river the rice grounds
are extensive, and fully cultivated.
The river of Caroor was the an-
cient boundary between the domi-
nions of Mysore and Trichinopoly,
and this conterminal situation, un-
der the security of a strong Ibrt, and
its rule over a rich and extensive
district, had I'ormerly rendered it a
place of great mercantile resort and
opulence. This place was taken in
1760, during the Carnatie wars, by
Captain Richard Sniilh, from'JVichi-
noi)oly, and probably before this
event no Isuropcan troops had ad-
vanced so far west inland.
Caruak. — A town in the province
of Bejapoor, district of Mortizabad,
situalecl on the south side of the Ri-
Acr Krishna. Lat. 17°. 25'. N. J^ong.
74°. 15'. E.
This is a considerable town, being
a mile in length, and nearly as nnieli
in breadth, \\r\\ iulialiited, and with
a good market. Nearly in the « entre
of the town are two pagodas of great
height and elegant workmanship.
There is a fort here, but without
guns. Eroni hence to Satarah is a
pleasant valley, w ell inhabited and
ctdtivated, being intersected bymany
streams. {Moor, ^t.)
Carrianers. — A singular de-
scription of people in the Rinnan
empire, who inhabit dilferent parts
of the couuOy, i)arlicularly (he
western provinces of Dalla and Ras-
seen, several societies of whom also
dwell in the districts adjacent to
Rangoon. 'J'hey are a simple, imio-
cent race, speaking a language dis-
tinct from that of the Rinnans, and
entertaining rude notions of religion.
They lead a pastoral life, and arc Iho
most industrious subjects of the
slate. 'J'heir \illages form a select
connnunily, fromwhieh they exclude
all other sects ; and Ihey never re-
side; in a city, intermingle, or marry
with slrangers. 'liiey profess, and
strictly obser\ e, universal peace, not
engaging in Avar, or taking any part
in the contests for dominion ; a sys-
tem that necessarily places them in
subjection to the ruling power of the
day. Agiicullure, the care of cattle,
and reaiing of poultry, are almost
their only occupations. A great part
of the provisions used in the country
is raised by the Carrianers, and they
particulaily excel in gardening.
They have of late years been hea-
vily taxed and ojjpressed by the great
Rinnan landliolders, in consec|uence
of which numbers have withdrawn
into the mountains of Aracan.
'J'hey ha\e traditional maxims of
jurisprudence lor their internal go-
vernment, but are wiihont any writ-
ten laws. Custom with them con-
stitutes law. Some learn to .speak
the Rinnan language, and a few can
A\rite it imperi'eeUy. I'hey are ti-
morous, honest, mild in Uieir man-
ners, and exceedingly hospitable to
strangers. This people are not found
higher up than Prome. One of
them being intenogatcd, accoinited
for their state of ignorance, and as-
signed as a reason, that (jod once
wrote his laws ami conunands uj.on
the skin of a bulialue, and called
upon all the nations of the carlh to
coiue and take a copy, which tliev
248
CARWAR.
all obeyed except the Carrianers,
vho had not leisure. {Synies, .Vc-)
Carnaul. — A town iii the pro-
vince of Deliii, 70 miles N. by W.
from the city of Deihi. Lat. 29°.
41'. N. Long. 76°. 48'. E.
Carnicobar Isle. — The most
norlherly of the Nicobar Islands, in
the Bay of Eeng^al. Lat. }>°. 8'. N.
Long. 92°. 53'. E.
This island is low, of a round
figure, about 40 miles in circumfe-
rence, and appears, at a distance, to
be entirely covered with trees. The
soil is of a black kind of clay, and
marshy, and i>roduces in great abun-
dance, with little care, most of the
tropical iinits, such as piue apples,
plantains, cocoa mits, also excellent
yams, and a root named cachu. —
The only qnatbupeds in the island
are hogs, dogs, large rats, and a
large animal of the lizard kind.
There are poultry, but not in plenty.
Snakes abound, some of the venom-
ous kind. There is great plenty of
timber, and some of it remarkably
large. The )iatives require money
for their provisions, and also expect
knives, handkerchiefs, and other
useful articles as presents. Shi|)S
calling here may obtain pigs, fowls,
cocoa nuts, betel nut, papaus, plan-
tains, limers, and shaddocks. A
species of ginger glows wild in the
island.
The natives are low in stature, but
well made, and surprisingly active.
They are copper-coloured, and their
features have a caste of the Malay ;
the females are extremely ugly.
Iliey are naturally gay and lively,
and drink arrack, when oifered
them, in large quantities. Many of
them speak a broken English,
mixed with Portuguese, which faci-
litates intercourse with ships. Their
hogs are remarkably fat, being fed
upon cocoa nut kernel, which is the
food also of tlieir dogs, fowls, and
other doirsestic animals. The houses
of the natives are generally built
upon the beach, in villages of 15 or
20 houses each. They are raised
iibout 10 feet from the ground, and
resemble bee-hives, having no win-
dows. The entry is through a trap-
door below, where tlie family mount
by a ladder, which is drav. n up at
liight.
'1 hey do not manufacture any cloth ;
what they have is procured from
ships, which come to trade for their
cocoa nuts, Avhich arc reckoned the
best in India. The articles they pre-
fer in exchange are cloths of differ-
ent colouis, liatchcts, and hanger-
blades. 1 hey have no moiicy of
their own, and use part of the coin
which they procure as ornaments.
Their intercourse with strangers is
so frequent, that they have acquired,
in general, the barbarous jargon of
the Poituguese, so common over
the Indian sea-coast.
Wlien a man dies all his goods are
burned Avith him, A\hich prevents
disputes among the heirs. On this
occasion his wife nnist confonn to
custom, by having a joint cut off
from one of her fingers ; and if she
refuses this, she mustsui)mit to have
a deep notch cut in one of the pillars
of her house. Their religion is im-
periectly understood, but seems to
liave no affinity with that of any of
the adjacent nations. I'hcre appears
to subsist a perfect equality among
them ; the more aged are respected,
but exercise no coercive authority.
The Danes formed a settlement-
about 1760 on this island^, to which
they conveyed a considerable num-
ber of cannon, and named New
Denmark; but the pestilential na-
ture of the climate compelled them
to abandon it. (6^. Hamilton, Lord
Valentia, Haensel, SjT.)
Cartinaad. — See Cadutinada.
Carvvar, {Cadawada). — A town in
the province of North Canara, 54
miles S. by £. liom Goa. Lat. 14°.
49'. N. Long. 74°. 4'. E.
This was formerly a noted seat of
European commerce, the English
East India Company having had a
factory here so early as 1673; but,
during the reign ofl'ippoo, the town
went to total ruin. It is situated in
that part of the Concan, conjpre-
CASHMEKi;.
24?)
h\ni(\(Ml by llic P>ii<ish in ihi' <lis- bounded !)y the moniilr>in? of Tibet ;
triit ofNorlli C';i!i;iia. A ronsidcr- on the sonth-oast anil south by
able quanlity of cut *)r terra ja- Kishtewar, in th<' piovince of |,a-
poiiicu is prociind here, iioiie of liore; and ou the S. \\ . \i\ l/.i-
whieh jJ^■o^vs alKJVc the Chaiils 'ihc hoie, Miiznn'erahad, and some other
AfahaiattH merchants also eome for independent districts. Inehidin^ th«
salt, 'J'o the north of C'arwar tlie siirronnding' moiiiilains. Cashmere
conntry is %ery thinly inhabited, the may he cstimaled at 120 miles in
hills prodiuinp: nothins, hiit bushes length, and 70 in extreme hreadlh,
or stunted trees, anKMiij uhieh there thf tic^ure nearly an o\al. The li-
arc scarcely any leak. mits of Caslimerc towards tlie west.
It would ai)pear that at on<' tinie, ailjoiaing Muzulierabad, are termi-
all the lands ol this district belom^ed nated by a low thick wood, liie edge
to Jain landhohhrs; but, all these of which is skirted hy a rivulet ; and
liave been killed or so oppressed, on the other side rises a eliaiii of
that they have disappeared. There lofty mountains stret(-iiiii<!; to the
are not any slaves here. 'Ihis part north and soutii. la 158'i this pro-
of the Conean, on the fall oftheSul- vince is deserihed by Abnl Tazcl as
tans of liejapoor, Ijecame subject to follows:
the Kajahsof Soonda; one of whom, " Mic soubah of Cashmere is
named fciedasiva l\ow\ built the Ibrt situated partly in the thir<l, and partly
at the mouth of the river, and called in the Iburth climate. ltiseo)Jiposed
it by Jiis own name. The dialect of of Cashmere, Ehemher, 8e\^ad, Bi-
Conean is used by the natives of jorc, Cundaiiai', and Zcbulestaii
this })lace in tlieir own houses, but (Cabnl). I'ormerly it liad Ghizni,
from having been long" subject to lie-
japoor, almost all of them. can speak
the Maharatta. (F. Bndianan, <S;c.)
CAKWARtK. — A towTi in the Car-
natic, 78 miles N. N. ^^ . from
Madras. Lat. 14°. 3'. IS. Long-. 79°.
52'. E.
Carwarke. — A town in the nor-
thern Carnatie, district f)f Ongole,
148 miles N. from 'XFadras. Lat.
15°. 12'. N. Lous-. 80°. 5'. E.
but now it has Cabul lor its capital.
The length from kimherdine to
Kishengunjj; is 120 eoss, and tli<!
breadth from 10 to 25 eoss. On the
east lies I'eeristan and tiie i\iver
Chenaub ; on tiie south-east BaiikuJ
and the mountains of Juaimoo; oa
the N. E. C.reat'J'ihet; on the west
Puekhoji and Kishengung'; on the
south-Mcst the territory of Gickher;
and on the north-west Little Tibet.
, ^ . -. It is eueom})assed on ail sides with
lofty mountains. '1 here are 26 roads
CASII.MEKE, {Cusmua.) into Hindustan, but those of Ehem-
A province of Xorthern llindos- her and Fuckholi are the best, being
tan, situated prim ijjally between the passaide for horses."
34th and 35th tiegrees of north The whole of Cashmere represents
latitude. 'I'he A alley of Cashmere a garden in jjcrpetual s[iriiig, and
is of an elliptic form, and extends the fortilications witli which natnre
about 90 miles in a v\ inding diree- has furnished it are of an astonish-
tion from the south-east to the north- ing height. The water is remark-
west. It widens gradually to Is- ably good, and the cataracts mag-
lamabad, wliere tlie i)readth is about nificent. It rains and snows here
40 miles; Mhich is continued with at the same season as in Tartary and
little variation to the town of Persia; and, during the periodical
Sampre, whence the mountains by a rains in Uindostan, here also light
regular inclination to the westward showers fall. The soil is j)artly
come to a point, and .Si])arate Cash- marshy, the rest well watered bv
mere from Mu/ull'erabad. To the rivers and lakes. "Niolcts, roses, nai-
north and iiorlli-east Cashmere is cissuses, and iununicrablc otJier
250
CASHMERE.
flowers gi-ow wild here. Eaitli-
quakes arc very IVequcnt ; on which
accouul tlie houses arc built of
wood. The hihal)ilants live chiefly
upon rice, Ircsh and dried llsh, and
vegetables, and they drink Mine.
Their horses are small lnit hardy;
they breed neither clepliunis nor
camels. In tlieir cities and towns
are neither snakes, scoipions, nor
other vcnonior.s reptiles; bnt the
country in j^eneral abounds with
flies, glials, bugs, and lice. Most of
the trade of the country is carried on
by water, but great burthens are
also transported on men's shoulders.
'J'he Cashmeiiaiis have a language
of their own ; but their books are
written in the Sanscrit tongue, al-
though the charticter be sometimes
Cashmerian. They write chiefly
wpon tooK, M'hich is the bark of a
tree. The Mahommedans are partly
Suiinies, and others are of the sects
of Ali and Nciorbukhshay. Here are
many delightful singers, but they
want variety.
The Hindoos regard the whole of
Cashmere as holy land; 45 places
are dedicated fo Mahadeva or Si^a;
64 to A ishnu; three to Brahma; and
22 to Durga (the wife of Mahadcra).
In 700 places are carved figures of
snakes, which they also worship.
xMthough formerly government
was said to take only a third of the
produce of the soil; yet. in fact, the
husl)andmen was not left in tlie en-
joyment of nearly one-third. His
majesty (Acber) has now command-
ed that tlie ( rojis shall be equally
divided, between the husbandman
and the state. There are but few
troops in Cashmere, the native stand-
ing army being only 481)2 cavalry,
and 92,400 infantry.
The ancients divided Cashmere
into tAvo jiarts only, calling the east-
ern division Aleraje, and the west-
ern Kamraj. In the history of
Cashmere, it is said, that in the early
ages of the world, all Cashmere, ex-
cejit the mountains, was covered
vith water, and was then named
Snttysir. Sutty is one of the names
of Mahadeva's wife, and sir signifies
a reservoir. In tlio year of the
Hijera 948, (A. D. l'541), Mirza
Hyder was sent against Cashmere
by the Emperor Humayoon, and by
the help of some of the natives con-
quered the Mliole of that country,
and part of Great Tibet."
The lower range of mountains,
which suiTound Cashmere, aie of a
moderate height, and covered with
trees and verdure, affording excel-
lent pasture for all sorts ofcatrle and
wild graminivorous animals ; and con-
taining none of the larger and more
ferocious carnivorous animal, such
as lions and tigers. Beyond this
range are mountains of a more ele-
vated description, whose snow-clad
tops, soaring above the fogs and
clouds, appear perpetually bright and
luminous. By ascending from the
plains up the mountains any de-
gree of cold may be attained. From
these mountains flow innumerable
cascades and rivrdets, which the in-
habitants conduct through their rice
fields, for the purpose of irrigation ;and
in their course form small lakes and ca-
nals, thejunction of which afterwjuds
forms rivers, navigable for boats of
considerable magnitude even within
the limits of Cashmere ; and, increas-
ing as they flow southward, form
several of the laigest rivers by which
Hiudostan is fertilized. Among-
these mountains are many romantic
vallies, the inhabitants of which
have scarcely any cominunicatiou
with those of the plains ; and, on
account of their poverty and the in-
accessible situation of their dwel-
lings, never have been subdued by
any of the conquerors who ha\e
devastated Cashmere. The religion
of primitive tribes is unknown, but
is probably some modification of the
Brahminical tenets.
The Aalley of Cashmere is cele-
brated throughout Asia for the ro-
mantic beauty of its situation, the
fertility of its soil, and the tempera-
ture of its atinosjihere. It is gene-
rally of a flat surface, and being
copiously watered, yields abundant
CASHMERE.
251
crops of rice, whidi is Iho co/nnion
fond orilioiimai)it;ints. '1 lie tacility
of prucmiiis \v;iter rusiuvs llie crop
s^gainst tlic injuries of a droii^lil,
and the niildnoss of the climate
against the seorcliino- ollect of the
sun. At (he base of the snnuund-
ing hills where the land is higlicr,
wheat, barley, and various other
grains arc cultivated. In this pro-
vince arc found most of the plants,
flowers, fruit, and forest trees, com-
mon to Europe ; partieularly the
apple, pear, plumb, a])ri(S!t and nut
trees, and abundance of grapes; and
in the gardens are many kitchen
herbs peculiar to cold countries. A
superior sort of saflron is also pro-
duced in Cashmere, and iron of an
excellent quality is found in the
niojuitains. Hie setigcrah. or wa-
ter-nut, which grows in the lakes,
forms a considcral)lc portion of the
lood of the lower classes.
Many lakes are spread over the
country, and there is a traditit)n,
wliich appearances tend to contirni,
that the Cashmere V alley was once
the bed of a large lake, w hich at last
opened itself a passage into Hindos-
tan, by the channel of the Jliylum
River. Besides this river and ihe
Chota Singh River, there are num-
berless mountain streams supplied
by the risins, wliich fall among the
hills with groat violence from June
to October, and form many cascades
and small cataracts w Inch are pre-
cipitated into the valley, w here the
periodical rains arc desciibed as
only descending in gentle shower.».
The principal towns of the province
arc Cashmere, named alsoScriuagur,
Islamabad, and Sampre.
'I'hc wealth and fame of Cashmere
liave greatly arisen from the manu-
facture of shawls, the wool of which
is not pro<luced in the country, but
brought frouj districts of Tibet, ly-
ing at the distance of a month's
journey to the north east. It is ori-
ginally of a dark grey colour, and is
bleached in Caslnnere by the help of
a preparation of rice flower. 'I'his
raw material of the Caslunere shawls
is a wool, or rather a down, that is
protected by the course hair of a goat,
which is bred in Tibet. Neither the
Delhi emperors, who made Aarions
attempts to introduce tiie breed of
the shawl goat into the upper jiro-
vinces of India, nor the sovereigns
of Persia, have e\cr been aide to
succeed in procuring wool of an
equally fine quality wil!i that of Ti-
bet. The Persian shawl from the
wool of Kerman comes nearer the
Cashmere shawl tiian the l.nglish.
After the yarn of the wool is pre-
pared, it is stained with such colours
as may be pidged best suited for a
sale, and after being w ove the ])iece
is once w ashed. The iiorder, which
usually displays a \ ariety of figures
and colours, is attached to the shawls
after fabrication; but, in so delicate a
manner, that the. junction is not dis-
eeriiiide. The price at the loom of
an ordinary shawl is eight rupees;
thence, in proportion to quality, it
produces iiom 15 to 20 rupees, and
some of a very fine (piality sell so
high as 40 rupees the first cost. The
flowered work greatly adds to the
expense, and altogether 100 rupees
is occasiojially given. A large pro-
portion of th(> Cashmere revenue is
transmitted to the capital in sliawl
goods.
The Cashmerians also fabricate
the best writing-paper of the cast,
w Inch w as formerly an article of ex-
tensive Irallic, iis were its lacquered
ware, cutlery, and sugar; l)ut trade
of all sorts is now in a very languid
State. A wine resembling Madciia
is manufactured in this province,
and a spirituous liquor is also dis-
tilled from the grape. Amritsir, in
Lahore, the Seik ca})ital, is at pre-
sent the grand enrporium for the
shawls and saifron ofCasln;ierc. The
boats of Cashmere are long and nar-
row, and are nuncd with paddles.
The coimtry being intersected by
numerous streams, navigable for
small ^essels, might greatly benefit
under a bitter government by this
commodious internal conveyance.
As there are no caravanserais iH
/
CASHMERE.
])ratcd for tFic Icaruingii of its Braft-
mins and the niagiiiliceiice of it*
temples. TJic period of its subjuga-
tion is uncertaiu ; but it was attack-
ed and ravaged by JIahmood of
Ghizni so early as A.D. 1012. It
252
/
Caslnnorc, conimeicial stjange>/are
generally lodged with their brokers.
In the time of Aurcngzebc the re-
venue collected in Caslimere was
three and a half lacks of ni])ees per
annum; in 1783, the Alghan go-
vernors, on behalf of the Cabul sove- was governed in a long succession
rei"n, extorted above 20 lacks. At by a race of Tartar princes, of the
that time the army of the prmince Chug or Chugatay tribe, until 158G,
was about 3000 horse, chiefly At- Avhen it was subdued by Acb( r, and
o-hans, the natives seldom engaging remained annexed to the liousc of
fi>. any military occupation, which is Timur for 160 years, after which it
avers« to their genius and disposi- Mas betrayed l)y the Mogul go\'er-
•jioD, nor, about 1754, to Ahmed Shah
The natives of Cashmere are a Duranny, and constituted a province
stout, well-formed people, and their of tlio Afghan sovereignty of Cabtil
complexions what in France or Spain until 1809, when Mahonnned Khan
would be termed brunette. They tlie soubahdar, on the part of the
are naturally a gay and lively people,
and eager in the pursuit of wealth.
They are accounted much more
acute and intriguing than the natives
of riindostan generally, and prover-
bially liars. They are also much ad-
dicted to the cultivation of literature
Cabul, revolted, and has ever since
maintained his independence, both
against the Afghan sovereigns, and
Funjeet Singh, the Seik Kajah of
Lahore. {Foster, A bid Fazel^ Bev-
iiier, licmiel, Malcolm, ,5'c.)
Casumkre, {or Seriiiagiir). — A
and poetry, and the common jseoplc town in t!ie province of Cashmere,
remarkably ingeniotis in cabinet -^ -^■■■^- -^ ■■ *^- -—''"^ t „+ o^o
work of all descriptions. Tliey have
not the slighest resemblance to their
Tartarian neighbours, who are an
ngly race of people; on the contrary,
the Cashmerian females have been
celebrated for their beauty and com-
plexions, and on that account much
souglit after for wives by the Mogul
Boljility of Delhi, that the breed
might not degenerate. Although
fertile, the country is not thickly po-
pulated, on account of the miserable
governments to which it has so long
been subjected. The whole number
of vhicli it is the capital. Lat. 34°.
20'. N. Long. 73°. 43'. E. In 1582.
it is described by Abul Fazel as
follows :
" Serinagur, the capital of Casli-
mere, is four farsangs in length. The
last mentioned one is dry during a
part of the year, and the Mar ii
sometimes so shallow, that boats can-
not pass through it. This city has
been for ages in a llomishing state ;
and here are niairafactured shawls
and other tiue woollen stufis. On
the east side of the city is a high
lill, called the mountain of Solimau^
are probably nuich under half a mil- and adjoining are two large lakes,,
lion, a great proportion of whom arc which arc always full."
Hindoos, professing to follow the
Erahminical doctrines. All Cash-
mere is reckoned holy land by the
Hindoos, and abounds with miracu-
lous fountains. The language of
Cashmere springs from a sanserif
stock, and resembles that of the Ma-
havatias; their songs are composed
in the Tersic, which they consider
less harsh.
l^ior to the IMahommedan con-
quest of India, Cashmere Avas celc-
l"he town of Cashmere Avas for-
merly known by the name of Seri-
nagur, but now by that of the pro-
vince. It extends about three miles
on each side of the Ri\er Jalum,
over wliich are four oi- five wooden
bridges; and it occujiies, in some
part of its breadth, which is inicqual,,
about two miles. The houses, many
of them two and three stories high,
arc slightly built of brick and mor-
tar, with a large intermix tiue of tint-
CASSAY.
253
hcT. On the wooden roof is laid a
co\Tniig of cartli, uliicli uH'oids
warmtlj ia winter, and diiiiiii;- ti)e
sumiiier is planted w itii lloweis. 'I'lie
streets are iiarntw, and elioked witli
the tilth of the inliabitants, wlio aic
I)ioveibially uiieleun ; and tlterc arc
no l)uiidiii;j;s worthy of remark. The
soubahdar, or j<overnor of Cashmere,
resides in a fortress, called shere-
ghnr,()C(;n]>vinj;- the south-east cfiiar-
ter of the city.
The benefit which this elty enjoys,
in a mild salubrious air, and a river
flowiiiu; through its centre, is essen-
tially ailou'd by its conliiicd eon^
strnction and the extreme lilthiness
of the people. 'Ihere are <overed
floating-baths ranged along; the sides
t)f the river.
The Lake of Cashmere, named in
the provincial language the Dall, has
long been celebrated for its beauties.
It extends fi-oni the norHi-east quar-
ter of the city, in au oval cireum-
feren^-e of live or six nuhs, and joins
the Jaluni l>v a narrow^ <hanuel, near
the suburbs. The northern view of
the lake is terminated, at the dist-
ance of 12 miles, by a tletached
range of mountains, whi<li slope
Ironi the centre t(» each aiigie ; and
from the base, a spacious plain, pre-
sei-ved in constant verdure by nume-
rous streams, extends with an easy
declivity to the surface of the water.
In the centre of the jilain, as it ap-
proaches the hike, one of the Delhi
emperors, probably Shah Jelian, con-
estructed a spacious garden, called
Shalimar. 'I'hc; numerous small
islands in the lake ha\e the effect of
ornamenting the scene.
Rcrnier, who visited this conntiy
in l(j6',i, when travelling in the suit
of the Jjnperor Auiengzebc, gives a
most interesting and romantic de-
ji* Tipti4iu of this city ; but since the
«iismcjnberincnt of Cashmere from
the empire ofliiudostan bytheAl-
ghans, tliis city luis greatly decayed,
itnd its Itnildings been sutfercd to
^rtnnble into ruins. Travelling dist-
al nee liom Lahore, 587 miles; from
Ajfra. 724; from Lucknow. 866;
from Bombay, 1277 ; from Cal-
cutta, 15Gi; and from Madras, 1882
n)iies. {Foster, Itcnnel, Abid Fazel,
Bernkr, Vc.)
(Jashy, {Cashhi). — A small dis-
trict in Northern liindostuu, tril)u-
tary to the (Jhoorkali Hajahs of Ne-
panl. and situated between the 28th
and 29th degrees of north latitude.
Respecting this petty state very liltle
is known, except that it forms part
of tiie region named the countiy of
the 24 Rajahs, 'i'he country is vei-y
mountainou.^.
Cashy. — A towii in Northern Hin-
dostan, the capital of a small di.stiict
of the same name, in the country of
the 24 Rajahs, and tributaiy to Ne-
paul. Lat. 28° 42'. N. Long-. 82°.
49'. E.
Cassai River.— This river has its
Sonne in the piovince of Rahar, dis-
tiict of l^amghur, and not far from
the town of Ramghur, from whence
it Hows in a south-easterly direction,
passing the town of Midnapoor in its
<!oursc ; after which it falls into tha
western, or Hooghly branch of tha
River Ganges, a few miles below
Diamond Point.
C ASSAY. — A province in the Bir-
man empire, situated about the 24th
degree of north latitude. This coun-
try is bounded on the north by Ca-
char and Assam; on the south In
Aracan, and the rude tribes border-
ing- im that country; on the west it
has the Bengal districts of Tipperali
and Sylhet ; and on the cast it is se-
parated from the original Birman
territories by the River Keenducm,
which, taking a south-eastern course,
unites its waters witli those of th»
Irravaddy, a short way alwve th«
town of Sembev^ ghewn. The capi-
tal city is Munipoor, and by the in-
haljitants of Bengal the Cassayers
are called Muggaloos, an appellation
with which they them.selves aie to-
tally unacquainted. Tlvis name the
Europeans have applied to the coun-
try, turning it into Meckley. Katthce
is the name given to this people by
the Birmans, which has been taken
for the nam« of the country, and
3
254
catarmahal.
corrupted into Cassaj-; the natives
of which call themselves Moitay.
The Cassayers have a softness of
countenance much more resemblin;ij
the natives of Hindostan than the
Birmans, with whom they have very
little aflinity eitlier in manners or
appearance. Many of these peo])le,
taken prisoners in the wars, are now
settled in the neighbourhood of the
Birman caj>ital, Ununerapoor, where
their superior skill and industry,
in different branches of handicraft
Avork, supply them with a comfort-
able subsistence. They cultivate
pulse, greens, onions, and such vege-
tables as the Birmans use, and trans-
port them across the lake to Umme-
rapoor, where they retail them in the
market.
The gunsmiths of the Birman em-
pire are all Cassayers, but their s^uns
are extremely defective. They arc
also much better horsemen tlian the
natives of Ava, and on that account
are the only cavalry employed in the
Bumaii armies, and very mucii re-
semble those met with in Assam.
They ride like all oiieiitals, with
short stirrups and a loose rein ; tlicir
saddle is hard and higli, and two
large circular (laps of hard leather
hang down on each side, which are
painted or gilded according to tlie
quality of the rider. The music of
the Cassayers is remarkably pleasant
and consonant to the English taste,
ill which the time varies suddenly
fiom quick to slow. With the reli-
gion of the Cassayers we are imper-
fectly acquainted ; but there is rea-
son to believe a great ma,jority pos-
sess the Brahminical doctrines; and.
in the basis of their character and
dispositions, they much more re-
semble a regular Hindoo tribe, tlian
the harsh and brutal followers of
Buddha. Their country may be
considered as the extreme limits of
the Brahminical Hindoo sect to the
eastward, as from hence the preva-
lence of the Buddhist doctrine in
some shape is universal.
In the year 17-54, when Alompra,
the Eirraan mojiarch, left the city of
Ava to relieve Promo, he detached li
body of trooi>s across the Keendueni
to chastise the Cassayers, who had
hitherto enjoyed only a temporar}"^
independence, when the contests of
the BiiTnini and Pegue states left
them no leisme to enforce obedience.
They were always leady to revolt,
and quickly reduced to submission.
The Rajah of the Cassayers, residing
at Munnipoor, sued for peace, which
was concluded on advantageous
terms tor the Birmans; and, as is
the custom, a young man and young
woman of the rajah's kindred were
delivered as hostages.
In 1757 Alompra again attacked
the Cassayers, and ravaged their
country, but mus prevented com-
pleting the conquest by the revolt of
the Peguers. In 1765, Shcmbuan,
the son of Alompra, invaded the
Cassay country, and obtained consi-
derable booty, but appears to have
intended nothing beyond a predatory
excursion ; but, in 1774, he sent a
formidable force against the Cassay-
ers, which, after a long and obsti-
nate battle, took the capital Munni-
poor, the rajah having withdrawn to
the Corrun hills, five days' journey
north west of that place. From this
period the Cassay country has re-
mained subject to the Birmans.
{Sijmes, F. Buchanan, &fc.)
Catanduanes Isle. — One of the
Philippines, situated oft" the east
coast o! Luzon. Lat. 15'. N. liOng.
124° 30'. E. In length it may be
estimated at 36 miles, by 20 the
aveiage breadth.
Catarmahal, {Chatnrmahal). — A
village in Northejn Hindostan, situ-
ated in the y\iniora district, iiihal)ited
principally by pataris, or dancing-
women. "Lat. 2y°. 40'. N. Long.
79°. 38'. E.
Above the town, under the peak
of the mountain, stands a large and
apparently very ancient ti niple, sa-
cred to Aditya. It is built at tho
west extremity of a square, and sur-
rounded hy 51 siiiallei |)ynuniilical
temples, which were formerly sup-
plied with idols, but few of them
CAULABAUGH.
255
now rcniaio in a perfect state. Tra-
ditJoii reports' it to have been built
Ijy the Pandoos. An annual fair is
held here in the month of Paush.
C>TCHouRA, {Cachor). — A town
and fort in the jnovince of A 2:r!!, dis-
trict of I'nrruekabad.from vvliich tlie
zemindar, being n'lractury, was ex-
pelled by the liritisli forces in Mnreh,
1803. with considerable lo.ss on the
part of the assailants.
Catochin. — A small district in
the eastern quarter of the Lahore
province, situated about the 32d de-
jjree of north latilud;». ll is named
indiscriminately Catochin and Kaiui-
pah, and is now possessed by the
Seik tribes. It is a very hilly and
woody district, and is intersected by
the River Beyah.
Catmandoo, (Casht/iamaixlh; the
wooden metropolis). — A town in
Northern Ijindostan, situated in the
valley of \epaul Proper, 40 miles
from the loftv Himalav a Mountains.
Lat. 27°. 33'". N, Long. 85°. 39'. E.
This place is reckoned the present
capital of Nepaul, Ijcing the resi-
dence of the (JhoorkhaJi rajah. It
stands on the east bank of the Bis-
henmutty, along which it extends
about a mile ; its breadth is incon-
siderable, no wliere exceeding lialf a
mile, and seldom extending beyond
a quarter of a mile. The name by
which it is distinguished in ancient
books is Gongool-putten ; the Ne-
wars call it Yindaise, whilst among
the Parbuttees, or mountaineers, it
is stiled Kathipoor, an appellation
which seems to proceed from the
same popidar source with Catman-
doo, a name derived, it is said, from
its numerous wooden temples. These
appear to differ nothing from the
wooden mundabs, or nnmdirs, oc-
casionally met with in other parts of
India, and arc principally remark-
able for their number and size. Be-
sides these there are many brick
temples, with three or four sloping
roofs.
The houses are built of brick and
tile, with pitched or pent roofs to-
wards the .street. They arc of two,
three, and four stories, and almost
without exception of a mean ap-
pearance, even the rajah's house
being but a sorry bi;ilding. 'i'he
streets are very nanow, and nearly
astilihyas those of Benares. Cat-
mandoo was reckoned to contain
22,000 houses during the time of Jye
Pnrkliaush, and they have since aug-
mented at the expense of Patu and
Biiatgong. This statement must be
understood to oomi)reliend, not only
the population of the town its<lf, but
of its dependent villages, there not
being above .5000 houses on the
ground oecu])icd by the city. Al-
lowing 10 persons to a liouse or fa-
mily, which is probably a low esti-
mate for tl'.e houses of Catmandoo,
its population v\ ill amount to 50,000
souls.
At the same rate, the numbers oc-
cupying the remaining 17,000 houses,
formerly included within the juris-
diction of Catmandoo, would be
170,000; but, in the country, eight
may be taken as the average, which
would give 186,000 for the totiU po-
pulation of the capital and its dis-
tricts. Among the latter, in this
estimate, are not included Doona-
baise, Noakofe, Nerjah, nor any of
the dependencies of the Catmandoo
sovereignty lying beyond the valley.
( KirlipcUrich, S^-c.)
Caugmarry, {Cagniari). — A small
town in the province of Bengal, dis-
trict of IMymnnsingli, 38 miles N.
N. W. from Dacca. Lat. 24°. 15'.
N. Long. 89°. 48'. K
C AULA HANDY. — A town possessed
by independent chiefs, in the pro-
vince of Orissa, 50 miles N. E. from
Bnstar. Lat. 20°. 7'. N. Long. 83**.
15'. E.
CaulabadGII, (Khsharabag, thr
garden of salt). — A town on the wesi
side of the Indus, in the province of
Cabul, 116 miles N. by W. from
iMooltan. Lat. 32°. 11'. N. Long.
70*. 46'. E.
At this place the country inha-
bited by the real Afghans begins,
and from hence to Peshawer are a.
250 CAUNPOOR.
c,Tcat variety of tiibcs. It is here
also that the Indus is first coiiliiied
to one stream, hetween the banks of
%vliich it cannot ovcrllow. Caula-
l)angli lias been long- noted fur an
inexhaustible store of the finest rock
salt, and it is enriched by considoi-
able allum works. The salt is sold
at 25 maund (of 80 libs.) per ru{)ee,
and transported on camels and bul-
locks to the Pintjab, Mooltau, and
tlie other lower parts of the Cabul
dominions. The alhini also is bar-
tered in trade.
The lionses of the inhabitants are
bnilt on platforms cut out of the de-
ehvity of the hill, and the inhabi-
tants are an Afghan tribe, named
Awans. The stream of the Indus
at Canlabangh, between the tv.o
nearest points of the opposite hills,
is from three to 400 yards broad.
The adjoining hills arc remarkable
on account of their fantastic shapes,
the lain Inuina; Avashed doAAii tiuiir
crumbled substance, leaves to the
last the highest and hardest parts,
which often are seen standing on
bases much smaller than their snm-
inits. (11^/t Register, S,-c.)
C Avyi¥ ooR, {K/mupura). — A town
in the province of Allahabad, si-
tuated on the west side of the Gan-
f!,es, 49 miles S. W. from Lucknow,
i.at. 26°. 30'. N. Long. 80°. 21'. E.
A brigade of Company's troops is
cantoned here, it bejiig considered
as the chief militaiy station in the
ceded provinces. There are barracks
for 400 artillery, two king's regi-
ments, one of cavalry, thn-c of na-
tive cavalry, and 7000 native infan-
try, 'i'he oiliceis of every descrip-
tion fnul their oAvn lodgings, m Inch
consist of very commodious and ele-
gant bungalows, binit without any
regularity, on a space extending about
six miles along the Canges.
Caunjioor is situateil on the upj)er
part of th;it vast plain, which e\-
tonds from the Bay of Lcngal to
the northern mountains approaching
Tibet. Tiie soil of it is not only ail
arable, but with j'roper cultivation
•apable of being reiidered e\tremely
fertile. Agrieulknc in ilie iieigfj-
boinhood of Cainipoor has profited
by the stinnilus of a Eurctj)ean mar-
ket and high prices. Indian corn,
grain, barley, and M'heat, arc culti-
vated ; and turnips, cabbages, and
European vegetables, arc, during
the season, in great abundance, not
only in the gardens of the olliccrs,
but in the fields cultivated by the
natives. Grapes, peaches, with a
piofusion of fruit, have long been
supplied by the Europeans.
In their season sugar canes, arid
other crops, tlourish in this part of
the country in great luxuriance ; cul-
tivation is, however, often inter-
rupted by the intervention of ex-
tensive wastes, w Inch might be easily
lendercd as productive as the rest of
the land.
The troops here, during the dry
season, suffer great annoyance from
the dust, whicii they cannot possibly
avoid. From the middle of Octo-*
ber to the middle of June there is
seldom a shower of rain ; the groimd,
consequently, becomes parched to a
cinder; all vegetation, except on wa-
tered fields, being destroyed. The
tread of horses, camels, and bullocks,
loosens each day a certain quantity
of dust from the surface, which tlic
w inds that regularly blow in the af-
ternoon raise into the air in the form
of a thick cloud, which nearly hides
the sun, and enveloj)es the station
in darkness. The history of the
counlry affords many iii.stances of
battles, lost and avou, according to
the direction of the dust, the wind-
ward position giving a decided ad-
vantage. A^'ohes abound licre»
v.hiclificquontlydash into some cor-
ner of the camj), and carry children
under five years of age, whi(;li hap-
pen to be straggling among the huts.
Aficr the cession of the surround-
ing eouutry of the Doab, in 1802, by
the Nabob of Oude, a district was
altachcd to the Canispoor station^
and a civil establishment ajipointed
for (he adip.iuishatiou ofjuslice, and
the collection of the revenue. {Ten-'
naiit, Lord Valentia, Iltnnel, 'Sfc.)
CAVITE.
257
Cavai. — A small jNToplny town in
tJic province of i\r;ilal)ur, '28 niilos
N. \. W. Iioni TclliclKMv. Lut. 12°
n'. N. Lon?,-. 75°. 20'. \\. lu 1719
the Knulish luul a riictoiy here,
which foiisistcd of a puiidiahi, or
haiiksall ; whicli Dutch word has
now, in general, been adopted by
tlic natives of the whole INIalabar
ro;ust.
In l?^ the French built a fort on
the soutii side of the river, w'licro
they remained 10 years. Afterwards
an Eliii Rajah (as the husband of the
Eibby of Cananore i:J nained) built
a fort on each side of the sonlhcru
liver. These two forts are now in
rnins, and the influence of the Ca-
iiaiiore family entirely superseded by
that of Choiicara l\!ousa, a INla-
liominedan merchant of I'ellichcrry,
whose authority e.vtcnds unrivalled
over the ftloplays from Cavai to
Mangalore. (F. Buchanan, .Vr.)
Cavery, (Caveri). — A river in the
south of India, which lises among
the Coorg hills, near the coast of
IMalabar, passes through the Mysore,
Coiml)ctoor, and the Carnatic below
the Chauts ; and, after a winding
course of nearly 400 miles, falls into
the sea by various mouths in the pro-
vince of Tanjore.
Opposite to Trichinopoly, in the
Carnatic, the Cavery separates into
tw^o branches, and forms the Island
of Serinj;iiam. About 13 miles to
the eastward of the point of separa-
tion the branches again approach,
but tlie northern branch is at this
place 20 feet lower than the southern.
The northern branch is permitted to
run V aste to tlie sea, and is named
the Coleroon ; but the southern,
wlii(;li retains the name of Cavery,
has been led into a variety of chan-
nels by the skill and industry of the
early Hindoos, to iriigate the pro-
vince of Tanjore, and is the cause
of its extraordinary fertility. Near
to the east end of the Island of Sc-
ringhum is formed an innnense
mound, to ])reveut the waters of the
Cavery from descending into the
Coleroon. {Wilks, ic.)
s
Caverypauk. — A large town in
the Carnatic, district of Conjee, Lat.
12^. 59'. N. Long. 79°. 32'. E. Here
is a great eray, or taiik, about eight
miles long by three broad, whicli
fertilizes a considerable tract of coun-
try. From Onluorto Caverypauk the
barren ridge on which the road leads
is narrow, and the country bein;j
abuiidantly sui)plied with water from
the great tank has a handsome ap-
jKaranoc. After passing Caverypauk
towanls Arcot, the barren ridge is
more extensive, and in most places
consists of immense beds of granite,
-or of that rock decomposed into
coarse sand, almost destitute of ver-
dure. (F. Buchanan, 4t.)
Cavfuvpatnam. — A town in the
south of India, district of Kistnag-
herry, situated on the banks of the
Panaur Kiver, 103 miles east from
Seringapatam. Lat, 12°. 29'. N.
L(,ng. 78°. 22'. E,
Cavf.iiyporum. — A town in tiie
district of North Cuimbetoor, 85
miles S. E. from Scringapatam, Lat.
ll*. 49'.N, Long. 77°. 55'. E, This
tov\'n is situated on the banks of the
Cavery, which, in the rainy season,
is here a wide, strong, but smooth
stream, no where fordablc; but in
the dry season there are many lords.
The country is, in general, level, but
very stony, and full of rocks even
with the surface.
'Jlie tort of Caveryporum is said to
have been built by Guttimodaly, who
was polygar of a considerable part of
the neighbouring country, llic su-
burbs contain about 100 houses, witli
the ruins of a much greater number.
There is a custom-house here, this
being an entrepot of trade betv\een
the countries above and below the
Ghauts. The goods are carried on
oxen, and tobacco is the principal
article. {F. Buchanan, ^c)
Cavite. — A town in the Philip-
pines, situated three leagues S, W.
from jNfanilla, within the Eay of
Manilla, it being the proper harbour
of that city. Lat. 11° 34'. N. Long.
120°.4S'. E.
It was once of g^reater si39 '^d
258
CERAM LAUT ISLES.
consequence, but now has, in g;e-
iieral, only a gairison of 150 men,
M ho occ»])y the castle of St. Pliilij),
which is of a square form, wlih four
bastions. All the other inliahiiants
arc niulatocs, or Indians, eraj)lo) ed
at the ar.scna!, and, with th* ir fa-
milies, form a population of 4000
souls. The .Jesuits formerlj possessed
a very handsome house here, but Ihe
whole is much decayed ; the old stone
houses being abandoned, or occupied
by Indians, who never icpair Ihem.
The depth of water is excellent, as
ships may lie within musket shot of
the arsenal ; but Ca\ite Bay is in-
fested by a species of worm, which
penetrates tlie planks and timbers of
ships, and renders theju .»;oon unlit
to keep the sea. Although so near
to Manilla, being actually within the
bay, boats going from the one to the
other art! often taken by j)iratical
Malay prows, and the people sold
for slaves. {La Peyroiise, Sonnerat,
CayagaxSooloo Islf.s. — A clus-
ter of islands in the Eastern Seas,
lying oft" the north-eastern coast of
Borneo. Lat. 7°. N. Long. 118°
50'. E. The largest, about 20 miles
in circumference, is of a middling
height, covered with trees, and the
soil rich and luxuriant. In 1774 this
island was dependent on Sooloo, and
much frequented by the mangaio, or
piratical prows. 'I'he tide rises here
six feet on the springs. {Forrest,
Cayle River. — A small river,
which has its source in the districts
to the south of Palamow, in the pro-
vince of Bahar, liom whence it pur-
sue.; a northerly-winding course un-
til it joins the Soanc in the dislii( t
of Rotas, after a course, iiidudiug
the turnings, of about 150 n)iics.
Cayvakum. — A town in liie south
of India, district of (Jurrumconda,
85 miles S. W. from Cudapah. Lat.
13''. 30'. N. Long. 78°. 21'. K.
Ceded Districts, — See Bala-
GHAUT.
Cera Tsle. — A small island, about
20 miles in circumference, lying oil'
the west side of Timorlaut. hong,
131°. 50'. E.
Ceram. — A large island in the
Eastern Seas, extending from the
128th to the 130th degrees of east
longitude, and situated principally
bctv^'ixt the third and fourth degrees
of south latitude. In length it may
be estimated at 185 miles, by 30
miles the average breadth.
A chain of very high mountains^
parallel in their direction, runs from
east to west, the vallies betwixt
which shew every sign of a vigorous
vegetation. The highest of these
mountains from the sea appears to
be 7000 feet in elevation. The pe-
ninsula of Bocwamoehil, or Little
Ceram, is joined to the main laud by
a narrow isthmus, and, in ancient
times, produced large quantities of
cloves and nutmegs, but the trees
were extirpated by the Dutch about
the year 1657. The \iood v\ Inch is
usually called Amboyna, and the
Salmoni, both of which are exported
from Amboyna, for cabinet work,
are mostly the production of C«;ram.
At present the peninsula of Hoewa-
moehil is covered with sago trees.
Along the shores of Ceram uncom-
monly line shells are found.
Rumphius describes the wild
mountains and interior of this island
as being inhabited by the Horaforas,
or Alforcze, the aborigines of all the
islands west of the Papua, or Ori-
ental Negro Isles. He says they
are a tall, strong, and savage peo-
ple, in general taller than the inha-
bitants of the sea shores. Both sexes
go nearly naked, only wearing a
bandage about their v aists, made of
the bark of a tree. I'heir weapons
aie a bamboo sword, and bows and
arrows. They had many barbarous
and bloody religious rites, which the
Dutch writers have greatly exag-
gej ated. {Stavorinvs and Notes, La-
/nlfardiere, Bovgainville, ^-c.)
Ceram Laut Isles. — A cluster of
small islands lying olf the east end
of the Island of Ceram, about the
130th degree of east longitude, and
Lat. 3°. 55'. S.
CELEBES.
A larj^e island in tin- Eastern Seas,
of a most irrennlar shape, separated
from Borneo i»y the Straits of Ma-
cassar. It extends iVoin latitude 2°.
N. fo nearly latitude 6°. S. and from
119°. to 125°. east lonsitndo; but the
coast is so indented hy three deep
J)avs, that it is diffirult to form an
estimate of its actual surface. iVJak-
injs; allo\vance, however, for the in-
equality of its figure, it may be esti-
mated at 500 miles in lengtJi^ by 150
miles the average breadth.
'J'his island is called by theiiativfes
and Malays Neegree Oran Buggess,
or Buggess Man's Country, and
sometimes Tanna Macassar. It is
situated between the great island of
Borneo on the \i est, and the islands
of Gilolo, or Halamahcra, Poby, Cc-
rani, and Amboyna to the east ; to
the south lies Salayer, divided from
Celebes by a strait, called by the
Butch the Budgeroons. Further to
the sotith lies Floris, or Ende, Ti-
mor, and Sumbhawa ; to the north
there is a broad sea, and the Island
of Sangir to the north-east.
A deep gulf runs into the island
from the south called Sewa by the
natives, but Buggess Bay by the
English. There is also a deep gulf
penetrates the norlh-east part of the
island, the projjcr name of which is
'I'omince ; but it is also named Go-
rantellu, or Gunongtellu (Hill Har-
bour). It reaches so deep tVom the
north-east into the island, that the
isthmus which divides it from the
west sea is very narrow, forming a
peninsula. On the north-east of this
peninsula is Manado, or I'ort Am-
sterdam, a Dutch settlement, whence
much gold is received in exchange
for opium and Hiiidostan piece
goods, chiefly blue cloths, tine Ben-
gal cossacs, hummums, iron, and
steel. There is also a third gulf, but
not so deep as the other two, which
indents the east quarter, called Tolo
Bay,
'i"hc principal native states, or di-
visions, of this island, according to
the Dutch authorities, are Macas-
s 2
CELEBES %^g
Sar, Boni (tlie Buggess countrv)>
Tello, Sopiiig, Li»oboe, Tancte,
Mandhar, VVarjoor, or Wadjo, Tout
radja, and Cajelee, under which
heads respectively further topogia-
phical details will be found.
Celebes has three rivers : Chin-
rftna, the most considerable, takes
its rise in the \\'arjoo country, runs
throjjgh Bony, and discharges itself
by several mouths into t'le Sewa
Gulf. European ships can ascend
this river a considerable way over a
muddy bottom. The second is the
Biver Boli, with three fathoms water
on its bar, which discharges itself,
after a winding course at Boli, on
the north coast. The third discharges
itself on the west coast of the island,
a considerable way south of Macas-
sar.
On the east coast of Celebes the
Dutch have the two settlements oi
Manado and Gorantalo, Irom whence
they exported rice and other neces-
saries to Ternate. These stations
yield a considerable quantity of gold,
about 24,000 taels of 1| dollars in
weight yearly, amounting to 120,0001.
and also the esculent bird nests so
much admired by the Chinese. In
exchange for these commodities, the
natives, besides the articles above
enumerated, take a considerable
quantity of Bengal opium.
The chief productions of this island
are rice, which it can afl'ord to ex-
port ; and cotton, of which the na-
tives make womens' dresses, called
cambays, which are much esteemed
ail over the Eastern Archipelago.
The Buggess cambays, though often
only one garment, which completely
covers the wearer, are often sold
from six to 10 Spanish dollars each.
Some arc as tine as cambric, very
strongly wove, but dull coloured,
being a chequered fabric, resembling
tartan. The export to Bencoolen of
cambays Mas formerly so great, that
it w;»s necessary to lay a heavy duty
on the article, as it interfered with
the importations from Hindostau.
The Buggesses also manufacture,
from the inner bark of a small tree,
200
CELEBES.
a kind of paper, in Avhich ihey wrap
their fine camba} s. Thit; paper they
dye of various colours, and export
much of it to jManilla, and various
other places. It resembles the Ota-
heitc clothing. The Bug-gesses im-
port cotton, both raw and spun, into
yarn, from the Island of Bally, and
manufactmc beautifni silk belts for
their creeses ; we are not informed
from whence they procure the silk,
but it is probably the production of
China.
The Macassars and Bng;p:esses
make fire arms, but they cannot
make gun locks. They also cast
small brass gutis, which they call
Rautakha, and are curious in filla-
gjee-work, both in gold and silver.
The large rautakhas are aliout six
feet long, and carry balls of halt-a-
poand Aveight They build tluir
prows very tight, by dowling their
planks together, as coopers do the
head of a cask, and putting the back
of a tree between them. whi( li af-
terwards swells. Tlieythen fit their
timbers to the plunks as at Bombay,
but do not rabbit the planks, as is
the cnstoni there. I'lieir largest
prows seldom exceed 50 tons bnr-
thcn, and they are bigotted to old
models and fixtures in fitting up
their vessels.
The natives of Celebes have a
great disposition for eounnerce, na-
Tigation, and piracy. In these prows
they are to be met Avith all over the
Eastern Seas, and are often found
on the northern coast of New Hol-
land, where they go to fish for sea
swallo, or biche de mar, which they
sell to the annual Chinese junk when
it arrives at Macassar. To Bencoo-
len they used to carry, in fieets, a
mixed cargo, consisting of spices,
wax, cassia, sandel wood, dollars,
and tlie cloths of Celebes, called
caml)ays. This tratlic is now , in a
great ivcasiue, transfeired to Prince
of Wales Island ; and they also, in
their prows, visit Malaeea, Ac been,
Queda, and i\Ianilla; ou trading
vo.yagcs.
The gold of Celci>os is generally
procured, as on Sumatra, from the
beds of rivers and torrents. There
are many springs issuing from cre-
vices of rocks, that bring some little
gold along Avith their water, Avhich,
filtering through a vessel bottomed
with sand, leaves the metal behind.
Of the various nations Avho inha-
bit Celebes the Bounians, or Bou-
ginese (called Bugges.ses by the
English), and the iMacassars, arc
the best known ; the lattei- Jiavirig
been long in subjection to the Dutch.
The Buggesscs are at present the
most powerful nation on the Lsland.
Tlic}'^ are of a middling stature,
strong and muscular, and of a light
broAvn complexion. The Macassars
arc not so handsome, bnt have a
more manly and martial appear-
ance. Their dress consists of a
]>iece of cotton cloth, red or blue,
Avound round the body, and draAvn
tight between the leg.s. Upon their
heads they AA'ear a ])iece of cotton
cloth like a handkei chief, « ith Avhich
they cover their hair, Avhich is very
black and long. I'heir food is rice,
fish, and pisang, and their drink
Avater ; though they likewise have
sagwire, or pahn Avinc. The Bou-
ginese A\'omeu are, in general, hand-
somer than the females of the other
islands, and the Macassars and Bug-
gesses are considered, by the other
insulars, as a class of superior man-
ners. The Malays affect to copy
their style ofdre.s.s, and irequent al-
hisions are made in their songs to
the feats and atchievements of the
Buggesscs, Avho are a high-spirited
people, fond of adventures and na-
vigation, and capable of undertaking'
tlie most dangerous enterprises.
Among Eurojjeans in the Eastern
Isles the Avord Buggcss has come to
signify a soldier, the same as sepoy
on the Continent of Hindostan.
'J'hcir laAVs are administered accord-
ing to old customs handed doAvn
lioHi tlicir ancestors, and generally
merely retained in the memory <»f
their oran tuo, or old men, tboiigii,
in some parts, they are conmiitted
to writing, lu dubious ca.scs they
CEYLON.
261
rcfir to the Koran, if applicjible.
The relip;ioii of l!ioM;i(ass:iis, IjHR-
fCesscs, and Malays of the sea-coast,
is the iMaliommcdan, wliich allows
the men four h'^n\ wives, if they
can maintain them; but, in the in-
terior, there are tril)os not yet eon-
vertcd from their ancient religion,
and others who do not seem to liave
any.
Tiie Bnggcss may he reckoned
the oriijinal Ian2;ua»e of tlie Island
of Celebes. The AFalays on the
sea-coast sjicak a dialect j^reatly
mix<-d with Brii'g;('ss, and often nse
the Bng£?ess character to e\{)rcss
tJieir own lan<;iiag,e. Celebes was
formerly divided into seven princi-
palities, which were all nnited un-
der an elective and limited mo-
narchy. Ill this state the island was
the centre of eastern commerce, and
extended its conquests, on the one
hand, as far as the Island of I'aliy ;
and, on the other, beyond the IMo-
Inrcas. I'hc i>u<rs;;ess langna<ie was
assidnonssy cnltivated, and their an-
cient mytiiolojiy, traditions, laws,
and history, preserved in books, the
greater part of wiiich are still ex-
tant, especially in the interior,
among" the tribes who still adhere to
iheir ancient reli2,ion. The dial<^ct
of JMaeassar dill'crs considerably
Iron) the proper Bn;j,j!;ess; but tlic
dialects of Loboe, Jilmekaii';-, Aland-
bar, and esi)ecially of Toaradja, ap-
pear almost (liliereiit !anu:na,<!,cs.
'J'liis island appears to have been
known to .Ma|;clian and l'i»afetta,
nnder the name of Celebi, but was
not explored until liV25. 'J'he Por-
tuguese early obtaiueil a seltiement
near Macassitr, but were expelled by
the Dutch in 166U, who have, until
lately, entirely controlled the island,
the Chinese alone htiw^ i)ermitted to
trade with it. In cunse<jncnccofthe
increasing strength of the state of
Boni, the proper country of the
Bugn-esses, dnriiii;; the last half of
the iHth century, the power of the
Dutch had been much on the de-
cline in Cehibcs, and it was linally
amaiiilatcd, in Ibl'i, b} the reduc-
tion of IMacassar, and Fort Rotter-
dam, in 1812, by the British forces.
{Forrest, Stavorinus and Notes, Leij-
den, Marsdeiiy ^-e.)
CEYLON, {Smgluda).
This island is situated at the
western entrance of the Bay of Ben-
gal, between b°. 40'. and 10°. 30'.
N. and 7L»°. and 82° E. On the
N. W. it is' separated from the
Coromandel Coast by the Gulf of
Manaar, and is distant about 160
miles from Cape Comorin. From
I'oint Pedro, at the northern ex-
tremity, toDondraheadin the south-
ern, the extreme length is about 300
miles. The breadth is very unequal,
being, in some parts, only from 40
to 50, while, in other paits, it ex-
tends to 60, 70, and 100 miles. To-
wards the southern part it is much
broader than in the northern, and
nearly resembles a ham in shape.
From the sea it presents a fresher
green, and more fertile appearance
than most parts of the Coromandel
coast. 'I'he eastern shore is bold and
rocky, and the water deep. The
north and north-west coast from
Point Pedro to Columbo is flat, and
indented with inlets from the sea.
The largest of them extends almost
(piitc across the island from IMulli-
pati to Jafnapatnam, of which it
ionns the peninsula. Several of these
inlets form small harbours, but so
full is the N. W. coast of sand banks
and shallows, that if is impossible
for vessels of a large size to approach
them.
The interior of the island abounds
with steep and lofty moimtains,
covered with thick forests, and full
of almost impenetrable jungles,which
completely sinrotuid the dominions
of the King of Candy. The most
lofty range of mountains divides the
island nearly into two jjarts, and so
completely separates them from each
other, that both climate and season
dilferon the respective sides. These
mountains als(i terminate the cliect
of tho monsoons, which set iu pe-
262
CEYLON.
riodically from opposite sidesof them,
and are connected with Ihose on the
Goromandel and Malabar coasis, and
very nearly correspond with them.
On the wes side, where Columbo
lies, the rains prevail in the months
of May, June, and July, the season
they are felt on the Malabar coast.
During; its continuation tlie northern
parts of the island are hut little af-
iected, and are generally dry. In
tlic months of October and Novem-
ber, when the opposite monsoon sets
in on the (.'oromatulel coast, it is the
north of Ceylon which is affected,
and scaicely any impression is made
in the south.
All hough Ceylon lies so near to
the equator, the heat is not so oppres-
sive as on many parts of the Coro-
maudel coast ; but this temperature
is chiefly coniincd to the seu coast,
where the sea breezes have room to
circulate.
Tiie principal harliours in the
island for large ships are Trincomale
and i-oint de tialle; they also come
to anchor, and at certam seasons of
the year moor securely in the roads
ofCohmibo. 71iere are several other
infeiior ports all round the island,
whit ;: afford shelter to smaller fish-
ing vessels. These are Batacolo,
Barbareen, Matura, and Caliura, on
the south east; and on tlic north-
west coast are Negumbo, Chilou, Cal-
penteen, Manaar, and Point Pedro.
The rivers are seldom navigable to
any considerable distance inland;
the two principal are the MahAa-
gonga and the Mulivaddy. The
first takes its rise among the hills to
the south east of Candy, almost sur-
rounds that city, and afterwards falls
into the sea near Trincomale. The
Mulivaddy rises at the foot of a very
high mountain, known to Europeans
by the name of Adam's Peak, and
situated about 60 miles to the north
east of Columbo. Besides the rivers
of Ceylon, there are many lakes and
canals comtnunicatiug with them,
particularly in the neighbourhood of
Columbo and Nigumbo.
Ceylon was originally divided into
a number of distinct petty kingdoms,
separated by rivers and mountains,
and subject each to its own inde-
pendent sovereign. In process of tima
the whole country was subjected by
the King of Candy, and divided into
a few great provitices, viz. Cand},
Coiton, INIatura, Dambadar, and Sit-
tivacca, which last formerly included
the rich cinnamon districts on the
west coast. The chief of these pro-
vinces was Candy, the residence of
the king, and where he still holds
his court. The abovementioned
provinces were subdivided into dis-
tricts, known in Ceylon by the name
of corles, which subdivisions were
continued in the districts wrested
from the natives by the Dutch.
The great divisions of the island
are now reduced to two; the one
comprehending those parts under
the dominion of Emopeans, and the
other the centrical country remain-,
ing to the natives.
The internal wealth, as well as
population of Ceylon, lies on the
west and south-west coasts ; while
Trincomale, the secure station for
shipping, which renders the island of
so much importance to the British
nation, lies at the opposite side, and
on the most barren quarter of the
island. The sea coast, from Manaar
to Nigumbo, a distance of 125 miles,
presents in general nothing but the
most barren and desert appearance,
except where it is covered by almost
impenetrable jungles. A gieat va^
riety of curious shells are found
along the shores, and some of them
very valuable. The mountain, called
Hammalleel, or Adam's Peak, is one
of the highest in Ceylon, and lies
about 60 miles to the north east of
Columbo.
The proper name of this island is
Smghala, from which the term Cey-.
Ion was probably derived; by the
Hindoos, on the contijient, it is
named Lanca ; and, by the Mahom-
niedans, Serendib. It is also frcr-
quently named Taprobane ; a name
which, perhaps, originates from Ta-t
poo Havana, or the Island of Ravau,
CEYLON.
263
a ni)tIu)looi(aI soveicig:ii, in limes of
I'finolc Hindoo anliqiiil}, conquered
|jy tlic great Kama, King of Oiide,
as narrated in the Kainayoon.
The first meridian of the Hindoos
passes through the city of Oojain, in
tiie province of Malwah, of uhich we
know tlie position ; but as Lanca
(which signifies the equinoctial j)oint)
falls therefore to the Avest of Ceylon,
the Indians believe tiiat the island
had formerly a much larger extent;
and appearances between Ceylon
and the Maldives Islands, in some
degree, justify that belief. The Ri-
ver Mavaligoiiga has probably taken
its origin frojn liali, a hero famous in
Jlindoo romance; from whom, also,
tile town of Mavalipuram, on the
Coroniandel coast, derives its appel-
lation.
The soil of Ceylon is, in general,
sandy, with but a small mixture of
clay. In the south-west parts, par-
ticularly about Columbo, there is a
great deal of marshy land, very rich
and productive. This tract is chiefly
occupied with cinnamon plantations ;
and the island, taken altogethei-, does
not produce rice suflicient for the
inhabitants — yearly supplies from
Bengal and other parts being re-
quired.
Tlie seeds of all European plants
degenerate very much in this climate
ill a few years, and soon yield but
an indifferent produce. To preserve
the quality it is absolutely necessary
to have a fresh importation of seeds
nearly every year from their natural
climates. The agriculture of the
Ceylonese is still in its rudest stale.
'I'hcir soil, when it can be watered,
yields them a sufficient quantity of
lice to maintain their existence ; and
this seems to be as much as they
desire. Tlieir jdough consists of a
crooked piice of wood, shod with
iron, which tears ratlier than ploughs
np the ground. After the first plough-
ing, the fields are flooded, and then
ploughed anew ; and weeds are ex-
tirpated with gieat care. When the
ploughing season anives, each vil-
lage makes it a common concern,
and every one attends with his
]j|ough and oxen, until the whole of
the fields befonging to the society
are finished ; and the same method
is follow ed in reaping the grain, after
which oxen are employed to head it
out.
The extreme indolence of the Cey-
lonese makes them employ every
expedient to escape from labotn-;
and the small' quantity of food w liieh
is necessary for the support of their
existence enables them, throughout
the greater part of the year, to live
without doing any thing.
Ceylon possesses a gref.t variety of
animals, at the hend of which must
be pineed the elephant. In 1797,
17G of these animals were caught on
account of government, and sent
over for sale to the continent. The
superiority of the Ceylon elephants
does not consist in their size, for they
are in general not so tall as those of
the continent, but in their hardiness
and strength, and in their great do-
cility and freedom from vice and
passion. The natives of Ceylon are
so possessed with the idea of the ex-
cellence of their own elephants, as
to affirm, that the elephants of all xhe
other parts of the world make a
salam (obeisance) before those of
Ceylon, and thus instinctively ac-
knowledge their superioiity.
Ceylon produces but few animals
for domestic purposes, such as the
horse, the latter being bred in the
small islands in the Jafliiapatnani
district. The oxen of Ceylon arc
remarkably small; the beef, how-
ever, is sometimes good, and is the
chief food of the European soldiers
stationed on the island. IJuflaloes
are frequently employed in drav ing
burthens, and are found in great
numbers on the island, both wild and
tame. Among the wild animals are
deer, elks, gazelles, hares, wild hogs,
and a small species of tiger. The
larger kind, called the royal tiger, is
not an inhabitant of Cev Ion ; but
there are tiger-eats and leopards.
There are no foxes; but jack alls,
hyaenas, and bears, are numerous,
264 Cr.YLON.
besides an infinite variety of the
inunkey tribe.
All the European domestic poul-
try are natives of Ceylon, as are also
pheasai'.ts, parrots, and parroquets,
both ^vik! and tame. Snipes, tlori-
tans, storks, cranes, herons, water-
fowl of all descriptions, piijeons, wild
and domesticated, and a tiew pai-
tridges of the red-ieg,j;ed kind.
Among the variety of birds is the
honey-bird, which points out where
the bees have deposited their combs.
Crows here, as in every other part of
India, arc exceeding!}- impudent and
abundant. There are also taylor-
Lirds, two species of fly-catchers, and
peacocks, wild and tame — also the
common fowl in a wild state.
The reptiles of Ceylon are exceed-
ingly numerous; serpents in parti-
cular abound, and are a gTeat annoy-
ance to the inhabitants. Covra ca-
pellas, or hooded snakes, ; ovra ma-
iiillas, Mhip and grass snakes, arc all
poisonous; the tliree last are of a
very smail size. AVater and wood
snakes are harmless. The rock snake
is an immense animal, extending 30
feet in length; but, though formi-
dable from their size, they are per-
fectly free from poiuon. They de-
stroy some of the smaller animals,
such as kids, goats, and poultry ;
but the stories of their devouring
larger aninjals, such as tigers and
buffaloes, arc altogether fabulous.
Alligators, of a prodigious sixe, infest
the rivers of Ceylon, and have been
killed 20 feet long, and as thick as
the body of a Imrse. There are gua-
nas, toads, lizards, blood-suckers,
camelioiis, and leeches; as also flying
li.'iards, and every species of tropical
insect. Fish arc found in great abun-
dance in the lakes and rivers of Cey-
lon, as well as in the surrounding
jicas.
Ceylon is very prolific in plants.
Among th.e fruits are apples, oranges,
pomegramtcs, citrons, lemons, water
melons, pumpkins, melons, sfjuashes,
figs, almonds, mulberries, bilberries,
mangoes, shaddocks, mangusteens,
tose apples; cusLoo apples and uuls,
custard appless, plaintains, jack fruit
(a species of the bread-fruit), cocoa-
nuts, and several sorts of pepper,
cardamoms, coflee and '-.ugar tree, (a
species of palm). The tea plant has
also been discovered a native in the
forests of the island. Of trees, Cey-
lon contains the banyan, cotton tree,
naudo wood, satin Avood, calaman-
der wood, and ebony.
As the food of the natives consists
chiefly of rite, so their greatest la-
bour is employed in its cultivation.
They usually sow in July and Au-
gust, and reap in February. \\ hen
proper advantage is taken of the
monsoon, they may have two crops
per annum.
Hie princij^al cinnamon woods,
or gardens, lie in the neighbourhood
of Columbo. The grand garden,
near the tovvn, occupies a tract of
country from 10 to 15 miles in length,
stretching along from the east to tlio
south of the district. The best soil
for the growth of ciunamun is a loose
while sand. Of late years little is
brought from the interior, it being
coarser and thicker in appearance,
and of a hot, pungent taste. The
prime sort, and that which grows in
the gardens round Columbo, is pro-
cured from the laurus cinnamomuni,
a tree of small size, froni four to 10
feet in height ; the trunk is slender,
and a nnmlicr of branches and twigs
shoot out tVoni it on every side. The
wood is soft, light, and porous, in
appearance much resembling tiiat of
the osier, and when barked is cbielly
used for fuel. The loaf resembles
that of the laurel in shape, but is not
of so deep a green. On its first ap-
pearance it is of a scarlet red, bnt
after some time it changes giadually
to a green, and when ciiewed has
tiie taste and smell of cloves. The
blossom is white, and wl^cn in full
bloom seems to cover the woods.
In i)as:;ing through the Avoods little
scent is perceived, except by pulling
oir some of the leaves or branches.
The flower has even less scent than
the leaves or a bit of twig. The
ciiuiamou tree produces a species of
CEYLON.
265
fruit resembling an acorn. Ixit not so
large, wliich is gathered liy tiic na-
tives for tlie purpose oJ'c\t\a»tiiig oil.
There are several dilleiciit sorts
of cinnamon trees on tlic islaurl, but
four sorts only are barked — all spe-
cies of the laurus cinnaiuoniuni. 'llie
honey cinnamon is reckoned the first
qnaiity, next the snake cinnamon,
then the camphor cinnaiuon, (the
root of which yields camphor by dis-
tillation) ; and, lastly, an astringent
species of cinnamon, iiarsh to the
taste, named the cabal ti curunder.
'I'hese are the oidy sorts barked on
account of govennne;>t.
Until this island was possessed by
the Dutch cinnamon grew eniirely
in a wild state; experience after-
wards proved that tlic cultivated cin-
namun wa-., in eveiy respect, equal
to the wild. The Dutch governor,
Talk, first attempted to rear cinna-
mon trees, by art, in his garden near
Cubnnljo.
'i'here are two different seasons in
which cinnamon is barked. The
greater part is prepared during the
grand iiarvest, which lasts iVom April
to August: the little harvest occu-
pies little more than a moiitli, from
^lOveniber to January, ilach dis-
trict, where the cinnamon tree grows,
is obliged to furnish a certain qnan-
titj', i)roportioned to the numLei of
villages and inhabitants they conluin.
Brandies of tiace years ohi are
lopped off for barking ; the outside
tliin coat is scraped oil', and the bark
is loosened, so as to conic olf in the
shape of tubes, the smaller of wliieh
arc inserted in tiie larger, and spread
out to dry. The bundles, Hi) jiounds
each, are then made up. and carried
to the store-houses to examine and
have its quality fixed. This disa-
greeable task is imposed on the Com-
pany's surgeons, who ascertain it
by chev\iiig a few sticks of each
bundle, the repetiiiou of which ope-
ration excoriates flic tongue and in-
side of tlie mouth, and renders it
iinpossilde for thciu to contiuuc tlic
process above tw o oi ihree days suc-
cessively.
4
The best cinnamon Is rather pli-
able, and ought not much to exceed
in thickness stout writing-paper ; it
is of a light yellov\ish colour, has a
sweet taste, not so hot as to occasion
pain, and not succeeded by an after
taste. The inferior kind is distin-
guished by being thicker, of a darker
and browner colour, hot and pungent
^\ hen chewed, and succetded by a
disagreeable after-taste. In stowing
tlie bales of cinnamon on board ship
black pepper is sprinkled among
them, so as to fill up all the inter-
stices; and, by this means, both spices
are preserved and improved. Ironi
the refuse cinnamon an oil was ex-
tracted by the Dutch, a pint of which
was valued at lOl. sterling; but this
manufacture was not thought worth
continuing after (he island ca.me into
the i)osscssion of tlie British. The
cinnamon tree has bo< n tried on the
coast of ]\ia!abar, at JJatavia, and
the Isle of France; but it has inva-
riably degenerated. I'ven in Cc\ Ion
it is only tbund in perfection on the
western coast.
'I'hc minerals of Ceylon are nume-
rous, and precious stones are parti-
cuiaily abundant, but not of a fine
quality. I'he ruby, tiie topaz, and
tlie diamond of Ceylon are very in-
ferior to those of Golconda, or of tlic
Brazils. Besides these, amethysts,
tourmalins, (destitute of electric qua-
lities) blue and gieen sapphires,
white and black <r\st;il, the cat'.s
eye, a species of opal, and corueliaiis,
are found in Ceylon. Lead, tin, and
iron ore are found in tiie interior, but
they are never w rouglit or applied to
any purpose. There were Ibrmerly
several mines of quicksilver wrought
l)y the Dutch in Ceyloji. In 1/07
a small one was discovered at Cotta,
six miles from Columbo, troin w hich
six pounds w as procured at a most
seasonable period for liio garrison.
This mine has never since been
worked with much activity, the pro-
(hice not reimburoing thy expendi-
ture.
The Ceylonese, under the British
domiuiuj', are governed by tlieir own
M(i
CEYLON.
native inrti^istrates, under the coii-
ll'oul of the administration. AH the
possessions are divided into eorlcs
and districts, the siiliordinate super-
intendence of wliich is given to the
rnoodeliers, or native magistrates,
who arc chosen from among the class
of nobles, styled Hondre« s and Ma-
hondrcws. 'J'he rnoodeliers assist in
collecting the revenue, settling the
proportion of taxes and contribu-
tions, superintending the peasants,
fnrnishing provisions for the garri-
sons, and observing generally the
conduct of the natives. In some
districts there is a police corps to
assist in enforcing the orders of go-
vernment, llie rnoodeliers send re-
ports to the Maha moodelicr, the
chief of the whole order, who resides
in the black town of Cohimbo, and
lays these reports before the go-
vernor. There are particular moode-
liers to superintend the barking of
the cinnamon, and interfere in no-
thing else. The class of rnoodeliers
are of infinite use in preserving the
obedience of the natives, and appears
to l)e very much attached to the Bri-
tish govirnment, which patronizes
them. l"he Dutch usually n)aintain-
ed a niilitaiy force of 3000 Euro-
peans, and 2000 Topasses and Ma-
lays, whirh was not found sufficient.
In 1777, while the Dutch iiad the
island, there was a great deficiency
in the revenue; and in 1795 it only
amounted to 611,704 livres. The
deficiency was made up by the va-
luable cargoes sent from the islantl.
Besides the native Cingalese, who
live under the dojninion of the Euro-
peans, the sea coasts are inhabited
by Dutch, Portuguese, JMalays, and
settlers from the ditTercnt Indian na-
tions. The Dutch have adopted
many of the native habits; and the
chief original trait of the Batavian
character, which they retain unin-
jured, is an attachment to gin and
tobacco ; in other respects they have
adopted the customs and listless
manners of the country. In their
salutations they are very ceremo-
nious, and make a profusion of bows.
On their tables they have ^ cry gros*
and heavy food, having a great quan-
tity of butter and oil mixed with
their fish and other meat. Conver-
sation with females forms very little
part of a Ceylonese Dutchman's en-
tertainment. These females, who
have a mixture of native blood, are
easily distir.gnished by a tinge on the
colour of their skin, and their thick
strong black hair ; marks which are
not to be removed iu the course of
many generations. Dancing is the
pi incipal amusement of the younger
women ; while the chief pleasure of
the elderly married ladies consists iu
paying formal and ceremonious visits,
to each other.
The present Portuguese of Oeylon
are the spurious descendants of the
several European possessors of the
island by native women, joined to a
number of Moors and Malabars. A
colour more approaching to black
than white, with a particular mode
of dress, half Indian and lialf Euro-
pean, is all that is necessary to pro-
cure the appellation of a Portuguese.
Although they universally profess the
Christian religion, and are commonly
Koman Catholics, yet they retain
many pagan customs, and their reli-
gion may be considered as a com-
pound of both. Some of the females
are pretty, with fine figures. The
men are about middle size, slender,
lank, and ill made, so as easily to be
disfingui.shcd ; and from this class
thel'opass soldiers were taken. They
M'ere never accounted good troops,
being neither so brave nor so hardy
as the sepovs, and have been seldom
employed in the English service
The i'rench, however, very gene-
rally had corps of them at Pondi-
cherry and their other settlements.
The Malays are another vnce, wlio
form a considerable proportion of
the iidiabitants of Ceylon. They
universally profess the Mahomme-
dan religion ; allliough, as to some
inferior points and duties, they diflcr
among themselves. The Dutch go-
vernment at Cejilon had always a
regiment of JMalays iu their service.
CEYLON.
267
which has now hocn transferred to
the British. I'lioy an; Hrmed and
<lothed in tlic same manner as Eti-
rojK-ans, except that they wear san-
dals instead ot'siiocs.
The far greater proportion of the
inhabitants consist of native Cey-
lonese, who have submitted to the
European domination, and retain
their original ai)j)ellation of Ciiioja-
lese; while those who live in tlie
country, under the authority of the
native princes, are distinguished l)y
tiie name of Candian. The Cey-
lonese are of a middling stature,
about tive feet eiglit inches, and
fairer in complexion than the iMoors
and iVlalabars of (he continent ; they
are, however, neitiier so well made,
nor so strong. The Candians are
fairer and better made, and less ef-
feminate than tlie Cingalese. In
their diet the latter are very ab-
stemious, fruits and rice constituting
the principal part of their food ; but
in places where fish are plenty, they
also compose part of their meals.
Flesh is scarcely any where in con-
stant use.
In Ceylon the distinction of ranks
among the natives is kept up with
the most scrupulous exactness, 'J'he
Candians are not allowed to v» hiten
their houses, nor cover them with
tiles, these being royal privileges.
Their villages and towns, iu place of
presenting the compact appearance
to which liuropeans are accustomed,
look like a number of distinct houses
scattered at nuuloni, in the midst of
a thick v\ ood or forest.
All ranks universally cliew betel
leaf, with whicii they mix loI)acco,
arcka nut, and the lime ot burnt
shells, to render it more pungent.
The females among tiie Cingalese
are said tit be In atcd with consider-
able al(entioi). Iherc is no positive
regulation regarding marriage, many
men having but on<! wife, while
others have as many as they can
maintain. The mairiage ceremony
is attended to only with a view to
entitle the parties to share in each
others goods ; and to give their rela-
tions an opportunity of ohservinj^,
that they have manicd into their
own caste. (Iravify. that invariable
characteristic of the savageslate, still
coutinues among the Cingalese, in a
much greater degree than might bo
expected liom the stage of their
civilization.
ft does not ajtpear that before tho
arrival of the Europeans the l"in-
galese had any sort of dial; they
measured time by a vessel witli a
hole ill the bottom, which let out the
water in one hour, according to their
division of time. The learning of
the Ceylonese, consists chielly iu
some pretended skill in astrology.
Among the Candians there are a
sect of learned men named Conies,
retained \)\ the king to execute all
the writings of the state, and those
which legard religious aflkirs. On
which occasions, they euiploy tiie
Arabic character. About Jaft'na-
patnain, on account of its proximity
to the continent, the Tamnl is th«
principal language. The Cingalese
are expert and ingenious arlitieeis,
and display particular dexterity
in gold, silver, and carpenters
work.
The most singuliir part of the in-
habitants of Ceylon arc the Bedahs
or Vaddahs, who inhabit tin- distant
recesses of tiie forest. Their origin
has never been traced, and they aji-
pear to dilfer very nuicli from tiie
other inhaliitants of Ceylon. 'J'liey
are scattered over the vNoods in dil-
ferent parts of the island, but are
most numerous in the province of
Eintan, which lies to the north ea.st
of Candy, in (he direction of'lrin-
comale and Batacole, and are there
more compleleiy in the savage state.
than any where else. They subsist
by huntnig deer and other animal.'*
of the forest, and on the fruits wiiicli
grow spontaneously around them;
but they nevt'r cniti\a1e tiie ground
in any manner. Tliey sleep on trees
or at the tixit of them, and climb up
like monkies wIkmi alarmed. A few
of the less wild traflic m ith the na-
tives, givijig ivory, honey, wax, aiid
268
CEYLON.
fleer, in exchange for cloth, iron,
and knives; but the wilder class,
known by the name of Ranibah
Vedahs, are more seldom seen, even
by stealth, tiian the most timid of
the wild miinials. The do2;s of the
Vedah;-; constitnte their only riches,
and arc described as possessing won-
derful sagacity.
The I^irmans of Ava acknowlcdo^e
the snperior aMti({nity of tlic Cinj^^a-
lese, and the reception of their laws
and leligioii from that qnarter. The
King of Ava has within tlie last
30 years, at separate times, sent
two messengers, peisons of learning-
and respectability to Ceylon, to pro-
cnre the original books on which
their tenets arc fonndcMl. In one
instance, tlie Eirman minister mad©
oilicia! application to the Governor
(jeneral of India, to protect and as-
sist the person charged with the
commission, A great majoriiy of
iha Candians si ill remain of the
Buddhist sect. On the sea coast,
among the i^^sropean settlements, it
is sixpposed Ihe miniber of natives
possessing Christianity amounts to
nearly half a miljion. Of these, part
arc Koman CaUiolics, vhile others
attend the Calvinistic and Lutheran
worship. In the interior of Ceylon,
liie rniusof the pagodas ajid temples
are mostly of hewn stone, an<l of
much superior ^vorkmanship to those
of the iO\; er part of tlie country.
Prior to the arnval of the Portu-
guese, wljieh happened in 1505,
little is known of t!ie history of
Ceylon, and that little mostly fabu-
lous. Tlie strange mjthological
poem, nauicd the Kamayon, narrates
Ilie conquest of this Island by Kama,
King of Oude, assisted by an army
of gigantic nionkies; which appears
to indicate a sort of (^oimexion be-
twixt the north of India and this
island, that could not have been ex-
pected in such 1 emote times. When
the Portuguese Conunander Al-
uieida arrived, he persuaded the
sovereign of Ce\!on to jiay him tri-
bute, on condition of assisting him
against the Arabs — so early do fo-
reigners appear to have infested the
natives of this island.
At that period the inliabitants
consisted of two distinct races ; the
savage Bedahs, then, as now, oc-
enpied the forests, particularly in tiie
northern i)arts; the rest of the coun-
try was in possession of the Cinga-
lese, whose most powerful chief held
his court at Columbo. The first
tribute paid to the Portuguese was
250,000 pounds of cinnamon, but
their bigotry and avarice involved
them in incessant wars wilh the
Cingalese. In 1603 the Dutch ap-
peared, who were ultimately des-
tined to wrest the possessions from
the Portuguese, and oppress the na-
tives with a still hea-vier yoke. In
1()32 they sent a strong armament to
act in concert with the King of
Candy against the Portuguese, whom
iii 1656 they completely subdued,
after a long and bloody struggle. lu
this year Columbo surrendered, after
a siege of seven months.
From this time began a new
scries of wars betwixt tlie Candian
sovereigns and the Dutch, in which
tlie former was twice driven trom
Candy, his capital, and forced to
seek refuge in the mountains of
Digliggy, the highest and most im-
penetrable in the kingdom. The
dilhculties of the interior, however,
were such, that the Dutch never
could retain }»ermanent possession
of any conquests remote from the
sea coast. In addition to the ob-
stacles presented by the nature of
the country, the Dutch troops sul-
lercd dreadfully from the eiiiects of
the climate. The last great war
carried on w ith the natives was in
1764, when they penetrated into the
heart of the king's dominions, and
took Caud}'. Ihey were, however,
at length compelled to retreat, and
had 400 of their best soldiers made
prisoners, who w ere put to deatli at
Cudda\illi and Sittivacca, only two
days march from Columbo. By
perseverance and the power they
possessed of withliolding a supply of
salt, they compelled the king to a
CHAGAING.
269
ppacc in 1766, by which he gave up
sll his remaining possessions on the
sea coast, and reniaiued enclosed in
the remainder, tor wiiich he paid tri-
bntc in the prodnctions of the coun-
try. In return for these vaUiahle ac-
(juisitioiis, the Dntch acknow ledi^ed
the Candian sovereign as Enipeior
of Ceylon, to which they added a
number of other iuai;niiiceut ap-
pellations. Tranquillity, however,
was not secured by tliis treaty, as
the Candians often endeavoured by
force of arms to procure belter
terms. Such was the state of all'airs
between the Dutch and Candians
towards the commencemeiit of the
war in 1793.
In January, 1782, llie Britisli
forces captured 'I'rinconiale after a
very sli!;iit resistance; but it was
shortly after with equal ease retaken
by tlic Juench 'leet, commanded by
Sr. Suffiein. Ceylon continued in
the possession of the Dutch tuitil
179S, when it m as concpiered by the
British, and fnially ceded at the
peace of Amiens. In 1802 it was
constituted a royal govennnent, im-
mediately under the direction of the
crown, whicii appoints the oliicers,
and regulates the internal manage-
ment. The council is composed of
the governor, chief justice, the coni-
inanuor of the forces, and the secre-
tary. The revenues of all sorts
amounts to about 230,0001. per an-
mun, which sum comprehends
60,0001. per annum paid by the East
India Company for ciiniamon, and
40,0001. the average produce of the
liolieries. (Perciml, Knox, Si/mes,
C. Buchanan, Jvnex, ^-c.)
Ch.aCKY, {Chahi). — A town in the
province of liahar, district of Mong-
hir, 102 miles S. E. by S. from Patna.
Lat. 24°. 33'. N. Long. 86°. 2.5'. E.
Champarum. — Sec Bettiah.
Chandail, iChandala). — A town
in the Maharatta tenitories, in the
province of Mahvah. 1 10 miles N. E.
fromOojain. Lat. 23°. 43'. N. Long.
77°. 23'. E.
Chagaing. — A large fortified (own
in the Birman empire, situated on
the west bank of tlie Irawaddy, op-
posite to the city of Ava. Lat. 21°.
54'. N. Long. 96°. E. 'I'his is tin;
princip;d emporium (o which cotton
is broiigiit IVom all parts of tlie coun-
try ; and vvhcK;, after Uciiig cleaned,
it is embarked lor the China n»arket.
It is sent from hence by tiie Iia-
waddy in boats, which carry aijout
36,000 pounds; the voyage to (^nan-
tong, on the frunlicrs oftiiu ])rounce
of Yniian in China, occupying from
30 to 40 days. In the lalicr part of
the jomuiey the passage is difllciiit
and dangerous, owing to the iiicreas-
ed rapidity of liie stream over a
rocky channel. At Chagaiiig fe-
males perform the ofiice of cleaning
the cotton fron> the rccc!-;, whicii i.^
<;iTected by double cyliinU-rs tinned
by a lathe. She turns the machine
w itli her foot, while she supplies the
cotton with her hands.
Namdojee Praw, the second mo-
narch of the reigiiiiig family, le-
moved the seat of the government
from Mont^haboo to Chagaing, oa
account of the purity of the air, and
the beauty of the scenery around it.
'I'ijis town is a great jdaco of jcli-
gious resort, on account of the nuni-
ber of praws or temples erected ia
the neighbourhood. It is also the
principal manufactory of iilol>l, which,
hewn out of an adjacent quarry
of fine alabaster, are scul})ttncd here,
and are afterwards tianspoited to
tiie remotest corners of the Eirinau
empire.
Near to Chagaing is a town named
Kycock Zeit, remarkul)le Ibr being
the great manufactory of marblu
idols, the inhabitants ol' which arc
statuaries. Here are 30 or 40 large
yards crowded witli artists at work,
on images of various siaes ; but all
of the same personage, Cauchna, sit-
ting cross legged oa a pedestal. The
largest a little cxceciis the human
size, and the cost is 12 or 131. but
some diminutive Gaud mas njay be
had lor six or seven shillings. The
workmen do not part with ifieir .sa-
cred commodity to any but Bir-
uiuns.
270
CHAMfeAH.
In this iieighbonihood also is a
maimfactoiy of rockets, of a most
enormous size. The tubes are the
trunks of trees, bored like a pump,
in some the cavity of the cylinder is
nine or 10 inches in diameter, and
the wood about two inches thick;
the lensjth varies from 12 to 20 feet.
These tubes are tilled M'ith a com-
position of charcoal, saltpetre, and
f^unpowder, rammed very hard ; and
the large ones are discharged from a
high scaffold, erected on purpose.
Bamboos, fastened together, of a
length adapted to preserve the poise
from the tail of the rocket. In this
branch of pyrotechny the Birnians
take great delight, and are particu-
larly skilful. {Spnes, Cox, Src.)
Chalawar, {Jhalawar), — A dis-
trict in the province of Gujrat, which
occupies a considerable tract of
country between the Gulfs of Cam-
bay and Cutch, and situated prin-
cipally between the 21st and 22d
degrees of north latitude. I'he dis-
tricts of Wenear, Putwar (Pattan),
and Chuwal, are all properly in-
cluded in Chalawara. By Al)ul I'azel
in 1582 it is described as follows :
" Chalawareh was formerly an in-
dependent country, but is now sub-
ject to the governor of Gujrat, and
inhabited by the tribe Chalah."
The original seat of the Jhalawar
authority was at Dhama, now a
small village between Adrianna and
Jhingwara. ki. a very early period
the family of Drangdra, from whom
the Jhala chieftains are sprung, re-
sided at Dhama, of which no ruins
remain to indicate its former gran-
deur.
The Rajpoots of this part of Guj-
rat are divided into throe <;lasses,
the Jeenamas, the Kuraria, and the
Naroda. The first are respectable,
and addressed with the title of Jee ;
the second have resigned sonse part
of their rank, and peiform menial
offices ; the last have wholly relin-
quished their military character, cul-
tivate the land, and are now de-
graded to the rank of Kconbees.
AH these classes have an insunaouut-
able objection to the flesh of a black
goat, which they consider unwhole-
some.
A great proportion of this district
is but thinly inhabited, and remains
still in a state of nature, although
some appearances authorize the sup
position^ that it formerly enjoyed a
greater state of prosperity. It is
now laid waste by the predatory hos
tilities of the tribes that occupy it ;
and, although the Guicowar claims a
dominion over the whole, his au-
thority is but little attended to. It
contains no towns or rivers Of mag-
nitude, and the face of the country
is hilly and irregular. {M'Murdo^
Abul Pazcl, Src.)
Chaloo. — A village iu Tibet, si-
tuated midway between two lakes.
Lat. 28°. 18'. N. Long. 89°. 15'. E.
These lakes are frequented by great
abundance of water fowl, wild geese,
ducks, teal, and storks, which, on
the approach of winter, take their
flight to milder regions. Prodigious
numbers of saurasses, the largest of
the crane kind, are seen here at cer-
tain seasons of the year, and great
quantities of their eggs are collected
on the banks. This vicinity produces
a dwarfish wheat of the lammas kind.
One of the lakes is held in high
respect by the inhabitants of Bootan,
who fancy it a favourite haunt of
their chief deities. To the north of
those lakes there is a plain, impreg*
nated with a saline substance re-
sembling natron, and called by the
natives of Irindostan, where it is
also found in great abundance, sed*
jy-mutti. {Turner, '^r.)
Chambah, {Champa). — An exten-
sive mountainous district in the pro-
vince of Lahore, situated about the
33d degree of north latitude. It is
intersected by the Jiavey River, and
bounded on the east by the Beyah.
It is now possessed by the Seiks and
their tributaries.
Chambah. — A town in the Seik
territories, in the provi ure of Lahore,
110 miles N. E from the city of La-
hore. Lat. 33°. 28'. N. Long. 75°
33'. E.
CIIANDRAGIRI.
271
ChandaH, {Chandra, the Moon). —
A town in the Maliaratla territories,
in the province of Khandosh, situat-
ed on tl»e south side of the Purnali
River, near its juuclion vvilli the
Tuptee, 20 miles S. S. E. from Eoor-
hanpoor. Lat, 21°. 5'. N. Long. 76°.
<)':E.
Chandah. — A town in tlie pro-
vince of Ik'rar, 87 miles S. from
Nagpoor, the capital of a district of
the same name, and at present pos-
sessed l)V the Nagpoor rajah. Lat.
20°. 3'. N. Long. 79°. 54'. K.
Chandah. — A large district in the
province of Gundwana, subject to
tlie Nagpoor ISlahanittiis, situated
principally between the 201h and
21st degrees of north latitude. Com-
pared with the (joaud Hills to llio
north this is a champaign country,
the soil of -which is sandy. The pro-
duce is chielly ric<% with small quan-
tities of pulse and sugar cane. The
inhabitants possess mnncrous herds
of goats and sheep. There is a very
perceptible difference betwixt the
climate of this plain country and
that of the Goaiid Mountains. From
the Chandah district cotton is ex-
ported to the Northern Circars. Dur-
ing the reign of Aurengztrbe this di-
vision of Gundwanah was annexed
to the soiihah of Berar, although
but very imperfectly subdued .(jB/«/(f,
J. Grant, i^-c.)
Chandah. — A village in the pro-
vince of Khandesh, 33 miles S. W.
from Boorhanpoor. I^at 21°. 5'. N.
Long. 76°. 10'. E. Near to this place
the Tuptee and Poornah rivers miite
their streams, which continence, held
sacred by the Hindoos, is by them
<talled Jeggur Tirut, or the liver of
adored places. ( Ahnl Fazel, cSc)
ChandaHNEE, {or Chinnanah). — A
small district in the province of La-
hore, situated Ixjlwixt the 33d and
-34th degrees of north latitude. In
the vicinity of Nagrolah commence
the districts of the (haiidahnee chief,
a dependent on Jamboe, who, in
1783, possessed a revenue of about
a, lack of rupees per ammm. This
jfjjief does not remit any revenue.
but assists his superior wilh a quota
of troops. At Dumomunjee, in this
district, is an uncommonly beautiful
and fertile valley. {Forsler, yc.)
CllANDAFiNEE, {or C/iinauuh). — A
town in the Seik. terriloiies, in the
proviiux' of Lahore, 122 miles N. by
E. from the citv of Lahore. Lat.
33°. 24'. N. Long. 74°. 41'. E. This
is a neat and popvdous town, situat-
ed on the brow of a hill, at the foot
of which, on the eastern side, runs
a rapid stream, })assing- to the left.
This channel is passed on two stout
fir lieams, one of which reaches iioni
the shore to an insidated rock in the
centre of the river, to which it is
fastened by wooden slakes, while
the other extends fiom the rock to
the opposite bank. {Foster, ^-c.)
Chandkrnagore. — A French set-
tlement in Bengal, situated on the
west bank of the River Hooghly,
about 20 miles above Calcutta. Lat.
22°. 49'. N. Long. 88°. 2(i'. E.
Tlie position of this town is, in
every respect, better than that of
Culcutta ; and tlie tenitory originally
attached to it extended two miles
along the river, and one inland.
On tlie 23d March, 1757, it was
taken by the forces under Admhal
Watson and Colonel Clive, after a
most obstinate resistance, and with,
great slaughter on board the ship*
engaged. It has since remained un-
fortified, and has been taken posses-
sion of by the British government,
without opposition, on the com-
mencement of hostilities with France.
{Ives, Rennel, <^c.)
Chandragiri, {the Mountain of
the Moon). — A large square fort in
the province of South Canara, 13
miles south from Mangalore, situat-
ed on the south side of a river of the
same name, which is the northern
boundary of Malayala, or Malabar.
Lat. 12°. 27'. N. Long. 75°. 8'. E.
This place was built by Siruppa
Nayaka, the first prince of the house
of Ikeri, who established his autho-
rity in this part of Canara. At lo\v
water the river is shallow, butveiy
wide ; the country on its north sidtt
272
CHAN (J.
is called by (he Hindoos Tulava,
(jp. Buchanan, cSr.)
Chanoraoupti. — A small town,
cotitaininp; altoiit 100 houses, in the
iiorth-westem cxtrcmil.v of the IMy-
sore conntiv, iianicd also Guti. Lat.
14°. 23'. N." 1.011^. 75°. 8'. E.
'I'hree miles to tiie noiih of Chan-
dias^npti is a lull jaodneing iron ore,
which is found in veins inlcrmixed
with laterite, and in this district
there is also some sandal wood of a
good qnalit}'. In the snrroiinding
conritiv tlio ^^ila!.';e god is Nandi, or
the bull on w Inch Siva rides. He is
also called Baswa, and receives no
sacrifices which ate held in abhor-
rence by the Sivabhaclar chiefs, or
adherents of Mahadeva, or Siva. {F.
Muchavan, S:c.)
Chandere, {Chandri). — A town
in the JMaharatla territories, in the
province of Arnnni^abad, 130 miles
N. N. E. from I'oonali. Lat. 20°.
18'. N. Long-. 74®. 36'. E.
Chandghi-.uky. — A town in the
Carnaiic, the capital of a small dis-
trict of the same name, 72 miles
VV. N. y\\ from Mad)as. Lat. 13°.
33'. N. Long-. 79°. 25'. E. I'his was
the site of the Hindoo kingdom,
known bj"^ the appellation of Nar-
singa, whic'i, in 1599, comj>rehend-
ed Tanjore and i>iadura. In 1040
the English were permitted by one
of these princes to settle at IMadrr.s.
In 1646 the Mal'ommedan stales
of Golcondah and Bejapoor possess-
ed themselves of this place, and also
of Veliore. The citadel of C'haild-
gheny is built on the summit of a
.slupendons rock, witli a fortified
to-\\n at its foot. {Rcnnel, Wilh, ^x.)
Chandgerry. — A town in (he
province of Gundwana, witli a fort
und large tank, and containing a
considerable population. {Leckie,
SfC.)
CHANDGHERBYjCC^anrfr^g-Afln). —
./V hill fort in the Mysore province,
district of Ciiitteldrdog, 108 miles
N. N. W. from Seringapatam. Lat.
13°. 47'. N. Long. 76°. 6'. E., The
hill on which this fort is built is not
high, nor, including' tiu; Pettali at
its base, more (lian three miles in
circumference, and. (hough fortified,
is not a jilacc of strength. The hills
in this neig-hbourhoo(l abound with
iron ore. {Moor, kc)
Cli ANDPoon, (Cliandrapurn). — A
towji in tlie British territories, in the
pro\iuce of Delhi, 70 miles N. E.
from Delhi. Lat. 29°. 9'. N. Long.
78°. 14'. E.
Chandpoou. — A tov.n in the pro-
vince of Bengal, di.strict of Tippe-
rali, situated on the east side of the
great Biver IMegna, 33 miles S. S. E.
from Dacca. Lat. 2-3'^. 17'. N. Long.
90°. 31'. E. 'i'his place is celebrated
for (he excellence of its oranges,
which are, probably, (he best in In-
dia. 'I'hey are of a pariicular sort,
(he skin beiiig very thick, and al-
most separated from the interior
pul]..
C'handrkk. — A district in the pro-
vince of Malwali, sitnated about (he
251l! degree of uor(h latitude, and
intersected by the Kivcr Sinde. In
1582 it was described by Abul Fazel
as follows:
" iSircar Chcndary, containing 61
niahals, measurement 554,277 bee-
gahs, revenue 31,037,783 dams. Se-
yurghal 26,931 dams. This sircar
fnrnishes 5970 cavah y, 90 elephants,
and 60,685 intantjy."
AKhongh mountainous this dis-
trict is fertile, and tolerably well
cultivated. The principal (owns are
Serong(% Chanderec, and Chandcry.
In 1790 Bam Chund, (he Bajah of
Chanderee, lived in retirement at
Oude, and left his district under the
administration of his son, who paid
tiibute to the Mahaiattas. {Abul
Fazel, Hunter, .fc.)
Chandree. — A town iu the pro-
vince of Malwah, .situated on the
west side of (he Biver Betwah, 90
miles W. bv S. from Chatterjtoor.
Lat. 24°. 50'". N. Long. 78° 25'. E.
This is a very ancient (own, and de-
scribed by Abul I'azel as containing
14,000 stone houses, but like other
Hiudostany cities is nujch decayed.
Chang. — A large province in Ti-
bet, extendicg along the north sid«
CHEESAPANY.
273
of the Himalaya Mountains, and
situated betwixt the 28th and 30th
degrees of north latitude. It is in-
tersected by the great River Brah-
mapootra, in this part of its course
named the Sanpoo ; but we have no
further authentie information respeet-
ing- this remote region.
Chaprol'GH. — A town in the
Nahry Sangkar province, situated to
the north of the Himalaya Moun-
tains, the northern boundary of Hin-
dostan. Lat. 33°. 20'. N. Long. 79°
36'. E.
Charwah, iCliorna). — A town in
the INIaharatta territories, in the pro-
vince oflvhandesh, 75 miles N.N. E.
from Boorhanpoor. Lat. 22°. 10'.
N. Long-. 77°. 4'. E. At this place
there is a fort of four bastions. From
hence, four miles beyond the Baum
Kiver, there is scarcely any signs of
inhabitants. {Vltk Register, St.)
Chassircong. — A town in the
Nahry Sangkar province, situated
to the north of the Himalaya Moun-
tains. Lat, 33°. 30'. N. Long. 79°.
86'. E.
Chatterpoor, (Chattrapura). — A
city in the province of Allahabad,
district of Bundelcund. Lat. 24°.
67'. N. Long. 79°. 63'. E.
Thi3 town (situated below the
Ghauts) was founded by Rajah Chut-
tersal, and occasionally his residence,
which rendered it llourisliing and an
imj)ortant commercial mart, being a
sort of entrejiot for the trade carried
between iMiizapoor and the Deccan.
From this city, and from the dia-
mond mines of Panuah, almost the
whole of the saycr duties were levied,
as there was then no other town of
rommercial importance in Bundel-
cund. These duties in the town of
Chatterpoor alone are said to have
amounted to above four lacks of ru-
pees per annum.
This place is extensive, and well
built, the houses being mostly of
stone, but compared witli its former
tiourishing condition it is now de-
solate. A\Tien Bundelcund was ceded
to the British, this town, with a
great portion of the surrounding ter-
T
ritory, Avas occupied by Kooar Loni
Sah, one of the iiuiumerable petty
chiefs of that distracted province.
lYavelling distance from Agra 212
miles, from Benares 237, from Nag-
poor 302, from Oojain 320, from
Calcutta 698, and from Bombay 747
miles. {3ISS. Ironside, Rcnnel, f^c.)
Chattoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Tinnevelly, 25 miles S. W.
from Madura. Lat. 9°. 40'. N. Long.
77°. 65'. E.
Chatzan. — A town in the terri-
tories of the Afghan Balloochies, si-
tuated west of the Indus, in the pro-
vince of Sewec. Lat. 31°. 8'. N.
Long. 69°- 43'. E.
Cheduba. — An island in the Bay
of Bengal, lying off the coast of
Anaean, from which it is distant
about 10 miles, and, witii the rest of
that province, subject to the Buinaii
gxjvennnent. It is the most westerly
of a cluster of islands, and is of a
moderate height, with several ham-
mocks on it. Both Cheduba, and
the more eastern islands are inlia-
bited, and produce such quantities
of grain, that ships of any burthen
may load that article here. The
channel between this island and the
main is annually navigated by large
trading boats, but it does not afford
a safe passage for large shipping. It
is governed by a chckey, or lieu-
tenant, deputed by the Birman vice-
roy of Aracan. {Sipnes, Elmore, S)-c.)
Chf.esapanv. — A town and small
fort in the Nepaul territories. Lat.
27°. 23'. N. Long. 85°. 30'. E. The
peipendicular height of this fort
above Bheemp'hede is about 530
yards, and it possesses no other
strength than what is derived from
its situation, it being only capable of
containing 100 men. This fort is
not commanded by an omrah, as al-
most all the fortresses in the Nepaul
territory are, but by an ofliccr im-
mediately nominated by the soubah.
The omrahs in the Nepaul domi-
nions are independent of the civil
governors, and tlieir forces are chiefly
composed of troops raised and foiiu-
ed bv themselves. Their aruis con-
-274
CHILKA LAKE.
sist of matohldcks, broad s^vords,
and hows and arrows.
Chtesajrany is aciistum-housc sta-
tion, and the onlj' one liesides Seedli,
at whicli duties are collected on mer-
chandize passing; from the Com-
pany's and vizier's territories. Tlic
\illas;e adjoiniiifi; to the fort contains
about 20 houses. Theic is a little
grain raised, but not enou<ih for the
consumption of even the few inha-
bitants of the place. From the fort,
or villa.je, is a tolerable easy ascent
of about three-tiuarters of a mile by
the road to Clicesapany, or cold
water sjning. About 120 yards
liiglier tiian Cheesapany Tort, the
mountains of Himalkya are seen
searing their lofty peaks, eternally
covered with s,now . {Kirkpatritk, i,T.)
Chekwall. — A town in the Seik
tenitories, in the pro\ince of La-
lio;e. situated 107 miles N. W. from
the city of Laliore. Lat. 32°. Si)'.
N. liono:. 72°. IG'. E. About 10
miles to the north of this place are
hills which produce salt, ailum, and
sui))hur, and near to them are salt
ai:d hot wells.
Cheriaghaut Hills. — A rann;e
of hills in the Ncpaul territories, si-
tuated about the 27th degree of north
latitude, which, according to the in-
dication of the baroinetcr, do not
appear to exceed 480 yards above
the level of the district of IJajypoor
in Bengal. {KirJipatrick, Sfc.)
Cheribon. — Sec Sheribon.
Chiaw Bay. — A deep bay in the
noi-th-east side of the Island of Gi-
lolo, ^^hieh abounds with shoals and
shallo^\s, and into which the mon-
soon pcr|ietually blows, backed by
strong currents.
Chica Nayakana Hully. — A
large square town in the IMvsore
province, strongly fortified with mud
walls, and having cavaliers at the
angles ; and in the centre is a square
citadel, fortified in the same man-
ner. The houses arc above 600, and
of a mean and ruinous appearance.
It possesses a small manufacture of
• coarse cotton cloth, both white and
-jt;fjloiired. The name signifies the
town of the little cliief, which was
the name assumed by the polygar.s
of Hagalwadi, who I'orlitied it about
300 years ago. {F. Biuhanan, ^c.)
Chica Cavil.^ — A small town iu
the district of North Coimbetoor,
situated at the bottom of the Ghauts.
Lat. 11°. 51'. N. Long. 77°. 48'. E.
Inhabitants of tins neighbourhood
arc a mixture of (hose who speak
the Karnata, and of those who speak
the Tclingana languages.
Chick AcoLE. — ^See Cicacole.
C 1 1 1 c H A ccTT a , ( Ch Ichacata). — A
town in Northern Hindostaii, in the
prov ince of JJootan, not far from the
Cooch Bahar in Bengal. Lat. 26°
32'. N. Long. 8Q°. 25''. E.
This place was taken from the
Booteas in 1772, when it was de-
fended by them with great obstinacy,
and much personal courage. With
matchlocks, sabres, and bows, it was
impossible they could long contend
against firelocks and cannon. It was
restored at the conclusion of the
war, and now constitutes the Bootan
frontier towards Bengal. (Turner,
cVc.)
Chien'Poor, {Chinapur\ — A town
in the Maharatta tenitories, in the
province of Khandesh, 53 miles N.
N. E. from Boorhanpoor. Lat. 21°.
57'. N. Long. 76°. 13'. E.
Chickoory, {Chicuri). — A town
in the tenitories of the Poonah Ma-
harattas, situated 45 miles S. S. W.
from Merritch. Lat. 16°. 23'. N.
Long. 74°. 50'. E.
This is a large and respectable
town, with an extensive bazar. It
is pleasantly situated near a rivulet,
and lias a manufactory of cloth,
(chiefly fur the dress of the country
people. The neighbourhood of this
town is famous for producing grapes
of an extraordinary size. {Moar,S)-c.)
Chilka Lake. — A lake in the
Northern Circars, which province it
sepaiales towards the sea from that
of Cuttiick. In length it may be
estimated at 35 miles, by eight the
average breadth, is very shallow, and
fontains several inhabited islands,
'ihis lake seems to be the eflect.of
CHINAPACAM.
275
Iho sea, over a flat sandy shore, the
elevation of which was but litUc
above llic level ofthc couiilrv wilhiii.
On the N. W. it is boumU'd by a
lidj^e of mountains, a continuation
of that which extends fjoni the Ma-
haniiddy to tlie Godavery Hiver, and
encloses the Nortliern Ciicars to-
wards the continent. Tiie Chilka
Lake, therefore, forms a pass on
each side into the province of Cut-
taek, and presents an aj,aeeable di-
versity of objects — mountains, is-
lands, and forests. At a distance
from the land it has the apj)earancc
of a deep bay, the slip of laud which
separates it from the sea not being
visible. This space, for several miles
a!on<; tiie soutlu^rn and eastern .shore,
is about a mile broad, and an entire
sand. NearManickpatani the branch
of the Chilka is about three-fourths
of a mile broad, and diihcult to cross
if the wind blows strong. {Rennel,
Upton, (S'c.)
CniLMARRY,(C7(«/awmr«). — A town
in the province of Bengal, district
of Mymunsing, situated on the west
side of the great Kiver Brahmapoot-
ra, 130 miles N. by W. from Dacca.
Lat. 25°. 25'. N. Long. 88°. 42'. E.
ChillambaramPaoodas. — These
pagodas are situatiid (m the sea-
coast of the Carnatic, a little to the
south of Worto Novo, and 120 miles
S. S. W. from Ahuhv.s. Lat. 11°.
27'. N. Long. 79°. 52'. E.
The entry to the Chillambaram
Pagoda, held in great veneration on
account of its anti(|uity, is by a
stately gate, under a i>jramid 122
feet high, built with large stones
above 40 feet long, and more than
five feet square, and all covered with
plates of copper, adorned with a
variety of figures neatly executed.
The whole structure extends 1332
feet in one direction, and 93G in an-
other. About 1785 this gateway was
repaired by a devout widow at the
expense of 50,000 pagodas. The
whole of the architecture has a more
ancient appearance than Tanjore or
Hamiseram. (Sotmerat, Lord Va-
lentia, Sec.)
T 2
Chimnf.er. — A town in the terri-r
tories of the Nagpoor Maharattas,
situated in the province of Berar, 40
miles S. from Nagpoor. Lat. 20°.
35'. N. Long. 79°. 54'. E.
Chinabalabaram. — A town in the
Mysore Rajah's territories, 100 miles
N. E. from Seringapatara. Lat. 13°.
26'. N. Long. 77°. 55'. E. By tlie
natives it is called Chica Balapoor,
and Chuta Balapoor by the Mahom-
medans.
Fifty years past it belonged to a
polygar named Narayana Swami,
who possessed also Doda Balapoor,
and had Nundy Droog for his prin-
cipal strong hold. He was subdued
and expelled by Hyder, and the
town, after Lord Cornwallis's war in
1792, ahnost destroyed by Tippoo,
The town is now fast recovering,
and contains above 400 houses ; of
which more than one-fourth are oc-
cupied by Brahmins, 30 families of
whom arc of such high rank, that
they live entirely on charity. A large
proportion of the inhabitants speak,
as their native dialect, the Celinga
language.
Sugar candy is made here equal
to that- of China, and the clayed
sugar is very white and fine ; but the
art being a secret, it is so dear, that
the Chinese sugar candy is sold
cheaper at Seringapatam, than this
is on the spot where it is produced,
( F. Buchanan, ^-c.)
Chinapatam. — A town in the Ra-
jah of Mysore's territories, 40 miles
N. E. from Seringapatara. Lat. 12°.
39'. N. Long. 77°. 24'. E.
Tliis is an open town, containing
about 1000 houses, with a handsome
stone fort at a little distance. The
country around is very beautiful,
consisting of swelling grounds, mix-
ed with fantastic rocks and hills, in
some places cultivated, and in others
covered with trees, the finest in
either of the Carnatics. In sight of
Chinapatam is Patala Dinga, one of
the plax-es to which Tippoo sent the
unfortunate wietelies who incurred
hi- displeasure, when death soon
terminated their sufferings. There
276
CHIKGLEPLT.
is here a small nianufactor\' of glass.
Another niauufacture is steel wires
for the strings of musical instnnnents,
■\vhieli are reckoned the best in India.
A family at Chinapatam has the art
of makinff very tine white sngar.
or fool ; bnt the term fool does not,
in this instance, as in most others,
«;ive the best translation of the word.
He is totally unmindful and igno-
rant of worldly afl'airs, unable (the
Brahmins say) to hold conversation
which formerly w as kept for the sole beyond the proposition, reply, and
use of the court at Seringapatam
Such monopolies of good things w ere
favourite jiractices with the arbitrary
{rovernments of Hindostan. {F. Bu-
chanai}, ^c.)
Chinamputta. — A town in the
district of Madura, 1 1 miles S. by AA\
from the city of Madura. Lat. 9°.
41'. N. Long. 78°. 8'. E.
Chinchew (or Chang) Bay. — A
rejoinder, and then in a childis
bUihbering manner. His ordinary
occupations do not diller materially
from those of other men ; he cats,
drinks, takes wives to himself, &c.
like other Brahmins.
In 1809, the deo was a boy, 12
years of age. His palace is an enor-
mous pile of building, w itliout any
kind of elegance, ne;ir the Moorta,
spacious bay and harbour in Cochin on Avhich the town stands. The
China, completely sheltered from all
winds, but only accessible for large
vessels at high w ater. Lat. 1.3°. 50'.
N. At the head of this harbour is
situated the city of Quin-nong.
floors of this edifice are spread over
w ith the sacred cow-dnng. and the
apartments crow dcd w ith sleek, well
fed Bralnnins. Near the palitcc arc
the tombs of the former dcos, which
Chinchoor. — A small tow u in the are so many small temples enclosed,
province of Aurungabad, situated on and planted round w ith trees, and
the road from Bombay to Poonah. communicating by steps with the
It is i)leasantly placed on the left river. Here goes on the business of
]»ank of a river, and is said to con- worship. In one place are seen avo-
tain .'iOOO inhabitants, including 300 men pouring oil, w ater, and milk
Brahmin faniilies. It has the ap- over the figures of the gods ; in ano=-
pearance of an industrious town, the ther, children decking them with
houses being good, the streets clean, flowers. Here pilgrims and dcvo-
and the shops well supplied. tees performing tlieir ablutions ; and
This place is the rcsideirce of Chin- there priests chauntingf portions of
taniun Deo, whoi)i a great proportion their sacred poems; the whole pro-
of the iNIaharatta nation believe to ccediug with the most listless indo-
be an incarnation of their favourite lence and apathy; (Lard Valentia,
deity, Goonputty. The present is Moor, M. Graham, lVc.)
the eighth in descent from the first, CHiNGi-uruT. — ^Thc ancient pos-
and they take the name, alternateh , session of the Coinpany, in the Car-
of Chintamun Deo and Narrain Deo. natic, formerly denomiuiitcd the .Jag-
The Brahmins relate that each duo hire, now forms the coUcctorship of
at his death has been burned, and Chingleput. It w as ]jermanently
invariably a small image of Goon- assessed in 1801-2; but the efl'ecl
putty has miraculously arisen from has not been so satisl'actory as was
the ashes, which is pluced in the expected, extensive sales of laud
tomb and worshipped. Although having since taken place, (bth He-
the deo be an incarnation of the jmrt, ^r.)
deity Goonputty, he performs poqja Chingleput. — A town in the Car-
(worships) his other self, in the form natic, situated on the north-eastern
of a statue; for the latter, the Brah- side of the Palar, 39 miles S. S. \\ .
luins say, is the greatest, his power from Madras. Lat. 12°. oG'. N.
not being diminished by the avatar, Ix>ng. 79°. 55'. E. In 1751, ths
or incarnation. French took possession of Chinglc-
1'hc deo is, ex officio, a dewannali, put; but it was taken iiom thorn, iu
CHINAUB.
277
175'2, by Capt. Clive, after a short
Chiniropoor.vm, {Chinrayapatav).
— A town in the Rajali of Mysore's
territories, 39 miles N. VV. from Se-
riuijapHtani. Lat. 12^.53'. N. Long.
7(j°. 40'. 1':.
'I'lie fort of Cliinrayapatan is well
built of stone and lime, and lias a
glacis, ditch, and walls built of these
materials, and round to^\ ers and bas-
tions, with embrasiues lor camion.
It has a weekly fair, but no consi-
derable trade. Tiie country around
is very bare of trees, but contains
many tine tanks. 'I'lie toAvn, fort,
and suburbs, contain above 900
houses, of which 60 are inhabited by
Brahmins. The name Cliinraya-
patan si{?nifies the city of the little
prince. In Nepaul, the year 1802
was Srimoca; whereas, at this place,
it was Dunbuddi, a difference of 11
years, (i^. Buchanan, Lord Valentia,
Chinnachin. — A town in North-
ern Hindostan, in the district of Jem-
lah, of which it is the capital, and
tributary to the Ghoorkhali Rajah of
Nepaul. l^t. 30°. 29'. N. Long.
81°35'. E.
This place is situated in a valley,
the north side of which is bounded
by the mountains of J-limalaya. The
town stands between thcChinnachin
and Kurnala Rivers, which are said
to unite at a point, distant about six
days journey to the south west of
Chinnachin, It is the frontier sta-
tion of Nepaul, in the Taklakhar
quarter, and is the best route for sup-
plying: the north-west part of Tibet
with IJritish g:oods. It is about 10
days journey distant from Becni
Slu'hr, and a nioiitli's journey for a
caravan from Cufuiandoo. {Kirhpa-
trick, SiC.)
CiUNooR. — A town belonging- to
the Nizam, in the jjrovince of Eeja-
poor, 47 miles N. N. W. from Ral-
harv. Lat. 15°. 40'. Long. 76^
34'.' E.
Chinnoor.- — A toAvn belonging to
tlie Nizam, in the pru^iuce of Rcrar,
siluateii on the uorlli-casl side of the
Goilaverv River. Lat. 19". 8'. N.
Long. 80°. 8'. V:.
Chinsura, {Chinchnra). — A Dutch
settlement in the province of Bengal,
situated on the Avest side of tlie Ri-
ver Hooghly, 22 miles from Calcutta.
Lat. 22°. 52'. N. Long. 88°. 28'. E.
The first factory of the Dutch East
India Company was erected here in
1G50, and the site on the whole is
much preferable to that of Calcutta.
In 17GJ) Chinsura was blockaded by
the Nabob of Bengal's forces, to com-
pel payment of the arrears of duties,
although the province was then ac-
tually possessed by the English East
Company. It has since been regu-
larly captured by the British forces,
on the commencement of hostilities
with the Dutch. (^Stavorinus, Ren-
net, St.)
Chinaub, (or Chandrahhagii). — •
This river has its source near the
eastern hills of Cashmere, in the
province of Lahore, near the sources
of the Ravey, the Bey ah, tlie Sutu-
leje, and tlie Jumna. It flows after-
wards in a south-westerly direction,
with a remarkably straight course^
From Jummoo it proceeds through a
tiat country, gradually approaching
the Bchut, with which it unites near
Jehungscal. This junction is ef-
fected with great noise and violence,
which circumstance is noticed both
by the historians of Alexander and
of Timour. The space between the
Behut and the Chinaub is no where
more than 35 miles, within the limits
of the Punjab. A bout 90 miles from
its source, and not far from the Cash-
mere hills, it is 70 yards broad, and
very rapid. The length of its cuursc,
including the wimluigs, may be esti-
mated at 420 miles.
'Jhe ancient Hindoo name of this
river was the Chandra Bhaga, or
Chandra Sarita, and it is considered
as the acesines of Alexander. Abul
Eazel, in 1582, describes it as fol-
lows:
" Another river of liahore is the
Chinaub, called also Chunderbahka,
(C'liundra Bhaga). From the top of
the mountains of Khutwar i<;sue two
278
CHITTAGONG.
springs, one called Chundcr, and the
other Bahka. In the neighbour-
hood of Khulwar they nnilc their
streams, and arc then called Chun-
derbahka ; from thence they flow on
to Bclolipoor, Sooderah, and Heza-
reh." {Rennel, Wilford, AhulFazel,
Chiring. — A village in Northern
Hindostan, one-half of v hich is si-
tuated in the Gerwal (Scrinagur dis-
trict), and the other half in the dis-
tiict of Kemaoou, The range of
mountains here forms the boundary
between the two provinces. It was
formerly a place of some note, but is
now in ruins, and destitute of inha-
bitants. Near to it is a large village,
named Chaparang. [Raper, $-c.)
Chitlong. — A small town in
Northern liiiidostan, in the territo-
ries of Nepfiul, named also Lohari,
or Little Nepaul. Lat. 27°. 29'. N.
Long. 85°. 52'. E. I'his town con-
tains a few brick and tiled houses of
t\'i o or three stories, but is an incon-
siderable place, altliough the first in
the Nepaul country that has the ap-
pearance of a town to the traveller
coming from the south. It is said
to have been formerly more exten-
sive and flourishing.
During the dynasty of the Newar
princes, Chitlong was for some time
a dependency of the Patn raje, or
sovereignty, and had a district an-
nexed to it containing several popu-
lous villages. It constitutes at pre-
sent part of the jaghire, or fief, of
one of tlie four conunanders of the
Nepaul forces. On the 27th Feb.
1793, the mercury in Tahrenheit's
thermometer fell In 29°. ; and. on the
following morning*, all the standing
water was found frozen to a conside-
rable depth. {Kirkpatrick, ^x.)
Chitpoou. — A tovvu ill the pro-
vince of Gujrat, belonging to an in-
dependent rajah, situated in a inoun-
tainous and jungly district. Lat.
21'='. 20'. N. Long. 70°. 47'. E. •
Chittagong, {Chatnrgrama). — A
district situated at the south-eastern
extremity of the province of Bengal,
})Qtwcen the 21st and 23d degrees of
north latitude. To the north it fs
bounded by the Ti})perah district;
to the smith by Araoau; to the cast
it has the Birman empire ; and to the
w-est the sea. In length it may be
estimated at 120 miles, by 25 the
average breadth.
This district contains about 2987
square ndles of unproductive, hilly,
and plain arable lands, nearly in the
proportion of two to one, and was
originally divided into four mode-
rately large, and 140 very small per-
gunnahs, partitioned among 1400
landholders. This distribution ori-
ginated in consequence of the whole
district having formerly been assign-
ed for the militia, or garrison troops,
constantly maintained here for pro-
tection against the incursions of tlft
Muggs or Aracaners. These, in
process of time, became distinct ze--
mindaries, when the military esta-
blishment ceased to be necessarj'.
The land is of a hilly and jungly
nature, and but a small proportion
of it in cultivation. It appears
adapted for the production of coflec,
jjcpper, and the valuable spices ot"
the east; and it possesses a very
convenient sea-port, Islamabad, for
coasting tiaders in the bay at any
season of the year. Ships of a con-
siderable size are annually built here
of timber, the produce of the coun-
try, in addition to a small qiumtily
imported ; and the company have au
extensive establishment on the sea
coast for the manufacture of salt.
Landed property in this distiict is
for the most ])art distributed into
vei-y small portions among numerous
propiietors, which occasions inces-
sant disputes respecting the boun-'
darics.
The River Nauf, which bounds the
British and Birman territories, is si»
tuated at a considerable distance
from the town of Islamabad, tlie seat
of provincial government, and resi-
dence of the English magistrate.
The banks of this ri\ er are covered
with deep jungles, iptei-spersed with
scanty spots of cultivation and a few
wrotclied villages, where dwelt the
CmiTAGO\G.
^79
f>oover class of lierilsihen and lami-
ies of roviiip; hunters, wiiosi' occu-
pation is to catcli ami tame wild
c!oj)liants, which abound in these
forests.
TliG sea coast of Cliittagonj; is
much resorted to by tlie European
inhabitants of Bengal, on account of
tlie beneficial ell'ccts of the sea air
and salt water bathing. About 20
miles to the north of Islamabad is a
remarkable hot well, (named seeta-
cond) the surface of which may be
intlamed by the application ot lire.
Like all other remarkable pheno-
mena of natiue, it is esteemed sacred
by the Hindoos; as is likewise ano-
ther hot spring near to Monghir.
Chittagong, it is probable, origin-
ally belonged to the extensive and
independent kingdom of Tipperah ;
but being a frontier province, where
the two religions of Brahma and
Buddha met, it was scmetimes go-
verned by sectaries of the one doc-
trine, and sometimes of the other.
There is reason to believe it was
taken from botli about the beginning
of the 16th century by the Afghan
Kings of Bengal; and aft crw aids,
during the wars of the iVIoguls and
Afghans, reverted to the Buddhists
of Aracan. Chittagong was lirst vi-
sited by the Portuguese so early as
1618; and the Rajah of Aracan hav-
ing influenced a great number of that
nation to settle there, in conjunction
v\ith the Muggs or Aracaners, they
infested and desolated tlic south-
eastern quarters of Bengal, which,
distant as the period is, has not yet
recovered its population or cultiva-
tion.
In 1638, during the reign of the
Emperor Shah Jehati, .Makat Kay,
one of the jMugg cliiefs, who held
Chittagong lor the Bajali of Aracan,
having incurred his displeasure, aiul
apprehending an attack, sought the
Mogul sovereign's protection. 'I'liis
is the first authentic account of the
superiority of this province being ac-
quired by the jMogul, nor was it
taken possession of until 1GC6 ; yet,
long before this period, it was regu-
larly enumerated by Abul Fuzcl iii
the list of the Mogul dominions, la
1666, Shaista Khan, the soubahdfir
of Bengal, having equipped a power-
ful fleet at Dacca, dispatched it down
the Megna, under the couunaud of
Omeid Khan, who, havijig previously
coii(|uered the Island of Sundcep,
pro(;ecded against this province, and
laid siege to the ca .ital, Altiiough
strongly fortified, and containing,
according to the Mogul historians,
1223 «annon of difl'erent calibres, it
muiie but a feeble resistaiice ; and,
on its surrender, a new name (Isla-
mabad) was conferred on it, and it
was with tlic district permanently
annexed to the Mogul enqdre.
This province, at an early period,
attracted the notice of the English
East Indi i Company, who, in 168G,
proposed to remove their factory
from Hooghly to Chittagong, and
Iheie establish by force a respectable
fortified residence. On the 17th
Dec. 1689, during a rupture with the
Emperor Aurengzebe, an English
fleet appeared off Chittagong, with
an intention of seizing it, and there
fixing the head of their settlements
in the Bay of Bengal; but, owing to
indecision, nothing was done; nor
would it have answered tha Com-
pany's views, had the original pur-
I)Ose been accomplished, in A. D.
1760 it was finally ceded to the East
India Company, by the Nabob Jaf-
fier Ali Khan.
In 1801, by the directions of the
Marquis Wcllcsley, liien governor-
general, the board of revenue iu
Bengal circulated various questions
to the collectors of the different dis-
tiicts on statistical subjects. The
result of their replies tended to esta-
blish the fact, that tlie Chittagong
district contained 1,200,000 i^iha-
bifaiits, which appears an asfonishii^;-
number, if the modern boundaries of
the district have not been enlarged.
Of this population the proportion of
Mahonnnedans was tluec to live
}lindoos; and what is icmarkalile,
although so long under a Buddhist
government, very few of that sect
280
CHITOBE.
are now to be found in the district.
{J. Grant, Stewart, Symes, Bruce, bth
Report, ^c.)
Chittapet. — A small town in the
Carnatic, 75 miles S. W. from Ma-
dras, and 60 N. W. from Pondicher-
ry. Lat. 12° 25'. N. Lonj. 79°.
26*. E.
During the Carnatic war in the
last century this was a fort of con-
siderable consequence, and sustained
several sieiijes. It then had round
towers at the anj^les of the wall,
more spacious than Ihc generality of
the forts of Coromandcl. Tlie gate-
way on the northern side was the
largest pile of this construction in the
Carnatic, being capable of contain-
ing On its terraces 500 men, drawn
uj) under arms. Chittapet was fi-
nally taken by Col. Coote, after the
battle of Wandiwash, havi'ig made
but a slight resistance. (Orme, ^-c-)
Chitteldroog, (Chitra Darga).
■^—A fort and town belonging to the
Mysore Rajah, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name. Lat. 14°.
10'. N. Long. 76°. 29'. E. By the
natives it is called Sifala Durga,
which signifies t!ie spotted castle;
and also Chatracal, which means the
umbrella rock. It is every where
surrounded by low, rocky, bare hills,
on one of which stands the droog, or
fort, formerly the residence of the
polygar of the country. In the year
1776 Hyder took it by treachery, at
which time the town was very large.
It is still a considerable place, and as
a fortress, one of the strongest in In-
dia. In the usual style of the Indian
fortified rocks, it is surrounded by
several walls within one another, the
Outermost of which might be taken
without forwarding the reduction of
the hill.
The plain of Chitteldroog consists
of a black soil, and is iO miles from
oorth to south, and four from east to
west ; but, owing to a deficiency of
water, tlie quantity of rice land is
small. To reach the water the wells
mu.st be made deep, and what is
procured is of a bad quality. This
may, in part, be attributed to the
common nastinesB of the Hindoo?,
Avho wash their cloths, bodies, and
cattle, in the same tanks and wells
from which they take their own be-
verage. The whole neiglibouring
country is reckoned unhealthy, al-
though it is perfectly diy and clear.
The natives assert, that eveiy coun-
try is unhealthy in which the black
soil called eray abounds. Through-
out this principality and the neigh-
bouring country of Hara-punya-
hully, (which last belongs to the
Company) sheep are an object of
gieat importance, and are of a spe-
cies called cmi, in the language of
Karnata.
The chiefship of the villages in
this district is a hereditary oflicer, as
is usual, through the Mysore Hajah's
possessions, and he acts as priest to
the village god. Almost every vil-
lage has a peculiar deity of this kind,
and most of them are believed to be
of a destructive nature. The natives
propitiate them by putting an iron
hook through the skin under their
shoulder blades, by which they arc
suspended to a moveable transverse
beam, and swung round for a consi-
derable time.
At the conclusion of the last My-
sore war, in 1 799, in consequence of
repeated ravages and calamities,
many districts in the Mysore pro-
vince, formerly well peopled, were
totally laid waste, and scarcely ex-
hibited a vestige of population. Chit-
teldroog in particular suttered in a
pre-eminent degree, and was de-
l)rivcd of the great mass of its inha-
bitants.
I'ravelling distance from Seringa-
patam, 115 mites; fi"om Madras, 335
miles. (F. Buchanan, Wilkes, Moor,
Re)inel, ?>c.)
Chitore, {Chaitur). — A Rajpoot
district in the province of Ajmeer,
situated to the south-west of Joud-
poor, and bordering on Gujrat and
Malwah. The sovereign of this
coim try is named indiscriminately the
Ranah of Chitore, or Odeypoor ; but,
in modern tinies, the latter town,
having become tlie capital, has great-
CHOOKIA-NG- SOIMTOO.
281
ly jaipcrscdeS tlie first ; the reader is,
tiicrcfora, referred to the article
Gdeypoor for further details respcct-
ini? this tenitory, which, in 1582.
was described by Abui lazel as
follows :
" Sircar Chitorc, coutuinino: 26
niahals;nicasuremcnt 1,678,802 bec-
gahs ; revenue, 30,047,649 dams.
Seyurghal, 360,737 dams. This cir-
car iurnisiics 22,000 cavalry, and
82,000 infantry."— See also Mkwar.
Chitore. — A Rajpoot town in the
province of A j nicer, the capital of a
distri(!t of the snme name. Lat.
25°. 15'. N. Long. 74°. 30'. E.
This place m as Ihc ancient capital
of the Hajpoot sovereign, now known
by the appellation of the Ranah of
Odeypoor, and nmch celebrated for
its strength, riches, antiquity, when
taken and despoiled by Acber, iu
1567.
The fortress of Chitore is situated
on the top of a high and rugged
mountain, and is considered as a
place of great strength. It was first
conquered by the Malioaimedans,
A. D. 1303, during the rcigii of Alia
«d Deen, the scourge of the Hin-
doos. It was subscfjuently taken by
Acber, and in 1680 again subdued
and plun<lered by Azim Usliaun, the
son of Aurengzche; permanent pos-
session of the fortress does not, there-
fore, appear to iiave been retained
by the I'attan and Mogul Emperors.
In I'tVO it was taken by Madajee
Sindia, from Bheem Singh, a rebel-
lious subject o. the Odeypoor lia-
jahs, to whom it was restored agree-
ably to a previous agreement. {Ren-
7ie/, Htmter, Maurhe, ^'c.)
Chittorf,, {Chaitiir). — A town
anddistritt, situated on the western
frontier of the Carnatic, 80 miles
E. from Madras. Lat. 13° 12'. N.
Long. 79°. 10'. E.
The Chittoor pollams, or small
districts, came into tlie possession of
the East India Company, under the
treaty with the Nabob of Arcot, in
1801. The polygars had long been
refractory and tiirl>uleut subjects of
the nabob, a tontiuuuucc of which
rendered it necessary to- send a mi-
htary force against them in 1804-
Two of them having surrendered at
the commencement, the othcre were
driven into the jungles, and their
Ibrts demolished ; tranquillity, how-
ever, was not restored until the be-
ginning of 1805, when the system of
fixed rents on the lands of each cul-
tivator was introduced, which lias,
besides, been attended with a con-
siderable increase of revenue. The
Chittoor lands were permanently as-
ssessed in 1802-3. {5th Report, iyc.)
CuiTTRA. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Kamgur,
100 miles S. by W. from Tatna. Lat.
24°. 14'. N. Long. 81°. 58'. E.
Chitway, (Setava). — A town in
the province of Malabar. Lat. 10°.
23'. N. Long. 76°. 2'. E. This place
is situated on an island 27 miles long,
and iu some places five miles broad,
named Chitway by Europeans, but
by the natives Manapiiram. It con-
sists of two districts, Shetuwai and
Attypuram, and is separated from
the continent by inlets of salt water,
M hich form the northern part of an
excellent inland navigation. The
soil of this island is in general poor,
and although the whole may be con-
sidered as a plain, the rice iields are
small in proportion to the elevated
land that rises a liew feet above the
level of the sea. The shores of the
island are covered with cocoa nut
palms, irom which the reveime is
chiefly derived, and the whole is
rented from the Company by tlie
Cochin Rajah lor 30,000 per annum,
but he possesses no legal jurisdiction
over the inhabitants. The low land
tliat lies near the sea is extremely
sandy, and the quantity of rice fields
insignificant- A slave here, when
30 years old, costs about 100 fa-
nains, or 21. 14s. 7d. with a wife the
price is double. Children sell at
irom 15 to 46 fanams, or from
8s.2H. to 21s. \0d.{F.Buchana)i4-c.)
Chookiang Somtoo. — A lake in
tho Lahdack country, about 30 miles
in circumference. Lat. 34°. 47. N.
Long. 77°. 50'. E.
282
CnOTEESGUR.
Choomeas. — A savage people,
who iiihal>it the first range of hills to
the north and cast of the province of
Chittagonij, in Bengal, and arc tri-
butary to tljc British government.
Their villages are called chooms,
but they seldom remain longer than
two years on one spot. Beyond them
are the Kookies, with whom the
Choomeas traffic; but the Kookies
do not allow the latter ever to enter
their villages. {Macrae, (St.)
Choomouhty, {Sunmrti). — A
town in the Lahdack counfry, situ-
ated on the north side of a river
named the Khankus, which rises to
the noith of the Himalaya Moun-
tains, and was formerly supposed to
have been the Ganges of the Hin-
doos ; but this conjectme has been
proved unfounded by the recent ex-
pedition from Bengal, to trace the
course of the Gauges, which has
been found to rise on the south side
of the great Himalaya Ridge. Lat.
33°. 68'. N. Long. 78°. 54'. E.
Chongey. — A town in the Nahry
Sank ar country, situated to the north
of the Himalaya Mountains. Lat.
33°. 27'. N. LoVig. 79°. 43'. E.
, Choonpoor. — A town belonging
to the Muharattas, in the province
of Malwah, 36 miles S. E. from Bil-
sah. Lat. 23°. 17'. N. Long. 78°.
18'. E.
Choorhot. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, in the Boghela
^ouirtiy, 94 miles S. W. from Be-
nares. Lat. 24°. 29'. N. Long. 81°.
48'. E. It is situated betwixt the
River Soane and the Vindhya <»•
Kimoor Hills, and is possessed by an
independent chief.
Choprah. — A town in (he Maha-
ratta -territories, in the province of
ivhandesh, 70 miles \). of Boorhan-
poor. Lat. 21° 12'. N. Long. 76°.
17'. E.
Cho TEESGUB, (or Ritttunpoor). — A
large district in the province of
Gundwana, situated principally be-
twixt the 22d aiul 23d degre"es of
•north latitiule. This jirovince is very
frequently denominated Jeharcund,
but the name properly applies to
great part of th? GHndv\aua pro-
vince. Choteesgnr, which mean^
36 forts in its most extensive sense,
is said to comprehend 20,000 scjuare
miles, part of which is composed of
a mountainous tract, or unprofitable
jungles ; from which last circum-
stance the country acquired the
name of Jeharcmid. This district
to the south of Ruttnnpoor is a
champaign country, abundantly wa-
tered with little rivers, full of vil-
lages, and ornamented with groves
and tanks. In the neighboiuhood
of Ryepoor considerable quantities
of wheat and vegetables are pro-
duced. Rice is not abundant, it
being only cultivated behind large
reservohs of water, in situations
where the declivity of the land is
suitable.
Large quantities of grain are ex-
ported from Chotesgur all over the
ISizam's dominions, and even to the
Circars ; from the latter salt is im-
ported and retailed at an extrava-
gant price. The villages are nume-
rous, but poo)-. I'he country abounds
in cattle, and brood mares of tlie
tattoo species. On the whole, this
teiTitory is but tliinly inhabited. Fo-
reign merchants bring a few horses,
elephants, camels, and shawls for
sale, but the principal part of the
commerce is carried on by the brin-
jarries, or itinerant grain dealers. In
1794 it was said that, in plentiful
seasons, they could employ 100,000
bullocks in expoitation, and it is cer-
tainly one of the most productive
provinces under the Nagpoor Rajah.
The Hatsoo and Caroon are the
chief rivers, and the principal towns
are Kuttunpoor and Ryepoor. The
boundaries to the north begin at the
village of Noaparah, which consist.s
of only a few miserable huts.
'J his district was anciently com-
prehended in the Hind(jo province
of Gundwana, and composed pait
of the state of Gurrah; but, during
the reign of Aurcngzebe, it was
formerly annexed to the Soubah of
Allahabad, although but nominally
subjected to tlie Mogul empire. ,Li
CIltlMPANl^ER.
28:j
■ 1752 it v<as coiKiiiovcd Vi^ Ka^ojot
Bhooslali, and has cvor siiico coil-
tiniiod in Iht; possession ol" th<'
JMiiimratta Hajaljs of Nagpoor. (./.
(tirnut, B/uiit, \t.)
Choul. — A small town bolonging
1o the MaJiJsratta Fes-lnva, in the
province ol' Anrnn£^al>ad, situated
on the sea-coast of the Coneaii dis-
trict, 25 miles south tVoni Kombav.
Lat. 18°. 33'. N. Lons;. 72°. oG'. E.
This was a place ol' eonsidcraljle
Jiotc durinn- the Bhaniannec dynasty
of the Deecan.
CfioL'TF.A. — A toAvn in tlie pro-
vince of Bahar, distiiet of Chuta
Na^poor, 2(X> miles \\ . N. W. from
Calcutta, Lat. 23°. 26'. N. Lon-.
86°. 29'. E.
Ch(»\vek.\. — A town in thcGnjrat
Peninsula, situated about 30 miles
N. by E. from \\ankaiicer.
This place stands on an eminence,
and is surrounded by a Iiisrli stone
^vall, wilh square towers, in a ruiu-
rms state. On approaching this
■place, after passiup: the Songhur
"Hills, there is an extensive plain of
•a rich s<ul : but the peusanly being
'of castes that are averse to agricul-
ture, tlic whole remains in a state
of pasturage. During the dry sea-
i50U the adjacent \il!ages are badly
supplied with water, yet it is found
•by digging not far from the surface.
(^Macmurdo. Vc.)
Chowparkh.— A town in the pro-
vince of Lahore, situated on the
cast side of the Indus, a few miles
above its junction Avilh the Sohaan
River. Lat. 32°. lU'. N. Long. 70°.
60'. E.
• Chugaxserai. — An Afghan town
in the province of Cabul, district of
Munduran, situated on the west
side of the Chugaiiserai Hiver. Lat.
34°. 66'. N. Long. 70°. k'. E.
Chi'KA — A castle in Bootan, near
to which is a chain bridge of a re-
niarkable constrtutiou, stretched
over tlie River Teiiinohieu. Lat,
27°. 20'. N. Long. 89°. 27'. E. Tliis
fortress is a large btiilding, placed on
elevated ground, with only one en-
trance into it. It is biviU of stone,
and the walls are of a prodigious
thickness. The natives have no re-
cord when the bridge of chains was
erected ; they say it was fabricated
by the Devata (infeiior «leity) Te-
huptehap. Tiie adjacent country
alxtunds with strawberri<"s, which
are, however, seldom eat(ni by the
natives of Bootan. Here are also
many well known English plants,
such as docks, nettles, primroses,
and dog rose l)ushes. {Tamer, ^t.)
Chukree Ghaut. — A ferry ovei-
the Bej'ah River, in the province of
Lahore, which, at this place, in the
dry season, flows in two branches ;
the waters of Mhich are deep, but
not rai)id. In the rainy season the
breadth is one mile and a iialf. {\\th
Chumrul. — ^This river has its
sonrce near the ancient city of
Muudu, in the centre of tlie pro-
vince of Malwah, within 15 miles
of the Nerbuddah. From thence it
pursues a north-easterly direction ;
and, after washing the city ofKotah,
and receiving many smaller streams,
it falls into the Jumna, 20 miles be-
low Etav,eh. The breadth of its
channel at the Ford Kyteree, near
Dhoolpoor, is three quarters of a
mile, and the whole length of its
course 440 miles. At Keyteree, the
southern bank is bold and lofty ; and,
in the rainj season, when the chan-
nel is full, the prospect of such a
body of water, bounded by hills of
A'arious shapes, forms a contrast to
the vast plain between the Jumna
and the Ganges.
This river is often named the
Sunibul, and is supposed, by Major
Rennel, to be the Sambus of Ar-
rian. It n(nv forms the boundary
which separates llie British territo-
ries in Hindostan Proper from those
of Dowlet Row Siiulia to the south.
{Hunter, Mnknlm, Rennel, .Vc)
CnuMrAM.KR, {Champanir). — A
district in the province of Gujrat,
principally situated between the 22d
and 23d degrees of north latitude.
It is bounded on the north by the
district of Gujrat ; ou the south by
284
CHUNAR.
the Nerbnddah ; on the cast by Gu-
dara,; and on the west by Broach
and Canibay. The chief towns are
Chumpanecr, Hullal, and Alymohun,
and the principal rivers the Nerbud-
dah and Mahy.
A o;reat proportion of this district
is eillier immediately possessed by
the Maharattas, or occupied by
chiefs trihutai-y to them. I'he prin-
cipal IMaluuatta Prince is the Gui-
cowar, whose dominions lie in this
quarter of Gujrat. In 1582 the dis-
trict of Chunipaneer is described by
Abul Fazel as follows :
" Sircar Chunipaneer, containing
nine niahals ; measurement, 800,337
beegahs; revenue, 10,109,884 dams-
This sircar furnishes 550 cavalry, and
1600 infantry."
Chumpaneer. — A town in the
province of Gujrat, district of Chuni-
paneer, of wliich it is the capital, 55
miles E. by N. from Cambay. Lat.
22°. 31'. N. Long. 73°. 37'. E.
The town of Chumpaneer is sur-
rounded by a wall of massy stones,
950 yards long by 350 broad, and
defended by 42 towers. In 1582 it
is described by Abul Fazel as a place
of considerable size and strength ;
and the ruins of Hindoo temples,
and IMahomniedan mosques, for
many miles round, prove its former
grandeur. The houses of the pre-
sent town are wretched huts, raised
on blocks and pillars of the once
magnificent edifices of the IMoguls.
Abul Fazel thinks this city Mas
originally built by Champa, a market
man of tlic Blicel caste, who gave
it his own name. In 1534 it was
the capital of Gujrat, at Avhich pe-
riod it was taken and plundered by
the Emperor Humayoon. {6th Reg.
4-c. f>-c.)
Chunar. — A district in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, situated about
the 25th degree of north latitude.
It is bounded on the north by the
Ganges ; on the south by the Soane ;
on the east by the Caramnassa ; and
on the west by Tarrar and Bogale-
cund. The northern part of this-
district is a most iertile tract -oi
country, and in a very flourishing
state with respect to commerce and
manufactures ; but towards the south
it is mountainous, jungly, and ex-
hibits few traces of cultivation or
population. The Vindhy, a chain of
hills, which extend so far across
Hindostan, to the north of Nerbud-
dah, penetrate into the Chunar ter-
ritory, and occupy the southern ex-
tremity. The principal towns are
Mirzapoor and Chunarghur, to which,
formerly, might have been added.
Bidjeeghur, now in ruins. The Bo-
ker River divides the country, called
Chundail, from the pergunnah of
Suctasghur, in the Chunar district.
In tills district, where the pastures
are common to a whole village, each
tenant puts as many cattle of differ-
ent sorts on it as he chooses. The
land is, consequently, overstocked,
and the cattle starved. During the
dry season, and more particularly
during the hot winds, eveiy thing
like A erdure disappears. The grass-
cutters, a class of tenants kept by
Europeans to procure food for their
horses, will bring provender from a
field when verdure is scarcely vi-
sible. They use a sharp instrument,
with which they cut the grass below
the surface, and these roots, when
cleared of earth by washing, afford
the only green food which it is pos-
sible to procure.
Turnips, cabbages, carrots, and
greens, are raised in the gardens of
Europeans during the cold season ;
but no art caji preserve them against
the deadly influence of the hot winds,
though in each garden a supply of
water is daily drawn by two bul-
locks.
Chunar formed part of the Be-
nares zeniindary, and was acquired
by the East India Company by
treaty, in 1775, along with; the rest
of that province.
In 1582 it is described by Abul
Fazel as follows : -
" Sircar Chunar, containing 18
mahals ; measurement, 106,270 bce-
galis ; revenue, 5,810,654 dams. Sey-
urghal, 109,065 dams. This sircar
CHUPPARAII.
285
fiunisliCR 500 riavalr}% and 18,000 in-
fantry." {Tennant, Blunt, Abtil Fa-
zel, i-o.)
CnuNAUGHim. — A (own and for-
tfess in tlie province of Allahabad,
clistriot (>( Cluinar, sitiuiled on llio
sonth side oftho (ianffes. Lat. 25°.
9'. N. l^ong;. 82° 54'.^E. The fort
is situated on a free-stone rock, se-
veral hundred feet high, whi(;h rises
abruptly from the plain, and advances
some distance into the river. It is
fortified in the Indian manner, with
Avails and towers, one behind the
other, and is a place of considerable
strength. The prospect from its
summit is one of the finest ima-
ginable. The town of Chunar is a
straggling collection of native huts
and European bungalows. The bat-
teries here completely command the
navigation of the river, and allow
no boat to go up or down without in-
.spection. At certain seasons of the
year CJiunar is excessively hot, and
very unhealthy.
The approach to the town from
the hortlj is marked by a chain of
low hills, running parallel to the
river on its right bank, w hich is co-
vered with pUntations and bunga-
lows.
In 1530 Clumarglnir was tlie resi-
dence of Sliere Khan, the Afghan,
who expelled the Emperor Hu-
mayoon from Hindostan. In 1575
it was taken by the Moguls, after a
siege of six months. In 1763 this
fortress, aftei- repulsing a night at-
tack of the British troops, was, some
lime afterwards, delivered up with-
out a siege, and has ever si uce re-
mained in the Company's possession.
It was a place of great importance
in former times ; but, as the British
frontier has been carried furthcrnorth,
Allahabad has superseded it as a
military depot.
Travelling distance from Calcutta,
by Moorshedabad, 574 miles ; by
Birboom, 409 miles. {Lord Valen-
tia, Tennant, Gholaimi Hossein, Fe-
ris/ita, Rennel, ic.)
Chun'Dail, (C/ia7idela).--—A djs-
tiict in the province of Allahabad^
4
situated between the 24th and 25th
degrees of north latitude. It is
separated from the British district of
Chunar by the Hivcr Bokcr, besides
which it has the Soane and many
smaller streams.
The natives of this counti-j- call
themselves Chnndails, and are a
tribe of Bajpools, the usual resi-
dence of their rajah being at Baje-
poor, 20 miles west of Bedjcegliur.
The country became tributary to th«
Kajahs of Benares, in the days of
Buiwunt Singh, who concjuered it;
for it liad never been thoroughly
subdued by the Moguls, although
formally annexed to the Soubah of
Allahabad by Aurengzebc.
This territory is very thinly in-
habited, and many parts of it a com-
plete wilderness. 'I'he road south
from the British dominions is over a
number of small hills, with scarcely
a vestige of a habitation ; there being
few permanent villages, the inhabi-
tants being accustomed to change
their sites very IVequently. Tlu* in-
habitants of these hills arc named
Karwar, and are a very savage tribe,
acknow lodging allegiance to a vassal
of the Burdee llajah's, who resides
at Buddery, and divided into many
sects. {Blunt, Sr.)
CHt-'NnF.K, {CItaiidrn). — A small
town in the Afghan territories in the
province of Mooltau, situated on the
north side of the Dununoody River,
90 miles S. from the town of Mool-
tan. Lat. 29°. lb'. N. Long. 71°.
29'. E.
Chi'pparah. — A town in .he pro-
vince of Gundvvana, situated on the
Bciti Guuga River, 87 miles N. from
Nagpoor. Lat. 22°. 22'. N. Long.
80°. 2'. E.
This place is famous for the ma-
nufacture of iron, a great quantity
of which is carried into tlie British
provinces. A considerable district
in this part of Gundwana is held by
a Patan chief, who received it in
Jaghire from tlie first' Raggojeo
Bhoouslah, as a reward for services
during Ins conquest of Gundwana,
aiid the uortiiciu parts of Berar
286
CICACOLK
The town is consequently eliiefly in-
habited by Afghans. (Lechie, Vf.)
Chuprah. — A town in tlie jiro-
■vince of I'ahar, district of Saiun,
of which it is the capital, situated on
the north side of t!ie Ganges, 32
miles W. N. W. from Patna. Lat.
25°46'. N. Lono:. 84°. 46'. E.
On May 2, 1757, IMajor Tootc
(af(erwards Sir Eyre) reached this
place, in pwrsnit of a Frencli corps
under Mr. LaAV, being the earliest
advance of the Eritisli Hmccs in this
quarter. Mr. Law and his party
were afterwards taken prisoners by
General Carnac, on the 15th Jaiuiary,
1761, after a victory obtained over
the Shahzada, (the Moj^ul emperor's
son), wlio very soon afterwards sur-
rendered liimself also.
Chuwal. — A district in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, situated betwixt the
23d and 24th degrees of north lati-
tude ; and bounded on the w est by
the Banass River, wliicJi afterwards
flows towards tlie Gulf of Cutch.
The quarter of this district adjacent
to the Banass is low fenny laud, and
subject to inundation ; but very
little is known respecting the other
parts, as this division of Gujrat has
as yet been very imperfectly ex-
plored. It is possessed by different
independent native chiefs.
CiCACOLE, {Chicacula). — The larg-
est of the Northern Circars or dis-
tricts, anciently named Calinga, and
situated between the 17th and 20th
degrees of north latitude. It is sub-
di\ided into two portions. I'he 4irst
lies between the River Setteverani
on the south ; the River Poondy on
the north ; and extends about 170
miles along the Bay of Bengal. In
its greatest dimensions, it extends
in land to the mountainous region
on the west, about 60 miles; com-
prising an area of about 4400 square
miles. The second subdivision of
this province is of a triangular ligure,
stretcliing about 80 miles from
Poondy to Moland, on the soutJiern
frontier of Cuttack, and 50 miles to
the N. W. angle at Goomsur. It
<«putains about 1600 miles of super-
ficial nieasjuo, exclusive of that pof-*'
tion of country situated along the ■
great ridge oi' boundary mountains
to the west. ,,
The climate of the Nortljcrn Cir-
cars (of wliich Cicacole forms a large
portioii), witli a general conformity
to that of Hindostan, north of tlie
Krishna, has, from ioca! position and
other circumstances, some pecu-
liarities in each of the three seasons.
The periodical rain usually .sets in
about the middle of June, with a
westerly wind, in moderate showers,
until the end of August, which
month coiicludes the small rain
liai-vest. I'rom tiiis time the grain
continues in greater abundance un-
til the beginning of Noveml>er, when
it generally breaks up with violence,
and is succeeded by tho north-
easterly wind.
The middle of tliis latter and plea-
sant season, early in January, iinishcs
the harvest tor rice ai)d bajary;
which are the gicat productions of
the country north of the Godavcry.
'Jlie close of the vernal equinox ter-
minates the third harvest, which is
the grand one for maize, as well as
for all tlie diiferent species of grain
and pease south of tiiat river. Then
begins the hot season, which is al-
ways extremely moderate towards
the northern extremity of the Circars,
near Ganjam, by reason of constant
diurnal sea breezes ; and the posi-
tion of the neighbouring hills from
south to west contrary to the ordi-
nary direction of the wind at Masuli-
patam.
The southern division of Cicacole,
with a better soil than is found in
the otJier parts of the Circar, is
watered by four rivers, which have
their outlets at Vizagapatam, Bim-
lepalam, Cicacole, and Caluigapa-
tam, besides many lesser streams
during the rains. Nortliward in the
territory of Jehapoor, tlie land is
fertilized by the Ganjam, and other
smaller riVers. I'he province of Ci-
cacole, taken altogether, has few ex -
tensive jilains, audits hills increase
in tVequency and magnitude as they
CIRCARS.
207
jitpproarh llic vast raiis'^ of nioiin-
taiiis <liat 1)01111(1 this ami (lit- district
of Riiianinudi'V to the noith-wcst,
Tlic hills and iiairowcr bottoms
which separate them, were loimorly
snffoied by the native chiefs to be
oveirnn with juii<^Ie, as the best pro-
tecthin to the opener vallies allotted
for cultivation. During the Carnatio
wars that province was snpplie«l with
considerable quantities of rice from
Cieacole ; but since the restoration
of trauipiillity. and transfer of the
Areot dominions to the Company,
the necessity for imjiortatiou has
sp'catly diminished.
This district was ceded to the
French, in 1753, by Salabut Jans',
the Soubahdar of the Deeean, at
wJiich period it extended fioni the
Godaveiy to the Pauoda of .hj<;ger-
nanth. At tliis time the iTeneh pos-
sessed territoi-ies greater, both in
value and extent, tlian had ever
been possessed in Hindostan i>y Eu-
lopeans, not excepting: the Portii-
p:ue5e when at the heij^ht of their
prosperity. It was acquired by the
British, in 1765, durin;^ the govern-
ment of Lord Clive. {J. Grant,
Ormc, White, Vc.)
ClCACOLK, {or Maphus Bunder.)
— A town in the Northern Circars,
the ancient capital of im extensive
flistrict of the same name, 118 miles
S. W. from Ganjam. Lat 18°. 21'.
>f. Long. 83*^. 57'. E. Here is a
mosque of considerable sanctity,
erected in the year of the Hejera
1051, by Shekli Mahomnied Khan.
CIRCAFS, {Northern.)
A large province extending along
the west side of the Bay of Bengal,
Irom the 15th to the 20th degrees of
north latitude, and appertaining
partly to the Deccan, and partly to
Orissa. The sea bounds it. to the
east, along a coast of 470 miles from
-Mootapilly, its southern extremity,
to ]\Ialond in Orissa, on tlie borders
of the Chilka Lake. It is divided
from the provinces ©f IlvderaUixl by
a range of small detached lulls ex-
tending to tile baidvs of the doik-
very, and to the north of that river
separat(H^l from Berar by a i;oMtiiiiied
ridge of mountains almost impass-
able for horse or wlieeled (carriage, to
the north-western extremity of the
Circars at Gooinsur. IVoin hence
the <hain of hills curves to tlie east-
ward, and, with the Chilka Lake,
ibnn a barrier of 50 miles to tlie
north, except a tongue of land be-
twixt that lake and the sea. 'lo-
wards the south the small river Gun-
dezama, vvliich empties itself at
Mootapilly, sejiarates fh(! Circars
from Ongole and the Carnatic belo^v
the G hauls.
Tiie area, or superficial contents
of the Circars, may be calculated at
17,000 geographic miles, of which
(in 1784) oi!e-fifth was estimated to
be in cultivation, or fallow, two-
tifths in pasture, and the remainder
woods, M ater, towns; barren hills, or
a sandy waste three miles in extent,
bordering the whole extent of the
sea coast.
The grand divisions of tliis terri*
tory are naturally five, principally
marked by rivers running across from
the liills on the western frontier.
These divisions are Guntoor, or
Mortizabad ; CondajHlly, or Musta-
phabad; Ellore, Rajaniundry, and
Cieacole, anciently called Calinga.
The climate of this region to the
north of the Godaveiy is described
under the article Cieacole; to th«
south of tliat river, for the first tvv©
months, strong southerly gales pre-
vailing along siiore, together with
the sea breezes, moderate the heat ;
l»ut the b;:Icful influence of the for-
mer, in blowing over salt stagnant
marshes on the coast, is injurious to
animal life, and destruction to vege-
tation. Duringthe succeeding month,
until the rains, the wind coming from
the west over a parched loose soil.oj
great extent, uninterrupted by unj
'.ontinued chain of hills,; and along,
the broad, samly, and almost dry
-bed of the Krishna, becomes so in-
tolerably hot near \\i(i mouth of that
288
CIRCARS.
river, as to raise tlic tlicrmomoter
sometimes ior an entire week to 110°
Avjthiii tlie house, and seldom imder
10o° diniiii^ tlie first part of the dyy.
Another peeuliarily of the climate is
the noxious stale of the air in all the
hilly regions tluonghout tlie diflcrent
seasons of vegetation, uhieh occa-
sions the distemper called ihe hill
fever. This has been attributed to
many cau.ies, but is probably owing
to the grossiiess of the atmosphere,
charged with the exhalations of a
luxuriant soil pent up in vallies,
having the free circulation imp«'dcd
by the surrounding jungle and fo-
rests. From Coringa to Ganjani the
coast, as seen from the sea, appears
mountainous ; and from Coringa
.southwards low, flat, and sandy.
In all these provinces along tlie
.tea coast the soil is chiefly sandy,
improving gradually towards the
hills. 'I'he same ground seldom
yields more than one crop of grain
annually, but there being plenty of
water, this is generally a heavy one.
'I'here are many small rivers running
towards the sea, divided artificially
into canals, and afterwards con-
ducted into the tanks and great re-
servoirs.
Tlic principal quadrupeds found
in these districts are sheep, and the
larger species of horned cattle. The
neighbouring sea, and its numerous
inlets, abound with every sort of In-
dian firtb. The Cirears are exceed-
ingly productive of grain, and for-
merly, during the north-easterly
monsoon, were the granary of the
Carnatic, in like manner as Tanjore
was reckoned on during the south-
ivest monsoon. Fruits, roots, and
greens, are scarce, and raised with
difficulty to the south of the Goda-
\ery ; and even to the north of that
river, owing, it is supposed, to the
influence of the sea air. Sugar and
cotton are produced, and of the
latter a gieat deal is brought from
the interior provinces ; bay salt, ar.-l
tobacco, (the latter excellent) are
both exported. The forests of Ra-
jamundry, Irom the commencement
of tlic hills along the banks of the
(Jodavery to Paluunshah, yield an
abundance of large ttak trees.
Plain long cloth is m rought in the
Island of Nagore and its vicinity,
which forms the groundwork of the
best printed calicoes in Europe, and
those called palempores at Masuli-
patain ; coarser jilain cloths are made
to the north and south of the Goda-
very. The muslins of Cicacole, the
woollen carpets of Ellore, and the
silks of Berhampoor, are rather ob-
jects of curiosity than considerable
in quantity. The latter arc made of
silk imported fiom Bengal and Chi-
na. Ships of 600 tons have been
constructed at Coringa and Narsi-
poor, the two principal mouths of
the Godavery, and about 50,000
tons of small craft are employed in
the coasting trade. The exports to
Europe are chiefly the fine cotton
manufactures. A great proportion
of the coasting tiade is carried on
w ith Madras, and con.sists chiefly of
giain, the returns for which from
Madras are the coarser sorts of
cloths. The articles carried to the
interior by the native inland traders
are salt and piece goods, copper and
raw silk from Bengal, the returns for
which are principally cotton and
wheat.
The principal part of the Madra*
investment ol'piece goods is provided
in the Northern Cirears. The thread
is generally spun by the cultivating
caste of inhabitants, and there aie
regulations enacted for the protec-
tion of the weavers. The latter, on
the whole, has the means of being
more comfortable than the labouring
class^ but they are commonly of a
more dissipated turn, and squander
away their surplus gains in gaming
and cock fighting. The female po-
pulation at large, in general, prepare
the thread, and sell the produce of
their week's work to the weaver at
the market, and procure cotton suffi-
cient for the next week. The fe-
males also, of decayed families, who
have little means of employing them-
selves from the secluded nature of
CIRCA RS.
289
tlieir livos, derive from this source a
support lor tiicir feel)le existence.
A considerable part of the cotton
usod in the mauutaeturi's is raised in
the country, and the rest broua:lit
IVoni the Nizam's and Maharalta
countries by traders uho return to
tlie interior with salt. The cotton
raised uitliin the province is pre-
feiTed, beiuf^ cleaner, but the crop
is veiy precarious. Every cultivator
allots some poition of f;;round tor
cotton, and it is productive with a
j::ood season, but either too much or
too little rain destroys it. The clean-
in<>- process is i)ertbrnied by a dis-
tinct tribe, whose occupation it is.
'I'he internal commerce oi" Madras
witii the Northern Circars, may be
classed under the heads of northern
atid southern coastiuii,' trade ; the
northern pai taking- more of tlie Ben-
gal and Kangoou trade, while the
soutliern lias a large proportion of
that of the eastward, Geylon, and
the Malabar coast. The tratlic
is mostly carried <m by the natives,
and in the craft which they navigate;
some exception, however, nmst be
made regarding piece goods, the
great staple of the Circars, which
are considered too valuable to be
conlided to such craft.
In 1811-12 these piece goods were
punjuin cloths of various descrip-
tions lo a large anion lit, Ijcsides
those in use among the natives of
Madras. 'I'nc piece goods from the
Masulipatam district arc mostly t;o-
loured goods, vvhich are again re-;
exjiorted to Boinbay, and some to
the Persian. Gulf ; but most of tlie
shipments for the latter place, arc
niade direct frpui Masnlipatam. r -
'I'lie next considcratde article of
export lioni the Northern Circars is
grain, wliicli in seasons of common
produce is exported annually to Ala-
dras, and- consists chictly of rice,
paddy, wheal, with numerous other
edible grains used only by the na-
tives; to these niay be added horse
gram, soncgaloo, witfa u very large
proportion of oil seeds. In the (irst
Lur m«.;utiis of lbl2, when grain
u
was high at Madras, the qtiantity
sent from this province, within that
short period, amounted to the sunt
of 1,031,690 sicca rupees. In 1811
the indigo exported to Madras a-
mounted t*» 4-5,329 sicca rujiecs ; and
the rinn distilled in the district of
Ganjam, and sent to Madras, mostly
for the use of the navy, ainoimted
to 87,708 rupees.
()Oods are frequently landed in
this province by vessels trading tiom
Bengal, and afterwards exported to
IMadras, amongst which number are
long pepj)er root, sliinbins, and stick
lac. Among the other exports to
Madras are chillies, fire wood, co-
riander seeds, cashew nuts, and
many other trifling articles in uso
among the natives, both as dnigs,
and such as are required for the per-
formance of their multifarious reli-
gious ceremonies.
The exports and re-exports from
Madras to tlie Northern Circars are
not so considerable as might have
been expected, when the great mili-
tary force and population of the pro-
vince are considered, and also tliat
Hyderabad, the Nizam's capital, re-
ceives part of its supplies through
Masuli|)atani. Among t!ie import.s
which the Northern Circars receives
from Madras, are some piece goods
sent there to be painted, and a small
quantity of coir cables and cordage
for the use of native vessels resorting
to the port of Coringa. 'JYeasure is
also exported fiom Madras to the
northern parts for the purchase of
salt, and of investments fur the Eng-
lish market.
, Tho re-exports frqm. Madras to
the Northern Circars are chiefly Eu-
ropean and China goods, for the con-
suuiptioir of oliicers and others em-
ployed in that quaiter, to which may-
be added some European goods tor
the purpose ofmauufaeture. The most
valuable of the above articles are
Madeira, claret, port wine, ale,
brandy, oilman's stores, glassware,,
stationery, tea, with copper of va-
rious kinds, steel, hai dware, &c. To
these uiaj be added vaiious goods
290
cmcARs.
rcceivetl from Ihc eash^Tird, such as
betel nut to a large amount, alum,
cloves, benjamin, pepper, (in, dam-
iiier, and borax. A quantity of ar-
rack is also received from Madras, a
considerable proportion of which is
afterwards forwarded to Hyderabad,
for the use of the European troops
stationed there.
The native inhabitants of the
Northern Circars, exclusive of a few
thousand Mahoinmedans dispersed
in the different towns, are wholly
Hindoos, and may be estimated in
number at two and a half inillions.
They are composed of the two na-
tions of Teling^a and Oria, Ooria, or
Orissa, formerly divided by the Go-
davery, but greatly intermixed since
their union. They speak and Avrite
different dialects, and have rites,
customs, and characteristical traits
perfectly distinguishable from each
other. The fom great castes, or sub-
divisions of the people, arc common
in both countries ; but the Orias arc
supposed to deviate less from the
original institutions than the others.
The Brahmins continue to enjoy
their pre-eminence. The Rachewars,
Rowwars, and Velmas, of ^^ Inch de-
nominations the principal zemindars
are composed, affect the manner of
Ra,jpoots, and pretend to be of the
Khelree, or warlike class. The re-
mainder are husbandmen, cow herds,
weavers ; together with the artificers
hereafter ennmeralcd, and main-
tained by the greater villages, all of
the Sudra caste. In addition to these
are the retail shopkeepers, who are
projterly of the third, or Vaisya
caste.
. The five N(jrthern Circars, A\lien
acquired by the Company, consisted
of zemindary and I)avelly lands.
The first are situated in the hill
country of the western i'rositier, and
in the plains between the hills and
ihc sea. The hill zemindars, secure
in the woody and niiwholesome
heights wiiich they inliabited, and
encouraged by the hope of an event-
ual asylum in the dominions of the
ISiKum, or Nagpoor rajah, had often
furnished exampFes of successful de-
predation, and unpunished revolt.
They were sunoinided by military
tenants, whose lands were held on
stipulations of personal service, and
whose attachment to their chiefs was
increased by t:ie bond of family con-
nexion. These zemindars consisted
of three classes, 1st. The Velmas, of
Telinga origin, who were driven
from the Carnatic in the year 1G52
by the Mahommcdan arms, and who
established themselves on the bor-
ders of the Krishna. 2dly. The
Rachwars, of the race of the an-
cient sovereigns of Orissa, who were
also forced by tiie IMahommedans to
relinquish the plains, and retire to
the highland woods, which form the
western frontiers. 3dly. The Wo-
riars, being petty chieftains of the
military tribe, who after the over-
throw of the empire of Orissa by the
Mahommedans, were enabled, by
their local situation, to acquire an
independent jurisdiction, their pos-
sessions being chiefly situated in tho •
mountainous tract in the western
boundary of Cicacolc.
At the time this province camo
into the Compaiiy's hands, the zn-
mrndars were, for the most part, in
a very irregular state of subjection
to the Nizam, and not only the forms
but the remembrance of civil autho-
rity seem to have been lost. With
respect to the other class, or havelly
lands, Avhich constitute a large por-
tion of the Northern Circars, tliey
consisted of the demesne, or house-
hold lands of the government. They
were composed of districts in tl>e
vicinity of each capital town, which
were originally resumed l)y the Ma-
hommcdan government, and had
been annexed to these towns for the
supply of the garrisons and nume-
rous estabhshmcnts, both civil and
military. I'he following is the de-
scription of a village in this province,
which also applies, with little varia-
tion, to the greater jnnt of the Dec-
can, and south of India.
Geographically con: idtrcd, it is a
tract of country comprising some
CIRCARS.
291
Imtidrcds, or some thousands, acres were each entitled to certain small
ol' arable, or waste land : politically shares of perquisites from the crops
viewed, it resembles a corporation, of the villagers.
or township. Its proper establish-
ment of ofliccrs and servants consist
of the following: descriptions : — The
potail, or head inhabitant, who has
a jj^eneral superiiitcndenie of the at-
fairs of the village, settles disputes,
attends to the police, and collects
the revenue within his village.
Under this simple form of govern-
ment the inhabitants lived from time
immemorial. The boundaries of vil-
lages have been but seldom altered ;
and though the villages have been
sometimes injured, and even deso-
lated, by war, i'amine, and disease,
the same name, the same limits, the
The tallia and totie : the duty of same interests, and even the same
the former consists in gaining iu- families, have continued for ages,
formation of crimes and offences, The inhabitants give themselves no
and in escorting and protecting per- trouble about the breaking up and
sons travelling from one village to division of kingdoms ; while the vil-
anotlu r: the duties of the latter ap- lage remains entire they care not to
pear to be condncd immediately to what power it is transferred, or to
the village, where he guards the
crops, and assists in measuring
them.
The boundary-man, wlio preserves
the limits of the village, or gives
evidence respecting them in case of
dispute. The curnum, or account-
ant.
The superintendent of the tanks
and water courses distributes the
v\hat sovereign it devolves, its in-
ternal economy still remaining un-
changed.
In A. D. 1541, the Mahommedans,
under the command. of Mahommed
Khan Leshkeree, of the Bhamenee
empire of Beder, carried their arms
into the Northern Circars, and con-
quered Condapilly. Nine years alter-
wartk they carried their arms still
water therefrom, for the purposes of further, and subdued all (Juntoor,
agriculture.
The Brahmin, who performs the
village worship.
The schoolmaster, who is seen
teaching the children to read and
write in the sand.
The calendar Brahmin, or astro-
loger, who proclaims the lucky and
unpropitious periods lor sowing and
threshing.
The smith and carpenter, who
and the districts of Masulipatani ;
but the country was very imperfectly
reduced, and its subjection merely
nominal, as it appears to have been
again conquered tiom the Hindoo
princes of Orissa about the year
1571, during the reign of Ibrahim
Kootiib .Shah, of Hyderabad, or
Golcondah.
In 1687 those provinces, along
with the empire of Hyderabad, fell
manufacture the imi)lemenls of agri- under the dominion of Aurengzebe ;
culture, and build the dwelling of but he docs not appear to have paid
the cultivator. nuuh attention to them, being too
The putman, or potter. The wash- busily employed elsewhere. In 1724
erman.. 'J'he barber. 'I'he cov\ keeper, they weie transferred from the house
who looks alter the cattle. The doc- of Timour, on the Deihi tlirone, io
tor. The dancing girl, who attends
at rejoicings ; the nnisician, and the
poet. These oiliccrs and sei-yants
generally constitute the establish-
ment of a Hindoo village. In ad-
dition to the portion of land appro-
priated to the paguda establishment,
to the local officers of government,
and to the village servants, they
u 2
that of Nizam ul Moolk, who im-
mediately took acti\e and real pos-
session of them, collected the reve-
nues, and fixed aci>il and military
establislunent. He was succeeded
by his third son, Salabut Jung, who
being greatly indebted for his eleva-
tion to tlie intrigues and military as-
sistance of the French East India
292
cocriiN'.
Company, rewarded flieir scrvires,
in 1752, by a ^vditt of the district of
Condavir, or Gmitoor, and soon after
ceded the other Circa rs.
The capture of Masnlcpatam, in
1759, by the British arms under Col.
I'orde, ha\ in": deprived them of all
real po\Ter, these territories reverted
to the Nizam, Avifh tlie cxeeplion of
llie Hekno\vI('d;i,Td dependencies of
the town and fortress of IMasnlipa-
tam, which were retained by the
Eng^lish East India Company. De-
prived of llie sHpport of the I'reneh,
Salabnt ^invj; was soon superseded
in his anthority by his brother, Ni-
7,am Aii. In 1765 Ijord Clive ol>-
tained from the JMog^ul a £n.ant of
four of the Circars, namely, Cica-
cole, Rajamundry, Eliore, and Con-
dapilly ; which, in the following year,
was confirmed by a treaty entered
iiito with the Nizam. The remaining
Circar of Gnntoorwas, at that time,
in the jwssession of Bazalet Jnng,
Oie brother of the Nizam, by whom
it was held in Jaghire. It was con-
tingently stipulated for in the treaty
with the Nizam, subject to the life
of Bazalet Jnng, who died rn 1782 ;
but it did not devolve to the East
India Company nntil the year T783.
The local government of the
Northern Circars was continued lui-
der the management of the natives
mitil 1769, when provincial chiefs
and councils were appointed, and
this mode of government contituied
until 1794. During this period the
power of the zemindars was very
great, and. in 1777, it was caliu-
laled that the miniber of armed men
maintained by fhem in the Circars
amounted to' 41,000. In 17t)4 a
change in the internal govermnent
of this province took, jjlacc, which
was followed by the pnnishmenv of
the great zemindar of \ izianagrurn,
and the restoiation of such zemin-
dars as had been unjii.'^tly dcjirived
of their lands hy thai family. Little
progress, however, has yet been
made in the {)roper arrangenn-nt of
these Circars, compared with other
provinces similarly situated, although
a considerable improvement lins
taken place in the general cliaiacter
and eilicicney of tln^ revenue de-
partment. The system of a perma-
nent settlement of the territorial re-
venue was introduced and establish-
ed in the Northern Circars during
the years 1802 and 1804, wl)en the
province was divided inlo five col-
ieelorships, or districts, viz. Ganjam,
VizagJipatam, Bajamundry, iVJasu-
lipatam, and Guntoor. (J. GrniU^
5th liejmrt. White, Johnson, llcnnely
R. Grant, ^■c.')
Clapps Islks, or Cocoa Islf.s. — ■
A mnrdjer of very small islands, ly-
ing off' the south-western extremilv
of Java. Eat. 7°. 5". S. Long, 105°.
25'. N. These islands are ttninhabit-
cd, and only occasionally resorted tof
for the sake of the edible bird nests,
which arc found on them.
Cocoa Islks. — A cluster of very
small isles, lying off the west coast
of Sumatra. Lat. 3°. 2'. N. Long,
96°. 10'. E.
CocoRAH. — A tov^Ti \\\ the Maha-
ratla territories, in the province of
iMalwah, 90 miles north-east fiom
Oojain. Lat. 23° 43'. N. Long. 77°.
5'. 'E.
Cochin, {Cach'chi, a morass). — A
small proTince on tiie Malabar coast,
intersected by the 10th degree of
nortli latitude. To the north it rs
bounded by the JNIahibar province ;
on the south by Travancor ; on the
east it has the Dindigul district; and
on the west the sea.
In the northern parts of this pro-
vince, about Paignnuru and Shila-
cary, the rice gromids are narrow
vallies, but extremely well watered
by small perennial streams, which
enable the cnlti\ators to raise two
crops of rice annually. 'J"he houses
of the natives are buried in groves
of palms, mangoes, jacks, and plan-
tains, that skirt the bottom of the
litiie liills. Above them are woods
of forest trees, which, although no$
so stately as those of Chiltagong, are
very fine, and free lioni rattans, and
other climber.s. The teak and viti,
a black wood, abound i.u these &>-
COCHIN.
W^
T«^s1s ; l)nt all tlie lar<j:o hrcs liave paiiy, and rocover ccri-aii» disdicts
been ciit, and no care is usnd to wliicli the Suilan had usurped from
<'ncouia^e their powlli, and clieck liim. In consequence of this ar-
thrit of useless tiinbei-. ran{;cnient lie a^iecd to pay the
Towards Caeadu the hills arc Company one lack of rupees au-
nnjeh lower, snd covered w itii <!fras-s iwaJly as a tiihutary.
in place of trees. Seairely any part On the Olh May, 1809, in conse-
of these hills is cnltivat(>d, allliouj^h qnenco of some occurrences in the
the soil ajtpears to he j^ood, and the Cochin territory, wliieh rendered it
pasture excellent. In this province e\i)edient tlnit new eni;agements
iireniany Nazarene, «ir Christian, \il- should he concluded, a treaty of per-
lajies, inhabited hy Christians of St. petnal friendship with the rajah was
Thomas, u liich arv, in general, well coniplet(Nt hy Colonel Miicaulay on
l)uilt and cleanly. the part <*f the l>ritish government.
The Jews are nnniei-ous in the vi- IJy the conditions of this treaty the
<inity of Cochin, hut their chief
place of residence is Mattacheiry,
about a mile distant froni that town,
which is almost wholly inhahite'^l by
Jews. The resident Jews (lor tlx'se
are from all parts of Asia) are di-
vided into two classes; the Jerusa-
friends and enemies of either of the
contraetinu; parties are to be consi-
der< d as the friends an<l enemies of
lK»tli, the Uritish undertaking!: to de-
fend and protect the rajah's territo-
ries a<;aijist all enemies. In consi-
deration of this stijiulation, tlie ra-
lem, or white Jews, and the ancient, jah af!,reed to pay annually, in ad-
or black Jews. The iatter have a
syna<;ogue in the towji of Cochin,
but the great body of tiiis tribe ui-
habit the iirtermr of the province,
where it is diHieult to distinguish tlie
black Jew from the Hindoo, their
appearance is so similar. 'I'heir
principal towns are I'ritoor, Parof)r,
Chenotta, and Alaleh, and by the
dition to the former subsidy of one
lack, a sum equal to the expense of
OM(> battalion of native infantry, or
1,70,037 rupees, making an aggre-
gate annual payment of 2,76,037
rupees.
By additional articles, the rajah
on;;-:jges to exclude all Euio})cans
no! ajiprovcd of by the Urilish go-
white Jews they aie considered an vonnnent from his service and conn-
inferior race. try, and to give the Hrilish troops
'I'he Cochin Rajah maintained his free access to his forts and to\vns;
independence to a much later period
than most of the other Hindoo
chiefs. He was connicllcd by Tip-
poo to pay tribute, which he now
does to the Company. jMutla Tam-
buran, Hajah of Cochin, died in
1787, of the small-pox, and was
STiceeedcd by his younger brother,
Virulain Tamburan. 'I'lie following
places, and some other towns, be-
long to this prince, viz. Naharica,
and to transA'r the entire nianage-
nienl of his externul political rela-
tions to the I>ritisli. (/'', Buchanan,
C. Jivcfianan, Treaties, (St.)
Cochin. — A town, situated on
the Malabar Coast, the capital of a
province of the same name, 170
n)iles, N. \V. from Cape Comorin.
Lat. '.P. .57'. Long. 76°. 8'. E. In
1.503 Aibuqucr<iue obtained leave to
erect a fort at Cochin, which was the
Condanada, Pcrinianoor, Angieai- fust possess<;d by the Portuguese in
inal, LJ<IJamper, Mullavcnturutti, India. In U)G3 it was taken by the
l'allicar<>, Cenotta, C^coxare, Pucot- I)utch,whocnnvcrtedthecathcdralto
la, ArshtTtnichery, and l^uttenchera. a warehouse. \\ hile the Dutch C!oin-
On the ()th Jan. 17f>I, a treaty p«ny possessed Cochin it was a place
was concluded with the l^ajah of of very extensive connnercc, and in-
Coehin, to enable him to throw off liabiti-d by Jew, Hindoo, and Ma-
ins subjection toTippoo. and transfer honnncdan merchants, The inter-
his allcgiaucc to the East India Com- course w ith Arabia was very great.
294
COCHIN CHINA.
and Venetian zequins, brought from
Egypt, were in circulation. IMany
of the Arab ships made two voyages
annually.
A considerable traffic is still car-
ried on with Snrat, Bombay, the
Coasts of Malabar and Canara, and
also with Arabia, China, and the
Eastern Islands. The principal im-
ports from these places are almonds,
dates, pearls, gum arabic, piece
goods, cotton, opium, shawls, ben-
zoin, camphor, cinnamon and spices,
sugar candy, tea, china, and silks.
The cliief exports are pepper, car-
damums, teak wood, sandal wood,
cocoa nuts, coir cordage, cassia, and
fish maws.
In India this place is kuown by
the name of Cacha Bunder, or Har-
bour. Ships can lie at anchor in
safety on the north-east side of Co-
chin, wliere the river joins the sea.
In 1800 ship-building here cost
about 141. per ton, coppered and
equipped for sea in the European
manner.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of
CocJiin now resides at Coilan. His
diocese begins southward of Cochin,
and extends towards Negapatam,
including the Island of Ceylon, and
comprehending above 100 churches.
(C. Buchanan, Fra. Pao'o, F. 7Ju-
c/ianan, Bruce, Cox, Wilford, Dow,
COCHIN CHINA.
A kingdom, situated in the soutli
eastern extremity of Asia, usually
distinguished by the name of India
beyond the Ganges, and extending
from the 9th to the 1 Sth degrees of
north latitude. On (he north it is
bounded by Tungquin ; on the south
by the Province of Siampa; on the
east by the Sea of China ; and on
the west by the nncNplored regions
of Laos and Cambodia. Cochin
China 1- roper is only a stripe of land
between the sea, and the mountains
of very unequal breadth ; the moun-
tains in some parts approaching
witliin a few miles of the shore, but
the wliole territoiies of the Cochiii
Chinese empire are very extensive,
and in 1792 were estimated to con-
tain 95,000 square miles.
Almost all the provinces forming
these dominions are separated by
chains of mountains, and are inha-
bited by distinct tribes and nations,
although subject to the same sove-
reign. A mountainous ridge, ex-
tending north and south, separate
Tungquin and Cochin China from
Lactho, Laos, and Cambodia. Ano-
ther chain, running nearly parallel,
separate the three latter states from
Siam and China, gradually diminish-
ing in height as they approach the
south, finishing at tlie soutliern ex-
tremity of Cambodia.
The names given by Europeans io
the countries lying between the 9th
and 23d degrees of north latitude,
are totally unknown to tlic natives,
except I'ungquin, who distinguish
tlxis region by three grand divisions
south of Tungquin. The first, be-
twixt the 9th and 12th degrees of
latitude, is called Donnai, the chief
town of which is Saigong ; the se-
cond, extending to the 15th degiec,
is named Chang, the capital Quin-
nong; and the third, between this
and the 17th degree, where Tung-
quin commences, is called Hue, the
chief town Foosan. These divisions,
collectively, are named Anam.
The loAV lands in Cochin China
produce rice, areca nut, betel leaf,
tobacco, coarse cinnamon, cotton,
and sugar, the last of which may be
considered the staple connnodity of
the country. Gold dust, aguilla
wood, pepper, wax, honey, and ivory,
are brought down by the inhabitants
of the mountains. There are two
species of rice — that which requires
inundation, and mountain rice. Sep-
tember, October, and November ai'e
the season of the rains.
The lands in Cochin China gene-
rally produce two crops of rice per
annum, one of which is reaped in
April, and the other in October.
Fruits of various kinds, such as
oranges, bananas, figs, pine apples.
COCHIN CHINA.
jniavas, ami pomcs^aiiates, are abim.-
tiaully produced in all parts of tJie
foiiiilry.
Gold dust is fouud in their rivers,
and tlicir mines abound \\\\h ore of
llie purest sort, Tlie liiKs and scab-
bards of the swords worn by the
principal oflicers of {government are
I'leqiKMitly adorned witii it. l^ay-
ineuts in i;old were lornierly made
to foieign merchants in iiij^ots, each
weighing four ounces. Silver is also
iibundant, and has lately become
the principal medium of exchange
for merchandize imported, and is
paid in ingots, weighing 12 ounces.
'I'hc country is very fruitful, and
abounds in all tropical productions,
and also many valuable articles suit-
able to the China market. 'I'he ib-
rests furnish a great variety of
scented woods — such as rose wood,
scented wood, and sandal wood.
'J'he Cochin Chinese cinnamon, al-
though of a coarse grain, and a
strong pungent flavour, is preferred
by liie Chinese to that of Ceylon.
They also export rice, sugar, pepper,
areca, cardamoms, ginger, and other
spices ; bird nests, sea swallo, shark
fins, moluscas or sea blul)ber, and
other marine products ofug(datinous
nature ; which last are, at all times,
in demand with the Chinese. This
«'ountry also 'furnishes many other
valuahle articles, such as gum, lae,
gamboge, indigo, and raw silk. In
the forests of Cochin China are
ebony, cedars, mimosas, walnuts,
teak, iron wood and poon, and most
of the other trees that grow in India.
Chinese goods (such as teas) might
be exported here at second hand
cheaper than at Canton, as by this
means the duties and c\;i(tioiis
would be evaded, which, upon every
eonsid(;rable shi|), loaded at that port,
anmunt to lO.OOtil.
Until a lew centuries after the
Christian era, Cochin China formed
a part of the Chinese empire, and
consequently the aj)pearunce of the
natives, many of the customs, the
written language, the religious opi-
nions and ceremonies, arc still re-
295
tained by them. The countenances
of the peasants are livclv and intel-
ligent ; and the women, who appear
more numerous than the nn-n, are
actively enii)loyed in works of hus-
bandry. Ill some of the provinces
of China women are condenmed to
the degrading an<l laborious ta>:k of
dragging the plough ; in Cochin
China it is, likewise, their fate
to be doomed to those occupations,
which retiuirc the most persevering
industry. In towns the women
serve as agents or brokers to mer-
chants liom foreign countries, and
act with remarkable fidelity. Eotli
sexes are generally coarse featured,
and their colour nearly as deep as
that of the Malays ; and the uni-
Acrsal practice of chewing betel,
w ith other ingredients, by reddening
the Ups, and blackening the teeth,
gives them a most unseemly appear-
ance, liiee, made palatable with
salt and pepper, furnishes their prin-
cipal meals, animal food being but
sparingly used. Their small breed
of cattle supply but little milk, but
this article, like the Chinese, they
seldom use, not even as food for
their young children ; nor is milking
any animal customary. 1'his is
one of the countries where elephants
serve for food, and is considered as
a dainty. Bull aloe is preferred to
other beef. During the famines,
caused by the civil wars, w Inch long
desolated the country, it is said hu-
man flesh was sometimes sold in the
markets of the capital.
The better part of the Cochin
Chinese wear, next the skin, vests
and trowsers of slight silk or cotton.
Turhans are freipiently worn by the
men, atid hats sonu'iimes by the
women ; shoes are not used by either
sex. The men usually wear their
hair twisted into a knot, and fixed
on tile crown of the head, which
was the aneiejit fashion among the
Chinese, who now only wear a little
lock of hair bebiud. The handles of
their ollieers' sworils are of silver,
and generally well linislnd, but all
arts and manufactures languish,
296
COCHIN CHI^A.
owing to the insecurity of prc-
pcrtj.
Tlie particular branch of tlie arts
ill whicli the Cochin Chinese excel
is naval architecture. Their row-
gallics for pleasure are remarkably
tine vessels, from 50 to 80 feet in
length, and are sometimes com-
posed of five single planks each, ex-
tending from one extremity to the
other. The edges are morticed, kept
tight by wooden pins, and bound
tirm by twisted fibres of the bamboo,
without ribs or limbers of any kind.
Their foreign traders are built on
the same plan as the Chinese junks.
The Aiiam language is that of
Cochin China and Tungquin. It is
represented by the missionaries to
be likewise generally used in Siampa
and Cambodia. Tiie A nam lan-
guage and nation are often denomi-
nated Juan by Malays and Siamese.
In tliis kingdom all who pretend to
distinction in learning, greatly aflcct
the Chinese liteiatnre and character.
The Anaui, or Cochin Chinese
language is simple, original, and
monosyllabic, and has neither gen-
ders, nnmbers, nor cases; moods,
tenses, nor conjugations: all of
which arc supplied !>y the use of par-
ticles, and the juxta position of
words, as in the other monosyllabic
languages. Conversation is a species
of chauut or recitative, as in <lie
Chinese and other monosjUabic di-
alects, which has at first a very lu-
dicrous effect to an ear unaccus-
tomed to it. The intonation or ac-
cent of the Anam is very similai- to
the Chiiiero.
The religion of the Cochin Chi-
Hcse is a modification of the widely-
extended doctrines of Buddha, but
more ; impio than that which is po-
pularly practiced in China. The
natives are extremely superstitious,
and their devotional exercises, like
tliose of the Chinese, are more fre-
quently performed to avert an ideal
evil, than with tlie hope of acquiring
a positive good. Besides the spon-
taneous offerings which individuals
nm\i,e on various occasiou.s, a yearly
contribution is levied by the govern-
ment, and paid for the support of a
certain uumber of monasteries, in
which the priests invoke the deity
for the public welfare.
The ancient history of Cochin
China is very little known, but
the accounts are tolerably authentic
from 1774, when the reigning family
were expelled from Quinnong, the
capital, by three brothers, who di-
vided the country among them. The
eldest brother ^vas a wealthy luci-
chaut, the second a general officer,
and tlie third a priest. When the
revolt took place, the young prince,
Caung Shung, with tlie queen and
his family, by the assistance of a
French missionary, named Adran,
escaped into a forest, where they lay
concealed for some time. After va-
rious unsuccessful attempts against
the usurpers, he was con)j)elled to
fly, first to Pulowai, a desert island
in the Gnlf of Siani, and afterwards
to Siam, from whence also he was
expelled. The missionary, Adran,
in the mean time proceeded with iiis
eldest son to rrance, to endeavour
to procure assistance, which was
frustrated by the breaking out of the
Kevolulion.
Caung Shung, after remaing two
years on the Island of Pulovvai,
feeding on roots, a«id sustaining
many hardships, ventured to land
on his own country, in 1790, from
whence he at length managed to
expel the successors of the original
usurpers, and afterwards cflected the
conquest of Tungquin. In 1797 and
1798, with the assistance of tlie
missionary, Adran, who had re-
luiued fruju Euro|)c, he began many
impiovements, seldom attempted ))y
Asiatic governments. He established
a manuiactory of saltpetre, opened
roads of coiiimiinication, and en-
couraged cultivation. He distri-
buted his land forces into regular
regiments, and established military
schools, where officers were instruct-
ed in the doctrine of projecliles
and gunnery by Euroi)ean masters,
Adran had translated into the Chi-
COCHIN CHINA.
297
ncse langiinge a system of military
tactics, for the use of his army. In
the course of two years he con-
structed at least .300 large gun boats,
or row gallies, iive luggers, and a
frigate on the model of an Euroi)ean
vessel. He caused a system of naval
tactics to b(; introducfd, and had
his ofliccrs instructed in the use of
signals. He also undertook to re-
form the system of jurisprudence,
and sent missions into th(! moun-
tainous districts in the west of the
kingdom, which he Avished to bring
into a state of civilization. These
mountaineers are the people w horn
the Chinese designate by the appel-
lation of men "vvith tails, although,
in all probability, they arc the ori-
ginal inhabitants of this empire. He
openly declared his great veneration
for the Cluistiaii leligion, Avhieh he
tolerates, and indeed all others in
his dominions ; but he still adheres
to the ancient religion of his own
country. In 1800, the missioisary,
Adran, died, and was interred with
all the pomp and ceremonies pre-
scribed by the Cochin Chinese reli-
gion. In this year King Caung
Shu ng's railitarj forces were as fol-
lows :
ARMY. Men.
24 squadrons of buflalo trooyjs 6,000
16 battalions of clcpiiants (200
animals) _ - - - 8,000
30 regiments of artillery - 15,000
24 regiments, 1200 eacli,
trained in the European
manner ----- 30,000
Infantry, witli matchlocks,
trained in the ancient
manner of the country - 42,000
Guards regularly trained in
European tactics - - 12,000
Frought fonvard 16,000
Attaclied to the European
built vessels 1,200
Attached to the junks
Attached to 100 row gallies
1.600
8,000
Land forces 113,000
Land forces
Total
2b\R0O
1 13,000
139,800
MARINE.
Artificers in the naval arsenal 8,000
Sailors registered ami boni on
the ships in the hurbaiir - 8,000
Carried forward 16,000
In the year 1606 this king was in
his .50th year.
'l\vo attempts have been made by
the Isast India Company to open an
intercourse with Cochin China ; one
in 1778 by Mr. Hastings, and one in
1804 by an envoy from Canton ;
but both proved unsuccessful. The
last found the sovereign Cauug
Siiung completely surrounded by
Frenchmen; and, as he knew not liie
langtiage of the country, and had
not any one with him who did, e-\cry
proposition he had to ofier, and
every explanation regarding his mis-
sion, were necessarily made through
the French missionaries ; the result
was the complete failure of the mis-
sion.
The politii^al system of this govern-
ment, like that of all the countries
of India beyond the Ganges, is one
of extreme caution and aversion to
any intimate connexion with stran-
gers. The pretensious of China to
the kingdom of Tangipiin, formerly
tributary to that empire, are inces-
santly to be guarded against; but
while the Cochin Chinese sovereign
supj)orts his present respectable mi-
litary force, and peiseveres in his
inijiroved system of government, he
has little to fear from any of his im-
mediate neighbours, who, besides the
Chinese, are the Siamese and Alalays.
In all the more recent wars between
Cochin Chinese monarch and the
Chinese, the latter have been urJ-
formly discomtited by the superior
valour and discipliue of the troops of
the former. With lospect to the
J'/Uropeans, now that tlicir aSv'Ustance
is no longer required, they are kept
at a distance or under complete re-
298
COIMBETOOR.
straint. (Barroau Staunton, Leijcle)i,
De Bissacherc, i^r.J
CoDAP^HAR. — A town in the Bun-
tlclciuul (itslrict, 25 miles N. N. E.
from Clintterpoor. Lat. 26°- 17'. N.
Long. 80°. 2'. E.
CoGiLPATTV. — A town ill tiie pro-
vince of I'inncvcUy, 93 mile:* N. by
E. from Ciipe Comorin. Lat. 9°.
15'. N. Lou?. 77°. 52'. E.
CoiLLE. — A tov.n in the pro\ince
of Bahar, distiict of I'jrlioot, 67
miles N. by E. from I'atna. Lat.
2G°. 27'. N. Long. 85°. 41'. E.
CoiLERK Pi-.TTAH. — A town in the
province of Tinncvelly, 33 miles S.
by W. from Madura. Lat. y°. 25'.
N. Long. 78°. 3'. E.
CoiMEETOOR, {Coiaiimtuni). — A
small province above the (.ihaiits, in
tjie .south of India, situated between
the lOih and V2{\\ degrees of nortli
latitude. It is bounded on the north
by the Mysore ; on the .south by Dia-
digul; on the east by Salem and
Kistnaghcny; and on flie west by
the Malaliar province. This district
is divided into Nortli and South
Coimbetoor, but both subordinate to
the coHectorshi]).
In North Coimbetoor, near IVIulu
snd Coleagala, the cultivation is
equal to any in India, and consists
chiefly of rice iields, watered by
large reservohs. The summit of the
Eastern Chants, in this quarter, are
from 1500 to 2000 feet above the
level of the upper country, which is
here very beautiful, and in a better
slate of cultivation than the Mysore.
The tanks are numerous, but mostly
in ruins; and, although fertile, this
part of the province is but tliiuly in-
habited, and the hills produce but
little tiuiber. In this mountainous
district there are two rainy seasons.
The lirst is in the month following
tlie vernal equinox, and the second
lysts the two jnonths before, and the
tA\ o months after the autumnal equi-
nox. The })eopie in this neighbour-
hood consider the o\ as a living god,
who gives tiiem their bread ; and in
every village there are one or two
bulls, to whom moutliiy or weekly
A\ orsliip is performed, and wlicn one
of them dies he is buried with great
ceremony.
From Candbuliy to MahhuIIy, ii»
North Coimbetoor, njuch of the
country has been formerly cultivated,
but is now nearly waste. In the
rainy season the Palar Biver here
contains a great deal of water. Ilie
stiata of the Ghauts in this quarter
run north and south, and are vertical.
Being much intersected with fis-
sures, they are of little nse iu
building.
Near to the ioyvw of Coimbetoor
the soil is in general good, and to-
lerably clear of rocks and stones.
Tlie iTcdges are few, and the country
remarkably bare of trees. In this
neighbourhood all kinds of soil are
cultivated for gardens, and the va-
riety occasions some difference iu
their value ; but the depth below the
surface, at which the water stands,
is the chief cause of the variation of
the rent. In some gardens the wa-
ter is withni eight cubits of the sur-
face; in others, so deep as 18. Many
sheep are bred througli Coim-betoor,
especially in the Aranasi division.
'I'he hills west of Counbetoor are in-
habited by the Malasir, Mudugar^
Eriligarii, and 'i'odcar castes.
I'lie bagait, or gardens watered
by machines, called cajiiiy and ya*-
tam, are of great importance in this
region, as this mode of cultivation
enables a small extent of ground to
su|)port many persons, »nd to pay a
liigh rent ; it is also less liable to fail
for want of rain. Taking the whole
pn)\ince of Coimbetoor together, the
average of the wet eidtivation is little
more than three per eelit. of the total
cultivation.
In South Coimbetoor the rice
grounds along the bauks of the
Amaravali arc extensive, and fully
cultivated; further on the soil be-
comes poor, has many huge project-
ing rocks, and but few enclosures.
Throughout the Coimbetoor pro-
vince there are earths impregiKcted
with muriatic salts, and others with
nitrates, both of which have occa-
COLABEA.
290
sioiiariy been made info culinary
salts and ui<re. Tliis carlh seems
to confaiii nitre ready forined, as no
potash is added to it by lljo makers.
Much of the well water has a saline
taste.
The inhabitants of Coimbetoor ap-
pear to be as far behind those of
Mysore in intellij^ence and most of
the arts, as these are behind the na-
tives of Madras and Calcutta. As
is the case in every part of Renewal,
where arts have not been introduced
by foreigners, the only one that has
been carried to tolerable perfection
is that of weaving. In this province
the Vaylalar are a numerous tribe of
the Tamul race, and esteemed of
pure Sudra caste.
The province of Coimbetoor, in
remote times, was named Kanjiam,
and came under the dominion of the
Mysore rajahs about IGO years ago.
It now forms one of the collector-
fihips under the IMadras presidency,
having" been ac(]uired by the East
India Company in 179.9; but it still
contains a great deal of uncultivated
land, and has not yet been perma-
nently assessed for the revenue. (F.
Jirichanan, bth Report, Hodson, l^c.)
CoiMBr.TOOR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Coimbetoor, of which it is
the capital. Lat. 10°. 55'. N. Long.
77° 6'. E.
This city suffered much by the
frequent wars betwixt the British
and Mysore sovereigns ; but is reco-
vering rapidly, and coritiiins above
2000 houses; in Hydcr's time is said
to have contained twice as many.
There is here a mosque, Ituilt by
Tippoo, who sometimes made Coim-
betoor the place of his residence ;
and it is also liie head-quarters of a
regiment of native cavalry. The ex-
ports from hence arc tobacco, cotton
wool, thread, cloth, sugar, jagory,
capsicums, onions, betel leaf, and
jiva and danga, two carminative
seeds. In the neighbourhood of
Perura, two miles fiom Coimbetoor,
both culinary salt and salt-petre are
procured by lixiviating the soil. At
Topumbetta, about five miles north
from Coimbetoor, iron is smeKcd
from black sand. Coltoii, both law
and spun, is exported in consideraljle
quantities to tlio Malabar province
At Pcnua is a celebrated temple,
dedicated to Mahadeva, and cal'ed
Mail (high) Chitlunibra, to distin-
guish it from another Chitfuinira,
near to Pondieherry. The idol is
said to have placed itself here miny
years ago ; but it is only 3000 yen-s
since the temple was erected ovc it
by a Rajah of Madura. 'J'he build-
ing is highly ornamented alter ihc
Hindoo fashion ; but the whole is
utterly destitute of elegance. Ihe
tigures are not only extiemely rule,
but some of them are indecent.
When Tippoo issued a general order
for the destniction of all idolatrous
buildings, he excepted only this aid
the temples of Mailcotta and Seriig-
apatam.
The hercditar>' chief of Coimlc-
toor is of the Vavlalar tribe; the pie-
sent, by his own account, being tie
20th in descent from the founder of
the tOAvn. The family originaly
paid tribute to the Kajahs of AJa-
dura. In the year 17h3 Coimbetcnr
was taken tiom 'J'ippoo by the soulh-
ern army, but restored at the [jca^o
in 1784. In the war of 1790 it w»s
early taken possession of by the Bri-
tish troops, but aftervv ards besieged
by those of Tippoo, who were le-
pulsed, in an attempt to storm it, ly
a weak garrison under Lieutenant
Chalmers. Sniisequenlly it surrm-
dered to Cummer ud Deen Kluut,
Tippoo's general ; ami the gariiscn,
in breach of a cajiitulation, detained
prisoners until the general peace ia
1792. Along with the province it
came into the final possession of Hie
British in 1799.
Travelling distance from Madras,
306 miles; from Seringapatam, 122
miles. {F. Bucimitaa, Dirom, l')d-
lartoii, Rennel, ^-c.)
CoLABBA. — A small island and
fortress, belonging to Angria, on :hf
Coast of Concan, 20 miles v.sonth
from Bombay. Lat. IH . 39'. N.
Long. 72°. 53'. E.
30O
COLAPOOR.
ColairLake. — ^The bed of this
lak' is situated live miles to the south
of j)lloie, in the Northern Circars, and
exiends 47 miles in length from west
to east, and 14 in breadth from north
to south. From the beginning of the
rains in July, until the end of Sep-
tcBiber, the whole is overspread with
Witer, excepting 60 or 70 small
islets, in which the inhabitants re-
irnin; hut, dining the rest of the
y(*r, the whole is dry and passable,
aiil in many places highly cultivated.
T\e lake is chiefly formed by the
^^ti-flowings of the Krishna and (io-
dfftery; and its waters are conducted
into many channels, to irrigate the
ciicumjacent territory. {Orrne, J.
Gmut, btli Repiift, S\-€.)
CoLAiRcoTTA. — A town in the
N[>rthern Circars, district of Ellore,
3a miles north from Masulipatam,
aid situatrd on the borders of the
Colair Lake. Lat. 16°. 38'. M.
Long. 81°. 20'. N.
CoLANGonu. — A town in the
saith-eastern division of the Mala-
ba- province. Lat. 10°. 42'. N. liong.
7(i°. 4y'. E. Tins town contains
aliove 1000 houses, many of which
an? inhabited by Tamul weavers,
who imjtort their cotton from Coim-
letoor. The environs of this place
are very beautiful. The high moun-
tiins to the south pour down cas-
tades of a prodigious height; and
lie corn fields are intermixed w ith
l»fty forests and plantations of fruit
tiees. The cultivation, however, is
hit very poor, and the quantity of
rice land small. Here the rain,
without (he assistance of art, is able
to bring one cup of rice to maturity.
{F. Buchanan, b,-c.)
CoLAPOOR, {C'alapvr). — -A small
irdependent jNlaharatta state, on the
s(a coast of the province of Beja-
piior, named in the maps Bonsolo.
Il is boundeii to the south by the
Portuguese territory of Goa ; to the
*^tstward and northw ard by the Pesh-
wu's dominions; and to the west by
\\v sea. The Colapoor Rajah gained
a '^reat deal of countiy by usurpa-
tion and conquest, diuiug the confu-
sion in the INTaharafta Peshwa's do-
minions, after the death of Sewai
Madhoorow, particularly from his
neigiibours the Putwurdun family,
although he was only at war with
one branch of it, (Appah Saheb's).
Among the INlaharattas such usurpa-
tions are not thought incompatible
with friendship and the relations of
peace and amity. The principal sea-
ports are Raree and Vingorla.
The hatred borne to the Colapoor
Rajah by Appah Saheb is of the most
implacable nature. ^\ hen his fa-
ther, Purserani Ehow, was taken,
nmrtally woiuided, he Avas carried
j)risoner to the rajah, who ordered
the old man (a Brahmin) to be cut
to pieces in his presence. This act
of atrocity Appah Saheb declared he
would never forgive or forget, and
that he would most willingly sacri-
fice all he had in the « orld, and re-
tire to Benares, and pass the rest of
his life in oi)scurity, if he could re-
venge the death of his father, which
it d(ies not appear be ever eflected.
Notwithstanding this feud, a cessa-
tion of hostilities was eflected by the
interposition of the British govern-
ment, and particularly by the great
weight of Gen.Nyenesley's(the Duke
of Wellington) Jiame.
In 1804, in consequence of the
piracies conunitted by the Rajah of
Colapoor's subjects, his ports were
blockaded, ami payment demanded
of the money due to the Company
and to the British merchants at
Bombay. During the time of war,
the cruizer stationed on the coast
Avas never of sullicient strejigtii to
light one of the enemy's privateers,
on which account, to avoid the dis-
gracelul event of her caj)tnre. Gen.
AVellcsley reconnnendcd a treaty to
be entered into Avitli tlie rajah, whieli,
if he afterwards broke, it would af-
ford ample ground to the British go-
vernment to get rid cll'rotually ot an
evil, which in the existing state of
its power was not creditable. 'J'he
rajah was also in the habit of attack-
ing the possessions of our ally, the
Pcshwa, ,in the province of Beja-
COLAR.
,301
poor, held by the southern Jaghire-
dars.
At the same period of time Viswas
Row Ghaiitky nnd Seijee JRow
Ghantky, two of llie most jicrscver-
iiiiz; depredators, took rcttige witfi the
t'olapoor Rajah, after their banditti
had been defeated and dis|U'rsod by
Gen. WeHesley. The general, in
conscqiienee. in March, IHIH. ad-
dressed a letter to tiie rajah, inform-
ing him that he was jterfeetly aware
of the family connexion between the
rajah and those brothers, and that it
was not the rnsloin of the British
government, nor his own wish, to
perpetnate enmities, or deprive those
of an asylnni, Avho ^\^•r^' in( lined to
live in peace ; tor which reason he
did not call on the rajah to f;ive Tip
the brothers, as he nii»ht be jnslified
in doin^. At the same time he no-
tified to the rajah, that, as he had
given them an asyhim, the British
govennnent would consider him re-
sponsible for their cuiidnct ; and
that, if th y again asscmlded troops,
■which could only be intended to dis-
turb the peace of otlier powers, he
(the rajah) w ould be called upon to
answer lor the injuries they might
do, of which this notification was a
friendly warning. He added, " It
is time that the nations of India
shoidd enjoy some peace ; and you
may depend upon it, that the British
government will not sutler it to be
■wantonly disturbed with iin])U)iity."
This letter, as n)ay be anticipated,
had the dcsire<l elfect, and the adja-
cent territories have since enjoyed a
tran(piillitv unknown for ages. {lUSS.
Maht, ^-c)
Coi..\R. — A district in the eastern
extremity of the ]M\sorc Rajah's
tcnitories, situated l)etvvecn the 1,3th
and 14th degrees of north latitude.
'Ihe pro]iortion of land that has
never been cultivated oelween Eay-
damangalum and 'i'avculum appears
to bo four-tenths of the whole, of
which the greater pari consists of
high rocky hils. 'i'hosc tov.ards
Colar are very extensive, the road
approaching it fiom the cast being
4
between two immense piles of bare;
granite, crnmljlirig into fragments,
that roll down into tlu; plain. Theso
hills occupy threc-fourtlis of the land,
which has never been ploughed, the
remainder is covered with co])se
wood. The nakedness of the coun-
try does not proceed from any natu-
ral incapacity in the soil to produce
trees. 'Ihe taniariiul, pipal, mango,
and robinia mitis, tinive well. 'J'he
villages have a miserable appearance,
the houses being entirely hidden by
the surrounding walls, which present
nothing to the view but a brown
dusty mud.
In some low moist parts of this
district salt is made, during the dry
season, by serajiing oil' the surface of
the earth, and collecting it in heaps,
from which the salt is extracted.
The grain of the salt is large, and
consists of well-formed tubes, mixed
with nuich earthy impurity. The
natives in Colar i)lant many aloes
(agave vivijiara) in their hedges, and
use the leaves for making cordage.
In the country round Colar the irri-
gated land is watered cjitirely from
reservoirs. Rich men build them
to actpiire a reputation, and are al-
lowed a certain profit also, according
to the extent of land they irrigate.
Ciold dust is found in variiius parts
of this district, partictdarly nine
miles east of Boodieotta, at a village
natned Marcoopum. The area of
tlie country, impivgnated with gohl,
is estimated at 130 square miles.
The prevalent langtiagc about Tay-^
culum is the Karnutaca, called bj
the English the Canarese. (/'. Bu-
chanan, Gt/i lirgistn; Sc.)
CoLAR. — A town in the Rajah of
INIysore's territories, the capital of a
district of the same name, 40 miles
E. \. E. froln Bangaloor. Lat. 13°.
8'. N. Long. 78°. iV. E.
This town has a stnnig mud fort
with two very Inity walls, and in the
town a cavalier of stone, that rises
high above them. It contains above
700 houses, iuany of which are in
habited by weavers. Ctdar was the
birth place of ilvder. His son,
302
C0LU3IB0.
Tippoo, erected a handsome monu-
ment lor him, and near it a mosque
and colleg;e of xMoollahs or JMahom-
medan priests, witli a proper esta-
Misliment of nnisicians, were endow-
ed to pray for his son!; t}ie whole
of which is still continued at the
expense of the Piiilish government.
The gardens here, besides the
usual fruits, contain cabbasfes, arti-
chokes, and grapes. Tlie (rade and
niajni (Pictures of Colar were en-
tirely ruined by Tippoo, it being in
the immediate vicinity of his ene-
mies dominions, with vvhoui he
would allow no communication
whatever. Both are now rapidly on
ihe iiicrease. On a hill north from
llie town, was formerly a hill fort, in
which for some time resided Cossim
Khan, the General of Aurcngzebe ;
Avho, towards the end of the 17th
century, made the first regular IMa-
homnu'dan establishment in this
quarter of the Upper Carnatic.
{Lord Valentin, F. Buchanan, <^c.)
CoL4RPooR. — A town belonging
to the Nizam, in the proviuce of
Berar, 30 miles south from Ellich-
poor. Lat. 20°. 56'. N. Long. 78°.
10'. E.
CoLERooN "River. — See Colran.
CoLESHY, (Cafesi). — A town in the
province of Travancor, 33 miles N.
W. from Cape Comorin. Lat. 8°.
12'. N. Long. 77°. 11'. E. There is
a. small harbour at this place, where
ships are secured from the winds,
under the protection of some rocks.
The Danes formerly had a factoiy
here.
CoLGONG, {Calig-mma). — A town
in the province of Bahar, district of
Monghir, 102 miles N. W. from
Moorshadabad. Lat. 25°. 14'. N.
Long. 87°. 10'. E. Seven miles be-
low Colgong, the Ganges takes a
singular turn round a hill covered
with wood, some rocks protrude into
the stream, on which figures of Hin-
doo deities are carved.
CoLiNDA. — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of Tiperah, 73
miles, S, E. from Dacca. Lat. 22°.
58'. N. Long. &1° 6'. E. In the
surrounding countiy coarse hafistH
and cossaes of an excellent quality
are manufactured, reniarkable for the
weight of raw material they contain.
CoLLARASS. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, district of Narwar, 48
miles S. W. fiom the city of iSarwar.
Lat. 25°. 13'. xN. Long. 7/°. 42'. E.
This place is simonnded by an old
stone wall of no strength, near to
which is a large nullah of line water.
'Jlie country to the north is jungly,
thinly inhabited, much intersected
by ravines; and except in the im-
mediate vicinity of the Sinde River,
is durin?: the dry season very ill sup-
plied ^^ ith water. {3ISS. cSc)
CoLLEGAL Pettah. — A town in
the province of Coimbetoor, 31 miles
E. S. E. from Seringapafam. Lat.
12°. 13'. N. Long. 77. 14'. E. This
jtlace contains about 600 houses, and
has two largo temples. It is a mart
for the tiadrrs between Seringa-
patam and the country below the
Ghauts, near the Cavery. In the
siHTounding countiy there are above
40 reservuirs, mostly in want of re-
pair. The soil is generally red and
tit for the cultivation of ragy and
cotton ; the neighbourhood also con-
tains a few sandal wood trees. (F.
Buchanan, is'c.)
CoLNA, (Khalana). — A town in the
province of Bengal, district of Jes-
sore, 83 miles N. E. from Calcutta.
Lat. 23°. 11'. N. Long. 89°. 38'. E.
CoLRAN or COLF.ROON BlVER. —
The northern branch of the Cavery,
from which it separates below the
Island of Seringham, near Trichi-
nopoly, ajid after a course of about
80 miles falls into th;' sea at Deii-
cotta. At the point of separation,
the southern branch is 20 feet higheir
than the Coleroon, v.hich latter i.s
allowed to run waste. This river
formerly divided the southern dis-
tricts from the immediate posses-
sions of the Nabob of Arcot.
CoLUM' 0.— The capital of Ceylon
and seat of government, is situated
on the south-v.est part of the island.
Lat. 7°. 2'. N. Long. 79°. 50'. E.
The fort is placed on a peninsula
COLUMBO.
rtnn
jVrojcctin*inlo the sea,andis upwards
ot a mile in circumtVicncc, and
stroll?: I)0th by iiatine and art. Tlicre
is no hill in the neighbourhood siil-
ticienlly hijrli to command it, and
there are bnt few plates wliere
boats can safely land. On the sonlh
side the sinf runs so high, and the
shore is so rocky, that it would be
dangevoiis to apitroaeh it. On tlic
west side of the bay, whci'e llie sea
is .smoother, it is strongly defended
by batteries. The ramijarts of the
fort are very strong, having eight
principal bastions, and there are a
number of lesser ones witli curtains,
banquets, and parapets, eonununi-
eating \\ith eaeli other all round the
fort ; but, tlie want of bomb proof
casements, is a considerable disad-
vantage.
The w lioJe fort is surrounded by a
broad and deep wet ditch. Adjoin-
ing to the co\ert way, and at tlie
foot of the glacis, is a lake extend-
ing three and four miles into the
counti-y. For near a mile on the
outside of the fort, the neek of land
•which connects it with the country
is not above 5 or GOO yards broad ;
and in the middle of this space hcs
<he lake, leaving only room on each
side for a nanow caiisc"way. Near
•to the glacis it may be entirely cut
-olf by opening the sluices, and cut-
ling the road across, wiien the lake
would be connected witji the sea,
^»nd the garrison completely insu-
lated. In the centre of (he lake is
Au island, called by the Dutch, Slave
Island ; v. hich is a remarkably plea-
sant spot, and liere a battalion of
Malays is usually stationed.
The plan of the city of Columbo
•is regular, and nearly divided into
■four (piiirters by two jirincipal
streets, which cross each other, and
•extend the whole length of tlie town.
'J'o these smaller o.ues run parallel,
with coimecting huies betwixt them.
,At the foot of the ramparts on the
inside is a broad street or way,
which goes wholly round the fort.
: CoInml)0 is built more in the
European stylo than mo.st ;,^anisons
3
in India. Tiie Duteli houses arc all
regidarly built, though few of them
are above one story high. An lai-
glishman is surprised to lind all the
windows here having panes ol" glass,
in place of Venetian bUnds and shut-
ters. The natives of Holland prefer
having their houses shut up both in
the hot and cold season ; while the
Britisii wish to have them open, in
ordir that the air be freely admitted.
Beh)re each house and connected
with it, is a large op<'n veranda,
supported by wooden i)ill-ars, to pro-
tect the body of the house from the
sun.
The water in the wells of the town
is of a br:ickisli (juality, and unlit to
drink. The Europeans belonging
to the civil and military est;d)lish-
ments, ar(! su])plied from springs
about a mile from the Ibrt.
'i'hc harbour of Cohnnbo which
lies on the west side, is nothing more
than an open road, aiibiding good
and safe anchorage for ships tor only
four months, from December to
April. During this period, the N.
\V. winds, to which this road is much
exposed, do not prevail to any vio-
lent degree ; but, about j\tay, when
the monsoon sets in on the Malabar
coast, and extends its ravages to the
west of Ceylon, the roads of Co-
lumbo no longer aflbrd any protec-
tion. This city is consequently cut
off from any intercourse by sea with
the rest of the island, for two thirds
of the year. For six mouths of the
jear this side of Ceylon is subject to
extremely heavy falls of rain, ac-
eompaiiied with thunder and light-
ning, and violent winds blowing on
shore. During this season the varia-
tions of the climate are excessively
great, which much distresses the
sepoys and other natives of the con-
tinent. On account of the violence
and duration of the rains, Ceylon is
often called the watering pot of
India.
Although Trincomale, on account
of its harbour and situation, is ot
. xnore consequence for tin; nation to
retain, yet Coliunbo is in eveiv other
304
COLUMBO.
rospect tlio suprrior. Tlie inimber
of its iiiliiibitanls is much g^realer, its
fort and block town are larger; the
country where it is situated is much
more fertile, and the district de-
pending on it much wider, being not
less than 60 miles in length, by 10
in breadth.
The fort of Columbo being ex-
tensive, and the outworks and de-
tached works numerous, a strong
garrison is required to defend it.
'I'hree or four battalions of Euro-
peans and sepoys are usually sta-
tioned here. Columbo was singu-
larly unfortunate in losing its three
first British governors within the
space of one year. Col. Petrie and
General Doyle died, and Col. Bon-
iicvaux of the Company's service
Avas killed, by the upsetting of his
curricle. The Pettah or black town
of Columbo deserves particular no-
tice, on account of its extent and
structure. In the street next to the
sea is an excellent fish market, well
supplied from the sea, lakes, and
rivers in the neiglibourhood ; fish
being a considerable part of the food
of the inhabitants. On the rivers in
the vicinity of Columbo there are
nearly 300 flat-bottomed boats moor-
ed, with entire families on board,
who reside permanently in them,
having no other dwellings.
Columbo for its size is one of the
most populous places in India, being
estimated to contain above 50,000
inhabitants, ^\ ho are a great mixture
of almost every race of Asiatics.
The language most universally
spoken both by Eiu'opeans and
Asiatics, who resort to Columbo, is
the Portuguese of India, a base cor-
rupt dialect, dift'ering much from
that spoken in Portugal.
From this district a large quan-
tity of cinnamon and pepper, the
staple s])ices of the island, are an-
nually transported to Europe, in
vessels which touch here from Ben-
gal and Madras. A great deal of
arrack is made in the neighbourhood
of Columbo, and the other districts
along the m est coast. A large quau*
tity of coir rope is made here, and a
number of inferior articles, such as
betel leaf, arcka nut, jaggery, cocoa,
nuts and oil, honey, bees-wax, car-
damums, coral, ivory, fruit, and a
variety of lesser articles ; the Avhole
amount seldom exceeding 80,0001.
annually.
In return they import grain, coarse
cotton cloths, calicoes, coarse mus-
lins, handkerchiefs, palampores,
stockings, China ware, tin, copper,
and a variety of toys ; also bomeloes,
a species offish peculiar to Bombay,
and onions from the same place,
where they are remarkably good.
The Dutch levied a duty of five per
cent, on all these exports and im-
ports, which is still continued by our
government ; but the aggregate of
both in 1802 was less than 20,0001.
of which sum more than one half
was paid on betel nut exported.
In general every year towards Fe-
bruary, a Portuguese or Chinese
ship arrives from Macao with teas,
sugar, candied sweetmeats, hams,
silks, velvets, nankeens, umbrellas,
straw hats, all kinds of China ware
and toys. As these articles are
generally paid for in cash, they oc-
casion a great deal of hard money to
leave the island. Accounts are kept
in rix dollars, a nominal coin, like
the Briti.sh pound sterling, and va-
lued at a certain quantity of copper
money. A rix dollar, or copper
rupee (as the English term ii), goes
for about 2s. sterling; four of them
are equivalent to a star pagoda, a
gold coin worth about 8s. sterling.
Every thing in Ceyion is generally
dearer than on the continent of
India, from whence most of the
articles in use are imported. Horses
and servants are particularly expen-
sive. The native Ceyioncse make
but indifferent servants, and are
totally ignorant of the management
of horses.
Beef, fish, and fowl in particular,
are both cheap and plentiful at Co-
lumbo. Mutton is excessively dear,
as no sheep can be reared in the
>iciKity, it being only at JafiisH
CONCAN.
30^
patam where tliej' have ever been Combumpadoo. — A town bclong-
paslnred with success. J'iirs and Jn;^ to the Nizam, in the province of
dncks are reared in abundance, bnt Hyderabad, t!i(> capihd of a district
Mot in the most cleanly manner.
Geese are rare, and tnrkiesnot to be
had, nnlcss a few imported occa-
sionally by ships iVoui other parts of
India.
of the same name, and situated 80
miles east of the city of Ffyderabad.
Lat. 17°. 23'. N. Long;. 79°. oG'. K.
CoMEKCOLLY. — A lown in tho
province of Bengal, district of Ha-
The country for several miles ronnd jishy, 64 miles S. !•]. from Moorslie-
Colnmbo is tlat and very rich. It is
diversified with fields of rice and
pastnre, and intersected by a num-
ber of small lakes, rivers, and ca-
iial.s. One of tiie ciiief beauties in
the ncijiiibourhood of Columbo is
dabad. Lat 23°. 52'. N. Loufr. 89°.
11'. E. The East India Company
have long" had a connnorcial resi-
dency here, for the purchase of piece
goods.
CoMMIM, (Cnmmiun). — A district
the immense number of cinnamon in the lialaghaut ceded territories,
trees. In tlie gardens they are re-
g'nlarly cultivated with the greatest
success, bnt in the Moods they grow
wild. In ICoO' the iowii and fortress
of Columbo was taken from the
situated among the Eastern Ghauts,
betwixt the I5thand IGth degrees of
north latitude. It has no rivers of
any magnitude, but many inoun-
tain streams, the surface of the
Portuguese by the Dutch, in whose country being irregular and moun-
possession it remained until 179G, tainous.
when it was captured by the British, Commim. — A town in the Bala-
and subsequently ceded, w ith the ghaut ceded territories, 73 miles N.
rest of the island, at the Peace of horn Cudapaph, and the capital of a
Amiens. (Percival, Milburn, ^t.)
CoMBOOCOXAM. — A town in the
province of Tanjore, 20 miles N. N.
E. liom the cilv of Tanjore, Lat.
11°. N, Long. 79°. 26'. E.
This was tlic ancient capital of the
Chola race, one of the most ancient
Hindoo dynasties of ^^hieh any
traces have been discovered in the
district of the same name. Lat. 15°.
31'. N. Long. 78°. 55'. E.
CoMERY. — A small town in the
province of Tinnevellv, 43 miles
S. ^V. from IMadura. "Lat. 9° 18'-
N. Long. 78°. 31'. E.
CoMiLLAH. — A town In the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Tiperah,
of which it is the capital, 51 miles
.southern regions, and from which, S. E. from Dacca. Lat. 23°. 28'. N.
in latter limes, the whole Coast of Long. 91°- 2'. E.
Cholamuudul (Coromundel) has CoMOBO. — An island in the East-
taken its name. There are still re- eru Seas, situated betwivt Sunib-
mains indicating its ancient splen- hawa and Floris, and the i iglith and
dour. At present it is ehielly inha- ninth degrees of north latitude, la
bited by Brahmins, whose habita- length it may be estimated at 33
"fions appear neat, and the district miles, by IG the average breadth,
thriving. Some of the tanks and pa- Comorin, C.\v\-.,{Ciuntiri). — The
podas are very fine ; but it is remark' southern extremity of the Continent
able, that almost invariably the outer of India. Lat. 7°. 57'. N. Long^.
gate of the pagoda is of superior di- 77°. 35'. E.
mensions to the temple itself. The Comtah. — A town belonging to
surroundhig countiy is rich, and in the Nagpoor Kajah, in the province
a high state of cnltivation. of Berar, 75 miles N. E. from the
CoMDUMPADoo. — A district in tlie city of Nagpoor. Lat. 21°. 35'. N.
Nizam's territories, in the province Long. 80°. 49. E.
of Hyderabad, situated betwixt the Concan, {Cancana). — A large dis-
17th and I8th decrees of north lati- tiict in the province of Bcjapoor,
tude. situated between the ICth and I9tli
306
CONDATCHY, (BAY OF),
degrees of norlh latitude. To the after uhieh they, for the most part,
north it is bounded by the district of beciime traders. The Concan Brah-
Ticooan ; on the soulh by the Bri- niins are disclaimed by those of the
lish pro\ince of Canara; on the east rest of India ; but they compose a
by the Western Ghauts ; and on the large portion of the ruling characters
A\ est by the sea. In length it may
be estimated at 200 miles, by 40 the
average breadth. In the British ar-
rangements the soTithern part of the
Hindoo Concan is ineUided in the
district of North Canara ; but, in
the Hindoo Geography of the West
Coast of India, Conean begins at
the River Gangawala, in Lat. 14°.
37'. N. Avliere Hai^a ends.
The surface of this country exlii-
bits a gradual declension from the
Ghauts towards the sea, and is in-
tersected by numerous mountain
streams, but no river of magnitude.
'I'here arc few coasts so much broken
into small bays and harbours as this,
Avith so straight a general outline. I'his
in the IMaharatta empire.
The inhabitants of this coast, from
the earliest antiquity, have had a
strong pro])ensity to pirac}'. In the
18th centmy then- depredations
were exercised upon all ships indif-
fercntl}, wliieh did not purchase
passes from tlie chiefs of the pirates.
Conajee Angira established a govern-
ment on tliis coast, extending 120
n)iles from.Tamanah to Baneoote,
together Avith the inland country as
far back as the mountains, wliich
in some places arc 30, and in others
not more than 20 miles from the sea-
coast. His family retained this sove-
reignty for more than 70 years, until
1750, when they were subdued and
inidtitude of shallow ports, an uniu- ex])clled l>y Admiral Watson and
terruptcd view along shore, and an Colonel Clivc,
elevated coast favourable to distant
vision, have fitted this coast for a
region of piracy. The land and sea
breezes on this coast, as well as on
Corouniiidcl, blow alternately in 24
hours, and divide the day ; so that
vessels sailing along the coast are
obliged to keep in sight of land, as
the land winds do not reach more
than 40 miles out to sea.
From Zyghur on the sea coast
to (he Ambah l^ass, the country,
though hilly, is rich, capable of cul-
tivation, a ad tolerably well inha-
bited; near Ainbah the mountains
rise to a stupendous height, and arc
ascended with the utmost diflieulty.
This district produces the best hemp
in Imliii, which might be delivered
in London at 651. per ton.
The Brahmins, properly belong-
ing to the Concan, are of the Paunsh
Gauda, or north of India division.
They alledgc that they are descend-
ants of tlie colony to whom the
country was originally given by Pa-
rasu Rama. Their principal seat
seems to have been at Goa, called
At present more than three-fourths
of the Concan is within the domi-
nions of the Maharatta Peshwa, to
whom the pett>" chiefs in the district
are all nominaltj subordinate. I'here
is no part of the sea-coast, south
from Bombay to Cape Comorin, that
is not now either subject to tlie Bri-
tish government, or completely un-
der its iidluence, except an incon-
siderable tract of country subject to
the I'ajah of Cohipoor, whose power
is too insignificant to create any se-
rious alarm. {!''. Siichanim, Orme,
Rcnnel, Mulcvlm, Moor, lVc.)
CoNCilON, {Canchana, Golden). —
A town iji the province of Bengal,
district of Dinagepoor, G3 miles N.
by E. from Mourshedabad. Lat.
25°. 1'. N. Long. Sb*^. 42'. E.
'Co\datchy,(Bay of). — A bay in
the Island of Ceylon, about 12 miles
soulh from the Island of IManaar, in
the Gulf of Mauaar, and the most
central rendezvous fur the boats em-
ployed in the pearl fishery. The
banks where it is carried on extend
several miles along the coast froui
by them Govay, from whence they Mauaar southwards, olfArippo,Cou-
were expelled by the Portusuest , dutchy, and Poaiparipa ; aiid, after
CONDAPILLY*
307
they are sun'evoci, arc usually let to
the liijjhcst bidder. These banks
arc divided into tliree or four differ-
ent portions, one of which is fished
eacli year, to srivo the oysteis time
to atl.-iin a proper {growth. I'he pearl
oysters are supjiosed to anive at
their conipletest state of maturity in
seven years; l)nt, if left too long,
the pearl is said to become so large,
and so troubksome to the oyster,
that it is tluowii out of the shell.
"J'he fishing season eomuiences in
February, and ends about tiie begin-
ning of April ; the period allowed to
the merchant to fish the banks never
exceeding two months. Many of
the divers are of a black race, known
by the name of Marawas, and inha-
biting the opposite coast of Tutico-
rin ; and, although natives of Ma-
labar, are Roman Catholics, and
leave olfwork on Sundays to attend
cJiapcl at Arippo. The boats and
craft employed in the fishery do not
belong to Ceylon, but are brought
from the nearest ports of the conti-
nent. The divers from Colang are
accounted the best, and are only ri-
valled by the Lubbelis, who remain
on the island for the piuposc of being
trained in tiie art. During the sea-
son all the boats sail and return to-
gether. A signal gun is tired at
Arip])o, at ten o'clock at night, when
the w hole fleet sets sail n^ ith the land
breeze ; they reach the banks before
day-break, and at sun-rise com-
mence tisliing. Ill this employment
they continue until the sea-breeze,
at noon, w ams them to return.
Each boat cairics 20 men, with a
tindal or chief, who acts as pilot.
Ten of the men row, and assist the
divers in re-aseending ; the other 10
are divers, and go down live at a
time. They usually remain under
water two minutes, when, having
collected the oysters into a net, which
is hung round their neck, they make
the signal, and are drawn up again.
The longest time of remaining un-
der water ever known, was that of
a diver from Aujengo, in the year
1797, who remained uuder water
X 3
six complete minutes. The chief
danger to the divers is from the
ground shark ; to obviate w hich they
have recourse to conjurors, or bind-
ers of sharks, who they suppose
possess charms strong enough to pre-
serve them. Government always
keeps in pay some conjurers to at-
tend the divers, and remove their
fears. The divers are paid difl'er-
cntl}', according to their agreement
with the boat owners. Each diver
brings up about 100 oysters in his net ;
and, if not interrupted by any acci-
dent, w ill go down 50 trips in a fore-
noon.
Oyster lotteries arc common here,
and consist in the purchasing a
quantity of o\sters unopened, and
taking the chance of either finding,
or not finding, pearls in them. The
pearls procured are of a whiter co-
lour than those found in the Gulf of
Ormus, on the Arabian coast, but,
in other respects, are not accounted
so pure or of so excellent a quality ;
for though the white pearls are more
esteemed in Euro])e, the natives of
India prefer those of a yellowish or
golden cast. The workmen drill
them with gieat dexterit}', and po-
lish them with a powder made of
pearls, llie farmer of the fishery, in
1797, paid between two and 300,000
pagodas, a sum nearly double tiie
usual rent. The average clear pro-
fit is about 40.0001. per annum to
government. {Percival, Le Beck,
Knox, (St.)
CoNDAPlLLY, {Canadnpalli). — One
of the Northern Circars, situated
between the 16th and 17th degrees
of north latitude. Condapilly and
Ellore occupy the whole of the space
between the Krishna and Godavery,
the districts otMasulipatam towards
the sea, the inland province of Com-
miro on the west, and the Lake of
Colau*, chiefly formed by the over-
flowings of tliese two rivers. The
area of the whole may be estimated
at 3400 milqs, exclusive of the high
mountainous regions on The west.
By the Mahommedaiis this dis-
tri«t is named Mustaj)ha Nagxir,
308 ^ONJEVERAM.
xvliich is alro the appellation in the ori^nally possessed by the annenf
revenue books. Besides the Kri^?h- Hindoo Rajahs of G\uid\vaiia. The
na, Avhich bounds it on the south- frontier of the Bnstar territories is
west, tliis country is watered by se- 12 miles distant from Conkair, and
veral smaller streams, and is, on the is entered through the Tillygauty, a
vhole, tolerably well cultivated, biit very yogged and steep pasa over the
inucli inferior to Tanjore, or the bills. {Blicnt, ^-c)
more flourishing districts of Beujial. Conjee, (Canchi). — A district in
The principal towns are Condapilly, the Carnatic, now comprehended iu
Reddygoodnm, and Tontraveloor. the collectorship of Arcot, and in-
Thcre are diamond mines in Conda- ten^ected by the Palar River. The
pilly, but for many years they have face of the country is generally flat
been very unproductive. (J. Grant, and sandy, and towards the Ghauts
5//i Beport, lieiuiel, ^c.) but thinly inhabited. Around most
CoND/.PiLLY. — A town in the of the villages the remains of a
Korthern Oircars, district of Conda- hedge, with a rampart and stone
pillv, of which it is the capital. Lat. bastions at the gateway and angles,
15°. 39'. N. Long. 80°. 23'. E. This are still to be seen ; but, along with
place was formerly a fortified hill in the choultries, are going fast to de-
the Indian style, of considerable cay. These fortifications were form-
strength, but the urgency no longer
existing ; tlie works have been suf-
feied to djjcayj w hich has been the
fate of innumerable native fortresses
BOW comprehended in the British
domimous. Condapilly was first
conquered from the Hindoo Princes,
about the year I4'?l, l)y the Bha-
menee sovereigns of the Dcccan,
and it came into the British pos-
session, along witii the Northern Cir-
cars, in 17C5.
Travelling distance from Hydera-
bad, 142 nsiles ; irom IMadras, 306 ;
from Nagpoor, 370 ; and from Sc-
ringapatam, 4-114 miles. (J. Grant, Fe-
risJita, licnncl, St.)
Conda VI ft, {Cniiadavir). — A town
in the Northern Circars, district of
Guntoor, slr(»ngly situated on a
mountain, 1.5 miles west of Guntoor.
Lat. 16°. 10'. N. Long. 80°. .V. E.
CoN'KAiu. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gundwana, situated be-
tween ahighroekyhill and the south
bank of the jMahanuddy River, 105
miles S. by V/. from finttunpoor.
On the su;nmit of the bill is a for-
tress, moiiuting two guns. Lat. 20°.
48'. N. Long. 82°. 1.5' E.
The country about Conkair is
imicli covered with thick woods, and
the town entirely surrounded by hills,
jiiSiribited by \^iid Goand mountain-
eers, this bcin^ one of tfie tract-;
erly necessary, to protect the in-
habitants from Tippoo's predatory
horse, wlio devastated th<? country,,
and forced away the peasantry. In
this district the chief supply of w^attT
for agriculture is derived tiom tanks
and reseiToirs. {Loid Valentin, ^c.)
CoNJLVEKAM, (Cmickipttra, the
Golden Citij\. — A town of consider-
able size in the Carnatic, 46 mjlcs
S. W. from Madras. Lat. 12°. 48'.
N. Long. 79°. 4&'. E. The streets
at thi.s place are Avide, and cross
each other at right angles, with a
range of cocoa nut trees on each
side. I'he houses have mud walls,
and are roofed with tiles. 'I'he tanks
are lined with stone, and in good
repair ; and the whole tow n has the
appearance of prosperity.
The principal entrance to the great
pagoda is lofty, and resembles, ia
its .shape and ornaments, that at
Tanjore. On the lel't, alter passing
through it, is a large edifice like a
choultry, which the Brahmins as-
sert contains 1000 pillars. Many of
them are liandsonieiy carved with
figmes of Hindoo deities, and seve-
ral of the groups composed with con-
siderable skill. The sides of the steps
leading up to it are formed by two
well-carved elephants drawing a car.
'i'he second court, or inner square,
being considered of groat sanctity.
COORG.
309
'Kirwigjors are not admitted into it.
This temple is dedicated to Malia-
dcva. The view from the toj) of the
?:rcat gateway is luicoinmonly fine,
ronsistiii^ of extensive Wdods, in-
tersected by a large slw»et of water,
■with numerous pagodas rising among
tJie trees, and a jnagmriceiit range
of mountains at a distance. The
surrounding country is in general
level, but the soil bad ; consisting
chiefly of coarse satid, aj)parently
■originating from decomposed gra-
nite. {Lord VakiUia, Salt, Sfc.)
CoNTANAGUR, (Caniiua^rara). — A
town in the province of liengal, dis-
trict of Dinagepoor, li3 miles N.
by E. frouj Moorsliedabad. Lut. 2o°.
46'. N. Long. 88''. 34'. E.
CoNLASS. — A district belonging to
the Nizam, in the province of Kceder,
situated about the 18th degiee of
«ortii latitude.
CooLoo. — A mountainous and
"woody district in the province of La-
Jiore, situated betwixt the 3:3d and
34th degrees of north latitude. It
Jias the Sutulije River to the east,
and the Ravey to the west, and is
nearly divided iu two by the Eeyali
River.
CooLOO, {or Raghnnatlipio'o). — •
A town in the province of Lahore,
district of Cooloo, situated on the
tast side of the Rengal River, 155
miles N. E. from the city of La-
hore. Lat, 33° 20'. N. Long. 75°.
46^. E.
CooLoo. — A town belonging to
independent zemindars in the pro-
vince of (Jrissa, yo miles W. by N.
from Cuttaek. Lat 20°. 40'. N.
Long. 84°. 40'. E.
CooLoo. — A town in the province
of Cuttaek, situated on the south
side of the Maliatiuddy Hiver, CO
Miiles W. .S. "W. liom Cuttaek. Lat.
20°. 18, N. Long. 8.5°. 17'. E. This
is a large vil!;tge and place of con-
siderai)le trade. 'J he merchants of
Berar bring cotton to Cooloo, and
return to the interior loaded witli
salt.
CooLooR. — A town lielonging to
the Nizam, in the province of Beja-
poor, district of ^Tondgnl. Lat
16°. 4'. N. Long. 77°. 2'. E.
CooPANG.- A town in the island
of Tuuor, situated on a bay, which
forms an excellent harbour ibr shij)-
ping. Lat. 1<;°. lo'. S. Long. 121°.
10'. E. This settlement was termed
by the Dutch, so early ;u> the jear
1630, and is the only one on the
island which they now retain. Tin ir
fortified factory is placed close to ilie
sea, and has in the neighbourhood a
village inhabited by the natives and
Chinese. A trifling commerce was
formerly carried on v\ilh Ratuvi.!,
from whence wcio importe<l opium,
j)iece goods, niid coarse cutlery ; the
returns consisted of slaves, sandal
wood, wax, and some gold.
CooRG, {Codi<s;a). — A ^listriot
among the wast em Chants, situated
partly in the ^Mysore, and jiartly an-
nexed to the British province of
Alalabar. The Coorga eoinitiy is
considered to (!xtend tioju the Tam-
baeherry Pass to the south, to the
confines of the Bediiorc country on
the north. Pcriapatam was formerly
the eajutal, Init, in laler times, the
village of iMeicaia, situated among
the mountains, 25 miles .south of
Poodichenim, lias been tlic resi-
dence of the rajah's family.
The Coorgiis arc a division of tlie
Nair caste, and then prince is named
the ^'ir Rajah. Tor a long period
JJyder atleinpted in vain to subdue
them, until a disj)ute about the suc-
cession aiose, whoa he offered his
interference ; and, by tlu^destvncliou
of one fauiiiy, and making ihe other
prisoners, ho got |)oss(?ssion of the
country. 'l'ipp(H) had the .young ra-
jah circumcised, aud, during his
capti\ity, his countiy was a eonti-
nv;;d sceiu^ of devastation and blood-
shed, ot.oasioncMl by the discontent
and insurrection of his people. In
1785 he esea|)cil iVoni Tippoo, with
whom h(! carried ou a desultory
warfare; and, ii; 1701, Loid Corn-
wallis found liis assistance extreme-
ly useful, l^rior to this, Tippoo
built a fortress iu the Coorg coun-
try, which he named Juileiabad,
310
COOCH BAHAR.
and maintained a strong garrison
in it.
The mountains of the Coorg coun-
try contain many elephants and other
■vvild beasts in the forests, in which
are also found not only the best sort
of sandal and other valuable woods,
but also produce many of the best
spices. One of the Vir or Coorga
Eajahs, before the country was sub-
dued by H3'der, made a ditch and
liedi^e along the whole extent of tho
eastern boundary of his dominions,
a considerable tract beyond it being
utterly desolate, and reckoned neu-
tral. This distiict having enjo}ed a
long tranquillity is fast recovering
I its former cultivation, and noAV ex-
ports considerable quantities of rice
into the interior of the Mysore Ra-
jah's tenitorics. The River Cauvery
Jias its source in tlie Coorg countrj',
but attains to no magnitude until it
quits the province, v\ hich, like other
Nair countries, contains no town, or
cs'cn village, of considerable size or
population.
Ferishta mentions the Coorg Ra-»
jahs as independent princes so early
as 1583, and the family possess bio-
graphical histoiies of their rajahs
tiince 1632. {Dirom, F. Buchanan,
2d Register, S,-c.)
CoosiiRAH, (Cusara). — A town in
the province ofBahar, district of Ba-
har, 48 miles S. E. from Patna. Lat.
25°. 6'. N. Long. 85°. 47'. E.
CoocH Bahar, {Ctich Behar). — A
small district in the province of Ben-
gal, sitnated between the 26th and
27th degrees of north latitude, and
now comprehended in the collector-
ship of Ruiigpoor. It is bounded on
the north by the Bootan hills; on
the south by Rungpoor ; on the cast
by B.iotan and Rangamatty ; and on
the west by Rungpoor. The terri-
torial area has been calculated to
contain 1.302 square miles.
The southern part of this district,
lying along the River Durlah, is a
highly imi)roved and fertile country,
'i'he betel nut, the seramel, and the
banyan tiee, are the most coiisj)i-
cuttus tiees, and of luxmiant growlii.
To the north of the town of Bahar,
towards Bootan, the country has a
most wretched appearance ; and the
inhabitants are a miserable puny
race. The land is low and marshy,
interspersed with thick woods and
many nullahs. The whole face of
the country in this quarter is dreary
and unpleasant, being thinly inha-
bited, sparingly cultivated, and ex-
tremely unhealthy. The vegetation
is coarse, and the ground every where
almost choked with rank grass, reeds,
and fern.
The lower ranks in the northern
quarter are so extremely indigent,
that some years ago it was thcjr cus-
tom to dispose of their children for
slaves, without scruple, to any pur-
chaser for a trifling consideration.
It was quite common to see a mother
dress up her child, with a view to
enhance the price, and bring it to
market. Although so little is neces-
sary for the subsistence of a peasant,
and food compared with other dis-
tricts is cheap, yet their poverty and
wretchedness are extreme.
In the year 1018 Sultan IMahmood
penetrated as far as Kisraje, or
Cach'ha Rajah, in the northern parts
of Bengal, called Koje by Ferishta
and Couche, by the European tra-
vellers of the 15th and 16th centu-
ries. Of this region Cooch Bahar
formed a part. Abul Fazel described
the chief of Coocli as a powerful
sovereign, having Camroop and As-
sam under his subjection, and able
to bring into the field 1000 horse
and 100,000 foot. According to the
testimony of Mahommedan histo-
rians, generally, dming the reign of
the Emperor Acber, about A. D.
1595, Lukhsjuin Nanain, the Rajah
of Cooch Bahar, was the sovereign
of a territory bounded on the east by
the River Brahmapootra; on tho
south by Goragot ; on the west by
Tirhoot; and on tlie north by the
mountains of Tibet and Assam. His
army they exaggerated to the imm-
bor of 100,000 infantry, 4000 cavalrj',
7(X) elephants, and 1000 Avar boats.
— Notwitlistaudiiiif tjiis enormous
CORACIIIE.
311
army. lie Aoluntanly became a vrtssal
to tlie rjuporor Ael)or, wliicli odciul-
iiij;; liis subjects and chief iiini, tliey
relK'Ucd aj^ainst him, and eompelled
liiiii to request assistance I'ldin the
Mogul fjovenior of Bengal, which
was readily granted, as it afl'ordcd
the Mahonimedaiis an opportunity
of exploring this region, witli a view
to its future su!)jugation.
In 1661 tiiis district was conquered
by JMeerJunila, Avlio, in complinient
to his sovereign, changed the name
of its capital to Ahungecruugur,
which it did not long retain. ^la-
hommedan fanaticism being then in
its perfcetiiui, he destroyed the Hin-
doo temples, broke in pieces a cele-
brated image of Narayana (A'islnm),
and converted the son of the rajah,
■who v\as on bad teinis with his fa-
ther. In e\ery other respect he ad-
ministered strict justice to his new
subjects, and severely piuiished plun-
derers and other olVenders. Having
completed the conquest, and settled
the revenues of Coocli Uahar at 10
Jacks of rupees annually, he pro-
ceeded to att«mipt the conquest of
Assam, wliere lie failed.
Along with the rest of the Bengal
Soubah, this district devolved to the
East India Company in 17Go; but
little notice was taken of it until the
year 1772, when the Rajah of Boo-
tan laid ( laiin to it, and meeting with
little resistance from the natives, ra-
pidly gained p(»ssession of it. This
was the first instance of ho.stility
between the two countries; and it
had proceeded to the last extremity
before tlic government of Bengal,
which had hitherto derived no bene-
fit from the contested tciritory, was
apprized of wliat had befallen it.
The invaders were easily driven back
by t\^o battalions ot native infantry;
and the Bajaii of J>ootan, alarmed
for his own safety, apjjlied to the
Teshoo Lama in Tibet, and obtained
a peace through his mediation. {Tur-
ner, J. Grant, Stewart, /ibid Fazcl,
CooTRv. — A town in the province
of Allahabad, situated ou the uortli
side of the Betwah Biver, 64 miles
N. by W. from C'hatlerpoor. Lat.
25°. 45'. N. Long. 79°. 2H'. E.
Ou the 8th of June, 1807, the per-
gunnahs ofCootraand I'liway were
granted by the Rrilish goxernment
to Bajah Buklit Singh, the grandsuii
of Maharaja Jugguth Bay, one of
the prior legitimate |»oss<'ssors of thu
province, as his lawful inheritance,
but then usurped by (lopaul Singh.
I'his marauder was expelled liy the
British, yet continued to infest the
Bundelcund district for several years
after, causing infinite damage, and
displaying considerable address in
his expeditions. By his dexterity
in evading pursuit, and the vicinity
of impervious jungles and fastnesses,
he has hitherto escaped capture; but
most of his followers, haiassed by re-
peated defeats and empiizes, have
abandoned him. Before the cession
of this territory. Rajah Buklit Singh
had received an allowance of 3000
rupees from the Briti.'sh government,
which afterwards ceased. {Treaties,
CoRACHiE. — A sea-port town iu
the district of Tatta, province of
Sinde, .57 miles from the city of
Tatta, and E. by S. from Cape iNIonze.
Lat, 2 1°. 51'. Long. 67°. 1 6'. E.
The Bay of Corachie adords good
shelter for shipping, and vessels of,
three or 400 tons burtlien may enter
the port from the beginning of Sep-
tember to the cud of May. At low
water tliere is not more than one and
a half fathoms fine hard sand ou
the bar; but the tide rises 12 feet.
The entrance of the harlKtur is nar-
row, and the dcejiest water about
200 yards from the western jjoiiil of
entrance, on which is a ca.stle, with
two or three bad pieces of artillery.
On the eastern side of the bay are six-
rocky isles, near to which the water
is shoal.
'J'he country from Corachie to t!ie
coast is verj low, and is overllowed
by the Indus, wiien the snows nult,
and the rains fall jn tlie remote
mountains of the north. There are
llat-bottomcd boats at Corachie,
312
CORACHIE.
which go Ihrongh one of the brandi-
es of the Indus up to Tatta and Hy-
derabad at all seasons of the year.
Tiic passage to Tatta in June is live
or six day s, and from thence to Hy-
derabad two or three days. I'he
Indns here begins to swell early in
July, and contijiues to increase until
the end of Aug;ust.
'i'lie fort of Corachie is built of
nuid, mixed with <-hopi)ed straw,
and is nearly 150 yards s({uare, with
two gales, and round tow ers or bas-
tions full of loop holes. It has no
ditch on the outside, but the reverse,
the ground being elevated in a regu-
lar slope, which nsight be ascended
vvitliunt the kast difliculty. 'I'he
population of the town is estimated
at 8000 souls, the majority of whom
are Hiudoos, and engaged in com-
jnercial concerns. Although this is
the only sea-port to the large pro-
vince of Sinde, so reduced are its
revenues, that in the year 1809 they
amounted to oidy 110,000 rupees, a
sufficient proof of the dechnc of its
maritime commerce.
The soil about this place is veiy
sandy, mixed with pebbles, and in
many parts is covered with the
prickly milk bush. There are a few
date trees in the neighbourhood of
the town, but the fruit never conies
to perfection. I'he mangoe and ka-
jiar trees arc also seen; but not the
cocoa nut, which is seldom found
beyond the tropics in this part of
Asia. 'J'he vicinity produces no ve-
getables, except pumpkins and brin-
jals of an indifiereiit quality^, which
also ajiplics to the mangoes. 7'he
other fruits are plaintaius, grapes,
■water and musk nicions. Fuel and
forage are very scarce, and the water
rather brackish. The camels and
draught bullocks are of the best de-
scription. '1 here is here a great va-
riety and abundance of good lisii
and poultry; lint the sheep, for want
of a suitable pasture, are poor and
lean. Kain is here very uncertaiu:
jn lhUL» the natives asserted that
jione had fallen for three y ears.
'I'Ijc c.\ports from Corachie consist
chiefly of glice, hides, shark fins,
saltpetre, potash, asafoetida, Tatta
cloth, indigo, frankincense, with a
few other gums, seeds, and coarse
cloths. 'I'he articles brought fiom the
interior for exportation are horses,
musk, saffron, and alum, tiom Mool-
tan and the countries to the north-
ward ; swords and carpets from Can-
daliar and Khorasan.
Corachie being the principal, or
rather the only sea-port in the Sinde
province, a great proi)ortion of its
commodities are exported iiom
hence ; but a part, also, particularly
horses, from Tatta, by the routes of
Luckput, Bunder, and JMandavie, in
Cutch. In the fair season these ar-
ticles are conveyed in dhingies to
Bombay, Gujrat, and the Malabar
Coast; from whciu^e are imported
black pepper and other spices, tin,
iron, lead, steel, elephants' teeth,
cochineal, quicksilver, sandal and
other scented woods. There is also
a trade carried on between IMuscat
and Coiachic ; but the dread of the
Jowasmie pirates has of late com-
pletely frightened the natives from
trading to the north of the Indus.
The articles of export to that quarter
formerly were rice, ghee, indigo,
tiankincense, and coarse cloths; tli«
returns were silk, dates, and other
articles from the Persian Gulf. The
only class of people, who are sup-
posed to possess any share of wealth
at Coraciiie are the Hindoos, who
are entirely engaged in traffic, and
have no share in the executive go-
Acrnment; but they enjoy the ut-
most toleration in respect to religion.
Near the town is a tauk, containing'
two tame alligators, one of them of
an immense size, which are led and
highly venerated by the Hindoo de-
votees, who dwell in a hu+ ou the
banks of the tank.
'I'here is a constant communica-
tion kept up between Corachie and
Muscat, Messengers sent from
hence proceed first to Somneany in
two days, from thence to Oorinara
in six days, to Purmie in tour
days, awd to Zudur iu three days;
COKOMANDEL.
313
from vIkmicc flicy cross over in a
boat to Aluscat, which is generally
a passage of three days, hut never
more than live; making in all 20
days. Except for three montiis in
the year a reguhtr communieation
may be maintained between liiis
town and J}onil)ay by conntiy boats.
For a caravan to Tatta by land the
time required is tlnee or four da) s.
It is genrrally supposed that the
monsoon does not extend beyond
tlie tropics ; but this is not the fact,
as it pre\ails at Tatta, wiiicli is in
hxtitiidc 24°. 14'. yet does not at Co-
rachie, whieli is beyond the limit to
the west. Although the winds blow
from the S. \V . and W. at Coraeliie,
and along the coast of jMekran, in
fresh breezes from April until Octo-
ber, it scarcely deserves the appella-
tion of S. W. or W. monsoon, as the
w iuds often veer round to the N. W.
and N. and is very seldom attended
Avith squalls or rain ; a continued
repetition of which forms a distin-
guishing mark of tiie monsoon on
tlie coast of Malabar. {Smith, Blax-
Jield, Kinneir, ^-c.)
Coking A, {Carauga). — A sea-port
in the Northern Circars, district of
Rajamundry, situated on the Bay of
Bengal. Lat. 10° 4!>'. N. Long.
82°. 29'. E.
A wet dock has been formed here
capable of taking in a frigate, and is
the only constiuction of the kind on
the eojitiiient between Calcutta and
Bombay. A bar of mud lies across
the entrance, llnongh which ships
must be forced. A considerable
number of country vessels of small
burthen are annuallybuilt atthisport.
'I'he register of imports at tiiis
place exhibit a trade w ith Calcutta
and a few places to the eastward in
rice, cummin seeil, paper, and cop-
per from the former; and small sup-
plies of pepper and timber tiom the
latter. The exports fium Ci>ringa
to Calcutta, and |>artially to Peguc,
consist of piece gotids and teak ^^ood
to the lirst, and uf piece goods to the
last.
'I'he total value of imports, from
the 1st May, 1811, to the 30tli April,
1812, was 17().y60 Areot rupees, of
which 62,8ti-l rupees was from places
beyond the territories of the INladras
government, viz.
J'Yom Balasorc - - - - 8,084
Calcutta 23,328
Choodamany ----- 1,423
Eastward ------ 3,115
Pegue ------- 3,930
Penang ------- 3.005
Various places - - - - I9,ybl
Arcot rupees 62,864
The total value of exports, from
the 1st May, 1811, to the 30th April,
1812, was 822,348 Arcot rupees, of
which 98,550 was to places beyond
the territories of the Madras govern-
ment, viz.
To Calcutta 59,184
Pegue 29,013
Various places - - - _ 10,353
Arcot rupees 98,550
In the course of the above period
131 vessels and craft, measuring
12,876 tons, arrived ; and 235 ditto,
measuring 26,714 tons, departed.
Coringa Bay is the only smoolli
water on the Coromandel Coast in
the S. W. monsoon; Point Godavery
projecting out to the southward, and
breaking the long swell. A remark-
able inundation took place here
about 30 years ago. which destroyed
a great munber of the inhabitants
and much property. Coringa, as an
establishment, originally belonged to
the I'rench, who always selected
good situations for their settlements,
which cannot be said of the Engli.sh.
{Parliamenlarji Reporti\Jo/iuson, 6,-c.)
Coiws}Ali,{Cara>ija). — A town be-
longing to the Nagpoor Bajah, in the
j)rovinco of Berar, 48 mil<!s W. by N.
from Nagpoor. Lat. 21°. 13'. N.
Long. 79°. 2'. E.
CoKOMANOFL, (C/ioIamamldla). —
This coast extends along the east
side of the Bay of Bengal, from
Point Cnlynicre to the mouths of the
Krishna River. The name is, pro-
314
COSAH.
perly, Chola Mandala. In Sanscrit
the priiriilive meaning of the lat-
ter word is orbit or circle, and
thence a rci^ion or tract of countrj' ;
and, probably, it received its name
from the Chola dynasty, the ancient
sovereigns of Tanjore, In the re-
cords of ]\Iadras, until 1779, it is
written Choramandel. Among the
Malays the coast of JMalabai* is
known by the name of Taima Ke-
ling, or Kaliiiga, which appellation,
however, ])ro])erly belongs to the
northern Circars and Ciittack.
'\^^hen the northerly wind or mon-
soon prevails on the coast of Coro-
mandel, and in the Bay of Bengal,
the southerly wind reigns on the
coast of Malabar; and wiien the
northerly wind blows on the latter,
the southerly winds prevail on the
former coast- The northerly winds
are expected on the coast of Coro-
mandel and in the Bay of Bengal,
about the middle of October. The
periodical change, which is followed
by the rainy season, is called the
great monsoon. It is -frequently ac-
conjpanicd by violent hurricanes,
nor is serene weather expected until
Ihc middle of December, and some-
times storms happen so late as the
1st of January. The King's and
Company's ships are consequently
ordeied to quit the coast by the 15th
October. The southerly wind sets
in about the middle of April.
During the continuance of the hot
^vinds, the coast of Coromandel is
parched up, resembling a barren
wilderness, nothing appearing green
except the trees. ^Vhcn the rains
fall vegetation is restored, the plants
revive, and a beautiful verdure is
again opened over the country. It
is an observation of the natives on
the coast of Coromandel, which is
confirmed by tlie exi)erience of many
Europeans ; that the longer the hot
land wind blows, the healthier are
the ensuing months ; these winds
purifying the air.
The coast of Coromandel is genC'
rally an open roadsted without har-
bours, and there is a considerable
difiiculty in landing en acco^mf of
the surf, except at places where
proper boats arc provi<led. {Wilhs,
Cratvfiird, Lind, Kyd, ^r.)
Corse E, (Carsi). — A small town
in the province of B<;iapoor, district
of Raybaugh. Lati 16°. 40'. N.
Long. 74°. 56'. E. This was for-
merly a Mahommedan town of some
note, but has been so much dis-
tressed by the Mabaratta Brahmins,
that most of that religion have left it.
Some, however, still remain, aud arc
subsisted by a revenue arising from
charitable lands, granted by the
Bejapoor sovereignty during its de-
cline. Near the River Krishna is a
burying-giound, where the remains
of several Mahommedans of great
eminence are buried ; and on an
island in that river, one mile east of
the town, are deposited the ashes of
Sheikh Mahonnncd Seraje ud Deen,
a celebrated saint of that religion.'
The River Krishna here runs in an
easterly direction, and is about .'iOO
yards from bank (o baidv. The ford
is not a good one, being rocky, and
of an irregular depth. This is one
of the towns within the Maharatta
territory, which enjoys the privilege
of killing beef for sale. (Moor,
CoRUMBAH, {Carmiba). — A town
in the province of Bahar, district of
Chut:i Nagpoor, 222 miles "\V. N. W.
from Calcutta. Lat. 23°. 21'. N.
Long. 85°. 3'. K
CosAH, {Cnsi). — This river has its
source in the llimalaya Mountains
to the north of Nepaul, from whence
it pursues a S. S. E. direction ; and
alter a winding course of about 400
miles, joins the Ganges in the Ben-
gal district of Puriieah. Eormerly
this junction took phice opposite to
Jiajemal, but it is now 45 miles
higher up. This river is supposed
by Major Rennell to be the Cos-
soanns of Arrian, and is occasionally
named the Cossah. It is navigable
from Dholat Chaut to Khoorkut
Ghaut, which is within three days
journey of Bejapoor, a town of sonic
note in the coiuitry to the cast of
COTIOTE.
315
tbe Ncpaiil toni lories. {JRenncl,
Kirkpatrick, V'".)
Cos POOR, {Caspura). — A town in
tlio distriet of Cacliar, u sniidl state
tributary to llic 15iniiau oinjiiro, and
adjacent to the district ol" Silliet in
IJenfjal, which it bounds to the cast.
Lat. 25°. N. Long. 03°. lO'. E. In
1763 Mr. Vevolst luidcrlook a jour-
ney eastward from IJcngal, and ad-
vanced as far as tliis i)lacc, from
uhence he returned.
CossiM BAZAR. — A large town in
the province of Bengal, situated
about a mile south from Moorshe-
dabad, of wiiich capital it may be
considered as the port. Lat. 24°.
10'. N. Long. 88°. 15'. E.
This is one of tlie largest inland
trading- towns in Bengal, and in the
rainy season has a variety and ex-
tent of water carnage, ])robably not
equalled in the world. The Cossim-
Lazar Island is perfectly flat, and
one bed of sand. The annual over-
flow of the river leaves a deposit of
mud, Mhich gives richness to this
otherwise barren territory. Besides
the tiger and the boar, the Island of
Cossimbazar abounds with the in-
terior species of game. The hare,
deer, partridges, and quail, with a
vast variety of birds, far superior in
beauty of plumage to those of Eu-
rope, are found along the banks of
the Ganges ; and the aquatic birds
of colder climates are also abundant,
such as geese, ducks, snipes, and
divers.
Cossimbazar has long been fa-
mous for its silk manufactures. It
is also noted for its stoeking.s, which
arc all knitted with wires, and es-
teemed the best in Bengal. The
price is from 20 to 35 rupees per
score of pains. The quantity of silk
consumed here by tiie natives an-
nually, in carpets, satins, and other
stuil's, is very great; and a large
quantity is besides exported to
J juope, and to almost every quarter
of India.
The Cossimbazar River is named
the Bhagirathi, and is (lie sacred
JjraucU of the CUiuges, the others not
possessing the same sanctity. In
theold [iindoo systems of geogiaphy,
the wcjst of the Bhagirathi was
named the Utter-rari and Dackshin-
rari. The cast of the same river
was named Bhagnc. {Colebroohe,
L(yrd Vakntia, 7'eniiant, S,-c.)
CossiMCOTTA. — A town in the
Northern Circars, 20 miles W. S. W.
from Yizagapatam. Lat. 83°. 10'.
N. Long. 83°. 10'. E.
CoteCaungka, {Caia Khanhliara).
— A strong fortress in the province
of Lahore, 122 miles E. N. E. from
the city of Lahore. Lat. 32°. 20'.
N. Long. 75°. 42'. E. In the neigh-
bourhood of this place was situated
the Hindoo temple of Nagur Cote,
which was of great cclel)rity when
the Mahommedans lirst invaded
Hindostan, and continued to retain
its reputation for sanctity niaiiy
years afterwards. The Emperor
Acber accomplished the reduction
of this fort, after a siege of a whole
year, whicli he commanded in per-
son. He subsequently bestowed it,
with a considerable extent of ad-
jacent territory, oji an ollicer who
had distinguished himself. {Foster^
Remiel, <5iT.)
CoTioTE. — A small district in the
Malabar province, containing about
312 square miles. The face of the
countrj' resembles \\\c otiier parts of
Rlalabar, containing low hills sepa-
rated by narrow vallies, v\'hich are fit
for the cultivation of rice. Towar<ls
the Ghauts, these hills rise to a con-
siderable height; the soil almost
every where is good, but very little
cultivated, owing to the unsettled
state in which the conutry so long
continued. Its calamities were in a
great measure owing to its forests
having encouraged the natives, to
make an ill-judged resistance against
the British forces.
'j'lie quantity of timber trees pro-
curable in one year, including teak,
does not exceed 3 or 400. No me-
tals Isas been discovered in this dis-
trict. "Wherever the ground is not
cultivated, there are stately forests,
but tliC produce of the trees is of
S1()
COTTEWAR.
little \alue. In 1800, (he miinberof
houses in Cotiote was c;;fimatt'd at
4087, besides the iiihabiUsnts of
which, there are in the hills and fo-
rests several rude tribes; but the
whole munber of slaves is only
about 100.
The commerce of this small terri-
tory consists in selling- tlic prodnce
of the plantations, and in the pur-
chasing of rice, salt, salt fish, oil,
cotton, and cloth. The produce is
pepper, sugar cane, cotton, cassia or
wild cinnamon, and coffee. {F.
Stichanan, ^-c.)
CoTTACOTTA. — A lowu in the
Balaghant ceded territories, 57 miles
N. by W. from Cudapah. Lat. 15°.
16'. N. Long. 7b°. 47'. E.
CoTTAPATAM. — A town ou the
sea coast of the Southern Carnatic,
55 miles S. from Tanjore. Lat. £»°.
68'. N. Long. 79°. 15'. E.
CoTTEE. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Behar, 90 miles,
S. by W. from Fatna. Lat. 24°.
21'. iS[. Long. 84°. 40. E.
CoTTEWAK, {Cattivad). — A large
district in tlie centre of the Gujrat
Peninsula, of which it is properly the
distinctive appellation, and situated
principally between the 21st and
23d degrees of north latitude. Yad,
a fence or division in the Gujrattee
language, is a very common tennina-
tion for the names of districts in this
part of India; which is frequently
changed into var and war by Euro-
peans, as C'attiwar for Cattivad.
The present inhabitants are named
Catties, and are supposed to have
Jong been in possession of the coun-
try; although, according totheir own
traditions, they iriigiated from the
north along the banks of the Indus.
They assort their origin to be from
Carna, one of the heroes of the
Mahabharat; and that they were
created for the purpose of stealing
cattle. 'J'hey say they accompanied
the Pandoos to Hnstioapoor, from
whence they were dismissed and as-
signed a settlement. They were
afterwards heard of in Cutch, whence
they migrated with their flocks and
cattle into the extensive plains of
tiieir present country. With these
notions of their origin, it is not sur-
prising that many of the tribes
openly avow themselves robbers by
birth and profession. The first set-
tlement of the Catties was at Thaun,
from whence they expelled other
predatory tribes, and persevered in
their erratic life until the middle of
the last century ; since when their
life has been more settled, being a
mixtiue of the pastoral, agricultural,
and predatory, but their inclina-
tions lean most to the last.
Although the Catties arc so much
addicted to robbery, they are con-
siderably removed above the savage
state ; and in their dress, manners,
attd food, greatly resemble the Ra^j-
poots. They are Hindoos in reli-
gion, but the worship of Surya (the
sun) prevails more here, tiian in
other jiarts of India. In general
they have retained their ancient
manners in great purity, are all
horsemen; and except in being more
stationary, have in many respects an
affinity to the Arabs of the desert.
The cloth they sit on while riding
serves also for a bed and a tent ; and
although tliey never shoe their horses,
they perform very long journies
withoJit lunting or laming them.
'Jhc British government has occa-
sionally procured horses iirom this
portion of Gujrat. The female Cat-
ties arc noted for being handsome.
'I'he Arabs have succeeded in es-
tablishing an influence throughout
the whole of Cottiwar, and in some
degree of Cutch. They have for
many years been held in high esti-
mation by tiie natives, as soldiers;
and the trade from the Arabian coast,
with the Gulf of Cutch, presents an
easy mode of conveying them into
the country. I'he constant internal
broils of Cattiwarhave long afforded
great encouragement to all adven-
turers of a martial diposition. The
influence of the Arabs, until lately,
has consequently been very great;
but, since the British govermnent
has interfered in the affairs of Cotti-
COWL DLIRGA.
317
■war, it is to be hoped the internal
niiftichy will in soiiuMioc^icc subside,
and preclude the necessity the petty
rhiels are under of kecj)ing so many
annod retainers.
The district of Cottiwar contains
?io towns of inaj;nitude, bat many
stronp: holds held by native chiefs,
tlio resort of thieves and rolibers.
I'he Guicowar claims a jnrisdietiou
over il, but his requisitions are little
attended to, nnle.';s when biuked by
the |>rescncc of an army. {3I\Mur-
do, Dimnmoml, Matet, ^S'c.)
CouLAN, (C»/nr«). — A town on the
sea coast ol' the province ofTravau-
cor, 88 miles N. W. from Cape Co-
morin. Lat. h°. 49'. N. iiong. 76°
40'. E. Tliis is a place of consider^
able trade; cotton, i)cppcr, jduger,
cardamoms, and other articles of
merchandize, being deposited Jn tlie
■warehouses here, "here is also
abundance of excellent fish, tor-
toises, rice of a good quality, ba-
nanas, pine apples, and other fruits
and pulse.
In remote times Coulan was
a place of considerable note, and
is said to have been built A. D.
8'35. The Christian, as well as
Hindoo natives of this part of Ma-
labar, counnence tlicir era at the
period of its foundation. Alexins
jMenezes, the first Archbishop of
tioa, opened here his lirst conference
M'ith tlie (,'hiistiaiis of St. Thomas,
when he niatle them rei'.ounce the
principles of Ncstoiiiis, and eni-
biaee the doctiines of the Roman
Catliolic chuich, lo which they con-
tinue in part united. Tiie Brahmins
possess here a very ancient temple
dedicated to MahadcMi, or Siva, and
the Catholics ha\e three congiega-
tious. Between Coidan and Cape
Comorin there are reckoned to be
altog-ether 76 Catholic congregations
scattered over the country. {Fra
Paoh, cVc.)
CoURCHiiiR. — A town in the North-
ern Carnalic, disliiet of Ungole, 47
miles N. W. fioin the town of On-
gole, Lat. 15=. 49'. IN. Long, 79°.
37'. E.
4
CoVELONG, {Corel, a Temple).— A
town on the sea coast of the Car-
natic, 2.'> miles south from Madras.
Lat. 12°. 4 1'. N. Long. 80°. 21'. E.
This fort is called by tlie native*
Saadet-bunder, and was built by
Anwar ud Deen Khan, w ithin ntuskct
shot of the sea, near the ruins of
another, belonging to the imperial
East India Company of Ostend,
whose principal factory was at this
place. The French got possession
of it, in 1750, by a stratagem, lu
1752 it surrendered to Cajitaili Clive,
on condition that the coifiniandant
should be allowed to carry an ay his
own ellects, which turned out to be
a great number of unkics, and a
quantity of sjuilf, commodities iu
■which he dealt. After the capture
of Chingleput, the fortiiicatious of
Covelong were blown up. The sea
shore lierc affords many beautiful
shells. (Or me, Fra Paolo, SiX.)
CowMur, River, (Comala, the Lo-
tos). — A river of Afghanistan, v\ hicli
rkses in the hills to the west of Ghiz-
ni ; and, after a winding c<mr.se of
about 190 miles, joins the Indus.
Cowl, or Coel, (Covil). — A town
in the province of Agra, .50 miles
N.N.K. from Agra. Lat. 27°. 54'.
N. Long. 7S°. iV. E. W hen Abul
I'azcl wrote, in 1582, this was the
capital of a large district.
Cowl Di'rga, {Covi/ Darg-a). — A
town and fort in l!ie Rajah of M3-
sorc's tenitoiies, district of Eednore.
Lat. 13°. 37'. N. Long. 75°. 11'. E.
The hill on which Cowl Durga
stands is not very high; but the wall.'?
being iofty, it looks better than most
of the hill forts in Karnala, of which
the buildings are generally not ob-
servable at a distance, being hidilen
among the immense rocks on which
thoy stand. The Pettah is at some
distance, and contauis about 20U
houses.
The original name of this to-.rn
was Eha\ani Giri. Tippoo, with
the ancient zeal of a IMahommedan,
changed the pagan name of almosf
every town in his doniinious, but
the new names v\ hich he bestowed
318
CUDALORE.
on tlipm are sinking fast into obli-
vion. Ner.v Cowl Durga the country
is covc?cecl with tiiick forests. Ho-
dalhi, whicli lies in the neij^hbour-
hood, was formerly the residence of
a ffunily of poiygars, who were here-
ditary flute players to the sovereigns
of Bijanagur. (F. JBuchanan, ^c.
Sfc.)
CoYLE RiVKR, (or Great Butur-
Tiee). — This river has its source in the
province of Bahar, district of Chuta
Nagpoor, from whence it flows
through Gangpooraud Knnjeur ; and,
after a winding course of above 270
miles, falls into tlie Bay of Bengal,
10 miles north of Point Palniiras,
having previously received the addi-
tion of the Bounce River, about 10
miles from its mouth.
Crissey. — See Gressec.
Croondah. — A town belonging
to the Maharattas, in the province
of Aurungabad, 103 miles N. E.
from Poonah. Lat. 19°. 21'. N.
Long. 75°. 16'. E.
Cranganore, {Cadmigiihir). — A
town on the coast of Malabar, the
capita! of a small district of the same
name. Lat. 10°. 16'. N. Long. 76°.
5'. E.
This townstandsabout five leagues
to the north of Cochin, and formerly
belonged to the Dutch ; but as they
were unable to defend it against
Tippoo, they sold it to the Rajah of
Travancor, which occasioned the
fir.st war with the Mysore Sultan,
which began in June, 1790. It v.as
taken from the latter, and dismantled,
by j\l. Laliy, Tippoo's general, but
the IMysorean troops were driven out
in 1791.
The Jews assert that they pos-
sessed Cranganore so early as A. D.
490. In 1505 the Portuguese erected
a fortress here, of which the Dutch
obtained possession in lb"G3. The
diocese of the Roman Catiioiic Arch-
bishop of Craganore, extends ironi
Mount Dilly towards Cochin. Most
of the inland churches, formerly Ije-
longiiig to the Nestoiian con)mm?ity,
are included m it. This see « .-m-
prehends S9 churches, and is luder
the domination of Goa. (Fra Paolo,-
Dow, Bruce, C Buchanan, ^t.)
Creang. — A town in the Malay
Peninsula, near the southernmost
extremity of the district of Quedah.
The surrounding country produces
canes and rattans.
CiiDAPAH, {Cripa). — The Bala-
ghaut ceded territories having been
subdivided into two collectorships
under the Madras presidency, Cu-
daj)ah and Bellarj', the former com-
prehends the eastern districts, and
the latter the western portion.
CuDAPAH. — A town in the Bala-
ghaut ceded territoiies, and capital
of the eastern district. Lat. 14°. 28'.
N. Long. 79°. E. Tlie name of this
town is sometimes written Kirpa, as
well as Cudapah. They are both
corruptions of the Sanscrit word
Cripa, whi(;h signifies mercy. In
the adjacent country large quanti-
ties of sugar and jagary are made.
Cudapah was for many years the
seat of an independent Patau state,
which survived the destruction of the
Deccany kingdoms.
Travelling distance from INIadras
l53, fiom Seringapatam 220, tiom
Hyderal)ad 230 miles.
CuDALORE, (Cadahir). — A town
on the sea coast of the Carnatic,
102 miles S. S. W. from Madras,
and 15 miles S. S. AV, from Pondi-
cherrv. Lat. 11°. 44'. N. Long. 79°.
62'. E.
The situation of this town is na-
turally strong, and it would origi-
nally liave beeji a more commodious
place for the British cJiief settlement
than Madras, it being to windward
of Madras and Pondieherry, and in
the vicinity of Tanjore.
Prior to 1690 the East India Com-
pany had a factory here, which, on
account of the increasing trade of
Cudalore, was, in 1702, wholly re-
built and fortified. 'I'he town was
taken possession of by Col. Coote's
army, in 1760, and continued sub-
ject to the xNabob of Arcot until the
destruction of ('ol. Braithwaite's de-
taclnnent by Tippoo, when it was
obiigod to surjcndcr, by capitula-
CULPEE.
319
tion, to }lip ronibinod forces of the
IVeiu^h and livdir, on the 8th April,
178-2. 'I'he ImcikIi j^ioutly streii!;tli-
euccl the works, and snpphed a
powei fill ganison under the Alarquis
do Hussy.
In June, 1783, Cudalore was be-
sieajcd by the Britisli army oom-
maudod by General Stu;Ht ; and, on
the 7tli, the outworks were stormed
after a desperate resistanee, in whicli
the assailants lost 942 killed and
wounded, of whom 5!)() were Eu-
ropeans ; the f;"reatest loss of this de-
scription, particularly of ofllcers, that
had yet been sustained in any action
in India. On the 25th June, the
j^anison assaulted the trenches of
the besiegers, but were repulsed with
the loss of 600 men killed, wounded,
and prisoners. In this action two
battalions of sepoys fou<?ht some of
the oldest and best I'rcnch troops
with the bayonet, and foiled tliom
at that favourite Kuropcan weapon.
Two days after this sally, the iVIe-
dca frigate arrived under a tlag of
truce from Aladras at Cudalore,
brini;in«f inforniation from Lord Ma-
cartney of the eouelnsion of peace
between the two nations. A mutual
cessation of hostilities, and restora-
tion of prisoners, in consequence,
iuHuediately hntk place.
The country in the neitthbourhood
of Cudalore snilcred much durinsr
the war of 178l>, haviiui: been nearly
desolated. The inhabitants had either
peiished, or emigrated, and the vil-
laf^cs were mostly in ruins. A happy
change has since taken place, and
the iiuprovement lias been ?;rcat and
rapid. It is now comprehended in
the southern division of the Arcot
collcctorship, under the Madras pre-
sidency. {Renuel, oth Report, Bruce,
\W.)
CUDDREN. — A town in tlie pro-
vince of Sindc, situated on the route
from Hyderabad, the capital, to
Luckput Bunder, and afterwards to
Mauduvie in the Gulf of Cutch.
Lat. 24'*. 2G'. ^\
15el\\i\t this ^hcc and Luckput
'Biuidcr is a plain, over ^[Thich, in the
4
dry season, tlicre is a {^ood road, but
swampy tluring- the rains. TIk; conn-
try between Alcerpoorand this place
is but Utile cultivated, being low
marshy ground covered with bushes
of the Lye ; and the stream of the
Goonee is so narrow and shoal, that
it is not navigable further south for
boats of any description. The town
of Cuddren is small, and contains
few inhabitants. {Maxfield, §-c.)
CuDjwA. — A town in the province
of Allahabad, district of Korah. Lat.
26°. 5'. N. Long. 80°. ,-33'. E.
CuGGUR RiviR. — This river has
its source in the northern quarter of
the province of f);'lhi, from whence
it flows through the Battle country
towards the province of ^Ajmeer,
where it is now lost in tlie sands to
the west of Eatiieer, although it is
said formerly to have joined the Su-
tuleje in the vicinity of I'irozepoor.
During the lieight of the rains it
overflows its banks, and fertilizes all
the land within its influence.
CuLLATooK. — A town in the pro-
vince of Tinnevcll)% 98 miles N. E.
from Cape Comorin. Lat. 9°. 2'. N.
Long. 78°. 29'. E.
CuLLUM, (Calam). — A hilly district
in the province of Ecrar, situated
between tlu^ 20tli and 21st degrees
of north latitude, and described by
Abul Fazel, in 1582, as follows:
" Sircar Cullum, containing 31
mahals, eight of which are depend-
ent on Chanda. Revenue 32,828,00'.)
dams. I'he rcmainhig pergmniali^
are in the possession of the zemin-
dars."
CuLNA, (Klialana). — A town in the
province of Bengal, district ofBurd-
wan, 47 miles N. bv W. from Cal-
cutta. Lat. 23°. 13'". N. Long. 88°.
21'. E.
CuLNA. — A town in the pmvince
of Bengal, district of .Icssore, 70
miles li N. E. from CahMilta. Lat.
22°. 50'. N. Long. 89°. 32'. E.
CuLPEE. — See Kaupy.
CuLPEE, {CaJpi). — A town in tho
province of Bengal, district of
llooghly, situated on the cast hank
of the River Hooghlv. .33 mites be-
320
CURIPUM.
low Calcutta, and almost opposite to
Diamond Harbour. Lat. 22°. 6'. N.
Lonff. 8S°. 25'. E.
The shores here are abed of mud,
and the banks of the river t^ovored
•vvith trees and thick jungle. Op-
posite to the ancliorage of the ships,
■vviiich lie about half a mile from the
shore, is a creek, and at a mile fiom
its entrance stands the town of Cul-
pee. The crews of the sliips sta-
tioned here siiiler dreadfully from
its extrenjc unhealthiness, numbers
daily tailing sacrifices to the pesti-
lential exhalations from the rotten
jungle and mud. {Johison, ^-c.)
CuMLY, iCamala). — A fort and
town in the district of South Ca-
nara, 25 miles S. by E. from Man-
galore.
This place is situated on a high
peninsula in a salt w^ater lake, which
is separated from the sea by a spit
of sand. Two rivers fall into this
lake, and contain between them the
projection on which Cumly stands.
The g:reatcr part of this coast is oc-
cupied by a chainofsalt water lakes,
but tiie necks of land interposed
render them of little use for an in-
land navjf^ation. Tlie town contains
al)out 150 houses, the inhabitants of
which are chiefly Moplays, Mucuas,
]\iof;;ayers, and Khankhanies. The
iiiterior parts are chiefly inhabited
by the Brahmins of Tulava, and the
Bunts, or Buntar caste.
All this southern part of Tulava
formerly belonged to tiie Cumly Ra-
jah, who pretends to be a khetri
(military caste) from the north of
India, The manners and customs
of tJie family are the same with thone
of the Rajahs of Malabar, The
eldest daughter, in the female line,
continues the family. The present
rajah resides in the country, but he
has neither lands nor authority. The
country to tiie north of the Cumly
River formerly belonged to rajahs of
the Jain religion, but the last of the
Buntar Jain Rajahs was hanged by
lippoo.
'I he situation of the fort of Cumly
s very fine, aud the town Las Igr-
merly been more considcraMc. In
the rainy season both the rivers and
lakes are fresh, .and when no boat
can venture to sea might afford a
supply of fislj; tliis, however, is an
article of food which, except by per-
sons of low caste, is seldom used.
{F. Buchanan, (Sr.)
CuMOONAH. — A zemindar's mud
fort in the province of Agra, district
of Alyghur. In consequence of the
refractory conduct of tlie zemindar,
this place was besieged by a strong
British force, and a breach cfTccted
on the 19th Nov. 1807: an attempt
was then made to storm it, but the
assailants Avere driven back with
great slaughter, the loss of men and
oflicers exceeding that sustained in
many pitched battles. The impres-
sion, however, made on the garrison
was such, that they evacuated the
place during the night. This de-
scription of mud forts, when well
defended, generally cause a greater
loss to the besiegers than is sustain-
ed in the attack of more regular and
apparently stronger fortifications.
Cvn-DXP ooK,{Khandapiir). — A town
in the province of Aurungabad, be-
longing to the Nizam, 35 miles W.
S. W. from the city of Aurungabad.
Lat. 19°. 37'. N. Long. 75°. 32'. E.
CijNDWAH. — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the province of
Khandcsh, 50 miles north fiom Boor-
hanpoor. Lat. 22°. 2'. N. Long. 76^.
18'. E.
CtiPERTooL. — A town in the pro-
vince of Ijahore, situated in the
Doab of the Bcyah and Ravey
Rivers. This is a populous town,
but unfavourably situated on a bar-
ren sandy plain.
CuRACONDA, {Carakhandd), — A
town in the Northern Caniatic, dis-
trict of Pahiaud, 53 miles W, by S.
from Guntoor. Lat. 16°. 1'. N. Long.
79°. 35'. E.
CuRCONDAH. — A town in the Ni-
zam's dominions, in the province of
Hyderabad, 110 miles E. bv S. from
the city of Hyderabad. Lat. 17°.
4'. Long. 80°. 24'. Jv
CuRiPUM. — A town in the North-
CUTAKL
321
ern Circars, 45 miles N. W. from
Cicacole. Laf. 18°. 47'. N. Long.
83°. 36'. E.
CuRR.AH, {SJiara). — A small dis-
trict ill the province of Allahabad,
situated between the 25th and 26th
degrees of north latitude, and bound-
ed by the Ganges and Jumna. By
Abul Fazel, in 1582, it is described
as follows: " Sircar Currah, contain-
ing 12 mahals, uicasurenient 447,556
beegahs. Revenue 22,682,048 dams.
Seyurghal 1,4U8,862 dams, lliis sir-
car furnishes 390 infantry, and 8700
cavalry."
The country between the Ganges
and the Goonity, from Currah to
Benares, on the east side, abounds
with su jee muttoe, a species of earth
impregnated with alkali, from one
to three inches thick, which is pared
off at the close of the rainy sea:.on,
and sold to the soap manufacturers
at Allahabad and Benares. (^Ahd
Fazel, Williamson, (^r.)
Currah. — A town in the province
of Allahabad, situated on the S. W,
side of the Ganges, 45 miles N. W.
from Allahabad. Lat. 25°. 41'. N.
Long. 81°. 24'. E.
This place extends a mile along
the banks of the Ganges, on the
summit of which there is an old fort
in ruins. There is also here a new
one with a stone gateway, but un-
finished. There are many Hindoo
temples, in the largest of which is
an image of Mahadeva, with a bull
looking at him.
The Emperor Acber removed the
residence of the soubahdar from this
place to Allahabad, but the decay
of Currah is said to have been hast-
ened by the Nabob of Oude, Asoph
ud Dowlah, who demolished many
of the buildings to procure stone for
his buildings at Lucknow, from
which it is distant 93 miles. {Lord
Valentia, Toinant, Reanel, Sc.)
CuRRODE. — A town in tlie pro-
vince of Orissa, belonging to inde-
pendent native chiefs, 33 miles E.
by N. from Bustar. Lat. 19°. 52'.
M. Long. 83°. 18'. E.
CL'RRt'CDEAH,(Ouat'c/e^). — A town
Y
in tlie province of Bahar, district of
Monghir, 100 miles S. E. by S. from
Patna. Lat. 24°. 26'. N. Long. 86°.
13'. E.
CuRRUCKPooR. — A town in the
province of Bahar, district of Mon-
ghir, 83 miles E. S. E. from Patna.
Lat. 25°. 8'. N. Long. 86°. 32'. E.
I'o the N. W. of this place there iS a
hilly district, containing hot wells.
CuRRUMASs. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, situated on the west
side of the Ganges, 70 miles S. E.
from the city of Delhi. Lat. 28°.
20'. N. Long. 78°. 14'. E.
CuRRYBARY, (Caiivati). — A small
frontier district in Bengal, to tlie
east of the Brahmapootra, composed
of lauds originally dismembered from
Cooch Bahar and Assam. The sur-
face of the coimtry is mountainous,
much covered with jungle, and but
very thinly inhabited..
CuRUMAH — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Ramgur,
82 miles S. S. E. from Patna, Lat.
24°. 29'. N. Long. 85°. 43'. E.
CuRYPUM, (Caribhum). — A town
possessed by independent rajahs in
the province of Orissa, 103 miles
W. by N. from Ganjam. Lat. 19°.
40°. N. Long. 83°. 47'. E.
CusTEE. — A town in the province
of Bengal, distiict of Raujeshy, 52
miles E. S. E. from Moorshadalaad.
Lat. 23° 4'- N. Long. 89° 3. E.
During the rainy season there is a
passage for boats past this to the
llooghly River.
CuTAKi. — A small iovni in the
province of North Canara, above
the Western Ghauts. Lat. 14°. 52'.
N. Long. 74°. 48'. E. The inhabit-
ants of this neighbourhood are most
Haiga Brahmins, and are a very in-
dustrious class of men, who perform
all agricultural labours with their
own hands, \\hen this part of the
country was first ceded to the Bri-
tish, it was much infested by robbers
from the Maharatta country, who
are now extirpated. "VVhcn the ap-
proach of these robbers was known,
the Brahmins, and the other peace-
able inhabilitiits, used to retire from
3-22
CUTCII.
their houses with ihtir effects, ami
concealed themselves in the forest
even during- the rainy season. Pes-
tilence, or beasts of prey, are eeiitle
compared \n ith Hindoo robbers, who,
in order to discover concealed pro-
perty, put to the torture all who fall
into their hands. {F. BucJiaiian, SiT.)
CiiTCH, {CacJiha). — A i)rovince in
the south-western extremity of Hin-
dostan, sitnalcd principally between
the 23d and 2411) ds^rees of north
latitude. To the nortli it is bounded
by a sandy desert and the province
of Sindy ; to the south by the Culf
of Cutch ; to the east it has Gujrat,
and to the west Tatta, from which
it is separated by tlie most eastern
branch of the Indus. The limits of
Cutch to the north are not accurately
defined, but it may be estimated at
110 miles in lenotli, by 70 the ave-
rage breadth. Abul Tazel, in 1582,
describes it as follo\\ s :
" To the west of Gujrat is a very
large separate terntory called Cutch,
the length of which is 250 coss,
and the breadth 100 coss. The
tcrritoiy of Sindy lies to the west of
Cutch. The greatest part of Cutch
is composed of woods and uncul-
tivated sands. The horses are fine,
and supposed to be of Arabian ex-
traction ; and the camels and goats
are also remarkably good. The ca-
])ital city is Tahij, which has two
.strong forts, Jhareh and Kunkcttc."
The province of Cutch continues,
as described by Abul Fazel, barren
and- unproductive, the interior re-
maining almost unknown. It is jjos-
sesscd by vu ions independent chiefs,
many of whom boast of their inde-
pendence, and pretend that since the
beginning of the world they liaAc
never been conquered ; for which, if
true, they are indebted to the natural
strength and sterility of the countiy.
They also boast that their sway once
extended over all Gujrat. On the
south coast of the Gulf of Cutch is
a district inhabited by a i)iratical
tribe, named Sanganians, who cruize
for merchant ships sometimes as far
west as tiie entrance of the Gulf of
Persia. The Hindoo pirates about
the Gulf of Cutch are also frequently
named Caba.
The chief town known to Euro-
peans is Boogebooge, which is si-
tuated inland ; the principal sea ports
are JMuddi and Mandavie. The
princijial cxj)ort is cotton to Bom-
bay, also some ghee and grain ; the
chief imjiorts are sugar, pepper, raw
silk, and piece goods. The cotton
produced in this province is con-
sidered of an inferior quality. The
exports from Cutch to Sinde are cot-
ton, snuft', uuwrought iron, produc-
ed in Cutch, and the small Arabian
aloe.
Cutch, like the adjacent countries,
is inhabited by a great many pre-
datory tribes, who all claim a Raj-
j)oot origin, although many of them
ha\-e since adopted the Mahommed-
an faith. This change of reUgion
is not unconnnon in this quarter of
India, Iheie being now few tribes
of Rajpoots in Cutch that has not
partially, and, in some cases, uni-
versally adopted the Mahommcdan
religion. Such are the Sodas, Ja-
dows, Muckwanas, Puimars, Myras,
and many others.
There is a Vunun Sunker tribe,
settled in Cutch, and also in various
parts of Gujrat and the Deccan,
whose modern occupations consist
chiefly in selling milk and day la-
bouring. Although of so low a caste,
they were the Janooec, or distin
guishing string of the higher tribes
of Hindoos, and pretend to be de-
scended from the khetri, or military
class. The province, generally, is
biit little cultivated, and very thinly
populated.
Futteh IMahommed, the present
Zemmadar of Cutch, is of Baloochee
extraction, and has endeavoured to
secure the friendships of the Ameers
of Sinde to support his usurj)ed au-
tiiority. In this he is countenanced
by the latter, who demand the town
and district of Luckput Bunder as
the price of their favour. {Rennel,
Maxficld, Drummond, Wilford, MSS.
4-c.)
CUTTACK.
323
CuTCH (lUNDAVA. — A district in
the province of Balloucliistan, si-
tnaled at the bottom of the moun-
tains l.>iiig' S. E. of Kehit, and is
about iaO miles in length, by 40 or
60 in breadth. The soil is rich,
black, and loamy ; and every species
of <;^rain is cultivated, as also cotton,
indigo, madder, &c. It rains in
June, Jul\, and August, and also a
little in the spring months. The si-
moom, or pestilential wind, blows
here during the summer montiis, and
is very destructive, even to tlie na-
tives. Great (juantitics of grain arc
exported from Cutch Gundava to the
sea ports of Corachie and Sonmeany,
IVom whence it is shipped to Muscat,
the coast of INlckran, &,c, To the
northward of this district lies Anund
Dijil, The climate is good, and the
soil excellent, producing a large re-
venue to the Khan of Kelat. {Kin-
iiier, (S'c.)
Cutch, Gulf of, (Cach'ha, a low
Maritime Country). — An arm of the
sea on the west coast of India, which
bounds the Gujrat Peninsula on the
west, and has the province of Cutch
on the north. A considerable trade
is carried from this gulf to Bombaj',
principally in cotton; but the inha-
bitants of the coast have been, from
time iumiemorial, so addicted to pi-
racy, that an unarmed vessel is not
tt» be (rusted within the reach of
their cruizers. Tt has consequently
been but little iVetjuented by Euro-
peans, and remains but imperfectly
explored- The upper part" is de-
scribed by the natives as full of
shoals and rocks.
CuTCHWAR A, (Cach'chwara)- — A
district in the province of Malwah,
situated about the 25th degree of
north latitude, and mostly in the oc-
cupation of, or triimtary to the Mal-
wah Maharattas. It is intersected
by the Gillysinde Fiivcr. The chief
towns are Dewagur aiul Sooneb
CuTCHUBAUUV, {Cac/iabati) A
town in the Bootan country, situated
to the north of Kangamatty in Ben-
gal- Lat. 26°. 42'. .N- Long. 90°.
9'. E-
Y 2
CuTTACK, (Catac). — A large dis-
trict in the province of Orissa, si-
tuated pnncipally between the 20tli
and 22d degrees of north latitude.
To the north it is bouiulcd by Mid-
napoor and Mohurbunge ; on the
south by the Circars ; on the east it
has the Baj' of Bengal ; and on the
west dift'erent small states in the in-
terior of Orissa- In length it may
be estimated at 150 miles, by 60 the
average breadth -
The country between Gaintee and
Bamori is the finest part of Orissa,
and is inhabited by a great many
weavers, who manufacture muslins
in pieces, chiefly for turbans. Be-
tween Alter and Aurungabad there
are some fine and productive vallies. '
From Arickpoor to Cuttack the land
is arable, but interspersed with
bushes, and not thoroughly culti-
vated. The Mahanuddy Biver, in
passing through this country, often
changes its name from the vicinity
of different towns and villages, I'Jiere
is very little gold and silver circula-
tion iij this province, the rents being
chiefly paid in cowries.
The tract of country between tlie
Byturnee Nullah, and the Gajijam
River, extending about 15 miles on
each side of the temple of Jugger-
nauth, to tJie north and south, is the
holy land of Juggernauth. The in-
habitants of this portion of territory
are exempt from the taxes, which
the Hindoos pay for access to the
town and temple, except during the
Ruth and Dole Jattrics, when they
are liable to a small tax. They found
their claim for exception on some
sacred texts and immemorial usage.
This country is tolerably well
watered, having, besides the Maha-
nuddy and Bonnee rivers, and their
branches, many small streams. It
has, however, so recently escaped
from the iron government of the
Mahaialtas, that a great extent of
land still remains in a state of na-
ture. The chief towns arc Cuttack,
Juggernauth, Buddruck, and now
Balasore, recently attached to it.
This province was ceded by tlie
324
DACCA JELALPOOR.
Maliaratta Risjali of Nasfpoor to liic
British in 1803, during the achniiiis-
tration of the Marquis Welleslcy, on
which event it Avas subdivided into
two di^lricls, vi/. tlie northern, nam-
ed Balasore; and the soullicm, nam-
ed Juogrrnauth. Compared with
other districts, of which the popula-
tion is known, we may estimate tlie
inJiabitaiils of Cutlaek. at about
1,200,000, almost wholly professing
the Brahminical Hindoo doctrines,
the Mahommedans not having ob-
tained proper possession of this re-
gion until the middle of the 181h
century. (Parliameniarij Reports,
1st and 2d Registers, Leckic, C. Bu-
chanan, ^T.)
CuTTACK. — A town in the district
of Cuttaek, province of Orissa. Lat.
20°. 31'. N. Long. 86° 10'. E.
This town is built on a neck of
land washed by the JMahaiuiddy and
Guujoory Rivers, and is a place of
consequence, as it lies in the only
road between Bengal and the North-
ern Circars. Near Cuttaek the JMa-
hanuddy is about two miles from
bank to bank in the rains, but in the
dry season it is fordable at Jess than
three feet of water. The countiy
aroujul the town is so lo\v, that in
the rainy season it is under water for
a circuit of 10 miles, and the sta-
tion is, on the whole, reckoned un-
healthy. The fort is named Bara-
buttee, and stands about a mile
N. W. from Cuttaek.
TraveUing distance from Calcutta
251 miles ; from Nagpoor 482 ; from
Hyderabad 651 ; from ^Madras 779 ;
and from Delhi, 902 miles, {Ren-
7iel, Upton, \st Register, (Sc.)
CuTTFRAH. — A lown in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Barcily,
40 miles S. E. from the tow n of Ra-
reilv. Lat. 28°. 3'. N. Long. 79°.
37' E.
This plare lias now the appear-
ance of a large and ruinous \illage,
very thinly inhabited in proporlion
to its size. Here was foughl a tle-
cisive baMle in 1774, in whicli Sujali
ud Dowlrth, with the assistance ul
lhc British forces, defeated tin* Ro-
hillahs, and afterwards subdued Ko-
hiicund as far north as the Lolldong
Pass. Hafez Rehmut, the principal
Rohillah chief, was slain in this ac-
tion, and the Rohillahs annihilated
as an independent stale. {Tcnnant,
CuTTUB MiNAR. — A remarkable
pillar situated nine miles south, and
16 degrees west from Delhi. Its
base is a polygtm of 27 sides, and
rises in a circular form. The exte-
rior part is tinted into 27 semi-eir-
cnlar and angular divisions. There
are four balconies in the height of
the building. The lirsi is at 90 feet,
the second at 140, the third at 180,
and the fom'th at 203 feet. An ir-
regular spiral staircase leads from
the bottom 1o the summit of the
Miliar, which is crowned with a ma-
jestic cupola of red granite. The
entire height of the pillar is 242 feet.
This monument appears to have
been intended for a minaret to a
stupendous mosque, which never
Mas completed. The tomb of Cut-
tub Shah, at whose expense the ^li-
nar is reported to have been erect-
ed, stands a few hnndred yards to
the westward. Ciittub Shah ascend-
ed the Delhi throne A. D. 120-5, and
died in 1210, after a reign of only
five years, and on his decease a stop
was probably put to the building.
We have reason, tliereforc, to be-
lieve, that this pillar has stood above
GOO years. (Blunt, S,r.)
CurwA. — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of Burdwan, 75
miles N. N. AV. from Calcutta. Lat.
23° 37. N. Long. 88°. 10'. E.
D.
Dabl'L, (Davalaya, the Temple). —
A town bcionging to the Maharatta
I'eshwa, in the province of liejapoor.
district of Concan, 80 miles south
from Bombay. Lat. 17°. 45'. N.
Long. 72°. 56. E.
Dacca Jelalpoor, {DMca Jahl-
DACCA JELALPOOll.
.325
pur). — A ilisljict in tlic raslein quar-
ter of the province of Bengal, situ-
ated prineipnlly between the 23(1
and "2 till dei'rees of norlli latitude.
Mo the north it is hounded by .My-
nuuisinjrh ; on Uic soutii by llie dis-
trict of Ba(ker^in{;c; on tiie eas' it
has Tipperah ; and on the west Rau-
jcshy and Jessore.
Prior to the new arrangement this
district was the hu!;e.st and one of
the liiost valnabli! in Beiisjal. It
tlu-n comprised lo,397 British square
miles, sul)divided into a number of
small zeniindarics, and v as reckoned
the {|;ranary of rice for J5engal— -a
ilistinction it still retains. Its other
jtroductions are betel nut and a spe-
cies of cotton called banga, neces-
sar}-, though not of a very superior
(piality, to form the slripes of the
iinest mushns; for which the city of
Oacea has long been celebrated.
Before the separation of some of its
districts, this division of Bejigal
stretched as far south as the sea, at
the mouths of the Ganges and Brali-
inapootia, and extended northerly
lo the Ganow Mountains.
The Dacca district being inter-
sected by two of the largest rivers in
the world and their branches, is sub-
ject annually to considerable changes
in the boundaries of estates, large
portions from the impetuosity of the
torrents being transferred from one
side of the river to the other, occa-
sioning iidinite trouble to the reve-
nue ollicers, and loss to the govern-
ment. 'I'hese animal inundatious,
however, have a beuclicial efleet in
fertilizing the land in the vicinity ;
Jiol withstanding which circumstance,
there is no district in Bengal has
more jungle and was(e land; the
whole of which is claimed us the pro-
])erty of individuals, v\ho, though
they receive no profit iioni it, and are
too indolent themselves to make it
productive of any, will not suffer
others to bring it into a state of cul-
tivation A\ith(mt some recompense
being paid to them.
Plain muslins, dislingnished by
various names according to the fine-
ness and closeness of the lexturp, as
well as flowered, striped, or che-
quered muslins, are faiiricatcd chielly
in this district. 'J'he northern parts
of Benares furnish both plaia and
llovvered muslins, which art) not ill
adapted for common uses, though in-
capable of sustaining any coin, efi-
tion with the beaut iliil and iiiiini-
tal)lc labrics of Dacca. Dimities,
of various kinds and patterns, and
cloths resembling diaper and damask
linen, are also made in this district.
'J'he export, however, of tlu; above
staple articles has of late years much
decreased; and the art of manufac-
turing some of the very finest species
of muslins is in danger of being lost,
the orders for them being so few,
that many of the families who pos-
sess, by liereditary instniction, the
method of fabricating them, iiave
desisted, on account of the difficulty
they afterwards experience in dis-
posing of them.
The rivers and branches of rivers
in this district are bcjond number;
and, during the height of the rainy
season, it is nearly wholly submerged,
exhibiting the appearance of an in-
land sea, intcrsj)eiscd with trees and
villages. 'Jlie principal towns are
Dacca, Nanaingunge, iSunergong,
and Kajanagur.
During the Mahommedan govern-
ment the Dac<'a province was ruled
by a loujdar, the last of whom, prior
to our acquisition, was Sliahamut
Jung Nowazish .Mahommed Khan,
a nephew and son-in-lavy of Aliverdi
Khan. He ^^ as at once dewan of
the whole soubah of Bengal, and
Nawab Naziin of Dacca, with all the
provinces to the eastward. It w as
in search of the Ireasun-s amassed
by his deputy, Baj Bullnb, and sup-
posed to ha\ e been concealed by his
son, Krishna Das, when he took re-
fuge in Calcutta, thatSeraj ud Dow-
lah commenced the war, wliicli for
him ended so fatally. During the
two years soubahdarry of the Nabob
Jadier Khan, after the expulsion of
Cossim Ali Khan, j\lahomnied Hcza
Khan acted as naib at Dacca.
326
DACCi\.
In 1801, by the directions of the
Marquis Wellesley, then governor-
f^eneral, the board of revenue in
Bengal circulated various queries to
the collectors of the different districts
on statistical subjects. The result
of their replies tended to prove that
the Dacca Jelalpoor district, in
its existing dimensions, contained
938,712 inhabitants, in the propor-
tion of 14| Mahommedans to 13
Hindoos, an unusual excess. (J.
Gi'ant, ColeJn-ooke, i^it.)
Dacca, (Dhaca). — A large city in
Bengal, the capital of the eastern
division of that province, Lat. 23°.
42'. N. Long. 90°. 17'. E.
This place is situated bej'ond the
principal stieani of the Ganges, but
a very large branch of that river runs
past it. Few situations are better
calculated for inland eonnnerce than
Dacca, as its river communicates
with all the inland navigations by a
direct course. It hes about 100
miles above the mouth of the Ganges,
and 180 by road from Calcutta ; but
the journey by water, on account of
the circuitous route and twistings
of the rivers, occupies from one to
two weeks, and the space gone over
probably exceeds 400 miles.
Dacca succeeded to Sunergong as
the provincial capital of the eastern
quarter of Bengal, and is the third
city of the province in point of ex-
tent and population. The country
around it lying low, and being al-
ways covered with verdure during
the dry months, it is not subject to
such violent heats as Benares, Patua,
and other places in Bahar. The un-
healthy season is from the 20th of
August to the 10th of October ; dur-
ing which period the rivers are sub-
siding, and the inundation draining
off the laud. On the whole, how-
ever, it is one of the healthiest and
most i)k'asant stations in Bengal.
It manufactures and exports great
quantities of the finest muslins, in
the delicacy and beauty of which fa-
bric it surpasses the whole world.
A considerable proportion of the cot-
ton is produced in the district, but a
great deal is also received from
Patna.
That Dacca is a city comparatively
modern is proved by its not being
mentioned by Abul Fazel, at least
under that name in the Ayeen Ac-
berry. In A.D. lisoS the seat of
government was removed from Raje-
mal to the city of Dacca by the then
governor-general of Bengal, Islam
Khan, who, in compliment to the
reigning emperor, changed its name
to Jehangire Nuggur. Here he
built a i)alace and brick fort, some
remains of which are still to be
found. The transfer of the seat of
governmentwas probably occasioned
by the ravages then perpetrating in
the south-eastern quarter by the
Mughs of Aracan, and the Portu-
guese pirates under Sebastian Gon-
zales. In 1657 Meer Jumla, the
gi-eat general of Aurengzebe, pur-
sued the unfortunate Sultan Shujah
to this place, and again constituted
it the metropolis, the seat of govern-
ment having been for some years
previous transferred to Rajemal.
It is related that, during the se-
cond government of the Ticeroy
Shaista Khan, rice was so cheap at
Dacca, that 640 pounds might be
had in the market for one nipee.
To commemorate tliis event, as he
was leaving Dacca in 1689, he or-
dered the western gate to be built
up, and an inscription placed there-
on, forbidding any future governor to
open it until he had reduced the
price to as cheap a rate. In conse-
quence of this injunction it remained
shut until the government of Serfe-
raz Khan in 1739.
During the Mogul government the
naval establishment at Dacca con-
sisted of 768 armed cruizers, sta-
tioned principally in this district to
guard the southern coast from the
ravages of the Araeaners, and occa-
sionally to add splendour to religious
and other ceremonies. In this quar-
ter of Bengal the veneration of the
Hindoos for the tutelary deities of
their rivers and waters is extieme,
and their ceremonies in honour of
DA MA UN.
327
them exlul)il a device (tf checrful-
ii(\ss and animation nnknown else-
mImic. TIk; (klii;Iit tlioy sn'in to
iTfcive from tlioir a<|uati(; iKnnis has
inllncMiccd (lie jMaiiomnK'ihjns, in
many lespccls, to imitate tht-m; tlje
lattor assig;ninj^ the supeiintcndance
of the Hoods to Khaujoh Klii/zcr,
snpi)oscd to be tlie proplict Elias.
For the support of the lleet the land
revennc of several districts was as-
signed, amounting to ah(jnt 30,000
rupees per month, bein;"- tlie expense
of the boats and their crews, of whom
nearly 1000 were cuuntry-born Por-
tuguese. Towards the end of the
17th centniy this city w;is the resi-
dence of Azim Ushaun, A urengzebe's
grandson, who conmiencedand near-
ly linished a magnificent and exten-
sive i)alacc, now in ruins.
Prior to 1790 Dacca possessed one
of these enormous and useless guns,
not uncommon in the Deccan and
south of India, It was made of
hammered iron, being an immense
tube of 14 bars, with rings driven
over them, and beaten down to a
smooth surface, so that its appear-
ance was very good, althongli its
proportions were faulty. From its
size this gun must have weighed
64,814 pounds, or about the v\'eight
of 1 1 32-pounders, 'I'he weight of
an iron shot for the gun must have
exceeded 400 pounds ; but the ex-
periment of discharging it was pro-
bably never tried.
The present town of Dacca stands
on a great deal oi' ground, and, in-
cluding the sulnubs, extends six
miles along the banks of the river ;
but its breadth is not in proportion.
Like other native towns, it is a mix-
ture of brick and thatch houses, with
very nanow and crooked streets.
'J^he latter description of houses being
of very combustible materials are
generally burned itnce, and some-
times twice, per annum; mid are
viewed, while burning, liy their own-
ers with an apathy truly Asiatic.
Into large earthen pots, sunk in the
lloor, they throw the few valuables
they possess; and mats, thatch, and
bamboos being plenty, the cxpcndi-
tme of a lew rupees replaces their
editiee in all its original splendour.
These tires generally originate with
the owners o[' the house-building
materials; and when a ll<'et of boats,
loaded with them, arrives, a eontla-
gratioji may be cKpected to ensure
a ready sale, Tiie city still conti-
nues very populous, allhongh it sul-
fercd considerably, a|)parently re-
mote as it is, by the French revolu-
tion, its beautiful fabrics having been
in great recpust at the old French
court. The number of inhabitants
may be estimated to exceed 150,000,
of whom more than one-half are of
the Mahommedan persuasion.
Dacca is the iiead-(piarters of the
court of circuit for the eastern divi-
sion of Bengal, m hich comprehends
the following districts, viz, 1. M3-
munsingh; 2. Silhet^ 3. Tipperah ;
4, Chittagong ; .5. Rackergunge; 6.
Dacca Jelalpoor; and 7. The city of
Dacca.
Travelling distance from Delhi
1107 miles. {Rennel, Stewart, J.
G'rant, oth Report, S'c.)
Dalmow. — A town in the pro-
vince of ( )Hde, situated on the N. E.
side of the Ganges, 47 miles from
Lucknow. Lat. 26°. 3'. N. Long.
81°. 3'. E. On the banks of the ri-
ver here are several handsome pago-
das and ghauts, and also a fort of
some extent, 'i'his was the birth-
place of Hajah Tickait lloy, and or-
namented by him.
Dalapiri. — (.)ne of the small Phi-
lil)pine Islands, about 30 miles in
circumference, lying ilue north from
the large island of l^uzon, or Luco-
nia. Lat. 1D°. 15'. N. Long, 121°.
20'. E.
Dam ARAN. — An island about 45
miles in circumlerencc, two leagues
distant from the Jshuid of l*alawan.
Lat. 10°. .5', \. Long. 110°. 50', E,
Damaun, — A sea-port in the pro-
vince of Aurungauad, 100 miles
north Iron) IJombay. Lat, 20°. 22'.
N, Long. 73°, 1', i:.
The Portuguese reduced this place
so carlv as 1531, and il still remains
328
DARWAR.
in their possession. It makes a con-
spicuous figxiie from the sea, the
houses and churches being in gene-
ral white; but the commerce is now
much reduced. Ship-building, to a
considerable extent, is carried on
here, the teak forests being at no
great distance. In 1800 a ship, cop-
pered and equipped for sea in the
JEuropean style, cost about 141. ster-
ling per ton. The Windham, of 840
tons, was launched here in 1808.
The harbour is very commodious for
vessels of a small size, there being
nearly 17 feet water over the bar.
(Cox, Elmore, Malet, Bruce, ^-c.)
Dampier's Straits. — These straits
separate the Wageeoo Isles from the
Jslantl of Battanta, and have from
12 to 40 fathoms water through the
passage.
Damsong. — A town in Northern
Hindostan, in the province of Boo-
tan, situated on tlie east side of the
Teesta, or Yo Sanpoo River. Lat.
27°. 5'. N. Long. 8»°. 9'. E.
Dandar. — A district in the pro-
vince of Giijrat, situated about the
25th degree of north latitude. It
is occupied by independent native
chiefs, and is but little known to
Europeans, having been but imper-
fectly explored.
Daoud. — A town belonging to the
Maharattas, in the province of Mal-
wah, 85 miles W. from Oojain. Lat.
23°. -/. N. Long. 74°. 26'. E.
Daoudcaundy. — A small town in
the province of Bengal, district of
Tipperah, 25 miles S.E. from Tiacca.
Lat. 23°. 30'. N. Long. 93° 36'. E.
In the rainy season there is a passage
from Dacca toConiillah by this place,
on the River Goouipty.
Daoudnagur. — A town in the
province of Bahar, district of Baliar,
61 miles S. W. by S. from Patna.
Lat. 25°. 6'. N. Long. 84°. 27'. E.
Daranagur. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, .dtuated on the east
side of the Ganges, 68 miles N. E.
from Delhi. Lat. 29°. 16'. N. Long.
78°. 4'. E.
Daraporam, (Dhamapuram). —
A town situated on the River Ama-
rawati, in the province of South
Coimbetoor, 132 miles S. E. from
Seringapatara. Lat. 10°. 45'. N.
Long. 77°. 40'. E. At this place
there is a large mud fort ; and in the
vicinity are two fine canals, tliat wa-
ter much rice land, in a good state
of cultivation. The principal article .
cultivated is tobacco, and a crop of
grain is also procured afterwards
from the same ground. This place
was taken from Tippoo by the south-
ern army in June, 1783, but restored
to Tippoo at the peace of 1784. (i^.
Buchanan, Fullarton, ^e.)
Darmapooram, {Dharmap^iram,
the City of Justice). — A town in the
province of Banamahal, 103 E. by
S. from Seringapatam. Lat. 12°. 1 1'.
N. Long. 78°. 21'. E.
Darra, (Dhara). — A town in the
province of Bahar, district of Mong-
hir, 84 miles N. W. from Moorshe-
dabad. Lat. 24°. 43'. N. Long.
87°. 4'. E.
Darwar, (Dharvar). — A district
in the Nizam's dominions, in the pro-
vince of Auningabad, situated be-
tween the 18th and 19th degrees of
north latitude. The chief towns are
Darwar (named also Futteabad) and
Renapoor.
Darwar, {or Futteabad). — A town
in the province of Aurungabad, 85
miles south from the city of Aurun-
gabad, the capital of the abo\'e dis-
trict. Lat. 18°. 40'. N. Long. 76°
35'. E.
Darwar. — A fortified town, be-
longing to the Poonah INIaharattas,
in the province of Bejapoor, named
by the Mahommedans Nasserabad.
Lat. 15°. 36'. N. Long. 75°. E.
In 1784 Tippoo compelled the
MaJiaratJas to cede Darwar to him,
with other forts and districts, he
agreeing to pay tribute for them.
In 1790 it smrenilered to the Maha-
ratta army, under Purseram Bhow,
assisted by three battalions of Bom-
bay sepoys, who bore the whole brunt
of the siege, which lasted 29 weeks.
It is a veiy strong place, though not
a regular fortification; the ditches
are particularly good. The town i^
DECCAN.
321)
to the southward of the fort extend-
ing eastward, and inclosed hy a
weak wall and ditch. It was almost
destroyed during the sicp;e, and the
surrounding' country totally ilcvas-
tated by the jMaharaUas, piior to
which it was ricli and well ciilli-
vated. {Bloor, ^-c.)
Dauli River. — A river in North-
ern Hiudostan, in the province oF
Serinagur, which, after a short course,
joins the Alacauanda at \ishnu-
prayaga, one of the Hindoo holy
junctions. It is also named the Sati.
Davanagiri. — A town in the My-
sore province, district of Chittel-
droogh. Lat. 14°. 24'. N. Long. 76°.
2'. E. This is a place of consider-
able trade, containing above 500
houses, with a small mud fort in the
centre. The staple commodity of
the Chitteldroogh district consists of
a kind of blanket, called cumlies,
which in their fabric greatly resemble
English camlets. They are four
cubits broad, by 12 long, and form
a piece of dress whicii the natives of
Karnata almost universally wear.
'I'hey are not dyed, but are of the
natural colour of the wool, which,
in the fine unes, is almost always a
good black. The great excellence
of tiiese blankets is their power of
turning rain.
The chief trade of Davanagiri is
with Wallajahpetta, near Arcot.
The goods carried from hence are
betel mit and pepper, and the re-
turns are articles from Madras, im-
ported tiom Europe, China, Bengal,
and the Eastern Islands; together
with salt, and a few of the manu-
factures of the Coromandel Coast.
{F. Buchanan, Stc.)
Davis Isle. — A small island, one
of the Philipijines, about 40 miles in
circumference, situated about the
r24th degree of east longitude, close
to the Island of Bool.
Deargoun. — A district in the pro-
vince of Assam, famous for a temple
of Sadasin (Sedasiva). This is an
elevated country, on the banks of
one of the principal branches of the
Brahmapootra, {Wade, 5e.)
Debalpoor, (Devalaynpura). — A
small district in the province of
Mooltan, situated about the 3 1st
degree of north latitude. It is in-
tersected by the Beyah and Sutulejo
Fivers, being partly in the Doabeh
Barry, and pa'tly in the Doabeh
Jallinder. The chief town is De-
balpoor. In 1582 Abul I'azel de-
sciilies this district as follows :
" Sircar Debal|)Oor, containing 29
mahals; measurement, 1,443,767
becgahs; revenue, 129,334,153 dams.
Seyurghal, 2,079,170 dams. This
sircar furnishes 5210 cavalry, and
53,300 infanti-j ."
Debalpoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of INIooltan, 80 miles S. by
W. from Lahore, the capital of a
small district of the same name.
Lat. 30°. 43'. N. Long. 73°. 41'. E.
Deb Rawell. — A small town in
the province of Mooltan, 120 miles
S. by E. from the city of jNIooltan.
Lat. 2b°. 56'. N. Long. 71°. 46'. E.
Deccan, {Dakshina). — This term
means the South, and was fonnerly
applied, by Hindoo geographers, to
the w hole of those countries which
are situated to the south of the River
Nerbuddah; but the fixed posses-
sions of the Mahommedans having,
for many centuries after their inva-
sion of the Deccan, extended no
further south than the River Krish-
na, the name of Deccan came to
signify, in Hindostan, the countries
situated between those two rivers
only ; and such is the popular ac-
ceptation of its southern limit at the
present day. The countries to the
south of the Krishna may be de-
scribed under the appellation of the
South of India; for though along
with the Deccan, it has been im-
properly termed a peninsula, an
equal-sided triangle nnich more re-
sembles their figure.
When Aurengzebe liad completed
the conquest of the Deccan, in 1690,
it was subdix ided into six soubahs
or viceroy allies; viz.
1. Khandcsh, (capital) Boorhan-
poor.
2. Auruugabad, or Almiedniig-
330 ^ DECCAN.
gur, lately the capital of the Nizam
Shahee dynasty.
3. Beder, or Kalbergjah, the an-
cient capital of the Bhanienee sul-
tans.
4. Hyderabad, including Nandere,
the seat of the late Golcondah or
Kootuhshahee dynasty.
5. Bejapoor, the capital of the
Adil Shahy dynasty.
6. The province of Berar.
In these extensive regions the
chief part of tlie i)opxdation is Hin-
doo, especially of those provinces
which are under the Maharatta go-
venunent. There is a considerable
Mahomniedan population under the
dominion of the Nizam, but those
who arc cultivators have nearly
adopted all the manners and customs
of the Hindoos. Not only the prin-
cipal towns and cities, but many of
the larger description of villages, are
as abundantly supplied witli Eu-
ropean majiufactures of every sort
as the natives require. They are
provided by a race of men who pur-
chase these commodities at Bombay,
and retail them all over the Deccan.
They consist generally of woollens,
English chintzes, knives, scissars,
razors, spectacles, looking glasses,
small prints, and difi'crent sorts of
hardware. But the great mass of
the population have not the means,
even if they had the wish, of pur-
chasing any considerable proportion
of European goods. Any sui-plus
that remains, after the supply of
their immeiiiate necessities, is al-
ways expended in their festivals,
mairiages, and religious ceremo-
nies.
The Deccan is mentioned, by the
author of the Circumnavigation of
the Erytlirean Sea, as one of the di-
visions of the Indian Continent.
His words are, " From Barygaza
(supposed to be Broach, or Brign-
goslia) the continent stretches to
the south; hence that district is
called Dachinabades, for, in the lan-
guage of the country, the south is
<;>!!<'d Dachaiios."
The lirst independent sovereign
of the Deccan was Sultan Alia ad
Deen Houssun Kangoh Bhamenee,
A. D. 1437, whose capital was Kal-
bergah. He died A. D. 1357, and
was succeeded by
Mahommed Shah Bhamenee, who
died A. D. 1374. This was the fust
Mahommedan prince on record who
employed a tiain of artillery in tlie
Deccany wars, worked by Turks
and Europeans.
Mujahid Shah Bhamenee, assas-
sinated in 1377. This monarch pe-
netrated to Ramisseram, in the
Straits of Ceylon, but did not re-
tain permanent possession of the
country he had overrun.
Daoud Shah Bhamenee, assassi-
nated in 1378.
Mahmood Bhamenee diedin 1396.
Gheas ud Deen Bhamenee de-
throned and blinded in 1396.
Shums ud Deen Bhamenee de-
throned and blinded in 1396.
Feroze Roze Afzoon Bhamenee
dethroned by his brother, who suc-
ceeded him in 1422.
Ahmed Shah Wallee Bhamenee
died 1434.
Allah ud Deen the Second died
1467.
Humayoon Shah Bhamenee died
in 1460.
Nizam Shall Bhamenee died in
1462.
IMahommed Shah Bhamenee died
in 1482.
Mahmood Shah Bhamenee died
in 1518, in confinement, and with
him terminated the Bhamenee dy-
nasty, although several other pageant
monarchs of that family were placed
on the throne. On the dissolution
of this empire, the Deccan was sub-
divided into the tbllowing kingdoms,
which will be found described under
their respective heads ; viz.
The Bejapoor, or Adil Shahee.
The Golcondah, or Kootub Shahee.
The Berar, or Ummaud Shahee.
The Ahmednuggur, or Nizam
Shahee.
The Beeder, or Bereed Shahee.
Aurengzcbc, while viceroy of the
Deccan under his fatlier. Shah Je-
DEHINDAH.
331
hail, greatly cmlailcd the tenitories
of (Ik; rcniainiiijj Patau princes of
the Dcccaii, and aflcr lie ascended
the throne, ho suitdiicd the whole ;
•when his wars with the !\laharattas,
then springinsj; inlo nolicc, coni-
meneed, and gave him i'ldi occupa-
tion for the rest of his lif<'. IJis per-
severance was so gi< at, that towards
the conclusion of his nis^n, haAiiig
taken most of the Maliarafta for-
tresses, they were left without any
resource but plunder, but their num-
bers continued to increase. Many
of the powerful and disaffected ze-
mindars joined them, so that their
predatory forces were estimated at
100,000 horse. At the same time,
in spite of Aurengzcbe's vigilance
and habits of business, the Mogul
army began to fall olf, both in spirit
and discipline. The imperial no-
bility, deprived of the revenue of
their jaghires by the Maharatta de-
vastations, had recourse to false
musters, and did not keep up half
their complement of men and horses.
Owing to this, detachments could
not be dispersed in pursuit of the
marauders; and the grand army,
being constantly employc^d in sieges,
left the Maharattas at liberty to
plunder without molestation. Ry
their incessant activity they stopped
every communication of supply to
the imperial camp, where numbers
peiished by famine ; they even ol-
fered up mock prayers for the long
life of Aurengzcbe, whose mode of
making war so highly iavoured their
depredations. In addition to this,
the imjterial troops were tired out
witli a constant campaign of above
20 years, and grew disgusted and
remiss in their dut}'. Such was the
state of the Deccany jtroviiices to-
wards the conclusion of the long and
able reign of Aurengzcbe ; and from
it the diHiculties of his successors
may be anticipated. It is asserted
by Mahommcdan authors, thatZul-
fiear Khan, one of Aurengzebe's
best generals, during six months,
had \i) actions with the Maharattas,
and pursued them, from place to
place, above 6000 miles, in marches
and countermarches. In the year
1717 jNizam ul Muliick obtained
possession of what remained of Ihe
Mogid con(piests in the Deccan,
which, from that period, vutually
ceased to liirm part of the empire.
{Scott, Si/denhain, Withs, FerishtUf
DiiCKNALL, {Dachshinalaya, the
Southern Residence). — A town in the
province of Cuttaek, 38 miles N.
N. VV. from the town of Cuttaek.
Lai. 21. 1'. N. Long. 85°. 55'. E.
Dkcla, (Digala). — A town on the
Coast of JNIalabar, 30 miles south
from Mangalore, near to whicli are
the ruins of an extensive w all. Lat.
12°. 26'. N. Long. 75°. 6'. L.
Dectan. — A town in the IMaha-
ratta temtories, in tlie province of
Malwah, situated among the Yin-
daya Mountains, 28 miles south from
Oojain. Lat. 22°. 49'. N. Long. 75°.
40'. E.
Deeg. — A fortified town in the
province of Agra, 44 miles N. N. W.
from the city of Agra. Lat. 27°. 30'.
N. Long. 77°. 17'. E.
In 1760 this place was possessed
and strongly fortified by Sooraj
Mull, the Rajah of the Jauts ; but,
in 1776, it was taken from that tribe
by Niijufl' Khan, after a siege of 12
montjis. It again became subject
to tlie Jaut Rajah of Ehintpoor. In
1805 Lord Lake attacked IJolkar's
army, which was eueampcd under
tlie walls of Deeg, and defeated it
with great slaughter. This battle
proved fatal to llolkar's regular in-
fantry and artillery ; and the action
at Futtygluu- broke the spirit of his
cavalry. Deeg was sul)seqnentiy
surrendered to the Erifish arms, af-
ter a short and vigorous siege; and
at the peace, which was afterwards
concluded with the Eliurtpoor Ra-
jah, he agreed to cede this fortress
to the British, vv ho sul)S(.(|nenlly re-
stored it to him, {Malcolm, Franh-
lin, ^'c.)
Dehinpah. — A town in the Ni-
zam's territories, in the |)roviiice of
Berur, 40 miles S. A\ . from Jiliich-
33:
DELHI.
})oor. Lat. 20°. 53'. N. Long. 77°.
47'. E.
Dehmoi. — A small clear stream
v> '..h a giavolly brd in the Gujiat Pc-
uiiisula, which rises in ihe hilly near
Wankancer, and flows past 'I'an-
cared and Aniram to Jooria, near to
which it lalls into the Rim.
Delaouu. — A town belonging to
the ]M;ihi;rattas. in the province of
]\rahvah, 24 miles 'S. tioin Kopal.
Lat. 23'^. 36'. N. Long. 77°. 2G'. K.
Delft Isle. — A small island oft"
the N. W. coast {A' Ccvlou. Lat. 9°.
35'. N. Long. 79^. 46'. E. In length
it may be estimated at seven miles,
b\ three and a half the average
breadth. This island is snbordinale
to the district of Jaftiiapatam, and
affords good pasturage for breeding
horses.
DELHI, ^DilU;.
A large province in Hindostan,
situated principally between the 28th
and 31st degrees of north latitude.
It is bounded on the north by La-
hore, and several districts in North-
ern Hindostan, such as IJc^seer,
Dewarcole, and Serinagur; to the
south by Agra and Ajmeer; to (he
east it has Oude, and various ridges
of high hills, v\ hich separate it from
iS'ortheru Hindostan; and to the
west Ajmeer and Lahore. In length
it may be estimated at 240 miles, by
]80 tiie average breadth. In 1582
Abul Fazel describes it as follows :
" The Soobah of Delhi is in the
third climate. The length, from
Pnlwnl to Lndehauneh,on the I>anks
of the Snluleje, is 16.5 coss; and the
breadth, from iSircar Revvary to tl)e
mountains of Kemanon, is 140 coss ;
and again, from Hissar to IvliNzha-
bad it is 130 coss broad. On the
eat lies Agra; on tl)e north-east
([uartcr is Khyrabad, in the pio-
vince of Onde; to the north are
mountains ; on the south, the bomida-
ries are Agra and Ajmeer, and Lnde-
hiujneh confines it on the west, 'i'lie
princijiai rivers are the (Ganges ami
thi; .hiinna, both of which liiive their
sources in this Soobah, and there
are also many lesser streams. The
climate is very temperate. Most of
the lands are innndated during the
periodica] rains, and some places
])rodnce three harvests in the year.
The rhinoceros is frequently hunted
in Sircar Scmbhel.
This Soobah contains eiglit sir-
cars, viz. 1. Delhi ; 2. Budayoon ;
8. Keniaun ; 4. Sembhel ; 5. Seha-
runpoor ; 6. Rewary ; 7. Hissar Fe-
rozeh; 8. Sirliind. These sircars
are subdivided into 232 pergunnahs ;
the measured lands are 28,540,816
beegahs. The amount of the re-
venue 601,615,555 dams, out of
which 33.075,739 are seynrghal.
In the above description are more
inaccuracies than in most others by
Abul Fazel, which is remarkable,
considering the centrical situation of
the Delhi province, and that it con-
tained the capital of the empire.
The western quarter of this pro-
vince, especially the country named
the Hurrianah, siiflers gieatly for
want of water in the hot season ;
when it can only be procured from
wells, which the inhabitants are
obliged to dig from 120 to 150 feet
deep. Dining the rainy season, the
Cauggar River overflows part of the
Hurrianeh; alter which the pastu-
rage is excellent, and the country
tolerably health)', until the desert to
the westward becomes heated. In
the latitude of Anopshcr between
tlie Jumna and Ganges, this province
displays a naked sterility, which is
seldom interruj)ted by the interven-
tion of either trees or cultivation ;
having been for more than a century
past plundered and devastated by
every victorious faction. In the
territory between the Jumna and
Satuleje mango trees are numerous,
and the soil produces wheat, barley,
gram, and other grains ; but, on ac-
count of the intestine feuds, is but
little cultivated. This part of the
provineii^ uncommonly dry, and
inigaticM^s necessary to insure a
crop; yet wells are only seen near
towns and vi]la::es. Water is found
DELHI.
33,'J
at a depth of from 10 to lo cubits
below the snrraco. I'eiozo Hit; 3d
ill A. D. 13')8, made a can;'.! from
llieSiituleje to tlio .Tedjor, KX) miles
ill l«'n;ith ; and cut maiiy oilier ca-
nals and water-courses, whieii have
been long choked uj) and useless.
At present (ISH), this pidvince is
paiiitionctl in llie followin-; manner:
All to the east of the Junma, with
a district round the city of Delhi,
and a considerable porlion of the
north-eastern quarter are possessed
l»v tiie British, and "overned by a,
re2;tilar civil estabiisiunent.
The south-west is occupied by the
]\Iachcry Rajah of vMvar, the Kajah
of Bhurtpoor, and other naiive chiefs,
who are in aliiaiue v\ilh, or under
tlto influence of ihc British t;oveni-
juent.
The coiinti-y to the X. W. of the
Jumna, and south of the Sutulejce is
oecui;ied by a number of petty Seik
chief, and otiier native ]irinces, in
dependence on the British, who
ibrni a bairier to their territories in
liiis quarter ; in addition to which
there is always a detachment of
troops stationed at l>udchaiiiich on
I he Sutiileje.
Thewest(tr:i iVontier has a natmal
protection from the immense extent
of desert and sterile territory, by
which it is bounded.
Except in the count ly posses.sed
bv the Conij)a!!y, t!ie inhabitants
still continue to eavry on internal
warfare; to whi<h tliey have been
so tiviv^ accustomed, that tiiey are
extremely expert in the use of arms,
particularly the lance, sabre, and
matchlock. The principal towns
are Delhi, Sirhiiul. Saharunpoor,
Huriely, Auopshehr. Meerat, Missar,
"<eerdIiuna,Pat{;alali, and Ibidayoon,
The inhabitaiits are a handsome ro-
liUbt race of men. and are a mixture
. of Hindoos, iMahommedans, and
' Seiks ; the latter religion, beiui!; very
prevalent in the norlhein di.stiiets.
Ill ]>oint of pojiulalicn, the Delhi
province is greatly inferior to the
* '^)mpany's best cultivated territories,
-ucli as Beii<;al. Bahar. or lanjore.
in the southern Cai natie ; but, that
))artof it under tin; Company's juris-
«liction, may be expected rapidly to
improve, as it has now enjoyed- a
tranquillity of nearly 10 years. 'I'ln-
present population of the whole pro-
vince probably <loes not exeeei!
live millions. {Abul Fazil, I'houias.
Wth Register, Tcnnant, ifc.)
DELHI.
A city in Ilindoslan, tlie capital
of the Delhi province, and formerly
of the Patau and iMogul empires,
liat. 2>S°. 43'. N. Long. 77°. t>'. E.
During the splendid era of Delhi,
according to popular tradition, it
covered a >'.pace of '20 miles; and tli(?
ruins at jiresent occupy nearly as
great a sjiaee. In the year 1G31,
the Emperor Shah Jelian fountled
the city of Xevv Delhi, on the west
bank of the Jninna, which he named
.Shahjehanabad. It is about seven
miles in circumference, and is sur-
rounded on three .sides by a wall of
brick and stone, but without artil-
lery. 1 he city has seven gates, viz.
Lahore Gate, Ajmeer Gate, Turko-
man Gate, Delhi (Jate, Mohur Gate,
C'abul Gate, and Cashmere Gate; all
of v\hich are built of free stone.
Near the Ajmeer Gate is amadrissa
or college of great extent, built by
Ghazi ud Deon, the nephew of Ni-
zam nl Muluc; but it is now shut
up, and without inhal)i<auts.
W ithin the city of .Shahjehanabad,
or New Delhi, are the remains of
many splendid palaces, belonging
to the great Omrahs of the empire.
Among the largest, are those ol
Kummer ud Deen Khan, Ali .\I< r-
dan Khan, Ghazi ud D<(Ji Khan,
and Sefdar Jung, 'j'lx'ie are also
the garden of Coodseah Begum,
mother to ■Mahommed Shah ; the
palace of Saadet Khan, and that of'
Sultan Darah Shekoli. Thev are
all surrounded with high walls, ami
take up a considerable space of
ground ; as they comprehend gar-
dens, baths, stables tor ail sorts nl
334
DELHI.
animals, and music galleries, besides
an extensive seraglio.
Ill this quaitl?r of Delhi are many
very tine mosques still in good re-
pair, the chief of which is the Jama
Mnsjid, or great cathedral ; which
was begun by Shahjehan, in the
fourth year of his rtign, and com-
pleted in the 10th ; the expenditure
amounted to 10 lacks of rupees.
Not far from the palace is the
mosque of Roshnn ud Dowlali, where
in 1739 Nadir Shah sat, and saw the
massacre of the unfortunate inhabit-
ants of Delhi ; since which period,
this ])art of tlie town has been but
thinly inlialiited. Besides these
there are forty other mosques, but
of an inferior size.
The modern city of Dellii con-
tains many good houses, mostly of
brick. The streets are in general
naiTOW, with the exception of two ;
the first leading from the palace to
the Delhi Gate, Mhiek is broad and
spacious, and had formerly an acque-
duct along its whole extent; the
second, fiom the palace to the La-
hore Gate.
The bazars of Delhi are but iu-
difterently furnished, and the popu-
lation of the city miserably reduced
since the end of Aurengzebe's reign;
when it is said to have contained
two millions of inhabitants, an esti-
mate probably much exaggerated.
The Chandery Choke is the best
furnished bazar, but the commerce
is trifling. Cotton cloths and indigo,
are still manufactured in the town
and neighbourhood. The chief im-
ports are by the northern caravans,
which anive annually, and bring
from Cashmere and Cabul shawls,
fruit, and horses. Precious stones
of a good quality are to be had at
Delhi, particularly the large red and
black cornelian and peerozas ; bee-
dree hookah bottoms are also manu-
factured here. The cultivation in
the neighbourhood is princi[)ally on
the banks of the Jumna, where
corn, rice, millet, and indigo, are
raised.
The city is partitioned into 36
divisions, each named after a parti-
cular nobleman who resides there,
or from some local circumstance.
The modern Delhi, is principally
built on two rocky eminences. The
palace was erected by tlie Emperor
Shahjehan. It is situated on the
west bank of the Jumna, and is sur-
rounded on three sides by a Mall of
red stone, the circumference of the
whole being aljout one mile. Ad-
joining to it is the fortress of Selim-
gliur, now in ruins. I'he observa-
tory is in the vicinity of Delhi, and
was built in the third year of Ma-
hommed Shah, by Rajah Jeysingh,
but has since been repeatedly plun-
dered.
The gardens of Shalimar were
made by the Emperor Shahjehan,
and are said to have cost one mil-
lion sterling; but, like his other
works, are now in ruins. They ap-
pear to have occupied about one
mile in circumference, and were
surrounded by a high brick wall.
The prospect to the southward of
Shalimar, as far as the eye can
reach, is covered with the remains
of extensive gardens, pavilions,
mosques, and sepulchres ; all deso-
late, and in rains.
During the reign of Jehangeer,
Ali Merdan Khan brought a canal
from the Jumna, where that river
approaches Carnaul, to Delhi, a dis-
tance of more than one hundred
miles ; which continued in existence
until after the period of the Persian
and Afghan invasions, but was sub-
sequently wholly choked up. In
the suburbs of Mogul Parah this
canal extended three miles in length,
and had small bridges erected over
it, at difi'erent places. In 1810 the
British government had workmen
employed in cleansing and repair-
ing tliis canal.
Rajahs of Delhi or Indraput are
mentioned by the Mahommedan
historians so early as A. D. 1008,
and, in 1011, the city M^as taken and
plundered by Sultan Mahmood of
Ghizni, but it was restored to the
rajah as a tributary.
DELHI.
336
1 193, A. D. Cultiib ud Deen, fhe
slave of Mahommi'd Gauri, look pos-
session of Delhi from llie Hindoo
princes, and commenced the series
of Afafiian sovereigns, wliieh reigned
until the invasion of Baber, tlie
great grandson of Tiniour. Ciitlah
nd Deen continued sulijccl to the
Gauridc sovereigns of North-wes-
tern India, nntil the destruction of
that dynasty by Gengis Klian.
A. D.
1210 Tajo ud Deen ascended the
throne.
1210 Aram Shah.
1210 Shums ud Deen Altumsh.
1235 Teroze Shall.
1235 Mallekeh Doran, Sultana Ke-
ziah.
1239 Bvram Shah.
1242 Allah ud Deen, INIassud Shah.
1244 Nassir ud Deen.
1265 Yeaz ud Deen Balin.
1286 Kaieobad.
1289 Feroze Shah Khiljee.
1295 Sceunder Sani.
1316 Shaheb ud Deen Omar.
1317 Mubarie Shah.
1321 Tughlik Shah.
1324 Sultan Mahommed.
1351 Tcroze Shah the Second.
1289 Abubecre Shah.
1393 Nassir ud Deen, TNIahmood
Shah. Timour in 1398 cross-
ed the Indus, .and took and
pillaged Delhi during the
reign of this prince ; with
whom, in 1413, ended the d)-
nasty of Afghan princes of
the tribe of Khiijce. {Timour
died A. D. 1405, in his 71st
year.)
1413 liowlet Khan Lodi.
1414 Kliizer Khan.
1421 Mobaric Shah.
1433 Mahonnned Shah the Second.
1446 Alia ud Deen the Second.
1450 Bcloli Lodi. Dining this and
the preceding reigns Hin-
dostan was divided into sepa-
rate states ; for in tiie Dccean,
Gujrat, -Malwali, Jionpoor,
and Bengal.there were ))rinccs
who assumed the style and
dignity of kings. The dis-
tricts also in the immediate
vicinity of Dcllii wen; oc-
cu[)ied by dillerent chiefs,
who scarcely even in appear-
ance acknowledged the su-
premacy of the Delhi sove-
reign.
1488 Seciuider Ben liOdi.
1516 Ibrahim Lodi. In 1525 this
prince was defeated by Sul-
tan Baber, who tiic same
year took possession of Delhi,
and founded the Mogul dy-
nasty.
1525 Sultan Baber.
1.530 Humayoon.
1556 Jellalud Deen Alahommcd Ac-
ber. This ])rincc was born at
Amerkote in 1542, proclaim-
ed emperor in 1.556, and died
at Agia in 1605. He was
the greatest of all the Mo-
gul or Pattan sovereigns. His
Vizier, AIjuI Fazel, was mur-
dered bj' some banditti, in
the 47th year of his age.
1605 Jehangcer.
1628 Shah Jehan.
1658 Aurengzebe died the 21st
Febmary, 1707.
Shah AUum the First, his eldest
son, died by poison in 1712.
Jehauudar Shah dethroned and
killed in 1712.
Ferokhsere assassinated in 1719.
Rulfeh ul Dujant, a child, died in
1719, reigned four months,
Rulfeh ud Dowlah, a child, died
in 1720, reigned three months.
Mahonnned Shah died in 1747.
In 1735 the Maharaltas had made
such progress that they bmiied the
suburbs of Delhi. Nadir Shah en-
tered Delhi on thc91h March, 1739,
and on the 14th Ajiril began his re-
treat, having collected inunense
pinndir.
Mahonnned Shah was succeeded
by Ahmed Shah, who, in 1753, was
deposed and bhnded.
Alunigeer the Second was assas-
sinated in 1756, in which year Ah-
med Shah Abdelli first entered Delhi.
Shah Jehaun dethroned 1760.
336
DEODHUR.
Shah Alhim the Second, 1761.
[Je left the proteclion of (he British
at Allahabad, and entered Delhi in
1771. In 1788 he was blinded with
a dagger by Gholaum Kaudir, the
Rohillah, wlio tortured, starved to
death, and massacred, many of the
royal family. A few months after-
wards he was put to death with tor-
tures by Madbniec Sindia. This city
continued subject to the Sindia fa-
mily from about 1770 until 1803,
when General Lake, having defeated
the army of Dowlet Row Sindia on
the 11th Sept. within six miles of
]3tlhi, entered it next day. I'rom
this period the city of Delhi has, in
reality, been suljject to the Britisli
government, altliough nominally ,with
a tract of country round it, under
the authority of the Mogul.
Shah Allum, the blind Emperor
of Delhi, departed this life in Dec.
1806, after a long and disastrous
reign of 44 years. His son Acber
was, on the same day, placed on the
throne. The tranquilhty which pre-
vailed in the city on his accession
was unexampled at the commence-
ment of any prior reign, which Iiad
been invariably marked with tu-
mults, commotions, and bloodslied.
In 1807 he signified to the British
government his wish to nominate
ins third son, Wulli Ahud, as his
successor, which met with a decided
refusal ; and the resident at his court
was instructed to explain to his ma-
jesty the impolicy of appointing any
other of his sons to the exclusion of
the eldest, Abul Suffer.
Since the above period the tran-
quillity of this great and ancient
city has suffered no intermption. The
native chiefs, for whom a liberal al-
lowance has been made by govern-
ment, appear to be sensible of its
strong claims on their gratitude, and
the community at large to perceive
the advantages of security of person
and property, and the impartial ad-
ministration of justice which they
now enjoy, contra;>ted with the an-
archy and constant scenes -of blood-
shed whicli marked the rapacious
dominion of the IMaharattas. Cul-
tivation i.s daily on the increase,
breaches of the peace seldom oc-
cur, and murder is hardly ever com-
mitted. Within the city the value
of property of every description, but
more especially of houses and lands,
has moie than doubled, when com-
pared with its worth during former
governments.
Travelling distance from Calcutta
by Birbhoom 976 miles. {Franhlm,
Gladwin, Ferishta, Maurice, Rennel,
MSS. 5th Repm-t, Scott, <yc.)
Dellamcotta. — A fortress in
Northern Hindostan, in the province
of Bootan. Lat. 26°. 59'. N. Long.
88°. 32'. E. This fortress, which
commands the principal pass into
Bootan, was taken by storm, in
1773, by a detachment under the
command of Captain John Jones.
The fame of this exploit greatly
al;irmed the Thibelians. It was
afterwards restored to the Booteas.
DiiNAicoTT, — A town in the pro-
vince of Coimbetoor, 72 miles S. by
E. from Seringapatam. Lat. 11°. 28'.
N. Long. 77°. 11'. E.
Deodhur. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, near the western
boundary, and on the road from
Therah to Theraud.
This place contains about 1000
houses, the greatest part of which
are inhabited by Rajpoots and Coo-
lees. There are few koonbees, or
cultivators, so that the land lies
waste, and the inhabitants subsist
mostly by plundering their miserable
neighbours. There is here a small
ghurree, or fort, about 150 jards
stjuare ; and the whole town is sur-
rounded by a ditch 15 feet deep, but
passable in many places. The jungle
comes close up to the town, and
there is a great deticiency of water.
Deodhur is the property of a Wa-
gilla Rajpoot, who resides in it. His
family formerly possessed the adja-
cent country, at which period the
("ipital Avas Bheelree, 16 miles from
this place, and still said to exhibit
magnificent ruins. Bheelree Iiad250
villages subject to it; but, at present,
DEVAPRAYAGA.
337
thric are only eight suliordiiiatc lo
JJeodhiir. 'I'lie present rajali is nam-
ed Ptxtnjajce, and is a notorious
marauder and robber. (M^Murdo,
Deouiiiu, or Deoghur. — See
DoWLET VBAD.
Deo<H'R. (Dcvagftar, the Fort of
the Guds.) — A town in the province
of ]jahar, 105 miles A\ . N. \\ . I'roni
Mo(.rsbe(labad. Lat. 24°. 30'. N.
Long. 8(.°. 40'. i:.
At this plaee multitudes of pil-
pims arc seen carrjing the wafer of
the Ganges to the western side of
India. It is transported in large
flasks, or bottles, of nearly live quarts
eaeh, suspended at the end of a
bamboo which rests on their shoul-
ders. A consideiable trade in this
article is carried on, notwithstand-
ing the distance. (Hodges, Sc.)
Deonella, or Ueonhdlly. — A
town in the Rajah of Mysore's ter-
ritories, 23 miles N. by E. from Ban-
caloor. Lat. 13°. 15'. N. Long. 77°
54'. E.
Near to this town is a sect, a
3ididivisi«n of the Mn.rresoo Wocul
caste, every woman of w hieh, pre-
Tions to ]>icreiug the ears of her
eldest daughter, preparatory lo her
being betrotiicd in nianiage, must
nndergo the amputation of the fii-st
joints of the third and fourth lingers
of their right hand. 'I'hc amputation
is performed by the blacksmitii of
tjje village, who, having placed the
finger on a block, with a chizel per-
forms the operation.
If the girl to be betrothr^d be
motherless, and the mother of the
boy have not before been subjected
to the amputation, it is incumbent
on her to sulfer liic o|)cralion. In
three districts this taste; occui)y
above 2000 houses, and tor the ori-
ginal cause of this strange ceremony
they relate a long legendary tale.
{F. Buchanan, Vc.)
Deopoor, {Dfvapura). — A town
in the province of Jiahar, district of
Monghir, 40 miles W. bv S. from
Moorshedabad. Lat. 24*='. 4'. N.
Long. «6°. 33. E.
Di-.osiR, (Dexmsaras). — A small
district in the province of Cashmere,
cntending along the north side of
the Jellnm, or t'ollnnnah, between
the 34tli and 35th degrees of north
latitude.
DlRAH ISHMEAL KhAN. — A tOWIl
in the Afghan territories, on the west
side of the Indus, 74 miles N. N. W.
from Mooltan. Lat. 31°. 35'. N.
Long. 70°. 50. E. The embassy to
Cabnl, in 1809, halted here lor se-
veral weeks.
Derriah Khan. — A town in the
province of Lahore, situated on the
east side of tiie Indus, 73 miles N.
l)y W. from Mooltan. Lat. 31°. 30'.
N. Long. 71°. 2'. E. It is tributary
to the Cabul sovereignty.
Desrara, {Desamra). — A town
in the province of Gujrat, 23 miles
W. by N. from Broach. Lat. 21°
44'. N. Long. 72°. 44'. E.
Deucar, (Devacar). — A district in
NortheiM Ilindostan, situated about
the 28th degree of north latitude,
and bounded on the south by tho
province of Oude. It is tributaiy
to the Goorkhali Rajah of Nepaul.
Deucar. — A town in Northern
Hindostan, tin; capital of a small
district of the same name, and tri-
butary to Nepaul. Lat. 28°. 9'. N.
Long. 82°. 10'. E.
Devaprayaga, {the Union of the
Gods). — A town in Northern Ilin-
dostan, in the province of Serinagur,
situated at the contluence of the
Bhagirathi and Alacananda Rivers.
Lat. .30°. 9'. N. Long. 78°. 31'. E.
The Alacananda, before its junc-
tion, is, in width and depth, the most
considerable stream, being 142 feet
in breadth ; and, in the rainy season,
it rises 46 or 47 feet above the low
water level. The breadth of the
Bhagirathi is 112 feet, and it is said
to rise 40 feet during the rains. The
union of these streams forms tho
Ganges, the bnntdlii of v^iiich is 80
yards immediately below the Junc-
tion.
I'his is one of the five principal
prayags(holy |)oints wlicre two rivers
meet) mentioned iu the Shastras,
J38
DEWELMURRY.
and is considered by all the Hindoos
as a place peculiarly sacred. The
town stands at the confluence of the
aivers, and is built on the scarp of a
mountain about 100 feet above the
water. The mountain rises eight or
S^OO feet above the town. I'he houses
are, in general, two stories high,
built of large stones, with a coarse
limestone cement, and covered with
a sloping roof of shingles. In the
upper part of the town stands a
temple sacred to Kaghanath, or Ra-
inaehandra, constructed of large
pieces of cut si one, piled up without
mortar, in height about 60 feet. The
presiding deity is an image about six
feet high, cut in black stone, the
lower part of which is painted red.
The town contains 200 or 250
houses, and is inhabited by Brah-
mins of different sects, but princi-
pally those from Poouah and the
Deccan. Ttvenly-iive villages were
conferred in Jaghire by the Rajah of
Serinagur, and since eoulinucd by
the Goorkhali go\eriunent of Ne-
paul, for the support of this esta-
blishment ; but tiic aniHTul produce
not exceeding 1000, or 1200 rupees,
is very in.sufficicnt for the mainte-
nance of the iiumcious officiating
priests.
The town and temple suffered
much by an earlhquakc in 1803, the
latter was repaired at the expense of
Dowlet Row Sindia. The resident
Brahmins can give no iufoiniation
when, or by whom the ediiice was
constructed; the only point they arc
quite sure of is, Ihat it h;is been in
existence 10,000 years. {IVehb, ic.)
Devicotta, {Dcvicida, the. Fort of
the Goddess). — A town in tlie pro-
vince of Tanjore, situated at the
mouth of the Coleroon River, 127
miles S. by W. from Madias, and 42
miles south from Pondicherry. Lat,
11°. 20'. N. Long. 79°. 55'. E. This
place was taken fiom the Rajah of
Tanjore by Major Lawrence in 1749,
on which occasion Lieulenant Clive
particularly distinguished himself. It
was afterwards taken by M. Lally,
in June, 1758. (Omw, ^-c.)
Devvah River, (Deva). — See Cog-
GRA.
Dewagur, (DevagJiar), — A town
in the I\Ia!iaratta tt-rritories, in the
province of Malwah, 55 miles S. E.
froniKotah. Lat. 24°. 36'. N. Long.
76°. 20'. E.
Dewan, (Divan). — A town in the
province of Gujrat, 15 miles E. S. E.
from Canibay. Lat. 22°. 18'. N,
Long. 73°. E.
Dhwargunge.— A town in the
province of Bengal, district of My-
muusingli, situated on (he west sid«
of the Brahmapootra, 110 miles IS.
by W. from Dacca. Lat. 25°. 7'. N.
Long. 89°. 40'. E.
DewarcUi\dah, {Dcvakhanda). —
A large district in the province of
Hyderabad, extending along the
south side of the Godavery, and si-
tuated prin<ipal!y between the 18tb
and 191h degrees of north latitude.
The country, on the northern frontier
of this division, along the banks of
the Godavery, is very desolate, and
contains the ruins of several fort*
and towns which once existed. The
chief towns are Balcundah atnd Jac-
tall, Dewarcundah is in the Telin-
gana country, and the Telinga, or
Andray, is the spoken language,
{Blunt, S,-e.)
Dewarcote, {Diwareata). — A dis-
trict in ?Nor11uTn Hindostan, in the
province ot'Sciiuagur, sihiated about
the 31st degree of noith latitude,
between the Junnia and Gauges,
\\ ith the rest of the province it is
tributary to the Goorkhali govern-
ment of Nepaul.
Dewakcote. — A town in the i)ro-
vinee of Serinagur, the capital of a
district of the same name. Lat. 30°.
59'. N. Long. 78°. 2'. E.
Dewelmurry, {Devalmjaman). — >
A Goand village in the province of
Gundvvana, 65 miles S. W. from
Eustar. Lat. 19°. 14'. N. Long. 81°.
48'. E.
This is one of the most consider-
able Goand hamlets in the country,
and has an extensive spot of ground
cleared round it. It is situated on
the east bank of the Baumguuga
DIAMOND HARBOUR.
339
RivtT, wliich is Iiorp a considerable
Ktiojiiii, I)t'tni? aiii^iiicntud by the
.jinictloii of the Wurda and Waiay
Ginififa RiveiT., about six miles to
th>: N. W. of tliis phce. {Blunt, ^c.)
DiiYKAH. — /V. town in Northern
Hindostan, in tlie province of Seri-
)ia<?ur. Lat. 3l>°. l!)'. N. Long. 77'.
45'. E. This small town is populous
and well built, and is the capital of
the lower division orSerina2;ur, which
includes a space of level country
Iving" between a chain of scattered
hills, on tlie south of the great range
of northern mountains. It formerly
paid trilmteto the Seiks, but latterly
to the Goorkhali government of Ne-
paul. (Foster, Sfc.)
Dhelli. — A Portuguese settle-
ment on tiie nortli coast of the Is-
land of Timor. Lat. 8°. 35'. S.
Long. 125°. 30'. E. This town is
iniiabitcd by natives, Chinese and
Portuguese, who carry on a traffic
with iVIacoa, and the neighbouring
isles.
Dhknjee. — A town belonging to
Dwaraca, and situated at the ex-
tremity of the Gujrat Peninsula. This
place is held by a relation of the
Manick of Dwaraca's, and is so dilli-
cult of access, owing to a jungle al-
most impenetrable, and rough, rocky,
uneven ground, that the Manick of
Dhenjee has nearly withdrawn from
his allegiance. Being situated in-
land, this place possesses no pirati-
cal vessels, but it furnishes men to
the seaports, and receives a propor-
tion of the pirated goods. A treaty
was concluded by Colonel Walker,
on the 20th Dec. 1807, with the
Dhenjee Chief, Wagha INIanick, by
the conditions of which he agreed
to relinquish the prolbssioii of piracy,
to assist vessels in distress, and to
abstain from plundering them. —
{M'Murdo, Treaties, Vc.)
DiiooLVOOR,{Dh0l((])ar). — Ato^vii
in the province of Agra, 42 miles
S. S. W. from the city of Agra. Lat,
2G°. 43'. N. Long. 77°. .%'. E.
This place stands about a mile
from the River Chumbul, on the
banks of which is a fort of the same
z 2
name with the town. The river in
February is here about threc-lburths
of a mile across, ;iud nuist be forded
atKyterce, four miles higher up, as
it is deep at the fort. Dhoolpoor is
a town of considerable size, and the
hilly country begins in its vicinity,
approaching from the north. {Hun-
ter, cSc.)
Dhuole. — A large and populous
walled town in the Gujrat Peninsula,
situated near the Gulf of Cutch, Tho
environs of this place are covered
with gardens, and the town com-
pletely concealed by trees, with a
clear stream of excellent water run-
ning under it. It belongs to the
Byaiid of Jam. This place had for-
merly 140 villages subject to it, but
Jam of Noanuggur has possessed
himself of the greater part. {M'Mur-
do, Jj-c.)
Dhvrsa. — A small village in the
Gujrat Peninsula, situated near tho
Run, in the district of Moorvce. At
this place are many funeral monu-
ments, one of which is in comme-
moration of a mother, who volun-
tarily burned herself on the funeral
pile of her son — these innnolations
not being restricted to the death of
the husband. The River Phoolyer,
with a small clear stream, and high
rugged banks, runs past lliis village.
{M-Murdo, 4r.)
Dhore. — A town in Northern
Ilindostan, in the country of the 24
Rajahs, and tributai7 to the Nepaul
govermnent. Lat. 28°. 39'. N. Long.
83°. 45'. E.
Diamond Harbour. — A harbour
in tlie River Hooghly, in the pro-
vince of Bengal, about 34 miles be-
low Calcutta in a straight line, but
much more by the windings of the
river. This place is singularly un-
healthy, especially in the mouths of
July, August, and September, at
and after the periodical rains. Tliis
is probably owing to the proximity
of the anchorage to the low swampy
shores, where a number of rivulets
open into the stream of tho Hooghly,
and bring down a quantity of putrid
vegetable and animal substances,
340
DINAGEPOOR.
that emit the most offensive vapours.
At Diamond Harbour tlie Coiiipany's
sliips usually unload their out\s ard,
and receive the greater part of their
homeward bound eargoe?, from
■Nviience Ihey proceed to Sagor Roads,
where tlie remainder is taken in.
There are mooring ehaius laid down
here, and on shore the Company
liave warehouses for ships' stores,
rigging, &c. and at an adjacent ^il-
lage provisions and refreshments are
purchased.
Diamond Island. — A small island
on tlie east side of the Bay of Ben-
gal, about 12 miles south from Cape
Negras. Lat. 15°. .'il'. N. Long. 94°.
12'. E. This island abounds with
excellent turtle of the largest size,
from 40 to 50 of \^ liieh may be turn-
td in one night. The shore being
.studded w ith sharp rocks, except in
one or two jdaces, considerable cau-
tion is required in landing from
boats. {Johnson, /yc.)
DiAUPV-R^iUdi/amapnra). — A town
in the province of Cochin, 17 miles
E. by S. from the town of Cochin.
Lat. 9°. 55'. N. Long. 76°. 37'. E.
Here a celebrated synod Avas held
to convert the Nestorian Christians
to the Romish church.
DiDWANA. — A town in the pro-
vince of Ajmeer, 50 miles north from
the tt)wn of Apneer. Lat. 27°, 20'.
N. Long. 74°. 63'. E.
DiGLiGOY Nei'k. — A town in the
Island of Ceylon, situated 10 or 12
miles to the eastward of Candy, in
the direction of Battacolo. The dis-
trict round this place is still more
\vild and impenetrable than that
which surrounds Candy, on which
account it has been selected for a
1 oyal residence. At one period, when
the king was driven out of Candy,
and his capital burned, he found
here a retreat to which no European
army lias been able to penetrate.
There are a lew villages scattered
j\mong the surrounding hills, ajid in
those places v here the Avoods leave
a clear space the soil produces rice.
(Perciral, Sx.)
Til's xov.?ooR,{Di)ir(jpoor). — A dis-
trict in the province of I^engal, si-
tuated principally betwe<Mi the 25tli
and 2Cth degrees of norlh latitude.
On the north it is bounded by Kung-
poor and Pnrncah ; on the south by
Ranjeshy; on the east by Rungpoor
and Mynnnising, and on the Avest
by Purneah and Rajemal. This dis-
trict was fornu'rly named Circar Pin-
jerah, and, according to Major Ren-
nel's measurement in 1784. contain-
ed 3519 square miles. During the
Mogul govennnent, Dinag('i>oor,
along Avith l<Mraepov>i-, constituted
the territorial jurisdiction of Annin-
gabad, and Avas oiiginally a frontier
towards the independent Rajahship
of Cooeh Baliar, on Avhich account
it Avas but little known, and lightly
assessed.
The soil of this district is consi-
derably diversified, and the face of
the country of a Avaving a]ipcarance,
being divided into small vallies, each
tAvo or three mih s broad. These
vallies are Avateied by small rivers,
which, in the rainy season, SAvell
into large lakes, 50 or 60 miles in
length, and two or three in breadth,
overlloAA ing all the low lands, Avhich
are dry in the cold season. These
vallies, at the distance of 50 or 60
miles from the Ganges, are scarcely
higher than the suriace of itsAvaters;
Avlien, therefore, the river is sAvolleu
by periodical rains, the Avatcrs of the
vallies are not only prevented from
running off, but are so much in-
creased as to bo naAigable for vessels
of considerable burthen.
The soil of the elevated portions
of hind is, in general, a stiff clay,
in some jdaces black and porous, in
others Avhite and tenacious. The
soil of some of the a allies resembles
that of the elevated parts, and that
of the others is rich and loamy, \a ith
a substratum of the same kind of
clay which forms the higher grounds.
These low lands are, for the most
part, covered Avith long grass of dif-
ferent sorts, and afford jiasliue to a
great many buffaloes, and large herds
of other cattle. 'I'he northern parts
of the district are more ie\el tltau
mXAGEPOOl?.
341
\hv soiHiicin (oifs, linvo a loamy
soil, uiiil ;ir(> well nilli\at(>d.
The lii^Iicr lands, in l!ic south of
the (lishicl, an- iiili:il»it(Hl Iiy j\la-
Ji((Uimcii;iiis, and liic lower by Hin-
doos. On Iho !ii<;lHT flav lands very
lilllr l)csid(vs ric<! is prodnccd, and
«\f<'|>t in vi'iy small spofs v, liioh aio
Mcll niaiuncd, only one nop in liio
year. 'J"ln' loamy vallics, uiiidi do
not lie so low as to ondani^or (In; in-
nndafion of flu- nop, produce not
only r'u'v, hut also a jjood nop of
muslai'd, or jmlsc. in tho rold sea-
son. Tiie land which produces two
crops is let for a ru|M>e and a half per
bee<;ah (one-third of an acre) ; that
whicii produces (uie crop three-
lourlhs of a rupee per heeufah.
The inlial)i(anfs of the l)ina»epoor
district are, in g^eneral, evtremely
poor; and their farming- utensils are
therefore proportionally simple and
wretched. Only one jierson attends
a plougli, holdiuaj the handle in one
hand, and occasionally pulling the
tails of the oxen with the other. A
pair of oven may he purchased for
six or eight rupees, a plough for tive-
IGths, and a yoke for one-fourth of
a ru|)ee. In the dry season it is
often necessary to water the lields,
which is done with a sort of trough
12 or IfJ feet long. Ixicc is the
sion. Tiie natives know nothing of
its use to make thread.
Tlie kind of wheat found in this
quarter is bad, and the Hour pro-
duced therefrom is of a very dark
colour, conscfpicntly is not saleable
among Einopcans. Se\ eral sorts of
pulse are sown at the connnencc-
mcnt of the cold .season, such aske-
.Hari, (lathyrus sativa), tiie mashiiri,
(ervum lens), and the hoot (ciccr
arietinum). Tobacco is cultivated
to a considerable extent in low and
loamy lands; and on moderately liigli
spots, whtre tin; soil is good, the
sugar-cane is planted in I'ebruar}^
and jVlarch.
At present the poverty, prejudices,
and ignorance of the natives strong-
ly operate against improvements in
agriculture. Could an adequate re-
medy be found for these evils, niiuiy
other things might be cultivated to
great advantage. Hemp would nou-
rish in nuiny spots. Cotton, which
is .scarcely cultivated, might be raised
to a great extent, if pro|)er methodK
were taken to introduce the best
kinds ; and the culture of wheat and
barley might occupy many acres,
which now lie in a waste state.
Several s(nts of tindjcr might be
jdanted all over the district, and in-
deed all over Jiengal. The sisoo.
taplc connnodity of the country, of the Andaman red wood, the jack tree,
which four kinds, including .sc
veral varieties, are principally cul-
tivated.
The u'-xt article is indigo, for
which many parts of this distiict are
im])n>per, as it will not grow in the
white clay lands, is sparingly pro-
duced on the black or red ehns ;
and as most of the soil and loamy
parts lie so low, as to be subject to
sudden inundations, which would
destroy the t;rop.
Many sorts of fibrous jdants for
cordage and sackcloth iu^e .sown in
.April, May, and .June; the phaseo-
lus, mungo, and mustard seed, are
also raised. 1 lax, tlK)ugh abun-
dantly cnltivateil in the (Hutral parts
of Bengal, for its use in making oil,
is but little cultivated in this divi-
thc leak, tiie mahogany, the satin
wood, the chuekrassy, (he toon, and
the sirisha, should be |)iincipally
chosen. 'J'lie sago tree would grow
in all the higher parts; and the date
tree, planted close, would greatly
improve many .^pots now wholly un-
lUdductive.
Ill tlu! Dinagepoor di.strict several
obstacles present themselves to the
farmer, fjarge flocks of wild buifa-
loes and hogs infest the fields; ami
inundations, occasioned by the over-
llowiiig of the rivers, fn;f|uently <le-
stroy tiie crops. I n the present state
of society the introduction of dairies,
the fencing and mamning «)f land,
the u.se of wheel carriages, and im-
provements of a similar kind, are
scarcely practicable.
34-2
DINDIGUL.
In 1801, by the directions of the
IMarquis A\ cllesley, then governor-
genv"5Ttl, the board of revenue in
Bensjai circnlatc(l various queries on
statistical siibjeets to the collectors
of tlic diiierent districts. The resuit
of their replies tended to establish
the fact, that tlie Diuagepoor district
Cdiilaiiicd 600,000 inhabitants, in the
proportion of one Mahommedan to
fonr Hindoos ; and that the zemin-
dar's prolit exceeded 10 per cent,
annually.
KaTni)anth,one of the Vaisya caste,
from Upper Hindostan, is the earliest
known ancestors of the present ra-
jah's tiiniily, and held the zcmindaiy
about 1728. {Carey, J. Grant, Cole-
hrooke, ^t.)
DiNAGEPooR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name, situated on
the east side of the Parnabubah
River. 102 miles N. N. E. from Moor-
shedaliad. Lat. 25°. 37'. N. Long.
89°. 40'. E.
DiNAPooR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Bahar,
situated on the south bank of the
Ganges, two miles west from Patna.
Lat. 25°. 38'. N. Long. 85°. 3'. E.
Here are very extensive canton-
ments for a brigade of troops. The
officers have more accommodation
than in any barracks in England;
and the private soldiers of the Euro-
pean regiments are provided with
largo and well-aired apartments.
The native soldiers are tpiartered in
small huts, which to them is no
hardship. Beyond Dinapoor is an
excellent house in the European
style, belonging to Saadet Ali, thi;
present Nabob of Oude, and built
bj him while residing as a private
person under the Company's protec-
tion. He was continuing his im-
provements when he was raised to
the throne of Oude, consequently
several of the buildings remain unli-
nislicd. {Lord Valentin, S,-c.)
DiNDlGUL, {Dandigala). — A dis-
trict ia the south of India, situated
between the 10th and 11th degrees
of north latitude. To the north it
has Coinihetoor and Kistnaghcrry;
to the south Travancor and Madura;
on the east it has the Polygar ter-
ritory and Madura ; and on the west
Travancor, Cochin, and Malabar,
The princii)al rivers are the Noil
and the Amravati; and the chief
towns Dindigul, Balny, and Pala-
petty.
In the villages of Dindigul the
same internal policy is found to pre-
vail as in the other provinces. Cer-
tain inhabitants, under particular
titles, are in the enjoyment of a por-
tion of land rent free, and are the
hereditary occupiers of the remain-
der. Certain principal oflicers, the
cunmm (or register accountant of
the revenue aflairs of the village),
ironsmith, carpenter, barber, washer-
man, village watchman, potmaker,
dancing girls, the distiibuter of wa-
ter, &c. ik.c. are sometimes found in
a village, sometimes ordy a part of
them. They have the government
produce of a portion of land assigned
to them for their livelihood, but no
claim to cultivate the land ; and,
from the occupation in life of many
of the incumbents, it may be ima-
gined they seldom have the a\ ish. A
portion of the produce is given to
them in addition, both from the grain
in the ear. and from the heap when
threshed.
Dindigul was ceded to the Com-
pany by Tippoo in 1792 ; and noM%
together with Madura, the Manapara
Pollams, Ramnad, and Shevagunga,
forms one of the collectorships under
tlie Madras presidency. 'J'he Din-
digul districts and secinestcrcd pol-
lams have been converted into 40
zemindaries. {Hodson, Hth lieport,
JIurdis, Si-e.)
Dindigul. — A town in the south
of India, the capital of a district of
the same name. Lat. 10°. 22'. N.
Long. 7b°. 5'. E, The fort of Din-
digul is situated on a strong rock,
in the midst of a plain, or rather val-
Ic} , which forms its disliict ; bound-
ed to the west by the great range of
mountains which separates it iiom
the coast of Malabar; and on the
DOAB.
34;
east by a lower ranwcAvliich nms bo-
t^\T<'ii i) and the tlistiict ol' Madura.
It was coiiqiuiod in 17o6 by tlio
Mysore Kajahs, and was tal^cn by
the liritisli army in jVlay,17S3; but
restored t.» 'I'ijjpoo at the peace of
1784. It was linally aeciiiin^d by tiie
British, along with the distiiet, in
1792.
Tnivelling- distance from Soiinsa-
patani, 198 miles ; lioin Madras, 276
miles- {Wi/Ju'i, Rainel, ^-c.)
DiNGi)LW,4RA. — A town possessed
by independent chiefs, in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, 70 miles N. Ji. from
Ahniedabad. Lat.23°. lo'.N. l^oiv^.
73°. 53'. E.
DfNDiNG(P?<7w)TsLE. — ^This island
and the Pulo Sambelong (nine
islands) lie at the entrance of the
Pera liiver, in tiie Straits of Malacca,
about latitude 4°. 15'. N.
DlTTEAH, (Dattya). — A toAvn in
the province of Biuidelcund. 20 miles
E. trom Narw ar. Lat. 25*^. 43'. N.
JLong. 7S°.32'. E.
Tliis town is about a mile and a
half long, and nearly as much in
breadth, populous, and well built;
the houses being mostly of stune,
covered \s iUi tiles. It is siurounded
by a stone wall, and furnished w ith
-gates. 'I'he rajah has a palace w ith-
out the town, on the .south-east side,
on an eminence; from \\ hence there
is a view of the country as far as
Paehoor, Narwar, and Jhansi. Close
to this hill is an extensive lake.
The inhabitants are a robust,
handsome race of men ; have a great
reputation as a ^^ arlike people, and
make excellent .soldiers. In 1790
the surrounding district yielded a
revenue of nine or 10 lacks of mpces
annually, subject to the |)ayment of
a tiibute to the Maharattas. During
the reign of Ainenzcbe, Ditteah \va.s
the capital of Dhoolput Roy, a Bou-
delah Kajah of .some celebrity.
On the cession of Bundelcund l)y
the Pcshwa to the British, in 1804,
Fajah Pareekliyeet of Ditteah joined
the British standard; and a treaty
was arranged with him, by which he
was coufuiiied in the possession of
the teiTitory, which, from ancient
times, had descended to him by in-
heritance. In eonsideralion of this
favour he agreed to consider Xhc:
Pcshwa and tiie British as his per-
petual allies, and engaged to refer
to the latter (or adjustment of any
disputes that might arise with neigh-
bouring chiefs professing obedience
to (lie British government: recipro-
cal assistance to be given to each
other in quelling any disturbances
in the contiguous tenitories of the
allies. {Hunter, Scott, Treaties, ^-c.)
Yi\v,{Divip(t, thclshmd). — A small
island and harbour at the southern
extremity of the Gujrat Peninsula.
Lat. 20°. 43'. N. Long. 71°. E.
I'his small island, about four miles
long by one broad, in ancient times,
contained a lliiuloo temple, dedi-
cated to Somnatii, celebrated for its
sanctity and riciies. . A. D. 1025, Sul-
tan Mahmood of Ghizni, having con-
quered, or rather overrun the pro-
vince of Giiji-at, reached this place ;
and, having plundered the temple,
broke the image in pieces, and dis-
patched the fragments to Mecca,
Medina, Ghizni, and other Mahom-
medan cities. The wealth acquired
here is described as being equal in
value to ail the booty he had acquired
during his prior expeditions.
In 1515 the Portuguese obtained
possession of Din; and in ]53(j, by
permission of Bahadur Shah, the
Sultan of Gujrat strongly Ibrtitied it.
While the Portuguese power pros-
pered it enjoyed a considerable com-
merce ; but it fell with their decay,
and in 1670 was surprised and plun-
dered by the Mnscut Arabs, then a
considerable maritime power, who
obtained great plunder. It has since
dwindled away, and is now an insig-
nificant place, with little or no
commerce ; but it may, at some fu-
ture period, beooiiK' again of conse-
quence, on account of its harbour
and gcograjihical situation. {Stew-
art, Bruce, Duncan, cVc.)
DoAB. — This name should proper-
ly include all the territory between
tiic Jumna and Ganges j but the term
344
DOABEH BARRY.
is usually restricted to the southern
portion of it, tor the most part com-
prehended in the province of i\f2,ra,
and, during- the Mogul government,
subdivided into the districts of Fur-
luckabad, Kanoge, Etawch, Korali,
Curiah, and Allahai)ad. There are
several doabs in Hindos1an,tlie name
meaning any tract of country in-
cluded between two rivers.
Tliis country is, in general, fertile,
and produces rich crops when pro-
perly cultivated. I'amarind and
large mango trees abound, and give
the country the appearance of a fo-
rest. The millet raised, althougli a
small-cared grain, furnishes a great
quantity of straw, 10 feet long, which
is of great use as provender for cattle.
Besides millet, sugar-cane and bar-
ley are cultivated ; and, in the neigh-
bourhood of Kanoge, considerable
quantities of tobacco, the only plant
introduced by Europeans that is in
general request in Hindostan. The
soil of the Doab is so much adapted
to the pioducc of indigo, that the
plant is there found in a wild slate,
of superior quality to that produced
by cultivation. The cattle, gene-
rally, arc much inferior in weight
and size to those of the more south-
erly provinces. During the months
of April and oVfay, before the com-
mencement of the rains, the atmos-
phere of ihe Doab is excessively sul-
try ; and even in the winter season
it is the morning only that is cool.
A coarse cotton cloth, dyed red with
cheap materials, is mainifactured
about the centre of this province ;
and also another species, named ge-
zis and gezinas.
During the latter part of the Na-
bob of Oude's government this coun-
try was, for some time, under the
management of Almass Ali Khan,
a eunuch, and was then tolerably
well cultivated ; but the whole face
of the inovincc in the Lower Doabs,
and the numerous towns in juiiis,
proves the miserable government it
was usually subjected to. Remains
of its former population and fertility
are seen ev cry where amongst the
extensive wastes and jungles which
now occupy a large portion of the
surface. The tranquillity which it
has lately enjoyed, under the British
authority, has been so long unknown
to the inhabitants, that a rapid im-
provement may be expected, and
indeed is already visible. A consi-
derable part of the military popu-
lation are Mahommedans, long ac-
customed to a ])redatory life ; and
some time must elapse before they
can accommodate their habits to the
new situation in which they are
placed.
By the treaty of peace, concluded
with Dowlet Row Sindia on the 30th
Dec. 1803, he ceded to the British
all his forts, tenitories, and rights in
the Doab, between the Ganges and
tlie Junnia, and all territories lying
to the north of the Rajahs of Jyna-
gur and Joudpoor, and the Rannah
of Gohud. The southern part of
the Doab was ceded, during the ad-
ministration of the Marquis Welles-
ley, in 1801, by the reigning Nabob
ol" Oude, Saadet Ali. It did not
constitute; any of the original ])os.ses-
sions of his family, having been add-
ed, along with Rohilcund, to the
Oiule dominions by the victories ob-
tained by the British armies. (7V;i-
7iaid, Asiatic Registers, Colehroohe,
Sfc.)
DoABEH Barky, (5an, Residence).
— A district in the province of La-
hore, situated between the Beyah
and Ravey rivers, and the 30th and
31st degrees of north latitude. In
modern maps this territory is placed
in Mooltan; but, according to Abul
lazel's arrangement, in 1582, it be-
longed to Lahore. He describes it
as follows:
" Sircar Doabch Bany, containing
52 mahals, measurement 4,580,002
beegahs, revenue 142,820,183 dams,
se> urghal 3,923,922 dams."
'I'his country is also named Man-
jha, and the Seiks who inhabit it are
named Manjha Singhs. It contains
the cities of Lahore and Annitseer ;
and becomes, in consequence, the
great centre, of the power of the Seik
DONDRA HEAD.
345
mtiun. Riuijcet Sinsli <•' Lahore,
iMitteli .Sin>;li ot Allaw;il, and Joodli
»Siti<;li of Kaingadia, an; i\u- priuri-
pal ohk-rs of tlie coiiiitn, wliifh is
ticscribcd as loss terlile towards llu;
moiiiitaiiis Ihaii (Ik* Doalicli Jallin-
tlcr; hill, as it lies on the same lev<l,
it imist possess nearly the same eli
male and soil, (Mah-ohu, Ahid Fa-
zel, Vo.)
DoABi.li Jalltndfu, {Jaliniha). —
A large district in the provinee of
Lahore, included between the Sutu-
lejc and l*»tvah rivers, and tor the
most part between the 30th and 31st
degrees of north latitude. Abnll'a-
zcl, in 1582. plaees it in the Lahore
province, and describes it as I'ullows:
" Sircar Doabeh Beit Jailin-
der, containing 60 mahals, measnre-
ment 3,-27y,302 becgahs, revenue
124,365,21-2, seyurghal 2,651,788
dams. Tliis sircar t'nrnishes 4155
cavalry, and 79,536 infantry."
The Jallinder Doab, which reaches
from tlie mountains to the junction
of the Sutuleje au<l Eeyali, is the
most fruitful of all the jjossessions
of the Seiks, and is not excelled in
climate and vegetation by any pro-
vince ill India. The soil is liglit,
but very productive; and the conn-
try, which is open and level, al)ounds
in every kind of grain. 'J he want of
water, w hich is so much felt in other
parts of India, is here unknown, as
it is found every where in abcuidance,
within two or three feet of the sur-
face. The principal towns are Ja-
lijidra and Sukanpoor.
This territory is principally occu-
pied by the Malaga Singh Seiks,
who are called the Doabeh Singlis,
or Singhs who d.vfll betwixt two
rivers. AVith these chiefs we are
little acqiminted. In 1808 'i'arah
Singh w as one of the most consider-
able; but he ami the others have
been greatly weakened by their con-
stant internal discord. {Malcolm,
Abid Fazet, Vf.)
DouA Bailla. — A small fortified
village in the territories of the .My-
sore Rajah. Lat. 13°. 30'. N. Long.
77° 25'! E. The greater part of tha
country around this place is covered
with bushes or coppice wood, al-
though the soil is good, and the
country no where too steej> for cul-
tivation. Tor 100 years jtast this
j»lacc has been subject to the iVIy-
sore, although it was .separated from
the capital by the jNIahonunedan go-
vernment of Sera. In the mean
time several of the neighbouring hill
forts, or droogs, continued sui)jeet to
their original polygars, who vvcni
mostlv robJK is, until the whole were
finally expelled by Tippoo. (/•'. liii-
chaiian, Sc.)
DoKS.s,Ml. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Cliuta
Nagpoor, 213 miles W, N. W. from
Calentla. Lat. 23° 11'. N. Ix)iig.
85°. 16'. E.
DoHo. — A small town, tributary
to the Malwah Mahaiattas, in the
province of Agra, 21 miles S. W.
tromGiialior. Lat. 26°. 9'. N. Long.
79°. 50'. E.
DoLCAH, (D/to/m). — A town and
district in the province of (jiijrat,
ceded to the British government in
1803 by the Giiicowar. in part pay-
ment of the subsidiary force .supplied
for his |Mo1ection. Lat. 22°. 4/'. N.
Long. 7--°. 25'. E.
DoLiAii, (Dolia). — A town pos-
.sesscd by inilependent chiefs, in the
province of Uiijrat, 33 miles north
east Ih.iM Caml)ay. J ,.*.22°.47'. N.
Long. 72-'. 2b'. K
D')Mi:a. — A town in the kingdom
of Tiiiig(|uiii, situated inland on the
prineip:d biaiuh of the Tungquin
Riv(M-. Lat. 20°. 40'. N. LcMig.
106°. E. In tlic I7th century this
was a place of considerable trade, and
frequented by European ve.s.sels, par-
ticuiitrly the Dutch.
DoMus. — A town in the British
territ<iiies, in the province of (iiijrat,
situated at the mouth of the Tuj)tee,
15 miles S. >V. from .surat. Lat. 21°.
5'. N. Long. 72°. 53'. E.
DoNliKA Hi'AO. — I'he soulhern-
niost extremity of the [slaiid of Cey-
lon, adjacent to which is the settle-
ment r/ Matiira. Lat. 5°. 50'. N.
Long. 80°. 40'. E.
346
DOWLETABAD.
D-OOKAH, (^Dum). — A toMii in flie
province of Gundwana, 30 miles
5;outh {'kmii the to^n of Gunali. Lat.
22°. 48'. N. Long. 80°. 3'. E.
DooN'DEAKERA, (Diindi/acara). —
A town in the N'bob of (JudeV. ter-
ritories, 60 miles !•«, l)y W. from
Xinckiiov/. Lat. 2C°. 12'. N. Long.
80°. 40'. E.
DooiiYGHAUT, (Durighat). — A
town in the province of Allahabad,
district of Gais>[)oor, situated on the
south side of the -oggrath, 70 miles
nortli east from Benares. Lat. 20°.
15'. N. Long-. 83°. 31'. E,
DooRYDRooG. — A fortified hill in
the Ktijali of Mysore's territories, 80
miles N. N. E. from Seringapatam,
Lat. 13°. 27'. N. Long-. 77°. 25'. E.
DouY Harbour. — A harbour on
tlie northern coast of Papua. Lat.
48°. S. Long. 134°. 35'. E. The
promontory of Dory, the sea-coast
of which extends about 14 leagues,
is of a moderate height, the ground
every vvhere ascending gradually.
The trees are lofty, with little under-
"wood. The neighbouring country
abounds with fresh water rivulets,
and there is good grass. The cli-
mate is temperate, being so near to
•the high mountains of Arfak, where
the clouds settle. At this harbour
are neither fowls nor goats ; but
wild hogs, fish, greens, and fruit, are
to be had. 'J he Papuas resident at
this harbour are supplied with plan-
tains and calavansa beans by the
horaforas of the interior, who recei> e
Jn return iron and other goods.
Woid is plenty here, and the wild
nutmeg grows in the vicinity. (For-
rest, Vc.)
DouDPooR, (Daudpoor). — A town
in the province of Gundwana, pos-
sessed by independent Goanu Chiefs,
35 miles S. by IL from Bustar. Lat.
ll>°. 36'. N. Long. 83°. 10'. E.
Douparra.' — A town in the South
of India, district of Commim, 87
miles N. iiom Cudapah. Lat. 15°.
43'. N. Long. 71>°. 4'. E.
DowLETABAD. — A district in the
Nizam's duinjnions, in tht;''oviuce
tif Aiirungubad, situated principally
between the 19th and 20tb degrees
of north latitude, and extending
alona- the uorti) side of the Godavory.
DowLETABAD, {Deogkir, or Deo-
ghnr). — A town and strong fortiess
in he province of Auruusabad. Lat.
19°. 52'. >J. Long. 7G°. 2'. E. This
place is deemed b} the natives im-
pregnable. It stands oji the summit
of a mountain, which is surrounded
with other inclosures, of which that
on the plain contains a large town.
1 he two lower forts are so overtop-
ped by the upper, that they are en-
tirely under its command.
"S^'hen the Mahommedans earned
their arms into this part of the Dec-
can, under Allah ud Deen, about
the year 1293, Deoghir, or Tagara,
was the residence of a powerful
Hindoo Rajah, who was defeated,
and his capital taken and plundered
of immense riches. In 1306 this
fortress and the surrounding district
were reduced to permanent sub-
jection by IMallek Naib, the Em-
peror of Delhi's general. In the
early part of the 14th century, the
Emperor Mahommed made an at-
tcjnpt to establish the capital of his
empire at Deoghir, the name of
Avhicli lie changed to Dowletabad.
To cfiect this he almost ruined Del-
hi, in order to drive the inhabitants
to his new capital, 750 miles distant
from their old habitations ; he was,
however, unable to carry his scheme
into effect.
About the year 1595 Dowletabad
smrendered to Ahmed JNizam Shaji,
of Ahmeduuggur, and on the fall of
this dynasty it wastakeji possession
of by Aialiek Amber, an Abyssinian
slave, who ^^ as reckoned the ablest
general, politician, and financier of
his age. His successors reigned un-
til 1634, when if- was taken by the
Moguls dmnig the reign of Shah
Jehau, and !he capital transi'errcd to
\\\<d. neighbouring town of Gurka, or
Kcrkhi, since named Aurungabad.
It is now coniprehended in the do-
minions of the Nizam. {Ferislaa,
Scott, Orme, Rainel, Willis, Wilfordf
DUNDAH.
34r
Dravida, (or Dravira). — ^Tliis is
ihf ancient name of the coiinliy
ivliith Icrininatcs llie south ol' India.
Its northern limits lie behveen the
12th and 13th des^rees of noilh hiti-
tiide, and it is hounded on the east
by the sea, and on the west by the
Eastern Ghauts. The name, ho'v-
cver, is occasionally extended to all
the country oceu]tied by inhahitants
who speak the Tamul langnnf^e, and
there is a whole caste of JJrahmins
designated by the name of Dravida
Brahmins.
The subordinate divisions of Dra-
vida wore named from the three
rival dynasties of Choian, Cheran,
and Pandian. The first, governing
inTanjore and Combooconiim, pos-
sessed the northern tract ; Pandian
had Madura and the south; and
Cheran united Kangiarn and Saicm
to the dominions of the Kerala, on
the Malabar Coast, {Wilhs, Cole-
brooke, F. Unchanan, ^'c.)
DuBAKEE, (Dohari, the Two
Houses). — A town in the Nizam's
dominions, in tiie province of Aiirun-
gabad, 12 miles N. W. from Julna.
Lat. 20°. 4'. N. liong. 76°. 23'. E.
DuBBOi, {Dhubay). — A town in
the province of Gujrat, district of
Chumpaneer, 40 miles N. E. from
Kroach. Lat. 22°. 4'. N. Long. 73°.
35'. E. I'here are iiere the remains
of a Hindoo city of great antiquity,
wliich indicate its having been form-
erly decorated in a very superior
style. I'he fortilieations w Inch sur-
round it are nearly three miles in
circumference, and tbc'ancient parts
that yet remain arc constructed in an
elegant and costly manner. The
situation is extremely low, wet, and
marshy. (lOf/t liegistcr, ^c.)
DucHENPAKAH, (Dahskiiipara, the
Southern Portiou).-^A district in the
iiorth-east quarter of tlu; province of
Cashmere, situated between the34tli
and 36th degrees of north latitude.
Abul Eazel, in 1582, says, that the
snow on the mountains of thi^oun-
try never decreases, so that from the
cold, the narrowness of the roads,
and tlic great height of the moun-
tains, they cannot be passed without
extreme diflicuMy.
DucHENPAKAH. — A town iu the
province of Cashmere, the capital
of a district of the sam*; name, and
situated at the foot ol' a ridge of
high mountains which bound Cash-
mere on the side of Great Tibet. Lat.
34°. 51'. N. Long. 74°. 58'. E.
DucKiNSHAHAHAZPooR.-— A large
island in the province of Bengal, si-
tuated at the junction of the great
River Megna w ith the sea, and ori-
ginally formed from the sediment
deposited by its m aters. In length
it may be estimated at 30 miles, by
13 the average breadth. It is very
low land, and, in spring tides, during
the rains, is almost wholly sub-
merged. In tlie channels between
Duckinshahabaz])oor and the neigh-
bouring islands, the bore, caused by
the sudden intlux of the tide, pre-
vails with great violence, and ren-
ders the navigation extremely dan-
gerous. Salt of an excellent qua-
lity is here manufactured on the
Company's account, at an establish-
ment subordinate to the Buhvah and
Chittagong agency.
DuMMooDAH River, (Damodara,
a name of Vishnu). — ^This river has
its source in the distiict of Ramgur,
province of Bahar. It afterwjuds
ilows through the adjoining district
of Pachete, and joins tiie Hooghly
a few miles below Eultaii. Inehid-
ing the windings, its course may be
estimated at 300 miles.
DuN'DA Rajpoor. — A town in the
province of Bejapoor, situated on
the sea-coast of the Concan disfrict.
Lat. 18°. 19'. N. Long. 72°. 55'. E.
This place is also named Jizzera
Jessore, and belongs to the Sidhee
family, formerly tlie hcredilary ad-
mirals of the Mogul enijjire.
DuNDAH. — A large \illageiu(he
province of Sinde, situated on (he
south bank of the Goonee Kiver.
Lat. 24°. 58'. N.
'I'he surrounding country is well
cultivated, and (he viliage inha'Liited
by a considerable number of weaAors.
It stands on the route from iiydera-
348
D WAR AC A.
bad to Miiiidavre, on the Gulf of
C'lifch, bj <lie llivcr Gooii(>e, wliicli
is hero one tklliom au<l a lialfdct'p,
aijd al>out 70 yards hroad. About
12 iiiik'S to t!u! soij<b-<':ist it con-
tracts to the iinadl]i o)'20 yards, with
two latlionis doplh. {Maxfield, Sr.)
DuNGYE. — A town ill tlie i»roviii(;o
of llaliar, district of Siiuliaijad, 68
miles S. \\ . from Patiia. Lat. 25°.
14'. N. Loii<v. 84°. 17'. E.
DuNrr.KW.iRAH, {Dantirard). — A
town bc!oii<?i!!u; to iiidcpuiid'Ht chiefs
in the province of Gujrat, ilistiictof
]);tndar. Lat. 24°. oo'. N. Long-.
72°. 45'. E.
DuRiiUXOAH, (Diirhfianga). — A
<own in Ihc pnivinoe of Bahar, dis-
trict of 'I'irhoiit, 55 nnlcs N. N. K.
fioni Palna. Lat. 2G°. 7'. N. Long-.
85°. 54'. E.
DuKRAiAn, {Durrfrj//{(). — A town
belonging to tlie Maharattas, in the
province of Mahvah, 25 miles N. W.
from Eopal. Lat. 23°. 28'. N. Long.
77°. 9'. v..
DuuRAMrooR, (Dharmtqmr). — A
town in tlie province of Aurungaiiad,
60 miles S. S. E. from Snrat. Lat.
2l)° 34'. N. Long. 73°. 23'. J'..
DussARA.— A town in the pro-
vince of Gn jrat, district of Chalawar,
containing 1300 houses, the greater
])soporl;on of w hicli are possessed by
Kurbalties; the remainder of the
])opulatinn being C'oolees, Hajjioots,
and other castes, besides a few Ban-
yans.
Tliis pl;ico, with the 12 surround-
ing \illages, is tlu; ])r<)periy of a
JMahonnnediin zemindar entitled
iVInlliek, Aviiuse family came ori-
ginally from J\iooHan. 'jhe authority
is at present i»ossessed by two rela-
tions, one of whom resides in the
•sitiall iort. and the other in the town.
One of their ancestors, about A. D.
120!), was put to death by the Kajah
of Huhvad, for haviisg (onnnitted
gowhattia (eow-killing), and is now
lield in great veneration by the ad-
jae«-nt Alahommedan inhaltitants as
a s;dnt. 1 lis tomb is on the banks
of a largo tank in the neighbourhood
of the town.
The military force of Dussara ^^^
composed of 2000 horsemen of tho
Muliiek caste, and 100 infantry,
wiio are kept in active employment,
in preventing the depredations of
the ,Jhuts. li'rom Dussara towards
Adrianna, the country is tolerably
well cultivated, the population con-
sisting chiefly of Coolecs, and the in-
ferior ca.stes of Rajpoots. {^rBItir-
do, Src.)
DuTTAR, (Dattara). — A small dis-
trict in the Seik territories, in the
province of Lahore, situated between
the 3 1st and 32d degrees of north
latitude. The chief towns are Beg-
warah, IJorizpoor, and Matpoorah.
DvvARACA, {Dtcnrica, the Gate). —
A town and celebrated temple in
the province of Gujrat, situated at
the H. W. extreuiity of the Penin-
sula. Lat. 22°. 21'. N. Long. 6U°
15'. E.
TJiis place is at present possessed
by IViooloo INIaiiick, who is more
powerfid than any other of the
Uaeka chieftains. The sacredness
of the place attracts a rich and nu-
merous population, and presents a
safe asylum from danger. There are
21 villages belonging to Dwaraca,
containing 2560 houses, which, at
the rate of four persons to each
liouse, would give a population of
10,240 souls subject to it. By an
agreement, executed ou the I4th or
December, 1807, IViooloo Manick
Suniyance, of Dwaraca, engaged
with the British government not to
permit, instigate, or connive at any
act of piracy-committed by any per-
son under his authority ; and also to
abstain from plundering vessels in
distress. On their part, the British
engaged to aflord the temple at Dwa-
raca every suitable protection and
encouragement ; a free and open
connnerce to be permitted to vessels
paving the regulated duties.
The original ami most sacred spot
in this quarter of India is Dwaraca ;
but, about 600 years ago, the va-
lued image of their god Runehor
(an incarnation ofIvrishna),by a ma-
noeuvre of the Brahmins, was coi»-
EASTERN ISLES.
349
"wyed to Dacooor, in Gnjiat, whore
it slil! iciiiaiiis. After iniicli troiiltic,
tlic I'iralmiiiis at Dwaraca suhsti-
tuk'd another in lis stead, \\hi(li,
unrtirtiinately, also took a lliu:ht
across a narrow arm of tlie .sea. to
the Island of lialo, or Shnnkodwar,
ahout 130 >ears aii'o, and anollier
now one was placed in the tennde
here,
Dwaracais also dcsip,nated hy the
name of the ishiiid ; and, having-
he<'» loiifif tlie residence of Kiishna,
the favoinite Hindoo deity, is a ee-
lehrated place of pii;j,riniajfe lor the
.sectaries of tlial rclis:ion. In per-
li)rniiiii!: tliis i)il;;riniaj;-c, tlie follow-
iii^ ceremonies take place :
On the arrival of the pilgrim at
Dwaraca he bathes in a sacred
stream named the (loomty, irom its
V, indin^s; for permission to do wiiich
he pa\s the Dwaraca chief four and
X <piartcr ru|)ees ; i)nt f'ralniiins pay
only three and a half. After this \m-
rificatiou a visit is made to the
tem[tJe, where oirerini;s are present-
ed, ac<x)rdin;j:; to the circnmstances
of the devotee, and a cerlvuii luim-
her of lirahmins are fed.
TIk! pilp,rim ne\t |)rorceds to
Aramra,\\ here he receives the st.amj)
Ironi the hands of a lirahmin, ^^ hich
is made w ith an iron inslnnncnt, on
tthich are enj^raved tlie shell, the
rinj!^, and the lotos llower, wliieh are
the insiiviiia <»f the g:<)<is. 'I'liis in-
strument is made hot, and impressed
on any part of t!ie body, but genc-
rallv on the arms ; and, by not beinj^
over-heated, gciurally leaves an im-
pression on the sj)ot. It is lietpicntly
impressed (»n yoniif^ infants; and a
pilj;rim may rccei\e, not only his
own stamj), but also stam-ps <»ii his
body for any absent friend. This
stamp costs one and a lialf rupees.
'i he pilj^rim iie\t eniliarks tor the
Island of P,:iU\ v* litre, on his ar-
rival, he must j)ay a ta\ of live ru-
pees to tlie eliiei', present liberal ot-
ferini^s to the god, and dress liim in
rich cloths and ornainents. The
C'iiief of liate, who is a holy per-
son, receives charge uf Ijie i)resent,
and retails it again to oilier pilgrims
at a reasonalde rale, who present it
again to the deity, and i( perlurms a
similar revolution. 'J'he average
number of pilgrims resorting an-
miallv to Dwaraca has i>ee;! esti-
mated to exceed l">,00(), and t!ie re-
vejiues derived to the temples a lack
of rupees.
Notwithstanding this existing
place of |>iigiimage, the most au-
thenlic Hindoo annals assert, that
Dwaraca was swallowed u|> by the
s<'a a few days after Ihe decease of
KrishcL 'i'his in<arnation of Vishnu
spent much of liis time at Dwiuaea,
both before and after his expulsion,
by Jarasaiidha from Alathnra,on the
banks of the Jumna, in the j)ro\iiiee
of Delhi, which would indieate a
greater intercourse betwi'cu these
distant places, than couU! have been
expected at so remote a jieriod.
'J'he chalk with which the Brahmins
mark Ilieir forelRads comes from
this place, where it is said to have
been deposited by Krishna; and
fnun hence, by merchants, is car-
ried all over India. {M'Miirdo, ^r.)
E.
EASTERN ISLES.
The Archipelago, comi)rehended
under this title, is included between
the t>2d degree of north, and the
loth of south latitude, and ex-
tends to the 138tli degree of east
longitude. Under the name of each
island resj>ectively a particular de-
scription will be found; i)nt the fol-
lowing observations, principally by
Dr. Leyden, applying geiurally to
the wliole, may be propcriy inserted
under this head, and are too valu-
able to be omitte<l.
The inhabitant.^ of the Eastern
Isles, or Indo Chinese nations, at ii
very early period seem to have em-
braced the religious system of IJiidd-
ha, but at what period of time can-
S50
EASTERN ISLES.
not now be discovered: at present
it is cliiefly confined to tlje conti-
nent. 'J he coasts of the Malayan
Peninsula, and of the gjeatev part of
the Eastern Isles, are principally
occupied by Mahommeddans. The
original inhabitants, tliereibre, being
mostly confined to the interior of
these islands, are still very imper-
fectly known to Europeans ; so that
it is often iinpossibie to determine
whether Iheir religious institutions
arc most connected with the tenets
of Brahma or of Euddha. They all,
however, appear to have a con-
nexion with the s;rand features of
Hindoo superstition.
The Indo Chinese nations, Avith
the Singhalese, or inhabitants of
Ceylon, uiiilormly employ the Bali
or Pali language in the sacred com-
positions of the Buddiiist sect. This
language does not exist as a verna-
cular tongue ; but is the language of
religion, learning, and science, and
appears to have exeried an influence
over the vernacular language of the
Indo Chinese nations, similar to that
Avhich Sanscrit has exhibited among
the popular languages of Hindostan
and the Deccan.
The Malaya language, and the
more original languages of the East-
ern Isles, seem in their original
formation to have been polysyllabic.
The Indo Ciiinese languages may
be considered in the following order;
viz.
POLYSYLLABIC LANGUAGES.
1. Malaya.
2. J.iUra.
3. Bvigis (in Celebes).
4. Bima (Sumbhawa).
6. Batta (in Sumatra).
€. Gala or Tagala (Philippines),
MONOSYLLABIC LANGUAGES.
7. Rukheng (Aracan).
8. Barma (Ava).
9. Mon(Pcgu).
10. F!n;v (Siam).
11. Khonun (Cambodia).
12. Law (Loos).
13. Anam (Tunquin and Cocliin
China).
LEARNED LANGUAGE.
14. The Pali.
The tribes of tlic Eastern Isles
exhibit a variety of singular and
interesting appearances; not only iu
the civil and political, but also in
the moral history of man. If some
of them appear in a naked and pri-
mitive state of barbarism, in others
the vestiges of ancient art and
science indicate, that they have suf-
fered a relapse from a prior state of
civilization. This is particularly ob-
vious among the Malay, Javanese,
Batta, and Buggess tribes, among
whom the pohshed style and ele-
vated sentiments of many of their
compositions, and their dexterity in
some of the arts, especially the com-
pounding and working of metals,
form a singular contrast with the
neglect of personal morality, and the
relaxation of all the bonds of society,
while ancient and wise regulations
are in a great measure superseded
by the most absurd and barbarous
usages.
Among the most barbarous of the
Horafora and Papua races, there
are some, who, whether male or fe-
male, use no species of clothing
whatever; and, consequentlj', exhibit
few traces of that modesty, which is
supposed to be innate in the human
species. The same phenomenon is
exhibited among the Biajoos, the
families of whom live constantly to-
gether on the sea in small boats.
Vestiges of cannibalism appear to
exist among the greater part of the
rude tribes in the Eastern Isles ; but
the Battas of Sumatra, who are su-
perior to the Malays in the know-
ledge of arts and letters, have like-
wise preserved it, as well as the
Tabunka tribe in Celebes. Of many
of their most absurd and barbarous
usages, it is impossible to form at
present a just opinion; as we are
totally ignorant of the spirit of them,
and of the system of religious opi-
ELEPIIANTA ISLE.
351
nioiis, witli wliith they are coii-
ncctf^d.
Tlic ^lalays, Javanese, and all the
easi insular Alahoimncdans an; Soo-
iK'cs, llio Shias beiuf? unknown to
thcni iiut by report, yet held by
tlu'Hi in iijreat abhorrence. {Lei/den,
JidiiiOiirgh Review, iVc)
Ecn ALA. — A town and fortress in
the pro^incc of Bengal, district of
Dacca Jclalpoor, frequently men-
tioned in the histories of Bengal,
but of which not a vestige now re-
mains. Lat. 24°. 4'. N. Long. 90°.
4;V. E. From the lowncss of the
surrounding country, during the
rains, it must have been completely
insulated.
A. D. 1353, llyas Khan, the se-
cond independent monarch of B041-
gal, is described as taking post here,
■when his territories were invaded by
the ]!^niperor Feroze ; Avho advanced
to this place, and invested the for-
tress. The garrison, however, made
so protracted a resistance, that the
rains counnenced and inundated the
country ; w hich compelled the em-
peror to raise the siege, and leturn
to Delhi. Sultan Seid Hossein
Shah, the ruler of Bengal, from 1499
to 1520, made this town his chief
place of residence. (Stewart, S.-c.)
EcLODE. — A village in the Maha-
ratta territories, in the province of
Malwah, situated about eight miles
S. E. from Seronge. The adjacent
countiy is level and well cultivated,
and is, with several of the neighbour-
ing villages, the property of Ameer
Khan.
Eder. — A town possessed by in-
dependent chiefs, in the province of
Gujrat, 63 miles N. N. E. from Ah-
medal.ad. Lat. 23°. 35'. N. Long.
73°. 3'. E.
Edeghf-RRY. — (Itghan, the Brick
Fortress). — A town in the Carnatic,
144 miles N. W. from Madras. Lat.
14°. 51'. N. Long. 79°. 42'. E.
Eechaak, [Itc/iauc). — A town in
the province of Bahar, district of
Ramgur, 103 miles S. S. E. from
Patna. Lat. 24°. 10'. N. Long. 85°.
46'. K
Eetcoore, (Itaira). — A town in
the province of Baliar, district of
Kamgur, 92 miles S. from Patna,
Lat. 24°. 18'. N. Long. 85° 17'. E.
Efbe. — A harbour on the southern
coast of Mysol Island, formed by a
small islet of the same name. Ou
sjjore there is a village, where sup-
plies for ships may be had.
ElNl'RA, (or Yenuoor). — A small
town in the district ofSouth Car.ara.
Lat. 13°. 5'. N. Long. 75°. 16'. i;.
This town contains eight temples
belonging to the Jain, and one to
the Sisa Brahmins. 'Hie former
have an annual allowance of 14
pagodas, and the latter 10 {lagudas.
As in iliis part of the country the
worshippers of Jain are more nume-
rous tlijui those of Siva, the temples
of the former ought to have the best
endowments ; but, while the native
officers of government are mostly
Bralnnins, pretence will never be
wanting for distressing tho Jaia
temples.
At this place there is an immense
colossal image of one of the gods
■worshipped by the Jain, which
stands in the open air, and is formed
of one solid piece of granite. The
hills aboiit this place are considered
unproductive, and the country gene-
rally extremely poor. (JF. Buchanan,
Elephanta IsLr. — A small island
between Bombay and the main land,
about live and a half miles front
Bombav, in an easterly direction.
Lat. 18^ 57'. N. Long. 73°. E. It
is fi\e miles in circumference, and
contains about 100 inhabitants, w ho
cultivate a little lice, and rear sheep
and poultry. The island is nearly
covered with wood of a luxuriant
growth, and abounds with springs of
excellent water; it is nevertheless
almost a desert, and is principally
celebrated for the remains of Hindoo
mythological excavations and sculp-
tures which it contains.
Opj)0site to the landing place is a
colossal stone elephant, cracked and
mutilated, from which the Pcrtu-
gucae aanicd the island ; by the ua-
352
ELLOKE.
lives nanit'd Gharijwor. The en-
trance into the cave is 55 feet \vide,
its lieight 18 i'eet, and its leni^th
fijiial to its width. It is supported
by massy pillars carved in the loek,
and the sides of tlie cavern arc
sculptured into compartments, re-
presenting^ the persons of the Hindoo
mytholooy ; lint the end of the ca-
vern, opposite the entrance, is the
mosi remarkable.
In the centre is a remarkable
Trimurti, or three-formed i^od. lliah-
ma the creator is in the middle,
with Yishiiu the preserver on one
side, and Siva or Mahadeva, the de-
stroyer, on the otiier. 'I'hc latter
holds in his hands a cobra capclla
snake, and on ins cap, among other
syn]l)ols, are a human skull and a
young infant. The under lip of all
these figures is remarkably thick.
The length from tiie chin to the
crown of the head is six feet, and
their caps are about three feet more.
On each side of the Trinnnti is a
pilaster, the front of which is filled
up by a ligmc 14 feet higli, leaning
on a dwarf, but both much de-
faced.
I'o the light is a large compart-
ment hollowed a little, and carxed
Avith a great variety of figmes ; the
largest of which is 16 feet high, re-
I^rcscnting the double figure of Siva
and Parvati, named Viraj, half male
and half female. On the right of
the Yiraj is Brahma, four-faced, sit-
ting on a lotos; and on the left is
Yishnu, sitting on the shoulders of
his eagle Garnda. IS ear lirahma
are Indra and Indrani on their ele-
phant, and below is a female figure
liolding a chowry. The upper part
of the compartment is tilled with
small figures in the attitude of ado-
ration.
On the other side of the Trimurti
is another cojnpartment, with va-
rious figures of Siva and Parvati his
wife; the most remarkable of which
is Siva, in his vindictive character;
eight-handed, with a chaplct of
skidls round his neck. On the right
of tiio entrance of the cave is a
square apadmcnt, supported by
eight colossal figmes ; containing a
gigantic symbol of IMahatlua or Siva,
cut out of the rock. There is a si-
milar chamber in a smaller cavern,
which is almost filled with rubbish,
but having the walls covcied with
sculpture.
'J'hc pillars and figures in the cave
have been defaced by visitors, and
by the zeal of the Portuguese, who
made war on llie gods and temples,
as well as on the armies of Intlia.
Fragments of statues strew the floor,
columns deprived of their bases
are suspended from the roof, and
there arc others split and without
ca])ilals.
Tlie cave at Elephanta, originally
dedicated to Siva, is not now in use
as a temple, nor is it a place of pil-
grimage, or possessed of a sacerdotal
estahhshnient ; although neighbour-
ing individuals make occasional of-
ferings of prayers and oblations.
Considering the pains bestowed oil
it, it must at some periotl of time have
been held in greater estiuuition; but
the lirahmins in general disregard
imperfect or mutilated isnages. (if/.
Graham, G'olding/ium, Moor, <^c.)
Ellore, {Elura). — One of the
Northern Circars or districts, situat-
ed juincipally between the 16th and
17th degrees of north latitude.
Eliore and Condapilly occupy the
whole of the space between the
Krishna and the Codavcry; the dis-
tricts of Masulipatam towards the
sea; the inland province of Coin-
inim towards the west ; and the jeel,
or lake of Colair, which is chiefiy
formed by the ovediowiugs of the
above two rivers. Its superficial
ctMitents may be estimated at 27UO
scpiaie miles, exclusive of the iiigh
niountainoiis region on the west.
The principal towns are Eilore, Co-
laireolta, and Gundgoli. {J Grant,
Ellore. — A town in the IS'orthern
Circars, the capital of a district of
the same name. Lat. lb°. 45'. N.
Long. 81°. 10'. E.
Travelling distance to Hyderabad
ENGANO ISLE.
353
183 miles; to Madras, 310 ; to Cal-
cutta, 719 miles.
Elora, {Elitra). — A town in the
Jiioviiicc of Amiuigabad, near tlic
city of Ddwlctabad, and named on
the spot Venool.
In a mounlaiu about a mile to the
fast of this town arc some remark-
able excavations of Hindoo temples,
and mythological symbols, which, in
magnitude and perfection of execu-
tion, excel any thing of the kind in
India. They are described at great
length in the sixth volume of the
Asiatic Researches, and appear, like
other similar excavations, to have
been dedicated to Siva or JMahadeva.
'l"he Brahmins on the spot assert
that they Mine formed by Eeloo
Kajah of EUichpoor 7914 years ago;
but, as tliey are found in the neigh-
bourhood of Deoghir or Tagara,
(now Dowletabad), which, prior to
the Mahonunedau conquest in 1293,
was the capital of a powerful Hin-
doo principality, they ])robably ori-
ginated in the superstition of some
of the family reigning at that place.
{Malet, Rennel, ^-c.)
Ellichpoor, {Elkltpur). — A tovm
in the province of Berar, of which it
is the proper capital, Nagpoor being
of recent date, and situated in the
adjoining province of Gundwana. It
was first acquired by the M ahorame-
dans, under Allah ud Deen, in 1294;
and is now comprehended in that
portion of the Berar province be-
longing to the Nizam.
Travelling distance from Nagpoor
122 miles ; from Oojain, 237 ; trom
Hyderabad, 319 ; from Puonah, 380 ;
from Delhi, 604 ; fiom Madras, 671 ;
fiom Calcutta, 844 miles. {Leckie,
Rennel, ^-c.)
Elgandel. — A town in the Ni-
zam's dominions, in the province of
Hyderabad, 9.5 miles N. E. from
Hyderabad. Lat. 18°. 29'. N. Long.
79°. 20'. E.
Ellmoue. — A town in the Nor-
thern Circars, district of Cicacole, 20
miles N. N. E. from the town of
Cicacole. Lat. 18°. 24'. N. Long.
84°. 10'. E.
2 A
Embehoty. — A town in the Na-
bob of Oude's territories, in the pro-
vince of Oude, 10 miles E. from
Luckuow. Lat. 26°. 42'. N. Long.
81°. 10'. E.
EMfc'NABAD, (Aminahart). — A town
possessed by the Seiks, in the pro-
vince of Lahore, 23 miles N. W.
from the city of Lahore. Lat 32°.
9'. N. Long. 73°. 42'. ¥..
Encano Islk. — A small island,
about 30 miles in circumference, ly-
ing off the south-west coast of the
Island of Sumatra. Lat, 5°. 20'. S.
Long. 102°. 20'. E.
In lei.'i an expedition was fitted
out from Batavia, for the purpose of
examining this island, which ter-
minated in entrapping and canying
off 60 or 70 of the inliabitaets, male
and female. The former died soon
after their arrival at Batavia, re-
fusing to eat any other food than
cocoa nuts; but the women, who
were distributed among the prin-
cipal families of Batavia, proved
tractable and docile.
In 1771 it was visited by a vessel
sent by the governor and council of
Bencoolen, to explore tts j)roduc-
tions. Owing to the petty thefts of
the natives, and the imprudent con-
duct of the crew, hostilities arose
between them two days after their
arrival, which frustrated the purpose
of the expedition. On approacliing
the shore large plantations of cocoa
nut trees were discovered, with se-
veral .spots of ground cleared for
cultivation on the hills. Canoes
came off' to the ship, with cocoa nuts,
sugar canes, toddj', and a species of
yam.
The inhabitants are taller and
fairer than the iNIalays, tlieir hair
black, which the men cut .short ; and
tlje women wear long, and neatly
turned up. The form<'r go entirely
naked, except that they sometimes
throw a piece of the bark of a tree
or plantain leaf, over Iheir shoulders,
to protect them from the heat of the
sun. The latter go also naked, ex-
cept a jiiece of plantain leaf round
tlicir waist. 'Hie eais of both uieu
354
ETAWEH.
and women have larj^e holes made
in tliem, an inch or two hi diameter,
into wliich they put a ring made of
cocoa nut shelly or a roll of leaves.
They do not chew betel, nor is their
language yet ascertained.
Their canoes are formed of thin
planks sewn together, sharp pointed
at each end, provided with out-
riggers, and capable of containing six
or seven men. They always carry
lances, not only as oflensive wea-
pons, but for the purpose of striking
tish. I'heso lances are about seven
feet in length, formed of hard woods;
some of which are tipped with pieces
of bamboo made sharp, and the con-
cave part tilled with fish bones and
.sharks teeth. Some lances are armed
with pieces of bone made shaqj and
notched, and otliers pointed with
bits of iron and copper sharpened.
The soil of the country is for the
most part a red clay, and the pro-
ductions the same as are usually
found on the coast of Siunatra. No
rice has been seen among the inlia-
bitants, nor have cattle or fowls of
any kind been observed about their
houses; which are circular, raised
on posts, tloored with planks, and
about eight feet in diameter, 'i'he
Malays, who arc much addicted to
the marvellous, formerly believed
that the inhabitants of this island
were all females. {Marsdcn, (^c.)
Enoue, {Enur). — A village in tho
Carnalic, eight miles north from
Madras, situated on the banks of a
small salt water lake, which contains
abundance of line tish and excellent
oysters. Laf. 13°. 13'. N. Long.
80°. 26'. E. A society in IMadras
have built here by subscription a
house on the edge of the lake, where
there is a weekly meeting to eat
tish, play cards, and sail on the lake
in pleasure boats ; a diversion which
cannot be enjoyed any where near
Madras, on account of tiic surf.
The town stands on a flat sandy
bank, and contains about 100 huts
of the natives, and two Eujopean
houses, besides the subscription-
house. (JSL Graham, (§-c.)
Eriioor. — A town in the Rajah
of Mysore's territories, 108 miles N.
from Seringapatam. Lat. 13°. 48'.
N. Long. 76°. 39'. E.
This place is enclosed by a gurry,
consisting of a wall flanked by
towe\.s and" a ditch. The Hoggree
River runs close past the fortifica-
tions, to which there is a flight of
stone steps from tlie water. It was
plundered by the Maharattas iu
1790. {Moor.)
Eiiou.vD, {Erochi). — A town in the
province of Coimbetnor, 104 miles
S. E. from Seringapatam. Lat. 11°.
19'. N. Long. 77°. 50'. E.
This place has a large mud fort,
occupied by a regiment of sepoys.
In the government of Hyder, the
suburbs contained aboutSOOO houses,
Tippoo's reign reduced them one
third ; and the whole were destroyed
during the invasion of General Mea-
dows. It is now fast recovering, and
contains above 400 houses. The
CHual coming by Erouad from the
Bhawani River is an excellent work,
and waters a naiTow space of ground,
1.5 Malaltar hours journey in length.
The best land about this place lets
for 21. 7s. per acre, and the worst at
lis. 4d. The diy fleld is from
5s. lOd. to Is. 6d. per acre. {F.
Suchunan, cVc.)
Etaweh, {Atava). — A district iu
the province of Agra, situated in the
Doab of the Ganges and Jumna, and
about the 27th degree of nortli lati-
tude. Along with the rest of the
Doab it was ceded to the British
by the Nabob of Oudc in 1801;
when a ci\il establislmient for the
administration of justice, and col-
lection of the revenue, was fixed at
Etaweh, subordinate to the Bareily
court of circuit and appeal.
E rAWEH. — A town iii the province
of Agra, 70 miles S. E. from the city
of Agra. Lat. 26°. 46'. N. Long.
78°. 58'. E.
This place is situated on a very
high bank of the River Jumna, many
parts oi wliich, during the dry sea-
son, are GO feet high. The town is-
built on .the heights, and, as it ap-
1
TLORIS ISLE.
355
proaches the river, is divided into a
iiiunber of sejiarate hills by deep
ravines. The Juiniia is here a large
river, ^^ith many islands of sand,
Avfiieh are oveiilowed during the
rains. (Hodges, yc.J
JiWUNPiLLY. — A Maharatta lown
and small mud fort, iu the province
of Berar, 110 miles S. S. E. from
Nagpoor. Lat. 18°. 50'. N. Long.
80°. ory. E.
Jh'NAPOOR, ( Aimpoor). — A town
in the province of Bcjapoor. belong-
ing to the Aii'.liarattas, 12 miles S.
E. from Merntch. Eat. IG^. 50'. N.
Long. 75. lo'. E.
This is a town of considerable
size, in which there are some Ma-
hommedan families, wlio subsist on
the produce of charitable lauds,
granted in former times.
F.
Fardapoor, (Varadapnr). — A
town in the province of Berar, 43
miles N. W. from Jainajjoor. Eat.
20°. 29'. N. Long. 76°. 12'. E. The
lort of Fardapoor is small and ^^ eak,
and belongs to the Nizam, whose
itouuduries commence near to this
place.
Faikgepoor. — A town belonging
to the Maharattas, in the province
of Khandtsh, 22 miles S. E. horn
Boorhanpoor. Lut. 21°. 12'. N.
Long. 76°. E.
FtRMUL. — An Afghan district in
the province of Cabul, situated be-
tvrcen tiie 33d and 34th degrees of
north latitude. To the south it has
the desert, and to the north the dis-
trict of Gliizni.
Ferozeguk. — A tuwn belonging
to the Nizam, in the province of
Beeder, liO miles S. AV. by S. from
Hvderabad. Lat. 16°. 8'. N. Long.
77°. 22'. E.
Ferozepoor, (Firozpur, t/ie City
of Victory). — A towji in the Scik
territories, in the province of La-
Lure, 53 uiiics S, by E. Stom the city
2 A 2
of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 5'. N. Long.
73°. 58'. Ji. - -
FiROZABAD. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, situated on the ea.st
side of the Jumna, 24 miles E. by S.
from the city of Agra. Lat. 27°. 9'.
N. Long. 78°. 20'. E. This is a
long straggling village enclosed by a
mud wall, with a tew round lowers,
FiRozEPOOR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, 60 miles S. W. bom
Dellii. Lat. 27°. 65'. N. Long. 76°.
48'. E.
FiRozEH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, 112 miles N. W. by
N. from the city of Delhi. Lat. 29°-
17'. N. Long. 75°. 13'. E.
FiROZENAGUR. — A district in the
Nizam's dominions, in the province
of Beeder, extending along the north
side of the Krishna Kiver, and
situated between the 16th and 17tU
degrees of north latitude. The prin-
cipal towns are Fifozgur, Alpoor,
and Sooropoor.
Floris Isle, {Ende). — A large
island in the Eastern Seas, situated
between the eighth and ninth degrees
of south latitude, and the 120th and
123d of east longitude. In length, it
may be estimated at 200 miles, by
36 miles the avei-age breadth. The
proper name of this island is Ende,
it having been denominated Floris
by the early Portuguese writers, and
after them by succeeding voyagers
and geographers. 'J'he interior parts
of I'loris are mountainous and woody,
but near the sea coast is a line open
country ; our information, however,
with respect to this large island is
extremely scanty and imperfect.
Over the greater part of this island,
the Birma language prevails, which
is related in some respects to the
Buggess and Javanese. At the vil-
lage of Larantooca in the straits,
which separate Floris from Sa-
braon and Solor, European ves-
sels procure refreshments in ex-
change lor ammunition, coarse cut-
lery, and otlier small articles. For-
merly sandal wood in considerably
quantities n)ight be procured here,
but at present very little; wliich.
356
FORMOSA,
with wax, and occasionally amber-
gris, compose the exports of the
island. At an earl} period the Por-
tuguese frequented this island, but
it does not appear they ever esta-
blished any regular settlement; al-
though there are still persons calling
themselves Portuguese, and pro-
fessing the Roman Catliolic religion,
scattered over the island. In the
Straits of Mangerav', va liich separate
this island from Comobo, the best
ports for ships are on the Tloris
side. {Bligh, Leyden, BlUhirn, ^c)
Formosa, {Ti/irmi). — A large is-
land lying off tlie south-east coast
of China, distant TOO miles, between
the 23d and 2f*th degices of north
latitude. In length it may be csli-
jnated at 180 miles, by 50 miles the
average breadth. The proper name
of this island is I'ywan, though call-
ed Formosa by Europeans.
The Dutch, at an early period,
established a settlement on this is-
land, and exercised considerable au-
thority. In 1625 the Viceroy of the
Philippines sent an expedition, which
landed on that part of Formosa next
the Island of Luzon, where they
erected fortifications in order to op-
l^ose the Dutch, and also to propa-
gate the Roman Catholic religion. In
1630 the Dutch governor, Neyts,
treacherously seized some Japanese
vessels, which were afterwards li-
berated by the address and bravery
of their crews. Prior to this period
the island does not appear to have
been subject to the Chinese empire.
About the middle of the 17tli cen-
tury it afforded a retreat to 20 or
IiO,000 Chinese, who were unwilling
to submit to the Tartar conqueror.
These refugees carried on a grxat
and lucrative trade with llicir coim-
trymen in China, ^d produced con-
siderable revenue to the Dutch go-
verlimejit, every person above seven
years of age j)aying a cni)itafion tax
of half a guilder a month. The island
also being at no great. distance rom
Japan, the Dntcii Company's ac-
tory had an advanttigoous traV i Tith
that empire.'
In 1C53 the Chinese inhabilanfs <Jf
Formosa entered into a conspiracy
against the Dutch, v^hich was sup-
pressed with the assistance of the
original natives. Soon after this, Cox-
inga, the governor of the maritims
province of Tehichiang in China,
applied for permission to retire to
the island with his followers, to
escape the invaders, but permission
v^ as refused by the Dutch governor.
Coxinga, in consequence, ordered
all the Chinese on the island to join
him on <hc continent, which sum-
mons ^^ as obeyed by one half; and,
in order to distres'S the rest, he pro-
hibited all intercourse, and declared
war against the Dutch. 'I'wo years
afterwards peace was re-eslablished,
but Coxinga, finding his situation in
China insecure, detennined to esta-
blish a more independent sovereignty
in Formosa; and, in consequence,
resolved to Invade that island, being
encouraged by the ruinous state of
the Dutch fortifications.
In March lie arrived at Tywan, or
Formosa, with a fleet of GOO vessels,
and made himself master of the to^\^l
and adjacent country, and afterwards
besieged Fort Zealand. The Dutch
made several ineflcctual eflbrts fo
relieve it, but were each time re-
pidsed with consideraiMe slaughter.
At length the governor, Wesburgli,
having sustained a close siege as long
as it was possible to resist, was
ohligcd to surrender the 5th of July,
1661, and the sunivors of the gar-
rison were allowed to embark on
board the Dutch ships. This was a
severe blow on the Dutch Fiast India
Company, as while they retained
Formosa they could controul the
commerce of the Spaniards, Portu-
guese, and Chinese, and had a place
of refreshment for their ships trading
to Japan.
Coxinga, not long after he had
completed the conquest, engaged in
a war with the Emperor of China on
the main land, and was defeated and
slain in a naval engagement by the
united fleets of the Dutch and Chi-
neiic. His followers witlidrew from
FOIITIFIED ISLAND.
357
ii\e coast of China in 260 vessels,
hut the place of llieir siibseiiueiit
retreat has never been ascertained.
Notwithstandin.!;' liiis Aictury tlie al-
lies could make no impression on
I'onnosa, it \\ as so well defendcil by
Coxin;V'''^'s iniele, Savia, and al'ter-
vards by his son, 'J'eliinj^- Kinu; Maj .
After Co\ini!,a's death it is pro-
bable that the dynasty continued to
be distin<;uisliedby his name, as the
records of the l^njilish hast Imlia
Company, in 1671, mention a war
between the Kinj:; of Java, and Cox-
sin, the cl.'ief of l-'ormosa, whose
power, at that period, contiouied the
Kin<? of Janibee on Sumatra, and of
Joiiore on the Malay Peninsula. In
1676 the English East jndia Com-
pany had a factory on Formosa, the
chief object of which was, through
this medium, to eflect a trade w ith
Japan. At this time the principal
exports from Formosa weie fine cop-
per and gold, both probably pro-
cured from Japan.
In the year 1683 the reigninof
prince, Tching Ki San, voluntarily
sinrendered his dominions to the
Emperor of China, who settled a
pension on him. The Chinese hav-
ing thus easily acquired Formosa,
garrisoned it w ith a strong body of
troops, and with tiiem it has re-
niaijied until w ithin these few years.
In 1805 the Ladrone pirates had
acquired possession of a great part
of the south-west coast of Formosa,
which exported a great deal of grain
to the province of Fokiu in China.
{Macplierson, Bruce, Zuni^a, Kru-
senstern, 4t.)
Fort William. — See Calcutta.
Fort St. David. — A town oh the
sea coast of the Carualic, 100 miles
S. S. Vv. from iVladras, and 1.5 S.S.
W. from Pondicherr\ . Lat. 1 1°. 46'.
N, Long. 79°. 57'. V.. 'I'hree ccn-
sidcrable rivers, coming Irom the
westward, gain the sea in the space
of i'our miles within the bounds of
Fort St. David. 7'hc bed of the
Panaur lies about 1800 yards to the
nortli of the Ri\er of Tripajiolore,
•AoA. tiie two coiumuuicatc by u canal
which runs ncaily parallel to, and
about 1000 yards distant fiom, the
margin of the sea. Fort St. David
stands in the angle where the canal
joins the River of Tiipapolore, which
j)asses close to the site of the fort,
and then sends to the south an arm
tliat soon joins the River of Banda-
pollam, when both united in one
channel continue along the eastern
side of Cuddalore, separated from
the sea by a mound of sand.
This factory was first established
in 1691, when Ihe Court of Directors
ordered a purchase to be made from
the Ram Rajah of a new settlement
at Tegnapatam, which w as carried
into execution, and named I'ort St.
David, the territory acquired being
larger than that belonging to Ma-
dras.
In 1693 it w as discovered, that a
plot had been anangcd by Dr. Black-
well, the surgeon to the garrison, to
deliver up Fort St. David to Zulficar
Khan, the general of Aurengzebe,
then besieging the Ram Rajah in
Cingee ; in reeompcnce for which he
was to receive a large sum of money,
and be made governor of Porto
Novo. He was seized and carried
to Madras, where he macle full con-
fession; when it appeared the plot
comprehended the seizure of the
whole of the English settlement.s.
In 1702 the ground rent of I'ort St.
David was farmed for 2805 pagodas,
and the tobacco and betel nut for
2756 pagodas.
After the capture of Madras, in
1746, by the French under 'SI. La
Bourdonnais, the English factory re-
tired here, and w ere again besieged,
but without success. From this pe-
riod it continued the head of the
English .settlements on the Coro-
niandcl Coast until 1758, when it
was taken by M. L:i!ly after a shuit
siege. On this event the French
conijdctely demolished the fortifica-
tions, which w ere never rebuilt. For
this they afterwards suficred severe
retribution when i^)ndiciu'rry was
taken. {Onuf, Eriice, Wi/ks, cVc.)
Forth lED Island, {liaswa Rasa
358
FURRUCKABAD.
Ditrga). — A small island, about a
mile in circumference, on the coast
of North Canara, a little way north
from the entrance into Onore Lake.
Lat. 14°. 16'. N. Long. 74°. 27'. E.
It was originally fortified by Si-
ruppa Nayaka, the Rajah of Ikeri,
but was greatly strcnglhened by
Tippoo, who intended to make it
his naval arsenal. When taken from
him, in 1792, by three British fri-
gates, tlic garrison consisted of 200
men, and 34 pieces of cannon,
with provisions and ammunition ni
proportion. Besides the military
stores and pepper there ^^'ere found
here 20 tons of iron spikes for build-
ing, with almost the whole of the
iron work for a 60 gun ship, and
some lesser naval stores. The ship
for which this preparation Avas made
was nearly completed, but had been
scuttled and sunk in the river at
Onore on the commencement of
hostilities.
This island contains cocoa nut,
palms, and plantain trees, with abun-
dance of fresh water. It produces
the best sort of can, which is used
by the natives in painting their
houses. (Dirom, F. Buchanan, Vc)
Fringybazar. — A small town in
the province of Bengal, district of
Dacca Jelalpoor, situated on tlie
west side of the Dullasery, near its
function with the Megna, 13 miles
S. W. li-om Dacca. Lat. 23°. 33'. N.
Long. 90°. 2:3'. E.
When Sliaista Khan, the Mogul
Viceroy of Bengal, invaded Chitta-
gong, then possessed by the JMughs,
in 1666, he was joined by many of
the native Portnguese, who fled to
the Mogul army for protection. A
considerable number of tlieni he set-
tled here, and from this circumstance
tiie name of the place originated,
but none of their descendants now
remain. During the height of the
rainy season, the vast expanse of
•water here ap})ears like an inland
sea, and the depth ia very great.
(Stewnrl, ^-c.)
FuKGos IsLi:. — A small island
about 40 miles in circumfertncej one
of the most southerly of the Philip-
pines. Lat, 9°. 25'. N. Long. 123°.
25'. E.
FuGA Isle. — A small island about
35 miles in circumference, one of
the Philippines, and situated due
north from the large island of Luzon,
or Luconia. Lat. 19°. N. Long.
121°. 30'. E.
FxjLALEE. — A small branch of the
Indus, which it rejoins in latitude
25°. 9'. N. a few miles below Hy-
derabad, the capital of the province
of Sinde.
Ascending the Fulalee from its
junction with the Indus up to Hy-
derabad, it winds so much, that, al-
though the direct distance by land is
not more than 14 miles, the route by
water is not less than 24 miles. The
depth of water in this part of the
route, during the month of August,
is from four to six fathoms, and
there are many villages scattered on
each side of the river. 'J'he natives
of Sinde assert, that the Fulalee, at
some distance to the north of Hy-
derabad, communicates with the In-
dus, forming an island of the coun-
try round the city of Hyderabad.
This island, named Gungah, near
the banks of the river, is, in many
places, well cultivated, which is also
the case with the opposite side.
{Maxfield, ^c.)
FULTA, {Phalata, Fertility). — A
large village in the province of Ben-
gal, situated on the east bank of the
River Hooghly, 20 miles S. S. W. in
a straight direction from Calcutta,
but much more by tlie windings of
the river. Lat. 22°. 19'. N. Long.
88°. 20'. E. The anchorage here is
safe, ships being protected from tlie
swell of tiie sea. The bottom is a
stiff clay, in « hich the anchors hold
so fast that it is dillicult to weigh
them.
FuRRUCKABAD, (Farakhabad, a
Happy Abode.) — A district in tho
province of Agra, situated in the
J)oab of the Ganges and Jumna,
and between the 27tli and 28th de-
grees of nortli latitude. This small
district extends along the Avestern
FYZABAD,
359
bank of flic G.ano^es, and was sur-
rounded by the dominions of llie
Nabob of Oiido, to whom the Patau
rhief of Fnrrnckabad was tributary.
In 1801, by an arranj^cment with
tlie former, tlic tribute payatilc by
the latter was transferred to the
Company; and, in 1802, tlie civil
Tind military government of the coun-
try were assumed, makiuj^- an alJow-
auce to tlie Nabob of J'urruekabad
of 180,000 rupees per auunni.
Prior totiiis period the stat<' of the
country was most wretched. Mur-
ders were so frequent, (hat the in-
habitants did not dare to venture
out after sunset ; and the workmen
Avho came out of the Bri(ish mihtary
cantonmeuts always retired to their
own houses dining day light. Since
the transfer the robbers have been
extirpated, and owinj; to tlie security
of property', the value of tlie lajids
have greatly risen. It Monid be easy
to prove that the great bulk of the
inhabitants of every part of India
have reason to rejoice at coming un-
der the Britisli eontioul, but tlic
blessings to tins small district in par-
ticular arc incalculable. {Lord Va-
leiitia. Treaties, Rennel, ^-c.)
FuRUL'CKADAD. — A town in the
pro^in(•c of Agra, district of I'ur-
ruckabad, of which it is tlie cajulal.
Lat. 27°. 23'. N. Ltmg. 79°. 33'. J-;.
This town was built by a Patan
colony about 100 years ago, and is
situated at a siiort distance from the
west side of the Ganges. The streets
arc wide, and the houses and open
places are shaded with trees. A con-
siderable trade is carried on, and the
town rendered flourishing by the vi-
cinity of tlie Krilisii cantonments.
On the ces.'^ion of the district, in
1802. by the Nabob of Oude, a civil
establishraent for the administration
of justice, and coUccliun of the re-
venue, was settled here, subordinate
to the Barcily court of circuit and
appeal.
Travelling distance from Lucknow
111 miles, from Ecnares 755, from
^ 'alcutta byBirboom 755 milcii. {L<frd
Yakntia, Rennel, ^x.)
FuRRUCKNVGUR. — A town in the
province of Delhi, 30 miles S. W.
from the city of Delhi. Lat. 28°.
30'. N. Long. 76°. 41'. E.
FuTTEHGHUR, {Fatahgliar, the
Fort of Victory). — A town in the
province of Agra, district of Fur-
ruckabad, 90 miles W. N. W. from
Lucknow. Lat. 27° 22'. N. Long.
79°. 34'. E. A brigade of troops is
usually cantoned at this place, which
is close to I'urruckabad.
FuTTii'OOR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, 25 miles W. S. W.
Irom the city of Agra. Lat. 27°. 5'.
N. Long. 7/°. 34'. E.
This place is enclosed by a stone
wall of great extent, built by the
Emperor Acber. The space within
does not appear ever to have been
tilled with buildings, and the part
now inhabited is but an inconsider-
able village. The neighbouring hills
are composed of a greyish stone,
and have supplied the materials of -
which the town is built. On the ~
most elevated part of the rock stands
tlie tomb of Shah Selim Cheestec,
by the eflicacy of whose devotion the
Empress of Acber, after remaining
several years barren, became preg-
nant, and bore a son, who, in ho-
nour of the saint, Avas named Selim ;
and, on ascending tlie throne of Hin-
dostan, took the name of Jehangeer.
{Hunter, Src.)
FuTTYPooR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Ajnieer, within the terri-
tories of the Jcynagur Bajpoots, 70
miles N. N. W. from J vnagur. Lat,
27°. 51'. N. Long. 75°. 7'. j:. This
]>lace is inhabited by a tribe of Ma-
liommedans, named Kaiem Khanee.
FvzABAD, (a beautiful Residence.)
• — A town in the province of Oude,
situated on the south side of the
(ioggrah, orDewah Kiver, 80 miles
east from Lucknow. Lat. 26°. 46'.
N. Long. 82°. 10'. E. During the
reign of Sujah ud Dowlah this was
the capital of bis don)inions, but his
wn removed the seat of goverimient
to Lucknow. Here are the remains
of a fortress, and of Sujah ud Dow-
lah's palace. The city is of coii-
360
GANGES.
siderable extent, and still contains
a numerous population, chiefly of
the lower classes ; the great men,
accompanied by the merchants, bank-
ers, and money changers, having
migrated along with the court to
JLiUoknow. Adjoining is tlie ancient
city of Oude, or Ayodha, the capital
of the great Ram, who conquered
Ceylon. {Reimel, Hodges, Foster,
fc.)
G.
Galesong.— A small province si-
tuated at the southern extemity of
Celebes, the inhabitants of which
aie esteemed the best sailors on the
island.
Galkikst. — A small village in
Ceylon tu the south of Columbo,
whore tliere is a church for the ac-
commodation both of the Dutch and
Ccylonese, many of the latter having
been converted to the Christian re-
ligion. Lat. 16°. .59'. N. Long. 79°.
51'. E.
Gandapoor, {Gandhapnr, thefra-
graid Totcn). — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the province
of Aurungabad, 62 nnles north from
Ahmednuggur. Lat. 19°. 54'. N.
Long. 75°. 11'. E.
Gahrah. — A small town in the
province of Sinde, district of Tatta.
Lat. 24°. 46'. N. Long. 67°. 56'. E.
This place stands on the banks of
a salt water creek communicating
with the sea, and navigable for
small boats ; but the t) ade is insjg-
nif](;ant, and the poverty of the in-
habitants extreme. There are a few
wells near the toMn, but the water
is neither good nor plentiful.
The surrounding country consists
of a light salt sand, which, in a
fresh breeze, rises in such clouds as
almost to blind man and beast. A
strong glare is reflected during the
flay, and the wind is dry and ex-
tremely parching. A few lye shrubs
are scattered over this tract. IVo
miles E. N. E. from Gahrah tho
country improves, and there is a
plain three miles in extent, and ca-
pable of cultivation, remaining in a
state of nature. {Blaxfield, ^c.)
Ganges, {Ganga). — Prior to the
commencement of the 19th century
the Ganges had been traced by Hin-
doo pilgrims from Hindostan into
the snowy mountains, which run in
a direction north west to south east,
on the frontiers of India ; and, oh
the side of Tibet, had been approach-
ed by Lama surveyors, whose route
terminated at Kentaisse, a range of
snowy mountains on the west and
south of Tibet. The interveniuc
space was a region of conjecture aua
romance. Whether a vast tract ot
Alpine country intervened, or sim-
ply a ridge of lofty mountains clothed
in eternal snow, Avhich last position
seemed the most probable.
Until 1807 all the maps represent-
ed this river flowing within the Hi-
malaya chain of snowy mountains
many hundred miles, trom an imagi-
nary lake, named Mapama, to Gan-
goutri. This coiuse appeared to Mr.
Colebrooke, and the late Lieut. Col.
Colebrooke, to rest on very slender
foundations. They thought it very
improbable that a stream less thau
the Alacananda, as the Bhagirathi
was represented to be, should have
its source so much more remote thari
the larger stream; and that flowing
(as was supposed) for many hundred
miles through a mountainous region,
it should receive no greater acces-
sions from mountain torrents. Praim
Poori, the Sanyassee, had, prior to
this, also declared, that the river at
Gangoutri, which was visited by him
on his return from Cashmere, was so
narrow, that it might be leaped over;
which is incompatible with the no-
tion of a distant source of the river.
So narrow a stream could be only a
mere brook or rivulet, whose re-
motest source, these gentlemen con-
jectured, must be only a few miles
distant.
To verify these conclusions Lieut
Webb was sent by the Bengal go-
tTiiimcnt, ill 1808, to survey the
soiiiccs of the (Jaiigcs; and the in-
fornialioii acquired ])y him dotor-
niiiicd him to assign them a sit.natijuu
south of the Himalaya Mountains.
His reasons lor adopting this opinion
Le has published, the principal of
which arc,
Isl. That it had luiiversally been
experienced during his journey, that
the supply of water from springs and
tributary streams was suflieient, in a
course of eight or 10 miles, to sw ell
the most minute livulet into a con-
siderable and unfordable stream.
2dly. I'he course of the Gauges
and Alaeauauda Rivers was follow-
ed, until the former became a shal-
low and almost stagnant pool, and
the latter a small stream ; and both
having, in addition to springs and
rivulets, a considerable visible sup-
ply from the thawing of the snow.
It is therefore concluded from ana-
logy, that the sources of these rivers
could be little, if at all removed from
tlie station at which these remarks
•«\ ere collected.
No doubt, therefore, can remain,
that the diflereut branches of the
river above Ilurdwar take their rise
on the southern side of tlio Himalaya
chain of snowy mountains; and it is
presumable, tliat all the tributary
streams of the Ganges, including the
Sarjew or Goggrah, and tlie Jumna,
whose most conspicuous fountain is
at little distance from the Ganges,
also rise on the southern side of that
chain of mountains.
Every account agreed that the
source of tlie Ganges is more remote
tliau the place called Gangoutri,
which is merely the point whence it
issues from Himalaya, not, as related,
through a secret passage or caveni,
resembling a cow's mouth; but its
current is perceptible beyond that
place, although tiie access be so ob-
structed as to exclude further le-
search. The pilgrims, and those
persons who reside Avilhin a tew
iniles of Gangoutri, and wlu» gain a
livelihood by bringing the water
from the s£ot, say that the road b«-
GANGES. 301
yond Gangoutri is passable only for
a few miles, w hen the current is en-
tirely concealed under heaps of snow,
which no traveller e\er has sur-
mounted or can surmount.
After issuing from the mountains
neju" Hurdwar, to the conflux with
the Jumna at Allahabad, the first
large river that joins it, the bed of
the Ganges is generally from a mile
to one and a ipiarter miles wide.
From hence its coarse becomes more
winding, and its bed wider, until
having successively received the
Goggrah, the Soane, and the Gun-
duck, besides many snuilier streams,
its chaimel attains its full width, as
it afterwards in some parts becomes
so narrow as half a mile; and, where
uo islands intcnene, is in some
places three miles wide. When at
its lowest, the principal channel va-
ries from 400 yards to one and a
quarter miles wide, but is common-
ly about three-fouiths of a mile in
breadth.
The Gauges is fordable at some
places above its coutlux with the
Jumna, but the navigation is never
inteiTupted. At 500 miles from the
sea the chaniiel is 30 feet deep when
the river is at tiie lowest; which depth
continues to the sea, where the sud-
den expansion of tlie stream deprives
it of the force necessary to sweep
away the bars of sand and mud
thrown across it by tlie strong south-
erly winds, so that the principal
branch of the Gauges cannot be en-
tered by large vessels.
About 200 miles from the sea
(but 300, reckoning the windings of
the river) commences the Delta of
the Ganges. 'I'he two westernmost
branches, named theCossimbaiiar and
Jcilinghy rivers, luiite and form at-
terwards what is named the Hooghiy
River, w hich forms the Port of Cal-
cutta, and the only branch of the
Ganges that is cnminonly navigated
by ships. The Cossinibazar River is
almost dry from October to May;
the Jellinghy River, altliough a
stream, runs in it during the whole
year, is in some years unnavigable
362
GANGES.
durinc; two or three of the driest
months ; so tliat the only subordi-
nato braiicli of tlie Ganges that is at
all times navigal)le for boats is the
Chandnah Kiver, which separates at
IModdapoor, ajid terminates in the
Ifooringotta River. 'Hiat part of
flie Delta borderins:^ on the sea is
composed of a labyrinth of rivers and
creeks, named the Sunderbnnds,
whieh, inchidinf^ the rivers that
bonnd it, give an expansion of 200
miles to the branches of the Ganges
at its junction with the sea.
The descent of the river is about
nine inches per mile ; but the wind-
ings are so gieat as to reduce the
declivity- to less than four inches per
iiule. In the dry season the mean
rate of motion is less than three miles
per liour. In tlie wet season, and
■while the waters are draining' off
fiom the inundated lands, the cur-
rent runs from live to six miles an
hour; and tiiere are instances of its
running seven and eight miles in par-
particular situations.
The Ganges appeals to owe its
increase as much to the rain that
falls in the mountains, as to that
which falls in the plains ofHindos-
tau, for it rises 15| feet out of 32
feet (the sum total of its rising) by
tlie latter end of June, and the rainy
season does not properly begin in
most of the flat countries until about
that time. In the mountains the
rains begin early in April; and, by
the latter end of that month, wlien
the rain water has reached Bengal,
the rivers begin to rise by very slow
degrees, the increase being only one
inch per day for the first fortnight.
Jt then gradually augments to two
and three inches before any quantity
of rain falls in the low countries;
and when the rain becomes general
its increase, at a medium, is five
inches per day. By the latter end
of July all the lower parts of Bengal
are overflowed contiguous to the
Ganges and Brahmapootra, and form
an inundation of more than 100 miles
in width, nothing appearing but vil-
lages and trees, and here and there
the artificial site of an abandoned
village, appearing like an island.
Owing to the quantity of rain that
falls in Bengal, the lands in general
are oveiHowed to a considerable
height long before the bed of the
river is filled, the ground adjacent to
the river bank, to the extent of some
miles, being higher than the rest of
the country. There are particular
tracts guarded from inundation by
dikes, which are kept up at an enor-
mous expense; yet do not always
succeed, owing to the want of tena-
city in the soil of which they are
com])osed. It is calculated that the
length of these dikes, coHeclively,
exceeds 1000 miles.
Table of the Increase of the Gauges
and its Branches.
AT JELLINGHY. AT DACCA.
ft. in. ft. in.
In May it rose 6 0-24
June - - 9 6 - 4 6
July - - - 12 6 - 6 6
In the first ha If of
August --40 - 111
Feet 32
14 3
The inundation is nearly at a stand
in Bengal for some days preceding
the 15th of August, when it begins to
run off", though great quantities of
rain still continue to fall during Au-
gust and September ; but a decrease
of rain has by this time taken place
in the mountains, and a consecpient
deficiency jn the supplies to keep up
the inundation. The daily decrease
of the Ganges, during the latter half
of August and September, is from
three to four inches; from Septem-
ber to the end of November it gra-
dually lessens from three inches to
one and a half inches; and from
November to the end of April is only
half an inch per day at a medium.
Approaching the sea from the li-
mits to which the tide reaches, the
height of the periodical increase gra-
dually diminishes, until it totally dis-
appears at the point of confluence
with the sea. The occaivpreserving
GANGES.
303
at all times ihe same level, nccos-
sariiy influences <lic level of the wa-
ters that coinmunjcatc with it. At
LiUckipoor there is a dill'crence of
about six feet between the heipjht
in the different seasons ; at Dacca
and places adjacent 14 ; and at
C'ustcc of 31 feet. Tlio latter place
is about 240 miles from the sea by
the course of the river; and the sur-
face of the river there is, during the
dry season, 80 feet above the level
of the sea at high water.
The quantity of w ater discharged
by the Ganges, in one second of time,
during the dry season, is 80.000 cu-
bic feet; but the river m hen full. hav-
ing twice the volume of water in it,
and its motion being accelerated in
the proportion of Jive to three, the
quantity discharged that season is
405,000 cubic ihvt. Taking the me-
dium of the whole year, it will be
nearly 180,000 cubic feet per second
of time.
In Bengal the banks of the Ganges
exhibit a variety of appearances, ac-
cording to the nature of the soil, or
the degree of force with which the
current strikes against them. In
those parts where the velocity of the
stream is greatest, and the soil ex-
tremely loose, tiiey become perpen-
dicular, and crumble in so frequent-
ly, as to render it dangerous to aj)-
proaeh them. The bank is often
excavated into a number of deep
bays, with projecting points between
them, round which the cunent rushes
with great rapidity ; but is consider-
ably slackened, and has even a retro-
grade motion in the interior part of
tile gulf. In tlie higher |)arts, where
a conker soil (a hard, reddish, calca-
reous earth) prevails, the banks of
th(^ Ganges are not so liable to be
undermined.
The Hajemal Hills, from which se-
veral rocky points project into the
river, as at Sicrygully, I'ointy, and
Pattergotta. have for ages opposed
ofleetually the encroachments of the
river. The depth of the water in
the navigiible part of the Ganges,
not far from Colgong, is Ijequently
upwards of 70 feet ; yet in this neigh-
bourhood new islands have risen to
more than 20 feet above the level of
the .stream. Tlie quantity of land
which has been destroyed by tho
river in the course of a few years,
from Colgong to Sooty, will amount,
on a moderate calculation, to 40
square miles, or 2.5,600 square acres ;
but this is counterbalanced, in a
great measure, by the alluvion which
has taken place on the opposite
shore, and by the new island of Smi-
deep, which alone contains above
10 .square miles.
In its course through the plains the^
Ganges receives 11 rivers, some of
which arc equal to the Rhine, and
smaller than theThames,besides. some
a great many others of lesser note.
The largest tributary streams to t!ie
Ganges in Bengal and Bahar are tiie
Goggrah, the Soano, an<l the Coosy,
or Cosa. Such of these rivers as are
narrowest are remarkable for their
windings; the larger rivers having a
tendency to run in more direct lines.
Within the space of 100 miles the
Ganges.by the winding of its <oHrsc,
is calculated to increase the distance
to 125 miles.
The Goggrah, or Dcwah, to 112
miles. \
'I'he Hooghly from Calcutta io
Nuddea increases from 60 to 76
miles.
The Goompty, from its outlet up-
wards, increases from 100 to 1/5
miles.
The Issamutty and Jaboona, from
Dewangunge to Bausetullah, in-
crease liom 100 to 217 miles.
Although the sources of the Brah-
mapootra have iicver been explored,
it is probable they are separated from
those of the Ganges only by a narrow
range of snow-chid peaks, about the
32(1 degree of north latitude, and the
82dofeast longitude. From hence
they direct their courses towards op-
posite quarters, until they are moie
than 1200 miles asunder; but after-
wards meet and intermix their wa-
ters before they join the sea, the
Ganges having tiicn performed a
364
GANGOUTRI.
journey, iHcluding the windings, of
about 1500 miles.
It is only that part of the river
which lies in a line from Gangoutri,
where its feeble stream issues from
Himalaya to Sagor Islaud, below
Calcutta, tliat is particularly sacred,
and named the Gunga, or Ehagi-
rathi. The Hooghly River, there-
fore, of European geographers is
considered the true Ganges; and the
g^reat branch that runs east to join
the Bralmiapootra is, by the Hin-
doos, called Puddah (Padma) or
Padmawati, and is not by them
esteemed equally sacred. Although
the water of the whole river from
Gaugoutri to Sagor is holj', yet there
are places more eminently sacred
than the rest, and to these pilgiims
from a distance resort to perform
their ablutions, and to take up the
water that is used in their cere-
monies.
The chief of these are the five
Prayags, or holy junctions of rivers,
of which Allahabad is the principal,
and by way of distinction named
simply Prayag. I'he others are si-
tuated in tire province of Serinagur,
at the confluence of the Alacananda,
with different small rivers, and are
named De^aprayaga, Rudraprayaga,
Carnaprayaga, and Nandaprayaga.
The other sacred places are Hurd-
war, where the river first escapes
from fhe mountains; Uttara Jana-
giri, a short distance below Mong-
hir and Sagor Island, at the mouth
of the Calcutta River, named by
Europeans the Hooghl}^ Besides
its sanctity, the Ganges is much
esteemed for its medicinal pro-
porperties, and is on tliis account
drank by many INIahommedans.
In 1792 Abd ul Hakeem, tlie reign-
ing Nabob of Shanoor, near the
Avest coast of India, although at the
distance of more than lOUO miles
from this river, never drank any
other water.
In (he Hindoo jNIythology Ganga
(the Ganges) is described as tlie
eldest daughter of the great moun-
tain llimavjita ; her sister Ooma as
tlie spouse of Mchadera.the destroy-
ing power.
She is called Ganga on account of
her flowing f lirongh gang, the caith ;
she is called Jalmavi from a choleric
Hindoo saint, whose devotions she
inteiTupted on her passage to the
sea, and, in a fit of displeasure, h©
drank her entirely up ; but was af-
terwards induced, by the humble
suppUcations of tlie Devas (demi-
gods), to discharge her by his ears.
She is called Bhaghirathi from the
royal devotee Bhagaratha, who, by
the intensity and austerity of his dc-
A'otions, brought her from heaven to
the earth, from whence she pro-
ceeded to the infernal regions, to re-
animate the ashes of some of his
ancestors.
She is called Iriputbaga, on ac-
count of her proceeding forward in
three different directions, watering
the three Morlds — heaven, earth,
and the infernal regions.
According to the Bralnninical
Mythology, the sea, although dug
before tlie descent of the Ganges
from heaven, is, by tiie Hindoos,
supjiosed to have been empty of
A\ater. {Rennel, Colebroohe, Colonel
Colcbroohe, Webb, Rape?; Ramayoiiy
F. Buchanan, Moor, |-c.)
Gang POOR. — A small district in
the province of Gundwana, situated
al)out the 22d degree of north lati-
tude, and bounded on the north by
the British district of Chuta Nag-
poor, in Bahar. During the reign
of Aurengzebe, it was formally an-
nexed to the Soubah of Allahabad,
although but in nominal sul>jection
to the Mogul dominion. It is a bar-
ren, mountainous, and unproductive
tenitory, and still possessed by na-
tive zemindars. The chief river is
the Soank, and the principal towns
Gangpoor and Padah.
Gangpoor. — A town possessed by
independent zemindars, in the pro-
vince of Gundwana, the capital of
a small district of the same name.
Lat. 22° 4'. N. Long. 84° 10'. E.
Gangoutui, (Gangotari). — A ce-
lebrated place of Hindoo pilgnmagf
GANJAM.
365
nnions^ tho Himalaya Mountains, in
tfie pio\ ince of Seriiiafifur. Lat. 31°.
4'. N. Long. 78°. 9'. K
At this place the breadth of the
Ganges is about 15 or 20 yards, the
current moderate, a!id not above
waist deep. IVo miles further on
is the place called the Cow's Mouth.
It is a large stone in the middle of
the bed of the river, tlie water pass-
ing it on each side, and disclosing a
small piece above the surface, to
wliich fancy may attach the idea of
a cow. The river runs from the di-
rection of N. by E. and on the bank,
hear Gangontri, is a small temple,
about eight or 10 feet higli, Contain-
ing two or tluee iinag(S rej)n\sent-
ing the Ganges, the Bhagirathi, &c.
There are three coonds, or basins,
w'here the pilgrims bathe, called
Brahmacoond, Vishnucoond, and
Suryacoond, formed in the bed of
the ri\ er.
In 1808 Lieutenant Webb and
Ills party approached within 16 or
18 miles horizontal distance from
this place ; but, on account of the
extreme difficulty of the road, and
want of time, could proceed no fur-
ther. This short distance was reckon-
ed a journey that would occupy six
or seven days. The pilgrims, and
other persons in the vicinity. mIio
gain a livelihood by bringing water
from the spot, say, that the road be-
yond Gangoutii is passable only for
a few miles, where the current is
entirely concealed under heaps of
snow, which Jio traveller ever has
femmounted, or can surmount.
The pilgrimage to Gangoutii is
considered a great exertion of Hin-
doo devotion ; the peiibrmance of it
is supposed to redeem the performer
from troubles in this world, and in-
sure a happy transit through all the
stages of transmigration which he
may have to undergo. 'l"hc water
taken from hence is drawn under
the inspection of a Brahmin, to whom
a trifling sum is paiil for the pri\i-
fege of taking it. Jt is afterwards of-
fered up. by, or on the ^jart of tlie
pilgrim, at the temple of Bkidya-
iiath, a celebrated place of worship
in Bengal. The speeific gravity of
this river is said to exceed that of
the neighbouring river the Alaca-
nanda, according to Hindoo belief,
and is so pure, as neither to evapo-
rate, nor to become corrupted by
being kept. The mountains in the
vicinity of Gangontri have a very
barren appearance, the only tree
produced being the Bhurjapatra.
{Raper, Webbe, lSt.)
Gakj .\n, {Ganjayn, the Depot). — A
sea-port town in the Noithern Cir-
cars, the capital of a district of the
same name. Lat. 19°. 23'. N. Long.
85°. 19'. E. The fort is a small pen-
tagon on plain ground ; and, a^ hen
jftopcrly garrisoned, capable of
making a considerable resistance.
Sugar and jagary are cultivated in
tliis neighbourhood, but the country
to the north of Gaiijam is verj^ low,
and under watci" during the rains.
Ganjam is now one of the five dis-
tricts into which the Northern Cir-
cars have been subdivided, and the
residence of a judge and collector.
The Bengal revenue of judicial sys-
tem was introduced in 1804.
The principal towns for the coast-
ing trade in this district are Ganjam,
Munsurcotta, Sorn.apoor, Barvah,
Calingapafam, and Baupanapados ;
at which ports, between the 1st of
May, 1811, and the 30th of April,
1812, 8-3 vessels and craft, mea-
suring 9470 tons, aiTivcd ; and 206,
measuring 25,802, departed.
The total value of imports at Gan-
jam, during the above period, was
106,250 rapees, of which oidy 6414
rupees was irom places beyond the
territories subject to the Madras go-
vernment, and the whole of this from
Calcutta. The total value of tho
exports, wifliin th6 same period, was
471,503 rupees, of which only !S5')3
rupees was to places beyond tiift
teiritorics of the Madras govern-
ment, \iz.
To Calcutta - - 315*7
To Botany Bay - 5396
Arcot "Rupees 8553
366
GARROWS.
Distance from Calcutta 372 miles ;
fioiu ]\laJras 650. (J. Grant, Rox-
burgh, Upton, Report on Externul
Commerce, ^c.)
Uakewdun. — A town in the Nah-
ry Sankar province, situated to the
north of the Himalaya ridge of moun-
tains. Lat. 33°. 18'. N. Long. 80°.
63'. E.
Garmidv, (Gurmmdi). — A small
town ill the province of Bengal, dis-
trict of Dacca Jelalpoor, situated
on the west bank of the great branch
of tlie Ganges, named the Puddah.
Lat 22°. 59'. N. Long. 90°. 11'. E.
Garrows, (Garudas). — A moun-
tainous district, tributary to the Com-
pany, on the north-eastern frontier
of Bengal, and situated between
the 25th and 26th degrees of north
latitude. It is bounded on the north
by Rangamatty, and on the east
by Assam ; but its proper limits
have never been correctly ascer-
tained.
'I'he country is hilly, but very fer-
tile, and tolerably well inhabited.
One of the chief villages is Gliose-
gong. There arc rivers at the several
passes into the hills, the principal of
v\hioh arc the Nati, the Maharishi,
the Suniaserry, and the Mahadeo.
'I'hese rivers are of a sandy, gra-
velly bottom, with much limestone
and iron ore. The INIahadeo has
abundance of coals, the oil of which
is esteemed, in the hills, a cure for
«;utaneous disorders. There arc but
few sorts of fish in the rivers, but
the conunon river turtle arc to be
had in great numbers.
A CJairow is a stout, well-shaped
man, hardy, and able to do much
work. They have a surly look, a
flat cafl'ry nose, small eyes, gene-
rally blue or brown, wrinkled tore-
head, and overhanging eyebrow,
with a large mouth, thick Ups, and
round fiice. Their colour is of a
light or deep brown. The women
are extremely ugly, short, and squat
in their stature, with masculine fea-
tures. In tlieir ears are fixed num-
ber's of brass rings, sometimes as
many as 30.. increasing in diameter
from tiiree to six inches. Tlie fe-
males work at all laborious occupa-
tions.
The Garrows eat all manner of
food ; even dogs, frogs, snakes, and
the blood of animals, which last is
baked over a slow fire, in a hollow
green bamboo. They have various
sorts of spirits, whi<;h they drink to
excess, but the most common is
extracted from rice. Their animal
food they eat almost raw.
The houses of the Garrows, called
dialings, arc raised on piles, three
or four feet from the ground; in
length from 30 to 1 50 feet, by from
10 to 40 in breadth. The props of
the house consist of large saul tim-
bers, over which large timbers arc
placed hoiizontally, and the roofs
are finished with bamboos, mats, and
strong grass. The latter are uncom-
monly well executed, particularly in
the houses of the boncahs, or chief
men. 'I'he house consists of two
apartments, one floored, and raised
on piles ; the other without a floor,
at one end, for their cattle. Thu
chiefs wear silk turbans, but their
apparel is generally covered with
bugs.
'I'he Garrows are of a mild temper
and gay disposition. In regulating
tluir dances, 20 or 30 men stand
behind one another, holding each
other by the sides of the belts, and
then go round in a circle, hopping
first on one foot, and then on the
other. The women dance in rows,
and hop in the same manner. During
their festivals they eat and drink to
such a degree, that they require a
day or two alterwards to become per-
fectly sober. Maniage is generally
settled by the parties themselves,
but sometimes by their parents. If
the parents do not accede to the
wish of their child, they arc well
beaten by the friends of the other
party, and even by persons uncon-
nected with either, until they ac-
quiesce in the marriage. Among
this people the youngest daughter is
always the heiress. If her husband
die, ske mamcs one of his brothers;
OAWELGUR.
307
and, if they aUdio, slie marries their
lather.
Tlie dead ;uc kept (our days, and
then bullied. If tlie deceased l)e
an upper-liill chief of conimoa rank,
tlje liead of one of his slaves should
be burned \\ith !uui; but if he hap-
I)en to be a cliief of the fust rank,
a hir«;e body of l)is slaves sally out
from the hills, and seize a Hindoo,
whose head tliey eut olf, and burn
witli their chief. Their reli<;ion ap-
pears to approueh that of the Hin-
doos, I'hey worship Mahadeva, and
at Banjauu, a pass in the liills, they
worship the sun and moon. Their
punislnnonts consist mostly of tines,
which are approj)riated to festivity
and drunkenness. In their debatrs,
their wives have as much to say as
the chiefs.
At the foot of the Garrovv IJills
reside a tribe of people called
Hajins, whose customs nearly re-
semble those of the G arrows; but,
in religion, partake more of the
Hindoo, as they will not kill a cow.
By the Hajiii caste the tiu;er is wor-
sliipped. {Elliot, Leyden, ^-c.)
Gaukarna. — A town in the pro-
vince of North Canara. Lat. 14°,
32'. N, Long. 74°. 25'. E. This town
is very miich scattered among- cocoa
nut pahns, and contains above .500
Louses, of w hich one lialf is occu-
pied by Bralnnins, who lu<;hly esteem
Gaukarna, on account of an image
of Mahadeva, named iMahabolis-
wara. About six miles to the north
is Gangawali, an inlet of fresh wa-
ter, wliich separates tlie Hindoo
geographical di\ ision. named Haiga
or Haiva, from Kank;uia (Concan).
Canoes can go several miles up tliis
stream to the foot of the Ghauts,
The salt made in tiiis part of the
country, where there are the same
natural advantages as at Goa, is
very bad, and scarcely saleable at
market. {F. Buchanan, ^-c.)
Gaungra. — A district belonging
to tlie Nagpoor Maharattas, in the
province of Bcrar, situated about
the 22d degree of north latitude.
It h bounded on the north and
south by hills, and intersected by
the Tui)tce Biver, but veiy little is
known repeeting it.
G AUTL'MPOOR, (Gautnmapnr). — A
town in the province of Allahabad,
63 miles S. AV, from FiUeknow. Lat.
2G°, 10'. N. Long. 80°. 15', E, The
boundary in this quaiter, betwixt
the provinces of Allahabad and Agra^
commences near to this town. {Abut
Faze I, S>-c.)
Gawelgur, (Gayalghiir, or Ghw-
gawil). — A strong fortress in the
province of Bcrar, 32 miles N. N. W.
from Elliehpoor, l^at. 21°, 4G', N".
Long. 77°. 52'. E.
'I'his fortress stands on a high and
rocky hill, in the midst of that range
of mountains which lies between
the sources of the Poornah and the
Tuptee rivers. There is one com-
l)lete iimer fort, which fronts tiie
north, where the rock is most inac-
cessible ; and this citadel is strength-
ened and defended by an outer fort,
which entirely covers it to tlie north
and west. The outer fort has a
thick wall, which covers the ap-
proach to it by tli(^ no](h from the
village of Lami^ada — all of which
w alls are strongly built and fortilied
by ramparts and towers.
To the whole of the fortificalioa
there arc three gates; one to the
south, which leads to the inner fort ;
one to the north, which leads to tlio
outer fort; and one to the north,
w Inch communicates with the third
w all. 'I'hc ascent to the tirst gate is
very long, steep, and diflicult ; that
to the second is by a road used lor
the common comnuuiieations of the
garrison with the country to flic
southwards, but which leads no fur-
ther than the gate. It is extremely
narrow, the rock being scooped out
on each side, and, liom its passing
round the west side of the fort, is
exposed to its lire for a considerable
distance. The road to the northern
gate is direct from the village of
Lambada, and the ground aloui;-
whieh it is made is level with that
of the fort.
Notwithstanding this forwidabl*
S68
GAZYPOOR.
list of defences, it was taken by
storm, after a siege of two days, on
the 14tli Dec. 1803, by the army un-
der the command of General Wel-
leslcy and Colonel Stevenson. On
the 25th of the same month peace
was concluded with the Nagpoor
R;!Jah, to whom it was restored.
(ptii Register, 5c.)
Gaya (Pulo) Isle. — A small is-
land off" the N. W. coast of Borneo,
six or eight miles in circumference,
and being very near the main land,
appears from the sea to be pait of
it. Lat. 7°. N. Long. 116°. 2'. E.
Near to this island are many smaller,
such as Pulo Pangir, Pulo Udar,
Pulo Priu, &c.
Gayah, {Gaya). — A town in the
province of Eahar, district of Baliar,
65 miles south from Patna. ,Lat.
24° 49'. N. Long. 85°. 5'. E.
About 14 miles to the north of
this place is a hill, or rather rock, in
which is dug a remarkable cavern,
now dislinguished by the name of
Nagnrjcnee. It is situated on the
southern declivity, about two-thirds
from the summit. Its entrance is
six feet high, and two and a half
broad, and leads to a room of an
oval form, with a vaulted roof, 44
feet in length, 18 in breadth, and
10 in height at the centre. This im-
mense cavity is dug entirely out of
the solid rock, and the same stone
extends much further than the ex-
cavated part on each side of it, and
is altogether full 100 feet in length.
On' the interior part were two in-
scriptions without dates, which have
been translated by Charles Wilkins,
Esq. and published in the first vo-
lume of the Asiatic Kesearches.
From the characters they appeared
to have been of considerable anti-
quity. In the adjoining hills are se-
veral other caves.
This town is one ofthe holy places
of the IJindoos to which pilgrimages
are performed, havijig been either
the birth-place or residence of Bud-
dha, the great prophet and legislator
of tlie nations east of the Ganges.
I'rom this circumstance it is usually
termed Buddlia Gayah. The Bengal
government derive from the pilgrims
resorting to Gayah a net annual rc-
vcinie of about one and a half lacks
of rupees, (16,0001.) which is more
than at Juggemauth, without the
slightest interference of the officers
of government with the priests of
the temple. Their respective rights
of succession to the ditferent duties
of the temple are left to be deter-
mined by themselves. {Harrington,
Wilkins, East India Reports, <^t.)
Gazgotta, (Gajacata, the Elephant
Fort), — A small town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Rung-
poor. Lat. 2.5°. 50'. N. Long. 89°.
15'. E.
Gazypoor, {Ghazipur). — A dis-
trict in the province of Allah9,bad,
zcmindai7 of Benares, situated about
the 26th degree of north latitude. It
is bounded on the north by the Gog-
grah ; on tlie south by the Ganges ;
on the east by the Goggrali ; and ou
the west by Jionpoor. It is remark-
ably well supphed with water, and
one of the most fertile in India. It
has been long celebrated for the ex-
cellence of its rose water. In 1582
it is described by Abul Fazel as fol-
lows : " Sircar Gazjpoor, containing
19 mahals, measurement 288,770
beegahs, revenue 13,431,300 dams.
Seyurghal 131,825 dams. This sir-
car furnishes 310 cavahy, and 16,650
infantry."
This district formerly composed a
separate collectorship ; but subse-
quent to the introduction of the
Bengal code into the Benares pro-
vince, the judicial establishment at
Gazypoor was withdrawn, and the
country divided between the juris-
dictions of the provincial courts of
Juanpoor, Mirzapoor, and the city
of Benares. The chief towns are
Gazypoor, Azimpoor, and Doory-
ghaut.
Gazypoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, 41 miles N. E.
from Benares, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name. Lat. 25°.
35'. N. tiong. 83°. 33'. E. Here dre
canloiitnents for three regiments of
GHAUTS, EASTERN.
369
cavalry. At the end of the town is
a place formerly bcloii2:ing to Saadct
Ali, ihe Nabob of Oude, overhang-
ing the River Ganges, vvhieli is here
ivide, and the cnnent slow.
Gfby Isle, (or Gibby). — An is-
latid in the Eastern Seas, snrronnd-
ed by a cluster of smaller islands,
sitnated on the west side of the Gi-
lolo passage, between the 129th and
ISOtii degrees of cast longitnde. In
length it may be estimated at 25
miles, by three the average breadth.
It is inhabited, but has never been
completely explored. 'J he rise and
fall of the tides here, at the springs,
is only live feet.
G KLLICUNDA, (Jalalihaiida). — A
town in the Northern Carnatic, C5
miles N. W. fro/n Nelloor. Liut. 15°.
4'. N. Long. 79°. 12'. E.
Gentiah, {JctmntaJ. — A small
district possessed by independent
chiefs, situated on the N. E. quarter
of the Bengal province, bounded on
the south by the district of Sylhet,
and on the north by the Garrow
Mountains. The Company's regu-
lations do tiot extend to this district,
Tmt a small tribute is annually re-
ceived. I'he inhabitants are Hin-
doos of the Brahmiuical persuasion.
Gentuh. — A town beyond the
eastern limits of the Company's pro-
vinces, the capital of a small dis-
trict of the same name. J^at. 25°.
10'. N. Long. 91°. 54'. E. Near to
tiiis place, in 1774, an action was
fought between a detachment of the
Company's troops and the forces of
the native chief.
George Town. — ^Thc chief town
of Prince of Wales Island, bounded
ou the north and cast by the sea; on
the south by an inlet of the sea; and
on the wc.^t by the high road. 'I'he
streets are spacious, and cross each
other at right angles.
Gergong e, (Ghirigrama). — The
principal town in the province of
Assam, and the usual residence of
its moiiarchs. It is situated con-
sideral)ly above Ruugpoor in Assam,
on the opposite side of the high
banks of the Dckliow River. Lat.
2 b
25°. 35'. N. Long. 93°. 10'. E. Since
the insurrection of the Moamarias
the city, palaces, and fort, have con-
tinued a heap of ruins. 'Ihis place
is also named Ghergong, Gurgown,
and Kirganu. {Wade, Renuel, tSc)
Gertokh. — A town in Tibet,
being the market where the exports
from the Nepaulese territtnies are
bartered for the productions of that
country. The articles brought to
Gertokh are grain, inspissated trea-
cle, oil, sugar, cottons, chintzes, iron,
brass, lead, woollens, pearls, coral,
cowries, conch shells, dates, and al-
monds.
Gertokh sends to Lahdack, for
the Cashmerian market, shawl Mool,
the produce of Tibet; to Nepaul and
Hindostiin, gold dust, silver in
wedges, musk, fur, scented kather,
shawls, china ware, tea in cakes,
salt, borax, drugs, and small horses,
{Webb, \-c.)
Ghassa. — ^11)6 capital of a district
in Bootan, and the station of a zoom-
pnon, or provincial governor. Lat.
28° N. Long. 89°. 3'. E. The high-
est mountains in this neighbourhood
are covered with snow throughout
the year, and are visible from Cooch
Bahar to Purneah. At the base of
the loftiest is a spring of water, so
hot as scarcely to admit of bathing.
{Turner, ^-c.)
Ghauts, Eastern. — The chain of
hills commonly described under this
appellation commences in the south,
about Lat. 11°. 20'. N. to the north
of the Cavery, and extends with
little intcnuption, or compaiativfc
deviation, from a straight line to the
banks of the Khrisna in Lat. 16°. N
separating the two Caniatics ; the
one named the Carnatic Balaghaut,
or above the Ghauts, (the true Car-
natic); the other the Carnatic Pa-
yeenghau'., or below the Ghauts, ex-
tending along the Coast of Coro-
mandcl. The term ghaut pro[)crly
signilies a pass thi-ough a range of
high hills, but the name has been
transferred to the mountainous
chains, which support the centiicai
table land in the south of Iudia»
370
GHAUTS, WESTERN.
We arc not yet iilformed of tlie
exact hciglit of this ridge. About
the lalitucle of IMadras, wliichisthe
highest part, it is estiiiiated at 3000
feet ; and Baugaluor, which is within
the cliain, was fuand by barome-
trical observation to be 2901 feet
above the level of the sea. As the
livers which have their sources in
the upper table land universally de-
cline to the east, it is pn)bable that
the AVestern Ghauts are hif^her than
the Eastern, and tliey are by far the
most abrupt in tiieir elevation.
The grand component parts of
these mountains is a gianite, consist-
ing of white feltspar and quartz,
witli dark green inica in a small pro-
portion to the otiicr two ingredienls.
The particles are angular, and of a
moderate size. The rocks appear
stratified, but tlie strata are very
much broken and confused.
The countn' above the Eastern
Ghauts, about Naiekan Eray, rises
into swells like the land in many
parts of England, and is overlooked
by the high barren peaks of the
Ghauts, which close the view to the
eastward. The soil between Naie-
kan Eray and Vincatagheny is very
poor, and covered witli copse, hav-
ing a few large trees intermixed.
The whole of the copse land serves
for pasture of an inferior sort, and
the bushes supply the natives with
fuel for domestic purposes, and for
smelting iron. About two miles from
Naiekan Eray a torrent in the rainy
season brings down from the hills a
quantity of iron ore in tlie form of
black sand, which, in the dry season,
is smelted. Each forge pays a cer-
tain quantity of iron for permission
to carry on the work.
The tops of the hills near the Yel-
lore road by Sautghur are covered
with large stones, among wl.";(.h grov/
many small trees and shrubs, witii
occasionally a tamarind tree of great
age and size. 'I'he scenery here ex-
hibits a great contrast to that about
Madras, the whole country being
undulated with a tew lofty desolated
peuks; the whole appearing vor\ bar-
ren, and without any extensive fo-
rests. Tliis pass has been vvideued
and levelled since iMysore was con-
quered by the British. Artillery can
now ascend it with little dilHeulty,
which was far from the case when
Lord Cornwallis made his first and
imsHccessful attempt on Seriugapa-
tam. The tranquillity of the iMy-
sore and C'arnatic, by tlie tiual abo-
lition of the Mahommedan dynasty
of Hyder, has increased the import-
ance of an easy comuuniication be-
tween the two countries. {F. lin-
dtaiKOt, Lord Valcntia, Honicl, lVc)
Ghuh's, Western. — This chain
of mountains extends from Cape Co-
morinto the Tuptec, or Surat River,
v\here tiiey do not terminate in a
point, or promontory ; but, depart-
ing from ihcir meridional course,
they bend eastward in a wavy line
parallel to the river, and are after-
wards lost among the hills in tho
neighbourhood of Boorlian])oor. In
its Hue along- the Tup.tec this ridge
forms several passes, or ghauts, from
w hich there is a descent into the low
country of Khandesh. In their \\ hole
extent the AA'estern Ghauts include
13 degrees of latitude, with the ex-
ception of a break in the ridge, about
16 miles wide, in the latitude of Pa-
niany, through w hich the River Pa-
niany takes its course from the Coim-
betoor province. Their distance from
tlie sea coast is seldom more than 70
miles, commonly about 40, and are
frequently visible trom the sea. Witli-
in one short space betwixt Barcelore
and iMirjaow they approach within
six miles of the sea.
The altitude of these hills is sufli-
eieiitly great to prevent the body of
the clouds from passing over them,
and accordingly the alternate N. E.
and S. W. winds (called the mon-
soons) occasion a rainy season on the
windward side of the mountains oidy.
This cause ceases to operate in the
parallel of Surat, wluiu the S. W.
w ind, no longer opposed by a wall of
niountiuns, canies its supply of mois-
ture without interruption over the
whole surface of the couutry. Tho
GHINOULY.
371
coiinti7 above the Chants is called a,
table land, but it is not a regularly
flat level country ; being, on tlie cou-
tiary, in many parts very moun-
tainous.
The Western Ghauts, about the
loth degree of north latitude, al-
though steep and stony, aie by no
means rugged, or broken with roeks.
The stones in the neighbourhood of
Cutaki arc buried in a rich mould,
and in many places are not seen
Avithout digging. Instead, therefore,
of the naked, sun burnt, rocky peaks,
so common in the Eastern Ghauts,
there are here fine mountains cover-
ed Avith stately forests. There are
no where finer trees, nor any bam-
boos that can be compared with
those that grow in this part of West-
ern Ghauts. The bamboos, com-
posing a gicat part of the forest,
grow in detached clumps, Avith open
spots between, and equal in height
the most lofty palms. Near Cutaki,
about half Avay up tlie Ghauts, the
teak becomes common, but it is of
an inferior size.
The diiTicuJty formerly experienc-
ed in ascending tliese mountains
from the Malabar and Canara Coast,
may be conceived from that Avhich
the Bombay army had to surmount
in Dee. 1791, Avhen advancing to the
Mysore by the Poodicherrim Pass.
It recfuired two days to drag up 20
light field pieces tAvo miles, and
three weeks to bring np 14 guns
with their tumbrils, none heavier
than 18 pounders, to the top of the
Ghauts.
The proper name of the Western
Ghauts is Sukhien I'urbut, or Hills
of Sukhien. (Rennel, F. Buchanan,
Moor, Dii-om, Duncnn, ^-c.)
Ghepp, (or Dun Giiepp). — A dis-
tinct in the province of Lahore, si-
tuated principally betw een the 32d
and 33d degrees of north latitude.
It is bounded on the N. AV. by the
Sohaan, and on the S. V,. by tlie
Jhylum rivers. This district is re-
markable for the (piantity of fossil
.salt it contains, Avhich is an article
of considerable export to the more
2b 2
eastern and southern provinces of
Hindostan. The principal Ioavus are
Pirhala, Muckealah,aiidVarsli'a; and
the country generally is partly under
the jurisdiction of the Afghans, and
partly occupied by the Seiks.
Gheriah, {Gkirija, flouins; from
a Monntnin). — A small river in the
province of Bejapoor, Avhich rises in
the AVestern Ghauts, arid, after a
short course, falls into the sea near
the toAvn of Gheriah, in the Concau
district.
Ghekoud. — A towninthe province
of Khandesh, 120 miles N. W. trom
Boorhanpoor, belonging to the Ma-
harattas. Lat. 21°. 58'. N. Long.
74°. 19'. E.
Gheriah, (or Corepatam). — A
fortress situated on a promontoiy of
rocky land in the Concan province,
about one mile long, and tjuarter of
a mile broad. Lai. 16°. 33'. N.
Long. 73°. 6'. E. This rock is joined
to tiie continent by a nanow neck of
sand, and lies one mile from the en-
trance of a large harbour, formed by
the mouth of a liA er Avhich descends
from the Western Ghauts.
In 1707 Conajce Angi'ia had esta-
blished an independent sovereignty
here, and possessed a numerous pi-
ratical fleet. It was taken, in 17.56,
by Admiral Watson and Colonel
Clive, and all Angria's fleet destro}'-
ed. After the capture it A^as dis-
covered, tliat notAvithstanrling the
cannonade fiom the ships had de-
stroyed most of the artificial Avorks
upon Avhioli they fired, the rock re-
mained a natural and almost im-
pregnable bulwark. There Avcre
found in it 200 pieces of cannon, six
brass mortars, and a great quantity
of ammunition, and naval and mili-
tary stores. Tlie money and cflects
of other kinds amounted to 120,0001.
sterling, Avhich Avas divided among
tlie cajitors, A\ithont any reserve
either for the nation, or for the Com-
pany. This ] lace iiwv belongs to
the Maiiarulta I'eshwa. {Orme,
Bruce, Mulct, ^r.)
Ghinouly. — A small village con-
sisting of three huts, situated a little
372
GHOSEGONG.
to the north of the Scvalic Moun-
tains, in the southern quarter of the
province of Serinagur. Lat. 29°. 55'.
N. Long. 78°. 32'. E. The villages
in this neighbourhood seldom consist
of more than five or six huts, and it
is a large village that has 10. {Hard-
■wiche, (S'c.)
Ghizni- — A distiict in the pro-
vince of Cabul, situated betneen
the 3:3d and 34th degrees of north
latitude. The surface of the country
is considerably elevated above the
level of the sea, and the climate so
cold as to be proverbial. The land
to the west of the city of Ghizni at
Heerghaut is interspersed with low
hills, and, except a few cultivated-
spots, produces little else than a
prickly aromatic weed, an which
camels feed with avidity ; and which,
with paste of unsilted barley, form-
ed into balls, constitutes tlieir coni-
mon food. These camels carry a
load of about 800 pounds English.
This district, like the rest of Af-
ghanistan, is very thinly populated.
The principal towns are Ghizni, Kur-
rabaijgh, and Gurdaiz. (Foster, cSc.)
Ghizm. — A celebrated city in the
f)rovince of Cabul, once the capit;J
of a power fnl. empire. Lat. 3o°.
3G'. N. Long. 68°. 22'. E.
I'lie town .stands on a liill of mo-
derate height, at the foot of which
runs a snijU river. Its existence is
principally supported by some Hin-
doo families, who carry on a small
tiallic, and supply the wants of a
few Mahojumedan residents. At a
short distance stands the tomb of
jMalmiood, to wliicii pilgrims resort
from distant places. On account of
the nu)nber of holy men who lie
entombed here, Ghizni is emphati-
cally called by the Mahonuucdans
the seeojid Medina.
This city continued the capital of
a powerful empire for th(> space of
four centuries, and was greatly adorn-
ed by the Ghiznavi princes, espe-
cially Ijy Sultan jNIahmood. 'I'he
splendid buildings have long been
levelled with the dnst, and except
some scHtlcred masses of misshapen
ruins, not a nionuiuent is to be seei>
of Ghizni's foinicr grandeur.
The first Ghizni sovereign was
Nassir ud Deen Scbuctagi, who as-
cended the throne A. 1). 975, and
repeatedly invaded India.
A. D.
997 Emir IsmaeL
997 Sultan jMahmoou-.
1028 Sultan Mahommed..
1028 Sultan jNIassood.
1041 Emir jNlodood.
1049 Abu Jallier Massood.
1051 Sultan Abd ul Kasheed.
1052 Ferokh Zad.
10.58 Sultan Ibrahim.
1098 Alia ud Dowlah.
1115 Arsalan Shah.
1118 Byram Shah.
1152 Khosru Shah..
1159 Khosru .^lallek.
117 1 Shahcb ud Decn Matiomme<£
Ghori, who subdued the city
and empire ot Ghizni, and
expelled the race of Scbuctagi,
which retired to Lahore, and
there coutjiujed to reign ior
some time ; but, about tha
year 1 185, becajne extinct.
Ghizni ior many years afterwards-
w as a capital city, but giaduuUy de-
clined to a secondary rank, and at
last to total insiguificance.
Trav eUing di.^tance fiom Delhi bv
Cabul 917 miles; from Cabul 8?
miles. (Fastir, Rcnnol, Wi/ford^
Maurice,- ''^•c.)
Ghoorghaut. — A fort in the
western extienuty of the Gujrat Pe-
ninsula, situated about half way be-
tween Mucldee and Pindtaruk, and.
on the east side of the fkm. to whicli
it serves as a barrier, a. strong gar-
rison being alwa^iS kept in it by the
Jam of Noanagnr.
G uosECJONU, (GosJiftgrnma). — The
principal village in tli<; G arrow coun-
try, on the western honticr of Bengal,
situated on the west side of the Xa-
tee ]?ivcr. At ibis place a great num-
ber of Garrows have tiieir dwellings
at the loot of a pass, near to whicli
arc the villages of Ghosegong, Gho-
riia, anil Borack. (ihoscgong con-
sists of chaungs, or liouses, liom 3t^
GINGER
375
^o 150 foot loii!^, and from 20 to 40
broad. 'I'lie Garrows of tliis iU'i2;li-
•))oinIiood are called by tlir iippor
bill people Coniuh Ganows.
Tlie soH ill this vieiiiity is a fine
black earth, intermixed with spots
•of red earth; and the rice, in
many places, is ecpirtl t\) the iJeiiares
long- rice. 'Ilie iini^ianl seed is
"twice as tarj^e as that of Beiij^aKand
the oil it produces is of an excellent
^quality. The iienip is ecpially giiod.
Tlie pastnre for cattle is good, and
tlie ghee produced is of an excellent
-quality. {Eliot, St.)
Gnoi'Ki!'UNn,(67/OT-6rtHrf). — A town
and small district in the jn-ovinee of
Cabnl, sittintcU ir< ;n the Hindoo Kho
j\Ionntaiiis, 50 miles W. N.'\\'. from
Cabul. Lat. 34°. 55'. N. Lon-.
67°. 53'. E. In the time of Acber
the Ilazareh tril)<\ Alaidani, in con-
junction w itii a Turkman tribe, oc-
cupied tlie district of Gbourbund.
Abul Fazel destribes il as \;ontaiu-
ing mines of silver and lapis lav^nli,
and producing an inconceivable a.i-
riety of frngrant .shrubs and flowers.
\Ahitl Fazel, Lryden, S,c.)
Ghysi.acad. — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the province of
]\Ialwah, 50 miles S. from Ciiattcr-
poor. Lat. 24°. 8'. N. Long. 79°.
56'. E.
GiAuiTCHAS IsLTLs. — A clu.ttcr of
five small islands, Ijing about six
miles S. S. W. from Makiani. They
are of a middling- hciglrt, and contain
many bare rocks, intermixed with
green spots and trees.
GiLioN Isi.E. — A small island
about 30 miles in circumference,
l^ing oQ' the east end of iNIadnra
Island. Liit. 7°. 5'. S. Long. 114°.
40'. 1'].
GiLi.Y SiN'DF., (Jala Sindhu). — A
river in the province ol iMalv\ah,
Avhieh has its .source in the A'indhya
JUrountains, and nfterwui-ds flows in
:i northerly direction, but attains^ to
no great magnitude. After a short
i'ourse it falls into the {S(>pra River,
and jnoceeds with it to join the
4'Jnnnbul.
^Ju.OLO, (or JIahnaliera).' — A large
island in the Eastern Seas, of a mo.st
irregular shape, being composed of
tour peninsulas, separated from each
other by deep bays. It lies between
the parallels of three degrees north
and one simtli latitude, and may be
estimated at 220 miles in length, by
30 the average breadtli.
'i^iis island is naturally very fertile,
and abounds with bullock^ bolfa-
locs, goats, rieer, and wild hogs; but
the sheep -are few. The inhabitants
subsist mostly on the sago or libby
1ree, which, like the cocoa nut tree,
has no distinct bark that peals oil".
It may be described as a long tube
of hard wood, nbmit two inches
thick, containing a pulp or prlh, in-
termixed with longitudinal fibrcs of
from two to 400 jjounds weight.
From this pith is procured the sago
llowcr, w Inch is the general food of
the inhabitants. It is said, that east
of Gilolo there are no horses, horned
cattif, or sheep.
A\ hile the Dutclnnfluence existed
among the isles, to prevent the
snuiggling of sjuces tliey discou-
raged the inhabitants ofJilolo from
trading with Celebes, Bouro, Oby,
Ceram, My sol, and Salwatty; and
also looted out the spices in places
of ca-sy access, or near the sea.
'i'hey also forbid the manufacturing
of cloth; but the natives continued
to make it, procuiing Iheir cotton
from Bally and the Buggcss coun-
try. In 1774 the northern part of
Gilolo bdpngcd to the Snitan of
'iVrnate. The imports are princi-
pally from the l>utdi settlements
and tlie neighbouring islands, and
<'onsist of opium, coarse cutlery,
piece goods, china ware, and iron;
ihe exports are spices, biche de mar,
Itird nests, tortoise-shell, seed pearl,
and sago. {Forrest, ^-c.)
GiNGKU, {J/iinji). — A district in
tbe Carnatic, situated between the
I2lh and i3th degrees of north lati-
tude. U is bounded on the east by
the sea, along which is the travelling
road Irom iNIadras to Pondiclierry.
This territory is less populous and
mwe jungly than Tanjorc and ilvz
374
GOA.
Southern Provinces, which escaped
the ravages of Tippoo and liis fa-
tlier, Hyder, llie effect of wliich is
still felt about Gingee. This district
is now comprehended in the south-
ern division of the Arcot collector-
ship.
GiNGEE. — A tow^n in the Carnatic,
the capital of a district of the same
name, 82 miles S. W. from Madras,
and 37 N. W. from Pondicherry.
Lat. 12°. 15'. N. Long-. 7&°. 34'. E.
The fort stands on a stupendous
rock, and is impregnable by the or-
dinary modes of attack. The na-
tives of India, who esteem no forti-
fications very strong, unless placed
on liigh and difiiculi 'eminences, have
always regarded Gingee as the
strongest town in the Carjiatic. The
mountain of Gingee has always been
deemed extremely unhealthy; and
it is said, the French, who never
kept more than 100 Europeans com-
plete here, lost 1200 during the 10
years it was in their possession.
This tbrtress was either built or
improved on an old foundation of
tJie Chola kings, by the son of Vi-
jeya Runga IVaik, the governor of
Tanjore, in 1442. It was success-
ively strengthened by the Mahom-
medans of Eejapoor, who possessed
it from 1669 to 1677 ; by the Maha-
rattas, who held it from 1677, when
it was taken by Sevajee, during a
sudden irruption into the Carnatic,
to 1698. At this period it was be-
sieged and taken by Zulficar Khan,
the imperial general, who appointed
Rajpoot governors, who aflected in-
dependence, and assumed the rank
of rajahs. In 1715 it was held by
Saadet OolluhKhan; and, in 1750,
^vas taken by smprise during a night
attack by the French under M. dc
Bussy. After the capture of Pondi-
elierry, it surrendered by capitula-
tion to Captain Steven Smith, in
April, 1761 . {Wilkes, Orme, Sfc.)
Giiiour. — A town in the province
of Agra, district of Etaweh, 48 miles
i:. trom Agra. Lat. 27°. 13'. N.
Long. 78°. 44'. E.
GoA, ifiomy), — A town in tlie
province of Bejapoor, and the capital
of the Portuguese possessions in 1 u-
dia. Lat. 15°. 30'. N. Long. 73°.
42'. E.
Goa consists of two distinct cities,
to which the name is applied. The
old city is about eight miles up the
river, but is now almost deserted by
the secular Portuguese, it being un-
healthy, and the seat of the inquisi-
tion. It contains many magnificent
churches, and exhibits specimens of
architecture, superior to any thing
attempted by Europeans in any
other part of India, particularly the
cathedral and the church and con-
vent of the Augustines. Over the
palace gate of the city is the statue
of Vasco de Gania.
The viceroy and chief Portuguese
inhabitants reside at new Goa, va Inch
is at the mouth of the river, within
the flirts of the harbour. I'ormerly
a considerable trade in the mainifac-.
ture of arrack was canied on here,
but it has been almost entirely trans-
ferred from Goa to Batavia. The
Goa arrack is made from the vege-
table juice of the palm tree, called
toddy ; the Batavia arrack is made
from rice and sugar. ^^ hile the
Portugxiese ETUopean trade lasted
it was carried on entirely on account
of the king, there being no accounts
extant of voyages from Portugal to
India for account of individual Por-
tuguese merchants. In 1808 it
vt'as estimated that there were 200
churches and chapels in the province
of Goa, and above 2000 priests. In-
cluding the islands, the I'oituguese
still possess tenitory in the ucigh-
bourliood of Goa, 40 miles in length
by 20 in breadth.
Goa was taken from tlie Hindoo
Rajahs of Eijanagur by the Bhame-
nec soveri?igns of the Deccan about
1469; and in 1510 was besieged and
taken by Albuquerque, when he
strengthened the fortifications, and
maje it the capital of the Portu-
guese possessions in tlie east. He
was recalled in 1518, at vhicli pe-
riod the Portuguese power had
reached its greatest height, and from
<lia<.timc diM-liijod. It does not ap-
J)iar that (Iicy vvvr jxxssossccl any
<(i!isidcral)Io r\lent of tcnilory, al-
tlu>i[j;ii llicy kept on toot a lara;o
army of Ein()])(<uis ; and tlu-y may
Iji' said latlior to have disturbed and
l)ili;!H('d liuliatlian to Jiavc carried
on any ro^nlar coninierec.
GOACII. 375
tlicr country, and its inliabitants
scarcely speak their national laii-
guaj-e intelligibly. Tlieir poverty is
sneli, that women of the best liinii-
lies earn tlieir subsistence by making
hice or artificial Mowers, and working
nmslin. The remaining Portuguese
possessions are(loa,Damann,Dhelli,
In l.'iSO tli(> l*oitngnese posscsseti on the Island of Timor, and Macao
tlic following places in India, viz. in China.
Diu, Daiiiaun, Choul, l>assecn, Sal- A small trade subsists betwixt
sctte, Tjombay, and Uoa, They had Goa and the niof her country, "bul it
factories at, and influenced the go- is frequently interrupted Tor a great
vernn:ent t>f, Dabul, Onore, liari^c- length of time. With i\[acao and
lore, ]\!angalore, Cananore, Calicut, with the British settlements a small
Cranganore, Cochin, and Quilon. commerce is also carried on, the im-
Tliey had several establishments on ports consisting principally of piece
the maritime parts of Ceylon, and goods, raw silk, grain, sugar, wool-
facfories in the Bay of Bengal, at lens, and a few Eurojiean arficles;
Mausnlipatam, Negapatam, and St. tht? exports arc piece goods, betel
Thome, with commercial stations in nut, hemp, and other articles of little
the i)ro\ince of Bengal. In addition amount.
to these they possessed the city of Travelling distance from Poonali,
IMalacca, and had trading factories 245 miles; from Bombay, 292; from
in the countries which compose the Delhi, 1158; and from Calcutta, 1300
modern Birman empire and the pro- nliles. (C. Buchanaii, Bruce, Elmore,
vineo ofChidagong. In the Eastern MUburn, Macpherson, Ferishta, 31.
Archipelago they possessed the trade Graham, Perron, Sr.)
of all the spice islands, and a consi- i\o.\\\,\VTV.v.,{Gohati,Cow-marh€i).
derable interconrso with Japan and — A town in tlie province of Lower
Cliina ; but they did not acquire Assam, of which it is the capital.
Macao until 15H6. The surrounding district occupies an
After the conquest of Portugal, in extent of hilly country on botii banks
1580, by Philip tlie Second of Spain, of the Brahmapootra. The hills on
the connexion betwixt the Portn- each side form a spacio-.is amphi-
guese settlements aiid the mother theatre, which lias been equally
country was very much loosejicd, wvW fortified by nature and by art.
and fhc intercourse abridged. In {Wade, iS-c.)
the three years (1620 to 1622) that GoACH,(6'on/0. — The capital town
Ilernan de Albuquerque vas vice- of the Alacassar country, in the
roy, he never once received any let- Island of Celebes, which is some-
ter of instruction or information from times called the Kingdom of Goach.
the court of Spain ; the colonies Lat. 5°.13'.N. Long. m>°.2r. E. In
must consequently have been sup- 1512, subsequent to liie arrival of tlic
ported entirely iVom lii''ir own re- Portuguese, the INJalays were allow-
sourccs, while involved in a destruc- ed to bnild a moscjue at Goach, the
tive war with the Dufcli. The vices natives not being yet converted to
of their internal government and ex- the Mahommedan religion. In 1778
orbiiant power of the priests assist- this city was taken by assault by the
ed to hasten their decay. The vice- Dutch, the fortifications raised, and
roy never had any power over the the government newniodclled. I'rior
inqnisificm, and was himself liable to this ju'riod the sovereign of Goach
to its ccnsr.re. v^ as not despotic, but was obliged to
Tiie settlement of Goa seems now consult his nobility regarding the
almost wholly abandoned by the mo- performance of any important regal
376
GOELWARAH.
function, every tomisliip having a
chief nearly independent. (Stavori-
mit and Notes, Marsden, ^c.)
Go ALP A RAH, (Govalpara). — A
town in llie pro\Jnce of Bengal, dis-
trict of Rangamatt)', situated on the
south side of the Brahmapootra,
near the frontiers of Assam, 170
miles north bj east from Dacca. Lat.
26°. 8'. N. Long. 90°. 32'. E.
This is the prhicipal mart of inter-
course with the Assamese, who bring
here coarse cloths, stick lac, tar,wax,
and occasionally gold for barter.
Salt is the article they in general
t.ake in return, which is delivered to
them very much adnltera ed. Nei-
ther is this traffic so considerable as
miglit be expected, owing to the dis-
ordf'rly state of the Assam countiy
and savage manners of the chiefs,
Avho frequently settle unadjusted ac-
counts by the assassination of their
creditors.
(locAUK. — A town in the province
ot Bejapoor, 47 miles S. by E- from
jVl<rritch. Lat. 16° 20'. N. Long.
75°. 6'. E.
This is a town of considerable ex-
tent and importance, situated ou the
eastern accli\ity of a hill, and is wa-
tered o its northern side by the
Gutpurba Kiver, which immediately
opposite is deep water; but there is
a ford a mile eastward of the tou n.
Gocauk is enclosed by a wall and
ditch on its eastern and southern
sides ; but to the westward it is com-
manded by a hill.
Were is a i extensive manufactory
of silk and cotton, both in the ibrra
of dresses and of piece goods The
silk is probably procured from Ben-
gal by the w ay of Goa. Gocauk was
the head place of a district in 1685,
Avhen taken by bultan Manazum ;
Jjut it does not now contaui any
buildings or ruins of consequence.
About two miles Irom this place is a
superb cataract, formed by the Ri\er
Gutpurba, which is precipitated from
the hills to the low country. During
the rnins this river is about 169 yards
broad, which volume of water falls
perpendicularly 174 feet, In the
dry season the breadth is compara-
tively small. {Moor, .St.)
GoDAVERY RiVKR, (Gadavari,
named also Gunga Godavery). — ^This
river has its source in the VVestern
Ghauts, about 70 miles to the north
east of Bombay. After traversing
the province olAuningabad and the
Tilligana country from west to east,
it turns to the south east, and re-
ceives the Baingunga about 90 n)iles
above the sea, besides many lesser
streams in its prior course. At lla-
janmndry it separates into two prin-
cipal branches, and these subdivid-
ing again, foim altogether several
tide harbours for vessels of moderate
burthen ; such as Ingeram, Coringa,
Yanam, Bundermalanca, and Narsi-
poor, all situated at diflercnt mouths
of this river. Its whole course, in-
cluding the windings, may be esti-
mated at 850 n)iles in length, having
neaily travelled across liom sea to
sea.
At Collysair Ghaut, in the province
of Gundwana, Lat. 18°. 38'. Long.
8(.° 35'. E. th. bed of the Godavcry
is about a mile in breadth ; and, iu
the beginning of May, consists of a
wide expanse of sand, the rivei"
being divided into many little
streams, no where more than 15
inches in depth. In the rainy sea-
son the bed is filled, and the river
rolls along a prodigious volume of
v\ater. After its separation near
Raamundry it forms the Island of
Na^ur, which comprehends about
500 squaie miles, and is, on account
of its fertility , of great value in pro-
portion to its extent, {litnuel, J,
Grant, 1 Inn', Sc)
(jOELWakah, (Gavalparah). — A
district in the province of Gujrat, si-
tuated between the 2 1st and 22d pa-
lallels of north latitude, and bound-
ed ou the east by tlje GuU'of Camhay.
The chief town is Gogo, Irom whence
the inhabitants, wIk) are jnostly Ma-
hommedans, carry on a brisk trade
with Bombay in their own vessels.
The greater j)art of this, adjacent to
tlie Gulf of Cambay, was ceded to
the British government by the Gujr
GOHUD.
377
eoAvar in 1805, in part payment of
tlie subsidiary force supplied for his
profpction.
GoGOBAH RiVKR, (Gliargliara).
• — This river has its soiircc in the
mountains to the north of llindos-
tan, but the exact situation has ne-
ver been ascertained. It afterwards
falls into the Sareyu (Sarjew) at
Swargadwara, tlie tuiited streams af-
terwards bein{? named inditferently
the Gogcgrah, Sarjew, or Dcva Rivrr.
This river tlows tinoiinh the distiiet
of Kcmaoou and province of (hide,
and forms one of the largest eontri-
butary streams to the Gajig;es, which
it joins in tiie province of fiahar.
In the Hindoo .Mythological poems
this river is always mentioned by the
name of the Sareyu, w liicli in mo-
dern times it li:is almost lost. Its
banks w ere esteemed by the ancient
Hindoos of peculiar sanctity, and
were mucli frequented by Viswa-
mitra and other jtowerfid and cho-
leric IJindoo saints. Major Ren-
jiel thinks it is the Agoramis of Ar-
rian.
GoGo, {Goga). — A town in the
province of Cinjrat, district of Goel-
vara, situated on tiie west side of
the Gulf of Cambay, Lat. 21°. 43'.
■ N. Long. 72°. 12'. iu.
This is a safe roadsted during the
S.W. monsoon, to which vessels may
run in case of parting from their an-
chors in Sural Koads,it being an eu-
tire bed of mud, about three-fourths
of a mile tiojn the shore, and ;dways
smooth water. Sliips may here get
supplied with stores and provisions,
and repair any damages tliey may
Iiave sustained. The natives, who
are prin(ii)aUy Alaliomniedaiis, build
vessels fiom 50 to 3.0 tons, and
carry on a brisk trade wiih Eombay
in their ow n craft, the chief export
being cotton. The lasears of this
place arc named siddliees, and are
reckoned the Ijest on the west coast
of India. The trade of tliis place
bad been much on the decline, but
pince its cession to tlie Hritish by
the Gnicowar, the commerce has
revived, and the popululion is in
creased. In 15S2 it is described by
Abul I'azel as follows :
" Ghogeh is a large port, well
built, and inhabited by merchants.
Ships come to, and others are fitted
out from this place. The cargoes of
siiips are put in small vessels, which
transport them to Cambayet. Ii^
this neighbourhood are remarkably
fine oxen, some of which are sold
for 300 rupees a pair and upwards,
according to their beauty and speed."
{Elmore, Abul Fazel, Malet, Driim-
moud, >St.)
GoHi'D. — A district in the pro-
vince of Agra, ;;ituated to the south
of the Cjunnbul, between the 26th
and 271h degrees of north latitude.
The territory possessed by the Han-
nah of Goluui is mountainous, but
ferti!<>; and in 1790 was supposed to
produce a revenue of 22 lacks of
rupees annually, out of vvhieh seven
went to the expenses of collection.
The country abounds with strong
positions, particularly the famous
fortress of Gualior. The principal
towns are Gohud and Gualior.
GoHUD. — A fortified town in the
province of AgTa, 65 rnileS S. W.
from the city of Agra, and the ca-
pital of a small district of the same
name. Lat. 26°. 21'. N. Long. 78°.
21'. E.
About the middle of last century
Gohud was a small village, attached
to the district of Gualior, and the
rannah's ancestors were zemindars
of this village, and by caste Jauts
of the BannoAvly tribe. Bheem
Singh, the Hannah, prior to the battle
of Faniput, in 1762, acquired Gua-
dior, but was compelled to yield it
to (he Maharattas. Wiicn this na-
tion lost the great battle of Paniput,
tiie Rannah of (^»ohud attempted to
shake o|f their yoke, but was sub-
dued by Ragoonauth Row in 1766,
and compelled to continue tributary,
On a subse(pient ruptiue Gohud \\as
taken by Madhajce Sindia in 1784.
On the 17th of January, lb04, a
treaty was arranged by the British
government with the Rannah of
Gohud, Kirrut Singh Luckindra.by
GQOLPUSSRA.
wliich he was to be established iu
the sovereignty of Gohiul, Gualior,
and a considerall^le number of adja-
cent districts; in consideration of
which he was to receive and main-
lain a subsidiary force of three batta-
lions, and make over the city and
fortress of Gualior to the Erilish.
I'roin the inability of the rajah to
settle the above countries, and fulfil
his engagements, the whole was de-
clared null and void, and another
concluded on the 19tli of December,
1805, by Gra-me Mercer, Esq. on
the part of the Bengal govei nment ;
by the conditions of which the rajah
agreed to relinquish llie country and
fort olGohsjd, and the other districts
guaranteed to him by the former
treaty, to be disposed of as might
appear expedient.
The Bi itish government, from the
consideration tliat the failure of the
{<)riner treaty, on the part of the
rajah, had arisen from inability and
want of means, determined to make
an adequate provision ibr liim, and,
in consequence, granted him the
dislricts of Dholepoor, Earee, and
Kajekerah, in perpetual sovereignty.
No engagements were, liowever, en-
tered into for his support in these
i)osRessions, and he was, consequent-
y, left entirely to his ovtii resources ;
the Biitish government, by a new
species of policy, declining all inter-
ference with him, iiiternally or ex-
ternally, and disclaiming all respon-
sibility for the assistance or pro-
teeliou o! the territory it had be-
stowed on him ; recommending him
to adjust all his disputes in the man-
ner most convenient to liim. Gua-
lior and the Gohud districts have
ever since been harassed, possessed
by, or tributary to, Dowlet Kow
Siiidia. (3d and 7th Registers, Trea-
iies, .S-c.)
(JoLCONDA, {Golkhanda). — A
strong fortress, situated on a hill,
about six miles W. N. W. from II j-
derahad. Lat. \'°. 18'. N. Long.
78°. 36'. E. The principal inliabit-
iHits and baidcers of Hyderabad are
pcuiitted by tlic Nizam to have
houses in tliis. fort, to wliich they
retire with their money on a;ay
alarm.
Golconda was once the capital of
an extensive kingdom, first under
native Hindoo princes, and after-
wards a principal division of the
Bhanience sovereigntj', upon the
tail of which it again became the
seat of a monarchy under the Cut-
tub Shalice dynasty. In the year
1690 it was surrendered, by trea-
chery, to the Mogul army of Au-
rengzcbe, after a siege of seven
months. The deposed sovereign,
Abou IToussun, died in confinement
here in 1704. {Scott, Upton, (St.)
GoMANO IsLK. — A small island,
about 20 miles in circumference, si-
tuated due south of Oby Island,
from which it is separated by a nar-
ro^\ stiait. Lat. 1°. 55'. S. Long.
127°. 40'. E.
GoocHNAUTH. — A village in the
province of Gujrat, distri(;t of AVer-
rear, situated on the south bank of
the Bunass River, about three miles
8. E. from Kahdunpoor. The coun-
try immediately adjacent is in a high
state of cultivation, and the fields in
some places enclosed. Thfs village
belongs to the Nabob of Sommee.
GooDoor.. — A town in the Bala^
ghaut ceded temtory, 10 miles W.
by S. from the town of Carnoul.
Lat. 15°. 46'. N. Long. 77°. 51'. E.
GooHAUT, {Gohnt). — A town in
the Afghan territories, in the pro-
vince of C'abul, 12 miles W. of the
Indus. Lat. 32°. 51'. N. Long. 70°
40'. E.
GooLPUSSRA. — A town in the Ne-
paul dominions, through which the
commerce between l*atna and Ne-
paul passes, although a much more
circuitous route than that of Bha-
reh. Lat. 27°. 1'. N. Long. 85°.
10'. E.
'i'lns place stands on the skirts of
the great forest, and is but a mean
village, although the thoroughfare
for most of the merchandize that
passes between Nepaul, Benares,
Oude, and Patna, over the Checsa-
pany Mouutuins. The road from
GOORA€POOR.
379
hence to Ecchiarori, Ihionffli flic
great foK'sl, is pradicablc lor wheel
caiTiaj;es, and (here arc two or throe
stations, but no villaj^es on the wa}'.
This part of the forest contains tiic
same variety of trees as Ihc Jliurj-
hoory quajter. Some of <lic saiil
trees nieasnre 100 lect below the
branehes, ami from eight to nine feet
in ifirth. {Kirkpatriek, S)-c.)
GooLGUNGE. — A lowu ill the pro-
vince of Allahabad, distriet o^l}^n-
deIctuld.26milesS. S. E. from Patna.
Lat. 24°. 26'. N. Long. 85°. 38'. E.
IS' ear to this place is a pass into the
jiills, named Goomaghaut.
GooMSUR, {Gomafieswara). — A
town at tlie north-west extrcniitj of
the Northern Circars, 43 miles N,
W. lioni Ganjam. Lat. 19°. 63'. N.
Long. 81°. 55. E.
Tlie country in this neighbourhood
js remarkably impenetrable, tlie fo-
rests consisting entirely of ban)boos,
which grow closer, and resist the
axe better, than any other species of
vegetation. In former times, the
inhabitants relying on this, did not
think it necessary to erect redoubts
for the defence of the paths to their
strong holds, but obstructed them
\vith frequent baniers of bamboos,
wrought into a variety of eutaugle-
ments.
The whole district is esteemed
one of llic hottest regions in India,
and is peculiarly subject to strokes
of the sun, by which M. Bu.ssy, in
1757, lost seven Europeans of his
aruiy in one day. {Orme, S(c.)
GooMTY, {Goniati, Winding). —
This river has its source among the
Kemaoon Hills, from Mhcnce it
flows ill a south-east direction; and,
lifter passing the cities of Lucknow
and Jionpoor, falls into the Ganges
below Benares. It is named tho
Goomty from its extremely wind-
ing course, which being a circum-
stance very common to rivers flowing
tluough the flat countries of Hin-
dostan, there are many other rivers
of a secondary class, distinguished
by the same appellation, particularly
mi^ wliicb parses Coiuillah, iu th9
Tipcrah district, and falls into the
I\Iogna, at Daoiuicanndy.
GooNF.E. — A riv^ in the pro\ince
of Sinde, which iiows in a north-
westerly direction, and aftelvvards
falls into the Indus. During the
rains it is navigable for a consider-
able distance, and forms part of the
route from Hyderabad, the capital
of Sinde, to the poit of Mandavie,
in the Gulf of Cutch.
GnoNDfPooRAM. — A town in tiie
Northern Circars, 46 miles N. by W.
liom Cicacole. Lat. 18°. 59'. N.
Long. 83°. 51'. E.
GooNoNG Telloo. — A town in
the Island of Celebes, where the
Dutch formerly had a settlement,
situated on a river of the same name.
Lat. °. 30'. N. Long. 123°. E. This
place stands on the north side of the
great Bay of Goonong Telloo, named
also Tominie, which deeply indents
the east coast of Celebes. The in-
liabitants are Malays, but their chief
is named the rajah, which is a Hin-
doo title, but not unfrequently ap-
propriated by the petty Maliom-
meddan princes in the Eastern Isles.
GooRACPooR, {Goralihpur). — A
district in the province of Gude, si-
tuated about the 27tii degree of
north latitude. To the north it is
bounded by hills and forests, which
separate it from the Nepaulese terri-
tories ; to the south by the Dew ah
or Goggrah River ; and on the east
by the Gunduck. In 1801 this dis-
trict w as ceded to the British by a
treaty concluded between the Na-
bob of Oude and the Marquis Wel-
lesley. After this event, in order to
promote a free intercourse vvitii tlie
people of the mountainous country
to the north, and with Goracpoor,
which is but thinly inhabited, pe-
riodical fairs were established, to
which part of the Company's invest-
ment woollens and metals was
sent. These fairs were also nu-
merously attended by traders from
the neighbouring pro\inces. 'I'lici
principal towns are Gooracpoor,
Buckrali, and Mutgur. A consi-
derable part of the country is still
880
GORCAH.
overgrown with forests, in winch
saul trees of a large size abound.
In 1582 this district is described
by Abul I'azcl as follows:
" Sircar Gooracpoor, containing
24 ninhals ; measurement, 244,283
beegabs ; revenue, 11,920,790 dams.
Seyurglial, 51,235 dams. This sir-
oar furnishes 1010 cavalry, and
22,000 infantry."
Gooracpoor. — A town in the pro-
"vince o-f Oude, situated on the cast
sidp of the Booree l^apty Kivcr, 170
miles travelling distance E. from
Lncknow. Lat. 26°. 45'. N. Long.
83°. 22'. E.
GooTY, (Gitti). — A hilly district in
the Ealaghaut ceded territories, si-
tuated principally between the 15th
and 16th degrees of north latitude.
Gonty is first mentioned as a district
during the reign of Aurengzebe,
wl'.LH it Ibrracd part of a small state
held by tte pre deeessors of the 8hah-
noor family, who Avere dispossessed
in 1758 by the Maharatta partisan
«hief, Morari How. In the course of
th?" three years' war between Hyder
and the Maharattas, from 1776 to
1779, the province or" Gooty was
conquered by the former, and the
yajali (who was never afterwards
lieard of) carried oft' prisoner. W ith
the rest of the Ealaghaut it was
ceded by the Nizam to the Company
in 1800, and now forms part of the
collcctorship of BeJlary- {3Ioor, ir.)
GooTY.— A forlress in the Bal;;-
ghaut ceded territories, formerly the
capital of a small district of the same
name, and the scat of an independ-
ont Maharatta government. Lat.
15°. 9'. N. Long. 7/°. 35'. E.
Travelling distance from Seringa-
patara, 228 miles, N. N. E. ; tiom
Madras, 269; and from Hyderabad,
178 miles. (EouicI, W. U.)
GoRAGAirr, {Ghoragliautjlie Horse
Pass). — A town and zemindary in
the province of Bengal, district of
Mymunsingh, 90 miles N. E. from
]\loor.s]iedabad. Lat. 25° 13' N.
Long. 8L>°. 10'. E. This small ter-
ritory is also named Edraepoor, and
aucieutJy formed part of the division
4
of Aurungabad. In 1784 it con-
tained 632 square miles, and wan
held by a ze^^indar of the Khayst
caste of Hindoos. In 1582 Abul
Fazel describes it as producing raw
silk, gunnies, and plenty of Tanyan
horses.
This zemindaiy, with many others
in the enstcrn quarter of Bengal, at
a very eaiiy period of the Mahom-
medan invasion, was bestowed on
different Afghan chiefs, wiio co-
lonized in thorn, and received ac-
cessions of their brethren fi-oin
abroad. Benig zealous converters
of the Hindoos in their neighbour-
l>ood, and not very scrupidous as to
the means, a vei-y considerable
portion of the inhabitants of this
remote corner, to this day, profess
the Mahommedan religion, and dig-
nify themselves with the Arabian
tide of Sheikh. The Ghoragaut Ze-
mindary w as subsequently seized on
by the Kakeshelan tribe of MoguLs,
(J. Grant, Stewart, lVc.)
GoRAM Isle.— A small island in
the Eastern Seas, about 20 miles in
circumference, and situated one
day's sail E. by N. from Eanda. This
island is inhabited by Mahommed-
ans.andissaidto contain 13 mosques.
In 1774 the Dutch sent an armed
force of Buggesses against Goram,
but they were repulsed by the in-
habitants. {Forrest, Sf-c.)
GoRCAH, (G/iwJie). — A town and
district in Noithcrn Ilindostan, the
original couiitry of the present Ne-
paul sovereigns, situated between
the 281 h and 29th degrees of north
latitude. Prior to the conquest of
Ne])aul by Rajah Purthi Narrain, of
Glioorka, the Trisoolgnnga sepa-
rated the territories of the Ghoor-
kali and New ar (or Nepaul) princes,
the western limit of the Ghoorka
distri<;t being uiaikcd bj" the Mursi-
angdi.
This tciriton-, besides a nume-
rous peasantiy of Dhenwars, con-
tains several Eajpoot families, and
some Newars, but it is principally
occupied by the Brahminical and
Khetri tribes; and as these cousti-
GOUR.
381
tuttd the priucipal strength of l^iirtlii
Nairaitis novenuiient, and continue
to form the main support ol tlie pre-
sent one, tlu'Y possess considerable
authoiity. Their eijiefs are known
by the name of thur^nrs, from
whom ari' selected the leading; con-
ductors of alfairs. 'I'heir numbers
are 36, the title juoperly descending!;
only to the heads of families, and
these 30 are subdivided into tluee
other gradations.
The Ghoorkhali reigniiitv I'amily
pretend to derive their descent from
the Kajjioot Princes of Ode) poor,
in the same manner as tlie Sevajee
family claiuR-d a similar orii^in. For
a considerable period they have ex-
isted in the mountainous country
bordeiin;; on the River Gunduck,
durint;,' which time they have gra-
dually risen into power by successive
encroachments on their neiu^hbours.
After the conquest of Nepaul by the
Ghooikhalies, in 1768, the seat of
govennnent was transfened to ('at-
mandoo, and the city of (iorcah
liaving since been nnicii neglected,
is greatly decayed. Near to the city
of Gorcah there is said to be a very
considerable mass of rock chrystaL
{Kirhpalrich, S-e.)
GoiiR, {Gcmr). — The ruins of
Cour (the ancient name of the ca-
pital of Eengal, and also of the pro-
vince) aic situated in the district of
Kajemal, a few miles south of the
town of j\laulda. The name of
Gaur is apparently derived from
Gur, which, both in the ancient and
modern languages of India, signi-
lies raw sugar ; and from the Sanscrit
term for manufactured sugar (sar-
cara) are derived the Persian, Greek,
Latin, and modem European names
of the cane and its produce. In
1582 this place is described by Abul
I'azel as tbllows :
" Jemietabad is a very aueieut
city, and was once the capital of
Bengal. Formerly it was called
Lncknowty, and sometimes Gour.
The present name (Jennetabad) was
given it by the late emperor (Hu-
luayoon). Here is a Hue fort, to the
east of w hich is a large lake, calh.'d
Chutteah Putteah, in which aro
many islands."
The ruins of this town extend 16
miles along the ol<l banks of iho
Ganges, and are from two lo three
miles in breadth. Se\eral \illage.s
stand on part of its site ; the re-
njainder is either covered with thick
forests — the resort of tigers, and
beasts of prey, or it iuis Ixcome
arable land, the soil f>f which con-
tains a great deal of brick dust.
The principal ruins are a moscjue
lined willi black marble, elaborately
wrougiU, and two gales of the cita-
del, which itre grand aiul lofty. Tln5
bricks, which are of a most sohil
texture, are carried away to JNIoor-
sludabjid, ManUla, and otiier places,
for the purposes of budding. The;
situation of Gour is nearly centricaj
to the populous parts of Eengal and
liahar, and not far from the junction
of tlie principal rivers wiiich form
the excellent inland navigation. Liv-
ing to the east of the (janges. it was
secured against sudden invasion from
the only quarter v\ here hostile opera-
tions niight be apprehended.
No part of the site of ancient
Gour is nearer to the present bank
of the Ganges than four miles autl a
half, and some parts, which were
originally washed by that river, uro
now 12 miles tiom it. A small
stream that nins past it comaiuni-
eates with its west side, and is na-
vigable during the rainy season. On
the east side, and in some places
within two miles, it has the aUaha-
nuddy River, which is always nasi-
gable, and communicates with the
Gauges.
Gaura, or, as it L? commonly
called Bengali, is the language
spoken in the provinces, of which
the ancient city of Gour was the ca-
pital. It still prevails in all the pro-
vinces of Bengal, excepting some
frontier districts, but is spoken witii,
the greatest purity in the eastern
parts only. Although Gaura be tlie
name of Bengal, yet the Bruhmins^
who bear that appellation, arc not
382
GUALIOR.
inliabilanfs of Bengal, but of Hiii-
dost;ui Proper. They reside chiefly
in tlie province of Delhi, while the
Brahnnns of Bengal are avowed co-
lonists from Kanoge.
When Mahommed BukhtyarKhil-
ligee conquered Bengal, A. D. 1204,
he established the then ancient city
of Gour as the capital of his domi-
nions. Rajah Lackmanyah, the last
Hindoo sovereign, whom he ex-
pelled, held his court at Nnddea.
In 1535 the Emperor llamayoon,
when in pursuit of Shere Khan, Ihe
Patau (who afterwards expelled him
from Hindostan), took Gonr, (hen
the capital of Bengal. Ferishta
.says, tliat the seat of government
was afterwards removed to Tannda,
or Taura, a few miles higlier np, on
acconnt of tlie unheaithiness of the
climate. (Colebrooke, Remiel, Co-
lonel Colebi'oohe, Stewart, Ahnl Fa-
zei, Si-c.)
Gow. — A town in the province of
Bahar, district of Bahar, 52 miles
S. S. W. from Patna. Lat. 25°. 1'.
N. Long. 84°. 45'. E.
GRESsnc. — This was formerly the
capital of an ancient kingdom in tlie
Island of Java, but is now merely a
small to\vii, divided between the na-
tives and the Chinese, who have
here their own campong, temples,
and priests. Lat. 7°. 9'. S. Long.
U2°. 50'. E.
There is here a small fort built of
stone, within which are barracks for
the guard who have charge of it.
There is one wide street inhabited
by the Dutch European establisli-
mcnt, and contiguous arc the Ma-
lay and Chinese campongs ; also the
grand square, in which are the pa-
laces of the two ruling tomagons.
At this place there is neitiicr river
nor rivulet, water for drinking being
brought from two springs haii-a-
league off, or from Sourabhaya. The
natives frequently use brackish wa-
ter, and such as they catch when it
rains. Notwithstanding the want of
so essential an article, and in spile
of Ihe marshes and stagnant pool:;
which surround the Malay and Chi-
nese campongs, the station of Gres-
sec is reckoned healthy by the
Dutch.
From Sourabhaya to Gressec by
sea is about five leagues distance,
which may bo performed in five
hours against wind and tide. The
coast of Java, from the mouth of
the Sourabhaya River to Gressec,
forms a large angle, vvith an island
in the middle. A bank of mud and
sand, which extends along the coast,
and is almost visible, has rendered
necessary a wooden mole built on
piles opposite to the fort, 600 feet ia
length, to Avhich the boats are fast-
ened. At the foot of the hills ou
which Gressec stands is a house for
the manufacture of saltpetre.
The administration of the country
is carried on by a resident, ^\ ho has
UJider him some Malay companies,
officered by natives, and command-
ed by a Dutch Serjeant, with the
title of military commandant; the
natives are governed by t^vo tomo-
gons. The chief produce of the dis-
trict attached to the town is rice.
{Tombe,, St(tvo7'i7ms, Bligh, (Vc.)
GuALloR, {Gualiar). — A strong for-
ti-ess in the province of Agra, 80
miles travelling distance south from
the citv of Agra. Lat. 26°. 18'. N.
Long. 78°. 14'. E.
The hill on M'hich this celebrated
fortress stands is in length one mile
and six-tenths, but its greatest
breadth does not exceed 300 yards.
'I'lie height at the north end, wliere
it is greatest, 342 feet, and the sides
so steep as to be nearly perpendi-
cular. A stone parapet extends all
round close to the brow of the hill,
which is so precipitous, that it was
judged perfectly secure from assault
until Major Pophani took it by es-
calade on the 3d August, 1780 : the
starniing party was led by Captain
Bruce, brother to the traveller. The
town, which is placed along the east
side of the hill, is large, well in-
habited, and contauis. mauy good
houses of stone, which is furni.shed
in abundance by the neighbouring
hills, forming an ampliitheatre round
GUBI.
303
ihe lowji and fort, at the distance of
IVoin one to four miles. Tht^y arc
principally composed of schistns,
Mhich api)arcn1ly contains a )aiu;e
portion of iron. 'Micir suifucc is
rup^i^ed, and nearly destilnto of vc-
g:('talion. To the eastw nrd riui.s the
small Kiver Soonrica, uhich in the
beginniiip; of spring; is nearly dry.
At the distance of 700 yards from
the northern cxtroniity is a conical
hill, having; on tlio top a remarkable
buihlLnp;, consisting of two stone
pillars joined l>y an arch. ^^ ithin
th(^ summit of the fort are larii;e na-
tural excavations, which contain a
pcr|ie{nal supply of excellent ^^ater.
A considi'ral)!'' trade is carried on
herein cloth trom Chandcri, and in
indij;o. Ai>out 14 inilcs distai'.t, on
the road to Narwar, is a niiiic of
iron at the village of Bcercli.
Giiaiior nuist, in all ages, have
been a military post of gTcat conse-
quence, both from its centrical si-
tuation iu Hindostan, and the pecu-
liarity of its formation, which was,
by the natives, generally esteemed
impregnable. During the time of
the Mogul government it was a stale
prison, where the obnoxious branches
<jf the royal family were confined,
and a large menagerie kept for their
entertainment, consisting of lions,
tigers, aiid other wild beasts. When
possessed by jNTadajee Sindia, he
appropriated it to tlie same use ; and,
on aecoxnit of its security, made it
a grand depot for artillery, aiinnu-
iiition, and military stores.
llajahs of Gualior aic mentioned
so early as A. D. lOOS, and it was
lirst taken by the IMahonuncdans in
1197, after a long sie^e. The Hin-
<loos afterw ards regiiined possession,
as it was again subdued by Altunisli,
the Patau so^ereign of Delhi, in
1235. In A. D. I;'jl9, (iiialidr sur-
rendered to the forces of ".Ibrahiu
liodi, the Delhi emperor, after liav-
iiig been 1(K) years occupied by tlie
Hindoos; and, subsc(iuent to this
period, it must have |jeeiiac(iiiired
by the Emperor Ualnayoon ; tor, in
A, D. 1543, it was delivered up by
.3
his governor to Shere Khan, the Af-
ghan. Thus i,t appears to have be-
longed to many masters, not with-
standing its reputation for imprc!;-
nabiUty. In 1 582 it was the chief
town of a district, described by Abiil
Fazel as follows :
" Sircar Gualior, containing 12
niahals, measurement 1,146,405 bee-
gahs. Revenue 29,683,749 dams.
Seyurglial 240,360 dams, 'Ibis sircar
furnishes 2490 cavalry, and 43,000
infantry."
After the disniembernicnt of the
INIogul empire, Gualior came into
the possession of the Kaua of Go-
hud, from whom it was taken by
the iVIahai-attas. In 1780 it wa's
taken by escalade l>y the British
forces, as above related ; but after-
wards given up to the Hana of Go-
hud, who, failing in his engagements,
was abandoned to the resentment of
the Maharattas. Madajce Sindia in-
vested the fort, and after a fruitless
siege of many months, prevailed at
last by corrupting p;ut of the gar-
rison. In 1804 Gualior was ceded
to the British by Bajah Umbajcc
Row, but never taken possession of,
as by the final treaty of 1805 with
Dowlet Row Sindia, the ]>engal go-
vernsnent abandoned all the terri-
tory to the south of the Clnunbul,
and it is now possessed by that
chief.
Travelling distance from Delhi,
197 miles ; from Lucknow, 211 ; from
Benares, .355 ; from Nagpoor, 480 ;
from Calcutta, bv l)irblK)om, 805
miles. {Hunter, Maurice, licuiiif.
Hodges, Abul Fazel, Sc.)
GiiDi, — A town, containing 400
houses, in the Bajah of Mysore's
t(Tritories. Lat. 13°. 7'. N. Long.
77°. 10'. E.
Tlie houses in their external ap-
pearance are mean, and the phuB
cxtjcmely dirty; but many of the
inhabitants are thriviag, and 1hr»
trade considerable, J jeiv is held oii«
of the gieatest weekly faij-s in the
country. •
Gubi is said to have been fo^uidod
400 years ajjo by a family of j>oly-
384
GUJRAT.
gars, who resided at Ilossoolmlly,
two miles iiom hence; and who
trace their descent horn Ilonajja
(iuada, the hereditary chief of the
Nona Woculi^^ani caste. This per-
son Hved about 700 years a<;o, and
Jiis faniily possessed a country which
annually jiroduccd about 3000 pa-
godas. They were first bronght nn-
dcr su])jcctiou by the Mysore Ka-
jahs, who imposed a tribute of 500
piisjodas. IJyder increased tliis to
2:m0, leaving- tliem httlc better tiinn
renters. They were entirely dis-
possessed by Tippoo, and iuive re-
soutli-eastern extreniifyof (he Island
of Saniai, bciji^ tiic most easterly
of all tlie Philippines.
GuicowAii. — Sec Brodraii.
GuJERAr — A (own in the Seik
territories, in the province of La-
hore, GO miles N. \. W. from the
city of Lahore, Lat. 32° 35'. N.
Long. 7S°. 25'. L.
GUJRA'l', (Giijara Rmhtra).
A large province in Hindostan,
situated principally between the 21st
turned to their oiiginal profession of and 24th degrees of north latitude.
cultivators, but in their own tribe
they still retain tiieir hereditary rank.
{J^. Buchanan, cVc)
GuDARAH. — A district in the S. E
cpiarter of the Gnjrat province, si-
tuated about the 23d degree of north
latitude. It is a very hilly and
woody country, mostly possessed by
})ctty chiefs tributary to thcGuicowar
JMaharattas. The principal towns
are Gundarah, Baneah, and Luna-
wara, and the chief river tlu iMahy.
GuGAH. — A town, containing COO
inhabitants, in the province of Sinde,
district of Tatta. Lat. 2 i°. 45'. N.
Long. G8°. 7'. E.
TJiis is a place of very little trade,
but sheep and fowls are to be jno-
eured here at a moderate price. The
hill on which this town stands is
bounded on the southward and west-
wartl by a dry nullah, on the bed of
which is a large tank of fine water.
The soil around Gugali is a stiff'
sandy clay, and near the town are a
number of hue trees, the only large
ones visible from hence to C'orachie.
The appear.ance of thd country is
also much superior to the parts ad-
jacent to the sea coast. Part of the
country between Gahrah and Gugah
is so low, and so intersected by
xnany branches of the Indus, that it
must be flooded atpaitic'Jiar seasuna
of the year, and during the ircshes.
{Max/ield, Kinneir, .Sc)
GuiGNAN Isle. — A small island,
On the north it is bounded by the
province of Aj nicer ; on the south by
the sea and the province of Aurun-
gabad ; to the east it has Malwah
and Khandesh ; and to the west a
sandy desert, thepro\ince ofCutch,
and the sea. In length it may be
estimated at 320 miles, by 180 the
average breadth. The south-western
quarter of this province approaches
the shape of a peninsula, formed by
the Gulfs of Cutcli and Cambay,
the sea coast along the (irst being as
yet but imperfectly known to Eu-
ropeans. AVhen the Institutes of
Acber w as composed by Abul Faze),
in 1582, Gujrat extended southward
to Dainaun, where it touched on
Baglana, as appears by the following
delineation extracted tiom the Ayecu
Acbeiiy ;
" The soubah of Gujrat is situated
in the second climate. Tiie length
from Euorhanpoor to Juggeth (Dwa-
raca) is 320 coss, and the breadth
from Jalore to the port of Damaun
measuies 200 coss ; and also ti-om
Ider to the port of Cambayet it is
70 coss broad. On the cast Hes
Khandesh ; on the north Jalore and
Ider ; on the south are the ports of
Damaun and Cambayet ; and on the
west Juggeth. In the southern parts
of this soubah are many mountains.
It is watered by the ocean, and the
tbllowing rivers ; the Sabcrmatty, the
Bateruck, the Alehindiy, the Ner-
one of the Philippines, abcut It? budda, the Tuptee, and the Sui-
njiles in circumfereacc, lyinjr clx the sooty.
GUJRAT.
385
" Javari and bajcra arc the prin-
cipal grains cultivated here. The
fields are enclosed with liedges of
Ihcjekoom tree, which is a strong
defence against cattle, and makes
the country almost impenetrable to
an army. This soubah is famous for
painters, carvers, and handicraftracn,
and there is a great tralHc earned on
in precious stones. Silver is brought
from Rome (the Turkish empire) and
Irak. At first Puttcn was the seat
of government, then Chnmpaneer,
and now Ahmedalmd.
'' Gujrat contains nine districts,
viz. 1. Ahmedabad; 2. Putten; 3.
Nadowt ; 4. Behrodeh ; 5. lichroatch ;
6. Chnmpaneer ; 8. Kodehra ; 9. So-
rct. These districts are subdivided
into 198 pergunnahs, of which 13
contain ports. I'his soubah has
67,375 cavalry, and 8900 infan-
try."
A considerable portion of the Guj-
rat province, i)articularly towards
the eastern frontier, is very hilly,
and much covered with jungle, which
is rather encouraged by the inhabit-
ants on account of the security it
aflbrds against invaders. The west-
ern boundary, extending along the
Bunass lliver, and from thence to
the sea, is a level arid country in
some parts, and in others a low salt
swamp of a singular description, dis-
tinguished by the name of the Run.
In some parts tliis immense morass
has dried up, but on account of the
saline nature of the soil and water,
it remains sterile and unproductive.
I'he interior of the Gujrat Peninsula
is hilly, and being rather scantily
supplied with water, not productive
of grain, but exhibits every where
abundance of coarse vegetation suit-
able to the soil. A\ ithin these
swamps, jungles, and hills, are many
tribes of protiessed thieves, who prey
on each otlicr ; and, being all cavalry,
extend their depredations to a con-
siderable distance.
The ancient limits of Gujntt ap-
pear to have included the gieater
part of Khandesh and Malwah. The
coasts of the Gujrat Peninsula are
2 c
particularly adapted for piracy, as
they abound in little creeks and in-
lets, which furnish shelter and con-
cealment from cruizers, on account
of the dillicult navigation. The pro-
vince is intersected by several noble
rivers, such as the Nerbudda, Tup-
tec, Mahy, and Mchindry, but in
many parts a great s(;arcity of water
is experienced. In the sandy soil,
north of the Mahy River, which soon
absorbs the periodical rains, the wells
are deeper than to the southward^
being from 80 to 100 feet deep. In
the adjacent province of Alarwar
they are still deeper, the inhabitants
being obliged to dig down from two
to 300 feet, before they reach suffi-
cient \\ ater.
The country of Gujrat generally,
notwithstanding its smoothness to
the eye, is much intersected by ra-
vines and ground broken up by the
rains. Some of these ravines are of
a considerable depth and extent, and
during the rains suddenly assume
the appearance and volume of rapid
rains, not to be crossed w ithont the
assistance of rafts or boats. A\ hen
this occurs the natives soon establish
temporaiy ferries, mIicu passengers
are not required to |)ay until they
have landed, and mejidicants and
religious devotees of every descrip-
tion are wholly exempted. During
the hot and dry months the siufacc
of the country mostly appears sand,
or dust, and in the rainy season a
thick mire.
The Bheels, and poor inhabitants
of the jungles in Gujrat, use the
gum which exudes from the trunk
and branches of the baubul tree for
food. These trees are verj- common
throughout the wastes in th*; north-
west quarter of India, and grow
sjiontaneously on all inioecupied
ground. It is also planted as a fence
round the villages, and the farm-
yards are protected by a thick hedge
of it.
In so vast a province, never com-
pletely suljdued by any iinadtr, a
great diversity of population ma\ i)e
expected, and Gujrat accordingly ex-
386
GUJRAT.
hibits a wonderful variety of strange
sects and castes.
In some parts of the province the
Grassias are a numerous class of
landholders, and in others merely
possess a sort of feudal authority
over certain portions of land and
villages. They are described as con-
sisting of four castes, or families;
1, Coolees, and their branches ; 2.
Rajpoots ; 3. Seid Mahojnmedans ;
4. Mole Islams, or modern Mahom-
raedans. The residences of the most
common Grassias are Rajpcepla
south, and Mandwee north, of the
Nerbudda; Meagam and vVhmode
between that stream and the Maliy,
and Mandowce on the Tuptce. On
the rugged margins of all rivers in
Gnjrat many Grassias reside in a
kind of independence, and also all
over the Gujrat Peninsula, which is
usually denominated by the natives
Cattivad, and by Europeans Cottv-
vvar. Criuiiiials from the plains lly
to thcii haunts for refuge, and re-
ceive the names of Grassias, Catties,
Coolees, Bheels, and iMewassics;
but are in reality all thieves, and
supposed to amount to a half of the
population north of tlie JMahy.
Of all the plunderers who infest
Gujrat the most bloody and un-
tauieable arc the Coolees, who how-
ever present difterent characters in
difl'erent districts; the most barba-
rous being found in the vicinity of
the Run, or in the neighbourhood of
the Maby River. 'I'licse are taught
to despise every approach to civiliza-
tion, and the appellation they bestow
on a man decently dressed is that of
pimp to a l>rothil. In order to pro-
cure respect they stain their apparel
with charcoal pounded and mixed
with oil, and their tharons (priests
and bards) and other inlhiential per-
sons, excel the laity in iilthiness.
With this caste cleanliness is indi-
cative of cowardice. These customs
arc said to have originated with the
Naroda, or degraded Rajpoots, wiio
(brm a considerable portion of the
population. However ricli, a Na-
roda never diesses better than the
lowest of his caste. The Portugncsa
at an early period used the name of
Coolee as a term of repioach, and
fiom them it descended to the Eng-
lish.
The description of men named
Bliats, or Bharotts, abound more in
Gujrat thau in any of the other pro-
vinces of India, Some of them cul-
tivate the land, but the greater num-
ber arc recorders of births and deaths,
and beggars or itinerant bards, iu
which last capacitv they are also fre-
quently traders. Some of this caste
stand security for Hie public revenue,,
and gnarantce the observance of
agreements and awards. I'hey are
a singularly obstinate race, and when
pressed for money, for which they
have become security, sometimes
sacrifice their own lives ; but Tuoie
fre(pien11y put to death some aged
female, or a child of their family, iu
tlie presence of the person who caus-
ed Ihein 1o bieak their word. These
Rliatts are rev\ ardetl by a small pci'
centage on the amount of the re-
venues for which they l»eeome secu-
rity, and for the eousecpicut jirolcc;-
tion it aftbrds against the importuni-
ties of tlu,' inferior agents of govern-
ment, their persons being regarded
as sacred, and their inliuence very
great over the superstitious minds of
the natives.
The Charons in Gujrat are a sect
of Hindoos, aUied in manners and
customs with the Bhatts. They are
often possessed of large droves of
carriage ciittle, by means of which
tliey carry on a distant iidand traflic
in grain and other arlieles. Travel-
lers in the wildest j)arts of (^ujrat
are protected by lirahmins and Cha-
rons hired for the janpose. When
a band of predatory horse ajipears,
lliesc sacred persons take' an oath 1<»
die by their own hands in case their
I)ru<ege is pillaged; and in such vc-
n(;ni1ionare they held by (hese super-
stitious thieves, that in almost every
case this threat is found eliectiudly
lo restrain them. Many sulijects of
the native princes in this province
require the seciuity of a private in-
GUJRAT.
387
dividual, for tlic good faith of their
oivn sovereig;!!.
Ill lliis province, and in other
parts of llindostan Proper, there are
a race ot people named Ungreas,
whoso profession is that of money
<uuTricrs, \vl)i(;h is done by conceal-
ing: it in their quilted cloths. Al-
tijough miserably poor, one of them
njay be trusted with the value of
lUOO rupees to ran y many miles off,
jnerely on the responsiljilily of his
niirdita, or sn[)eri()r, who frequent ly
is not richer than the other. They
are of all easles, and in i^eneral well
armed ;ind alhlctie. A\ hen perform-
ing distant joiniiics they arrange
themselves into parties, and tight
M itii desperation to defend a i)ro-
perty, for w hieh their re(omi)eiise is
a mere subsistence. 'riKic is an-
other sect in the northern and west-
ern parts of Gnjrat, named the Png-
j;ies, from their extraordinary e\-
pertness in tracing a thief by his
steps. AVhen necessary this must
be resorted to early in the morning,
before the people have been moving
about; in which event, such is their
dexterity, that they seldom fail in
pointing out the village where the
thief has taken refuge.
'J'he Dheras of Gujrat are a caste
similar to the Mhar of the Decean,
and the Pariars of Malabar. Their
<'niployment is to carry filth of every
description out of the roads and vil-
lages, and from their immediate vi-
cinity. They srrape bare the bones
of every animal that dies within
Hheir limits, and share out the flesh,
which they cook in various ways,
and feed upon: the hide they sell
to the caste of Mangs for one, two,
or three rupees, aecuiding to the
animal it belonged to. They are
also obliged by ancient custom to
serve the state and travellers as car-
riers of baggage to tin; nearest vil-
lage from their own. Thej are guilty
of numberless petty thefts, and much
addicted to intoNieation, when they
can procure the requisites. At Jum-
loseer, in January, 1806, a Dhcra
■was blown from a gun ibr poisoning
2c 2
a number of bullocks, and other cat-
tle, for the sake of their skins. This
caste is more employed by the Bri-
tish than is agreeable to the purer
classes of Hindoos, who arc conta-
minated by their vicinity. The goo-
roos, or priests of the Dheras, are
named garoodas, who cook and de-
vour carrion like the rest of the
tribe. I'heir more appropriate du-
ties arc the solemnizing of marriages
and funeral obs( quies among their
own caste. On aecount of tlieir ex-
treme degradation, they dare not
read flic Vedas, nor learn Sanscrit.
They have abridgments of the mj-
thological stories in the l*uranas,
written in the vernacular idiom on
rolls of paper, ornamented with rude
figures of the heroes of the Hama-
yuna ; by the exhibition of which,
and the nuittering of some charm,
they pretend to cure diseases. In
the Gujrat villages it is the custom
to make tlie Dheras, Halalkhores,
Bhungeas, who eat carrion, and
Bheel, who kill innocent animals, to
live by themselves in huts apart from
the rest of the iidiabitants. The
washermen are also considered so
cruel, on account of the rnnnerous
deaths they involuntarily occasion to
the animalcuhe in the process of
washing, that they are likewise class-
ed among the seven degraded or
excluded professions.
In this pi ovince the term Koonbee
is given to the pure Sudra, or fourth
caste, whatever his occupation be ;
but who, in Gujrat, are generally
cultivators. In the Decean this title
distinguishes the'cultivator from one
who wears arms, and prefers being
called a jNlaharatta. They mostly
obsene the Brahniiiiical fonn of
worship, but the Gujratec Koonbecs
in their diet abstain from all lle.sh
and fish ; whereas the Maharattas
eat freely of mutton, poultry, fish,
game, and eveiy animal lit for food,
excepting the cow- specie-;. A Guj-
ratee Koonbee will not willingly kill
any animal — not even the most ve-
nomous snake. According to a. tradi-
tion, the ancestors of the Kooubees,
388
GUJUAT.
wlio are now the most mimeroiis and be renewed eveiy morning, and, if
industrious part of the agricultural attainable, by a Brahmin. Many of
peasantry, were ;? migrants lioni AJ- the natives of Gujrat, especially of
meer and Hindostan Proper. They the Rajpof)t tribes, when driven to
hold portions of goverinnent land, any ease of desperation, dress in yel-
and arc called Patells, in eonlradis- low clothes, which is a signal of de-
tinction to the Grasias. There are
in this province three tribes of Koon-
bces, named Lewa, Kudwa, and
Arjanna.
spair, and being reduced to the last
extremity. The females of this pro-
vince are frequently knov n to bum
themselves with husbands with whom
The different nyat or families of they have never cohabited, and with
Brahmins established in Gujrat ;ne
84, called after the places of their
ancestor's nativity, or inheritance.
Each of these has several subdivi-
sions, the members of which, al-
though on an equality, are not per-
mitted to intermarry, the distinctions
being almost innumerable.
The Vaneeya are a numerous tribe
of Hindoos in Gujrat, named Ban-
those who have ill treated them, as
well as the reverse ; a mistaken sense
of Avhat they conceive to be their
duty actuating them, independent
of ailcctiuu. IMseases and ailments,
Mhich camiot easily be accounted
tor, are attributed to the malignant
inlluence of ditches' glances; hence
in the Coolcc and Kajpoot commu-
nities are seen many women without
yans by the English, and are sei)a- their nose^ — this mutilation being
rated into many subdivisit)ns, be-
sides the Awucks, or seceders from
the Brahminical doctrines. They
are all of tliem merchants and trai-
fickers, and many of them travel to
supposed eU'ectual in destroying tho
power.
Besides its native hordes and
castes Gujrat contains nearly all the
Parsees, or fire-worshippers, to be
parts very remote from India, Avhere found on the continent of India; tho
they remain from one to 10 years,
after which they return to their wives
and children. Many also finally
settle in the towns of foreign conn-
tries, where their descendants eon-
feeble remnants of the once predo-
minant religion of the Magi. Ac-
cording to the accoiuits which the
learned of the modern Parsees giv»
of their own origin, it apj)ears that.
tinue to speak and write the Guj- after the Mahommedan religion was
ratee tongue, which may be i)ro- promulgated in Arabia, and began
nonnced the grand mercantile Ian- to pervade Persia, the ancestors of
guage of Indian marts. 'Jlie Gurjura the Indo Parsees retired to the moun-
language is very nearly allied to the tains, where they continued until tho
Hindi tongue, while the character in
which it is written conforms almost
exactly to the vulgar Nagari.
The sect of Jains are more in
number here than in any of the con-
tiguous provinces, and possess juany
handsome temples, adorned with
well-wrought images of marble,
,si)ars, and various metals. 'J'hcir
overthrow of the Persian monarchy,
and the death of Yezdijird, the last
sovereign. Finding the religion oF
their native country wlioUy over-
thrown, and themselves outlaws,
they wandered towards the Port of
Ormus, then governed by a branch
of the old royal family, vv here they
resided 15 years, and where they ac-
hief deity of the twenty-four, which «|uired the art of ship-building, for
they have altogether, is worshipped,
as in other parts of India, under the
name of Parswanatha. Among the
Brahminical persuasion tlie adhe-
rents of Siva or Mahiulera mark their
foreheads horizontally, and those of
Vishnu perpendicularly,\\ liich should
3
which they are still justly celebrated,
arjd also some practical knowledg*
of navigation.
At the expiration of the above
period they quittetj Ormus, and pro-
ceeded to the Island of Din, Avhere
they sojourned 19 years; when, find-
GIURAT.
389
ixi'g it loo small for llicir iiinoasin^
mimbers, they rmharkcd Ibi (iMJrai,
where lliev aiicliored at a town
named Sejjan, then ffovenied by
Jadn Haiia, and near to a point of
land still named St. John by JiU-
ixipean mariners. After some nego-
tiation with this prince they were
allowed to land, on eondilion that
tlicy disarmed and assumed the Hin-
doo dress, forms of marriage, and
lanj^nage.
In tills hospitabU^ land they first
lighted np the atish beharain, or sa-
cred fire, and remained stationary
for sevc'iiil hundred years; but after-
wards mail} migrated from Oodwad:i,
the site of the holy tlume, and, with
tiicir families, settled at Nowsaree,
Veriou, Oelaseer, Broaeh, and Cam-
hay. Their subsequent establish-
ment at Sumt and Hombay, and
rapid increase of numbers, belong to
a more recent era.
After their vohinlary dispersion
from the Seyjan territories, Mah-
inood Begia, Sultan of Ahmedabad,
a usurper and religious bigot, about
A. D. 1450, detached an army of
30,000 men to levy tribute from the
Sc3 jan chief, 'J'he latter requested
assistance from the Parsees, who
joined him to the number of 1400,
and a bloody battle was fought,
in which th<; Mahommedaiis were
worsted; but, returning with rein-
forcements, the Seyjan Rajah was
compelled to pay tribute, and ac-
knowledge the paramount authority
of the Ahmedabad Sultan. Siiiet;
this period the Parsees have resided,
in larger or smaller communities,
along the west coast of India ; a
few men of the tribe undertaking
voyages to dilferent jiarts of India,
and latterly to lluio|)e, in ships
commanded by J'^uropeans. 'I'he
females have never <piitted their
homes, sanctilied places, and sacred
<ires.
'J1ic modern Parsees arc divided
into two grand classes; the mobid
ior clerical, and the bchdeen or laity.
Mobids may marry a bchdeen fe-
male; but behdeens cannot take
wives from moliid families. The
Parsees often train up other peo|)le's
children of both sexes, and admit
them to the privileges of ihr bch-
deen tribe ; and the illegitimate olT-
spring of i'arsee men by native wo-
m(>n are also admitted into their
easte. Nor do they reject proselytes,
even when grown up, if their charac-
ters be such as to inspire a confidence
that they will s(;riipnlously observe
the laws of Zoroaster. The latter
aihiptions are rare; but the former
are not unfrequcnt, and account for
the dilferent shades of complexion.
The Parsee females have long pre-
served an unspotted character for
chastity and superior continence,
which may be a< ••ounfed for from
their being placed by their n-ligious
tenets (fJth artich") on an equality
with the men.
>\ hen a betrothc:d girl dies, the
gjiardians of the boy v\ ho has thus
lost his brid(! nnist look out for a
girl wIkj, ill a similar manner, has
Iteen dei)rivcd of her intended hus-
band ; and, among adults, widowers
ought only to wed with widows. A
Midow under forty is at liberty to
nianv again. Like the Hindoos, the
Parsee betroth their children be-
tween the ages of four and nine
years ; the .solemnization of tlie mar-
liage takes place when convenient
to the parties, but within the ninth
year of the girl's age.
Alter death a dog is procured to
watch the coipse for some time, the
Parsees believiiKg most firmly in
avrial evil beings visible to the ca-
nine species, and esteem those dogs
the quickest of perception that have
light brown eye-brows. I'loin this
<piality, which they .suppose inhe-
rent, they ae<'ouiit for the dismril
howl of dogs at night, which they
ailirm drives the hovering devils from
their house tops; and tht y sity the
tU)gs exert a less frightful effort when
their barking is merely directed
against thieves. The Parsees have
an extreme aversion to touch a
dead hare, Init not a living one ; and
this dislike extends to all other
390
GUJRAT.
dead animals, although not so vehe>-
mently.
The Parsees do not keep registers
of their own numbers, wliich, li-om
their peaceable and industrious ha-
bits, must be rapidly on the increase.
Their principal places of abode are
Diu, Cambay, Broach, Oclaseer,
Hansoot, Veriou, Surat, Nowsaiee,
Ood war, Damaun, and Bombay, On
the death of a behdeen, the number
of adult raobid (clerical) males in the
settlement may be known, as they
all make their appearance, and re-
' ceive a shirt or other piece of appa-
rel from tlie heir, who is also under
the necessity of giving them a feast.
From these entertainments it is in-
ferred, that there are in Surat 1600
mobids arrived at man's age; the
behdeens are supposed to exceed
12,000. By a census taken at
Broach, in 1807; it was found there
were 3101 touls, old and young:,
dark and fair, of mobid and behdeen
Parsees,in that (own and its suburbs.
Many of <he mobids, or sacerdotal
class, can read and write what they
call the Zeud or Pchlavi character
suflirien+ly to answer the purposes
of their religious ceremonies; but
their knowledge seldom penetrates
deeper; nor are the Parsees gene-
rally addicted to literature of any
ki)id, their exertions being directed
to the pursuits of commerce.
The province of Gujrat enjoyed a
much more flourishing commerce,
even during the most violent con-
vulsions of the Mo8;ul government,
than it has ever done since. The
chief exports are cotton, piece goods,
and gxain, and the principal trade
with Bombay. The imports consist
mostly of sugar, raw silk, pepper,
cocoa nuts, cochineal, wcxdlens, and
it absorbs a great deal of bullion.
The Surat mannlactures liave long
been famous for their cheapness and
excellent quality. Almost all castes
in this province (Brahmins and Ban-
yans excepted) folln\y the occupa-
tion of the loom occasionally, which
employs a great number of the more
industrious of the lower classes.
In all the larger to'mis are to b©
found that remarkable race of men,
named the Boras, who, though I\Ia-
hommedans in religion, are Jews in
features, manners, and genius. They
form every wliere a distinct commu-
nity, and are every where noted for
their address in bargaining, minute
tluift, and constant attention to
lucre ; but they profess total uncer-
tainty of tlieir own origin. Boor-
hanpoor, in Khandesh, is the head-
quai-ters of this singular sect, and the
residence of their mouUah, or high
priest; but the individuals are found
straggling all over Gujrat and the
adjacent provinces as itinerant ped-
lars.
It is a custom in the Gujrat pro-
vince, when a merchant finds him-
self failing or actually failed, to set
up a blazing lamp in his shop, house,
or office, and tlien abscond until his
creditors have examined his eflects,
and received a disclosure of his pro-
perty. Until his creditors have ac-
quitted him he does not wear the
tail of his waist-cloth hanging down
as is usual, but tucks it up. Persons
who act thus in time, so as not much
to injure their creditors, are greatly
esteemed, and have so frequently
been remarked as subsequently pros-
perous, that Huidoo merchants have
been known to set up a light (be-
come bankrupt) without any neces-
sity, in hopes of good fortune after-
wards.
The principal towns in this pro-
vince are Surat, Ahraedabad, Broach,
Cambay, Gogo, and Chumpaneer.
It is dithcult to estimate the number
of the inhabitants of a country Avbere
the extremes of population and de-
.•jolation are to be found. Surat and
its vicinity exemplily the first, and
the north-western districts the se-
cond. I' or the sake of security the
great body of the natives in Gujrat
do not \i\e in single sequestered
houses, but in assemblages (jf them ;
in jMa.abar, on the contrary, e^ery
Hindoo has a distinct or distant
dwelling. Fortilications were Ibr-
rnerly very numerous in Gujrat, and
GUJRAT.
391
still rontinuo so in the tnoro savago
aud iciiiolc qunrtcrs; l)iit wliciTver
llie TJiiliMi inducnre rxtfiids, they
arc fast fruinliliii!^ to dcc:u . A low
years ago female infanticide jae-
vailed anumi;' the irilie of .lliarcjah,
of wliicli are the prineipal chieftains
of tlje (iiijrat IVniusnla ; snch as
.Jam of Noanui;>;nr, the J^ijahs of
Wadmau, of Ciuundel, and many
otiiers. All these leaders, through
the exertions of the late CJovernor
of Bombay, Jonathan Duncan, Esq.
and of Colonel Walker, in 1807, were
induced to enter into volnntai^ en-
jjagements, renouncing the inhuman
practice, vhich was perpetrated by
drownins,' the infant in milk as soon
as born. The m hole number of iu-
liabitants in this vast provinct; pro-
bably does not exceed six millions,
in tile proportion of about one Ma-
hoMmiedan to 10 Hindoos.
There arc many ronarkable wells
and wateriui^' places in (lujiat, par-
ticularly one near Baroda, whi<;li is
said to have cost nine lacks of ru-
pees: and another at Yadwa, iu the
vicinity of Cambay, which, from the
inscription, appears to have been
erected in 1482. Smoking tobacco
is a very universal practice among:
all Hindoo males, (Brahnuns ex-
<'epted,who take snuff freely)andjMa-
hommedans of both sexes through-
out CJujrat. A beegah of land plant-
ed with tobacco, near Broach, jields
a net revenue to the government of
20 rupees on an average. This pro-
vince has long been famous for its
excellent breed of cattle, especially
the bullocks, m hieh are reckoned the
strongest, swiftest, and handsomest
in India.
It is a common belief in Gujrat,
that the province was (triginally peo-
pled by the rude castes which still
exist, and are known by the names
of Coolees and Bhe(rls ; but there is
IK'ither record nor tiadition regard-
ing the natore of their religion or
government while subsisting in this
primeval slate. In the town of Raj-
peepla the Bajpoot successor is still
furnully invested by a family of
Bhcels, railed Koobhal or Kootcl,
descended from their original chisf-
lains. Subsequently to this period
the Hajpoots acquired the ascend-
ancy; and the most |)Owerf(d chief
of that race resided at Anhulvada,
(named Nehrwalla and Puttun in
the maps) situated on the northern
frontiers. Three dynasties are said
successively to have occupied this
throne, named Chowra, Soolunker,
and Vagheela, from whi<h, as may
be expected, many of the modern
Grassia families claim descent.
A\'e learn from Abul I'^azel, that
Gujrat w as first invaded by ^Mah-
mood of Ghizni about A.D. 10'>5,
who subverted the throne of its na-
tive prince, named .lamund, and
plundered Nehrwallah, his capital.
After the establishment of the Delhi
sovereignty, this province remained
for many years subordinate to the
Palan emperors; biit in the 15tli
century became again independent,
under a dynasty of Bajpoot princes,
converted to the Mahommedan reli-
gion, who removed the seat of go-
vernment to Ahmedabad, and in-
fluenced many of the natives to em-
brace their Jiewly-adopted faith. In
lo7'2, in the reign of the Emperor
Acbcr, this race of princes was over-
tluown, and the province subju-
gated; but during the period of its
independenc(^ it had greatly nourish-
ed as a maritime and commercial
state; and when the Portuguese first
visited Malacca they found a regular
intercourse estal)lished between Guj-
rat and that port.
Aftir the death of Aurengzebc, in •
1807, this province v.as at an early
jjcriod overrun by hordes of IMaha-
ratta depredators; atid about 1724
was tinally severed from the Mogul
throne, \a hieh never afterwards reco-
vered its authority. At present the
more civilized aud cultivated parts
are possessed by ihe British, the
Guicowar, and the I'eshwa. The.
British territories occupy a consi-
derable tract of country on l)oth
sides of the (julf of Cami)ay, and in-
clude the populoiLs cities of Siirat,
392
GUNDUCK RIVER.
Broacli, Cambay, andGogo. Several
of the Peshwa's districts are inter-
mingled with tiiose of tlie British,
and approach witliiu a few miles of
Snrat ; these lie w as ])crmitted to
retain as a particular favour at the
treaty of Bassein. The sea coast,
from the Gulf ol Cambay to the
River Indus, is occupied by difterent
independent native cliicfs, all great-
ly addicted to piracy; but now,
against their inclinations, much co-
erced by the superiority of the Bri-
tish naval power.
The northern and western quar-
tcrs, and the centre of the Gujrat
Peninsula, have only recently been
explored, and exhibit a state of so-
ciety, which probably at a remote
period existed all over Hindoslan.
The number of societies of armed
and sanguinary thieves, by birth and
profession, in this region is scarcely
credible, and excites a surprise, that
thinly as the inhabitants are scatter-
ed o\er the wilder parts, any popu-
lation at all should remain. Within
the districts acquired by the Com-
pany all liurbarous practices have
been abolished, or are gradually dis-
apj)earing; but in the north-western
quarters they prevail in their utmost
j)erlection of cruelty and cunning.
{Drnmmoiid, BJ'Mwfio, Ahul Fazel,
Colcbroohe, Rcnnel, Malcolm, Malet,
8>-c.)
Gujrat. — A district in the Maha-
ratta teiritories, in the province of
Gujrat, situated principally between
the 22d and 23d degrees of north
latitude. In the Institutes of Acber
it is described liy Abul Fazel, under
tlie name of Ahmedabad, as follows :
" Sircar Aiunedabad, containing
1^ mahals, measurement 8,024,153
beegalis, revenue 208,306,994 dains,
_seyurghal 6,511,441 dams. This
sircar furnishes 4120 cavali-y, and
20,500 infantry."
GuJUNDERGUR, {Gajeiidraghar). —
A district in the province of Beja-
poor, situated principally between
the ]51h and 16th degrees of north
latitiule. The Rajah of Gujundergur
is ii feudatory to the Maharattas, and
during war furnishes his portion of
troops.
Gujundergur. — A town in the
province of Bejapoor, 60 miles E.
by N. from Darwar, the capital of a
district of the same name. Lat. 15°
45'. N. Long. 75°. .56'. E. In 1804
this town and tbrt were held by
Bishen Row Goorpooreh, with a
small tract of surrounding territory,
independent of the Peshwa, although
within the latter's dominions, whose
authority was then restored by the
interposition of the British govern-
ment.
GuLGUNDAH, {Golkhando). — A
town in the Northern Circars, 70
miles W. by S. from Vizagapatam.
Lat. 17°. 35'. N. Long. 82°. 20'. E.
GuMMiPoLLAM. — A town in the
district of Gurrumcondah, 150 miles
W. N. W. from Madras. Lat. 13°.
46'. N. Long. 78°. 19'. E.
GuNDARA, {Gudara). — A town iji
the province of Gujrat, the capital
of a district of the same name, tribu-
tary to the Maharattas. Lat. 22°.
53'. N. Long. 73°. 34'. E.
GuNDBZAMA RivER. — A Small ri-
ver which, after a short course, falls
into the Bay of Bengal at Mouta-
pilly, and separates the Carnatic
from the Guntoor Circar.
GuNDUCK, (Gandaki). — A disti'ict
in the territories of the Maharattas,
in the province of Bejapoor, situated
between the 15th and 16th parallels
of north latitude. The chief tow ns
are Darwar and Gunduek.
GuNOUCK. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, district of Gun-
duck, 47 miles E. from Darwar. Lat.
15°. 27'. N. Long. 75°. 42'. E.
GuNoucK River, {Gandahi, or
Salgrami). — The source of this river
is said to be situated to tlie north-
ward of Mooktenath, iu the direc-
tion of Moostang, and not far from
Kaybeeni. Moostang is a place of
some note in Upper Tibet, or Bhoot,
and 12 days journey from Beeni
Shcher. Tiie breadth of this river at
tlie latter place is said not to exceed
30 yards. Four days journey north
of Beeni SheJicr is Mooktinath, with-
GUN D WAN A.
393
in lialf a mile of which the Gundiick
takes the name of Salgnimi, tlie coii-
seeiated pebbles so called aboiuidiim;
paiticidarly in that j>art of its bed.
'J'liiec days jounu^y beyond Mookti-
nath is a celel)iated spring;, or na-
tural reservoir, called Dnmmodher
koond.
The sakp,rams are black stones
found in a part of the (lundiick Ki-
ver, within the limits of the: Nepaul
dominions. They are mostly round,
and commonly perforated in one or
more places by worms, or, as the
Hindoos believe, by Vi.sinui, in the
shape of a reptile. Aecordin"; to
the lumiber of perforations, and of
spiral curves in each, the stone is
supposed to contain Vishnu in va-
rious characters. The salgram is
found upon trial not to be calca-
reous; it strikes lire with steel, and
scarcely at all eflervesces with acids.
A few grains of gold are occasion-
ally separated from the sand of the
Gunduck, and also from the Sal-
grams. In Northern Hindostan tlie
term Gunduck is a general appella-
tion for a river; and Ma,jor Kennel
conjectures it to be the Condochates
ofArrian. The stricter classes of Hin-
doos abstain from swimming in this
river, it being Ibrbidden in their sa-
cred books. {Kirkpatrick, Culebrouke,
Rennel, WilJ'ord, dec)
GUNDUOLK, {Gandhagola). — A
town in the Northern Circars, in the
district of Ellore, 48 miles N. by E,
fiom Masulipatam. Lat. 16°, 49'.
N. Long. 16°. 20'. E.
GuNGAPATAM. — A towu in the
Carnatic, 108 miles N. from Madra^i.
Lat. 14°. 27'. N. Long. 79°. 13'. E.
GUNDWANA.
A large province in the Dcccan,
extending from the lyth to the 25th
degree of north latitude. On the
north it is bounded by Allahabad
and Bahar; on the south by Orissa
and the Godavery ; to the east it has
Orissa, Bengal, and Bahar ; and to
the west AJalwali, JBcrar, and Alla-
habad. In length it may be estimate
cd at 400 miles, by 280 miles th»
average breadth.
Gundwana in its most extensive
sense comprehends all that part of
India smrounded by the soubahs
abovementioned, which remained
uncon(|uered by the Mahommedans
up to the reign of Aurengzebe ; but
Gundwana Proper, or the country of
the Goands, is more strictly limited
to the districts of Gurrah Mundlah,
Choteesgur, Nagpoor, and Chandah,
reaching south beyond Bnstar and
Dewilmurry. The modern names of
the districts into which this ancient
province has been subdivided are,
Boghela, Chandail, Billoruijah, Sin-
growly, Sohagepoor, Gurrah Mund-
lah, the Nag|)Oor territories east of
the Wiirda River, Sirgoojah, Jush-
poor, Chotecsghur, or Ruttunpoor,
Gangpoor, Sunibhulpoor, Chandah,
and a considerable territory to the
south between the Godavery and the
province of Orissa. I'he principal
towns are Nagpoor, Gurrah, Rut-
tuni)oor, Ryepoor,Sumbhulpoor, and
Bustar.
During the reign of Aurengzebe
the northern part of this province,
named Baundhoo, or Bhatta, was
partially conquered by his generals,
and annexed to the soubah of Alla-
habad; but they never made any
impression on the southern quarter,
which remained unsubdued until
about the middle of the I8th (-en-
tury, when Ragojee Bhoonslah of
Nagpoor, reduced or rendered tri-
butary the greatest portion of it, and
contined the independent Goands
witliin very narrow limits. By the
Mahommedans the large district of
Choteesghur is sometimes named Je-
harcund, but this aj)pellation pro-
perly applies to the greater part of
the Gundwana province.
A large proportion of this province
is mountainous, poor, ill watered,
unhealthy, covered m ith jungle, and
thinly inhabited, to which evil qua-
lities may be attributed its long in-
dependence, 'i'he more fertile tracts
iirc subject to the Nagpoor Maha-
394
GUNTOOR.
raltas, and some of tliotii, particu-
larly Clioteesgur and Na!;poor, are
rcmarkabiyproductivc; but the coun-
try occupied by the native Goands is
exactly the reverse, being one con-
tinued wilderness. This miserable
tribe contiime nearly in a state of na-
ture, and are probably tlie lowest in
the scale of all the natives of India^
Havins; been driven by their invaders
from the plains to the unwholesome
fastnesses of the more elevated re-
gions, they frequently descend dur-
ing' the harvest to the low lands, and
pkuKiertlie produce of their ancient
inheritance. During- tlie course of
the last 30 years, the desire of the
wild Goands for salt and sugar has
considerably increased, and has tend-
ed more to their civilization than any
other means. The sea air is said to
be as fatal to their temperament as
that of the hills to tlie inhabitants of
the adjacent plains. The Goands
aie Hi)idoos of the Brahminical sect,
but appear to have many peculiari-
ties, as Ihcy eat fowls, and do not
abstain from flesh in general, except
that of the ox, cow, and bull. One
of their chiefs, who resided at Deo-
gur, 40 miles N. E. from Pandooma,
was conquered by a general of Au-
rengzebe's, and carried prisoner to
Delhi, where he had his country re-
turned to him on embracing the J\Ia-
horamcdan faifh, and also the title
of Boorahan Shah. His descendants
were subdued by the Bhoonslah Ma-
barattas, and carried prisoners to
Nagpoor ; yet though they still con-
tinue Mahommedans, the other
Goand chiefs esteem it an honour to
be cojinected by marriage with the
family. Besides these chiefs, Au-
rengzebe made a forcible conversion
of many others of the lower classes
of natives. The present Goand
tribes are nearly all ttibutary to the
Maharatlas, but their contributions
generally require a body of troops to
enforce the payment. When not
occu]iied in this manner, they are
engaged in hostilities with each
otlier. Nagpoor is the present ca-
pital of Gundwana; the ancient ca-
pitals W'Cre Gurrah, Mundlah, and
Deognr, but there are no vestiges
indicative that the province at any
period flourished as a civilized or
cullivated country. (J. Grant, Lec-
kie. Blunt, i^T.)
GuNTOOK. — A district in the
Northern Circars, situated princi-
pally between the 16th and 17th
degrees of north latitude. This is
the most southerly of the Northern
Circars, and comprehends an area
of about 2600 square miles, exclu-
sive of the mountainous tract on the
west. I'he Biver Krishna forms the
northern bonndaiy of this district,
and separates it from Condapilly.
There arc diamond mines in this
Circar, which have not of late been
productive. 'J'Jie principal towns are
Guntoor, Conda-\ir, Bellumcondah,
and Nizampatam.
In 1765, when Lord Clive obtained
the Northern Circars from the Mo-
gul, this Circar remained in the pos-
session of Eazalet Jung, the Nizam's
brother, to be enjoyed by liini as a
jaghire during his life; after which
it was to devolve to the Company.
In 1779 a tieaty was most impro-
perly conclnded Avith Bazalet Jung^
by the Madras govonment, Avithout
the consent of the Nizam, for the
cession of Guntoor; and in a few
months afterwards it was granted
by the same government to Maho-
med AH, the Nabob of the CarnaticJ
on a lease of 10 years ; but the a\ hole
transaction v\ .is annulled the folloAV-
ing year l)y the Bengal government.
Bazalet Jnng died in 1782; but the
country was not taken possession of
by the Company until 1788, they
continuing to pay a tribute of seven
lacks of rupees to the Nizam.
In 1801 the Bengal revenue and
judicial system were carried into
effect; but the Gimtoor Circar hav-
ing come later under the British do-
minion than the other four districts,
it was assessed with a reference to
the average collections, during the
period of 1.3 years it had been sub-
ject to the Company's authority.
In 1803, when Secuuder Jah sue-
GURUDWARA.
395
ceeded his father on the throne of
Hyderabad, he offered to rolinquish
the tribute paid by the British go-
veriimeut on account of tliis Circar;
but the offer was refused by tlie Mar-
quis Wellesley, tliou governor-ge-
neral.
With the addition of Palnaiid,
the Guntoor territory now forms one
of the districts iindcr l!io Madias
presidency, into wiiich the Northern
Circars were divided on the esta-
blishment of theljengal revenue and
judicial system. {Rennel, bth Re-
port, ^c)
Gi'NVooR.— A town in the North-
ern Circars, the capital of a district
of the same iianio. Lat. 16°. 12'. N.
Long. 8(*®. 20'. i:.
Guiin.MZ. — A town in the Afo:hau
territories, in the prmiuec of Cabul,
39 miles E. by S. from Ghizni. Lat.
33°. 31'. N. i.onu,-. 68°. 53'. E.
GuRRAH, {Gltara). — A large dis-
trict in the province of INlahvah,
situated about the 23d degiee of
north latitude. Jn the remote times
of Hindoo antiquity tliis was the seat
of a considerable Hindoo principa-
lity, wiiich comi)rehended Bhatta,
Sohagepoor, Cliot<^esf!,hur, Snml>hul-
poor, Gungpoor, Jush])oor, and other
coatiguous districts. In the reign of
Aurengzcbc the divisidn of Bhatta,
or Bandhoo, consisting of the six
di.stricts above-njcntioncd, was con-
sidered as a new conquest, although
it had before bc(^n partially sub-
jected, and was formally annexed to
the'Soubah of Allahabad. It has
been estimated to contain 25,000
square miles of higii. mountainous,
unproductive territory, 'i'lio prin-
cipal towns are Giurali, l^anagur,
andMnndlah; and tlie Ncrbuddah,
which has its sour( e on the eastern
frontier towards Guudwanah, is the
chief river. Many parts of this dis-
tiict are remarkably tcrtile, but it is
thinly populated, and little culti-
vated.
GuRR<H. — A town in the province
of Malwah, district of Gnrrah Mnnd-
lah, 140 miles N. by E. from Nag-
poor. Lat. 23^. 10''. N. Long. 60°.
''^° 40'. E.
hill-fort, and was
15'. E. Formerly there was a mint
here, in which an inlfrior rupee, cur-
rent in Bnndelcnnd, named Balla-
shaliy, was coined. {Lccliie, S-i.)
Gi)HRUMC<»M)\H. — A district in
the Balaghaiit ceded territory, situ-
ated between the 13th and 14th de-
grees of north latitude; of a very
mountainous surface, and abound-
ing in strong positions. The greater
part is now comprehended in the col-
lectorship of ("udapah.
GuRRUMCONDAH. — A stiong hill-
fort atid town, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name, 125 miles
W. X. ^\'. from IMadras. Lat. 13°.
45'. N. Long. 7b'
This is a stron
besieged in 1791 by the Nizam's
arm} , assisted by a small British de-
tachment, which stonned the lower
part without much loss, and was af-
terwards ordered south to join the
grand army. A body of troops was
left to garrison the lower fort, and
blockade the upper, under tije com-
mand of one of the Nizam's gene-
rals, who was soon afterwards at-
tacked by Hyder Saheb, Tippoo's
eldest son, totally routed, and slain.
After supplving the njiper fort with
necessaries, Hyder Sal'cb retreated,
having accomplished the object for
which he had been detached. (MSS.
^■c. S,-c.)
GuKi'DWARA, (the Gate of the In-
structur). — An extensive village in
Northern Hindostan, in the province
of Serinagur. Lat. 30°. 22'. N.
Long. 78°. 10'. E.
Here is a handsome temple, erect-
ed by Bam Kay, one of the followers
of Nanoc Shah, the founder of the
Seiks, the priests of which are of
the L dasi sect. At the vernal equi-
nox an annual fair is held at this
place, numerously attended by pil-
grims from Lahore and the weslw ard
countries.
About half a mile to the north of
this village is tiie field of battle,
Avhich decided the contest between
the Serinagur and Goorkhali Rajahs,
the former of whom was killed by a
musket ball, and his coimtry ven-
396
HAJYPOOR.
<lered tributary to Nepaul. A little
to the north of Gurudwara is the
pergunnah of Dhoom, situated be-
twixt the Jumna and the Ganges,
which are here about 40 miles
distant. The district is remarkably
fertile, but nmcli oppressed by the
heavy exactions of the Nepaulese
government, the revenue being re-
duced from one lack to 35,000 ru-
pees. {Kaper, Sfc.)
GuTPUKisA River, {Gatapurva). —
A small river, vihich has its source
in the Western Ghauts; and, after a
short course, falls into the River
Krishna, near the village of AIniody.
Lat. 16° 37'. N. Long. 76°. 5'. E.
GuzNOOGUR, {Gajanagur, an Ele-
phant Town). — An Afghan district in
the province of Cabul, situated be-
tween the 34th and 35th degrees of
north hUitudc. To the noith it is
bounded by Kuttore, or CaH'ristan ;
and to the west by the Chuganserai
River; but very little is known re-
specting the interior, as it has been
but little explored.
H.
Hadjee Omar Kalaudy. — A
place of refreshment in the province
of Sinde, district of Tatta, 15 miles
E. of Corachic, on the road to Tatta.
x\bout a mile to the S. W. of this
place the soil is a fine loam, and
overflowed dining the freshes in the
fndu.s, 'J'o the north there is a fine
well, about 130 feet deep, with steps
to go down. From hence to the Pe-
pcl Choultry, distant eight miles,
the road is bad, broken ground, with
a loose sandy soil.
Hainam isLE. — A large island in
the China Sea, situated at the south-
ern extremity of that empire, be-
iwecn the 18th and 20tb degrees of
north latitude. In length it may be
rslimated at 190 miles, by 70 the
average breadth. Although i)laccd
M) near the tract of ships bound to
t anion, very few particulars respect-
ing this island are know^n. In 180&,
according to Captain Krusenstern,
the Ladrone pirates, who infest the
southern coast of China, had ob-
tained possession of this island.
Hajagunge, {Hajiganj). — A town
in the province of Bengal, disti'ict
of Dacca Jelalpoor, 29 miles S. W.
fiom Dacca. Lat. 23°. 31'. N. Long.
89°. 63'. E.
Hajykan, (Hnjican), — A large
district within the Afghan territories
to the west of tlie Indus, and situ-
ated between the 29th and 31st de-
grees of north latitude. It consists
principally of a stripe of laud bound-
ed by the Indus on the east, and a
ridge of mountains to the west, and
is inhabited chiefly by migratory
tribes of Afghans and Balooches,
who occasionally pay tribute to the
Cabul sovereigns. There are alstt
a few small towns and villages, in
which some Hindoo merchants are
settled, and carry on the trifling
commerce which the state of tho
country permits ; but the great ma-
jority of the inhabitants are JNIa-
Jiommedans of the Sooni sect. The
limits of this district are undefined,
and it has as yet been but imper-
fectly explored.
Hajypoor. — A district in the pro- •
vince of Bahar, situated principally
between the 25th and 26th degrees
of north latitude. To the north it
is bounded by Bettiah ; on the south
by the Ganges ; on the east by Tyr-
hoot ; and on the m est by Sarun. In
1784, in all its dimensions, this tlis-
trict contained 2782 squar^ miles.
By Abul Fazel, in 1583, it is de-
scribed as containing ''' 1 1 mahals ;
measurement, 436,952 beegaiis ; re-
venue, 27,331,030 dams."
This is avery fertile,well-c«ltivated
district, and is peculiarly productive
of saltpetre, the gieater part for the
Company's investment being manu-
factured in this cQiuitry and in the ad-
jacent territory of Sanni. The prin-
cipal towns are Hajypoor, Singhea,
and Mowah. At Hajypoor, or Hur-
ryhur Chitter, an ammal fair of
horses is hcid iu the month of No«
:HANSY.
397
vomber. Tlie demand for horses of
the breed of the Company's ]m}-
vinces appears rapidly to inerease.
In 1807 the whole number of horses
produecd at the fair amounted to
nearly 6000, two of which, from
the Company's stud, sold for 4000
rupees each. (J. Grant, ]Oth Re-
gister, Ab»l Fazel, ^c.)
Hajypoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Ilajypoor,
situated on the north-east side of
the Ganjfcs, at its conlluenec with
theGunduck, and nearly opjwsite to
Patna- I.at. 250 41'. N. Long;. yoO.
21'. E. This place is said to have
be«n founded by llyas Khan, or
Hajy Elias, the second independent
Mahonimedan King of UcMgal, who
<lied A, D. 1358.
Hajypoor. — A small town in the
Seik territories, in the province of
iiahore, situated on the north side
of the Beyali Hiver, which is here
-100 yards bioad. 65 miles S. E. from
Lahore. Lat 31°. 26'. N- Long.
74° 51'. K
Halddbary. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Purneah,
situated on the east side of the Ma-
haimddy River, near the Mornng;
frontier, and 55 miles N. IC. from
PunieidiL Lat 26°. 20'. N. I^jn?-
«7°. .5<y. E.
Halliau. — A smaH district in the
province of Cnjrat, extending along
the eastern side of the Gulfof Cnt«h.
It is possessed by independent na-
tive cliie/fs, who claim descent from
Rawul, the youngest son of Rai
Humeer, the sovereign of Cntclu
This prince usurped the throne of
his father, but w as alierwards com-
pelled to resign it to liis brother, and
leave the «ountiy. Ik' erosstvl tli<^
Run at INhdlia, and proceeded t«
Amran, w liich he seized, and finally
established his hcitd-quarlers at !i
village Jiaraed ?<agite, where Noa-
nagur now stands. He afti-rwards
succeeded in^^nttingotf the Hannah
♦»f i'oorbunder by treachery, and ex-
tended his frontie4 to the Run of Oka-
nmndel. His followers he exhorted
ii* conquer what they could, and
keep it, so elTecfually, that, in a
few years, this race, named the
Halla Rajpoots, had add(<d 400 vil-
lages to their possessions, which re-
ceived the name of Halliar, an ai>-
peliation it still retains.
This district is not generally f«T-
tile, but there are particular spots iu
a high state of cultivation. Trees
are seldom to b(! met with in i lalliar,
to remedy whi(;h the Jam of Noana-
gur ordered the heads of villages to
plant a certain niunber of mango
trees annually. The llalliars never
shoe their horses, yet they gallop at
full speed over the worst ground,
tlu'ir hoofs becoming as hard as tiie
rocks on which they tread.
The natixes in this pvut of the
country have a practice of suspend-
ing rags on trees, and piling stones
on each other hy tlie road side. An
itinerant devotee hangs a piece of
his garment on a tree, whicii rag is
seen by the travellers, who follow
tlie example of the sage, and the
tree becomes a consecrated jjcer or
saint, and is stiled theChintra Peer,
or Ragged Saint. (IWMurdo, S'c)
Hangwellk. — A town and for-
tress in the Islaml of Ceylon, 18
miles E. from Cohunbo. Lat. 7°. T-
N. Long. 80- .3'. E. In Septem-
ber, 18t>3, the King of Candy at-
tacked this place with a numerous
army, but was defeated with gn^at
slaughter by the garrison luider Caj)-
tain William PoUok, consisting of
50 Europeans, 160 sepoy^i, and 17
gun lasicars.
Hansoot, {Hansamti).—k town
in the province of (Sujrat, 12 miles
S- W- from Broach. 1*1. 21°. 32*.
N. Long. 72°. 59'. IC.
Hansy, (Hansi). — A town in the
province of Delhi, district of Hi.ssar
I'erozeh, 60 miles W. from Helhi.
Lat. 28°. 40'. N. Long. 7()°. 1(/. ]■;.
It lies on the canal (now in ruins),
formerly made from th<' Jumiui b»
Sultan Feroze, and is S4<metimes
named Hansy Hissar, on account of
its i)roximily to the latter town.
Hansy stands upon a hill, and is
supphcd with water from wells
398
HARPONULLY.
■\vithiu the fort, for there is but little
iu the vicinity. It was captured by
the Mahommcdans of Giiizni so
early as 1035, and, towards the end
of the 18th cenlnry, was the ca-
pital of the short-hved principality
erected by the adventurer , ii eorge
Thomas- It is now possessed hy
independent native chiefs. ((?. Tho-
mas, Rc/itiel, <S)-c.)
H/MiiHARA. — A town in the Bala-
yhaut ceded tenitories, 48 miles N.
W. from ("Ijitteldroog, situated on
east side of the Toombuddra Kiver.
Lat. 14°. 24'. N. Long. 75°. 48'. E.
This fort conlaius a temple and
100 houses occupied by Brahmins,
and the suburbs contain above 100
houses of low castes. In this vici-
iiity seveial of the poorer itdiabit-
ants never marry, the expense at-
tendiufj the ceremony beinjj consi-
dered too c;reat. Not many of the
women, however, live in a state of
celibacy, to which, in most parts of
India, they are seldom subjected,
lew of the men g'o to foreign coun-
tries, and the rich have always more
Avives tlian one. The inhabitants in
the neighbourhood of Harihara (or
Hurr\liur) have the character of re-
markable stupidity, which is evei;
extended to the Brahmins, a defect
by no means common to this sacred
order of men. The cultival ion here is
that of the dry grains,and the exports
cotton and cotton thread.
After the defeat and death of Ram
Rajah, and the destruction of Bija-
nagur, this place became subject to
the Adii Shahee dynasty of Beja-
poor. On the conquest of the Dec-
can by the iMoguls, it was taken by the
Shahnoor, or havanore Nabob, Deiil
Khan ; and iVom the house of Ti-
niourit was taken by t!u^ Ikeii Ra-
jahs, who were expelled by the
iVlaharattas; and these, after 15
years' possession, were dri\en out
by Hyder. Since that time it lias
been taken by the Maharattas; tlie
last time, in 1?9'2, by Pursciam
Bhow. (jp. Buchanan, ^T.)
Harlem Isle- — A small island
a,bout four miles iu circuinl'ereuce,
lying off the N, W. coast of Ceylori.
Lat, 9°. 41'. N. Long. 79° 54'. E.
Ihis island belongs to the district
of Jaffnapatam, and affords excel-
lent pasturage for horses.
Harponully, ( Harponhelhj). — A
district in the south of India, bound-
ed on the north by the Toombuddra
River, and situated about the 15th
degree of north latitude. 'I'his coun-
try is not so hilly as the adjacent dis-
tricts, but there are some strong po-
sitio;is, the principal of which is
Ooehinadroog. I'he villages are fre-
quent, and tolerably well populated.
The Rajah of Harponully conti-
nued nearly independent until 1774,
when his territory was conquered by
Hyder, and added to his dominioits
as a tributary appendage. In 1786
Tippoo completely subdued the pro-
vince, and sent the rajah prisoner to
Seringapatam. On the fall of Se-
ringapatam, the heir took possession
of Harponully, and is now a .Jag-
hiredar under the Company. It is
supposed he had no just claim to the
estate, but that he was merely a boy
set up by tiie Brahmins, who held
the principal offices under former ra-
jahs, merely to perpetuate the ma-
nagement of atlairs in their own
hands. In this manner rajahs and
zemindars are created evci-j' where
in the Comjiany's dominions, be-
cause the ehiei native servants, in
order to secure tlicir own situations,
which are generally hereditaiy, when-
ever the line is extinct, take care to
bring forward a child iiom some
quarter.
This district was ceded to the
Company by the Nizam in 1800, and
having since experienced a tranquil-
lity unknown before, has greatly
imi)roved in population, revenue,
and cultivation. It now fo)ms part
of the Bellary collec'orship under
llie Madras presidency. {Munro,
Moor, c3-c.)
Harponully. — A town in tha
south of India, the capital of a dis-
trict of the .same name, 170 miles
N. by W. from 8eringapa1ani. Lat.
14°. 47'. N. Long. 76°. 18'. £.
IIELAI.
399
IIarowty, {Haravati). — A district
in the province of Ajiiiecr, situated
between the '25th and '26th degrees
of north latitude. Near the Aillage
of IVlackundra, Lat. 24°. 18'. N.
Lon;j:. 7G°. 12'. E. is a ridj^e of moun-
tains, which extends to the east and
■nest, dividin!^ the prt>\iii(e of Mal-
Mali from the district of IIarowty,
or country of tlie trilic llara. The
chief toMiis arc Kdlaii and Hoondee,
and the principal river the Chunibui,
by ■wliicli tiie district is intersected.
Tlie Chiefs of lioondcc and Kotali
are of tlie Chohan trilie, and are de-
nominated Half Kajpoots. The cul-
tivators are liajftoots, .lauts, Brah-
mins, Bhecis, and oilier castes.
{Hunter, G. Thomas, Sc")
II.AKIoaPOOK, {J'dtnrpur). — A
town possessed by independent ze-
u)indar.s, in the province of Orissa,
60 miles ><. W. from i\Iidnapoor.
Lat. 21°. o2'. N. Lonu;. 8G°. 52'.
E.
IIassek, {Aseer, or Asnotahma). —
A district in tlie Afahasatta terri-
tories, in the province of Khandesh,
situated between the 21st and 22d
degrees of north latitude. The sur-
fa<;e is hilly, and the ct)untry contains
many positions natmally remark-
a))ly stmiig, on wiiich the native
chiefs lia\e erected Ibrtifications.
'i"he land is fertile, and tolerably
well watered by the Tnptee and
I'ooriiah, which ar(^ the [)rincipal
ri\<rs; the most noted towns are
Boorhaiipoor, Hasscr or Aseer, and
ClnuHlah.
Hassku, (.Asu'r). — A town and
fortress in the pn)\ince of jKhandesli,
15 miles N. tiom Boorhanpoor.
JLat. 21°. 32'. N. Long. 7G°. 21'.
F,.
This place was the capital of
Ivhandesh, when subdned by Acber.
Abul I'azel describes it as situated
un a lofty mountain, and incom-
parably strt)ng. Allhough by the
iiatiscs deemed nearly impregnable,
it surrendered without much resist-
ance to the army under Colonel
Stevenson, in October, 1803; and
>va.s restored to ijindia in December
next, when peace was concluded by
General Wellcsley.
Haslah, {Hasela, JReceipt). — A
town in the Seik territories, in the
province of Lahore, 154 miles N. E.
from the city of Lahore. Lat. 33°.
20'. N. Long. 75°. 32, £'.
Hastee, {Hasti, (in Elephant). —
A town in the province of Aurun-
gabad, belonging ti> the Nizam, 40
miles S. L. from Jalnapoor. Lat.
19°. 32'. N. Long. 76°. 53'. E.
Hattia Isle. — An island in the
province of Bengal, formed b> the
mud deposited by the great IJivers
Brainnapootra and Ganges, at their
junction with the ocean in the Bay
of JJcngal. In length it may be
estimated at 14 miles, by It) the
average breadth. The surface lies
very low, and at spring tides, during
the iicight of the rains, is nearly sub-
merged. Salt of an excelient (piality
is manufactured here for the Com-
pany's account, which brings a higli
price at their periodical sale* in
Calcutta.
11 atras, (Hathras). — A town in
the province of x\gra, 33 miles N. by
E. from the eitv of Agra. Lat. 27°.
40[. N. Long. 78° E. Tiiis is the
chief marl tor the cotton produced
in the Agra ])rovince. I'rojn hence,
it is conveyed by an easy land car-
riage of 100 miles to Furruckabad
on the Ganges; and from that city
by water to ;Mirza|)oor, in tho Be-
nares province. {Culebrooke, 6cc.)
Hauhauca Isle. — A small island
in the Eastern Seas, about 25 miles
in circumference. Lat. 3°. 40'. 8.
Long. 128°. 40'. E. It is one of the
Amboyna Isles.
Helai. — A \ illagc near the Indus,
in the province of Sinde, situated in
the road from 'I'atta to Hyderabad.
Lat. 24°. 52'. N.
About a mile to the west of this
place arc two remarkable hills,, on
which are several buildings. 'J"he
land adjacent is cultivated, and lias
a fertile appearance. At this place
the Indus is three-fourths of a mile
wide, ajid has from four to live la-
thoms water.
400
IIIDJELLEE.
Henery Isle. — A small island
lying due soutli from Bombay. Lat.
18°. 42'. N. Long. 72°. 50'. E.
Tliis island is about 600 yards in
circumference, aud nearly of a cir-
cular form. There is only one land-
ing place in the iiorth-ea«t side,
where boats can lie. Tiie island is
Avell inhabited, being covered with
houses and fortified. In 1790 it
belonged to Ragojec Angria, and
though in sight of Bombay, was a
principal rendezvous for pirate vessels
of considerable size.
Near Henery is another small
island named Kcnery, which is also
fortified and of considerable strength.
In 1790 it belonged to the Peshwa,
who also permitted pirates to resort
to the harbour. Kencry was taken
possession of and fortified bySevajcc,
in October, 1679, before which time,
from a supposed want of fresh Mater,
it had been neglected. Henery was
tfrst settled and fortified by Siddce
CosSim in 1680. {Moor, ^-c.)
Heriuru. — A town in the Mysore
Rajah's territories, situated on the
east-side of the River Vedawali.
Lat. 13°. 46'. N. Long. 76°. 37'. E.
During the government of the Chit-
teldroog Rajahs, this place contained
2000 houses, with an outer and
inner fort. In the reign of Hyder
the town suffered considerably from
the Maharattas, and ^^ as afterwards
plundered by Purseram Bhow. The
ravages of this chief were followed
by a dreadful famine, which swept
away all the inhabitants. When the
British forces anivcd before Scringa-
patam, about 60 houses had agaiii
been occupied. Some of the grain
dealers, tiiat followed the camp,
found their way to this distance, and
plundered the wretched inhabitants.
When the British detachuient ar-
rived to give protection to this part
of the country, the number of in-
liabitv>d houses in Heriuru «as re-
<luced to seven ; but above ."^OO have
been since rebuilt. In this part of
the country there are no slaves, the
work being performed by hired la-
boHJ ers. (/'- Buchanan, Sfc.)
Hettowra, (or Etowdah). — A
town in the Nepaid territories. Lat.
27°. 14'. N. Long. 85°. 22'. E.
Although this is a place of much
occasional resort, on aecount of its
being the centre of all the commerce
carried on between the Nepaul do-
minions and those of t)ude and of
the Company, yet it is but a miser-
able village, containing from .50 to
60 liouses, and is considered very
unhealthy. The Rapti on which
Hettowra stands issues from a moiui-
tain to the eastward of Chcesapany,
and falls into the Gunduck, 15 miles
north of Somaisir.
The village of Hittowra stands at
the foot of a hilly ridge, at the point
where the Rapti enters the Moc-
wanpoor valley. The Rapti abounds
with fish, which the natives consume
in large quantities. From hence
north, merchandize can only be
transported on the shoulders of Iiill
porters, whose rate of labour is re-
gulated by the Nepaul government.
The road by Hittowra from Bengal
is impassable during the periodical
rains; the little intercourse betwixt
Nepaid and the Tcrriani, or low
country, is then kept up by the
routes of Mocwanpoor and Sundooli.
{Kirkpatrick, ^-c.)
Hidjellee, {Hijali). — A town in
the province of Bengal, situated on
the west bank of the Hooghly River,
55 miles S. S. W. from Calcutta.
Lat. 21°. 50. N. Long. 8b°. 10'. E.
During the Mogul government,
Hidjellee was the capital of a Eouj-
darry or military station, compre-
hending 1098 square miles, i'his
small district is situated on the low
margin of the River Hooghly, where
it unites with the Bay of Bengal.
It w as first dismembered from the
Soubah of Orissa, and annexed to
Bengal, in the reign of Shah Jehan.
It is fertile in grain, and furnishes a
great quantity of excellent salt.
Tlie land about Hidjellee is of
two descriptions ; the first, fresh or
arable, is preserved from the inun-
dation of the tides by embankments,
running parallel to, and at some dist-
HIMALEH MOUNTAINS.
401
ancc fi'om the rivers and mnncrous
inlets, which intersect the whole ter-
ritory. The second, or saU land, is
tliat portion exposed to the over-
Uowing of the tides, nsually called
the clnirs or banks ; where mounds
of earth, strongly impregnated w ith
saline particles, named kalaries or
working places, are formed. Each
of those heaps is estimated on a
medium to yield 233 maiinds (80
libs each) of salt, requiring the la-
bour of seven manufacturers; who,
1>y an easy process of liltration and
boiling, arc enabled to complefc
their operations from November to
Jujie, before tlie setting in of the
periodical rains.
In 1687, during a rupture with
Avnengzebe, the East India Com-
pany's forces took and lurtified Hid-
jellee, and destroyed above 40 sail
of the emperor's vessels. They
afterwards repulsed the repeated at-
tacks made by the Nabob of Bengal,
notwithstanding the garrison was in
a very sickly state. {J. Grant,
Bruce, 4c.)
HiLSAH. — A town in the province
of Bahar, 20 miles S. S. E. from
Patna. Lat. 25°. 1 8'. N . Long. 85°.
20'. E.
Hi maleh Mountains, (HjHJrt/«yrt).
— A stupendous range of mountains,
which form the pioper boundary of
Hindostan to the north, and separate
it from the elevated region usually
designated by the names of Great
and Little 'I'ibet.
On the west, about Lat. 34°. 30'.
N. Long. 76°. E. tliis immense chain
joins tlie Cashmere Mountains, the
northern range of which may be
considered as a continuation of the
great Himalaya ridge. The direction
is afterwards S. E. to the Bootan
country, which thev separate from
Tibet about Lat. 28°. N. and Long.
90°. E. from whence they still ex-
tend eastward, initil their termina-
tion is lost in an unexplored country
to the north of Assam. As the great
Biver Brahmapootra enters Assam
witli a very considerable volume of
water, it is supposed to wind round
2 D
the eastern extremity of the range,
probably about the 95th degree of
east longitude.
TJie extreme height of Himalaya
is yet a desideratum ; but by a mean
of numerous altitudes of a conspi-
cuous peak, taken with an excellent
instrument, and every due precau-
tion observed, its Insight above the
plains of Hohilcund was calculated
at 21,000 feet. From the sunmiit of
these mountains the country declines
in h<Mght to the south, but not gra-
dually, the surface bi ing irreg'ularly
mountainous to the borders of Ben-
gal, Oude, and Delhi, where the
l)lains commence, which extend
soutji-eastward to the sea.
Erom the western side of the
mountains arise stieams tributary to
tlie Indus, and perhaps the Indus it-
self. From the other side of this
highest land (the remotest fountains
marking the greatest elevation) a
declivity to the north and west gives
to the mountain streams, and iinally
to the rivers they compose, a north-
erly or w esterly direction. It is pro-
bable the sources of the Sanpoo, or
Brahmapootra, and its tributary
streams, are separated only by a
naiTOW range of snow-clad peaks
from the somces of the rivers which
constitute the Ganges, and that the
province of L;ihdack declines from
its southern limits to the north and
west. Intelligent natives, who have
in j)ilgrimages, and on business, tra-
versed the northern skirt of Hima-
laya, assert (hat no river except one,
(the Sutultje) e\ists westward of the
Manasaravora Lake, and that it
turns southerly west from Jamoutri.
The snowy mountains seen liom
Hindostan, and especially from Ro-
hilcund, are probably the highest
ground between the level plains of
India and the elevated regions of
ISouthern Tartary, and throughout
tluir whole extent rear their lieads
far above the line of perpetual snow.
They certainly are not surpassed in
height by any other chain of moun-
tains, if they be even equalled by
the Cordilleras of the Andes. In
402
IILNDOSTAN,
different parts of their immeuse ex-
tent they receive difFercnt names,
such as Himadri, Himavat, and Hi-
inalaya, the last beings the most com-
mon, and the whole in signification
having a reference to snow and cold.
Tliey are the Eraaiis and Emodus of
ancieiit geographers.
In the Hindu Pantlieon Himalaya
is deified, and described as the la-
ther of the Ganges and her sister
Ooma ; the latter being the spouse
of Mahadeva, the destroying power.
{Cu^ehrooJic, Webb, liamayium, ^c.)
HiNDiA, (Hmdi/a). — A district in
tlie Maliaratta territories, in the pro-
vince of Khandesh, bounded on the
north by the Nerbuddah, and on the
Kouth by the Callygong Hills, and
situated between the 22d and 23d
degrees of north latitude. By Abul
Fazel it is described as belonging to
the ])roYince of Malwah, which in
modern times has the Nerbuddah for
its southern boundary.
" Sircar Hindyeh, containing 23
mahals, measurement 89,573 bee-
ga'.is. Revenue 11,610,959 dams.
Seyurghal 157,054 dams. This sircar
furnishes 1296 cavalry, and 592 in-
fantry."
HiNDiA. — A tow^n in t!ie province
of Khandesh, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name, and situated
on the south side of the Nerbuddah
River. Lat. 22°. 31'. N. Long. 77°
10'. J'..
Travelling distance 116 miles S. E.
from Oojain.
HiNDoLoo. — A town in the pro-
vince of Cuttack, 30 miles S. W.
from Cuftack. Lat. 20°. 23'. N.
Long. 85°. 45'. E.
HiNDONE. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, 65 miles S. "W. from
the city of Agra. Lat. 20°. 45'. N.
Long. 77°. E. This was formerly a
large city, and still contains exten-
sive buildings, l)ut from Ihc depre-
dations of the Maharattas is now
thinly inhabited. To the south of
this town there is much forest, and
but little cultivation. {Hunter, Sj-c.)
HiNnoo KHo Mountains, {Hindu
Coh, the Indian Mountain). — An ex-
tensive ridge ofiuoimtains,the boun-
dary of tiic province of Cabul on
the N. W. separating it from Balk
and Budakshan. This chain takes
a N. E. direction between Bamiau
and Anderab, from whence its ge-
neral direction is between the E. and
the N. E. towards the sources of the
Jihon, at about 100 miles to the cast
of the city of Badakshan. The term
Hindoo Kho is not applied to this
ridge throughout its whole extent,
but is confined to that part of it which
forms the N. W. boundary of Cabul,
Avhich is the Indian Caucasus of
Alexander. Between the mountains
of Hindoo Kho, and those of Can-
dahar, the countiy takes the form of
an extensive valley from Cabul to
the borders of Khorasan. {Rennel,
HINDOSTAN, {HindmVJian).
This extensive region is situated
in the south-eastern quarter of Asia,
and is nearly comprehended between
the eighth and 35th degrees of north
latitude, and the 72d and 92d of east
longitude.
According to the ancients India,
on its most enlarged scale, comprised
an area of 40 degrees on each side,
including a space almost as large as
all Europe; being divided on the
west from Persia by the Arachosian
Mountains ; limited on the east by
the Chinese p;ut of the peninsula
beyond the Ganges; confined on the
north by the wilds of Tarlary ; and
extending to thoeouth as far as the
Sunda Isles. 'I'hesc expanded limits
comprehended the stupendous hills
of Potyid, or Tibet, the romantic
valley of Cashmere, and all the do-
mains of the old Lidoscythians, the
countries of Nepaul and Bootan,
Camroop and Assam, togetlier with
Siam, Ava, Araoan. and the bor-
dt'ring kingdoms as far as the China
of the Hindoos, and the Sin of the,
Arabian geographers; the whole
AYestern Peninsnla, and the Island
of Ceylon.
Bv the Maliommedan writers tli^
HINDOSTAN.
403
term Tlindostaii was understood to
signify the country in immediate
subjection to the sovereigns of Del-
lii, which, in 1582, was subdivided
by the Emperor Acber into 1 1 sou-
bahs, or provinces; and wliich, in
spite of the many changes they liave
since uudergone, still nearly retain
their geo;?raphical formation. The
names of these pro\inces are La-
liore, Monltan, including- Sinde, A j-
mecr, Dtlhi, Agra. Allahabad, Ba-
har, Oudc, Bengal, JMalwah, and
Gujrat. A 12tli soubah was formed
of Cabul, and the countries west of
the Indues ; and three new ones were
afterwards added out of the con-
quests in the Dcccan, viz. Bcrar,
Khande.sh, and Ahmednuggur, after-
wards Aurungabad.
In place of the above arbitrary
descriptions of Hindostan, it is pre-
ferable to adopt the limits assigned
by the original Hindoo inhabitants,
and by them referred to in all their
writings, which have also the advan-
tage of being singularly well defined.
According to this arrangement,
Hindostan is bounded oh the nor h
by the lofty Himalaya ridge of moun-
tains, which commences neai' the
Indus, about the 35th degree of
north latitude, and coutines Cash-
mere on the north, extending from
thence in an uninterrupted chain
beyond the utmost eastern extremity
of Hindostan, including in that re-
gion all the hilly districts now sub-
ject to Nepaul, and also the country
belonging to the Deb Kajah of Boo-
tan. To the south Hindostan is
every where bounded by the ocean,
and to the west by the River Indus.
To the east the limits are more dilfi-
eult to ascertain, but the most dis-
tinct are the eastern hills and forests
of 'J'ippcrah and Chittagong, which
stretch north nearly to the Brahma-
pootra, about the JJ2d degree of east
longitude. With the exception of
Bootan, the primitive Brahmiaical
religion and languages prevail within
the boundaries above specified ; nor
is it to be found beyond them with
the exception of Assam and Cassay,
2d 2
vvhicli are both provinces in which
the Brahminical doctrines are still
cultivated, while Bootan is possessed
by the adherents of Buddha.
It is diilicult to discover any name
applied by the Brahmins to the
country over which their do(;trines
have extended, and which they ge-
nerally describe by a circumlocution.
Sometimes they give it the ejiithets
of Medhyama, or central, and Pu-
nyabhami, or land of virtues ; and
assert it to have been the portion of
Bharaf (one of nine brothers, whose
father ruled the whole earth), and
named after him Bhaiata Khanda.
This domiiin of Biiaiat they con-
sider as the centre of Jambudwipa,
which the Tibetianscall the Land of
j^ambu. At other times they de-
scribe their country as the region
between the Himalaya Mountains
and Ramiswara (the Straits of Cey-
lon). The modern name llindoostaii
is a Persian appellation derived from
the words Hindoo, black, and st'han
place, but it has been, adopted for
ages back, by the natives of all re-
ligions.
Taking Hindostan within the li-
mits described above, it compre-
liends an area, and may be consider-
ed of about 1,020,000' geographical
square miles, in modern times as
subdivided into four large portions.
1st. Morthern Hindostan. This
division comprehends Cashmere on
the west, and liootan on the east,
with all tiie intermediate hilly pro-
vinces, situated between the first
range of moimtains that rise from
the plains on the northern frontiers
of Delhi, Oude, Bahar, and Bengal,
and the lofty Himalaya ridge bor-
dering on Tibet, 'i'he whole tract
of country last mentioned is subject
to the Ghoorkhaii stale of Nepaul,
and having been but little explored,
even the names of the difl'erent dis-
tricts are not satislaclorily establish-
ed. The most commonly-received
appellations by which they are dis-
tinguished areSerinagur, orGerwal,
Badrycaziania, Kemaoon, Jcmlah,
tlie 24^ Kajalis, Lamjuugb, Ciorcah,
404
HlxNDOSTAN,
Ncpaul, jMocwanpoor, Moruiig, and
Kyraiit. The inhabitants of this Avild
country having- never been perma-
nently snbdued, and but rarely in-
vaded, have probably remained in
their present stage ofeivilization Horn
the most remote ag:es,
2d. llindostaa Proper. This di-
vision comprehends the 11 large sou-
bahs, or provinces, I'ormcd by the
Emperor Acber, and is bounded on
the south by the Nerbuddah River,
where the Dcccau commences. The
names of these provinces are La-
hore, Mooltan, including Sinde, Guj-
rat, Ajmeer, Delhi, Agra, Mahvah,
Allahabad, Oude, Bahar, and Ben-
gal. This tract of country may be
considered as tlie most civilized and
richest part of liindostan, and coJi-,
tained the seats of the most famous
empires, beth Hindoo and Mahom-
nacdan, having been repeatedly in-
vaded and subjugated by the more
hardy tribes of the north. The in-
habitants of this region also (Bengal
excepted) nuiy be considered as a
superior race to the population of the
other divisions, possessing a more
robust frame of body, and excelling
also in intellectual qualities.
The tliird grand division is the
Deccan, which is bounded on the
north by the course of the Nerbud-
dah River, and from its source by
an imaginary line extendiiig in the
same parallel of latitude to the mouth
of the Hooghly, or western branch
of the Ganges, To the south the
boundaries of the Deccan are the
Krislma and Malpuvba Rivers. With-
in this space arc comprehended the
provinces of yiurungabad, Khandesh,
Beder, Hyderabad, Nandere, the
Northern Circars, Beiar, Gundwana,
Orissa, and great part of Bejapoor ;
and having been invaded at a nniolj
later period than Hindostan Proper,
it contains a much greater propor-
tion of Hindoo inhabitants, who also
retain more of their original manners
and institutions.
Tlie fourth and last division is the
South of India, which has the figure
of a triangle, of winch its northern
bonndaiy, the River Krishna, is tht
base, and the Coasts of Coromandel
and Malabar the sides. The pro-
vinces comprehended in this division
are a small part of Bejapoor, th«
Bahighaut Ceded Districts, the Car-
natic Northern, Central, and South-
ern, IMysore, Canara, Malabar, Bar-
ramahal, Coimbctoor, Dindigul, Sa-
lem, and Kistnagherry, Cochin, and
Travancor. In this division of Hin-
dostan the Mahommedans did not
gain a footing until a very recent
period, and some part was never
subdued by them at all.
Each of these provinces being par-
ticularly described under their re-
spective heads, the reader is referred
to them for furthci' topographical in-
formation, it being here intended to
exhibit ojdy such observations as ap-
ply to Hindostan generally.
Hindostan is watered by many
noble rivers, which have retaijied
their ancient appellations better than
the cities or provinces ; tiie latter
having often had their names altered
iiom vanity, or from religious mo-
tives. The principal rivers in point
of niagnitudc are the Brahmapootra,
the Ganges, the Indus, the Sutulcje,
the Krishna, the Godavery, the Jum-
na, tlie Nerbuddah, the Cavery, the
Goggrah, the Tuptee, the Maha-
middy, the JNIegna, the Soane, th«
Chunibul, the Beyah, the Gunduck,
and the Ravey.
1'he most remarkable mountains
are the great Himalaya ridge, which
bound Hindostoa on the north, tho
hills of Kemaoon and Sewalic, the
Eastern and Western Ghauts, and
the Vindhyan chain of mountains,
which cross India nearly parallel to
tlie course of the Nerbuddah, and
pass through the provinces of Bahar
and Benares.
Ail the chief towns of Hindostan
are now possessed by the British,
but no exact report of tlu ir popula-
tion has ever been })ublished. The
tliree largest and most populous are
Sinat, Benares, and Calcutta; the
next in rank are Delhi, Madras,
Bombay, Agra, Luckuow, Patua,
ITIXDOSTAN.
405
Mooislicdabad, Dacca. Poonali, IJy- name of serais, and may be called
d«'ral>acl in (he Dcccan, Nagpoor, private inns. Pnblic serais, tojjr flier
C'atinaiidoo, < )oiain, Jvenas,nr, Am- witli avcUs and reslini; places, liave
ritsir, LaiiDrc, and .Serini;ai)atHm. always itccn more mnnerons in liii;-
(jenerally spcakinp;tlio dcscrifdion doslan I'roper, in the Dcccan, and
of ouv Indian city is the description South oi" India, Uian in IJengal.
of all, they being all bnilt on one 'J'hey are still so, and the reason is
plan, with cxceedini;: narrow con- obvious; travelling by land is more
lined crooked streets, a great nnm- ticfjuent there, while travelling by
ber of tanks and reser\t)irs, with Mater is more common in Bengal,
numerous gardens intersjx-rscd. A That the Hindoos were in early
few of the streets are jiaved with ages a connnercial people we have
brick. The houses are variously many reasons to believe ; and, in the
built, some of brick, others of iimd, first of their sacred law tracts, which
and a still greater proportion with they suppose to have been revealed
l)amboos and mats, 'J'hese dilferent by Menu many millions of years
fabrics stan<lingintermixed with each ago, there is a curious passage re-
other, present a very motley and ir- speeting the legal interest of money,
regular appearance. 'I'he brick and the limited rate of it in diii'ereut
houses are seldom higher than two cases, with an exception in regard
stones, and have flat terraced roofs, to adventures by sea. The three
Tlie intid and thatch houses greatly great articles of general importation
outnumber the other sort; so that from India by the Greeks and Ro-
fires, which are remarkably frequent,- mans were, 1st. spicCs and aroma-
seldom meet m ith the interruption of tics ; 2dly. precious stones and pearls;
a brick building throughout a whole 3dly. silk, 'J'heir exports to India
street. were woollen cloth of a slight fabric.
The harvest in Hindostan Proper linen in chequer work, some precious
is divided into two periods, the Khe- stones, and some aromaties imknown
reef and the Rubbee; the former is in India, coral, storax, glass vessels
cut in Se])teniber and October, the
latter in March and April. In tra-
velling through Hindostan some opi-
of dilferent khids, wrought silver,
Italian, Greek, and Arabian wines,
brass, tin, lead, girdles and sashes,
nion may be tbrmed of the wisdom melilot white glass, red arsenic,
of the govennnent and condition of black lead, and gold aud silver. Of
the people, from the number and this last the influx to Hiiulostan has
state of preservation of the water always been very great; as the na-
courses for the irrigation of the fields, tives sell a gieat deal, and purchase
Rice is the principal article of nou- little, the balance is consequently
rishment of the natives, and th(! first always in their favour. It is sup-
object of attention in the cultivation posed a great deal is annually lost
of it is to have the soil plentifully by being concealed under ground by
supplied with w ater. the natives, many of whom die w ith-
The institution of public inns, for out revealing the place of their hid-
the accommodation i)f travellers, den treasure ; and the amount must
seems very ancient in Hindostan. be considerable, as the practice of
At a more recent jieriod they were this species of hoarding is universal
regulated by Shere Shah, who ap- among all ranks of Hindoos,
pointed a jtarticular tiibe to take For many centuries past cotton
charge of them. In many places piece goods have been the staple
where public buildings for that pur- manufacture of Hindostan. The
pose are wanting, the streets, or open various sorts fabricated in diflerent
spots, in which a few families of this proviuces, from the northern moun-
tribe and profession have taken up tains to Cape Comorin, are too nn-
their abode, are dignified with the merous to a<lniit of minute detail ;
406 HINDOSTAN.
but some sketch of tliem, and of
other coramercid productions, will
be found luider the description of
different places.
There are many shades of differ-
ence in the characters of the Hin-
doos inhabiting the difl'erent parts of
this immense region. Travelling
through India centrally, from Ceylon
(for example) up the Carnatic, the
jbeccan and Bengal to Cashmere, an
extent of about 25 degrees of lati-
tude, a very great variety of habits,
languages, religious observances, &c.
are perceptible, almost as great as a
native of India would observe in the
several nations were he travelling in
Europe. The character of the Ma-
harattas, nurtured in war and de-
predation, difi'ers from that of the
more j.eaceable provinces of the
south. Those who inhabit the iioith-
ern territories between the Nerbud-
dah and the Attock are almost all a
mihtary tribe, the caste of Rajpoots
and RaJM ars, who are governed by
petty princes, and divided into small
independent states, in continual con-
flict with each other. These diller
still more from the placid natives of
Bengal and the southern provinces,
and even from the tribes of the JVla-
haratta nation, to whom the Raj-
poots are a supciior race.
In adverting to (he incessant re-
volutions of these countries, it is a
very remarkable fact, that in the
whole scheme of polity, whetber of
the victors or of the vaiuinished, tlic
idea of ci-iil liberty had ne\<r en-
tered into their contemplation, and
is to this day without a name in the
languages of Asia, 'i'he Seiks, when
they rejected the }^!indoo r. ligion for
that of Nanek Shah, exhibited the
-first and only instance in the history
of the east of an approach, however
imperfect, to republican piinciples.
In the principal settlements, and
in some of the larger towns under
the British, there are many natives
who purchase articles of luxnry, such
as broad cloth, watcln s, und other
articles; but their superfluous wealth
is generally expended in feasts, mar-
riages, and in other modes more
connected with the usages and man-
ners of their own country. Some
few imitate the European manners,
and almost adopt their dress; but
they invariably, Itoth t ahommedans
and Hindoos, lose the estimation of
their own class in proportion as they
depart from its usages.
Among the poorest Hindoos the
expense attending maniage is never
less than the savings of three, four,
or five years ; among the richer class
the marriage expense is only mea-
sured by the extent of their fortunes.
The man is not left to his own dis-
cretion ; thousands of Brahmins and
mendicants attend, uninvited, the
w^edding of every rich person, and
exact presents of money and clothes,
besides the food they consume dur-
ing the ceremony, which lasts se-
veral days, and half the bridegroom's
fortune is frequently dissipated in
this manner. I'lie Hindoos also often
squander vast sums on the obsequies
of their relations ; on the death of a
mother particularly, a man ha.i been
known to consume his whole pro-
perty, although in other respects sor-
did and miserly. Among the other
sources of expense to a Hindoo arc
charitable distributions to a great
extent, on the anniversary of the
deaths of his ancestors.
India was little known to the
Greeks until Alexander's expedition,
about 327 years before Christ. 1 he
foljov.ing particulars, selected from
the ancient descripti'ons of India by
Ariian iuid otlicr authors, will shew
how nearly the ancient inhabitants
resemble the present.
1. The slender make of their bo-
dies.
2. Their living on vegetable foe d.
3. Distribution into sects and
classes.
4. Marriages at seven years of
age, and the prohibition of marriages
between diilerent castes.
5. The men wealing ear-rings and
party colosued shoes, al&o veils co-
vering the head and part of the
shoulders.
HINDOSTAN.
407
0. Daubing their faces with co-
lours.
7. Only the principal persons hav-
ing unibrollas canied over Ihcin.
8. 'l"\vo handiul swords and bows
<lrawn by the feet.
9. 'i"h(; manner of taking clcpliants
the same as at present,
10. IManufaetures of cotton of ex-
traordinaiy whiteness.
11. Monstrony ants, by wliich
the termites or white ants are
meant.
12. Wooden houses on the banks
of large rivers to be occasionally
removed as the river changed its
course.
13. The tala tree, or tal, a kind of
palm.
14. The banyan tree, and the In-
dian devotees sitting under them.
I'he Greeks have not left us any
means of knowing with accui-acy
what vernacular languages they
found in India on their amval. I'he
radical language of Hindostan is the
Sanscrit ; of which such is the anli-
«iui(y, that neither history nor tradi-
tion liavc preserved any account of
a people of aa horn it was the living
fongue. From this sounc the most
ancient derivatives arc the Prakrit,
the Bali, and the Zcud. The Pra-
krit is the language which contains
the gTcater part of the sacred books
of tlie Jainas; the Bali is equally
revered among the followers of
Buddha; while the Zend, or sacred
language of ancient Persia, has long
enjoyed a similar rank among the
Parsees, or worshippers of fire, and
been the depositary of the sacred
books of Zoroaster. Tiiese three
languages, the Prakrit, Bali, and
Zend, have been regnlarly cultivated
and fixed by composition.
There is loason to believe that 10
polished dialects formerly prevailed
in as many dilFerent civilized nations,
who occu|jied the A\hole extent of
Hindostan. The Saraswata, the Ka-
noge, the Gour, the Tirhoot, and the
Orissa, were denominated the five
Gaurs : the five Dravirs are, the Dra-
%ira or 'J'amul, the Maharatta, the
Carnata, tJie Telinga, and the Gur-
jara.
After excluding the mountaineers,
who are j)robably the aborigines of
India, anil whose languages have no
affinity with Sanscrit, there yet re-
mains in the mountains and islands
contiguous to India many tribes,
who seem to be degenerate Hindoos.
Kacli province and district in Imlia
has its peculiar dialect, but they all
seem to be varieties of sonu; one
among the 10 jtrincipal idioms, 'i'he
ITindostaui, or Hindi, seems to be
the lineal des(H ndant of the Kanoge.
The political governments of Hin-
dostan are in a iierpetual state of
flnetnati(»n. So far from having any
established system, the effect of
which is to aijord jjrotection to their
weaker against their more powerfnl
neigiibours, the exact reverse is the
case; the object of every native
state separately, and of all collec-
tively, being to destroy the weak.
Tlie great mass of tlic people enter-
tain no attachment to any set of
political principles, or to any form of
government; and they have so long
been accustomed !o revolutions, and
frequenlly changes of territory and
mastfts, that they obey with little
repugnance wiioever is placed over
them, expecting his sway, like that
of his predecessor, to be transitory.
They are solicitous oidy for the tole-
ration of their religious doctrines,
rites, and prejudices, of their ancient
customs and manners, and for th<i
security of their domestic concerns.
The nafiv(;s, in general, do not
look upon the eriujc of treason
against the state in the lig.ht we do.
In fidelity and attachment to a mas-
ter or chief, whoever he anay be,
they are not surpassed by any peo-
j>le ; but those who stand in the mere
relation of subjects, w ithout being
in the service or pay of the supreme
pow er, do not feel tliemsclves bound
by any very strong tie of allegianee.
'i'hey have no idea of loyalty or dis-
loyalty, expept to the m;isters who
support them.
The native princes of Hindostan
408
HINDOSTAN.
bear a great affection to their child-
ren during their infancy ; but as sooit
as these arrive at the age of emanci-
pation, the perpetual intrigues of an
Indian court render them from being
the consolation of their parents — the
object of their mistrust. There are
never wanting intriguers.who engage
them in parties, and even in plots;
from which it often happens, that a
prince, in his latter days, lives with-
out atieclion for his own sons, and
gives a kind of paternal preference
to his grand-children ; and this re-
curs so frequently to observation,
that one of the eastern poets has
said, that the parents have during
the life of their sons such overween-
ing aifection for their grand-children,
because they see in them the ene-
mies of their enemies.
In IJindostan there are no titles
of nobility exactly similar to Uiose of
Europe, nor are they generally here-
ditary. According to oriental ideas,
honours or titles conferred by the
sovereign power must be acconipa-
nied by a jaghire, and generally by a
military commandalong with the title,
which in itself is considered merely
as an appellation attached to thfc ac-
quisition of emolnment or power; and
it is quite imj)ossible to impress the
minds of the natives with the value
of a mere name. On this subject
their ideas are more simple and na-
tural than ours. If an unfit person
received a patent for the title of an
ameer or rajah, he would not be
able to retain it; for when a man has
nothing left of dignity but the name,
in India it soon wears away. On
the other hand, if a Hindoo should
emerge from poverty and obscmity,
and attain great wealth and cele-
brity, he would, if he w ished it, with-
out any formal investiture, be saluted
rajah. He wouhl be considered as
having acquired a claim to llie title,
in the same manner as other persons
acquire, by learning the appellation
»f Monlavy and Pinidit, Avhich be-
comes amongst the mass of the peo-
ple inseparably attached to their
Ijames,
For these 10 years past, from tlia
comparative tranquillity Hindoslan
has enjoyed, a sort of breaUung time
and freedom from militaiy devasta-
tion, which had been for nearly a
centuiy whol!^' unknown, and which,
if of much longer duration, must
gradually operate a change in the
manners and habits of the people.
The Durgah Poojah is distinguished
as the particular period when the
armies of the native princes have al-
ways been accustomed to take the
field ; and it was seldom any of their
troops assembled in the field until
after the celebration of the Dussera,
which happens on the first fnll moon
after the autumnal equinox. The
dewali, or next new moon, was com-
monly the time to set their troops in
motion, and some notion of the de-
struction that marked their course
may be formed from the description
of what the natives term a wulsa.
On the ajjproach of a hostile army
the unfortunate inhabitants of India
bury under ground their most cuni-
berous cflects ; and each individual,
man, woman, and child, above six
years of age, (the infant children
being canied by their mothers) with
a load of grain proportioned to their
strength, issue from their homes, and
take the direction of a country (if
such can be fonnd) exempt from the
miseries of war; sometimes of a
strong foriress, but more generally
of the most unfrequented hills and
woods, where they prolong a mise-
rable existence until the departure
of the enemy; and should this be
protracted beyond the time for which
they have provided food, a great pro-
portion of them necessarily die of
lumger. Tlie people of a district
thus deserting their homes are the
wnlsa of the district, for which there
is no corresponding word in any
European language, it being only
possible to express it by circumlo-
cution. It is a proud distinction,
that the wulsa never migrates on the
approach of a British army, when
unaccompanied by Indian allies.
The two great religious sects in
IIIXDOSTAN.
409
HinJostan are the Maliomincdans
and the lliiuloos, viio, althou2,h
equally altarhccl to tiieir respective
faiths, exhibit a cmisidcnable con-
trast in their doctrinal tcirels. 'I'hc
Kttran enjoins the Mahomniedans to
nudce converts of llio A\holc worUl
by the ed<i^e of the sword ; the Vedas
proscribe the whole world, and ad-
mit of no jiroselytes of any descrip-
tion. Eif;ht hundred years a^o the
JNTahoninicdans cut the throats of the
Hindoos, because they refused to be
circumcised ; but the two rclijiions
have existed together for so long a
period, that the professors of both
have acquired a habit of looking on
each other with an indulgence un-
usual in other countries. This de-
gree of complaisance is not surpris-
ing in the disciple of Brahuia, wliose
maxim is, that the various modes of
worship practised by the different
nations of the eartli spring alike from
the deity, and are all equally accept-
able to him. But even the sectaries
of the intolerant doctiines of the
Koran are no longer those furious
and sanguinary zealots, who, in the
name of God and his prophet, spread
desolation and slaughter, demolish-
ing the Hindoo temples, and erecting
mosques on their ruins. 'J'hey found
the patient constancy of the Hindoo
.superior to their violence ; but that,
if left in possession of his tenets, he
was a peaceable, industrious, and
valuable subject. We observe, iu
fonsecjuence, among the Mahomnie-
dans of Hindustan a deference for
the prejudices of their neighbours,
or dependents of the Hindoo persua-
sion. A spirit of foreign conquest,
and still more a zeal for the propa-
gation of their religious tenets, ap-
pear incompatible \\ itii the genius of
the Hindoo Brahmiiiical system;
but the disciples of Luddiia are not
equally lire from them. Through-
out Hindostan generally there are
still 10 Hindoos to one JMahom-
medan, bui the proportion varies iu
every district.
rive great sects of Hindoos exclu-
sively worship 3 single deity ; one
recognizes the five divinities that are
adored by the other s((ts respec-
tively ; but the followers of this com-
prehensive scheme mostly s»'lect one
object of daily devotion, and pay
adoration to the other duties on par-
ticular occasions only. L'pon the
whole, the Hindoo system, when ex-
amined, will be found consistent
witii monotheism, though it contains
the seeds of polytheism and idolatry.
'J'he Vaishnavas. though nominally
worshippers of Vishnu, are in fact
votaries of deified heroes.
The worship of Rama and
Crishna by the Vaishnavas, and that
of Mahadeva and Bhavani by the
Saivas and Sactas, appear to have
been introduced since the persecu-
tion of the Bhauddas and Jains.
The institution of the A^edas are au-
terior to Buddha, whose theology
appears to have been borrowed from
the system of Capila, whose most
conspicuous practical doctrine is
stated to have been the unlawfulness
of killing animals. The overthrow
of the sect of Buddha iu Hindostan
has not effected the full revival of
the religious system inculcated in.
the Vedas. Most of what is there
taught is now obsolete ; and, in its
stead, new orders of devotees have
been instituted, with new forms of
religious ceremonies. Rituals, ibund-
ed on the Puranas andTantras, have
in a great measure antiquated the
institutions of the Vedas. In parti-
cular, the sacritice of animals before
the goddess Cali, and the adoration
of Rama and Krishna, have succeed-
ed to that of the elements and pla-
nets. Sir William Jones was of opi-
nion, that we might fix the existence
of Buddha, or the ninth great incar-
nation of Vishnu, in the vear 1014,
before tlie birth of Christ. The ear-
liest accounts of India by the Greeks,
who visited the country, describe its
iidiabitants as divided into separate
tribes; consequently, a sect like the
modern Buddhists, which has no
distinction of caste, could Jiot ha\e
then been the most prevalent in
India.
410
HINDOSTAN.
Tlie 10 avatars, or incarnations of
Tislmu, are arranged and named as
follow :
1. Matsya, or the fish.
2. Karma, or the tortoise.
3. Varaha, or the boar.
4. Narasingha, or the man-lion.
6. Vamana, or the dwarf.
6. Parasu Kama.
7. Rama.
8. Krishna.
9. Buddha, (2828 years ago).
10. Kaiki, or the horse, (not yet
come).
A s the Hindoos believe that mor-
tals may acquire supernatural pow-
ers by the performance of penances
and austerities, it may be instructive
io specify those performed by Tarika,
through the powerful efficacy of
which he had nearly dethroned the
gods. In tlie prosecution of this task
it is related ho went through the fol-
lowing series of 11 distinct mortifi-
cations, each of which lasted 100
years.
1. He stood on one foot holding
the othei-, and both hands up to
heaven, with his eyes fixed on the
sun.
2. He stood on one groat toe.
3. He took as sustenance nothing
but w ater.
4. 1I»^ subsisted in the same man-
ner on air.
5. He remained in the water.
6. He was buried in the earth, but
continued, as under his last inilic-
ti(m, in incessant adoration.
7. The same penance in fire.
8. He stood on his head, with his
feet upwards.
9. He stood on one hand.
10. He hung by his hands on a
tree.
11. He hmig on a tree with his
head downwards.
Si3ch perseverance was inesist-
ible ; and J niUa, with the other demi-
gods, alarmed lest their sovereignty
should be usurped by the potency of
the penance, resorted to Bralima for
protection; but the destruction of
Tarika could be effected by nothing
less than an incarnation of Maha-
deva, which after some time took
place under the form of Carticeya,
tlie Hindoo Mars.
Prodigality, or carelessness of life,
has always been a remarkable fea-
ture in the Hindoo character ; hence
has arisen such a number of volun-
tary sacrifices as no religion car*
probably outnumber. Besides a me-
ritorious suffering for religion's sake,
suicide is in many cases legal and
even commendable ; such as the self
immolation of a widow with her hus-
band's corpse. Among the men,
drowning themselves in holy rivers
is of late oftener resorted to than
burning; persons afflicted with loath-
some or incurable diseases have not
unfrequcntly caused themselves to
be biuied alive. In Berar and Gund-
wana they throw themselves from a
precipice situated between the Tap-
tee and Nerbuddah River. Abnl
Fazel mentions, tliat when suicide is
meritorious, there are five modes of
performing it preferable to others.
1st. By starving. 2d. Being covered
with dry cow-dung, and consumed
with fire. 3d. Being buried in snow.
4th. Going to Sagor Island, at the
mouth of the Bhagirathi, or sacred
branch of the Ganges, and there
devomcd by sharks or alligators.
5th. Cutting the throat at Allahabad,
at the holy junction of the Ganges
and Jumna.
In establishing their religious
structures and places of pilgrimage
the Hindoos have always shewn a
predilection for places near the sea,
the sources of rivers, tlie tops of re-
markable hills, and retired places of
diilicult access, to which the extra-
ordinary length and toil of the jour-
ney attached a superior degree of
merit. This is exemplified in the
pilgrimages to Juggernauth and Ra-
misseram; to the wilds of Purwut-
turn; to Tripetty ; to the sources of
the Godavery at Trinibuc jSasser,
and of the Krishna i.t Ealisur. The
principal architectural monuments
of Hindoo superstition are to be
found iu the C^arnatic and south of
India; in Bengal there is no reli-
HINDOSTAN.
411
gioiis edifice of any magnitude or
repnlation.
The Hindoos univorsally shave
the whole head, except a small tuft
on the crown, wliich.is the distin-
guishing mark of a Hindoo. When
a man becomes a sanyassee, that is,
•when he renounces all expectation
of salvation, or any other henefit
from his deeds, he relinquishes this
mark, and shaves the whole head;
and the same happens when he be-
comes an apostate, ami associates
with Christians and l\!ali(»nnnedans,
and is thereby rejected liom liis
caste.
The religion of the Hindoos is
without any acknowledgetl indivi-
dual superior, but the pre-eminence
of the Brahmins is never disputed
|jy the other castes. l"he peculiar
duty of a Braiunin is meditation on
things divine, and the proper man-
ner of his procuring a subsistence
is by begging — all industry being
deemed derogatory to his rank. The
majority of Brahmins may, and do
eat animal food ; priests, m hile of-
ficiating as sue}!, ))crhaps do no* ;
but, though all priests are Brahmins,
all Brahmins are not jiricsls. It is
probable tiiat a majority of Brahmins
eat animal food, and thai nine-tenths
may if they please. Hindoos of
pure descent seldom eat animal food,
except sucij as has been sacrificed
to the gods. Many learned natives
of Hin<lostan asseit, that the Brah-
tninical tribes are not natives of the
countiy, but came fjom the north
through the Ilurdwar Pass, and
formed their first setticment at Ka-
noge. The Hindoos, in general, w ill
seldom allow their own caste t<» have
had any beginning, but insist that it
lias existed from ail eternity, or,
at least, iiom the first origin of
things.
'I'he four great classes of Hindoos
never intcniiat ry, nor eat, but w ith
particular families of the same fribe
in their own class. If is geiierallj',
but erroneously sufiposrd, that per-
sons f)f the same caste \sill connnu-
uicaf e with one auotlier all over In-
dia, and eat together of food dressed
by another; but Ibis is by no means
the case, the communication being
confined to a few families in their
own neighbourhood, whom they
know to be strict observers of the
rules relative to their caste. As far
as refers to them, the rest of the
same tribe arc in a manner out-
casts.
There is scarcely one point in
their mythological religion that the
whole race of Hindoos have faith in.
There are sectaries and schismatics
without end, who will believe only
certain points, which the others ab-
jure. Individuals of those sects dis-
sent from the doctrines believed by
the majority, and the philosophical
sceptics will scarcely believe any
thing in opposition to their more do-
cile brethren, who disbelieve nothing;
there being, in fact, no orthodoxy
among Hindoos. All Hindoos pro-
fess a belief in the deity, to wliom
they assign similar attributes ; but,
when an interposing avatara, or in-
carnation, is to be received, a con-
test ensues, and it is received, re-
jected, or modified, according to
the feelings or interests of indivi-
duals.
Bad as the Hindoo religion, in
many respects is, there is reason to
sujipose it originally superseded
something still ^^'orse. A parallel
to some of the most unnatural, ab-
siu-d, and barbarous usages of the
Eastern Isles may be found in India
and China, and both Indian and
Indo Chinese monuments contain
many allusions to a state of society
and manners on the continent, si-
milar to that which subsists among
the most barbarous of the tribes of
of the Eastern Archipelago. Erom
tiuswe may infer, that the religions
of Brahma and Eutldha supplanted
a much more dreadful superstition,
and brutal state of existence ; and
it is probable, if precipitation and
coercion be avoided, they also, in
piocess of time, will yield to the su-
perior purity of the Christian doc-
trines.
412
HINDOSTAN.
For tlie Chronology of Hindostan
the reader is referred to tlie words
Ghiziii and Dellii ; bnt, before con-
cluding the present article, it may
be useful to exhibit an abstiact view
of the present state of Hindostan,
and its modern rulers, with an esti-
mate of the extent of their tenito-
ries, and the number of inhabitants
they contain. In a computation of
this nature, stiict accuracy must not
be looked for; but even an approxi-
mation to the reality may be pro-
ductive of information. At present
Hindostan may be divided into the
following portions :
1st. British Hindostan, or pro-
vinces under tlie immediate juris-
diction of the British govermnent.
2d. Territories possessed by princes
tributary to the British, or protected
by a subsidiai-y force, and complete-
ly under British influence.
3d. Independent principalities of
established note.
4th, The territories of petty chiefs
of all descriptions ; also independ-
ent.
Bengal, Bahar, and Benares -------
Acquisitions in Hindostan Proper and Orissa }
since 1799 -----------J
Under the Bengal Presidency
t uder the jurisdiction of the Madras Presidency
Ditto of the Bombay Presidency
Total of British Hindostan
BRITISH ALLIES AND TBIBUTARIES.
The Nizam -----------
The Peshwa and Guicowar ------
Nabob of Oude ----------
Mysore Rajah -----------
Travancor and Cochin Rajahs - - - - -
Total under British jurisdiction and influence
INDEPENDENT PRINCIPALITIES.
Under the dominion and influence of Sindia, ^
Holcar, and other Maharatta Chiefs - - - 5
Ditto of the Nagpoor Rajah ------
Ditto of the Ncpaul Rajah ------
Ditto of the Lahore Rajah and the Seiks - -
Under the Rajahs of Joudpoor, .Tyenagur, Odcy-
poor, and other Rajpoot Chiefs ; the Ameers
}
of Sinde, the Cabul government, and Chiefs
of Cashmere ; the Rajahs of Bootan, Assam ; (
and innumerable Goand, Coolee, and otlier V
petty Native Chiefs ,^------,/
Total of Hindostan
Geographical
Square Milos.
Population.
162,000
60,000
29,000,000
10,000,000
222,000
125,000
10,000
39,000,000
12,000,000
2,500,000
357,000
76,000
53,000
13,000
22,000
5,000
53,500,000
8,000,000
5,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
500,000
1
526,000
75,000
58,000
63,000
54,000
71,000,000
6,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
4,000,000
776,000
214,000
86,000,000
15,000,000
1
1,020,000
101,000,000
IIINDOSTAN.
413
All tlie sea-coast of HiiidoKtan is
possessed by the British or their al-
lies, except about 300 miles between
(joa and Daniaun, and part of the
shore of the Gujrat Peninsula ;uid
Gul])h of Cntch to tiie months of the
Indns. The two last tracts are of
no essential consequence, the inte-
rior being desolate, and their situa-
tion remote from the richer pro-
vinces.
The force required for retaining
these extensive regions in due- sub-
ordination, will be found in the fol-
lowing statement of the eflective
strength of the Hrilish aruij', in all
paits of India, for the year 1808-9;
but the number of kinjj's troops liias
since been reduced.
4 regiments of his
inajestv's dragoons 2,636
20 ditto 'infantry - 17,712
Hismajesty's troops 20,348
6 battalions artillery 2,867
2 half squadrons horse
artillery - - - 146
3 regiments of infan-
try - - - - . 977
Supernumeraries _ 36
CompanVs Eu- ^
ropcan troops 5
Total of European troops 24,374
16 regiments and 1
troop of native ca-
valry - - - - 7,781
1 half squadron horse
artillery - - - - 95
Artillery Golindaze 828
96 companies artil-
lery lascais - - 5,.o59
59 regiment infantry 101,.577
Hill rangers - - - 312
Escorts and detach-
ments - - - - 648
2 battalions and 4
comjianies pioneers 1,785
1 marine battalion 750
Supernumeraries and
recruits .- - - 8,932
1 Ranighur battalion 810
Total of n:ili\e } 100077
troops - - - J i-if,y)^7
Total of Europeans and > , -r, ^ - ,
naUves - - - , ^ io.J,40i
4.026
In 1805, by the retin-ns trans-
mitted, the number of British-born
siibjects in India was 31,000. Of
these 22,000 were in the army as
officers and privates; the civil offi-
cers of government, of all descrip-
tions, were al)0Ut 2000; the free
merchants and free mariners, who
resided in India inidcr covenant,
were about 5000; tlie oflicers and
practitioners in the courts of Judi-
cature at the presidencies were 300 ;
the remaining 1700 consisted of ad-
venturers, who had smuggb d them-
selves out in different capacities.
In 1808 the total debt owing by
the British government iuHindostaa
amounted to 30,876,7881. which, by
an adjustment of accounts with the
Committee of the House of Com-
mons, was reduced to 28,897,7421.
and has since experienced still fur-
ther reductions. A sinking I'uud was
established iu Bengal in the year
1799, and at Madras in the year
following. 'I'hese combined funds,
in 1809, had reduced the debt at
interest 4,038,6961. In 1812 the
total revenue, of every description
raised in Brifisli Hindostan, was
estimated at 17 millions sterUng per
annum.
llie dominion exercised by the
East India Company, notiiwitli-
standing certain im|)eriections, has,
on the whole, most undoubtedly
been beneficial to the natives of Hin-
dostan. The stiength of the go-
vernment has had the elfect of se-
curing its subjects, as well front lo-
reign depredation, as from internal
commotion. This is an advantage
rarely experienced by the snljjects
of Asiatic states ; and, combined
with a domestic adminislratiun more
just in its principles, and executed
with far greater integrity and al>i-
lity, than the native one that pre-
ceded it, may sulljcieiiti\ account
for the improveujcnts that hav«
taken place. The coiulitiou of the
great mass of population is auu'Iio-
rated, although tlie nature and cir-
cumstances of the situation in \\hich
thtt British government is placed.
414
HOOGHLY.
presciilje narrow limits io the pros-
pects of tlie natives iu the political
and niilitaiy branches ot the service.
Strictly speakiug. however, those
whom the Biitish have superseded
wore tlicmselves foreigners, who oc-
cupied all the great otiices under the
Mogul government, particularly in
tiie provinces remote from the ca-
pital. (Sir William Jones, Colebrooke,
Rennel, Sir Heur;/ Strachey, Wilkins,
Moor, Blillurn, The Marquis Wel-
lusleif, Malcolm, T\ Bachanan, Wilks,
Hunter, Orme, Wilford, Lcyden, 5lh
liepnrt, c^c.)
IlissAR FlROZEH, {Fovt Victo-
rious).— A large district in the pro-
vince of Delhi, situated between the
28th and 30th degrees of north lati-
tude. By Abul Fazcl, in 1582, it is
described as follows :
" Sircar Hissar Fcrozeh, containing
27 maiials; measurement, 3,114,497
beegahs ; revenue, 55,004,905 dams.
Seyurghal, 1,406,519 dams. This
sircar furnishes 6875 cavalry, and
55,700 infantry. It has few rivers,
and to procure water they arc obliged
to dig wells of agieat depth."
Tlio Hurrianneh country is in-
cluded in this district, and is some-
times named the Lesser Baloochis-
tan. The inhabitants are chielJy
Jauts, with the exception of a few
Rajpoots. There are also Rungar
villages, whicli appellation is given
to such of the Rajpoots as have em-
braced the JMaiiommcdan rehgion.
The Hissar or Hurrianneh districts
import mathlocks, swords, coarse
white doth, salt, sugar, and a small
quantity of rice, sugar, and spices.
Their exports are horses, camels,
bullocks, and ghee. The chief towns
are Hissar, Hansy, and Ferozeh.
During the prosperity of the Mogul
empire, this district was considered
as tlic pergonal estate of the heir ap-
parent of the throne. It is now
parcelled out among numerous petty
native chiefs, one of whom, named
Abdul Summud Khan, in 1807,
made an application lo the British
government for assistance against
the Bhatties and Abuj Singh of Cut-
pootlee, who had almost driven him
out of the Huniamieh, but his re-
quest was not attended to. {G. Tho^
mas, 6th Register, Kirhpatrick,^c.)
Hissar, (Hisar). — A town in the
province of Delhi, 80 miles W. from
the city of Delhi. Lat. 2b<^. 41'. N.
Long. 75°. 53'. E.
By Abul Fazel, in 1582, it is de-
scribed as follows : " Hissar was
founded by Sultan Feroze, who dug
a canal which brings the waters ot
the Jumna near to the city. A der-
vise predicted his accession to the
throne, and at his request he dug this
canal, which passes through the
town of Sii sa (Siirfuty), and loses it-
self in the Lake Bhcda."
Since th.at period the canal has
been idled up, and entirely ruined,
and the city is not now in a much
superior condition, the country hav-
ing, ever since the death of Aineng-
zebe, been tiie seat of incessant pre-
datory warfare.
HoEWAMOEHiL. — A pcniusula
joined to 1h<' Island of Ceram by a
narrow isthmus called the Pass of
Tanocno, v* hich was not only fertile
in clove trees, but produced also
large quantities of nutmegs. Of
these last, what was called the Great
Natmeg Forest,was destroyed by the
Dutch in 1667. Great quantities of
sago are also prod\iced here, which
the Dutch monopolize.
HoGGRY RiviR. — This river has
its source in the Kajali of Mysore's
territories, near the fortress of Seva,
from whence it flows in a northerly
direction until it joins the Krishna,
in the Adoni district.
Hog Isle. — 'A small island, about
20 miles in circum fere nee, l}ingofF
the north-east extremitv of Java.
Lat. 7°. 5'. S. Long. 114°. 55'. E.
Hog IsLt. — An island lying off
the west coast of Sumatra, between
the second and third degrees of
north latitude. Iu length it may be
estimated at 40 miles, by three tlie
average breadth.
Holcar. — See Indore.
HooBLY. — See Hubely.
Hogg hi.y^ {Ili'gli). — A district
IIOOGHLY.
415
in tliP province of Rengnl, situated
print ipally between the 22il and 23d
dcjjTces of north httitude, and ex-
tending aloni? botii sides of the Ri-
ver Hooghly. To the north it is
bounded by the distrietsof Burdwan
and Kishenagur; to the south by
ibe sea ; on the east by Jessorc and
tlic Sunderbunds ; and on the west
by Midnapoor. Tlic whole of tiiis
distriet consists of low, flat land,
very fertile, but overgrown with
jungle in tliat part jicxt the sea,
wliich is but thinly iidiabited, and
remarkably luihealtiiy. Like the rest
of the Southern Bengal districts, it
has an cxeollent iidand naviga-
tion, being inteiseeted in every di-
rection by rivers and their branches,
which are unforttnia1( ly nnich in-
fested by dacoits, or river pirates,
who )ob in gangs, and use torture
to extort the confession of concealed
property. On the banks of the sea
salt of an excellent cpiality is manu-
factured for government, which, in
the opinion of the natives, possesses
a peculiar sanctity, on account of
its being extracted from the mud of
the most sacred branch of the Ganges.
Although so near to Calcutta, v.hich
presents a constant market for its
produce, and one of the eailiest of
tiie Company's actpusitions, three-
lourths of this disision remain in a
state of nature — the habitation of
alligators, tigers, and a great va-
riety of vermin and re|)tiles.
HooGHLY. — An ancient town in
the province of Bengal, situated on
the west side of tlie Hooghly River,
26 miles aljove Cidcntta. Lat. 22^.
54'. N. Long. HS°. 2b'. E.
During the ]\Iogul government
this was a toAvn of great conse-
quence, being the Bunder, or part
of the western arm of the Ganges,
vihcre the duties on merchandize
were collected. The i'rench, Dutch,
Portuguese, auoDanes, had each a
factory here, andsubsetpiently were
permitted each to possess a town —
all comprehended with the extent of
10 miles along ihe river. liooghly
is now comparatively of little note,
but is still prosperous, and well in-
habited. By Abul lazel, in l.^S2,
it is described as follows :
" There are two emporiums a
mile distant from each other, one
called Satgong, tlie other Jluoghly,
with its d\pendfcncies ; both of which
are in the possession of tiie Eu-
ropeans." — It is remarkable that the
name of tloogiily is not m<,>ntioned'
in Fariade Souza's History of Ben-
gal, where it is named Goliu.
The Dutch, in 1625, and the Eng-
lish, in 1640, were permitted to
build factories at this place, but their
trade was greatly restricted, and
subject to conthnnd exactions. In
1632 the fust serious quarrel that
occuiTcd between the lUoguls and
Europeans happened at liooghly,
which then belonged to the Portu-
guese. The JMoguls invested it w itii
a strong army, and the siege conti-
nued three months and a Indf, during
which time the Portuguese made
many olfers of submission, and
agreed to pay a tribute ; but all terms
were rejected by the besiegers, who,
ha^ing spmng a n)ine, carried the
place by assault. The slaughter of
the Portuguese w as very great ;
many, in attempting to escape to
their boats, w ere drowned ; a few
reached their ship in safety, but
these also were innnediately at-
tacked. Tlie captain of tiie largest
vessel, on board whicii were em-
barked 2000 men, women, and chil-
dren, with all tlieir wealth, rather
than yield to the Malionnnedans.
blew up ills ship, and many others
imitated this example. Out of ()4
large vessels, 57 grabs, and 20O
sloops, which were ancliored oppo-
site to the town, only one grab and
two sloops got away ; and these owed
their escape to the bridge of boats,
constructed by the Moguls below
Hooghly, at i>eeri'oor, having been
broken by catching the Ihunes from
the conllagration of the ilcet. In
1G86 the English were involved in
hostilities by the imprudence of three
of their soldiers, who <jiuurelled in
the bazar with some of the nalcili'i
416
HOOLY ONORE.
peons, and were wounded. Tlie
ganison of the English factory were
called ont, and an action ensued,
in whicli the nabob's troops were de-
feated; 60 of them being killed, a
considerable number wounded, and
a battery of 11 guns spiked and
destroyed. At the same time the
town of Hooghly was cannonaded
by the fleet under Captain Nichol-
son, and 500 houses burned. This
was the first action fought by the
English in Bengal, but the result
was a disgiaceful peace, the Mogul
government then subsisting in full
vigour. An arrangement was after-
wards made with the foujdar, or
military superintendant of the dis-
trict; but the agent and council,
considering that Ilooghly was an
open town, retired on the 20th of
December to Chuttaimttee, or Cal-
cutta. (Bruce, Stewart, Rennet, ^c)
Hooghly River. — A river in the
province of Bengal, formed by the
junction of Cossimbazar and Jellin-
ghy, the two westernmost brandies
of the Ganges. This is the port of
Calcutta, and the onl}' branch of the
Ganges that is navigated by large
vessels ; yet the entrance and pas-
sage are most dangerous, and the
terror of stiangers.
Where it is joined by the Roop-
narrain a very laige sheet of water
is formed, but it has many shoals ;
and as it directly faces the approach
from the sea, while the Hooghly
turns to the right, it occasions the
loss of many vessels, which are car-
ried np the RoopnaiTain by the force
of the tide. The eddy caused by
the bend of the Hooghly has, at this
place, formed a most dangerous sand,
named the James and Mary, around
which the channel is never tlie same
for a week together, requiring fre-
quent surveys.
I'he Bore commences at Hooghly
Point, (where the river first con-
tiacts itself) and is perceptilile above
Hooglily town. So quick is its mo-
tion, that it hardly employs four
hours in travelling from the one to
the other, although tho dislance is
nearly 70 miles. It -does not run on
the Calcutta side, but along the op-
posite bank ; from whence it crosses
at Chitpoor, about four miles above
Fort William, and proceeds with
great \'iolence past Barnagore, Duc-
kinsore, &c. Un its approach boats
must immediately quit the shore,
and go for safety into the middle of
the river. At Calcutta it sometimes
occasions an instantaneous rise of
five feet.
Only that part of the Ganges wliioh
lies in a line from Gangoutri to
Sagor Island is considered holy by
the Hindoos, and named the Ganga
or Bhagirathi. The Hooghly Hiver
therefore of Europeans is considered
as the true Ganges. (Rennel, Lord
Valentin, F. Buchanan, Col. Cole-
hrooke, Elmore, l^c)
HooKERY. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, 55 miles S. S. W.
from MeiTiteh. Lat. 16°. 13'. N.
Long. 74°. 47'. E.
Tins is now a poor town, but still
displays the remains of former mag-
nificence, when it w as a flourishing
place under the Mahommedan go-
vernment. The last of the INIogul
sovereigns was Adb ul Khaieed, who
was dethroned by the then Rajah of
Parnella, and died in the year 1643.
An unsuccessful attempt was made
to reinstate a surviving son ; since
which the Mahommcdans have con-
tinued to decline, and live now in
great poverty. The town still re-
tains the distinction of giving its
name to a particular species of ru-
pee. {Moor, Sf'c.)
HooLY Onore. — A town in the
Mysore Rajah's territories, 122 mil(>s
N. W. from Seringapalam. Lriit. 13°.
44'. N. Long.75° 41. E. The fort
at this place is of a large square form,
\\'i{\\ towers at the angles, and two
on each face ; but it is not, on the
whole, a strong place. The pettah
is extensive, and tolerably well built,
and inclosed by a bad wall and ditch.
During the rains the River Buddra
^vashes the western wall of the fort.
In 1792 Hooly Onore was taken
by tho British detachment under
HUBELY.
417
Capt. Little, and completely sacked
and destroyed by the Maharattas,
who <?ot tlie plunder. Prior to the
Maharutta invasion the adjacent
country was remarkably well peo-
pled and cultivated. A Maharatta
officer dcscribinjj it, said it was so
thickly settled, that every evening
when the army encamped they could
count 10 villages in flames. {Moor,
HoRAFORAS. — See Borneo.
HoRisPOOR, {Hurshapnr, the Town
of Joy). — A town in the Seik terri-
tories, in the province of Lahore, 98
miles E. S. E. from the city of La-
hore. Lat. 31°. 30'. N. Long. 75°.
27'. E.
IIosKi'.POOR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Sarun, 82
miles N. W. from Patna. Lat, 26°.
26'. N. Long. 84°. 17'. E.
HossEiN Abdaul. — A town in the
Alghan territories, in the province of
Lahore, 30 miles E. by S. from At-
tock. Lat.33°.N. Long.7l°.43'.E.
lIossoBETTA. — A small town on
the sea coast of the province of
North Canara. Lat. 12°. 42'. N.
Long. 75°. E. Near to this place
is a large straggling town, named
Manjesvvara, containing many good
houses, chiefly inhabited by JMoplays,
Buntars, and Biluars. The princi-
pal inhabitants of Hossobetta, and
of many other towns in Tulava, are
Concauies, or people descended from
natives of the Concan. It is report-
ed they fled hither to escape a perse-
cution at Govay, (Goa) tlieir native
country, an order to convert them
having arrivetl from Portugal. The
rich immediately removed, and the
poor, who remained behind, were
converted to what was called Christ-
ianity. {F. Buchanan, cVc.)
Hosso DuuGA. — A small town in
the province of South Canara. Lat.
12°. 16'.N. Long. 70°. 13'. E. This
place is inhabited by a few Puttar
Brahmins, who serve a temple, and
wiiose ancestors were pnt there by
the Ikeri Bajah, who built the fort.
The latter is large, and well built of
the laterite, common all ov cr Mala-
2 E
bar. The bastions being round it is
more capable of defence than native
forts are in general, in which the de-
fences are usually of a square form.
At this place the dry field rises
into gentle swells, but it is too hard
for plantations. The inner parts of
the eoimtry are very thinly inhabited,
and much overgrown with wood ; the
surface, like the rest of Malabar,
consisting of alternate low hills and
narrow vallies. " In cultivation more
slaves are employed than free men.
The district around Hosso Durga is
called the country of the Nelisvvara
Rajah. {F. Buchanan, ^-c.)
HuBELY, (or Hoobly). — A town in
the province of Bejapoor, 17 miles
S. E. from Darv^ ar. Lat. 15°. 24'.
N. Long. 75°. 10'. E.
Hubely has for many years been a
place of gieat trade, and still con-
tinues a populous and respectable
town. The sunounding country is
well wooded and watered, and an
extensive inland traffic is carried on.
There is also a considerable trade
with the coast, principally tlnougli
the medium of Goa ; w hence, in re-
turn for sandal wood and elephants*
teeth, they receive raw silk, cottons,
woollens, and rice. The two first are
manufactured here, and sold to a
large amomit, chiefly for the dresses
of the country people. The bankers
are numerous and rich, and extend
their commercial intercoujse, by
means of agents, as far north as Su-
rat; eastward to Hyderabad; and
southward to Seringapatam, Bills
of exchange can be negotiated ou
places still more distant, and the
currency of the neighbouring coun-
try is in a great measure regulated
by the Hubely bankers. There are
no public or private buildings of
note; and although there are two
forts, they are neitlier capable of op-
posing any resist ance to an army.
Near to lliihely.and to many other
towns in this part of India, the ruins
of mosques nnd Mahonnnedan bury-
ing places prove that there were
formerly a great many inhabitants of
that relipon; but they are now so
418
HURDWAR.
reduced in number, that in twenty
towns or villa-ges scarcely one is to
be foJind ; and \\l)en tliere are a few
they subsist on ahns, in a miserable
state of povei-ty, pride, and con-
tempt.
In 1673 this place was sacked by
the Maharatta chief, Sevajee, at
Avhich time the Ensjlish factory here
sustained a loss of 80GO pagodas.
In 1685 it Avas a2;ain taken by Sul-
tan Manzzum, Aurengzebe's son.
In 1804 Old Hubely was a posses-
sion of the Phurkiah Maharatta fa-
mily ; at which time, wlien General
Welleslcy was marching south after
the cami)aign against Siudia, it was
besieged by the sirsoubah, or deputy
of the PesJiwa. 'J'he garrison in the
tort, on hearing of Gen, Wellesley's
arrival in their neighbonrhood, re-
quested his interference, and sent
him a letter addressed to the deputy
by the Peshwa, directing him to give
Old Hoobly and its dependencies to
Bapoo Phurkiah, his highness's bro-
ther-in-law, and the very person for
whom the garrison already held it.
On the other hand, the deputy pro-
duced the Pesiiwa's order, command-
ing him to besiege and take the
place from Phurkiah, before which,
allhongh only a mud village, he had
been employed six weeks. The
general reconnnended to both par-
tics to desist from hostilities, and to
write to Poonah for an explanation
of the Peshwa 's real intentions re-
specting the plan, wliieh was done
accordingly. {Moor, MSS. Orme,
HuGHLY. — See IIooghly.
HuLLOH. — A town in the INIaha-
latta territories, in the province of
Gujrat, district of Chumpaneer, 52
miles N. E. from Carnbay. Lat. 22°.
37'. N. Long. 73°. 32'. E.
Hl'iMP Isle. — An island about 50
miles in circumference, situated at
the entrance of the great bay on the
north coast of Paptia. Lat^ 2°. 30',
i>. Long. 135°. 30'. E.
HuMPAPURA. — An open village in
the Rajali of Mysore's territories, si-
tuated on the banks of the Kapini
River, which in tlie rainy season is
60 yards wide, and at all seasons
contains running water. Lat. 12°.
4'. N. Long. 76°. 36'. E. The land
watered by tlie rivers coming from
the AVestcrn Ghauts is naturally the
finest in Mysore, and would equal
any in the world were it properly
cultivated. Although within 30
miles of Seringapatam, the country
around has always remained in a
state of complete desolation. {F.
J3i(cJianan, Si-c.)
HuKDA, (Harada). — A town and
small fort in the Maharatta territo-
ries, in the province ofKhandesh, 9
miles S. S. W. from Hindia. Lat.
22°. 24'. N. Long. 77°. 18'. E. The-
country around this place is gene-
rally open and tolerably well culti-
vated ; bnt from Hurda to CharAvah
the land is covered with jungle and
uninhabited.
UuRD^VAR, {Haridicar, the Gate
of Hari or Vishnu). — A town and ce-
lebrated place of Hindoo pilgi image
in the province of Delhi, situated
on the west side of the Ganges,
where it issues from the northern
hills. Lat. 29°. 57'. N. Long. 78°.
2'. E; Ilardwar, or Haradwara, is
also called Gangadwara, (dwara
means a gate or passage). In the
Scanda and other Purans it is writ-
ten HaridAvara, Avhich marks a dif-
ferent etymology from Hari(\'ishnu),
not from IJara (Mahadeva). I'ho
toAvn of HurdAvar is veiy inconsi-
derable in itself, having only one
street, about 15 i'eot in breadth, and
one and a half furlongs in length.
The Ganges, after forcing its Avay
through an extensive tract of moun-
tainous country, here tirst enters the
plains. Great numbers are led hi-
ther as much liom commercial as
holy motives; and througli this chan-
nel the principal places in the Doab»
Delhi, and Lucknow, are supplied
Avith liie productions of tlic northern
and Avestern countries.
The principal articles brought hi-
ther for sale are horses, mules, ca-
mels, a species of tobacco, (called
caccar) antimony, asai<x?tida, dried
UURDWAII.
41.9
fruits, such as apricots, figs, prunes,
raisiiis, almonds, pistachio nuts, and
pomegranates, from Cabul, Canda-
har, Mooltau, and the Punjah ;
shawls, dootas, and pattoos, from
Cashmere and Amritsir.
Spotted turbans, looking-glasses,
toys, with various manufactures iji
brass and lAory, fiom Jeypoor ;
shields from Rohilciind, Lneknow,
and Silhet; bows and anows from
IVIooltan and the Doab ; rock salt
from Lahore ; bal'tas and i)iece goods
from V?ahn (a large city in tiie Fun-
jab). The Marwar country suiii)lies
a great )nany camels, and a species
of flannel called loi. I'rom the Com-
pany's provinces are brought Kharwa
nmslins, niashroo, (or sarsnct) cocoa
nuts, and woollen cloths. Of the
latter a few bales arc sent on the
part of the Company ; but the sale
is very inconsiderable, and the
coarsest only meet with a market.
Here are also to be seen some Dutch
and Venetian coins.
The northern merchants who visit
the fair travel in large caravans, and
the cattle brought for sale are used
also for the conveyance of merciian-
dize. The north-western caravans
generally assemble at Amritsir about
the end of February, and pursue the
route tlirough the Seik country. On
the road they are much infested by
freebooters, who frequently carry off
stragglers. 'I'hose who come merely
for batjiuig arrive in the morning;
and, after performing their ablutions,
depart in the evening, or on the fol-
lowing day. At the amuuil fairs it
is supposed from two to 300,000 are
collected; once in 12 years, when
particular religious ceremonies are
observed, the number is computed
to be almost a million; in Ajtril,
1809, they were cstiu)ated at two
millions. During the Maharatta
sway a kind ol' po l-1ax and duties
on cattle were levied; but all now
is free, without impost or molesta-
tion.
The horses and cattle are dis-
persed indiscriminately all over the
fair, which is held in the bed of the
2 E 3
river, whicli at thi*> period is nearly
di-y. The most consj)icuous persons
are the I'akirs, of whom tlu're are
several sects; but the piincipal ones
are the Gossains or Svumyassies, the
Bairagies, the Jogies, anil the Uda-
sies. These four sects are again
subdivided and branched out to a
great variety. The most numerous
are the Gossains, who, during the
Maharatta government, were sufli-
eicntly mnnerous to disi)ute the au-
thority of the place, and not only
collected duties on tiu'ir own ac-
count, but regulated the police dur-
ing the fair.
The next powerful sect was the
Bairagies; but from the year 1700,
until the Company obtained jjosses-
sion of th(! Doab, this caste was de-
barred from the pilgrimage. Al-
though the sway of the Gossains be
over, they still occupy the best sta-
tions at the fair. Many of these jno-
fess a total disregard lor woHdly
concerns, and ap])ear in a complete
state of nature ; but among them are
many men of considerable property,
who assume only the garments of
the devotee, being in other respects
well ])rovided with the comforts and
conveniences of life. Some of them
follow the military profession, but
the greater part are engaged in com-
mercial or agricultural jjursuits.
The Gossains or Sanyassies are
the worshippejs of Siva or Maha-
deva, and arc distinguished by a
wrapper of cloth, dyed with red
ochre. The term is a corruption of
Goswami, lord of the bull, an appel-
lation of Mahadeva's.
The Bairagies are disciples of
Vishnu, aiid are distinguished by
two perpendicular stripes of yellow
ochre or sandal on the forehead, and
a string of tulasi beads round the
neck.
The Udassies are followers of Na-
nock Shah, the founder of the Seik
sect, and are known by a conical
cap u ith a fringe.
The Jogies are votaries of Ma-
liadeva, and have a longitudinal slit
in the cartilage of the eai\ AuothtT
420
HUSSEINABAD.
custom prevails among the Gosains
and Jogies, which is uncommon
among other Hindoos, that of bnry-
iug their dead. All these castes en-
gage in husbandry and commerce ;
but the profession of arms is pecu-
liar to the Gosains or Sanj assies.
Some of them never shave, but allow
the hair on the head to grow to an
enormous length, binding it round
the forehead in small tresses like a
turban.
jN o particular ceremony is observed
in bathing, which consists mcrcjly in
simple immersion. The depth at
the proper season is only four feet,
and both sexes plunge in indiscri-
minately. Those who are rigidly
pious are introduced by a couple of
Brahmins, who, having di[»ped tlR*
penitent in the holy stream, recon-
duct him to the shore. The period
of ablution is that of the sun's enter-
ing Aries, which, according to a
Hindoo computation, happens 20
days later than the vernal equinox.
Every 12th year, when Jupiter is in
Aquarius, at the time of the sun's
entering Aries, the concourse of the
people is greatly augmentdl.
The stream at Hurdwar divides
itself into three channels, the prin-
cipal of which is on the western
side, running along a bank named
Chandnec Ghaut. The points of the
islands which are formed in the bed
of the river are chiefly of loose peb-
bles and sand; but the rest of the
land between the different channels
is covered with the mimosa catechu.
The hills in this vicinity are but
thinly covered with vegetable pro-
ductions, and tlie trees are few and
small. About three miles below
Hurdwar some natives have built
five large houses of diuable mate-
rials, for the accommodation of per-
sons visiting these sacred j)laces.
At the foot of the pass into the
mountains is a Goorkhali post, be-
longing to Nepaul, to which slaves
are brought down from tlie hills and
exposed for sale. Many huudjeds
of these poor wretches, of both sexes,
Unm thiee to 30 jTtars of age, are
brought down from all parts of th«
interior of the hills and sold ; tho
prices being from 10 to 150 rupees.
The average price of camels from
Lahore is 75 rupees, and common
horses from 250 to 300 rupees.
The merchants never mention viva
voce the price of their cattle; but
having thrown a cloth over their
hands they conduct the bargain by
touching the different joints of the
fingers, to prevent the bystanders
from gaining any information. Owing
to the precautions taken by the Bri-
tish government the fairs have lately
ended at Hurdwar without blood-
shed, lo the astonishment and satis-
faction- of the vast multitude, who
were before accustomed to associate
the idea of bloodshed and murder
with that of the Hurdwar fair.
Travelling distance from Calcutta
by Moorshedabad. 1080 miles ; by
Birbhoom, 975 miles; from Delhi,
117 miles; and from Lucknow, 311
miles. {Raper, Harduiche, Cole-
Iroohe, Wth Register, Rennel, ^c.)
HURREEPOOR, {Hai-ipiir). — A small
district in the province of Lahore,
situated between the 32d and 33d
degree of north latitude. It is water-
ed by the River Beyah, and contains
much level and fertile ground.
HuRRiiPooR. — A town in the Seik
tenitories, in the province of La-
hore, 100 miles E. N. E, from th«
city of Lahore. Lat. 32°. 6'. N.
Long. 75°. 31'. E.
HuRRiAL, {Arayalaya, the Abode
of Vishtin). — A town in the provincu
of Bengal, district of Raujishy, the
seat of a commercial residency. Lat,
24°. 19'. N. Long. 89°. 17'. E.
Hl'RRIANEH. — See HlSSAR FlRO-
ZEH.
HussEiNABAD. — A town in th«
Maharatta tenitories, in the pro-
vince of Khandesh, situated on th«
south side of the Nerbuddah, 60
miles south from Biisah. Lat. 22°.
40'. N. Long. 77°. 53'. E. General
Goddard's army, when marching
from Bengal to Gujrat, came by the
route of iiilsah and Bopal to this
place.
HYDERABAD.
421
at Carwar, about the middle of the
17th century, had coiisiderable Iral-
fickings atHuttaiiy; but, on account
of its frequent revoluiions, the in-
tercourse was discontinued. {Moor,
HussEiNPOOR. — A town in the
provincccf Delhi, district of Bareily,
6.5 miles E. from Delhi. Lat. 28*'.
44'. E. Long. 78°. 13'. E.
Ih'STNAPOOR, {or Hastinancigara).
— 'Jl\w site of a famous and ancient
city, 50 miles \, E. from the city of
Delhi, mu(;h celebrated in the llin-
doo I\Iyt!)ological Poems, and found-
ed by Rajirh ITasti. I-at. 29°. 7'. N,
Long. 77°. 56'. E. Hastinanagara
is about 20 miles S. AV". from Dara-
nagur, on a branch of the Ganges,
formerly the bed of that river. There
remains only a small place of wor-
.ship. The extensive site of this an-
cient city is entirely covered with
large ant hills, which has induced
the inhabitants of the adjacent coun-
try to suppose that it had been over-
turned or destroyed by tlic termites.
{Wi(ford, c^c.)
HuTTANY. — A town in tlie Maha-
ralta territories, in the province of which, in the Institutes of Acber, is
HYDERABAD.
A large province in tlie Deccan,
which communicates its name to the
Nizam's dominions generally, and is
situated between the 16th and 19th
degrees of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by the Godavei^ ;
and to the south by the River Krish-
na ; to the east it has the Hindoo
province of Gundwana ; and to the
west Beeder and Aurungabad. In
length it may be estimated at 180
miles, by 150 the average breadth.
This territory composed a consider-
able portion of ancient Telingana,
Bejapoor, 20 miles £. from Mirjee,
Lat. 16°. 59'. N. Long. 75°. 20'. E.
This place is large and populous,
.and has an extensive commerce with
Bombav", Surat, Rachore, &:c. The
maiuifacturcs are silk and cotton sa-
rees, piece goods, &c. but their sta-
ple article is grain. The town is
enclosed by a wall and ditch of no
gieat .strength, and there is a stone
ibrt which scarcely deserves the
name. Here is an excellent dur-
rumsalla, or place of acconnnodation
for travellers, from the appearance
of which the importance of a town
throughout the province of Beja-
poor may generally be estimated. It
is capable of lodging 500 persons,
the horses and camels being picketed
round the building, which is hand-
somel}" built of free stone.
Huttany was a considerable place
in 1679, when it was taken from Se-
rajee, who had reduced it, by the
coni'cderatos frojn Bejapoor, who
proposed to sell the inhabitants for
.slaves ; but this measure was warmly
opposed by Sambhajee, Sevajee's
revolted son, who not being able to
carry his point, became reconciled
to liis fatjier. The English factory,
called a district of Berar, but was
probably only in part possessed by
tliat empero)-.
"i'he surface of this province in
hilly, but not mountainous, and is
an elevated table land ; the conse-
quence of which is a greater degree
of cold, than its latitude would in-
dicate. At Hyderabad, and the pro-
vinces to the north of it, the ther-
mometer during three months of the
year is often so low as 45°. 40°. and
35°. of Fahrenheit. To protect them-
selves against this degTce of cold,
the lower classes use a coarse w oollen
blanket made in the country, and
the higher classes .shawls and quilted
silks. A few of the noblemen and
chief military clothe themselves iu
broad cloth as a I'ashion or luxun-,
but the mode is not general. Tlie
Nizam's cavalry clothe themselves
according to their own taste. I'he
reguhir infantry, amounting to liom
12 to 15,000, are dressed in British
red cloth, and are equipped with
accoutrements, made either at Ma-
dras or Masulipalam,
A great part of the Nizam's do-
minions is occupied by Jaghircdars,
who are of two description.s, viz. the
422
HYDERABAD.
Hindoo Jaghiredars and zemindars,
such as the Rajah of Sholapoor,
whose ancestors possessed their es-
tates ahnost from the first sovereigns
of the Deccan, and over whom the
Kizam exercises a very uncertain
and undefined authoiity. 1'lie other
description of Jaghiredars aic the
military officers in the service of the
Nizam, in mimber from 40 to 50.
Ahnost tiie whole country, with the
exception of land set opart for re-
ligions jjnrposes, the crown lands
and small parts, hold by old Hindoo
zemindars, is under the management
of some description of Jaghiredar.
Since the introduction of red cloth
among the Nizam's troops, the prin-
Hcipal Jaghiredars have adopted the
'«ame mode of clothing for their
forces, amounting to seven or 8000
men.
This province is fertile, and, on
the whole, tolerably avcU wateied ;
but, from the nature of the govern-
jnent, it has never attained any great
prosperity ; the cultivators being
wretchedly poor, and nnicli oppress-
ed by their Mahon)medan superiors,
who are subject to little restraint
from their nominal sovereign. From
the same cause they are almost de-
prived of the benefits of commerce,
the average import of European
goods into the Nizam's extensive
domimcns, prior to 1809, not ex-
ceeding- 26,0001. sterling per annum.
The principal trade carried on be-
tween the Nizam's territories and
the Eritish, is the supply of cotton
sent from Berar to the Nortliern Cir-
cars ; and also to the markets at Vel-
lore, Arnee, and the vicinity. The
traders return with cargoes of salt
and salt fish, some cloths manui'ac-
tured ill the Northern Circars, and
some Arnee muslins.
few remaining Mogul governments,
a greater proportion of Mahomme-
dans are to be found among the up-
per and middling classes of the in-
habitants, than in any of the con-
tiguous regions ; but the gieat mass
of the lower classes arc still Hin-
dv OS, in the proportion probably of
above 10 to one. Compared with
other districts the population ofwhich
has been ascertained, the number of
inhabitants of the Hyderabad pro-
vince may be estimated not to ex-
ceed two and a half millions.
While 'J'ehngana existed as an
independent Hindoo sovereignty, it
comprehended most of the tract ly-
ing between the Krishna and Go-
davery rivers, the capital of which
was Wai angol. At an early period
it was invaded and partly conquered
by the Mahonnnedans, and after-
wards formed part of the great Bha-
nienee empire of the Deccan. On
the dissolution of this state, 'I'elin-
gana became again the seat of dn in-
dependent government under the
name of Goleondah, the lirst sove-
reign being Kooli Kuttnb Shah, who
established the Ivuttub Shahy dy-
nasty of Goleondah. He began to
reign in 1512, and was assassinated
in 1551.
Jumtheed Kuttub Shah died A. D.
1558.
Ibrahim Kuttub Shah died A. D.
1581.
Korli Kuttub Shah died 1586.
This prince founded the city of Hy-
derabad, and, having no son, was
succeeded by his brotlier Mahom-
med. The successor to this prince
was Abdullah Kiittub Shah, who
became tributary to the IMognl Em-
peror Shah Jehan ; and in this state
tlic kingdom remained until 1690,
when Goleondah was taken by Au-
The principal towns in this pro- rengzcbe, and Abou Houssein, the
vnice are Hyderabad, Goleondah,
Warangol, Meduck, and Nilcundah.
The country taken generally is but
thiidy inhabited, and indiil'erently
cultivated, and cannot compete with
any of the Company's most tlonrish-
|ng districts. This being one of tlje
reigning sovereign, made prisoner,
and confined for life in the fortress of
Dowietabad, where he died in 1704.
On tiie destruction of the Mogul
em})ire, after the death of Aureng-
zebe, Nizam ul Moolk obtained pos-
session of the Mahommedan con-
HYDERABAD.
423
rpipsts ill llie Dcocan about (lie yo;ir
1717. Hr died tlio 24tli Manli,
1748, ap^cd (it is said) 1(»4 years, ami
Jd't six sons, viz. Gliazi lul Doeii,
Nasir .ruiin\ Salabut Jung', Nizam
All, Bassalut Juii?, and iMof-iiul
All.
Nasir Jnng being present at Boor-
hanpoor >vhoii liis ("atlier dit-d siio-
eeeded, and was assassinated in
17aO.
MuziifTcr Jung (a gnuidson of Ni-
eam ul IMooIk's) was placed on tlie
tbione, and assassinated in 1761.
Salabut Jung, by tiie iiillueiiec of
the Freneb, was tbni proclaimed,
and reigned until 17f)l, wlicn be was
imprisoaod ; and, in 17G3, put to
deatb by bisbrotber Nizaui AJi, wbo
ascended tbe tbione, and reigned
until tbe 6tb August, 1803, wben be
died, and was succeeded by bis el-
dest sou, Miiza Seeunder .lab, wlio
now reigns.
Since tbe decease of Nizam ul
Moolk, tlie limits of tiiis state bave
experienced niucb llucluation, but
it was alwajs on tbe decline, and
would bave been totally annibilated
by tbe Maliarattas, but for tbe sup-
port alForiled by tlic liritisb govern-
ment. On tbe 12tb Oct. 1800, a
tieaty of perpetual alliance was en-
tered into witli tbe Nizam, by Major
Kirkpatrick on tbe part of tbe Eii-
tisb ; by tbe conditions of wbieh tbe
enemies of tbe one were to be con-
sidered in tbe same relation to tJie
otber.
By tliis arrangement tiie British
force to be stationed in tbe Nizam's
territories was augmented to 8000
regular infantry, and 1000 regular
citvalry, witb their regular coniple-
jnent of guns, Euioiiean artillery-
men, and e(iuipnieiit of warlike
stores. ]'or tbe regular payment of
these forces tbe Nizam ceded to the
British all tbe territories he had ac-
quired under tbe treaty of Seringa-
patam in 17L>2, and also under the
tN'uty of Mysore in 179.0. Certain
of tbe countries ceded by this article
V»eiiig incouvenieiit fur their situa-
tion to tbe iiortb of tbe Toombud-
dra, for the purposi; of rendering tbe
boundary veil defined, it was de-
termin<;d that bis highness the Nizaui
should retain Kopaul, (iujundpighur.
and otber districts to the north of the
'J'oombuddra ; and in lieu thereof
assign Adoni, and whatever t»;rri-
tory to tbe .soutli of that riv«'r, or to
the .south of tbe Krishna below its
junction with tbe 'I'oonibuddra, the
estimated value of the wJiole being
about 72 lacks of rupees per annum.
It was agreed that all claims of every
description on the Nizam sbould
cease on jiossession being obtained
of the ceded districts, from wbieli
date also all demands on account of
tbe subsidiary force were to termi-
nate, which in tuture was to be
wholly supported and paid by the
British.
In the event of a war taking place
tbe Nizam engaged to join tbe Bri-
tish forces with 6000 infantry, and
9000 horse of bis o\mi troops, w itb
tbe necessary train of artillery and
stores. By this treaty also it was
arranged that all tbe external politi-
cal relatio'isof tbe two states should
be exclusively managed by tbe Bri-
tish, who undertook to protect his
liighness's dominions from all ex-
ternal annoyance and internal insur-
rection, and to procure a total ex-
emption from all claims of Choiite
on the iiart of the Maharattas. By
a supplementaiy article in January,
1804, it was agreed, that during a
joint war all forts in the Hyderabad
dominions were to be open to the
British.
On the 12tli April, 1802, a com-
mercial treaty was negociated witb
the Nizam, by wbieh the British
granted him the free use of the port
of Masulipatam, with liberty there
to establish a factory, and they also
engaged to protect his highness's
Hag on tbe high seas. It was agreed
that a free transit of goods should be
permitted, and all local duties abo-
lished, in lieu of which five per cent,
to be levied on all articles indiscri-
minately imported into the respei--
tivc tenitorics of each, no article aa
424
HYDERABAD.
any account to pay duty more than
once. A duty of five per cent, and
no more, to be levied on the prime
cost of all articles purchased in the
Hyderabad states for exportation,
and such articles not to be resold
there. The commerce of grain to
be under particular regulations.
On the 28th April, 1804, after the
war with Dowlet Row Sin^lia and
the Rajah of Nagpoor, a partition
treaty was concluded ; by the con-
ditions of which the Nagpoor Rajah
ceded to the Nizam all the country,
of which he collected the revenue in
conjunction with the Nizam, and
fixed the Nagpoor frontier towards
the west at the River Wiirda, from
whence it issues from the Injardy
Hills, to its junction with the Go-
davery. The hills on which the forts
of Nernallah and Gawclgiiur stand,
with a district contiguous to the
amount of four lacks of rupees re-
venue, to remain m ith the Nagpoor
Rajah; but everything else south of
the Injardy Hills, and west of the
Wuida, to be ceded to the Nizam.
All the territories belonging to
Dowlet Row Siudia before the com-
mencement of tlie war of 1803, si-
tuated to the south of the Adjnntee
Hills, including the fort and district
of Jalnapoor, the town and district
of Gandapoor, and all the other dis-
tricts between that range of hills
and the River Godavery, ceded by
Sindia to the British, by this treaty
were transferred in perpetual sove-
reignty to the Nizam. I'he Hyder-
abad sovereignty, in consequence,
acquired a great increase of territory,
and obtained, for the first time, a
compact aitd well defined boun-
dary.
At present the Nizam's dominions
occupy the centre of the Deccan,
comprehending the greater part of
Rerar, the whole of Hyderabad,
Nanderc, and Boeder, and part of
Aurungabad and Bejapoor. Towards
the Nagpoor territories their limits
are maiked by the course of the
Wurda River, and on the side of the
Rritish by the Krishna and Toom-
buddra. In length it may be esti-
mated at 420 miles, by 220 the ave-
rage breadth, containing a popula-
tion of about 8,000,000 of inhabi-
tants. (Sydenham, Treaties, Fe^
rishta, Orme, Malcolm, J. Grant,
Remtel, 4*c. Sj-c.)
Hyderabad. — A city in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, of which it is
the capital, and of the Nizam's do-
minions. Lat. 17°. 15'. N, Long.
78°. 42'. E.
Hyderabad, or Baugnagur, stands
on the south side of the Musah
River, which runs very rapidly in
the rains, but in the dry season has
scarcely two feet of water. It is
surrounded by a stone wall, which
is no defence against artillery, but
which served for protection against
the incursions of cavalry. Within
the wall the city is about four miles
in length, by three in breadth. It
contains a considerable number of
mosques, this having long been the
principal Mahommedan station in
the Deccan. About six miles to the
W. N. W. is the celebrated fortress
of Golcondah, occupying the sum-
mit of a conical hill, and by the
natives deemed impregnable.
Hyderabad being one of the few
remaining Mogul governments, more
of the old forms and ceremonies of
that great dynasty are retained at
the Nizam's court, than at any other
in Hindostan. Some of the higher
and wealthier Mahommedans use a
few articles of European manufac»
lure in their dress, and in the fur-
niture of their houses, but this has
occurred principally among the mi-
nisters of the Nizam. These articles
consist chiefly of glass ware, china,
lustres, chintz coverings for sofas,
and some articles of plate after the
European fashion. l"he noblemen
at Hyderabad have been either bred
up as soldiers or courtiers, and ex-
])end their fortunes in keeping up as
large a retinue of servants and de-:
pendents as their wealth w ill allow,
or they consume their properly in
the profligacy and corruption of the
court where they reside.
HYDERABAD.
425
In the city of Hyderabad the Ni-
zam possesses large magazines, in
whicli are deposited llie pieseufs re-
ceived at various times tVoni tlie dif-
ferent native and Jilurojtean powers.
The rooms are filled tioni the lloor
near to the ceiling with bales of
woollens, cases ol" glass, glass ware,
china ware, clocks, watches, and
other articles of Euro|)ean manufac-
ture. Tliese articles have been re-
ceived as presents by tiie reigning
Nizam, his father, and grandfather,
some so far back as the time of l)u-
pleix and Bussy. 'I'hey have ever
since continue<l locked up in the
magazines, where they are likely to
remain.
Hyderabad (formerly Baugnagur)
was founded about the year ]585,
by Mahommed Kooli Kuttub Shah.
It was taken and plundered by the
Mogul armies of Aureugzebe, A.D.
1687, the principal inhabitants hav-
ing retired to the neighbouring for-
tress of Golcondah. The late IS izam
Ali tran.sterred the royal residence
from Aurungabad, which had hither-
to been the capital, to this place;
the former, from the tluctuation of
his territories, beijig latterly placed
in a corner of his dominions, and
loo near the Maharatia frontier.
Hyderabad has never since ex-
perienced any external molestation ;
and, being the residence of the court,
has rapidly increased in wealth and
poprUatiou. At present the number
of inhabitants may be estimated at
120,000, including the suburbs.
Travelling distance from Calcutta,
by the Northern Cirears, 902 ; by
Nagpoor, 1043 miles ; from Madras,
352; from BomUaj, 480; from Del-
hi, 923; from Nagpoor, 321; from
Poonali, 387 ; from Seringapatani,
406 miles. {Si/de7ihani, Upton, Ren-
nel, Fcrishta, Scott, St. Vc.)
Hyderabad, — A city in the pro-
vince of Sinde, of whicli it is the
capital. Lat. 25°. 22'. N. Long. 6b°.
41'. £.
The fortress of Hyderabad stands
on a rocky hill, the foot of which is
washed by a, branch of the Indus
named the Fulalee. It is of an ir-
regular pentagonal figure, built to
suit the shape of the ma^ s of rock
on which it stands, def< nded by
round towers, and a high biick wall
perforated with loop holes. In many
places the sides of the hill are .so
steep, that the ascent to t be fortress
would be dilliciilt, evei i were it
breached to the foundation. The
weakest part of the fort is towards
the S. E. opposite a br eak in the
rock from the i 'ulalec. T he northern
side of the fort has a dry ilitch cut in
tiie rock, but not abi )ve 12 feet
broad. The walls havi 3 loop holes
for matchlocks, but th( ) artillery is
placed so high as U ) be useless
against an enemy very near the fort.
Its natural situation i s strong, and
the whole is capable of ettectually
resisting every native attack, but
would present a feebh j ojiposition to
European assailants. There are se-
veral handsome mosqi jes within the
fort, but no building s worth notice
in its vicinity, ex( icpt Gholaum
Shah's (the foundei; of the city)
tomb, on a hill to tl ic south of the
fort. The shops in the bazar ;ire
kept well sui>plied, and are mostly
tenanted by Hindoo Banjans.^ Al-
though no encouraj: cmcnt is given
to industry by the .\niecrs, the ar-
tisans are numerous and skilful, par-
ticularly the armoi irers, who are
noted for the exc( t'lcnce of their
workmanship, and 1 he artificers who
embroider on leatlu r.
The grand bram li of the Indus
does not approach ^l [ydcrabad nearer
than two three-fourt hs or three miles.
Boats laden with heavy goods, to
avoid the inconveni jnce of land car-
riage, enter tiie Jiilalee branch of
the Indus about 13 miles to the
southward of Hy krabad, on the
east side of the niuin ri\er. The
route from Tatta i i|i the Fulalee to
Hyderabad is the lo ngesi, as it winds
far to the eastward, and then curves
to the N. W. nnmii jg past (lie hill on
which Hyderabad stands, forming
an island nau\ed C nugali. The I'u-
lalee in tlic month of August is here'
426
INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES.
from two and a half to three fathoms
ill depth.
'J'lic soil in the vicinity of Hyder-
abad is of a ligMt sandy colour, and
very productive when properly cul-
tivated. Two miles and a half to
the southward of Hyderabad is a
table hiud, e\tcndhiji; about two
miles, and 12 miles to the southward
fire a ranife of rocky hills, part of
\\hi('h a])pioachc.s the Fulalee, and
arc callud Ihc Gungah Hili?. Three
miles W, JVy S. is a village on the
«asteru bauk. of the Indus, from
which boat? are continually cro.ssing
with passengers to Cotlric on the op-
posite sinAe, which is on the route
tiouiTjitta to Hyderabad.
This (;ity is the residence of the
Ameers, or present sovereigns of
Siiide, yet th.e revenue only amounts
to the trifling sum of 60,0it0 rupees
per annum, and the population to
about 15,000. There is no standing
aymy kept at Hyderabad, each
Ameer retaining a few troops which
serve in time of peace to garrison
the fort. {3j.arjicld, Smit/i, Ken-
ncir, S)-c.)
Hydergih.-— A town in tlie Na-
bob of Oude's territoiies, 32 miles
S. E. from Luc'ifuow. Lat. 26°. 37'.
N. Long. 81°. ;13°. E.
Hydlruungi IKE. — A populous vil-
lage in the pruxdnce of Lahore, de-
pendent on A 1 took, and situated a
short distance fiiom the Indus. Lat.
33°. 20'. N. Lo Bg. 71°. 25'. E.
H Y D >: US H Y, ( i h/dershahi). — A town
belonging to tli ; Nizam, in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, 60 miles E.
from lh(! city of Hvderabad. Lat.
17°. 24'. N. Long. 7b. 35'. E.
Idan. — :See Borneo.
Ii SHWAR. — A iown in the Maha-
rntfa territories, in the province of
Malwah, 30 milci S. W. from Bopal,
Lat. 23°. 24'. N. Long. 77° 8'. E.
Ikery, (/A-m). — The ruins of a
town formerly of great note in the
province of JMysore, 160 miles N.
W. from Scringapatain. Lat. 14°.
6'. N. Long. 76° 7'. E. Near to
Ikery, on flie southern bank of the
Varada, which is here a small stream,
stands a well-built town named Sa-
gar, which carries on a considerable
trade.
During the time that Ikery was
the residence of the princes descend-
ed from Sadasiva, it vias a very large
place, and by the natives it is said,
with their usual exaggeration, to
have contained 100,000 houses. Like
Soonda, its walls are of very con-
siderable extent, and form three con-
centric enclosures rather than forti-
fications. No town at present re-
mains here, but the devastation was
not occasioned by any calamity ; the
coxirt having removed from hence to
Bednore, the people soon followed.
Ikery continued the nominal capital,
the Rajahs were called by its name,
and the coins were su[)posed to be
strm-k there, although in fact the
mint was removed. The pagodas
struck since the conquest at Mysore
and Bednore are still denominated
Ikery pagodas. I'he country from
hence to Ghenaser Guli is so barren,
that it does not even aiisM er the pur-
poses of pasture. {F. Buchanan^ It.)
Inaconda. — A town in the Car-
natic district of Palnaud, 44 miles
N. N. ^V. from t^ingole. Lat. 16°.
1'. N. Long. 79°. 34'. E. This was
formerly a fortified hill in the old In-
dian style of considerable strength.
INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES.
This expression is generally used
to designate the countries to the
east of Bengal, but it is not strictly
correct, a considerable part of that
province extending to the east of tho
(ranges. It is also sometimes termed
a peninsula, which its shape in no
manner justiiit s. In the modern
acceptation of the phrase which was
lirst applied hy the Greeks, this re--
INDIA BEYOND THE GANGES.
427
gion comprehends Ava, Aracan, Cas-
say, Cacliar, F«'{;n, 'I'uiigho. Mar-
taban, Junksejlon, Tavay. Tcnas-
serim, Lowashan, Yuiisjiaii, and all
the other districts really or uomi-
iially subordinate to the Birman em-
pire. In addition to these it iiieludes
Siatn, Malacca, Cambodia, Siampa,
Laos, Lactho, Cochin (^hiua, Tiuig;-
quin, and several unexplored tracts
of country.
To the north it is bounded by As-
sam, Tibet, and China ; on the N.
E. by China, and on the N. V/. by
Bengal and Assam; all the i;st of
its extent is washed by the ocean.
Making an allowance lor the penin-
sula of Malacca, in length ij[^iay be
estimated at 1300 miles, fe'y 600 the
average breadth,
1 he inhabitants of this extensive
region may be distinguislied into
three divisions; those wlio possess
the eastern part, those who possess
the western, and those wlio hold the
.southern extremity. The people whp
inhabit the eastern quarter shew a
great aftuiity with the Chinese their
neighbours, and in like manner those
on the western, in many important
particulars, approximate to the Hin-
doos. The southern extremity is
possessed principally by the Malays.
The nations comprehended in this
space may lie considered as a kind
of body politic, wholly distinct from
Hiudostan, and connected together
by a general similarity of manners,
rehgiou, and political maxims ; their
general dispositions being strikingly
contrasted with liiat of tiie natives
of India west of the (Janges. With
the exception of the Malays, and
some rude tribes uf motnitainecrs,
the nativ(;s of this region profess only
dne religion, and adhere solely to the
system of Bu<ldlia, which in its
grand features identities itself with
that which prevails in Nepaul, Boo-
tan, Tibet, and has extended itself
over the vast oonutries of Chin,
Cham, and Japuen, or China, Tar-
tary, and Japan, In respect to their
numbers the follow<rs of Buddha
have probubh alluined a i^rcaler do-
minion than those of any other reli-
gious persuasion.
Although but trifling in Tlindos-
tan, (his native country) his doc-
trines extend over China, its tribu-
tary nations, and many Tartar hordes
to Kussia. India east of the Ganges,
Great and Littlo Tibet, Bootan, Cej-
lon, and many of the islands in the
Eastern Seas, whose inhabitants have
not yet become Mahommedans, ad-
here to tJie religion of Buddha under
various modifications.
The vernacular Indo Cninese lan-
guages on the continent seem all to
be in i'.^'lr v^iiginal structure, either
purely monosyllabic, Uke li^ poken
languages of China, or incline j,: .''t-
ly to this class, and are prodigiously
varied in accentuation. The Pali
language among the Indo Chineiie
nations occupies the same place
which Sanscrit holds among the Hin-
doos, or Arabic among the followers
of Mahommed. 'J'hroiighout the
greater part of the maritime coun-
tries Avhich lie between India and
China, it is the language of religion,
law, literature, and science, and has
had an extensive inlluence in modi-
fying the vernacular languages of
these regions. The name of this
language, though commonly pro-
nounced Bali, is more generally
written Pali. Among the Indo Chi-
nese nations the Bali is frequently
denominated Lunka-basa, and Ma-
gata or Mungata.
The Bali alphabet ^.ceins in its
origin to be a derivati- ni the
Dcvanagari, thouc'i it ij liot only
acquired a coi;-' ..arable dilicrence
of form, but hw, also been modified
to a eci tain degree, in the power of
the letters, by the monosyllabic pro-
imnciation of the Indo Chinese
nations. The form of the Bali cha-
racter varies essentially among the
dilferent nations by whom it is
used; the Bali language is an an-
cient dialect of Sanscrit, which some-
times approaches very near the ori-
ginal.
For particular descriptions see the
difi'erent kingdoms and j)ro\iuces
428
INDORE.
respectively. (Leyden, Sj/mes, Edin-
burgh Review, StT.)
Indoor, {Indura, a Rat). — A (own
in the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad. Lat. 16°. 47'.
N. Long. 78°. 51'. E. The Mahom-
medans penetrated thus far .south so
early as A. D, 1307, during the reign
of Alia ud Decn. {Ferishta, Sfc.)
Indore, {Indura).-^A town in the
Nizam's dominions, in the province
of Beedcr, 90 miles N. W. from Hy-
derabad. Lat. 18°. 23'. N. Long.
78°. 2'. E.
Indore. — A town in the province
of INIalwah, the capital of the Hol-
car family, situated about 30 miles
S. E. fron) Oojain. Lat. 22°. 51'. N.
Long:. 76°. 10'. E.
]\iulhar Row Holcar, tlie founder
of tliis family, rose to eminence un-
der the first Peshwa, when he re-
ceived in marriage the daughter of
Narayon Row Bund, the maternal
inicle of Sahoo Rajah. He obtained
high connuands under Balajee Row
and Bajerow, and escaped from the
battle of Paniput. His own son,
Candi Row, and grand-daughter,
Ahili Bhai, both died in his own
life-time. His wife, Gautama Bhai,
adopted a nephew, Tukojee Holcar,
who succeeded to the tenitories of
IVJulhar Roav. On the death of Tu-
kojee Holcar, in 1797, he left four
sous ; two legitimate, Casi Row and
Muihar Roav ; and two illegitimate,
Wetul Kow and Jeswnnt Row Hol-
car. Dissensions arising among
them, most of their possessions were
seized on by Dowlet Row Sindia,
after putting to death Muihar Roav;
the remainder were usurped by Jes-
wnnt Row Holcar, to tlie preju-
dice of the legal heir, Casi Row Hol-
car.
During the war which ensued be-
tween the Britisli and Je.swunt Row
Holcar, Indore was caj)tured by the
Bombay army in 1804. The last
campaign of this usurper was ordy a
flight before the British army, which
pursued him as far as the banks of
the Bevah, to Lahore, where, being
reduce^,! to extreme distress, he sent
agents io Lord Lake to solicit a
peace.
A treaty was in consequence ar-
ranged with him by Colonel Mal-
colm on the part of the British go-
vernment, by the conditions of which
Holcar renounced all claim on Touk
Rampoorah, Boondee, Lakheree,
Sameydce, Bhamingaum, Dare, and
other places north of the Boondee
Hills ; and the Company engaged to
have no concern with the ancient
possessions of the Holcar family in
^leM'ar, Malwah, and Harowty, or
with any of the rajahs situated south
of the Chumbul.
The British government also
agi'eed to deliver over such of the
ancient possessions of the Holcap
family in the Deccan, situated south
of the River Tuplce, with the ev-
ception of the fort and pcrguimah
of Chandore, the pergunnahs of
Ambar and Seng^ham, and the vil-
lages and pergunnahs situat(;d to tho
south of tlie Godavery. These were
retained as surely for the good eon-
duct of Holcar, which, if such a.^
to satisfy the British government, it
engaged, at the expiration of 18
months from the date of the treaty,
to restore to the Holcar family the
fort and district of Chandwe, th©
pergunnaiis of Ambar and Seng-
ham, and the districts situated to
the south of the Godavery.
Jeswnnt Row Holcar by this
treaty rclin<^uished all claim to the
district of Kooneh, in Bundelcund;
but the British government engaged,
if his conduct proved satisfactory,
to bestow that district, as ajaghire,
on his daughter, Bheemah Bhyc,
and Holcar agreed not to entertain
Europeans of ;iny description in liis
service without the consent of the
British government. On the 2d of
February, 180G, by a declaratory
article, Tonk Rampoorah, and other
districts to the north of the Bondce
Hills, were also restored to him ; so
that at the conclusion, although one
of the bitterest enemies of the Bri-
tish, his loss was trifling, compared
with some others. Since that pe-
INDUS RIVER.
429
liod he lias been siihject to freqiient
lits of insanity, which have reduced
him to total iusignificaiice.
'I'ravelliiifj distance lioin Bombay,
456 miles; from Najj;|)0()r, 371 ; and
from Calcutta, 1030 miles. (Treutivs,
Marquis Wellesleif, Malcolm, Brough-
toii, At.)
InuraPoor, (Indrapur). — A dis-
trict on the S. W. coast of tiie Island
of Sumatra, situated principally be-
tween the second and third degrees
of south latitude, and the town of
ludiapoor about 100 miles N. W.
from Bcncoolen. 'I'he river of In-
Urapoor, which descends from the
mountains of Korinchi, is consi-
dered as one of the largest in the
soutiicrn part of the west coast of
Sumatra, and is capable of admitting
sloops. This country ibrmcrly l>ro-
duced a large quantity of pepper,
and some gold was brought from the
interior, which now tinds another
cliaimcl. An English factory was
established here in 1C84, but never
became of any importance.
The Indrapoor prineijtality was
early dismejubered from the IMenan-
cabow empire, and long nourished
as an independent state. In 1682
the district of Aycr Aji threw olf its
dependanec on Indrapoor. In 1696
Rajah I'asisci Barat, by the intlu-
ouce of the Dutch, was placed on
the throne; but, in consequence of
a quarrel willi his protectors, tiie
EiMopcan settlers were massacred.
This occasioned a <lestruclive war,
in the event of which the rajah was
obliged to lly, and tiie country iieaily
dejiopulated. In 1705 he was re-
instated, and reigned until about
1732; but the kingdnju ne\cr rc-
Covere<l the shock, and dvindled
into the obscurity in whicii it still
<u>niiiuies. {Marsdcn, At.)
Indus Rivi.u, {Sindhn). — Tlic
source of this river lias never been
explored, and still remains a matter
of conjecture, 'i'he natives of Uin-
dostan assign it a very remote origin
in the inouutains, four or live days'
journey to tlu; north-west of Yar-
j.;hand, which v\ouId place it about
Lat. 44°. N. Long. 70°. E. near I he
city of Cashgar, in Chinese Tar-
tary. From hence they assert it
lakes a southerly direction, coming
within two days' journey of Lali-
dack, whence, turning to the west,
it takes an innnense sweep towards
Saighur (probably the Shckeidou of
the maps), and then proceeds in a
direct course to the south. Part of
this track, however, is not recon-
cileable with the easterly position of
Lahdack, and the natives, in ge-
neral, are prone to assign a remote
source to all their rivers.
An excellent judge (Mr. Cole-
brooke) thinks it possible the Indus
may originate on the western side of
the great Himalaya ridge of moun-
tains, after it takes a sweep to the
north ; it being probable, that the
whole province of Lahdack, elevated
and rugged as it is, declines fiom its
southern limits botli to the north and
west. On the other hand the na-
tives of India assert, thai mcrcliants
travelling from llindosian to Yar-
chard, in Little Bucharia (Bokhara),
rendezvous at [jahdack, from when (•«
tliey proceed in a body, travellhig
tijc greatest part of the way along
the Indus. Its source appears to
have been equally unknown to Abul
Fazel, who, in 1582, describes it as
follows ;
" The Sinuc, according to some,
rises between Cashmere and Cjisli-
g;tr, whilst others place its source in
Khatai. This riv«>r runs through
the bonlcrs of Sewad, Attock, Be-
nares, Chowpareh. and the terri(ory
of the Balooches." From this de-
scri[)tion, it apj)ears he considered
the north-cast branch as the true
Indus.
*riiis river eriters IIindo^tan about
latiliide 33°. 15'. \. where the At-
tock, or Cabul River, joins it from
the west, and adds considerably to
its bulk; for, although the Indus is
sometimes fordable above Attock, it
is not so below that point, where it
is three-fourths of a mile in breadth
in the month of July. From hence
to thtf commencement of the Dolt*.
430
INDUS RIVER.
its course is S. by W. with fewer
■nindiiii^s than any river in India.
As it proceeds along the frontier
of Arg:h;niistan, it receives all the
principal streams of that region,
provino: its general declination to the
east ; but this accession of waters
adds more to its depth tlian ex-
pansion, as from Calabangh north-
wards it is a clear deep stream, tlow-
ing between two ridges of rocks,
through a channel, in many places
not more than 300 yards broad. In
this space its banks afford salt and
alum in extraordinary abundance.
In the province of Moultan it re-
ceives all the combined rivers of La-
hore, or the Pnnjab, which increase
it greatly both in deptli and breadth,
there being water snflicicnt for ves-
sels of near 200 tons burthen titom
the Culf of Cutch to Lahore, a
distance of 760 geographical miles.
In the time of Aurengzebe an ex-
tensive trade was carried on between
these places, but at present little ex-
ists, owing to the rapacious govern-
ments and desolate state of the pro-
vinces. In the passage down boats
from Lahore occupied only 12 days.
Of the five rivers which give the
name to the Punjab, the Indus is
not considered as one, being rather
the trnnk or stock into which the
Cabnl and Lahore streams flow.
About 170 miles from the sea, by
the course of the river, the Indus
divides into two branches, of which
the westernmost is the largest. Tlii,s
branch, after proceeding about 60
miles to the S. W. divides into two
more, and as it approaches the :'ea
is again subdivided into several other
branches and crocks, like the Sun-
derbunds, or Delta of the Ganges.
Unlike the latter, however, it iias
no tjees, the dry parts being covered
with brush wood ; and the remain-
der, by much the greater part, being
arid sand, noisome swamp?, or mud-
dy lakes. It is a remarkable cir-
cumstance, that the tides arc not
visible in the Indus at a giPater
distance than 60 or 65 miles from
tfae^ sea. At the mouths of the dif-
ferent branches, the bore, or sudden
influx of the tide, is high and dan-
gerous, and the velocity of its cur-
rent has been estimated at four
miles per hour, but this must vary
gieatly at difteient places.
From the sea up to Hyderabad
the Indus is, in general, about a
mile in breadtli, varying in depth
from two to live fathoms. The swell-
ing of the river, occasioned by the
melting of tlie snow, generally com-
mences the middle of Jul}% and con-
tinues to increase until tlie end of
August.
The Indus is called Uie Sindhu, or
Sindhusin Sanscrit, and Aub Sinde,
or the Water of Sinde by the Per-
sians. From Attock, downwards to
Moultan, this river has obtained the
name of Attock, and farther down
that of Soor or Shoor, until it sepa-
rates in the Delta ; but it is gene-
rally knoAvn to Asiatics by the name
of the Sindc. From Attock to the
sea, a distance of near 900 miles, it
forms a distinct and strong barrier
to Hindostaii, v\hich has never yet
been {iassed by any of the invading
armies. Granting, as the natives
suppose, that it originates to the
N. W. of Cashgar. the extent of its
course, including the windings, may
be estimated at 1700 miles ; but its
.source is probably much less re-
mote.
In Hindostan there arc foOr ri-
vers, wliich were once much dread-
ed by religious people, viz. — It was
forbidden even to touch the waters
of the Caramassa, to bathe in the
Caratoya (a river in Eejigal, called
Curvatya in the maps), to swim in
the Gunduck, and to cross the At-
tock. The prohibition, however,
n)ay be avoided by crossing the In-
dus above its confluence with the
Attock. In Acbcrs reign a body of
Rajpoots, with their attendant Brah-
mins, crossed the Indus, to chastise
some refractory Patan tiibes ; and
the Brahmins who live in Afghanis-
rtan cross it daily without any
scruple. There aVc other Brahmins
and Hindoos, of all denomiiiatiou^
4
ISLAMPOOR.
431
who cross the Indus to '. islt tho holy
places in thf w; st ; !)nl 1hes«' per-
sons have rcnouneed the world, and
retain but few praetiees of their
classes. Tliouo;h highly r('S[)ected,
yet nobody presnines to vat or com-
inunieute with them ; bnt they go in
crowds to receive their blessing!;.
{Jicnnel, Wilford, Abul luizel. Fas-
ter, (Sc.)
Ingf.ram. — A town in the Nor-
thern Circars, district of Rajaniun-
dry, five miles south from Coringa.
Lat. 16°. 46'. N. Long. 8'2'='. 2')'. E.
Injeli.kk. — See Hjdjki.lfe.
Innycotta. — A town in the Nag-
poor territories, in the pro\iiiee of
Gnndwana, situated on the east side
of the Wnrda River, 57 miles S. W.
from Nairpoor, Lat. 20°. ;35'. N.
Long. 7.0°. 10'. E.
LiKAWADDY, ilravati). — A great
river in the Rirman empire, the
source of which lias never been ex-
plored,' but is supposed to be in the
eastern quarter of Tibet. The course
of this river is nearly north and
.<<0Hth, and it is to the Ava domi-
nions what the Ganges is to Bengal ;
at once a source of fertili/alioa and
of inland navigation, connccling the
different provinces from the fron-
tiers of Tibet and China to the
sea.
The swelling of the Irawaddy is
not influenced by the (pinritily of
rain that falls in the low countries;
but, by the lieaAV siiowns in the
niountainonspart ofitstrack. Whilst
the drought iu the ehami)aign dis-
trict is veiy great, the river rises to
its usual height ; the part of the
country near the city of Ava being
rarely rcfreslied by copious rains;
but, like Egypt, dopetuis on the over-
flowing of its river for a sup[)ly
of moisture. In the months of
.Tune, .luly. and August, the river,
which in the hot and dry season
winds slowly over its sandy bed, a
slow and sluggish stream, sv»eiis
«ver its banks and itmndates the
adjacent country. The current is
very impetuous, but is counteracted
by the stienfth of the south-west
monsoon. During the monsoon
months it rises and subsides several
times.
Notwithstanding the general name
of the river is Jrrawaddy, yet dif-
ferent parts of it are distinguished
by different names, taJcen liom places
of note on its banks. The term is
wholly Hindoo, being the name of
Indra's elephant. At Ununerapoora.
even in the dry .season, the principal
branch of the Irawaddy is a mile
broad. Its v\aters possess tJie qua-
lity of petrifying wood, in a \ery
high degree.
From Dr. Francis Buchanan's Gco-
gTaphical Rcsearclies wliile in Ava,
it apjiears, that the riv(!r coming
from Tibet, which was supposed to
be that of Aracan, is in fact tho
Keenduem, or great western branch
of the Irawaddy; and that what was
supposed to be tho western branch,
is in fact the eastern one, which
passes by Ava and nins to the s(mth,
keeping west from the province of
Yunyan in China. {Spnes, Bu-
chanan, S)-c.)
Irjah, (or Iri(tb). — An Afghan
town in tlic province of Cabul, 55
miles S. E. fronj the citv of Cabul.
Lat. :)3°. 64'. N. Long. 69°. 5'. E.
Islamabad, {t/ie Residence of
Faith). — A town in the province of
Rengai, district of Chittagoug, of
whicli it is the canital. Lat. 22°.
22'. N. Long. 91°. 42'. E. This
place stands on the west side of tho
Chitfagong River, about eight miles
from its junction witli the sea, tiic
travelling distance from CalcuUa
being about 317 miles. In tiic
neiglibourhood a sort of c;m\as is
made from cotton, . and vessels of
a considerable burthen are built here,
mostly fiom timber produced in the
district. By Abul Fazel, in ir>82,
it is described as follows: — " Chit-
tagoug is a large city, situated
among trees, on the banks of tlie sea.
It is a great empouum, being the re-
sort of Christians and other mer-
chants," {Abul Fazel, Rennel, Cole-
brooke, iS-c.)
IsLAMPooR. — A town iu the pro-
432
JAFNAPAXAM.
^ince of Ajmoer, 77 miles N. from
Jeypoor. Lat. 27°. 4'. N. Long.
76°. 33'. E.
ISLAMPOOR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Eahai . district of Bahar,
35 miles S. from Patua. Lat. 25°.
7'. N. Long. 85". 15'. E.
Islamabad. — A town in the pro-
Tince of Cashmere, 26 miles S. E.
from the city of Cashjncre. Lat.
34°. 6'. N. Lonjv. 74°. 7'. E. This
is a large town .si tuated on the north
.side of the Jhyluicii, which here i)ene-
trates through the narrow openings
of the mountains., and hjis a wooden
bridge about 80 yards across. (^Fos-
ter, ^-c.)
IsLAMNAGUR.— A towH in the Ma-
haratta territorits, in the province of
Malwah, 5 mile;; N. £. from Bos-
sal. Lat. 23°. 19'. N. Long. 77°
31'. E.
Ism AH. — A small district in Nor-
thern Hindostai:!, situated to the
south of the gi<'at Himalaya ridge
of mountains, be tween the 2yth and
30th degrees of north latitude. It
is known to be tributary to the
Ghoorkhali Rajah of Ncpaul, but
the interior has been but little ex-
plored.
IssuRDU, {Isuarada). — A town in
the Rajpoot territories, in the pro-
vince of Ajmeer. Lat. 26°. 20'. N.
Long. 75°. 10'. E. This place be-
longs to a branch of the Jyenagur
family, is sunounded with a wall
and ditch, and has a citadel in the
centre. It is one of the best built
towns in the province. {Broughton,
IrcHAPooR. — A town in the Nor-
thern Circars, 30 miles S. W. from
Oanjam. Lat. 19°. 8'. N. Long.
35°. E.
Jacatra. — A district in the Island
of Java, which Mas formerly go-
verned by its own kings; but the
last of tiicse having bocu subdued
by the Dutch East India Company,
in 1619, they have ever since pos-
sessed it by right of conquest. Be-
fore this resolution Jacatra was
the capital, but has been superseded
by Batavia, which was built very
near the former, by the Governor
General, John Pictersen Coen, im-
mediately after the conquest.
The district of Jacatra is watered
and fertilized by several rivers, most
of which are little better than large
rivulets in the dry season. The pro-
ductions are principally coffee, .su-
gar, and rice ; but the inhabitants
also raise indigo, cotton, turmeric,
ginger, and cadjang. a species of
dohchos, from w hich oil is produced.
The ancient name of this district
was Sunda Kalapa, from whence
the straits derived their name. {Sta'
vorinus, ^t.)
Jacotta, (Jayacata). — A small
town on the sea coast of the pro-
vince of Cochin. Lat. 10°. 14'. N.
Long. 76°. 1'. E. This is a forti-
tied town, with a very ancient har-
bour, where according to tradition
St. Tliomas landed.
Jactall. — A town belonging to
Nizam, in the province of Hydera-
bad, district of Dewarcundah. Lat.
18°. 48'. N. Long. 79°. 32'. E.
Jaffierabad, {Jafarahad). — A
town in the Nizam's territories, in
the province of Berar, 24 miles N.
from Jalnapoor. Lat. 20°. 17'. N.
Long. 76° 3G'. E.
Jaffiergur. — A town in the Ni-
zam's territories, in the province of
Hyderabad, 25 miles E. from Wa-
rangol. Lat. 17°. 52'. Long. 79°
25'. E.
Jafnapanam. — A district in the
northern extremity of the Island of
Ceylon, directly opposite to Negapa-
tam in the Southern Carnatic, and
considered as the most healUiy in
the island. This division consists
of an oblong peninsula, almost cut
off from the rest by a branch of tlie
sea, which penetrates nearly across
the island. From its maritime situ-
ation it escapes the intensely hot
winds which prevail on the conti-
JAGEPOOR.
433
lient. Fruits, vegetables, game, and
poullrv aboiitul in this district, and
it is only in the tract that lies be-
tween Point Pedro and Juliia that
sheep have ever been raised with
success.
The articles for foreij^n coni(neree
produced here are of no p:reat vahie ;
i'or although it alVords some einiia-
iiion aii<i pepper, tiiey are of an in-
ferior kind. boi)endeiit on tbe dis-
trict orJafna,and at a small distance
to sea, are several islands of no
great size, wiiich tlie Dulch iiavc
named tiom tiieir native ci;i<s, !~»elft,
Harlem, Lcyden, and AmsttTdam.
In these islands tliey breed horses
and cattle, as from their evcelient
pasture lliey are better adapted for
this purpose than any pan of the
main land. 'I he same system is
continued by the English lyoveru-
nient. The liorses are bred under
the .superintendence of particular
odicers, and vviien of a proper age
arc disposed of by government.
The woods towards the interior,
Avhich separate this district from the
Candian dominions, are inhabited by
an extraordinary race of savages,
suppo.scd to be the original inhabit-
ants of the country, known by the
name of Bedahs or Vaddahs. {Per-
cival, A"c.)
Jafna. — A town in the Island of
Ceylon, the capital of a district of
the same name. Lat. i;°. 45'. N.
Long.8(j°.y'. E.
The fort and town of Jai'na stand
at some distance froui the sea, but
there is a counnunication by means
of a river navigable tor l)oats, which
falls into the sea near l^oint J\^dro.
The fort of Jafua is small, but ex-
ceedingly well built; \i was, how-
ever, given up to the Tiriti.sh trooj)s
in I7iy'> without resis(ance. The
Pettah, or blac^ town, is larger and
more populous than that of Trinco-
male.
On account of its salul)rity and
cheapness many DutoJi faiuilies have
removed to Jaliia from Coiumbo.
The o^rcater part of the iiiiiabitants
arc of Mahonnnedan cxtj action, and
2 r
are divided into several tribes.knowii
by the names of Lubljahs, Moplays,
Chittees, and Cholias; these foreign
settlers greatly exceeding the native
Ceylonese in the distn»;l of Jafna.
Coiuse cloths, calicoes, handker-
chiefs, shawls, stockings, &c. are ma-
rajfactmcd from cotton, the growth
of the island- Here are also many
artificer.s, such as goldsmiths, jewel-
lers, joiners, and makers of all sorts
of hoHSciiold furniture. {Perckal,
Jaffrabat, {.Tafarahad). — A town
situated on the sea-coast of the Guj-
rat Peninsula, on the banks of a
sliallow river, and formerly a place
of considerable coinmerce. Lat. 2t<°.
o3'. \. Long. 7 i° 31'. E. It is at
present possessed by native inde-
pendent chiefs.
Jagkpoor, {or Jefiazpoor). — A
town )n the province of Cuttack, 36
miles N. N. E. from the town of Cut-
tack, situated on the south side of
the Byturnee River, which is here
nearly half a mile broad. Lat. 20°.
ou'. E. Long. 86°. 36'. E.
'I'his is a large straggling town, in
which a good deal of cloth is made.
Huring the Mogul government it was
a place of some consequence, and
the remains of several Mahommcdan
edifices are still visible. The mosque
here was built by Abou Hassir Khan,
who, ill an inscription, is very extra-
vagant in the praises of his own
mosque, although it is remarkably
ill proi)ortioned, having a large dome
and small pillars. The country
around is much intersected with
small rivers.
'Ihe jnincipality of Jagepoor in
Orissa was invaded byToghauKhan,
the INIahonnnedau governor of Ben-
gal, in A. D. 12J3, at which period
it appears to have been a state of
some importance, as the rajah not
only detieated 'J'oghan Khan, but
pursued hin> into Bengal, where he
besi(?ged Gour, the metropolis. The
api)roach of reinforccnients from
Oude compelled him subsequently
to retreat. '1 bo Mahommedans wers
again totally defeated by the KajaU of
134
JAHJOW.
Jagepoor iu 1263. There is no re^
cord at wliat time this place fell fi^
iially under the dominutioii of the
Mahommedans, who possessed it
until expelled by the Maharattas.
{Lecliie, Steicart, Upton, 4'c.)
Jaghekeh, (Jag/tira), — A town in
the Rajpoot tenitories, in the pro-
vince of Ajmecr, 65 miles N. N. W.
from the city of Ajmeer. Lat. 27^.
21'. N. Long. 74°. 12'. E.
Jag HIKE. — A district in Iho Car-
nalic, now included in llie culleclor-
ship of Chinglt'piit. From Madras
it extends northward to the Pullicat
Jjake ; southwards to Alluniparva ;
and westward beyond Conjcveram ;
being about 108 miles along shore,
and 47 iidand in the widest part, con-
. taiiiing altogether 2440 square miles.
In this district the land betwixt
the Saymbritmbaciim tank and that
of 8ri Permaturu is no where so steep
as to prevent the use of the plough,
l)ut in most places the soil is very
indifiercnt. The rocks, or large de-
tached masses of granite, project in
many parts of the tields, and almost
every Avhere the country is overrun
with low })rickly bushes. In this
jparticular p;irtof the district, except
in a few fields, which in the rainy
season are sown with ragy and other
dry grains, there is no culti\ ation.
It appears too dry fur any useful pin-
pose, except fia nishing a scanty pas-
ture. The paluiira thrives on it with-
out trouble, and is both cheap and
abundant. The titri, or fermented
juice, and the jagory, or inspissated
juice of this tree, (the ))orassus lla-
belliformis) are in this quarter mure
esteemed than those of Die w ild dale,
which is contravs to tiie opinion of
Hie Bengalcse. Could it be con-
verted into a palatalile spirituous li-
quor or sugar, the barren jdaius of
tl)e Carnatic might be rendered pro-
ductive. At Sri Permaturu there is
a, tank, which serves to water tiie
lands of one village, amounting to
2500 acres. Bamboos in this dis-
trict are very scarce, and sell lor
three times their cost in Calcutta.
Recently the natives have been en-
couraged to plant theift round tlicif
houses.,
The territoi7 named the Jaghire
was obtained iu the jear 1750 and
1763 from the Nabob of Arcot, in
return for services rendeicd t» him
and his father by the Compan)', and
was rented to the Nabob on renewed
leases until 1780, when the presi-
dency of Port St. George took the
management of it. This district was
twice invaded by llyder Ali, iu
1768, and in the war of 1780, when
he ravaged it with lire and sword.
On the termination of the latter war,
in 1784, hardly any other signs were
left iu many parts of the country o£
its having been inhabited by human
beings, than the bones of the bodies
that had been massacred, or the
naked walls of the houses, choul-
tries, and temples, which had been
burnt. To the havock of war suc-
ceeded a destructive famine, and the
emigrations from these successive
calamities nearly depopulated the
eountiy.
In 1790 the Jagliire was divided
into two eollcctorships ; but in 1794
was united the management of Mr.
Place, who continued until 1798,
Annual village settlements of the
revenue continued to be made until
1802, when the permanent assess-
ment took place; the lands having
previously been divided into 61
estates, bearing an assessment of
from 2000 to 5000 pagodas, and sold
to individuals. Although the land
be much inferior in fertility, the con-
dition of the natives throughout the
Jaghire appears fully equal to that
of Bengal. (/'. Buchanan, 5th Re-
port, jRennel, Vf.)
.lA(iUAAM, {.faijctgrama). — A Seik
town in the province of Delhi, 100
n)iles S. 1'.. fr(jm liahorc. Lat. 30°.
47'. N. Long. 75°. E.
.)auu.. — A town in the Rajpoot
territories, in the province ofAjmeer,
65 miles ^V. N. W. Ironi Jynagur.
Lat. 27°. 0'. N. Long. 74°. 38'. E.
.Tahjow. — A village in the pro-
vince of Agra, 15 miles S. by W.
tioni the cit v of Agra. Lat. 26°. 59'.
JALNAir.
435
N. Long. 77°. 5-2'. E. TIjis place
is remarkable for two decisive bat-
tles ; the first fdiiglit on tiie 8th of
.Tunc, 1658, wherein Aurengzebe to-
tally defeated his brother Dara Slic-
koli ; and the last on the 19th of
June, 1707, between the son and
grandson of Aurengzebe, Shah Al-
lum and AKiinushaun, in which the
latter w as slain. {Hunter, ^-c.)
Jains. — See Sravana, BtLOULU,
and South Canara.
Jaiver, — A town in (he province
of Delhi, situated on the east side of
the Jumna, 43 miles S. b}" E. from
Delhi. Lat. 28°. 9'. N. Long. 78°.
28'. E.
Jajarcote, {Jhurjhara Cata, (lie
Sainboo Fort). — A town in Northern
llindostan, tributary to the Goor-
khali Rajah of Ncpan!. Lat. 29°.
39'. N. Lung. 81°. 30'. K
Ja JG HUR. — A towii in the province
of Ajmeer, which was wrested from
the Rana of Odeypoor by Zalim
Singh of Kotah about the year 1803.
The surrounding district compre-
hends 84 towns and villages, 22 of
which arc exclusively inhabited by
IMeenas, who pay only ])crsonal ser-
vice to the government they live
under.
The Mceuas arc a stout, handsome
people, and go armed with a bow, a
quiver, and a dagger, at tiie use of
which they are very expert. Each
village has a civil olliccr of its own,
who manages the ailairs of the com-
nuinity according to their peculiar
customs. They do not marry with
any other tribe, and the singidar cus-
tom i)rcvails of the second brother
marryiiig the widow of the eldest.
If the second brother dies the third
takes her, until she becomes too old
to be taken by auy body. They aic
thieves and robl)ers by profession,
and maintain themselves when on
.service solely by plunder. They
make a practice of <arrying oft' the
chiidr(;n fiom any village they at-
tack ; the boys ai .•• bred up as Mee-
nas, and they sell the girls in the
neighliouring province. 'I'hcy wor-
ship principally INlahadeva. ^
2r 2
The fort of Jajghur is built on the
top of an oblong hill detached from
the main range. It consists of two
walls, flanked with round bastions,
the outer being at a eonsiderable
distance from the inner one, and
nearly half way down the hill, eack
w all having a ditch. 'l"he town lies
to the north west, and is large, well
built, and fortified. {Bronghton,
eye.)
Jalah. — A town in the Rajpoot
territories, in the province of Ajmeer,
44 miles S. S. E. from Jynagur. Lat.
26°. 23'. N. Long. 76°. 5'.' il.
Jalalgungk. — A town in tiic pro-
vince of Bengal, distiict of Kung-
poor, 135 miles W.N.W. from Dacca.
Lat. 25°. 30'. N. Long. 89°. 28'. Ill
Jallindf.r, (Jalendra, the Chief
of Waters). — A town in tlie province
of Lahore, situated in the Doabeh of
the Sntuleje and Beyali, 92 miles
E. S. E. fioin the city of Lahore,
This is a place of great extent, but
now ill ruins. It was formerly the
residence of the Afghans, and is now
inhabited by their descendants, and
by the Seiks, who are dominant here.
The modern houses arc constructed
from the materials of the miaous
houses formerly occupied by the
Afghans. In 1808 .lallindcr was
held in Jaghire by two brothers at
war witii each other; in consequence
of which they kept up a constant
discharge of lire arms during (he da}',
and at night set fire to each others
corn fields. When Kunjeet Singh,
the Seik Rajah of Lahore, reduced
this part of the province, wherever ho
met with no opposition he restored
the towns and (heir dependenci(;s to
their former proprietors, to be held
of him as Jaghircs. 'J'he eliicfs are
leudatories to the Rajali, ()at pay
him no fixed tribute. (lltA RiQ-is^
ter, '5re.)
Jalnah, (J.-ilna). — A district in the
Nizam's lerritories, in the province
of Aurungabad, situated principally
between the 19th and 20th degrees
of north lalilude. At the peace with
the Mtdiaiattas in 1803 it wus ceded
to the British, and afterwards in
436
JAMBEE.
April, 1804, by them ceded to the Ni-
zam, with N\liom it remains.
Jalnah. — A to^vn in the province
of Anruuj^abad, belonging to the
Nizam, the capital oi a district of the
same name. It was taken from the
Maharattas by the army under Col.
Stevenson in Sept. 1803, and is now
the liead-quartcis of the Hyderabad
snbsidiary foi ce. It is divided by a
small river, on one side of -which is
a town, and on the other a town with
a fort. {Itli and 12tk Kegisiers.)
Jalooan. — A town in the province
of Agra, situated on the south side
of the iSinde River, 1 15 miles S. E.
Jioin Agra, Lat. 26°. 7. N. Long.
79°. 2.3'. E. A considerai)le quan-
tity of cotton is annually sent from
this town to Bengal. It is trans-
ported by land to the tuwn of Caun-
poor on the Cangcs, a distance little
exceeding- 70 miies. From thence
it is bronglit to Mirzapoor by water,
and there sells on a medimn for two
pounds sterling p.cr cwt. {Cole-
oroohe, cVc.)
Jaloue. — A town and fortress in
the Rajpoot territories, in the pro-
vince of Ajfuecr, 55 miles S. S. W.
from Jou<lpoor. Lat. 25°. 44'. N.
J.ong. 72°. 56'. E. In 1580 this was
the capital of an independent Hin-
doo ])rincipality, and at that time
reduced by the Emperor Acber.
Jalore. — A tov^n in the Rajpoot
territories, in the province of Ajmeer,
53 miles N. E. from Odeypoor. Lat.
24°. 47'. N. Long. 74°. 20'. 1'-.
Jam DOE, {Jambhu). — A district in
the province of Lahore, situated
about the 33d degree of north lati-
tude, it is separated from the Kisli-
te^\ar tt^rritory by the River Chi-
iiaub: on the east it is bounded by
independent Hindoo districts; on the
. .soutli by Bissolie ; and on the west
by the J'unjab. The limits of the
Jamboe Rajah fluctuate greatly ac-
cording to circumstances, and he is
generally tributary to the Seiks. lu
1783 tht^ reveimes ol' this prncipality
were estimated \ii live lacks of ru-
pees, licsides the produce of Buddoo,
^tid Chandahua, or Chiixajiiah.
The face of the counli^ is hlUy and
woody, and tlie greater part but
thinly inhabited, owing to the incur-
.sionsof the Seiks and the predatory
luibits of the natives. The road to^
the city of Jamboe, in a ?outh-west
direction, lies through a delile of
sand for many miles, the sides of
whieii consist of lofty rocks nearly
perpendicular.
Jamboe. — A town in the province
of Lahore, 83 miles N. by E. fjom
the city of Ijahore, the capital of a
distript of the same name. Lat. 3S°.
N. Long. 74°. 5'. E. This town U
situated on the side of a hill, and
contains tvv o distinct divisions, which
are termed the Upper and the Lower
Towns. I'he bottom of tlie hill is
waslicd by thr Ravcy, here about 40
or 50 yards broa»l, and ibrdable at
most seasons of the year, w ith many
water-mills for grinding coin on its
banks. Jamboe is a tow n of consi-
derable connnercial resort, being an
entrepot between Cashmere and
Hindostan. The shawls when ex-
ported from Caslimerc are ])acked in
bales of a certain weight and quan-
tity, of an ascertained value, and are
seldom opened until tiny reach their,
destined market, 'i'he bales are car-
ried usually by men, who in general
are Cashmerians, the height and
steepness of the mountains preclud-
ing ihe emi)loymcnt of cattle in this
traflic. At this place the w liite mul-
berry is of a large size and exquisite
ilavour. {Fvstff, cVc.)
Jami'.kk. — A district on the north-
eastern coast of Sumatra, extending
along a river of the same name,whieh
has its principal source in the Liman
country, 'i'he town of Jambec is
situated about 60 miles fiom the sea,
and at an early stage u\' European
commerce had Dutch and English
factoiies. In 1629 it v, as attacked
l)y a Portuguese squadron, which
was employed 22 days in ascending
the river to attack some Dutch ves-
sels.
The trade here consists chiefly in
gold dust, pepper, and canc.i; bur
the greatest i)art of thtj tirst article
JAVA:
437
■jirorrrfls across llif> comitry to the
Mcsteni co.isf, ami tlic quality ol'thc
secoiui is not Iirld in «,'.sft'ftii. 'J'lic
port is ooiiscqiientl\ but Hide tie-
qiicntcd.evccpt b) luuivc lueitbaiits.
{^MarsdetL, ^r.)
Janagtr, (Jai/aiifn^.tr). — A town
possessed by iii<Ic|.t'n(iciit native
':liipt"s, in the province ot' Giijrnt, si-
tnated in a low reniiy distiict on tlic
M'est .side ol't'io Timniass Hiver. Lat,
23^
\.
l.ong. 7i°. 17'. E.
Jai'ara. — A Duleh rcsidcncv' on
tlic nortb coast of Java, vi<"!din;;- rice
and limber fur small ves-fls. Lat.
<i°. 28'. -S. Lon.u:. 111.°. 54'. V..
About three miles inland is llio an-
rient .Iav!uicse city of Japara, « hieh
Avas fornierl} the resiilenee of the
sovereigns of a state of liiut name.
(Stovoriniis, l^'c.)
Jakasoo. — A small town in the
Rajpoot territories, in the (.rovince
<if Ajmi'cr, 30 miles S. 8. E. from
.hiiai^-nr. Lat. 2(i°. 30'. N. Lonjj,-.
75°. .%'. E.
Jaukdeo, (Jagadeva). — A district
jn the Barramahal province, situated
above the Eastern («ii;uits, and now
coni|jrehended in the colh'eiorshi])
of Kistriaghcrry. The principal
towns are Kislnagherry and Kya-
cotta. 'J'his district fortns |>art of the
/inci«nt Hindoo di\ision of Dravida.
Jalmi.mow. (or S'anio'c). — A town
in the province of Aliahai)ad, situ-
ated on the S. A\'. side ol' tiie (ian,q:es,
4'2 miles S W . from liiicknow. Lat.
20°. 25'. N. J -on?;. 1U°. 2.3'. J^.
Jaulda, {.Taluda). — A town in tlie
province of Bengal, district of Pa-
<hele, 160 n)iles N. W. from C'al-
<w<ta. Lat. 2:i°. 22'. N. Lonjr.S0°.
4'. v..
Jaumoad. — A town in the Nizam's
teriilorics, in the province of Berar,
52 miles E. from lioorlianj.oor. Lat.
21°. l.-y. .N. Lon-. 77°. 7'. i:.
JAVA, yYava, Bayh:/').
A large island in the Ea.st( in Seas,
sitnatfcd between the sixth and
uiiitij degrees of ^outh latitude, and
exlendina: nearly in iUc direction of
cast and west. 'I'o the south an<l
west its shores arc washed by the
Indian Ocean; to the north-west,
lies the Island of Snmatra; to the
north, Fi(»rneo ; l<t the north-east,
Celebes; and to the east it is sepa-
rated by two narrow straits from the
Islands of Madnra and Hali. In
length it may bt- eslinnded at GOO
miles, liv f)5 the average breadth.
'I'he arm of the sea between Java
and Sninatra is known by the appel-
lation of tlu' Straits of Snnda, nwY
is about 20 miles wide in the nar-
rowest part. The coast, from the
Straits of Snnda, rises by degrees ti>
a range of hills, which eommenco
at the <'ast in the |)rovince of lial-
lambonang, and continue through it
to the westward, giaiinall} de-
creasing in height, and di\idiiig the
island longitudinally, into tsvo parts,
of which the northern .section is the
largest and best. The whole extent
of the noitli coast is low, swamp}',
and v\oo(ly ground, except a little
way to the west of Bant;un, where
the high land stretches (low n to the
sea-coast. Among the mountains
in the <entre of the island there is
a volcano still smoking.
(Ml the north side there arc seve-
ral deep inlets or bays, such as those
of IJantani, Katavia, Cherilion, Sa-
marang, Joana, and Soinabhava,
where tliere is good anchorage in
moderate depths, duiing the good
or sonlii-east monsoon ; but, in the
bad monsoon, when the north-west
wind blow s hard, and raises a sea,
it is dangerous to anchor near the
coast. Tlie southern coasts of Java
are nnu'ii le^s known than the north
ern, being a boKi rocky shore, al-
nuist inaccessible, and hitherto biit
ijnpcrfectly surveyed.
'i'lic caNicrn cxtreniity of Java Is
but thinly inhabited, and very little
cleared or cidtivated. Dagnouw an-
gie, a Dnich establishment on the
Straits of JJally, is .separated from
iiie station of Panaroukan by an
immense wilderness, across a nionn-
taiuous country, covered with thick
438
JAVA,
woods, abounding with tigers, buf-
faloes, leopards, and large apes, and
only to be penetrated by a narrow
path, bordered on each side by thick
grass, niiie or ten feet high, the tract
being only known to the natives.
This path continnes up and down
hill, and crosses several rivers made
rugged bv projeciing rocks.
Java is watered by a great num-
ber of livers, which all descend
from the central chain of moun-
tai;;s; but none of them are navi-
gable for ships or large vessels, on
account of their shallow water, and
being impeded at their outlets by
sand and mud banks, over most of
gin to blow. Hence tliese three
months, as also October and part of
November, are called the shifting
months, and the breaking up of the
monsoons are considered at Batavia
as the most imhealthy season of the
year.
As far as nine or 10 degrees south
of the line, when the westerly winds
prevail, the contrary takes place at
the same time and distance to the
north of it, and vice versa, when to
the north the Avcsterly vinds blow,
the easterly prevail to the south of
the hne; which alteration greatly
assists the navigation of Java.
A Ions, the coast of Java the land
Avhich there is not one foot depth of and sea breezes bloAv every day,
water at low ebb. The most con-
siderable river is that of Joana, and
the Sedani, or Tangerang. On the
bank or bar before Batavia the Hood
rises about six feet, and at spring
tides rather more. High and low
water occur at Batavia only once in
24 hours.
The jear in Java is divided into
without exception, and moderate the
intensity of the heat. Tlie sea breeze
which, in the east monsoon, is ge-
nerally co3ifined between E. N. E,
and N. but in tlie west monsoon
goes as far as N. W. begins to blow
about n or 12 o'clock in the fore-
noon. It increases gradually in the
afternoon until evening, and then
two seasons ; one of which is called dies imperceptibly away until eight
the east or dry monsoon, and the or nine, when it becomes perfectly
other the west monsoon, or rainy calm. The land wind begins at mid-
season. The east or good monsoon night, or just before, and continues
commences in tlie months of April until an hour or two after sun-rise,
and May, and tinishes the end of when it falls calm again until the
September, or tlie beginning of ()c- sea breeze comes oil at its accus-
tober. The trade winds then blow
from four or five leagues off shore,
through the whole of the Indian
Seas to the south of the line from
the S E. and E. S. E. at times going
as far south as S. S. E. with fine dry
weather.
The west or bad monsoon gene-
rally begins the latter end of Novem-
ber, or early in December. While
it continues the wind often blows
with great violence, and is accom-
tomed hour.
Erom the montli of July to No-
vember, the thermometer at Bata-
via ranges from 80 to 90 in the hot-
test time of the day, and, during tiio
greatest coolness of the morning, is
seldom lower than 70°. The warmth
of the air decreases on approaching
the mountains, which lie towards the
centre of the island. At a countiy
seat of the governor's, named JUii-
tenzorg, 40 miles south from Ea-
panied by heavy torrents of rain, tavia, and situated at the foot of tl)«
which render the season generally
luihealfhy. The same winds are
found tf» prevail every where to tlie
south of the line, and last until the
conclusion of Icbruary, or coni-
inenceinent oF March, from whicii
time they are vciy variable until
April, when the easterly winds be-
blue mountains, tlie air is healthy
and refreshing, and the cold so great
in the mornings and evenings, that
thick clothes are necessary. The
barometer throughout the whole
year scarcely undergoes any varia-
tion, and Hcvrr exceed;^ two ov three
lines.
JAVA.
439
\'-.uT tu Ftiamlianan. in the. crntrc
♦if tho isliuiil. (lun^ is a lol'ty lidijo
o| ni<)iint;iiiis, fxleiuiiiii^ in a di-
rection fronj north to south. Oiio of
these is a volcano, and iho. whole-
chain is of cxtiaordiniiiy forlility,
and cnlti\at<d for two-thirds of their
hcifilit. 'I'iie thcrinonu'tcr, as tho
travelh'r ascends, !i,ia(hially sink:i
from So°. the ordinary iieii^lit in the
I)lain, to near 50°. at the summit of
the niountains. Tlic heat durinj:^ Ihe
day, in tlie hiij;hcst parts that arc
cultivated, is Irom GO to 6.'>, and at
ninht is as low as '>1°. Here the
Sf)il is fertile, and tlie chjuds that
overliang- the mountain tops supply
.nbnndaucc of ^\ater. All tlic pro-
diictiuns of Euro[te, hardly one of
wliieh will flourish helow, arc lierc
cultivated with .success. These hills
produce considerable quantities of
wheat and potatoes of an excellent
qualitj'. Even oats and barley have
been tried with s^reat success, as
also some European fruits.
On account of tlie luxuriant soil,
many parts of Java are covered with
thick forests, which it is dilficult to
penetrate, owinij to the (piantity
of underwood and creepiuf; plants
fsonui of the latter above 100 iiSet
in length), whicli form a sort of a
net, and are impassable without the
aid of a cutting instrument. In
8omc of the more open spots spi-
ders' webs are found of a remark-
able degree of strength, and the
matted grass swarms with snakes
and venomous reptiles.
The soil of Ja\a may generally be
considered as pure \cgetable mould
resting on clay, argiltaceous iron
stone, or coarse limestone of a loose
porous texture. It is remarkable
that the ^oil of Sumatra and the
Malay Peninsula should be re-
markable sterile, while that of Java,
so contiguous to both, should ex-
ceed in fertility almost ;ny countiy
in tiie world. i)( this it is a sufli-
cient proof that sugar cane, tobacco,
and other plants, w hicli, in the rich-
est parts of India, require an abun-
dant supply of mamire, are here
raised in greater pcrfeclion without
any assistance of that description ;
and to this diflercnce of soil th'j
superior jiopulation and moie eftrly
improvement of Java are chiefly to
be ascribed.
Ploughing in Java is chiefly done
by buffaloes, but the plough in use
is a very clumsy machine. One or
two bnflaloes are yoked to it, and
guided by a Chines;-, or Javanese,
who performs the tillage very lei-
surely. Horses are plenty, but of a
diminutive size. IJut little mainne
is used l)y the natives; the principal
trouble taken is thatof collecting and
burning the weeds, and when one
])iece of ground ceases to yield ade-
quate crojis another is resorted to,
and the first allowed to lie fallow
until it is refreshed. Garden grounds
are cultivated w ith great care, and
moistened with w ater, in which oil
cakes and other cakes of manure
have been soaked, which greatly en-
riches the soil.
Ey Ptolemy Java is named the
Island of Ijarley ; but the grain is
unknown to the Javanese, and will
not grow in any i)art of the island,
except a few cold mountainous
tracts, where it has been cultivated
through the curiosity of the Eu-
ropeans. The first jjroduction of
Java, in quantity and importance, is
rice, which, in whiteness, quality,
aiid flavour, excels that of all the
Eastern Archipelago, and ranks
next to that of Japan. 'J'his island
produces not only a sufhciency for
its own consumption, but also sup-
plies many of the adjacent countries,
and all the more easterly Dutch set-
tlements. Of this grain there are
two species, one wliich is planted
in water, and kept moist by irriga-
tion ; the other is planted during the
rainy season on high ground, and re-
ceives its supply of water solely
from the rains. Tlie low land rice
is planted in I\Iay, while the upland
rice is planted in November, and
reaped in March, 'i'he last brings
the best price, being a whiter, harder,
and better flavoured grain, and hav-
440
JAVA.
ing 2;re.Tily ihe au\arifac;e in respfct
to keepiijg. The otiu r is much move
prcfliiclive, aiul subject (o less lisk
in tlie culture ; i)iit it is of watery
substance, and liable to a more ra-
pid decay. Besides this fjeneral
distinction, the rice of each sort,
particularly the upliiud, presents a
variety of species.
The next slapleof Java is pepper,
of which niiJcli ihe f^rearer propor-
tion of the whole ispiodsieed in the
prinrijiality of Jiaiitam; in 17-"/ the
whole anioniitcd to six millions of
pounds. 'I'liC cidlivation ol' Ihis
spice in other countries having- since
been greally encourafrcd, and the
demand in Lnrope diminished, added
to the long blockade of the Dutch
ports, the quantity raised in Java
has decreased also.
Sugar is chirjly the production of
the district of Jacatra; but it is also
niamilactured in that of Cherjbon,
and along thf; noith-eastern coast of
Java. In 1768 the whole produce
exceeded 15 millions of poinids, and
was capable of being greatly aug-
mented, 'i lie cane grows luxuri-
antly, and it is a I'avourite article of
culture with the Chinese, who arc
the gn'at sugar planters and manu-
facturers. Their works are not so
solidly constructed, nor so enor-
mously expensive, as those in the
West Indies. \\ hen the manufac-
ture is completed, the sugar is di-
vided into three (jualitics; the first
of which is scut to Europe, the se-
cond to the west of India, and the
third, \Ahich is the brownest, to
Japan,
CoHee is an article yielding large
crops in Java, and cultivated in the
same manner as in the West Indies.
In 1708 the cpuintity produced ex-
ceeded live millions of pounds; and,
like sugar, its productioiv is capable
of being greatly increased.
The cotton shruli is raised in many
parts of the island, but does n^t
form an article of export. Salt is
brought in large quantities from
llembang to Batavia, and fronr
tlieucc re-exported, a considerable
portion hein,? sent to t1;e S. W.
coast of Humatra. The indigo plant
grows luxuiiaiitly, aiui the qnaiitity
rai-^ed, al*hough hitherto small, rnay
be greatly incieased; turmeric and
long pepper are also produced and
exported.
The riorlh-east coast and part of
the Cheiiijon district finnish a laige
quantity of logs, beanis, boards,,
knees, and other pieces of timber
for the coiisuniption of Batavia, for
s])i| -building, and occasionally for
the ont-setUcmcuts nv.d the C ape of
Good Mope. The large forests bc-
l;,ng to the Dutch East India Com-
pany as sovereigns, and the wood is
felled and prepared by the natives
at a moderate expense.
The Island of Java is ])articularly
abundant in fruit and fruit trees,
among which may be enumerated
the cocoa nut and many other
palms, oranges, citrons, tamarinds,
shaddocks, lemons, the jack tree,
mangoes, niangosteens, pine apples,^
bananas, the sweetsop, custard ap-
ple, the rambutan, and guava; in
addition to which are grapes, me-
lons, jiumpkins, pomegranates, and.
tigs. The maugostc^en is reckoned
the most delicious fruit of the east,
and is of a singularly good ilavourin
Java. The tree on which it grows
is extremely b<autiful, bearing, like
the orange, both fruit and flowers at
tlie sauic time. The fruit is nearly
a perfect .sph( re, of a bright or dark
))urple, according to the degree of
ripeness. It rests on a green calyx,
the upper part surmounted by a co-
rona, which is generally divided
into as, many rays as the fruit con-
sists of lobes, which are of a white,
delicate, pulpy substance, covering-
each a small nut. The husk, (u-
shell, contains a "brown astringent
juice.
The celebrated upas, or poison
tree, of whi.i^h the account, by Fo-
ersch, attracted little attention, un-
til it was inserted as a note to Dr.
Darwin's Poem of the Botanic Gar-
den, is now established to be en-
tirely of fabulous exibteucc, and a
JAVA.
441
bold oxpfiiiiioul ou flic credulity of people 11iroii<;iiont sprak the same
iaiiS";>S*^i ii'ul iiave llio saiDC iiiaii-
ueis, habits, and »!ustoms, [listory
and tradition icla1<\ that lli< y were
once uiiitcd under one sovereign ; a
fact which the present state of their
langiiaf^e and institntions tends to
corroborate. 'I'lu; lorni of govern-
ment among tlio Javanese is essen-
tially despolic, and answers to the
most alistraet idia of uniiinitHd un-
controuled jjower. The will of a
Javanese prince is literally law, and
there exists neither civil nor re-
ligions institutions to oppose a bar-
rier t(j it.
Among the people tljcrc are no
hereditary ranks or distinctions; the
monarch by his autliority may raise
the humblest peasant to the fii-st
rank in the empire, or level the
higiiest with the nv ancst of his sub-
jects. He is heir to all under his
dominion, and land iu particular is
his exclusive property. Large tracts
of territory arc frequently given one
day, and resumed the next; and
neither grant nor occupation can
give a subject the remotest claim to
permanent property. Porlioiis of
land are given in place of salaries to
the officers of government, and rc-
Aocated at pleasure. So lluctuating
is the possession of such gifts, that
hardly in any instance are lands at
jnesent held by the heirs of those
who occupied them 30 }ear.s ago.
I'lom this state of pro})erty it re-
sults that there is no hereditary no-
bility in Java, whic!) \\ould be in-
compatible with the uid)0unded pre-
rogatives of the prince; yet the
Javanese arc not vvithout their titles
of nobility. These arc conferred
during pleasure, but carry witli them
Jiotwilhstanding extraordinary pri-
vileges, or rather an extensive power
to do mischief. In proportion to
their degree, they connuand the ve-
neration of the superstitious people,
who consider them as an emanation
from ro\alty, and respect them ac-
cordingly.
'Ihe people and privileged orders,
being thus so greatly separated, di-
persons at a distuucc.
The great boa snake found in the
forests of Java is superior in mag-
nitude to the alligator, and no less
formidable in other respects. Some
of this species have been killed 30
i'ct't long. The olhcr animals arc,
iu every respect, similar to those of
Sumatra, v^hcve a more particular
desciiption v. ill be ibund. lor one
fipecics of the moid;ey genus, called
tiic Wow Vv'ow, tiie Javanese pre-
tend to have a fellow-feeling, there
being a tradition among them that
their ancestors originally sprung from
this species of aj)e.
In Java every cil)ject seems im-
pregnated witii life. A glass of
water taken out of the canal at 11a-
tavia, becomes in a few hours a col-
lection of animated matter; the mi-
nute portions of which nudtipiyitig
by division and subdivision, move
about with astonishing rapidity; an<l
the bay swarming with myriiids of
living creatures, exhibits in tlie niglit
time a )ihosphoreseent hght. The
insect tribes are also extremeiy nu-
merous ; snakes, scorpions, spiders,
ants, musipiitors, tire Hies, and juany
other dangerous and disgusting ver-
min, swarm in the roads, houses,
and bed chambers. A venomous
spider is very common in the
thickets of Java, the body of which
is two iutlies in diameter, and the
length of the fore legs (u- claws four
iuciies, covered with hair, the colom*
black, and the mouth red. I'he
forests and niouiiiiiins contain an
immense number and variety of
birds, from the en>sowary to the
humming biid, whit ii is little larger
than a eomnion bee. Among tiie
birds are beautiful iooiies and parro-
quets, argus pheasants, the golden
tiiiush, and kings lisher.
When tiic Dutch first established
themselves in Java, l!;c island was
divided into three great states, flan-
tam, Jacatra, and tiie empire of the
.Socsoehoenau ; which last was the
most extensive, and comprehended
two-thirds of the whole island. The
442
JAVA.
\idc the coniinuiiilj' into two classes,
tlic distinction of which is so niaiked
antl hnniiliating-, that it has aflTccted
tlio Javanese language ; the men of
rank actually speakin<^ one language,
and the plebeians anotiier, Aviiich tlit-
ter as iiuich as any tvvo dialects of
tile same European tongue. The
nobleman would think himself de-
p^raded by using- the language of the
inlerior classes, and it would be a
dangerous preeumption in the latter
to assume the language of their su-
periors. 'J'his distinction of lan-
gnage is carried still further, for it is
still more nicely adapted to the dif-
ferent gradations of rank; and v\ith
regard to the sovereign in particular,
in a variety of instances he makes
use of one language, and is spoken
to in another, botlt exclusively ap-
propriated to himself. The Java-
Tiesc language, besides these strange
effects produced on it by the con-
stitution of the society, carries Avitli
it marks of a copiousness ilowin^
from olher sources ; probably the
union of many dialects in one, ap-
parently of long cultivation, ail'ord-
ing a strong presumption of con-
siderable antiquity, and overflowing-
with Avords of pure Sanscrit.
When a Javanese subject comes
into the presence of his prince, lie
assumes the most abject position,
rather crawling than w alking, both
in approaching and withdrawing-.
Instead of shewing his respect by
the decency of his attire as in
Europe, however high his rank, he
anxiousiy displays (he relative mean-
ness of his condition by appearing in
a state of halt-naked raggedness,
and his language corresponds with
Jiis dress. 'I'o his monarch he speaks
with anaAve and reverence approach-
ing to adoration, and instead of at-
tempting to recommend himself by
the elegance and propriety of his
dii-conrse, he selects the language
of an igtinrant and abject slave ; and
Tiot unlVcquently mimics some bar-
barotis idiom, to express more em-
phatically the immeasurable in-
eqviaJity cf his «onditioii, compared
with that of his sovereign. lin Java
and all the adjacent countries, to sit
and not to stand is the posture of
respect. An infei ior never presumes
to stand in the presence of a person
of superior rank.
At present Java is divided into
five principal states or governments,
which are Bantam, Jacatra, C'heri-
bon, the empire of tlie Soesochoenan,
and that of the sultan. These ar»
again subdivided into 123 districts,
eacli of which contain a certain num-
ber of inhabitants. The population
of Java was estimated by A alentyu
at 3,300,000, and the Dutch authors
assert, that it has since been pro-
gressively decreasing; but it does
not appear there is any solid foun-
dation for this opinion. In 1792 it
was estimated by the gentlemen of
Lord IVIacartney's embassy, at
2,300,000. It is said that in 1808
General Daendels caused a census
to be taken, by the returns of whichi,
exclusive of the south coast of the
island, the population appeared to
exceed three millions.
By the system of the Butch go-
vernment the country is divided
into districts, over each of which is
a chief or governor, called Tomo-
gong; whose duty it is to take care
that the full share of the peasant's
produce be delivered, i'or the use of
the sovereign, the Dutch, and them-
selves. The princes of the diflcrent
states into Avhich Java is subdivided
are all more or less under the in-
Ihience of the Dutch East India
Company, Avhich maintains forts
and garrisons thionghout their do-
minions.
'I'lie Chinese in Java are very
numerous, and severely taxed by the
Dutch; notwithstanding which, theso
industrious persons lind means io "
pay the tax imposed, and accumu-
late wealth. 'J'liey intermarry with
the Javanese and Malays, and pur-
chase female slaves tor Avives and
conenbincs. Many of them, par-
ticularly at Batavia, carry on very
considerable trade with their native
country and the several islands of
JAVA.
443
the Eastern Archipelago, as well as
a coasting trade tioni one part to
anotlier ofjava; in all the principal
towns of which the Ciiincse t'onn
the great capitalistj;. Aloni^; with
these laborious habits it is ren)ark-.
able that they are extremely ad-
dicted to ganiinjc, permission for
which is farmed out. In Bafavia,
the officers who cyntronl the Chinese
gaminj^-houses are recpiired to pay
to the Dutch government a monthly
contribution of 3100 rix dollars, or
about 80001. sterling per an:ninj.
The Javanese are in general about
the middle size of Europeans, straight
and well made, all the joints of their
hands and fe<'t remarkably small,
and the colour of their skin a deep
brown, api)roaehingto black. Their
eyes are black and pioniinent, the
nose rather broad and somewhat
flattened. The hair is black, and
kept smooth and shining w ith cocoa
nut oil. By the women it is twisted
into a knot on the toj) of the head ;
where it is fixed with gold or sih er
pins, and decorated with sweet smel-
ling flowers. Among the Javanese
jet black is the favourite colour for
the teeth, comparing to monkies
tliose who keep them of the natural
colour. They in consequence of this
taste Main Ihtir teeth of the deepest
black, except the two Iront ones,
which they cover with gold leaf.
Whenever the dye or gilding is m orn
pff, they are \ery attentive in re-
placing it on the proper teeth.
That attention to personal clean-
liness, which distinguishes the Hin-
doos, is unknown lO the Javanese,
who on the contrary are remarkable
for their (ilthiness. In point of diet
they are most indiscriminate and
voracious, seldom ob>erving any re-
gular meals ; and, although Ma-
hommedans, indulging freely in in-
toxicating liquors, even at their re-
ligious ceremonies. TJiey differ also
in other respects from the Hindoos,
particularly with respect to their
females, to whose chastity they are
perfectly inditi'ercnt ; and perhaps
there is no people in the world who,
in this respect, exhibit a greater de-
pravity of morals, liven with th«
Sumatrans and Malays they Ibrm a
striking contrast. The usual food of
those who inhabit the low country is
rice with a little fish, but in the high
lands among the mountain.s many
make use of a certain root called
tallas, with tlie salt which they pro-
cure from wood ashes.
Their principal weapon is a creese,
which is a kind of dagger, with a
blade of hardened steel, of a ser-
pentine shape, and from its tbrui ca-
pable of making a huge and wide
wound. The dress of the lower
classes consists of a piece of cotton
clotii, which they wnip round their
waist, and passing through between
their legs fasten up behind. Tiieir
dwellings are constructed of split
bamboos, interlaced or matted, plais-
tered with clay, and covered with
leaves of the cocoa nut tiee. The
whole house usually con.sists of but
one apartment, in which husband,
wife, children, and the poultry they
keep, all lie together on the ground.
Like all the rest of tiie Sunda is-
landers they are immoderately fond
of cock tighting, which is a source
of revenue to the Dutch East India
Company, who make them pay for
permission to keep these birds. This
tax is peculiar to the province of Ja-
catra, and, in 1770, produced 351.
10s. per month.
The Javanese are polygamists, and
many as many wives as they can
maintain, besides keep a numerous
retiiiue of iemale slaves in the ca|)a-
<ity of concubines, 'i'his however
does not occur with tlie lower classes,
who have only one wife. Females
ore usually married at the age of 10
or 12, until which time they go
nearly naked, wearing only a belt
round their waist, w ith a metal plate
in front, rings round their wrists,
I'hains about tiie neck, and flowers
in Iheir black shinijig hair. "When
a girl is es))Oused she rides about the
town, accompanied liy her friends,
the relations and slaves of both fa-
milies, with a band of noisy music.
444
JA\ A.
This is generally licr fust and last
pnhlic exhibition; for if she marries
iutoafamily of condition, she is shnt
11)) for the remainder of her Hfe. Tlie
women arc in proportion more come-
ly tlian the men, and very much at-
tached 10 Europeans, of wliom they
aie exlrenicly jealous.
The piivate horns of a Javanese
piince are mostly passed in the so-
ciety, or at least in the presence of
^vomen. His day is consumed with
the most placid apathy in smoking-
Iiis hookah, while a troop of dancinjj
men or ^\ omen aj e stipposed to aflord
him anmsement. At other times the
females of his serap,lio relate the Ion-;-
tradilioiiary stories and adA'entures
of the ancient heroes and demij:;ods,
contained in their Cheritras, or sa-
cred hooks, M'hich are derixed from
the mythological fables of the Hin-
doo Puranas. The heat of the cli-
mate has been alleged as an apology
for the indolence of the Javanese,
but the fallacy of this position is
proved by the industiy of the Chi-
nese, uho in diligence and persever-
ance in maruud labour surpass many
of the most industrious classes in
Europe. These inhabit the same is-
land, and open their variegated
fihops, and till the soil neglected by
the natives amidst whom they reside.
The Jawa, or Javanese language,
is athnilted by tiie Malays to be that
of a more ancient nation than them-
.sehes, and seems at one time to
have been current throughout the
wiiole exleut of Java. It is so es-
sentially distinct from the Malay,
that Ihese people arc not in (he least
intelligible to each other, and in the
interior of the island not one native
among 10,000 can speak the Malay.
'I'he alpliabet of Java is peculiar, and
has v.o resemblance in tlie order of
posiUon to the Deva nagari- The
Malays of Java frequently use the
Javanese character to express their
owii language, and have also trans-
lated the Koran into Javanese. The
literature of the Javanese is similar
<o (hat of the Malays, but appa-
rently of prior origin.
The early civilizalion of the? Ja-
venese is renderctl still more credible
by their possession of an era and a
methodical division of time, which
is probably of Hindoo origin. The
year A. D. 1814 conesi)onds with
the 1741st of the Javanese era. The
Hindoo names for tlic days of the
week, though now obsolete, arc uni-
versally knowji to the learned Ja-
veiiest.'. It is also a remarkable cir-
eumR(ance, and a proof of (heir im-
perfect conversion, that the JaA ancsc
aie the only Mahonnnedans who
have not adopted the cpocha of (he
flight of Mahommed, considered
among his followers as an indispen-
sible article of faith.
That the Javanese once professed
the Hindoo religion in some form is
proved by many facts. Besides the
corroboration presented by their lan-
gujigc, there are the relics of the
.Hindoo religion still adhering to
tht>ra ; the traditions which exist of
(heir ancient belief, and the temples
and idols peculiar to Hindoo super-
stition, with inscriptions in the sacred
languages v\' that faith.
The penances and austerities of
the Hindoo ritual are still occasion-
ally practised by the Javanese, and
their virtue in conferring superna-
tinal power over gods, men, and the
<l(-ments, slill seriously believed in.
J>y all connected with the rojal
blood, and by them only, (he fl(;sh
of the cow is religiously abslained
liom. There is scarcely any reason
to beiievc that the institution of
castes (the grand Brahminical dis-
tinction) ever prevailed among (he
Javanese; from which, and from
olher eircumslanecs, it is probable
liiat the prevailing religion of Java
was Buddhism; yet the Iciripks and
inscriptions found in varioiis |)ar(s of
(he isliuid furnish sufficien( e%idei;ee,
(hat (he doctrines of Biahma had
also obtained a footing. A few ido-
laters are still found in liie mouii-
tains at the east end of Java, and in
the neighbouring island of Bally (he
religion of Buddha is the jircx ailing
one, although some Maiiojnnicdaufi
JAVA.
445
m-e fomul on the soa-coast. The
most extensive remains of [liiidoo
lelif^ious edifices in Java are those at
iioroni^ Undor (the piaee of many
idols), in the district of ('adoo, at
Branihanani, and in the districts of
Mntarani and 15ananl)oiian!i.
'J"he jtredomjnant reli;j;ion at pre-
sent is that of Mahoinmed, adidte-
rated by many snperstitious notions
au<i ol)servanees, retained from the
reiiu,ion of tlieir ancestors. In 1 lOfi
Sheikh ibn Moiana, or Ben Israel,
un Arabian Mho had sjreatly eon-
Iributed to the propau,ation of the
jVIahommeihui faith in the neii2;h-
Jjoiiring countries, came to Java,
and became both a powerful sove-
reign and venerated apostle of that
rellijiou. The Kings of Bantam and
Cheribon claim him for their an-
cestor, and pilu:rlniagcs are perform-
ed to his ninsqne and mausoleum
near the town of Cheribon, vvhicli
edifice may rank among the most
curious and nia;j:niti(!ent antiquities
of the Eastern Isles. Many other
niosfjues and phiees of prayer are
dispersed o%er the eoniitry, mostly
built of wood, and without ornament
of any sort. The deatl are not buried
10 c(»tiins by the Javanese Maiiom-
inedans, the bodies beinu; merely
wrapped in a piece of white cloth,
and deposited in the grave. Over
the head one stone is placed, and
over the feet another, wliich tlicy
believe are to sene lor seats to the
two angels, who after their death
are to examine into the nattne of
their conduct during their existence.
In the interior of the island more
than 100 stones were discovered, in
•1811, covered with inscriptions in
what was supposed to be an un-
known character, but \\ liich has been
discovered by ^Jr. Alarsden to be
the square Pali, a sacred character
of the Birmans. Among the idols
found in Ja\a, both of stone and
metal, there are matiy of Brahma,
Vishnu, Mahadeva, ynd Bliavani;
and that of Ganesa, with his elephant
head, was frequently recognized by
ihe British, ofhcers during their law
1
campaigns in that island. Many si-
milar stones and lignres an; also ti;
be found in the Lampong «uuiitry in
Sumatra.
Like all other nations tlie early
history of the Javanese is lost in the
jnist of fabulous anti(|nity. in more
modern times the Javanese ainials
give accounts of political relations
having subsisted between the states
of Pajagaran and iMojopalut, in Ja-
va, with those of Menancalow, Sin-
gapura, and Paleinbang, in Snma-
tftj, and with Succa<lana and Ban-
jarmassin, in Borneo. TJiis fact
seems confirmed by the present con-
dition of several of tin* neighbouring
islands, where at this day the Avritten
language, as well as tlie language of
the coint, are Javanese, although
the indigenous dialect of these is-
landers be entirely diflerent. This
observation ap|)lies to, Madnra, Bal-
ly, Sumbhava, and Lombhouk, which
once formed part of the doisiinious
of the princes of Mojopahit, and
^\ hich appear also to have received
the whole of their literature from
Java.
Por more tli.in a century the
Dutch remained in unmolested pos-
session of this large and fertile is-
land, and might have continued su,
but for the ircneh nivolution, which
brought then! under subjeetiou to
that nation, and rendered an attack
necessary on the part of the British.
An expedition was in consequeiM'e
dispatched liom India under Sir
.Samuel A nehniuty, which laiidedon
the 4th August, 'l81 1; on the 8th
the city of Bata\ia surrendered at
iliscretion; on the iOlh a sharp ac-
tion took place at W'elte I'rcden,
with the cor])s d'eiite of the Galio
Batavian army, whicii was driven
into the strongly intrenched camp at
Cornells. Un the iOtli tliis post was
carried by assault, when the wholu
of the eui^my's army, consisting of
upwards ol 1 0,000 disciplined troops,
were either killed, taken, or dis-
persed; and mrh this action con-
cluded the l>iitch sovereignty of Ja-
va. E\ci\ prior to this they held tiij
446
JEJURRY.
island bj' )atlicr a precarious tenure,
and were obliged to adopt the sinister
poliey of fomenting a constant dis-
union among the more powerful
princes of Java, wlio govcni under
the titles of allies and tributaries,
and to retain them in due subordi-
nation large reinforcements from Eu-
rope were aiuuially requisite.
Short as the period has been con-
siderable improvements have taken
place in Java since the British ob-
tained po: session, and jnorc were in
contemplation. Considerable por-
tions of the Cadowan I'orest, iu the
Paccalougang district, have been
rented out to cultivators, who have
engaged to convert the land, now
covered with jungle, into rice fields
in three years. The high eastern
road, which ruiis through this forest,
is said to have cost the lives of above
3000 persons in making, during the
goverinnent of General Daendaels,
and tlie whole must continue very
unhealtliy until the country is better
cleared. An improved system of po-
lice has been introduced, which ab-
rogated the extreme severity of the
Dutch code, and at the same time
proved intiHitcly more effectual in
the prevention of crimes. New ar-
rangements have ^Iso been esta-
blished for the collection of the re-
venue, the total amount of which
has been considerably augmented,
altliougii levied on the natives in a
less oppressive manner than before ;
and the long blockade of Java hav-
ing ceased with its capture, the co-
lonial and coasting trade to the ad-
jacent isles are progressively increas-
ing. {Stnvorinvs and Notes, Eiin-
hurgh JReview, Bai-ro'c, Marsden,
Tombe, Letjden, Slanntmi, ^c.)
JvuTs.— Sec Bhurvpoor.
Jayes. — A town in the Nabob of
Oudc's territories, 55 miles S. E.
from liUcknow. Lat. 26° 15'. N.
Long. 81°. 30'. E.
Jaynagur. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Folamow,
122 miles S. S. VV. fmtn Patna. Lat.
24°. 1'. N. Long. 84°. 25'. E.
JEGHEDERP00R,(Jag'/m*rfarjj3ir), —
A town in the province of €lunrl-
wana, 20 miles south from Bustar.
Lat. 19°. 26'. N. Long. 82°. 21'. E.
Under this town a considerable
river runs, named the Inderowty
(Indravati), the bed of which, at this
place, is very rocky, and not ford-
able at any season of the year. There
is a small fort on a peninsula formed
by tlie winding of tlie river, which,
iu the rainy season, overflows its
banks, and forms a lake of consi-
deiablc dimensions. {Blunt, S,-c.)
Jehanabad. — A town belonging
to tlie Maharattas, in the province
of Khaudesh, three miles south from
Boorhanpoor. Lat. 21° 18'. N.
Long. 76°. 21'. E.
Je HENA B A D, {Jehanabad). — A town
in the province of Bahar, district of
Bahar, 33 miles S. by W. from Pat-
na. Lat. 25°. 13'. N. Long. 82°.
5'. E.
Jehungseal. — A small town in
the Afghan territories, in the pro-
vince of Mooltan, 30 miles N. E.
from the city ol Mooltan. Lat. 30°.
54'. N. Long. 71°. 40'. E.
Jejurry. — A Maharatta town in
the province of Bejapoor, 28 miles
S. E. from Poonah. Lat. 18°. iC.
N. Long. 74°. 17'. E.
The temple at this place is dedi-
cated to an incarnation of Maha-
deva, or Siva, under the form of
Kandeh Row, which he assumed to
destroy an enormous giant named
Manimal. It is built of fine stone,
and situated on a high hill in a beau-
tiful country, and has a very ma-
jestic appearance. Attached to it is
an establishment of dancing girls,
who, in 1792, amounted to 250 in
number ; with many Brahmins, and
beggars imuunerable.
'I'his temple is very rich, 60001.
being annually expended on account
of the idol, who has horses and ele-
phants kept for him ; and with his
spouse is daily bathed in rose and
Ganges water, although the latter is
brought from the distance of above
1000 miles. They are also perfumed
with Otr of roses, and decorated
with srems. I'he revenues are de-
JEIVILAH.
447
rived from Iioukps and lands given
by pious poisons, ;iiid from Ihc oflVr-
ings ot" \otaiics of all descriptions.
Tlic daufijig girls, liowevcr iiunie-
rous, arc probably not a source of
expense, but railicr of re\enuc to
the temple.
This is a favourite place among
tlie Muharattas for performing the
ceremony of swinging. In order to
expiate tiieir sins a blunt hook is
iaserted into the tleshy part of the
penitent's back, who is hoisted up
to the top of a pole from 21) to 50
ieet high, and liom thence swung
round on a transverse moveable
beam, as many times as is judged
necessary, (Moor, \-c.)
Jei.ai.arau. — A town in tht; pro-
vince of Dellii, ilistrict of liareily,
44 miles S. bv E. from Bareilv. Lat.
27° 4ry. N. Long. 79° 37'. E.
Jhlaladad. — A town in the pro-
vince of Cabul, 73 miles E. S. E.
from the cil v of Cabid. Lat. 34°. G'.
N. Long. 69°. 4o . E.
Tliis \\ as tbrmerly a town of great
note, but now much decayed, though
still of considerable strength and
importance. It has a public market,
and the adjacent district produces a
coarse sugar. {Foster, llt/i Register,
*■<■•)
Jklasir, {Jalfsu-ara, the Lord of
Waters). — A town in the province of
Agra, 28 miles N. E. from the city
of Agra. Lat. 27°. 3U'. N. Long.
78°. 13'. V.
Jkllasouf, (Jalesirara). — -A town
in the province of IJengal, district
of Midnapor, 80 miles S. W. from
Calcutta, situated on the cast side
of the Subunrceka River, which,
until 1 803, was the boundary of the
Bengal government to tlie south.
Lat. 21°.\'>0'. .N. Long. 87° 25'. E.
Jellinohy Kivr.R. — This is one
of tin; most westerly branches of the
Ganges, from the main stream of
which it separates at the town of
Jellinghy, in the district of Kaujishy ;
and, after an uiicommoidy winding
course joins the Ehagirathi, or Cos-
simbazar l^ivcr, at Nuddeah, their
united streams forming the Uooghly,
or Calcutta River. Altliongh a stream
runs in the Jellinghy during the
whole year, it is some years untm-
vigable during two or three of the
driest months. {Rennd, ^c St.)
JuLLiNGUV. — A town in the pro-
vince of IJengal, district of Kaujishy,
situated on a river of tiie same name,
30 miles E. bv S. from Moorsheda-
bad. Lat. 24°, 8'. N. Long. 88°.
42'. E.
.Iklpf.sh, — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of llungjioor, GO
miles N, N. W, from Bungpoor. Lat.
26°. 28'. N. Long. 88°. 45'. E.
Jelpigokv. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Bung-
poor, Go miles N. N. W. from Rung-
poor. Lat. 2G°. 30'. N. Long. 88®.
25'. E.
J emaulabad. — A town in the pro-
vince of South Canara, originally
named Narsinga Angady. Lat. 13°.
N, Long. 75°." 24'. E.
The fort built hero by Tippoo
stands upoji an immense rock, which
is wholly inaccessible except by one
narrow way, and may be deemed
impregnable. The nature of the ac-
cess to it renders the descent, in the
face of an enemy, nearly as diilicidt
as the access ; so that a very smalt
body of men, with artillery, an; ade-
quate to blockade a strong garrison,
which renders the place of little use,
except as a safeguard for treasure.
When Seringapatam had lalleii, Tip-
poos garrison Mere summoned, but
held out for a month and a half;
when, after thr(!e days bombardinent,
the soldiers ran otf, the connnandant
poisoned himself, and the principal
officers wlio submitted to be taken
Avere hanged. The country around
Jcmaulahad is almost covcretl with
wood, and nmch of it has a very
good soil. {F. Buchanan, .Ve.)
Jemailnaig. — A town in the Ba-
laghaut ceded territories, situated ou
the north side of the IVniiar River,
41 miles N. W. from Cudapah. Lat.
14°. 48'. N. Long. 78°. 28'. ii:.
Jemlah, {Januth). — A small dis-
trict in Northern Hindostan, situated
between the 3Uth and 31st degrees
448
JESSORE.
of north latitude, and occasionally greater part of the coinifry is an tm-
distiiignished by the appellaliou of iulenupted tract of saiid, intersected
Bawe Pnlooli. by no rivers, and the well -water
The valley of Jemlah is f; nd to be being- only proenrable from a very
nearly of the same evtciit a» that of p-eat depth under pound. Beiiii;
Nepaiil, but to be iiiore coMtlguons hov, ever •vviHiiii the i tinence of the
to the great Himalaya rid|:;e of monn- periodica! rains, its complete sterility
tains, and more cheijuered \viih low mn;-.t in some respects, be attributed
hills. Tlie rice here is sown about to the nature of the ejovernsnent ;
the 10th of the mouth of I'ysack, the conutry lieiug subdivided among-
and reaped about the 10th of Bha- a numiter of petty chiefs, in a state
doon; and from the climate and soil ofpsTpetnal hostility viih each other,
of Jemlah, it has been conjectured. This district was never completely
that this species of rice is very likely subdued by any of the iuvaders of
to lloui-ish in England. The capital Hindostan, and remains in the pos-
of tliis district is Chinnachin, 10 session of its original inhabihuits,
days journey distant from Eeeni who are of the I'indoo Brahminical
Shehi. religion, btit very few in number.
The 24 and 22 Rajahs were for- JESSEi.MKRr:. — A town in the pro-
mcrly in a certain degree t) ibutary vinee of Ajmeer, tlu; capital of a
to the Jemlah Rajahs, who annually district of the same name. Lat. 2'/°,
received from one, as a token of ho-
mage, a pair of slippers, fiom an-
other fish; but the district is now
governed by a deputy from the
Ghoorkhali government of Nejjaul,
44'. N. Long. 72°. 16'. E.
JnssoRE, (Jaxar, the Bj-idge). — A
district in the province of Uengali
situated between the 2-2d and 24th
dcjrrccs of north latitude. To the
tlie rajah being kept in honourable n(!rth it is bounded by the Hangcs;
restraint atCatmandoo. The princes to the south by the sea; on the east
at the head of these numerous petty it has Kishenagur ; and on the west
states are said to be all of the Raj- Daoca Jelalpoor and JJackcrgunge.
poot tribe. {Kirhpatrich, &fc.) The southern part of this district
Jenjafoou. — A town in the pro- is in the Sundcrbunds, and com-
\ince of Dahar, district of Tyrlioot, posed of salt marshy islands covered
80 miles N. E. fron» Patna. Lat. 26°. w ith wood, formed by alluvion and
14'. N. Long. 86'. 15'. E.
Jeskotch. — A small town belong-
ing to the Seiks, in the province of
Lahore, 53 miles N. E. fro)n the city
of Lahore. Lat. 32°. 28'. N. Long.
74°. 19'. E,
Jessaul. — A small andnionntain-
ons district in the ISeik territories, in
the successive changes of the chan-
nels of the Ganges. Some parts lie
so low that bunds, or embankments,
are necessaiy to protect tlicm from
imuidation ; the land is however very
fi-rtile, and were it suilicienlly popu-
lated and cultivated, woidd j)rodnc(;
inexhaustible supplies of rice. At
the province of Lahore, situated be- jtresent a great ])roportion of the
tween the 31st and 32d degrees of southern tracts of this district, al-
north latitude, and bounded on the thougli so near to Calcutta, is waste,
west by the River Beyah. covered with jungle, and inhabited
JEssELMERE,(OT'Je/»i<'fr). — A Uugc only by salt makers and river pirates,
di,"strict in the pro\ince of Ajmeer, the latter of whom infest the innu-
situated about the 2Bth degree of mcrable branches of the Ganges by
north latptnde, and extending inlo which it is intersected.
the sandy desert w hich bounds that
province to the west. 1 rom the ex-
treme barrenness of tliis region it
has hitherto attracted little attention,
'i'he zeniindary of Jessore -»vas mi-
giiiaily nauied in the revenue books
^'useipoor, and was C(jnieired tarly
in the 18lh century, bvJatleir Khan,
>iud rcmaijis almost unknown. 'I'hc ou Kislienram, a Khaist liom Orissa.
/.
JHANSU-JEUNG.
449
The ]>riiici|)al touiis are Jessore, or
Moorley, Ciilna, and Mahrmulpoor.
In 1801 by tlio directions of the
Marquis AVellcsley, then sfovernor-
fjeneral, the board of reveinK; in
Bengal circnhited varions queries to
tlie collectors of the fiill'erent dis-
tricts on stalistical subjects. The
result of their replies tended to esta-
blish the fact, that the district of Jes-
sore contained l,'iOO,UlH> inhabitants,
in the proportion of nine Mahoni-
iiiedaiis to seven Hindoos; atid that
the zemindar's profits on their lands
Meic greater than in any other part
of the province.
J ESS w u NT NA G UR, ( Yasavaiituagaf,
the Famous C'iti/). — A town in the
province of Agra, 10 miles N. by
\y. from the city of Agra. Lat. 2G°.
34'. N. Long. 78°. .50'. E.
Jetra. — A fortified town in the
province of Gujrat, near the N. W.
frontier, and situated about 14 miles
east from Theraud. This fortress is
described as a place of considerable
strength, belonging to a Hajpoot
Chief, who can take the field with
700 men, with which force lie ex-
torts contribulions from many vil-
lages in the Theraud district.
Jeytoor. — See Jyenagur.
Jhansi. — A town in the province
of Allahabad, district of Buiidel-
cund, 82 miles N. N. W. from Chat-
terpoor. Lat. 25°. 31'. N. Long.
71°. 45'. E.
This is a considerable town, com-
manded by a stone tort on a high
hill ; to the S. E. of w hieh, at the
distance of 500 yards, is another hill
nearly on a level with th*; fort. In
1790 the district dependent on this
town yielded four lacks of rupees
per annum. It then Ijclonged to the
Peshwa, and was a considerable
thoronghfaie between the Dekkan,
EuiTUckabad, and the cities of the
Doab. Here also was a manufactory
of b<i^, arrows, and spears — the
priilCipal weapons of the Bondelah
tribes.
In 1804 a considerable tract of
country in linndelcund was held
tributary to the Peshwa by Kow
# 2 G
Siva Row liliow, tlie Soubadar of
Jhansi, and Nana Covind l{ow of
Calpee. In I'ebruary of that year a
treaty was arranged by Captain John
Bail lie, the agent in Bundelcund, on
the part of the British government,
with Siva Row Hhow of Jhansi, by
which he professed his entire sub-
mission to tlie British government,
and to his highness the Peshwa; to
Avhom he engaged to pay the same
tribute for which he had hitherto
been liable, the British government
demanding no tribute whatever.
He engaged also to refer to the
British government for adjustment
any dispute that might arise between
hii!i and any chief in obedience to
the Biitish government, and to assist
in punishing the disaffected in any
of the British possessions adjacent
to his territories. On the other hand,
the British government engaged to
assist him in quelling any disturb-
ances that might arise in his own
country, the expense to be defrayed
by the party calling for aid ; and on
all occastous when his troops were
acting in conjunction with those of
the British, he agreed to delegate
the command of the united forces to
the British ofliccr. In addition to
these sti|)ulations he engaged never
to retain in his service any British
subject, or European, without tlie
consent of the British govennnent.
{Hunter, Treaties, Sfc.)
Jhansu-jeung. — A castle in Tibet
standing on a rock, which from its
l)erpendicular height, and the irre-
gularity of its cliffs, seems nearly
impregnable. Lat. 28°. 50'. N. Long.
89°. 23'. E.
The valley of Jhansu is very
extensive, and has gieatly the ap-
pearance of having been once un-
der water, the bed of a lake. This-
valley is populous and well culti-
vated, and particularly famous for
the manufacture of woollens, which
are of two colours, garnet and white,
and seldom exceed half a yard in
breadth. They are woven close and
thick like l'ri(!ze, and aic very soft to
the touch, the fleece of the shee[»
450
JIIYLUM RIVER.
being remarkably fine. {Tnrne);
3 HVRjuooKy X'^harjhari, the Bam-
boo (irove). — A A illatcc in the Nopaiil
dominions. Lat. 27°. 4'. N. Long.
85°. 20'. E.
To llie sontb of this jilacr lies the
.Khurjiioory lore.st, Avhieli is about
10 miles in bieadlh. This lorest
skirts the Nepanilcrritoiies through-
ont tlieiruholc extent liuni Seiina-
giir to the 'J'eesta, sejjarating ihem
every where iVoni the C'omjjaiiy's, or
Oude donnuioiis. It coitl;iins sani,
sisso, setli said, iron wood, a sort oi"
bhiek ANood, llie sajh, the Idinna, the
snnnii, and the nudta. The ebony
is also said to )>c found here. The
part most rcsrjrted to i)y the wood
•lealers is that which borders on the
I'oggah Pergnnnah in the Eeltiah
district — timber ))eing transported
from tlienee to Calcntta.
In this part of 'the <-ountry ele-
phants arc inunerous, but iiot nnieli
esteemed. They are not driven into
a keddah, or enclosure ; but are
caught by snares and noosfts, which
generally injure, and. often strangle
them. 'I'he cattle from Cluimparnn,
and other districts borderirig oh the
Nepaul tenitoiies, graze in this fo-
rest anmuiliy (or about four months,
a duty being IcAied on Ijuifaloes of
two aimas ((hree-jience) jier hetHl for
the season. Eesides elephants this
forest is said to be greatly infested
by tigers and rhinoceroses. While
travelling through it travellers can-
not make a resting place in this part
of the forest, it being no where clear,
or containing springs, which is not
the case on the Goolpnssra Eoad.
Jhurjhoory is a wretched village,
consisting of a few herdsinen's huts
scattered on the soiith l)aidc of the
Eukkia, the bed of winch is her<! of
considerable breadth. At this place
is a tree named Duhdnbca; the leaves
of v\hich abounds with galls, which
are powertidly astringent, and con-
taining from one to six winged in-
sects. (Kirfipatrich, 4f.)
Jkinowaiu. — A Coolee state in
lh(; province of Gnjrat, district oi
Chalawar, containing between fivrt
and 6000 houses. It is chiefly divided
inio numerous shares among difl'er-
ent branches of llie same family, of
which that of Yirajee is the most
po\\ crful. The inhabilants are most-
ly C'oolees, who, like their chiefs,
were originally Ivajpools, but, from
some cause now unknown, have
been degraded to the rank of Coo-
lies.
The town of Jhingwarra, formerly
So()r<\jpoor, was built by Siva Kow
Je\sin^!), Kajali of I'nltun, and
the jiresent fort by a Sheikh. In its
oiiginal state, the t(.>wn of Sooreej-
poor was much larger than the pre-
sent city, and celebrated for a tem-
jtlc dedicated to the sUn. 'I'he pre-
sent Coolee inhabilants possess con-
siderable power in this cpiarter of
Gujrat, and ha\e an annual revenue
of one lack of rupees from 12 vil-
lager, subject to their cajiital, and
from exactions on the neighbouring
districts. On the banks of the linn,
near to JhingNvara, a large tpiantity
of salt is propared, and is also a
source of revenue. The Chiefs of
Jhingwara are much addicted to
opium, and, as well as their sub-
jects, are a barbarous, thievish race:
the management of the revenue is
engrossed by some Puttun Eanyans
residing in the town. {3r3Iurclo,
^■c. cVc.)
.Ihylum River, {Vahnda). — ^lliis
river has its source at the foot of the
great Himalaya ridge of mountains,
in the south-east quiuter of Cash-
mere. It runs througli that pro-
vijicc, and at Islamabad, in the dis-
trict of \\ eer, is 80 yards broad.
Ten miles from the city of Cash-
mere, (twing to the hollow surface
of the c»untry, it exj)atids into a
sheet of water eight miles in circiun-
ference, named the Ouller Lake.
Shortly after quitting this hike it
enters the Eurramoolah iMountains,
and pursues the direction of the
Punjal) by a very rapid and crooked
course, and at length emerges fwm
the mountains in the distiict of
Puckoli, being subsequently joined
JIONPOOR.
451
by tlic I\isl)onp;iing;a and Nyansook.
After this it coutinui'S its course
tliroii2,Ii a liilly country, iiiilil it
rn»ssestlie U[)per or great road Icad-
iii^- Irom Lahore to Attock, where
the hilly ])art is confined to tlie
M esterii hank. Here formerly stood
a city named Jliylnni, Avhieh coni-
mnniealcd its name to the river for
the reniainiiii;- part of its course.
I'Voin hence it Hows iilonj; ilic easlern
holders of the. loud Aroinitains, and
Tinites Milh the Cliinani) ahont 00
miles aliove ^rooKaii, losini;- its
name in tliat of the latter ri\er.
lis \\ hole course, iiicltidiiii;" the \\ ind-
inijs, may he estimated to exceed
400 miles.
'J'his ri\er (the most Nvesterly of
the J'unjal) streams) is, hy AhnI I'a-
7.el, named the Ijchnt, or Hedusta,
in an«'ient JlindiKi mjthohipieal
poems the Indrani, and is the
lamons Ifydaspes of Alexander.
{lieimel, Foster, Abid Fazil, Vc.)
JuiAT Point, {Jag-at, the World).
— A Iowa and promontory at the
south-west e\1 remits ofCujrat. Lat.
22°. I'i'. \. Lon;>-. (jfJ° I'.V.. The
town surrounds tlie ,lij;at Pai^oda,
and is situated at the western mouth
oftlieCoomty ('r<'ck, which is small
and hollow. It is at present p<is-
sesseil hy inde|)cndent native chiefs,
Tiiu( h addicted to piracy. Not far
from .fi;;at Point is tlie siteof Dwa-
raca, so i;reall\ cclehrated in the
Hindoo m\tholo';icaI poems as the
place <if retirement of their favourite
deity Krishna, from JNIathnra, his
l»irth place, in tiie pro\ ince of Agra.
JioNPooR, {or Jna:po(ir). — A dis-
trict in the pro\incc of Allahahad,
situated priuei|>ally hi Iweeii llie2;jth
and 2f;ih degreesof nmlli latitude.
'J'o the nortli it is hoinided hy tlu;
(Joivgiah and |);nt of Oude; on the
fioutli hy (he (hinges; to the east it
has the Goggiah ; and on the w«>st
the \ahoh of Oudc's territories, liy
Abul I'a/.el, in 1682, it is descrihed
as follow s :
'• .vircar Jownpoor, containing; 41
inahals; nieasuiemeid, 870,2G"6 hee-
gulis; revenue, r>G,3U4,127 dams.
2 G 2
Seym glial, 4,717,fi54 dams. This
sircar furnishes 915 cavalry, and
3G,0()0 infantry."
Tlic land in tiiis district is at pre-
sent under good cultivation, and
well covered with wood. 'I'he sur-
face is sliglitly undulated, and the
view intersected hy lic<pient clumps
of mango trees. 'J'herc arc no fences
in the (ields, except occasionally
Avhere a row of Indian figs is planted
along the sides of the roads. Not-
withstanding this tenitoryis almost
entirely a sand, and the heat inost
intense, a supply of water is always
to he met with at a short de]i1h nn-
deigiound during the whole sum-
mer. Inthc iieiglihoming districts,
belonging to the Nahob of Oiidc, a
striking contrast is exhibited. The
quantity of land in cultivation isdi-
miiiisjied by the oppression of the
goverimient ; the mango clumps,
which require little care, are in-
creased in number, and the jungio
more |»revalent. On tlio iiorlheni
side of the city of Juanpoor the
ruins of tombs and mosques are as
numerous as on the Benares .-iidc,
some being inlaid with coloured
glazed tiles. The principal towns
arcJionpoor, Gazypoor, and Azim-
giir ; and w ilh the district came into
the possession of the Britisli in 1775,
as forming part of the Benares zc-
nn'ndarv. {Lord Valoitia, Abul Fa-
zef, cS-c.)
JioNi'Ooit, (Jiifiiiponr). — A town
in the province of Allahabad, .situ
ated on the banks of the Goomty
River, so named from its meander-
ing comse. l.at. 25°. 45'. N. Long.
82^. 39'. K. The fort is built of solid
stone woHc, and rises considciabiy
abo\e the level of the country, iu
which, on all sides, are seen nionu-
menls and niosrpics in ruins. A
sitburb of ela\ -built huts leads to a
large serai formed of the same ma-
terials, through which there is a
biidge of considerable extent di-
vided into two parts; one (»f which
consists of 10 arches, and is over
the boundary of the river during the
dry season. This bridge has stood
452 JOIIORE.
about 250 years, having been erected
by Moniihur Klian, the governor,
during the reign of Acber, and still
remains a nionumeut of liis magni-
ficence, and of the superior skill of
the architect. In the year 1773 a
brigade of British troops, under Sir
Robert Barker, on tlieir way from
Oude, having embarked on the Ri-
ver Goomty, at Sultanpoor, in the
height of the rainy season, sailed
over tins bridge, \vhich was then
submerged, yet sufl'ered no damage
from tlie violence of the current. No
native in modern times is capable of
either planning or executing such a
piece of architecture.
Jionpoor is said to have been
founded by Sultan Fci'oze, of Delhi,
who named it after his cousin, Faker
nd Deen Jowna, and was for some
time the seat of an independent em-
pire. In the beginning of the 15th
century Khaja Jehan, Vizier to Sul-
tan INIahommcd Shah, of Delhi,
♦luring the minority of the latter's
son, assumed the title of Sultan
Shirki, or King of the East ; and,
taking possession of Bahar, fixed his
residence at this place. This dj"-
nasty became extinct about 1492,
before w Inch period it had been con-
quered by Sultan Beloli Lodi. It
was finally acquired by tlie Mogul
dynasty during the reign of Acber,
since which period it has been gra-
dually declining. The majority of
the inhabitants are Malioaunedans ;
but in this place reside also the
Hindoo sect of Rajcoomars, with
whom the practice of female infanti-
cide prevailed until it was abolished
by the British government.
Tavelling distance from Benares
42 miles ; from Luckuow, 147 miles.
(Lord Valentia, Hodges, Foishta,
!^leii:art, Reanel, 4'c.)
JoANA. — A Dutch residency on
the Island of Java, which was form-
erly fortified. Lat. 6°. 40'. S. Long.
1 1 i°. 10'. E. The country around
this place yields rice, timber, a little
indigo, and the natives spin cotton
yarn. The River Joana flows out of
an inland lake, and is one of the
largest and deepest in Java. It is
navigated by boats, named permay-
angs, into the lake, and has several
branches, one of which communi-
cates with Samarang. Opposite to
the town of Joana, upon an island
formed by tlie river, stands a Chi-
nese campon. At the mouth of the
river there is a broad mud bank,
over which there is sometimes less
than a foot of water. {Stttvorinus,
JociE Isle. — A long and nar-
row island lying ofl" the mouth of
the great bay in the Ishmd of Papua,
or New Guinea, and situated about
tlie second degree of south latitude.
In length it may be estimated at 120
miles, by 15 the average breadth.
Respecting this island very little is
known, it never having been landed
on, but only viewed from on board
ship.
Johnston's Isle. — A small ii^land,
surrounded Ijy a cluster of others,
in the Eastern Seas. Lat. 3°. 11'.
N. Long. 131°. 12'. E.
This island consists of low land
covered with verdure and cocoa nut
trees, and is about a league in cir-
cumfereucc. The natives are a stout,
robust race of men, about 200 in
niunbcr, and, in many expressions
of their language, resemble the
Sandwich Islanders. They under-
stand the value of iron. {Meares,
(-St. ffc.)
JoHORE. — A town situated at the
southern extremity of the Malay
Peninsula, 20 miles up a river of
the same name, and the capital of
an independent Malay principality.
LMt. 1°. 40'. N. Long. 104°. 5'. E.
I'he natives export the produce of
their country, consisting of pepper,
gold, tin, and elephants' teeth, in
their own prows, to Prince of ^\' ales
Island, and bring opium and. other
goods as a return cargo.
The kingdom of Johorc was ori-
ginally founded by adventurrrs trora
the Island of Sumatra. After the
capture of Malacca, in 1511, by the
Portuguese, the reigiiiug sultan,
Malimood Shah, fled with the prin-
JOSBIATH.
453
ripal inhabilaiits to (lie oxlrcmit}' of
the peninsula, wlicie tliey erected
tlie city ol" Johoie. By the I'ortn-
giiesc it was taken in 1608, and
l)y the Saltan of Achcen in 1613.
M'hronghout tliis district tlic Mahiy
langna};e is spoken in ificat pnrity.
{^Marsden, Lcydeu, Milburu, kc.)
JoKAGi'K. — A town in the Maha-
ratta territories, in tlie proxince of
Kliandesh, 74 miles S. E. tioin Oo-
jain. Lat. 22°. 31'. N. Loiifj. 7G°
40'. E-
JooGDEA, (Yugadeva). — A town
in tile province of Bengal, district
of Tipperah, 76 miles S. E. from
Dacca. Lat. 22°. 50'. N. Long. 91°.
12*. E. In the adjacent country a
species of coarse l)aftaes of an ex-
cellent and substantial fabric is nia-
imfactured ; and tlie Company have
an establishment for the manutixe-
ture of salt, whicli is not so much
esteemed by the natives as that pro-
duced more to the west.
JooRiA. — A populous and lhri\ ing
sea-port town in the Gnjrat Penin-
sula, situated oh the Gulf of Cuteli,
20 miles below Wowamia, and sub-
ject to the Bajah of Ainraii.
This j)lace canics on a brisk trade
with Alandavee and other places in
the Gulf of Cutch, and occasionally
Avith Bombaj. Its vessels carry
from 50 to 60 candies ; the exports
being chiefly cotton, ghee, oil, and
hides to the southward, and coarse
Dungaree cloth for Persia and Ara-
bia. In return it receives spices of
all .sorts, powder, lead, and cocoa
imts. The port duties are five per
cent. The larger vessels cannot ap-
proach nearer than within three
miles of Jooria, and the goods are
afterwards brought up a creek in
lighters to within owe mile of the
fort. The landed revenue is small,
but the value of the port is about
30,000 rupees per annum, of which
11,000 are paid as tribute to the
Gnicowar.
This place was alienated from the
Jam of Noagnagur by the Kliowas
family. By an agreement with the
British government, executed in
1808, Kliowas Suggaram and Prag-
jee, of this place, engaged with the
Bombay government not to permit,
instigate, or connive at any act of
piracy committed by any person un-
der their authority ; and also to ab-
stain from plundering vessels in dis-
tress. Becinrocal freedom of trade
to be permitted by both parties.
{Mncnmrdo, Treaties, Sr.)
JoosAUD. — A tow n ill the Rajpoot
territories, in the pro\iiice of Aj-
meer, 30 miles S. S. E. from Joud-
poor. Lat. 26°. 4'. N. Long. 73°.
27'. E.
JosiMATH, (Jyotitnata). — A village
in the province of Serinagur, tri-
butary to the Goorkhali Bajah of
Nepaul. Lat. 30°. 34', N. Long.
79°. 38'. E.
This place contains from 100 to
150 houses, neatly built of grey
stone, and roofed with shingles.
They are raised to the height of (wo
or three stories, and the streets are
paved, although in an inegular man-
ner. On the slope of the hill there
is a line of water mills placed about
20 yards from each other. The wa-
ter that turns them is supplied by a
stream, which flows down the moun-
tain, and having passed through the
upper mill, is conducted to the next
by a communication of troughs,
made of hollowed trunks of firs.
At this town is the house of the
high priest of Bhadrinath, who re-
sides here during the si\ months of
the year, while the temple is shut up
at that j)lace. On the commence-
ment of the cold season, when the
snow begins to accumulate among
the mountains, ail the iiihal)itan1s
(piit the neighbourhood of Bhadri-
nath, and take up their residence at
this place. Adjoining the priest's
house is a temple of Naia Singh, one
of the inearnatioiis of Vishnu. It
was placed here bj a JJrahmin t)f the
.Josi (.lyotish) class, and the town
has since borne its appellation in
honour of the idol. Here are also
small temples with statues of V ish-
nu, Ganesa, Snrya, and Nan Devi.
The sides of the mountains in
454
JOUDPOOR.
this vicinity are ovcvspread vith
forests of oak, Avliilc their siinuDits
arc covered with a sj)ecics ot'tir. At
a village CMllcd Seilaiig, helnngiiio; to
Biiadrinalh, the whole scarp of the
inouutaiii, tioin the base to near the
sumniit, is h»id out in tickls f)f wheat,
l)arley, and other s])ecics of grain.
{Rapcr, S,-c.)
JOT'DPOOR, (Yuddhapur, the Citi/
of Wnr). — An (xtensivc Kaij)oot
principalit\'. in the province ol" Aj-
mccr, of which it oecuj)ies the ^^ hole
central and eastern quarters. The
Deccan, by ^Mevvar and Tvotah. The
toMU of Pawlee is tiic s,ieatest com-
mercial mart in tliis part of Kajiioo-
tana.
'J'he im]>orts into .Tou(lj>oor consist
of cloth, shawls, spices, opinm, rice,
sui;ar, steel, and iron. 'I'lie exports
are salt, camels, linllocks, and iiorscs.
Tiio latter are strong, honey, artd of
a good stature; and the lirecd of
cattle in general is eNcellent. The
pi'incipal iiiliahitants oi' Jondpoor are
J\hat(»re IJajpoiits, mIio are a Iiravc,
handsome raee of men, of the purest
ancient name was MarvAar, Jouditoor castes, which are the Sesodya, the
or Joodipoor, being merely a snbdi- (^'utcheva, the Addah, and the lhn\-
vision of that portion of Ajmecr; and tec. The country is described a.s
the rajah is occasionally called the having, in former times, been nnich
Marwar, or Rhatore Kajah. "^I'lie uiore jiopiilons than at present,
dominions of this potentate are very Malia Raja .leswunt Singh, one of
extensive, but the boundaries are .\nrengzebc's best generals, w as ra-
imdefined. The town of Amerkote jah of this country. A^ hen he died,
in Sinde, within 3U miles of the In- ncarCabukin 1581, Ameng/ebc gave
dus, is in his possession ; and on the orders ibreildy to con\crt his child-
east his territories comprehend the rcn, in delending whom most part of
city of Mccrla or Mccrat. t)n the their Rajpoot attendants peiisiicd.
north they are bounded by Bicanerc He expelled ti!efamil\ from tin fort,
and Jessclmere ; on the south by the and compelled them to take refuge
province of Gujrat and Odeypoor ; in the hilis and woods; such v\as
on the east by the dominions of Jy- the reward the family of one of his
iiagur, W hen Raidnn Khan, a Ra- mo?jt laithful generals received, 'J'Jic
loochee chief, established himself in family, on the death of Aurcng/x-be,
Rahdnnpoor, on the north-western regaint d possession, his grandson,
frontiers of the Gujrat province, a Aject Singh, termed the hereditary
Joudpoor detachment held posses- zemindar of Jondpoor l)y the l)isto-
sion of Fnttcypoor, a small fort two rian Eradiit Khan, having rebelled
miles west from Rahdnii])oor, and destroyed the mosfjnes \a hicli the
The southern, south eastern, and cmj)eior had creeled. 'J'he existing
eastern frontiers of Joudjioor arc fer
tile; and being watered v\ itli streams
that How from the mountains, they
yield wheat, barley, and other kinds
of grain common in India: the cul-
tivators arc principally Jauts. 'J'he
country also contains lead mines.
On account of tlu^ sandy nature of
the soil, which renders the road im-
passable for carriages, the trade is
carried on by camels and bullocks,
which arc of a superior size, and in
great denjand all over India, The
trade to this country from Surat
passes chiclly through Cujrat and
Ahmedabad ; from Tatta, through
Siiidc and Jessclniere; juid from the
J^ajah of .Jondpoor, named ^lauii
Siiiglj, may be considered as one of
tlie most powerl'irl native princes in
India.; although., on account of in-
ternal fi'uds, he, like most other Raj-
poot chiefs, is occasionally compelled
to pay tribute to Dov.let How Sindia
and other INJaliaratta ilejiredators.
(^>-'. Thoitias, Sciitt, Macintirdo, lic.n-
iiel, Urdiig-fiton. (\c.)
Jarni'ooR. — A Rajpoot town in
the i)rovmce of Ajmecr, the eaj)itid
of tlie Rhatore IJajah of Jmiiipoor's
dominions, '2«sO miles S, S. W . from
J)elhi. J.at. 20°. 27'. N. I.ong. 73°,
18', I']. Tra\c!Iing distance liom
<Jujaia 260 miles.
JUGGERNAUTIT.
455
JoiT-Y ATkhsfr. — A town beloiijc-
iiip; to the IVIaliarattns, in tlio pro-
\'uiiv of Kliaudcsli, GO Jiiilcs S. IVinii
Dojaiii. liiit. 22°. 2;r. N. Loii"-.
76°. 30'. E.
JiuiM.uioo. — A town ill the pio-
vince olCuttack, 64 miles N\ . S. "W .
from the town of Cut tack. Lat. 20°.
11)'. N. Loii?,-. S6°. 20'. E.
JronEKNAiTH, {Jagutnai/ia, l/in
Lord of the }]'orld). — A eelehiatcd
phiee oflliiuloo worship on tlie sea-
coast ofOrissa, tiistriet of Cnllaek,
and este«>Mied th<! most saer<>d of all
their rcligicms cstahiislnnents. Lat.
V^°. 49'. Sf. Loni;-. «G°. 6'. Ji. 'J'liis
paji^oda is situated a few miles to the
N. E. of tlie Ciiilka Lake, elos<- to
the sea-sliore, and is a sliapeh'ss mass
of buildinj;;', no \\ ay n;markable, ex-
cept as an ohjeet of Hindoo vene-
ration. 'I'lie eountry around is ex-
tremely sterile, the temple and town
being- encompassed A\ith low sand
hills. From the sea the temple forms
an exeelient land mark on a coast
Mithout any discriminatinc; object
for navigators. By Ai)nl J'azel, in
1.68'2, this place is described as fol-
lows :
" III the town of Pnrsottcm, on
the banks of the sea, stands the
temple of Jagnaut; near to whieli
are the images of Kishen, his bro-
ther, and their sister, made of sandal
wood, wiiich are said to be 40UO
years old."
In 1734, while MahommcdTnckee
was de[)nty-g()vcrnor of Orissa, on
the part of Shujah ud Decn, the Na-
bob of Bengal, tiic Rajali of Pursot-
totn carried away the iilo! Jugger-
nautli beyond the boundaries of
Orissa, and ))laced it on a mountain,
which exidoit injured the revenue of
that pro\iiiee to tiie amoujit of nine
lacks of nij)ee:t per amium, being
the av(>rage amount of the annual
collections from the piigriujs.
The concourse of pilgrims to this
temple is so immense, that at 60
miles distance its approaeli may be
known I)y the ([uantity of human
bones which are strewed by tlic way.
Some old persons come to die at
Jnggcrnauth, and nnniy measure tho
distance by their length on the
ground. A\ lien it is first iieni-ived
the multitude of |)iigrims shout, and
full on tlie ground to worshij) it. 'IVie
vicinity ol .ruggernauth to the sea,
and the arid nature of the soil, a.s-
sist to prevent the contagion whieli
^\ould otiicrwise be i>njducrd.
The tliroiKr of the idol Jngger-
nauth is itiaeed on astnpendrnis car.
or nioveaiib; tower, about GO feet
liigii, resting oii wheels, which in-
dent the ground deeply, as they turn
under the ponderous maeliiiie. He
is accompanied by two other idols,
his brother Balaram, and his sister
Shnbndra, w ho sit on thrones nearly
of equal lieiglit. Attached to t!i.e
toYjer are si\ cables, of the .size and
length of a ship's, b> wliich the peo-
ple draw it along; and upon the car
are the pii('s1s and ;itteiidants of tiie
idol. Botii the walls of tlu; temple
and sides of the machine are covered
willi indecent sculptures.
The idol is a carved block ofwood,
having a frighUiil \isage painted
black, with a disteinicd moutli of a
bloody colour; the oilier two are (»f
a white and yellow cob)nr. As the
tow er proceeds along devotees throw
themselves under the wheels, and arc
crushed to death. The followers of
Brainna are not in general addictc-d
to the worship ol dead men's bones;
but at Jiiggernauth they have a bone
of Krishna, which is considered as a
)nost j)recious and venerable ix'lic;
so much so, that few jiersons ar(5
allowed to .see it. 'i'hc apj)ellatioji
of Juggcrnantli (Jagat Natha, lord
of tlie world) is merely one of the
numerous names of Vishnu, the pre-
serving power, according to the
Brahininical theology.
A\ lien the provin<-e of Cuttack
was conquered from the Maharatlas
in 1803, the Britisli succeeded to all
their riglits as sovereigns, and conse-
(piently to the revenue, derived by
their pred<'ccs.sors from the resort of
Hindoo pilgrims to Juggernauth.
By a regulation of the Jjcngal go-
Tcnnncnt, in 1809, the superintend-
456
JUGOERNAUTH.
ance of the temple, its interior eco-
nomy, and the controul of the priests,
officers, and servants attached to it,
were vested in the Rajah of Klioor-
dah, who was directed on all occa-
sions to be gnided by the recorded
rules and institutions of the temple,
or by ancient and established usage.
In this charge the Rajahs of Khoor-
dah are to continue, so long as they
act with propriety.
The sum realized at the temple of
Juggernauth, from tlie 1st of May,
1806, to the 30tli of April, 1807,
amounted to 117,490 sicca rupees,
which is considerably less than that
which the Company derive from the
resort of pilgrims to Gayah, in Ba-
har. The annual expenditure is
computed at 56,000 sicca rupees.
To provide for this expenditure, in
addition to the established endow-
ments, consisting of lands and vil-
lages, an allowance of 20 per cent,
on the net receipts, arising from the
tax on ])ilgrims, is granted by the
Britisi) government.
For the purpose of preventing per-
sons either clandestinely or forcibly
entering anj^ where but at the places
established for admission, there is a
strong barrier made by a hedge of
prickly bamboos, where access is not
prevented by small branches of ri-
vers ; and there is a guard of soldiers
placed to prevent their entering the
town or temple until they have paid
the pilgrim tax, for which purpose
persons liable to the tax are divided
into the following classes:
1st. The Laul Jattries. Of this
class those coming from the north
pay 10 rupees, and those from the
south six rupees, Avitli free access to
the temple ior 30 days.
2d, The Neem Lauls. From the
north five, from the south three ru-
pees; access 10 days.
3d. The Bhurrungs, either from
north or south, pay two rupees ; ac-
cess four days.
4th. The Punj Tirthees. This
class comprehends persons of low
caste, Avho pay two rupees, whether
from the north or south. 'X'hey aie
not allowed to enter the temple, but
are permitted to perform the custom-
ary ceremonies on the outside of it
for 16 days. It is optional with all
persons entitled to visit the interior
of the temple to enrol themselves
under whichever class they may pre-
fer, on payment of the prescribed
rate of tax.
In conformity with long-establish-
ed usage the following description
of persons are exempted from the
paymwit of the tax on pilgrims at
Juggernauth, viz. Byraghies, Soony-
assies, Dundies, Brihmacharies, Mo-
hunts, Gosains, Khomarties, and Na-
gas, who are all devotees and reli-
gious persons. The inhabitants born
in the province of Cuttack, within
the Byturnee and the Ganjani rivers,
whicli is the holy land of Jugger-
nauth, arc also exempted; as are
likcAvisc all persons who have re-
sided with their families for a period
of 10 years within the said limits.
Individuals who carry Ganges water
to Juggernauth, and actually pour it
over the idol, and persons resorting
to the town of Juggernauthpoor for
trade, or any other puipose except
pilgrimage, also escape the tax : but
these last are prohibited during the
1'2 days while the great festival of the
Ruth Jattra continues. Pilgrims in
a state of actual poverty, on declar-
ing their condition to be such under
prescribed cferemonies, are allowed
access to the temj)le for three days.
Among the voluminous documents
respecting this pagoda, published by
order of parliament in 1813, theie is
no ollicial estimate of the number of
pilgrims resorting annually to this
place, and the revenue produced fur-
nishes no data, so many classes being
exempted. Dr. Carey is of opi-
nion, that on the lowest calculation
1,200,000 persons attend annually,
of w hom many never return. The
town adjacent to the temple is Pur-
sol torn ; and to it merchants, traders,
and others resorting to the bazars
and markets, have access, but not to
the temple without permission. One
of tlic most important periods of pil-
JUMNA RIVER.
457
griniagc is in March, when tlic Uolc
Jattrali takes place; and Ific other
in July, when the Ruth Jattra is ce-
lebrated.
A road from Calcutta, in the di-
rec'tiou of Jiia,2;ernauth, had louji;
been an object highly desirable, con-
sidered merely in respect to the re-
puted sanctity of the temple; it
Was, however, more essential, in a
military point of view, for the pur-
pose of allording a conHnnnicatiun
between the provinces inunediately
dependent on Benoal antl the terii-
tories subject to the presidency at
]Madras. It happened fortunately,
that in 1810 Rajah Sooknioy Roy,
an opulent Hindoo inhabitant of
Calcutta, offered to contribute one
and a half lacks of rupees (16,000l.)
towaids the accomplishment of this
object, the road when completed to
be designated by his name. He
died soon after the payment of tlic
money into the treasury ; but the
undertaking has been prosecuted in
conjunction with his heirs,
Orissa, where this temple is situ-
ated, was one of the last conquests
made by the Mahommedans, at a
period when the fer\our of their bi-
gotry had nuR'h abated, which partly
accounts for the duration of tliis edi-
fice.
Travelling distance fiom Calcutta,
311 miles; from Nagpoor, 5U0 ; from
Benares, 512; from Madras, 719;
from Delhi, 910 ; and from Rombay,
1052 miles. (^Parliament a nf Reports
and olher Documents, C. Buchanan,
Rennel, Stewart, Wilford, §c.)
JuKAH. — A small town in the pro-
vince of Sinde, situated on the brow
of a hill about oiu-third of a mile
from the Ri\er IikUis, Lat. 25'. N.
on the road fiom Tatta to Hydera-
bad. Opposite to this place the
brcaiith of the river is two-thirds of
a mile, with live fathoms depth of
water.
Jllgam. — A large village in the
Maharatta territories, in the province
of Bejapoor, 35 miles S. AV. from
Poonah. Lat. 18°. IC. N. Long.
74°. 27'. E.
JiJLMEE. — A considerable village
in the province of Malw ah, 47 miles
S. by E. from Ivotah. Lat. 24°. 35'.
N. Long. 76°. 4'. V.. In the vici-
nity of this place there is nmch cul-
tivation of wheat and oflhe poppj'.
JUMBOSIER Hivr.H. {J nmhlwsira).
— A river in the provinc(! of Gujrat,
which rises in the district of Cham-
paneer, and after a sliort course falls
into the Gulf of Cambay.
JuMBOSiER, (Jambhnsira). — A town
in the province of Gujrat, district of
Broach, 28 miles N. from the town
of Broach. Lat. 22°. 5'. N. Long.
72°. 58'. E. A considerable trade is
carried on with Bombay and other
places, the exports consisting of cot-
ton, grain, oil, and piece goods. The
tide rises liom live to six fathoms.
I'his town and district belong to the
Maharatta Peshwa.
Jumna River, (Yam^ma). — The
source of this river has never been
accurately explored ; but it probably
is not more remote than that of the
Ganges, which rises on the south
side of the great Himalaya ridge ot
mountains. Tlu-ough the province
of Scrinagur it flows south, in a line
nearly parallel to the (Janges ; from
which, at the village of Gurudwar,
Lat. 30°. 22'. N. it is only 40 miles
distant, and has as broad a stream.
In this part of its course it abounds
with fish, but the inhabitants are at
no pains to catch them.
The Jumna enters Hindostan Pro-
per in the province of Delhi, and
proceeds south nearly in a line with
the Ganges, at the distance of from
50 to 75 miles from each other, until
they gradually join at Allahabad,
when the Junma, although little in-
ferior in magnitude, has its name
absorbed by the larger and more
holy stream. Including the wind-
ings the length of its course may be
estimated at 780 miles.
The Jumna is only a useful bar-
rier to the British territories during
the rainy season, when military ope-
rations are, from the general state of
the country, almost impracticable.
It is fordable in several places altove
458
JUNKSEYLON.
Agra before <he 1st of Oclober ; ami
raiiiiol bo lookoil upon as a boniKl-
aiv of any slioiigUi above i<s jnoc-
lioii «i1b (be Cbiiiiibiil, 10 miles \)c-
\o\\ I'ltawib, for nioi(! than a few
Meeks ill Ibe \\et season. J'Voni
Caljx'e to its juuetioii witli tlie (iaii-
^es there is no obslruetion, and only
one jtlaec between Kali)y and li",1a-
Mch wliere, in tlie dry season, the
]iassa,!;'o is rendered in some de2,Tee
dilfieult i)y a bank of limestone,^^ b.ieli
it Avas llio iiitenlion of tin; Ibitish
ji^overimieiit (bning' tliei\Iar(|iiisWel-
lesiej's aduiinistration to have re-
moAcd. {Malcolm, Haper, J<'vster,
Sth lif'gister, Src)
JuNAGUR. — A town possessed by
independent native chiefs, in the
}>rovincc of Tinjiat. Lat. 21°. 48'.
^. Lons. HP.' '63'. N.
The Balooeliee chiefs of Jnnagur
spnuip^ from the same tribe as the
iVabobs of l{ah(iiinpoor. By an
a<!;reement executed in 1808 Haincd
Klian Jlaliandcr, the governor of tlie
city of Junagnr, engaged with tlie
Bombay government not to permit,
instigate, or connive at, any act of
piracy by any person under his au-
thority, and also to abstain from
plundering vessels in distress, A
free and open commerce to be per-
mitted to all British vessels paying
tbe regulated duties. {Treaties,
JuNGKRPooR. — A town posscsscd
by riative chiefs, occasionally tribu-
tary to the 3Taliarattas, situated in
the province of (iiijrat, 90 miles jS.F,.
froniAhmedabad." Lat. 23°. 49'. N.
Long. 73°. 38'. E.
J I ! N G E Y r o R , (Jrttigalpur ) . — A
town in the province of JJengal, dis-
trict of Banjeshy, 17 miles N. bv ^^^
from jNroorsliedabad. Lat. 24°. 2b'.
N. Long. 88°. 13'. E.
"I'liis is the great(!st silk station in
the jiossession of the East India
Company; tlie olhers being Cossim-
l)azar, Mauldah, Jbuih'ah, Commer-
colly, Badiiagore, and Bungpoor.
'J he lirst attempt made to establish
a silk maimfachny was at Budge-
budgc, below Calcutta, auU did not
succeed. Tlie bnildings here were
erected in 1773, and in 1803 about
3000 persons m ere employed. They
use the Italian meiliod of si)inning,
wbich was intnidiued so early as
17G2, by some natives of Italy, sent
over for that purjiose by the Com-
]>any. 'J'lie Morms are bred by wo-
men and cliildreu, and the cocoons
purchased by the East India Com-
pany.
The nudbony tree is the oriental.
It is dwarlish, and the leaves but in-
dillcrent, to wbieh is attributed a
degeneracy in the breeds that have
been iiilrodneed from foreign coun-
tries. TheChina miiliierry w^s tried,
but it did not succeed, from the dry-
ness of the soil. The ([uaulity pro-
dnccd is capable of being increased
to any amount. In 1802 the invest-
ment stood the Comiiany in tivc and
one-eight rupees per jxiund. There
ara many oth(~r jilaces Avhere the na-
tives rear the siik-A\oim, and have
adopted the Italian nietliod of spin-
ning; but the Company do not i)m-
chasc this silk. The employment is
said to have no deleterious eflcct,
and is certainly \ery advantageous,
as very young children are capable
of assisting. {Lord Va/enfia, Vc.)
JcNOLEIiARRY, {Ja)igalb((ti). A
town in the puninec of Bengal, dis-
trict of Mymunsingh, GO miles N. E.
from Dacca. Lat,24°.27'. N. Long,
90°. 42'. E.
JvNKSEYLON, {Jku Si/Iaii). — -An
island situated on the west coast of the
Malay Peninsula, bet\\ee!i the lati-
tudes of 7°. 5(»'. and 8°. 27'. N. I'roin
the mainland it is separated by a
narrow istimiiis of snn<l, about a mile
in length, Mhifh is io\ered only at
high water, the livle rising on the
springs about 10 I'eet. 'Jfiis island
is in length al.oiil 40 miles, by 15 in
breadth, and has several small islands
adjacent from one to siv miles in
eircumierence. Sixleen miles east
there is aiKjther, named I'nio Pin-
jang, or Long Island, being 23 miles
in length, by eight in breadth, and
divided from the main by a strait,
luivins two fathoms water in the nar-
JUNNERE.
4r,9
rowosl |)ait. On tlio iioiili side of
Jiiiiksc>l<iii is :i liarl)oiir, iiaiiud Po-
pi!i, to wliich a visscl ilrawiiiu; 20
iect water may Itavo access at tlie
sj)ijii_<;"s ovor a iiuid har; ami tlu- a»i-
<-li<)iai;o roiiiiU (lie island is f;( lu-ialiy
good, vvitJi a muddy liottutn,
Jiiiikse\ l(tii lias no liinh liili or
Coiisidcraljlc livcr; but there are se-
veral inaisliy ereeks, covered Mitlj
nianj;io\('s, ilie iuliahilanls on pur-
j)i>sc keeping- (lie .•;ea-eoas( in ;i
jungly s(a(e to guard against inva-
sion. 'I'lieir vessels consist only of a
lew small prows and canoes, which
proceed up the creeks to the well-
cultivated plains in liie centre of the
island wliere rice ahonnds, I'he
chief town, or ralher \ill;!g<'. Is 'I'cr-
rovvaii.eonsislingof al)(>u( SOliouses;
the inhahi(ants of the N\hole island
are estimated at 12,000, Bullocks
and bulfaloes are used here for la-
hour, hut (here are no horses. Per-
sons of consecpienee travel on tamed
elephants, whicli are I nought from
Mcrgui, lliere being none on the
island in a wild slate. Tlie other
animals are wild hogs and deer, a
few tame goats and poultry; bu( no
.sheep, domestic dogs, nor cats. The
lieats here are never violent; the
rains begin in .liriy, and contiime to
November, with frecpient intermis-
sions; after v\hich line weather suc-
ceeds, accompanied by cold north-
easterly winds at night.
Before (he cstablishni<>M( id' Prince
of AVales Island (lie IJuggess prows
resorted (o Jnnkse^lon ingieal junn-
bers, and brought various mixed car-
goes to sell lor (in. 'I'lusc goods
usually coiisjs(ed of clieckered cloth
called Euggess eandiays, made on
the Island of Celebes; .Java |»ain(cd
•;Io(!is and painted handken hiefs
generally made fnjin the long cluths
of ilindostan; Java gongs, brass
pots, and otluir nicnsils of brass,
niadeijn that island; t liiua and .lava
(obacco, various jioreelain and otiun"
smaller ar(icles. The (in produced
here is raisec} by (he nutiM-s, and
snu'ltod by a Chinese, who farms (he
privilege from go\ernnient; iji i7!32
the quan(i(y exported amomiled to
500 tons animally, but lins since
nnicli diminished, owing to the un-
se((led s(ate oldie country. J'icees
of (in, weighing about (hree pounds,
ji«ss here for inoiiey ; and (he go-
vernor, like all Malay princes, is (he
chief merehanl.
The inhai)i(an1s of.Tiiiiksryloii. al-
though (hey gencntily uiidt rsland
the i\Ialay language!, sjieak the Sia-
mese, In fea(uies (hey resemble (he
Malays, but with a Chinese east of
countenance, and are slender and
well made. A( 'I'errowah, (he prin-
cipal (own, there is a jiagoda built
of timber, and co\«>red wi(!i palm
leaves, v\heic ahou( 20 pries(s or
taiapoins olhciate, who subsist on
charity. 'J'he establishment of Prince
of ^^ ales Island gave a great blow-
to the trade of (his station, it liaAiug
become the emporium for (his part
ol the jMala\ coast. Country ships
from Calcutta on their voyage east-
ward call at this place, and dispose
of a few chests of opium and some
piece goods, in return for which (hev
receive (in and clephanks' teeth.
I'rom Junkseylon (in, bird nests,
biche de mar, sc^pun, and eleplian-.,'
teeth, ar': e\por(ed to J^rince ot
AVales Island; from v\ hence ojiiuni
and piece goods are imported.
The I'reneh attemjiled (o form a
seltlement here so early as WHS.
Prior (o 1785 this island form, d ])urt
of the Siamese doiniiiioiis. In that
year the Mirmans attaei.ed it with a
lleet and army, (lie hitler nnirchiiig
by land ; but after a sue eessiiil ( oni-
uieiiceuient they were eomjielled to
retreat vvidi heavy loss. Jn I.SIO
(hey v\ero nioro prosperous, as (hev
efieeted (he coiupiesl of the ishuui,
and sent all the inhabitants into
sla^ery in I'egne, At that period
the Siamese were assembling a force
to attempt its recajilure, (he result
of which has not been ascertained.
{Fori est, Elmore, Si/ines, Liit/i, liriice,
eye.)
JuNNKiiF,.— A town in (he ■NTa-
liaratta dominions, in (he province
of Aurungabad, 40 miles N. N. E.
460
JYENAGUR.
from Poonah. Lat. 19°3'.N. Long.
73° 51'. E.
JuNOH. — A town in the province
of Kahar, district of Cliiita Nagpoor,
180 miles N. W. from Calcutta. Lat.
■23°. 23'. N. liong. 85°. 43'. E.
JuRREE, {Jari). — A town tri1)u-
Inry to tlie Maharattas, in tlie pro-
-tince of Agra, 44 miles W. S. W.
from Narwar. Lat. 25°. 34'. N.
Long. 77°. 33'. E.
•JusHPOOR. — A small district in
the province of Gnndwana, bounded
on the north and cast by the pro-
TJnce of Eahar, and situated about
the 22d degree of north latitude. In
the time of Aurengzebe it was for-
mally annexed to the Soubah of
Allahabad, altlunigh but in nominal
subjection to the Mogul emj)irc. It
is a banen, mountainons, uiiproduc-
tive territory, and continues pos-
sessetl by independent zeiKindars.
JusiiPooR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gnndwana, district of Jnsh-
poor, of A\hich it is the capital.
Lat. 22°. 30'. N. Long. 84°. 7'.
E.
JuTWAR, {Jhntwar). — A small dis-
trict in the province of Gnjrat, si-
tUuled about the 23d degree of
north latitude. It extends dong the
Banass Ri\ er, near its junction with
the Gulf of Cutch; and is possessed
Ly the tribe of Jhuts, who are of
Sindean origin, the caste being com-
mon both in Cutch and Sindc. They
are a vci-y turbulent predatory race,
and carry their ravaging excnrsions
to a great distance from their own
prccificts. At present they possess
the Mahommedan religion, and in
their manners resemble the Ba-
loochy tribes; but, they do not in-
termarry with the Mahommedans of
Werrear. They kill cows without
scruple, and eat the flesh of oxen
in j)refercnce to any other.
Although the Jhuts are plunderers
by birth and profession, yet many
parts of their own district are popu-
lous and well cultivated, the tribe
not being deficient in industry.
They have a race of slaves who not
only perform menial offices, but at-
tend them on their predatory excur-
sions. Tlicse slaves they brought
with them on their first settlement,
and are named Sumehja, which is
the name of an inferior tribe, for-
merly very numerous in Sinde.
Humeer ivhan and Omar Khan, are
the principal J hut chieftains, and as
well as their relations are freqnently
at war with each oilier ; but on oc-
casion of public danger, the whole
family unites, and private dissension
ceases.
The women exercise considerable
influence over the men, which is
rarely found among jMahommcdans,
and can when she chnses leave her
husband and marry another. When
this change is detnmined on, she
assembles all her female acquaint-
ances and attacks her husband, de-
molishes his furniture, and perse-
cutes him until he acquiesces in a
separation. The Jhut women are
plain in their persons, and dress iu
coarse black cloths, which do not
improve their appearance ; yet, they
are held in great respect by the
men, and a traveller cannot have a
better protector from these ma-
rauders, than one their females.
{Maemurdo, lSt.)
Jyapoor, (Jayajnlr). — A town pos-
sessed by independent zemindars, in
the province of Orissa, 73 miles N.
W. from Vizagapatam. Lat. 18°.
23'. N. Long. 82°. 46'. N.
Jyenagur, {Jayauagar). — A Raj-
poot principality, situated in the
eastern extremity of the province of
Ajmeer. The dominions of this
state are bounded on the north by
the district of Hurrianali, in the
Delhi province ; on the north-east
by Alvar ; on the east by Karowly
and Ehurtpoor ; on the south by
Kotali, Boondee, and Mewar ; south-
west by Kishengur ; west by the dis-
trict of Ajmeer and the Joudpoor
territories ; and on the N. AV. by the
country of Bicanere. In length,
from north to south, the dominioni?
of .lycnagur may be estimated at
150 miles by 70 from east to west ;
but it rarely happens, that the
JYENAGLR.
4G1
whole of this space is under actual
subjectiuji to the Jyeuagiir Ka-
jah!
'J"he eastern, north-eastern, sou-
thern, anil south-western parts of
this country, produce wheat, cotton,
tobacco, and in j^eneral wlialevor is
romnion to other jiarts of In<iia.
The country is in general watered
from Mclls. The northern and
north-western districts being sandy,
arc not so plentifniiy supplied witii
moisture as tlie central parts ; but
in tlic mountainous territory there
are many streams. The Rajali is in
possession of Sanibher, whieii yields
plenty of salt, as do likewise the
<listriets of Scnganah and Berat ; and
in addition to these, the e<jnntry pro-
duces copper, ahum, blue stone, and
verdigreasc. In most ])arts of Jy(>-
nagur tliere are good cattle, but not
equal in quality to tliose of Joud-
j)oor; and in several of the towns
there are manufactories of cloth,
swords, and matchlocks.
The imports ar;' tine cloth, tissue,
the manufactures of Benares, and
shawls IVoni Cashmere. From Guj-
rat and Tatta are supplied opium,
lead, and sheet copper, and from
Persia fruits and horses. The cam-
vans formcrl} passed by Bieanere,
l)ut more recently through Jessel-
nicre and Joudpoor.
In the southern part of the Jyc-
nagur leiritories, the cultivators are
named IVIeeiias, and are of the
Khetri tribe, but not stiled Kajpoots,
the latter thinking it derogatory to
follow any profession but that of
arms. The Kajpoots, however, fre-
quently rent large farms, but em-
ploy meenas to cultivate them. In
the districts of Kotah and Bondee.
wiiich are to the south of tfyenagur,
the meenas iidiabiting the hills and
.jungles devote thimsches exclu-
sively to thieving, and cat nu'at and
think, spirits without seruph;. In
the other quarters of this state, the
great mass of cultivators are Jauts,
who are kept by the J^ajpoots in the
strictest obedience. The latter fol-
low the practice so general in R jj-
pootana, of ocoasionally putting their
iemale oHspring to death.
The territory of J yenagur is com-
pact, and comprehends the most
populous and fertile part of the Aj-
meer province. It aboiuids with
fortresses, some of them Ihe strongest
in lliiidostan, and deennd l)V the
natives iinpregnal)li", particularly
that wiiieh dcliiids the ca|)ital and
Raulanipoor. Jiesides tlie.se, there
arc a great number of small forts
scatter(>d over the country, and half
of the villages are surrounded by
walls and ditches. Thev. liole do-
minions are supposed cupabh; of
yielding a revenue of 120 lacks of
rupees per annum, under a proper
government and cultivation; two ad-
vantages they have never yet ex-
l)erienced. ihe respective Rajpoot
chiefs, for the most part, hold their
lands on the feudal system of te-
nure.
'Ilie tribe of Rajpoots to wliich
the Jyenagur family belong is named
Cufchwa, and is of the ISuryabans,
or children of the .sun ; being de-
scended from Rama, tlie celebrated
Rajah of (Jude's second son, nanietl
Cusli. I'roui the latter, the Jye-
nagur chnjnologers re( kon 210 ra-
jahs, in succession to I'rithi Raj,
who succeeded to the throne in
1502. 'i'he Holkar faiiiily claim a
tribute from this state, and it is an-
nually subject to the visits of Maha-
ratta depredators ; who plunder the
coinitry, and exact eouliiljulions
from tlie Rajpoots, although much
inferior to them as soldiers, and in-
dividually despised by them. Such
is the eOect of the internal dissen-
sions, which pervade all the Raj|»oot
states in Hindostan. ( Broiig/ttou,
(r. Thomas, Reiinel, Hunter, lSt.)
JvKN.AfiUR. — A Rajpoot city in tUrr
province of Ajmeer, the capital of a
principality of the same name. J^at.
2G°. o(J'. N. Long. 75°. 40'. l'-
This capital was founded by the
celebrated Rajah Jeysing, in the
reign of Mahonuned Shah, which
had the cllect not unusual iu llin-
dostau of changing the name of th«r
462
KAIR.
province to tliat of the capitfil. The
])iior jiielrojioli.s was the city of Am-
ber. At tliat period the city of Jye-
nagiir was in a hi^h state of iniprovc-
ment, and the seat of science, Ka-
jali Jeysiiigheini!,- a jjreatenconrager
of learniiip,-, and Ihc. founder of se^
veial ohscrvatories for astronomical
resea relies.
'J'he town of Jycnag^nr is Iiand-
sonie, and reckoned the most regu-
larly bnilt in Hindostan. Tlie lionses
are of stone, and the sheets, wliicll
aie large and spacious, intersect each
other at right angles. A citadel,
which commands the town, is bnilt
upon a sleep rock. Around it a
chain of forfilication extends four
miles in circumference. This place
is the great mart lor horses from
Persia and the northern provinces of
liindostan.
Tlie [)rescnt rajah possesses the
city, but not much territory, j)art
havirtg been seized by his feudatories,
the vassals of his family, :>nd part
oecn])ied by the ]\laliarattas, who
annually levy contributions.
In A. D. 1798, after the treacher-.
pus massacre of Mr. Cherry, and
the other English gentlemen at Be-
nares, Vizier Ali tied to Jyenagur,
intending eventually to seek a refuge
A\ith the sovereign of Cabul. The
jVianpiis Wellesley being axious to
Ining the assassin to punishment,
dispatched Colonel Collins as am-
bassador to the Kajah Pei taub Singh
to proeure-his surrender; to accom-
plish which purpose he authorized
him to expend to the amount of
three lacks of rupees. A long ne-
gociation eiisned, in which tlic rajah
fixpressed great reluct aiiee to in-
fringe the riglits of hospitality, even
t(!wards so great a villain; but the
spirited remonstrances of the am-
bassador, backed l)y the seasonable
di.stri!)ulion of the nione}, eilected
his capture, under tiie stipulations
that he should neither be put to
cleatli nor conlincd in chains. He
has ever since been confined in one
of the bomb proofs in Fort W illiani,
iu a species of cage, open ou all sides,
and there he still continues ; but it
is now desiralile, as no danger need
be apprehended from his liberation,
that a .Species of punishment so ob-
noxious to British feelings should
cease.
Travelling distance from Agia 136
miles; from Delhi, 156; from Oo-
jain, 285 ; from Bond^ay, 740 ; and
from Calcutta, 975. {Hunter, Brovgh-
ton, 31SS. ^c. .ye.)
Jyhtpoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, district of Bun-
delcund, 19 miles north iioni Chat-
terpoor. Lat. 25°. 14'. N. Long. 80°.
60'. E.
JvjuR. — A town in the province of
Delhi, in the vicinity of Paniput, for
some time possessed by the adven-
turer, Ge(jrge Thomas.
K.
KAnnoUANG. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, about 20 miles in cir-
cumference, separated from Salibabo
Island bv a strait four miles broad.
Lat. 3°. 50'. N. Long. 126°. 35'. E.
It is well cultivated and peopled,
but the inhabitants are engaged in
frequent wars with those of the
neighbouring isles. This island may
be seen 18 leagues olf, being re-
markable for a high peaked hill in
the centic. (Forrest, Src.)
Kadi RG ung e, {Cadurgauj). — A
town in the province of Agra, dis-
trict of Funuckabad, 43 miles N.
N. W. from the town of Furruek-
abad. Lat. 27°. 50'. N. Long. 79°.
2'. N.
KAni,oRE,(7iV(/7(/>). — ASeiktown
in the ])rovince of Lahore, situated
on the banks of the Sntuleje above
Maeowall, and neiu- the mountains
through whi(;h that river enters Hin-
dostan.
Kahlouk. — A town in the pro-
vince of J^ahore, situated at a short
distance ]\. E. from the city of La-
hore.
Kair. — A large fortified town
in tlie province of Auruugabad,
sitnal(Hl on tlie soutli banks of the
(.iodavcTV.
IvAKuiiH. — A lar^f (own wilh a
casllo ill the pidviiicc of Ajinecr,
bflon^iiisjf 1() the Hajali ul' Ooiiiaia.
Tliis place is sitiiatod at tlir southern
fxticinily of a ran;;c of hills, at
llu- nortiicni i)oi;i1 of \viiich is an-
otluT fort named IJoneto.
k ALATOA IsLK. — All ii^'.and in Ihc
I'lastorn Seas, altoiit ;>5 miles in eir-
cnniferenee, smronnded l>y a elnster
of other islands, on whieli the Oeean
Inilianian w as lost in 1797. Lat. 7°.
lo'. S. I.onu;. 1-22°. E.
IvAKiiKZK. — A district in the pro-
vince of (Jnjrat, which eotnmences
at tlie town of Oon, ahoiit 15 miles
to the north of l?ahdiun)oor. vVt
present it may ho consi(hred as con-
lainiiiii: the followini;" principal places.
1. Deodlnir. The chief Poonjajee,
a AVaijella I'ajpoot.
2. 'I'iieiah; the chief Tezablio}', a
Coolee, late a l\ajpoot.
;}. Seoree ; the chief Kingarjco, a
Ihitesir Ctiolce.
4. ^Moondetah; tlic chi("f Kajjojec,
a C'oolee.
4. Kakor; the chief Poonjajee, a
Cooiee.
C). Oon ; tlie chief Prethi Raj, a
Coolee.
7. l?alj;anin; the eliief Picthi l?aj,
a Coolee.
8. Kaninp:poor; thc^ chief Pretiii
l{aj, a Coolee.
'I'heiali may he considered as the
]ircscnt cai>it;d oi' llu- Kakrcze, the
!;reatest part of which was forni(>rly
under the Hajpoots of Dcodhnr, from
wlidse authority it was wrested by
Cliillabhny, a Cooiee, who (i\ed liis
residence at 'Iherah. Kakrcze was
increased to the e\(eiil of !S4 villa<?es
in the time of Koouibajee iiis son,
and it afterwards des( ended to Ja-
ma jee, who raised his liimily a step
bymaiTun;;- a Pvliatorclxajpootnee (a
I'cmale l«aj|)oo(.)
Jcmajee reigned about oO years
•A'^o, at which time a >;reat many
Coolees weie subject to his •govern-
ment, but, as is their nature, very
refiactory. Many years before his
tvALPY. 463
death ho had been in the practice of
coiK-caliiifj himself so privately, that,
exceptini;' his wife, no [lerson kne\r
of his beiiif;; alive. A sham funeral
was performed, a\ Inch invienled the
Coolces into acts of rebellion, and
then ho made bis appearance, and
inflicted a severe punishment. 'J'liis
liad happened so frequently, that for
three years after iiis death the fact
was not credited. His wife Raj
IJhyc w as his successor, and so much
esteemed by Fiitteh Sinnh Guicowar,
that he eoulided to her the chaii^c of
Kakrcze and Puttenwara until his
death, which liappencd about 45
years ago.
The (own of Oon, like the rest of
this district, is now occupied by a
petty independent chief. Deodhnr
is the place of most strength, and
can muster from three to 400 ca-
valry well mounted, and nearly 2000
infantry on urgent emergencies. In
this district the dead are buried
Avithout the lamentations which usu-
ally accompany funeral obsequies in
Giijrat. {Mannurdo, St.)
Kalv.kkgaii, iCalbiuga). — A town
in the i)rovince of J]eeder, 105 miles
W. from I lydcraliad, and the capital
of a district of the same name. Lat.
17°. 17'. N. Long. 77°. 8'. E.
'Jhis is now a town of little note,
but was famous in ancient tunes,
Iiaving- been the capital both of a
Hindoo and .Mahommedan sove-
reignty. Rajaiis of Kalbergah are
mentioned by I'erishta as independ-
ent princes when the Dekkan was
invaded by Alia ud DieninA.D.
1295; and, when the founder of the
JBliamenee dynasty erected tin; stand-
ard of independence, in 1347, this
was his capital. {Fcrixhta, Scott, Sr.)
K AI.KOONS, or Tl'HKKY Lsf.i'.s. — A
cluster of small rocky ishuuls, sur-
rounded by shoals innumerable, si-
tuated between the sixth and seventh
degrees of south latitude, and 115tli
and IKJth of east longitude.
K M.PY, (C(ilpi). — A town in the
province of Agra, situated on the
S. N\. side of the River .lunnia. Lat.
26°. 10'. N. Long-. 79°. 48'. E, Th«
464
KANDANG WESSEE.
district attached to this place, in 1582,
is by Abiil I'azel dosciibcd as tbl-
lows :
" Sircar Calpec, containing 16
malials, measurement 300,029 bcc-
gahs. Revenue 49,456,730 dams.
Sej'urghal 1,078,292 dams. This sir-
car furnislies 1540 cavahy, 30 ele-
phants, and 34,000 infantry."
Kalpy is a place of considerable
trade, and the entrepot for the trans-
portation of cotton from Ihe weslern
and southern provinces iiito the
Company's territories. The IVIahom-
medans first penetrated to this quar-
ter about A. D. 1203, and here was
fought, in 1765, the first action be-
tween the British (under General
Cajnac) and the jMiiharattas. The
latter came to the assistance of Sujah
ud Dovvlah, but after a weak resist-
ance were totally routed, and com-
pelled to recross the Jumna with the
utmost precipitation.
In 1804 among the dependents on
the Peshwa's government was Nana
Govind Row of Calpee, whose va-
luable district of Muhoba lies in the
centre of Bundclcund, and had not
been conquered by Aii Bahander. It
was nevertheless seized by Rajaii
Himmut Bahauder as part of his
Jaidad under the British, which in-
duced the Calpee Chief to unite his
forces with Shumshere Bahauder in
opposition to the British. In con-
sequence of this conduct the fort
and district of Calpee, and some
other districts on the northern fron-
tier of Bundelcund, whicli had been
held by this chief as a tributary of
the Peshwa's, were occupied by Bri-
tish troops; but, by a subsequent
arrangement, after Nana Govind
Row had submitted to the views of
government, all his districts, with
the exception of Calpee, and a few
villages to the northward on tlu^
banks of the Jumna, were restored
to him.
By this treaty, concluded the 23d
Oct. 1806, Nana Gooind Row agreed
to cede in perpetuity the city and
district of Calpee in the province of
Agra, and the several villages si-
3
tuatcd on the right bank of the
Jumna between Calpee and Ray-
poor. As an equivalent the British
government granted to the Nana
certain villages, and their lands, in
the province of Bundclcund, in ad-
dition to what was left him of liis
old territory, the whole jielding a
revenue of 145,000 rupees per an-
num. I'he revenue of the country
ceded to the British was 76,000 ru-
pees, and that transferred to the
Nana amounted to about the same.
It was agTeed that over his whole
country he was to be considered as
the independent and uncontronled
ruler, and exempt iiom every future
claim or demand on the part of the
British government.
As one-third of the diamond mines
at Panuali had from ancient times
been commilted by his highness the
Peshwa to the care of Nana Govind
Row, it was aljangcd that the Nana
should not be molested in the pos-
session of the said portion of the
mines in question, and the British
government accordingly renounced
all claim thereto in his favour.
Travelling distance from Lucknow
98 miles S. W. ; from Agra, 160;
Iiom Benares, 239; and Iiom Cal-
cutta, 699 miles. {MSS. Treaties,
Rennel, fSi'C. ^e.)
Kameh, (t'«m«).— An Afghan dis-
trict in the province of Cabul, si-
tuated between the 34th and 35th
degrees of north latitude, and ex-
tending along the kameh, or Cabul
River. The chief town is Adeenagm\
Kanary Isles. — A cluster of small
islands lying off the north coast of
JNIysol, about the 130th degree of
east longitude. They are covered
with trees, but uninhabited. Good
Avatermay be procured at the soulh
end of the great Canary Island.
'J'hese islands produce a species of
jiut full of oil, and as large as a
small almond. {Forrest, S.c.)
Kandang Wessee. — A district
extending along the south coast of
the Island of Java, and situated be-
tween the seventh and eighth de-
grees of south latitude.
KANOGE.
465
IvANG F.LANG IsLE. — All iiTog^u- has siiicc bocii ceded <o tlic Seiks,
arly-shaped island, siiiroiiiidcd by who wero called in as auxiliaries,
a cluster of suialler ones, and innu- and repulsed the Nepaul aniiy. In
ineralile shoals, situuti'd between the 1808 it was iindersroiua: a sie^e by
sixth and seventh decrees of south the troops of the Nepaul Hajah, the
latitude, and the lloth and ll(>(h result of which has not been ascer-
of east lonjiitude. The leni;th of
the principal island may be esti-
mated at 25 miles, by ei;,^ht (he ave-
rage breadth.
Kancrah. — A fortress surrounded
tained, but they had redujed it to
great distress, having lain before it
two year.;. At that time Gholauni
.Mahommed, the Rol)illah,w ho fought
against the British in 1794, Avas in
l)y a small hilly and woody di.slrict, the pay of the Kaiigrah Uajah.
in the proviuci- of Lahore, .situated (Abiil Fazcl, Rapcr, llt/i Register,
about the ;5'2d de;;rec of iiortii lati- Vc. lyc )
tude. In 158-2 Abui I'uzel describes
the placx' as lollow s :
" Nagereote is a city ])laced on a
inoiuitain. with a fort, iianicd Kan-
grah. In the Aiciuity of this city,
upon a lofty mountain, is a place
Kanijee. — A .small town in tiie
province of Gujrat, district of Wer-
rcar, situated a few miles south
fioiu IJahdunpoor. Tlii.s place con-
tains about 250 houses, and is sur-
rounilcd by a ditch eight feet deep.
called Alaham-cy, wliieh they (the and sloping iiom 12 to one loot broad
liindoosj consiiler as one of the aM lie bottom. On the inner bank a
Avorks of tlie divinily. and come in small breast-work is thrown up. and
]>ilgrimagcs to it from great dis- a few matchlocks stationed behind
lances, thereby obtaining the ac- it are suliicicnt to keej) otllhepre-
compli.shmeiit of their wishes. It is dalory cavalry, w ith which this part
niosi wonderful I'aat, in order to el- of Gujrat swarm.s. There are two
led this, they cut out their tongues, or three large tanks here, but during
Avhirh grow again in the course of the dry season the water is brackish,
two or three days, and sometimes in {l]J(icinnrdo, Src.)
a few hours. Phy.sicians believe, Kan'oGK, {CanyacHhja). — A dis-
tliat when the tongue is cut it will trict in the province of Agra, ex-
grow again ; but nothing except a tending along the east side of the
miracle can eliect it so speedily as (Janges. 'I'ho soil is generally sandy,
is here mentioned." but well cultivated, with abundance
I'he modern territory of Kan- of nuuigo clumps, and but little
grab, or Catochin, is limited on the jungh-. When the rains have been
north and north-west by llurree- deficient the crop, fail, except where
poor; on the east by Chambay ; on the cultivators, with much labour,
the south by Calowr ; and on the water the tields from wells. By
west by Punjab. In 1783 its reve-
nue was estimated at seven lacks of
rupees.
After the conquest of Serinagiir,
in 1803, by the Ncpaulese, their
Abu I lazci, in 1582, it is described
as follows :
" Sircar Kanoge, containing 30
mahals ; measurement, 2,776,673
becgahs ; revenue, 52,584,607 dams.
army proceetled in the direction of This sircar furnishes 3765 cavalrj',
NepanI, but were stopped in their and 188,350 infantry."
progress by this fortress, which then Kanoge. — A town of great anti-
belonged to Hajah Sansar Chund. quity and celebrity in the province
it is .situated on a steep mountain, of Agra, situated on the west ol the
about 30 miles to the west of the Ganges. Lai. 27°. 5'. N. JiOng. 79°.
.Beyah River, is well sup])lied with .52'. li. That river is now about two
water, and contains suHicient ground miles distant, but a canal has been
to yieid subsistence to the garrison, cut, which makes a beud towards
consisting of tlnee or 4000 men. It the town, and brings the sacred
2h
460
KAHNATA.
sticam close to the citadol. Tlic
town at present consists of but one
street, but, for an extent of six.
miles, the mixture of small pieces
of brick, and the occasional vestiges
of a building-, point out the sit«! of
this ancient capital of Ilindostan.
Here are the tombs of tMO iMaiiom-
medan saints, who lie in state under
two mausoleums on an elevation co-
vered with trees. From the terrace,
which surrounds thenj, is a pleasant
\iew of the plain, covered with ru-
ined temples and tombs, and every
where little images are seen lying
under the trees broken to pieces.
No buildings of any consequence
now remain, and the brick walls,
which ajjpear of no gieat antiquity,
are going rapidly to decay. Ancient
coins, t)f an irregular shape, are fre-
quently found among the ruins, in-
scribed with Sanscrit characters, and
having sometimes the tigure of a
Hindoo deity on one side.
Kanoge, in the remote times of
Hindoo history, was a place of great
celebrity, and the capital of a pow-
erful empire, which existed at the
period of the Mahommcdan inva-
sion. The name Kanyacubja (Ka-
noge) is derived from the Sanscrit
Kanya, signifying a damsel, and
Kubja, a spinal curve, and refers to
a well-known story related in the
Hindoo mythological poems. The
language of Kanoge appears to form
the ground-work of the modern
Hindostani, known also by the ap-
pellation of Hindi, or Hindivi. Ra-
jahs of Kanoge are mentioned by
Ferishta so early as 1008 ; and it
was conquered, though not perma-
nently retained, by Mahiuood of
Ghizni, in A. D. 1018.
Travelling distance from Agia 217
miles; from Lueknow, 75; from
Delhi, 214; and tiom Calcutta, 719
miles. (Cohbrookf, JjOid Valentin,
Reiinel, Ramayon, Sec.)
Kapini Isle, {Pulo Kapini, or
Iron Wood Island). — A small unin-
habited island, about 25 miles in cir-
«!umference, Iving off the Avcst coast
of Sumatia, and situated nearly un-
der the equator. In the charts it is
usually named Batu, while to Batu
the name of JMintaon is erroneously
assigned.
Karah. — A town belonging to
the Maharattas, in the province of
Gujrat, 17 miles S. E. frcn Ahnied-
abad. Lat. 22°. 46'. N. Long. 72°
45'. E.
Karakf.eta Isle. — A small island
in the Eastern Seas, situated to the
south of Sangir. Lat. 3°. 7'. N.
Long. 125°. 25'. E. It is cultivated
and inhabited.
Kauasjkk. — A small town in the
province ofBojapoor. 45 miles N.E.
from jMcrritch. Lat. 17°. 26'. N.
Long. 75°. 28'. E. In thi:^ place are
a considerable, number of Mahom-^
niedans, w lio subsist mostly on alms,
in a state of filth and slolii. These
Mussulmaun devotees, although the
most intolerant on the face of the
earth, crave and take charity from
all religions, {j^loor, tVc.)
Karu au w, (Carag-rama). — A town
in the Maharatta territitries, in the
province of Khandesh, district of
Bejapoor. Lat. 21°. 54'. N. Long.
75°. 35'. E.
Karical, (Carica^a). — A town on
the sea-coast of the province of
Tanjore, 50 miles iL by N. from tlie
city of 'J'anjore. Lat. 10°. 55'. N.
Long. 70°. 54'. E. The territory
iuound this place is extremely fer-
tile, and produces abundance of
rice ; and salt is also made and ex-
ported.
In the Carnalic wars, from 1740
to 1763, Karical was a place of con-
siderable importance, and strongly
fortified. In 1760 it was taken from
the I'rench by Colonel Monson. At
tliis period of history the French,
by purchase and cession from the
Tanjore government, had acquired
districts round the fort, compre-
hending 113 villages ; the revenue
of which, with the customs of tbc
port and town, produced 30,000 pa-
godas per annum. (Orme, Sonnerat,
\c. cVc.)
Karnata. — i\n ancient Hindoo
geographical division, which com-
KAYNS.
407
prcliended all the liigh table land in the capital, and tlic Jain Iho preva-
thc south of Imlia, sitnutcd above lent religion of the kingdom. (Mac-
thc Ghauts, liy a fatality niicxam- kenzic, F. Buchamia, Willis, Rcnnel,
pled in the history of nations, it has Colebronhe, ^-c.)
lost its name, which has been trans- KaroI'LY, {Keruli). — A town in
fcrred to adjacent provinces on the province of Agra, 70 miles S.W.
the sea-coasts of India, under the from the city of Agra. Lat. 26°. 35'.
appellations of Carnalic and C'a-
iiara.
Tiie conunon Canara, or Karna-
taea character and langujige, are
nsed by the natives of all those
countries, from Coimbetoor north to
Balky, near Jieeder, and witliin the
N. Long. 77°. E.
This town is situated on the Puch-
peree, a small river with high per-
pendicular banks, which during the
rainy season swells to a torrent, and
on the other side is almost surround-
ed by deep and extensive ravincsr
parallels of the Eastern Ghauts to The fort is in the centre of the town,
the Western. This region eorapre- which is surrounded by a good stone
hends the modern provinces of My- wall with bastions. The rajah is of
sore. Sera, L'pper liednore, Soonda, the Rajpoot tribe of Jadoo, which
Goa, Atloni, Kachoer, Carnonl, the formerly reigned at Biana. They
Doab of the Krishua, and Toom- have gradually been stripped of their
buddra ; and a considerable part of best possessions by the Maharatlas ;
the modern provinces of Bejapoor the revenues of this little state not
and Beeder, as far as the source of exceeding one and a half lacks of
the Krishna. The junction of the rupees, out of which the Pcshwa
three languages — the Telinga, the claims a tribute of 20,000 rupees.
Maharatta, and the Canara, takes The most productive part of its ter-
place somewhere about the city of ritory is a nanow valley, which ex-
Becder, in the Deccan. The Haiga tends 30 miles to the Bunnass River,
Brahmins in Canara consider the
Karnataea as tiicir proper tongue ;
and all accounts, or inscriptions on
stone, whether in the vulgar lan-
guage or in Sanscrit, are written in
and is scarcely a mile in breadth.
{Bronghton, ^'c.)
Kaweel, (Cavil) — A large dis-
trict in the Nizam's territories, in
the pro\ince of Berar, situated prin-
tlie Karnataea character, which is cipally between the 21st and 22d
degrees of north latitude. By Abul
Fazel, in 1582, it is described as
follows :
" Sircar Kaweel, contairung 46
mahals ; revenue, 134,874,048 dams ;
nearly the same with the andray, or
old writing of 'I'elingana,
The principal rivers of the south
of India, that have their rise on the
table land of Karnata, are the
Krishna, the Toonibuddra, the Cau- seyurghal, 12,874,048 dams." The
very, and the Peunar; allot which, chief town is Ellichpoor, and the
although rising within from 30 or piincipal river the Poornah, by which
50 miles of the Malabar Coast, run it is intersected,
eastward into the Bay of Bengal, KAYNS,(or Kiayns). — Intheinter-
proving a general declivity towards mediate sp:ice between Bengal, Ara-
that quarter. cau, Ava Proper, and the province of
In the remote periods of Hindoo Munipoor, or Cassay, is an exten-
liistory Karnata existed as a power- sive mountainous and woody tract,
i'ul empire, which comprehended occupied by many rude tribes. The
great part of the south of India ; most distinguished among these are
and, in the eighth century of the called by the Biruians Kayns, but
Christian era, is ascertained to have by themselves Koloun ; and many
been governed by the Bellala Rayas; have, since tiie conquest of Aracan
at which time Balagaini, in the My- by tlie Birmans, been influenced to
sine province, is said to have been quit the niountaius, and settle iu th«
2h 2
4G8
IvElKitlREE.
plains. They speak a dialect pecu-
liar to llicmsclvcs, and appear dis-
tinct from all the suironnditig- tribes.
They are remarkable for simple ho-
nest indr.stry and inofiensive nian-
uers, accompanied by flic nulcst no-
tions respecting reliu;ion. Tliey have
no idea of a place of fatine reward
and punishment, and deny the ex-
istence of sin in their country. They
burn their dead, and collect the
aslics, which, after certain ceremo-
nies, are carried to a place of inter-
ment, and on the sod Mhich covers
them is laid a wooden iiuage of the
deceased, 'llicy believe their deity
resides on the great mountain
Gnovva, which the Eirmatis have
never yet invaded. '\^ hen a Kayii
dies within tlie jurisdiotion of the
.Uirmans, the relations of t!ie de-
ceased always convey the urn and
image of the depaitcd person to this
mountain, there to be deposited in
the sacred earth. These people have
no letters, nor any law except cus-
tom, to which the Birmans lea\c
them, never interfering in their uiu-
niciiial or social economy.
The females of this tribe have
tlieir faces tattooed all over in lines,
mostly describing segments of cir-
cles, which gives them a most ex-
traordinary and hideous appearance.
{Si/mes, F. Biiclianan, Sr.)
Kedarnath, {Kedara Natim). —
A place of Hindoo pilgTimage in
Northern Hindostan, situated in the
province of Serinagur. Lat. 30°-
53'. N. Long. 79°. 19'- E.
This plate lies about 14 or 15
miles of direct distance to the \^ .
N. W. of Bliadrinath ; but tiie in-
termediate hills are inaccessible from
snow, and travellers are obliged to
make a circuitous route by the way
of Josiinath. The road to Kedar-
nath is much obstmcted, and in
many places leads overbeds of snow,
extending for several miles. ]]y
the time the pilgrimage to Kedar-
nath is completed, Ijhadrinath is
ready to receive visi ors, wiio. hav-
ing paid their devotions, retinn by
the road of Naudaprayaga and Car-
naprayaga,' and thus conclude tln^
grand circle of pilgrimage.
The ceremonies inidrrgone here
by the Hindoos dider in no respect
from the cnslonis usually observed
at the other places of ho!\ ablution.
After washing away their impurities^
the men whose fathers are dead, and
those of the female sex who are wi-
dows, submit to the operation of
toiksure. One day sufllees fw the ob-
servation of these rites, and very
few remain more than two days; but
endeavour to efl'ect their ntreat from
the hills before the eummencement
of the periodical rains. {Ruper, Src)
Kr.KX-DUKM RivuR. — ^Tliis is the
great western branch of the Ira-
waddy or Ava River, and derives its
name from the Kayn tribe-— the
name .signifjing the Fountain of the
Kajiis. It arrives in the Eirmaii
country from the N. \Y. and sepa-
rates it from the eoiKiuered province
of Cassay. I'he Einnaiis say it has
its source in a lake three nioiiths'
joui ney to the northward, and is na-
vigable, as far as the Ava dominions
extend, tor vessels of burthen, 'i'he
most distant town in tiie possession
of the IMrmans on the banks of thi^
river is Jsakioung, where it joins the
eastern branch of the Irawaddy ; it
is rather more than a mile broad.
CSi/mes, F. Buchanan, cVc.)
Kr.ELAN Isle. — A small island
about 20 miles in circnniference,
lying oil' the western extremity of
Ceram. Lat. 3°. 15'. :S. Long. 127'^.
55'. E. This island is inha!)ited,
and well planted with cocoa nut and
plantain trees.
Keerpoy, {Cripn). — A town in
the province of Bei;gal, di: triet of
Burdwan, 50 nsiles S.\V. from Cal-
cutta. Lat. 22°. ^6'. N. Long. 8/^.
44'. E. liiis is the seat of a com-
mercial residinicy.
KcrFiNG Isle. — An island about
45 Hiilcs in circumference, separated
from the south-east eiui of tijc Island
of Ceram by a narrow strait. Lat.
3°. .50'. S. Long. 130°. iL
Kedgeree, {Kijari). — A village
and bazar in the [jroviiice of Bengal,
KELPOOTIY.
469
5itiin1r(l ai tlir moniJi oftlio I[(ioj;li-
Jy Hivtr, Mliicli here cxpniKLs 1o ;i
Jiicadlli ol" iii'aily nine miles across,
T)2 miles S. I)V \y. IVoiii Caieiitta.
lial. 9.1°. fw'. \. Loiii,^ 8S°. ]()'. ]■;.
prosppiify unusual in fhis miserable
country. In tiie iioi^hhourliood are
many <i;aniens pro(liirin<;- various Eu-
ropeun Iriiits, but the |)roporfion of
;Toinid capalile of cultivation in this
'i'liis is a mucii lie-.ildiicr station fjiiarter is barely snilicient for tlio
than l)i;inion<l ilarhour; and sliips poptilation, wliicli in adverse seasons
of Mar, unless compelled by stroiij^ depends on Cutcli (Junduva tor sup-
veas(»iis, shoidd nev«'r jio lii;!,hcr up plies of p,Tain.
the river. Here a naval olJicer on The city of Kelat is merely on-
tlie part of tlie Comjiany is esta- closed by a low nuid wall, but the
l>lisiied, mI'o nialies daily reports lo palace of (he Khan, which stands on
jiovernment of (he ships that arnve a hij^h liill, eommandin]Pj a complete
and sail. lOnriuf^ the nviny season view of tlio coiuitry,' is considered
ships soni' times lie here a long^ time, by tiic natives impregnable. (A'm-
on account of the freshes ol' the ri- 7u>i\ Christie, ^x.)
ver. On shore the comitry is a low,
swampy, salt morass, and particu-
larly pernicious to I'uropean consti-
tulions. Many iro|)ical fruits and
other rcfrcshnn nis may be procured
Jiere.
KlXAT, (h'il/af, the Fort).—'Vhr;
capital of Balooclnslan, and tlie re-
k^.I.I,AMA^GAI.u^f, (Kil/a Manga-
Iain, the Proxperotis Fort). — A small
town in the ceded distiiets of the
]Mvsoie, aniu'xcd to the IJarramahal.
Lat. ri°. 3ry. N. Loup:. 7.S°. 5'. J-;,
Thisphu'c contains al)ove .jOOhonses,
and has a small fort with two reser-
voirs. In the jieighbourhood the dry
sideiice of its soverei;;;n, Mahmood field forms by far tiio greater part of
Klian. Lat, 2<>°. 6". N. lx)ng. 67°.
67'. E.
This town stands on a small hill,
on the west side of a rich valley,
nboul 12 miles in lenj;th, and not
excecdinii- two in breadth, smronnd-
ed by lofty mountains, which in
Y.inferare co\crcd with snow ; but,
in the summer, afford pasture for
the arable land. Poppies aie culti-
vated for tlie purpose of procuring
opium. Vv hen the seed of this plant
is allowed to ripen, an intoxicating
Ii(pn)r called post is composed from
it, nuich tised for inebriation both
by the Mahommedans antl Hindoos.
Considerable nund>ers of cattle arc
also roared near Kellamangalum.
liunuMons flocks of fat-tailed sheep, The woods and wastes adjacent are
camcl.s, ami goats. much frequented by traders in grain
I'Vom its elevated situation, the called Unnbadies, or briujanies, who
town of Kelat, at a distance, has even in tiuu> of peace cannot en-
a prepossessing appearance, vvliich tirely al)stain from plunder,
does not i!n])rove on closer in- The touutry from hence to Wora-
spection. The streets are narrow gan Ilully, distant seven miles, con-
and dirty, ;uid the houses built of sists of low rocky iiills overgrown
half-burned brick, the upjior stories Avith brush wood, and interspersed
i-.p|)roaciiiMg each other across the with considerable portions of arable
street. The city is iioi)ulous, and ground. ( )f this the soil of the lirst
eoiitains above 4000 Iu)uses ; 400 of quality forms one-fifth, of the second
which are inhiibited by the Babee quality two-fifths, and of the third
Patau mere liants and liindoos. 'I'he and fourth (jualitics each one-fifth,
latter are computed to exceed 500 (F. Hiulianan, kc.)
in nnmliei-, anil receive great encou- Ivklpoouy, {h'he/apuri). — A small
ragement from the government, a district in the province of Delhi, si-
small duty being levied for the sup-
port of their pagoda. Tlu- bazar is
well .supplied, and the town exhi
tuated al)out the SDth degree of north
latitude, and bounded on the north
by tlie Kcmaoon IMonntains, The
hits jiu appearance of trade and soil of Uiis district is fertile, but it
470
KENNERI.
stili contains a great extent of land
overgrown with extensive forests.
"\V lien the Institutes of Acber were
compiled, it appears to have been
comprehended in the division of
Sumbhalpoor ; in 1801 it was ceded
to the Company by the Nabob of
Oudc, and was annexed to the col-
lectorship of Bareily.
Kelpooky. — A town in the pro-
vince of DcUii, 48 miles N. N. E.
from Bareily, and the capital of a
small district of the same name.
Lat. 28°. 69'. N. Long. 79°. 39'. E.
Kemaoon, {Camaon). — A district
in Northern Hindostan, situated
principally between the 29th and
.30th degrees of nortli latitude ; the
hilly part of which belongs to the
Rajah of Nepaul, and the tuiTye, or
lower part, to the British govern-
ment, having been ceded in 1801 by
the Nabob of Oude. The tenitory
of this district is separated from that
of Serinagur by a range of moun-
tains, on Which stands the village of
Chiring. Lat. 30°. 6'. N.
After passing this chain of hills
the contrast is remarkable. The
hills of Kcm;i()on appear to rise in a
reguhir genlle acclivity from their
ba'scs, and tlie soil is of rich earth,
giving birth to line verdure and ex-
tensive forests. The country also
divides into rather spacious vallies,
rendered fertile by tillage, and the
cultivation is more extended, and
cairied finther up the hills than in
Serinagur, with a greater population.
On the frontier several of the vil-
lages are divided, one half belonging
to Serinagur, and one half to Ke-
maoon, an arrangement which does
not appear founded in sound policy.
In this district are many small and
rapid rivers, such as tlie Gaumathi,
the Garuda Gimga, the BarrnI, and
the Causila. Prior to 1791 the moun-
tainous part of this district was sub-
dued by the Nepaulese ; and, in
1808, the expelled Rajah of Ke-
maoon resided at Rampoor as a teh-
sildar (subordinate collector of the
revenue), under the British govern-
tueut. In 1582 Abul Fazel describes
the Kemaoon Mountains, and at-
tributes to them a great many va-
luable articles which they do not
produce : — " A part of the northern
mountains of this soubah is called
Kemaoon, where there are mines of
gold, silver, lead, iron, orpiment,
and borax. Here are also found
abundance of musk deer, ketass
cows, silk worms, falcons of various
kinds, goats, horses, and plenty of
honey."
The city of Almora is the capital
both of the Kemaoon and the Al-
mora districts. (Raper, Kirhpatrick,
Abul Fazel, ^t.)
Kenneri, — A collection of re-
markable caverns excavated in the
mountains of the Island of Salsette,
near to Bombay. The Portuguese
formerly titled up one of them as a
church, and consequently thought it
their duty to deface all the most Pa-
gan looking sculptnres.
At present the fine teak ribs for
supporting the roof are almost gone,
and the portico is not so elegant as
that at Carli. On the sides are two
gigantic figures, each 25 feet high,
standing erect with then* hands close
to their bodies, and their heels close
together, which resemble the figures
of Buddlia seen in Ceylon. On each
side of the great cave are smaller
ones apparently unfinished.
Ascending the hill the caves be-
come so numerous, that they resem-
ble an excavated city. Some of them
are small, and seem adapted for pri-
vate dwellings, having a reservoir of
water, but others ai-e of a larger
size. One of them has a long ve-
randa in front, the chamber within
which is 40 feet square, having the
sides covered with figures of Jain
saints. Narrow doorways in three
sides of the cave lead to cells of 10
feet by six, in each of which there
is a raised seat ; the fourth side has
one door, and several windows look-
ing into the veranda. The small
caves are in a variety of shapes, and
the pillars which support them are
not less various.
The large square cave is situated
KIIANDESIL
471
in a nivitjr, wlioro tlicio mo shrubs
and Irct's, and riudcr tli«>s|)(»t fooler
than ally other part of tlio siibtcrra-
ni'Oiis rily. 'I he siiniiuit of the
iiiuiintaiii coinniaiids a fine prospect
over woods and lulls, and ;unis of
the sea ; to the continent ol' India
on the one hand, and to tiie ocean
on tiie other.
Ki-RcoL.\N(i Isle, — See Tolour.
Kkrinja, (Caranjn). — A largo
w.illed town, vith a line lank of
water, in the province of IJerar, the
Jajihirc of Souhnh Khan.
Kf.tki:. — 'I'his is the principal town
beloiif^ing 1o iAleerThara, one of the
Ameers of Sinde. It is larj;er than
Corachie, and is situated on an is-
land hi the River Indus. The chief
villages in its vicinity arc liohur
Kadhuji, Uselee, and AV'ahnaec,
Krys Isle. — ^Thrce islands of con-
siderable extent in the Eastern Seas,
situated about the 133d degree of
eastern longitude, and between the
fifth and sixth degrees of north lati-
tude. They are named Key Watela,
liittlc and Great Key Islands, but
respecting- them nothingbeyond their
geographical situation is known,
Keydf.f., (Cardi). — A town in the
province of Bahar, district ofClinlta
Nagpoor, 235 miles AV. bv N. from
Calcutta. Lat. 22°. 46'. N. Long.
84°. 49'. E.
KHANDESH, {Klmndesa).
A province in the Deccan, si-
tuated i)rincipally between tlu^ 2 1st
and 23d degrees of north latitude.
To the north it is bounded by Mal-
vvah ; on the south by Annuigabad
and Eerar; on the <ast il lias Jjerar ;
and on the west tlu; p:o\ince of Guj-
rat. In length it may be estimated
at 200 miles, by 90 miles the average
breadth.
Khandesh was one of the small
soubahs, formed during the reign of
Acl)er, from conquests made south of
the Neibuddah. It then occupied
the space betwixt Malwah on the
north ; Bcrai- on the cast ; and Ali-
mednngger(arterwards Aurungabudj
on the west and south; but its boun-
daries has since thictualed consider-
ably. In the Ayeen A(;berry it is
described as follows :
" The soubah of Dandecs. This
sanbali was originally called Khan-
dees, but upon the coiKjuest of the
fortress of Asec'r, the name was
elianged to Dandees. It is situated
in the second climate. In length
from I'oorgong, w hieh joins to Hin-
diah, to Selinig, bordering on tiie
territory of Ahmednuggur. it mea-
sures 75 coss ; and the breadth from
Jamood, which ctjnlines it towards
lierar and I^xll, joining to JMalwah,
is 50 coss. It is bounded on the
N. \V. by JNlalwuh ; Kalneh confines
it to the south ; on the east lies He-
ra r ; and on the north large moun-
tains. The soubah of Khandesh con-
tains 32 nuxhals ; revenue 12,647,072
tungehs."
'J'his is one of the original Malia-
ratta provinces, and is remarkably
strong by nature, AVithin one day's
march nearly twenty tbrtresses, all
in sight in different directions may
])e counted. Chandore, Uiiky^ Tun-
ky, Saler, Rouke, Nassick, Trim-
muck, Galna, ]\Iongy, and Tongj-,
are all places of this description.
The ridge of th(^ AN estern Ghauts
extends along the 'I'uptee River,
from whence there are passes down
to Khairdesh ; m hieh pro\ incc, al-
though of an iiTCg-iilar surface, and
containing many strong holds, is not
monntainous. TJie ( hief riveis are
the Nerbuddah and the Tuptee, and
llie ])riiicipal towns iioorhanpoor,
Hasser, or Aseer, and Hindia,
A considerable portion of Khan-
desh is possessed by the Ilolear fa-
mily, being like the province of Mal-
wah divided between the Peshwa,
ilolcar, and Sindiu, but much the
largest i)art is })osst;ssed by the tA\ o
latter powers. Abounding in strong
holds, occupied by petty native chiefs,
the revenue is collected with great
dilfieully, and generally ivfpiires llie
intervention of a military force. The
province generally is fertile, and to-
472
KHYRABAD.
lerably well waiered ; hut, owing to
the nature of the governmeni, in-
differently cultivated, and but thinly
populated. A very great proportion
of the inhabifants (probably the five-
sixths) aro Hindoos of the Bralimiii-
ical persuasion, and may be esti-
mated not to exceed 2,000,000 in
lunnber.
In the beginning of the loth cen-
tury Khandesh was governed by in-
dependent sovereigns, claiming their
descent from Omar, and residing at
Ascer as their caj ital ; but towards
the close of the century it was com-
pletely subdued, and annexed to the
JMogul empire. (Abid Ftizel, Tone,
the Marquis WeJlesIei/, Re)inel, ^-c.)
Kh .\ SG UNG E, (/iTz/a/gYf;;; ). — A town
in tiie province of Agra, district of
Fwrruckabad, 64 miles N. W. from
the town of Furruckabad. Lat. 27°.
62'. N. Long. 78°. 3G'. E.
Khemlasa. — A large walled town,
■with a fort adjoining, situated in the
province of Mahvali, 91 miles S. W,
from Chatterpoor. Lat. 24°. 15'. N.
Loiig. 7ft°. 36'. E. This place be-
longs to the district of Saga, or San-
gur, which is distant about 34 miles
to the southward. (Hunter, Sec.)
Kheroo. — A town in Tibet, si-
tuated to the north of the great Hi-
malaya ridge of mo'uitains. Lat.
2&° 13'. N. [iong. 86°. 45'. E. This
was once a large place, but is now
inconsiderable, having been laid
waste prior to 1790 by an incursion
of the Kala Soogpa Tartars, who
occupy the country north of Joon-
gale, and who for some time pos-
sessed themselves of liassa. A con-
siderable trade subsists betwixt Nc-
paul and this place, which nominally
belongs to the Dalai Lama of Lassa,
but is in fact i)ossessed by the Chi-
nese. From Kheroo there arc no
snowy rnonntaiiis to be seen in the
northern quarter ; but there are in
the south, the west, and the sonth-
east quarters. ( Kirhpatrieh, ^c.)
KHOOfiH.\LGiiVi{,(K/iash-/ialghar).
—A nurd fort with double walls,
round bastions, and a ditch, situated
ill the province of Aj nicer, 68 miles
S. E. from Jeypoor, Lat. 26°. 27'.
E.
Khooshgul. — A well built small
hill fort in the province of Bejapoor,
district of Bantapoor, strongly si-
tuated on the top of a rising groimd
in the midst of an extensive plain of
so regular a descent, that it forms a
glacis on everv side. Lat. 15°. 29'.
Long. 75°. 13'. E.
KtiozDAR. — A (own in the pro-
vince of Baloochistan, the residence
of Meer Morad Aii, one of the prin-
cipal Baloochee Ameers of the Kum-
buranee tribe. Its situation has not
been correctly ascertained, but it is
somewhere about 3(j°. 30'. N. and
67'. E.
This place stands in a small ro-
mantic vailcy of the same name, be-
tween two tremendous ridges ol' bare
rocky mountains, whi<h is tolerably
well cultivated, and watered by a
stream ilowing througli the centre.
The town is ^^ ailed, and has a good
bazar. Although a Mahommedan
town, the Hindoos are held in great
esteem, and possess a pagoda dedi-
cated to the goddess Caii. When
winter ap|)roaches, on account of the
severity of the climate, the chief and
all the richer class of persons retire
southward to Cutch Gundava, to
avoid the intense cold, which among
1he.'>e elevated vallies congeals the
water. From hence to Kelat, the
capital of Baloochistan, is three days
journey. {Christie, Kinneir, ^-c.)
KiiVRARAD. — A district in the Na-
bob of JJude's territories, situated
principally between thc27tli and 28tli
degrees of north latitude. By Abul
Fazcl, in 1582, this district is de-
scribed as follow s :
" Sircar Khyrabad, containing 22
mahals, measiucment 1,987,700 bec-
gahs; re\enue 43,644,381 dams.
Seyurghal 1,713,342 dams. This .sir-
car furnishes 1160 cavalry, and 27,800
iniantry."
This is a fertile, well watered dis-
trict, but the cnUivation inferior to
that of the adjacent districts in the
Doab. The principal crojis ar<> bar-
ley, wheat, tobacco, and small pcus.
KISIIENGUNGA RIVER.
473
The soil is of a sandy uatnic, and
duiiiiu: iIkmIij- season cloiuls of dust
arc raised by the wind, yet in <lic
cold season Ihc croi)s are Ireqtietilly
injured by tlie IVost. 'riier(> are some
fields «)f siia;ar eaiie, but lliis speeies
o\' cullivalion is as yet imperfect.
The prin<ii)al rivers are the Cian-
fTCS, the (;o<;;iTah, and (he (ioomty ;
and the chief to\Mis Khyrabad,
Shaliabad, and Naraii^abad. {Toi-
jiaut. Abiil Juizel, .\r. )
Khyrahad. — A town in the pro-
vince of (hide, 40 miles travelliii<?
distance north from l,iirkiio\v, the
capital of a district of the same
name. Lat. '2/°. '29'. N. Lorn;. 80°,
45'. i;.
Khyrpoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Siiide, the residence of ]Meer
Soiirab, one of the ameers or princes
of that extensive country. It stands
six days jonrney by land from Hy-
derabad, the capital of Hinde, and
Ibnr by water, it is a place of some
trade, and noted for the dyeing of
clot hs.
KiLKARY. — A town on the sea-
coast of the SoniJiern Carnatic, dis-
trict of Afarawas, 127 nnles N. F,.
from Cape Comorin. Lixi. i)°. 15'. N.
Lous:. 78°. 63'. K
KiMFDY, {Cionadi). — A town in
the Northern Circars, S'.i miles S. VV.
from Ganjam. Lat. 18°. 48'. N.
Long. 8-1°. 11'. E.
KiNATOOR. — A small town in the
Carnatic, near to whi<'li is the hij^liest
pagoda, or Hindoo temple, in the
province, bein<j; 222 W'li in height.
Lat. 12°. 15'.' N. Long-, 7Jj°. VJ'.
E.
KlRTHTPooR, (Kirtipiira, the fa-
mous ('it)/). — A town in t!ie valley of
Nepaul, abont three miles west froni
Patn. Lat. 27°. 30'. N. Long. 85°.
37'. i:.
This place was once the seat of an
independent jirince. tliongh at the
j)eri()d of i'urliii Narrain's(the Goor-
khali Hajah's) invasion, it was in-
cluded in the territory tif I'atn. It
is said at one |ieriod to have reckon-
ed 6000 houses or families within
il^ jurisdiction, but it is at present a
place of no great extent or consider- •
ati(m.
When Pnrtlii Narrain, the Ghoor-
khali Rajah, took this place in 1768,
he was so enraged at the long and
obstinate defence made by the in-
habitants, that he ordered the noses
and lips of all the survivors, without
exception of age or sex, to be cut
off; and the name of the city to be
changed to Naskatapoor, which sig-
nifies the iown of cut noses. This
edict appears to have been strictly
enforced, as 23 years afterwards the
British andjassador at Nepanl found
many jiersons who had outlived this
mutilation. {Kirhpatrich, FathcrGui-
seppc, S,-c. Sr.)
KiRWAL. — A town belonging to
tlie jMaharattas. in the province of
Malwah, 42 miles N. AV. from Bil-
sah. Lat. 24°. 2'. N. Long. 78°. 13'. E.
KisHENAGi'R District, {Krishna
Nog-ar). — See Nuddf.a.
KiSHKNAfiUR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Rengal. situated oi; the S. E.
side of the Jellingliv River, 62 miles
N.byE. ti-om ra!(Mi1ta. L.at. 2.3°.
26'. N. Long. 88°. 35'. E.
Ki.sHKNAGUK. — A town in tlie pro-
vince of vVJmecr, 13 miles S, 1<. from
the cilv of Ajnieer. Lat, 26°. 32'.
N, Long. 7.''>°"l'. !■:,
This is tliee;ipi(al of a small but in-
dc])endent principality, in the nejgh-
liourhuod of Ajmeer, the revenues
of which amount to fom- lacks of ru-
pees jxr aimiim. The rajah's rela-
tions and the descendants of his la-
niily amount in number to near 5000,
and are all fed and married at the
rajah's e\pens(\ whose government
is completely patriarcjial. In retmn
they act as soldiers, and defend (lie
state. The rajah is of the Rhatore
tribe of Rajj)Oots, but the majority
of the cultivators arc Jauts. {Braiigh-
ton, G. TItomrts, Ve.)
KisHi.Nr,(!\GA River, {Krishna
Gaiig-a, Black Tiiver). — This river
has its somce in the mountains to
the north of the i'ackoli district, and
after a short course joins the .Ihylum
River on the north-western frontier
of the province of Lahore.
474
KISTNACJHERRY.
KisKTKWAR, (Cashtliavai; abouvd-
inrr in Wood). — A district in tlic
nortli-casteni extremity of tlic pro-
\iiicc ot" Lahore, situated principally
between the 33d and 34tli deg'recs oi'
north latitude, and bonnded on lli<i
iiortli M<^st l>y the southern ranj^c of
Cashmere I J ills.
This dislrict is in general very liiiiy
and woody, and bnt thinly inhabited,
Mic climate in wiiiler beinj; extremely
told. It is intersected by tlie River
Chinanli, a\ liich in some places is 70
yards broad, and extremely rapid.
A^t the villa';e of Nausman it is eross-
^'d in a basket slun^ to a rope, reach-
iiigfrom side to side, which is pulled
along; tlie ro|)e Mith its goods or pas-
sengers, and then back again. In
1783 this was one of tlic few inde-
pendent ilindoo districts remaining
ill India, yet the chief was a Mahom-
niedan. It probably still remains
independent, having few attractions
j'or invaders. {Foster, $fc.)
KisHTKWAU. — A town in the pro-
vince of Lahore, named also Trilok-
nath, situated close to the southern
range of Cashmere Hills, and 94 miles
J']. S. E. from the city of Cashmere.
Lat. 34°. 7'. N. Long. 75°. 20'. E.
KissF.R, — A small island, about 20
miles ill circnmlerence, lying oft" the
nuith-easterii extremity of 'J'imor.
La1.b°. 5'. S. Long.' 127°. 6'. E.
It is inhabited, and all'ords refresh-
ments and water for shipping.
KisTXA Ri viiR, {Krishna, theSahle).
—This ii\er has its source in the
Western Ghauts, not far from Sata-
rah, in the province of Bejapoor, and
only 50 miles from the west coast of
India. From hence it proceeds in a
S.W, direction, until it readies Mer-
jitcli, when its bulk is greatly in-
creased by the junction of the River
^^'arnah, formed by a variety of
streamlets that fall from tlie Ghauts.
After this bending more to the east-
ward it receives the accession of the
Malpuba. Gutpurba, Beemah, and
Toombuddra, and with an augment-
ed volume proceeds to the Bay of
Bengal, where it foniis the northern
boundary of the Guutoor Circai".
During its course, which, includinsj
the windings, may be estimated at
G50 miles, it waters and i'crtilizes the
jiroviuces of Bejapoor, Beeder, Hy-
derabad, and the districts of Paul-
naud, Guntoor, and Condapilly. The
term Krishna signifies black or dark
blue, and is the name of the favour-
ite deity of the Hindoos — an incar-
nation of the preserving power,
Vishnu.
This river forms the proper bound-
ary of the Deccau, as understood by
the best Mahommedau authors, and
the south of India — a name in mo-
dern times restricted to the regions
soutlr of the Krishna, miscalled the
Peninsula. The eailiest Mahom-
medau army that crossed this river
was led in 1310 by Kafoor against
Dhoor Summooder, the capital of
Belial Deo, sovereign of Karnata, a
Hindoo empire then existing, which
comprehended all the elevated table
land above the eastern and western
chain of mountains. {Wilks, Moor,
J. Grant, S-c.)
Kisiy. WATK AM, {Krishnapatttti). —
A town on the sea-coast of the Car-
natic, 87 miles N. from Madras. Lat.
14'. 19'. N. Long. 80°. 16'. E.
IviSTNAfi KERRY, {Krislma-ghiri\
— A toAMi and fortress in the pro-
vince of Barramahal, 105 miles west
from Seringapatam. Lat. 12°. 32'.
N. Long. 78°. 23'. E.
Near to this place the country
consists of a plain, in which are scat-
tered high rocky, insulated moun-
tains, of a very singular and grand
appearance. That on which the fort
is situated is 700 feet in perpendi-
cular height, and so remarkably bare
and steep, that it was never taken
excc])t by surprise. In Nov. 1791,
the British troops were repulsed with
considerable loss in an attempt to
storm this fortress; along with the
district it whs subsequently ceded to
the British, who destroyed the forti-
fications, Avhich from the altered si-
tuation of aflairs in the Mysore be-
came uuneccssarj'.
Much of the plain in this neigh-
bourhood is rice ground; but the
''.A_*><^pif;f.
KOOKIES.
47o
soil, allliouf^h \v<;ll watorc-tl, is poor.
Tin- road from H\:ut<ft.il) to Kist-
iiaglu'rrv leads musllj tluongli nar-
row dettlcs anioii^' liills covered with
brushwood, v hicli is also the case
from iience to Aialaijaddy. This
last lowii. aIthoui;,h })laced in th<'
centre of the Barraniahal, nc^er be-
loni^ed to that province, havinp; been
long annexed 1(» Arcot. {F. Biw/ia-
7ian, Dironi, Salt. St.)
KisTY. — An Afghan town, situ-
ated to the west of the Indus, in the
province of Ilaj} kan, 120 miles S.W.
from Mooltan!' Lat. 29°. lb'. N.
Long:. 70°. 3'. E.
KiTTOOR. — A town and small dis-
trict in the Peshwa's territories, in
the province of Bejapoor, 20 miles
S. E. I'rom ^lerritch.
This place was originally tributary
to the Poonah state, and the dessaye
had a few villages in the .jaghire ;
but, after the death t)f the Peshwa,
Madhurow, the dessa^i e, took advan-
tage of the convulsions that ensued,
and usurjied the whole. In 1804
the renter oi the district complained
to General Welloslcy that, though a
subject of the Peshwa's, his country
was plundered and devastated, not
only by two neighbouring feudato-
ries of his highnesses (tJoklah and
Appah Dessaye), but also by tlic
Peshwa's ov\ n deputy, the sirsoubah.
By the interposition of the Biitish
government iioacc was restored, and
th<; dessaye compelled to fultil liis
engagements with the Peshwa ; but
at the same time prolcoted in his
own just rights. This district is fer-
tile, and during a period of peace
may be expected to yield from five
to six lacks of rupees per annum.
{MSS. .yr.)
KocRAGUK RivF.R. — A small river
in the province of (Jundwana, which
flows past the town of Byrahgur, and
afterwards falls into IheBaum Gun-
ga, or ^VaiJly River.
KOHCRAAN, or OrtSHKRE, (Koghe-
ran. Gnat Mouniaiiis). — A district
in the north-western quarter of the
province of Lahore, situated between
the 33d and 34th degrees of north
latitude, and bounded on the east by
theJliylum or ifydaspes Kiver. The
face of the country is extremely hilly
and wild, and the country but lluHly
inhabited, beiner mostly possessed by
petty )iative cliiefs, alternately tri-
butary to the Seiks and Afghans. It
contains no town of note.
KoHAUT. — An Afghan town in the
province of C'abul,53 miles west from
Attock, on the Indus. Lat. 33°. C.
N. Long. 70°. 20'. E.
KoMAPooR, {Conupur). — A town
in the province of Bejapoor, 38 mile;,
W.N. W. from Darwar. Lat. 15°.
34'. N. Long. 74°. 32'. E.
KoNJEUR. — A small district in thft
province of Orissa, situated princi-
pally between the 2] st and 22d de-
grees of north latiiude. To the north
it has the districts of Singboom and
Mohurbunge, and to the south the
Company's province of Cuttack. It
continues occupied by independent
native chiefs, but was formerly tri-
butary to the Nagpoor Alaharattas.
It is fertilized by many streams, and
is capable of a high state of cultiva-
tion, Init continues very desolate.
The principal towns are Konjeur,
Ogurapoor, and Andapoorgur.
Konjeur, or Kondojurry. — -A
town in the province of Orissa, dis-
trict of Konjeur, of which it is the
capital. Lat. 21°. 34'. N. Long.
85°. 45'. E.
KoMiiAR Isle. — A very small
island in the Eastern Seas, situated
to the north of Wageeoo. The inha-
bitants cultivate plantations of yams,
potatoes, sugar-canes, and other tro-
pical productions. With AN'agecoo
they barter turtle sausages, made of
turtle eggs, for sago either baked or
raw, 'Phey also carry tortoise-shell
and swallo to sell to the Chinese, who
trade to that island in sloops. {For-'
rest, Sfc.)
KooHANGAN IsLE. — A very small
island in the Eastern Seas, one
of the Sooloo Archipelago. It is
uninhabited, and appears like two
islands, there being a narrow isthmus
in the middle.
KooKiES, {Cuds, or Lunctas), —
476
KOORWEY.
'i'lip Kookics are a race of people
mIio live among the mountains to
the nortli east ut the Chittagong dis-
tiict, ill the province of Bengal.
They reside at a greater distance
than the Clioomeas from the inlia-
hilants of the plain, to Avlioni they
aic (•oiiseqnrni'j' but little known;
and are sekiom seen, except when
they visit the markets on the borders
of the jungles, in the Ruiiganeah
and AvHungabad divisions, to pur-
chase salt, dried fish, and tobacco.
The IvOokics ai'c a stout, nuisenlar
people, but not tall, and have the
pecidiar features of all the natives of
ilic eastern parts of Asia, namely,
the flat nose, small eye, and broad
round face. 'J'hcy are all hunters
and Avarriors, and divided into a
lunnher of distinct tribes, independ-
ent of each other. I'hey are armed
M ith bows and arrows, clubs, spears,
and daws. They choose the steej)-
cst and mcist inaccessible hills to
build their villages on, which gene-
ra liy contain tiom 500 to 2000 inha-
Mtants.
Like other savages the Kookics
;ire engaged in perpetual warfare,
;>r.d piofcr ambuscades and sni-prises
to regular opcii figliting. AV hen
upon a secret expedition they fasten
their hannnocks among tlie branches
of the- lottiest trees, so as not to be
perceived from underneath. Among
Ihese tril)es salt is in high estimation,
;ind a little is always sent with a
message, to coisfirm its importance.
INext to personal valour, the accom-
yilislmient most Aalued in a warrior
is a superior dexterity in stealing.
This miserable race are of a most
vindictive disposition, and blood
iuu.st idways be shed for blood on
tiip principle of retaliation. As they
Iiavc Jio prejudice of caste, no ani-
mal killed in tliC cbaee is rejected ;
an elephant being considered an im-
mense prize, from the quantity of
food he aHords. They migrate every
four or five years from one situation
to another, but seldom to a greater
distance than 12 hours .journey.
'Iheir domestic animals arc gayals,
goats, hogs, dogs, and fowls; but
the first is the most valued ; yet tliey
make no use whatever of the milk,
but rear the gajals entirely for their
flesh and skins.
The Kookies hav<' an idea of a
future state, where they are reward-
ed or punished according to their
merits in this world, 'i hey conceive
that notliing is more pleasing to the
deity, or more certainly ensures their
future happlni!-s, than destroying a
great number oftheir enemies. They
are a great terror to the inhabitants
on the border;; of the Ch.ittagong dis-
trict, and are a particular annoy-
ance to the wood-cutters. {Macrae,
KooLASsiAN Isle. — A small island
in the Eastern Seas, one of the Soo-
loo Archipelago. It is a ]o\\ island,
covered with an ood, but destitute of
water or inhalutaiils.
KooxDAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Eahar, district of Ramgur,
105 miles S. bv V.'. from I'atua. Lat.
24°. 11'. N. 'Long. H-i°. 47'. E.
KooNTASSiJ.. — A small town in
the Gujrat Peniiisula, situated iu the
district of Moorvee, near tlie Run.
From the village of Bhey to this
place the countrv is in a deplorable
state, and the villages nearly unin-
habited, on account of the tumult
and confusion that pervade the whole
district. The adjacent country is a
l)erfect flat, with little or no wood;
but cultivation is only fevn in the
immediate vicinity of villages.
KooRBAH, {Ci()-ava). — A town in
the province of CJundwana, di.strict
of Choteej^gur, 36 miles N.E. from
Ruttunpoor. Lut.22°. 25'. N. Long.
83°. 8'. E.
KooRwuY. — A town in the pro-
vince of JMah^ah, situated on the
banks of the Ectwah, 113 miles S.W.
from Chattcrpoor. Lat. 24°. 11'. N.
Long. 76°. 17'. E. Koorwey and
Eoraso arc two tOA\ ns almost united,
and are of considerable size, the first
having a large stone fort. They are
inhabited by Patans, who setth?d
here during the n ign of Aurengzcbe,
In 1790 the nabob's revenue amount- ■
4
KORWCHI.
477
cd 1o botwern one and two lucks of
ni|jcts. but it was sdnicstcrod by the
Maliaiattas for ))ayinent of a debt
duo to tijom. (Hunter, Si-c.)
KoP ii;l, {Cnpala, the Front). — A
town bi'loiipiiii' to tlu" Ni'/aiii, in ibe
proviiicf of Ijojaponr, district of (hi-
juii(lci<!,iir, G3 miles N, A\ . from T?el-
laiy. liUt. iri°.-2bi'.N. hoi\^.7i)°Ai'A'..
Tliis is otic of the stroiiijest places
in tlie Soiitli of India. 'I'hc lower
fort is a senii-eircle, at the bottom
of a steep rocky inonntaiii, imme-
diately commanded by a middle and
iipi>er tort. 'J'lie last overlooks the
wliole, and contains granaries and
reservoirs, excavated in the solid
rock. 'I'lie wliolo is formed of one
immense rock, almost perpendicular
to a i^reat iieight. e\ce|)t one part to
the south east, where a wall is erect-
ed 6G feet iiijih and 36 feet tiiick,
mostly composed of large stones.
The breadtii betw(!en the rocks is
about 30 feet.
In 1790, when this place was pos-
sessed by 'I'ippoo. it was besieged by
the Nizam's army, assisted by a small
detachment. It held out six months,
and at length capitulated, the go-
vernor being moi e intimidated to
this measure, by the fall of lianga-
loor, than com[>elIed by any urgent
necessity. The garrison, in number
about .3000, were itiiowed to march
souti), and tlic adjaeeiit country was
overrun and destroyed by the >ii-
zam'.s cavalry. {MSS .St.)
KoRAtJ, {C'((ra). — A district in the
province of Allahabad, situated in
the doab of the Gaiigcs and Jumna,
and between the 2Gth and 27th de-
grees of north latitude. The coun-
try in general is liat, excepting on
the high banks of the Ganges, on
which ti.e \illagcs are usualiy situ-
ated, surrounded by mango trees,
and w])ich in niaiiy places expands
to reaches of eight or nine miles ex-
tent, 'i'lie wliole teiritory is fertile,
well watered, and in a progres.sive
.state of prosperity, since it was ceded
to the iJritisIj, by the Nabob of Oude,
in 1801. By Abul I'azel, in 15a2,
it is dcscriijcd as follows;
" Sircar Korah, containing nine
mahals; measurement. .')4l,170 bee-
gahs ; revenue, 17,397, .JO? dams;
.seyurghal. 4(>9,3r)0 dams, 'j'his sir-
car furnishes 000 cavalry, 10 ele-
phants, and 1 a.OOO infantry."
Koinn. — A towTi in the province
of Allahabad, situated in the doab nf
the (iangcs and.lunnia. Lat. 20*^.
a'. N. Long. 80°. 40'. E.
'i'ravclling distance tiom Lnck-
now, 67 miles; from Agra, VSh;
from Delhi. 301 ; and from Calcutta,
by liirlihoom, 655 miles, {litiiiw/,
eye. Vc.)
KoK ' H. — A village in the province
of Cutch, .situated about 10 milc^
south from Lucki)ut nuiuler, on tiie
road from that place to 3,landavee. a
sca-poi t on the Gulf of Cutch. Liat.
23°. 3h'. X.
The sunounding country is very
hilly, and yields large quantities of
iron ore. Near the village are two
or three furnaces for smelting it.
{Maxficld, S-c.)
KoRiNCHi. — A district or valley
in the Island of Sumatra, situated at
the back of the range of high moun-
tains by which the countries of Ariak
Suiigei and liuiiapoor are bounded.
This valley is at a great height alioxc
the sea, and contains one of tlio
beautiful lakes so conuiion among
the mount;'ius in the interior of Su-
matra, it abounds v\ ith iish, and its
banks are eo\cred with villages.
The inhabitants of thir- district are
below the common .stature of tiie
Malays, with harder visages, liigh
clieek bones, and well knit in their
limbs. They are exceedingly jea-
lous of strangers. These people
dwell ill hordes, many families oemg
crowded together in one long build-
ing, sometimes exteudii;g 260 tret.
The i)otatoe is here a eouinuiu
article of Ibod, luit the cocoa nut
proves abortive. The soil produces
excellent tobacco and cotton, utid
also indigo of the small leafed kind.
The natives make gunpowder, .ind
in order to increase its strength (as
they imagine), tliey mix it v\ith
pepper dust.
478
KKISHxNA RIVER.
In a small recess ou the margin
of tlie lake, accessible only by wa-
tcr, is one of those receptacles of
miseiy to which the leprous are
sent. The inhabitants of lliis ele-
\ated mountainous region are de-
scriijcd as having stronger animal
spirits than those of the plain, and
pass their lives with more variety
than the torpid inhabitants of the
coast. They breath a greater spi-
rit of independence, and being fre-
quently engaged in warfare, village
against village, are l)etter prepared
to resist invasion. {Marsden, from
Mr. Charles Campbell.)
KoRJEHAAK. — A small Seik town
in the province of Lahore, situated
on the west side of the Jhylum (tlie
ancient Hydassus), 74 miles N. W.
from the city of Lahore. Lat. 32°.
40'. N. Long. 73°. 4'. E.
KoRouND. — A town in the Nabob
of Oude's territories, 27 miles N. by
W. from the city of Lucknow. Lat.
27°. 11'. N. Long. 80°. 44'. E.
KoSHAB, {Khiish ah, sueet Water).
—A small town in the Afgh'.iii ter-
ritories, in the province of Lahore,
90 miles N. N. E. from the city of
Lahore. Lat. 31° 44'. N. Long.
71°. 59'. E.
KoTAH, {Cata, the Fort). — A town
in the province of Ajineer, district
of Harowty, situated on the cast side
of the Chumbul, 150 miles travelling
distance N. from Oojain. Lat. 25°.
1 r. N. Long. 75°. 4S'. E.
This city is of considerable ex-
tent, and of an irregular oblong
form, enclosed by a stone wall with
round bastions, within which are
many good stone houses, besides
several handsome public buildings.
To the west it has the River Chum-
bul, and on the north-east a clear
lake ; which on two .sides is banked
with stone, and in the centre has a
building called Jugmundul, conse-
crated to religious purposes.
In 1790, the revenue of Kotah
and the adjoining district was 30
lacks of rupees; out of which a
tribute was paid of two lacks of
rupees to Sindia, and the same to
ITolkar. At present the River Par-
I)uttee forms one boundary of the
Kolah teiritories, the legitimate ra-
jah of which (of the tribe Hara,) is
kept in confineniejit by a person
named Rajah Zaiim Singh, who has
long usmped tlie management of
public aHairs. and si ill occupied the
government in 1805. {^Hunter,
Bronghton, Rciinel, cSc.)
KoYAU. — A town in the Nizam's
territories, in the province of Berar,
20 miles N. A^'. from Chandah. Lat.
20°. 6'. N. Long. 79°. 35'. E.
Krakatoa Isle. — This island is
the southernmost of a gionp situated
in the Straits of Sunda. It has a
high peaked hill at the sonth end,
which lies in G°. 9'. S. and 105°. 15'.
E. The whole circuit of the island
is not more than 10 miles. Krakaloa
is esteemed very healthy in com-
parison wifli the neighbouring coun-
tries, and contains a hot spring,
which the natives use as a bath.
The whole island is covered with
trees, except on the spots which the
natives have cleared for rice tields.
The coral reefs afiord plenty of small
turtle. {King, cSr.)
Kraw. — ^This isthmus connects
the Malay Peninsula with the con-
tinent of Asia ; and in the narrowest
part does not exceed 97 miles across
from sea to sea. On the west side
there is a river iiavi gable for vessels
a little way up, where the portage
or carrying place is but six hours
from another ri\er called Tomfong ;
which, without falls or rapids, nnis
through a well inhabited country,
formerly subject to Siam, into the
Bay of Siam, near the Lavehin
Islands. This quarter has, however,
been recently much devastated by
the wars of the Rinnans and Sia-
mese. This isthmus is within three
weeks sail of Madras, and if it were
desirable, an overland intercourse for
the conveyance of letters to and
from China might be established, to
save the time and trouble of going
round the Peninsula by the Straits
of Malacca, {Forrest, ^t.)
Krishna River. — See Kistna.
3
KUNNEE.
47J>
KuilTAR. — A small and iiioun-
laiiiovis district, in the {)ioviii((' of
Cashmere, situated between tlie .') 1th
and ;5oth degrees ot'nottli hitiliulc.
KuMi! ALLiA. — A town in tlic Clnj-
rat l'(,'ninsnla, situated near the
Gulf of Cuteh, and subject to tlie
Jam of Noanafjur.
'I'his place is populous, and con-
tains many houses inhabited by
Gog;la Urahniins, >\ ho are attendants
on llunchor (an inearnalion of
Tislnui) at Dwaraea- 'I'hese Brah-
mins, having; realized fortnn<>s Ironi
the pilgrims mIio resort to the pa-
g^oda, have retired to Ivumbalha, as
an asylum adajjted for eonnnerce, to
which they are much inclined.
'J'he port oft his place is the village
of Sirreyah, distant about five miles,
and situated on the sea shove; the
inhabitants being mostly iishermen
and sea-fariiig ]ieople. It is fre-
quented by vessels of from 150 t(»
200 candies (.OGO pounds each), but
the uierchanls resi<ling- at Kum-
ballia, the; port generally has that
liame also. The imports are rice,
rocoa nuts, and spices, (Vom Mala-
bar, and timber from Cahcnt and
Daniaun. I'rom hence l)ajeree is
sent across tlu' (!ulf to Cutcli, the
inhabitants of which eonsum(^ much
of that grain, but raise little in their
own country.
Kumballia is a walled town witli
four gates, the fortifications being
merely sufficient to keep the sur-
rounding country in awe; but the
town is substantially built, the rocky
hills in the neighbourhood affording
abundance of materials. The town
is said to have received its name
from a remarkably lofty stone pillar,
now removed, which pillars are
calhid by the natives Kumbha. The
banks of the River Ghee, for some
distance up and down from Kum-
ballia, are covered with gardens,
producinpf the fruits cojnmon to this
side of llindostan, and vegetables
are also plenty. A dam is built
Hcross" the Kivcr Ghee, and raised
V2 feet above its lied, which con-
trails water sutfieient for th<# towa
throughout the wlude year. 'J'he
sluTOundirig country is t'ertile, and
intersceicd by the l?i\er Ooiid.
( Maciimrdo, ^t.)
Kt'NDAL, {C'aiidala). — A town in
tlie province of Bengal, district of
'J'iperah, 74 miles S. W.byS. lioni
Dacca. Lat. 2;i°. 1 2'. N. Long, i) l^.
18'. E. The adjacoit country is al-
most one entire forest, aboiuuling"
with all sorts of wild animals, par-
ticularly clej)hants of an excellent
quality, but inferior in value to those
of Chitlagong.
KiNDAJ'Uii. — A town in the pro-
vince of Canara, 55 miles N. N. \V.
from Mangalore. Lat. 13°- 33'. N.
Long. 7-1°. 47'. E.
This place is situated on the banks
of a river, wiiich, in diderent places,
is called by diiferent names, accord-
ing- to the villages which it passes.
This river is, in general, the boundary
between IIk; northern and southern
divisions of Canara; but Kundapiu
was foimerly under the collector of
the northern division.
At the villages on the banks of
this riv<r all the goods going to, or
coming (mm Bednore, arc landed
and shipjX'd. Thecustomhou.se is
at Kuudaijoor, but the principal
siiipping-placc is furth<T up the river
at IJareelore. On the north side of
the river Tippoo had a dock ; but
the v\ ater on the bar, even at spring
tides, does not exceed l.S^ feet. Thr
river, or rather lake, at Kundapur.
has only one openinij into the sea.
but receives five fresh Avater stream.-^
from the hills, which, meeting the
tide in this wide basin, Ibrm a num-
ber of islands. The town at pre-
sent contains above 300 houses, and
was formerly the head-quart ers of a
battalion of sepoys. (F. Buchanan.
KuNNKi'., {Catii). — A town in the
province of Delhi, district of Sir
hind. I'his place is surrounded with
a mud wall, 20 feet high, with a wet
ditch all round, 12 feet deep, and
18 broad; yet, in 1809, it was eva-
cuated to the British without rosis
a nee. (lUA Pf(j;ister, :yr.)
480
LACCADIVE ISiJiS.
KuuDA. — A town in the province
of Ciijiat, near t'le N. W. frontier,
and situated ?.ljout three miles soutli
from Theraiul, to whicli it is sub-
ject. Approaehing tj-oin the south
the jnnglc continues as far as Kurda,
vhcre it opens gradually, but the
sf)il continues sandy and unproduc-
tive, with tliickets scattered over it.
'J'hc want of water is e^•ery where
felt, wliicli may probably account
for tlie paucity of wild animals to
be found in tlic countr} .
KruGOMMAH, (Cargama). — A
town in the province of Gundwana,
64 miles N. IVom Ruttinipoor. Lat.
2S°. 11'. N. Long. 82°. 25'. E. This
j)!ncc is situated iu the proper Goand
country, and continues sidiject to
an iudependent rajah of that tribe.
In the, wild country, a few miles
smith from Kurgommah, neither sil-
v(-r nor copper coins are current,
but co\\ ries pass for twice the value
they sustain in ijengal. {Blunt, i^c.)
k L'lill \HiiAUc;, {Klisharabagh), —
Au Afglnm town, in the province of
Cabal, 25 miles S. W, from Ghizni.
Eat. 33°. 28'. N. Long. 67°. 57'. E.
KurroRE. — See Caff.ristan.
KuTURDRA IsLK. — All island ad-
jacent to tlie Chittagong district, in
tlte province of Bengal, being se-
parated by a narrow strait, no where
exceeding two miles in breadth. The
length of tli(^ island may be estimat-
ed at 13 miles, by four tlie average
breadth. ( )u the sui ronndiiig sea
coast small oysters of au excellent
flavour arc procured, and transported
by the inhabitants to Dacca and
Calcutta for sale to the Europeans,
tlie natives having an aversion to
every species of shell fisli.
Kyndee. — A town in the province
of Eahar, district of Ramgnr, 95
miles S. by W. from Fatna. Lat.
24°. 15'. N" Long. 85°. 5'. E.
KYRAHGUn,(/iVjzrffg-//rtr). — A town
belonging to Goand Rajahs, tribu-
tary to the Nagpoor JNIaharattas, in
th ' province of Gundwana, 86 miles
S. \Y. from Kutlunpoor. Lat. 21°.
27', N. Long. 81°. 32'. E.
Kyraut, (liViiVaifafi),-^A district
in Northern Hindostan, situated be-
tween the 271 h and 2Sth degrees of
north latitude. To the north it is
bounded by tlie great Himalaya
ridge of mountains; to the south by
the JMorung hills and Ibrests ; on the
east it has Eootan ; and on the west
it is separated from Nepanl Proper,
by an unexplored tract little known
to Europeans. The River 'I'eesta
or Sanpoo is the principal river, and
Damsong the chief town.
'I'his territory was formerly inde-
pendent, but in the year 17G9 lh»
Rajah of CJoreah having, after four
years' warfare, completed the con-
quest ofNeiKiul, made liiinself mas-
ter also of tliis country, and of other
districts, as far as the borders of
Cooch, >5ahar, and Eootan.
Kyrkeghuh. — A to\vn in the pro-
vince of C)ude, district of Bareily,
situated on the east side of the (iog-
grah River, 102 miles north from
Lucknow. Lat. 28°. 18'. N. Long.
80°. 51'. E.
Laarat Isle. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, situated oil' tlie north-
ern extremity of 'J'imorlaut. In
length this island may be estimated
at 25 miles, by 12 tfie average
breadth ; but respecting its inhabi-
tants, or productions, very little is
known.
Labooan. — An island about 15
miles in circumference, situated on
the N. W. coast of Borneo, opposite
to the month of the River IJorneo
Proper. Lat. 5^. 20'. N. Long. 115°
E. To this island the Engiisli re-
tired in 1775, when expelled by the
Sooloos from Balambaugan. {For-
rest.)
Lacauacoonda, {Laker ilihdnda).
— A town in the province of Bengal,
district of Eirhoom, 116 miles N. E.
from Calcutta. Lat. 23°. 48'. N.
Long. 87°. 15'. E.
Laccadive Isles, {Lahha divipa.
LACTIJO.
481
a Lack of Islets). — An Aichipdai^o of n:ivi<!;al)lo rivois; the air siujju-
of low shoaly islands lynig oil' tht- iariy (lostilciilial to tho constitulious
coast of Malabar, which is about 7o ofstiaiif;(is, and tlu; water cxhcinoly
miles distant from the nearest, and uawholesonie, althoii<?h the climate
extending? from the 10th to 12lh do- is cooler than Tungqiiin, Ingoing
Sree of north latitude, being sej)a- from Tunkiii to Lactho travellers are
rated from each other by very wide obliged to traverse i'or three or four
channels. These islands are very days a wild uninhabited tract, and
small, the largest not eontainiiig six in the interior of Lactho the country
square miles of land, and arc sur- is not much better, the population
rounded by coral shoals, ^vhich reii- being dispersed over it in small and
ders their approach dangerous. savage comnnniities, whose dialects
Most of these islands arc subject arc unintelligible to cueh other. They
to the Bibby, or Princess of Cana- aie governed by hereditary chiefs,
iiore; and produce no grain, nor in- and engaged perpetually in hostili-
decd any thing but cocoa nuts, betel tics with tlie neighbouring tribes —
imts, and ])lantains. 'J1ie inhabi- (piarter being seldom granted on
(ants are all Moplays (Mahomme- either side.
dans), are very poor, and subsist The -small commerce that subsists
mostly on cocoa nuts and fish. Tluiir is carried on with 'lungquiii, from
principal exports are coir, which they whence salt is imported; but iu
juake Horn the husk of the cocoa cases of necessity tliey procure a salt
nut, jagory, cocoa nuts, and a little of a very inferior quality fiom the
betel nut. Some coral is also carried ashes of burned vegetables. 8alt
from the sunounding reefs to the fish, oil, and some siik stull's for the
continent of India, where it is used chiefs, are also imported ; the ex-
ibr making images, and for burning ports to Tungquin are chiefly bufla-
Jnto quick lime. The best coir ca- Iocs and cotton. There is no coin
blcs on the Coast of Malabar are current here except what is procured
made at Anjcngo and C'ocliin from from Tungquin, the traffic b(ingcar-
the fibres of the Laccadive cocoa ried on b> barter, in winch buffaloes
luit; with the stem the natives of the arc medium of exchange. In some
islands make their boats, and their parts of Ijaclho shells, or cowries,
Ijouses arc entirely constructed from are used for exchajiging articles of
the materials furnished by that va- small value.
Inable palm, 'i'hese islands were The Tungqiunese, from whom all
discovered by Vaseo de (Jama dur- om- information is derived, assert,
ing his first voyage, when returning that in this i)rovince there arc many
to Europe in 1499; but they have extraordinary natural caverns, which
never been perfectly explort'd, and appear to have been formerly in-
thcir poverty has hitherlo |>reservcd liabiled, and to have served as <cm-
tliem from foreign invaders. {F. pies to the natives. Many of them
!ue now filled m ith petrifactions and
chrystalizations of difierent smts and
colours. One cavern is described as
a mile across, perforating a moun-
tain, and another as being entered
Euchanau, ^c. S^'c )
LiACKY Jl'NGLli. — See Ba riNDA.
Lactho. — A province in India,
beyond the Ganges, tiibutary to the
sovereign of Cochin China, but
which does not appear (o have been under ground in a boat,
ever explored by any Europ<'an. To Lactho never having been visited
the south it is bounded by Laos; to by any J^luropcan, tlie nature of its
the north and east by Tung«piin; and religion has never been accurately
to the west by China. aseerfained ; but it is, in all proba-
'i'his territory is described by the bilily, somemodificationof the widely
Tjmg(|Hincse as mountainous, rocky, extended doctrines of Buddha. Some
covered with jungle, aud destitute of the tribes, whose habitations are
2 I
482
LAHDACK.
pciTnanent, have idols, which are
reputed to be the same as those of
Tungquin ; but it is said the vene-
ration for their ancestors, so com-
mon over this part of Asia, does not
prevail. {De Bissachere, S,-c.)
Lados Isles. — A cluster of high
rugged small islands, running in
ridges from the mountains to the .sea,
with beautiful > allies between them,
and situated off the N. W. coast of
the Malay Peninsula. Lat. 6°. 5'.
N. Long. 99°. 4(V. E.
Ladrones Isles. — A cluster of
small islands situated off the south-
ern extremity of China, the latitude
o( the great Ladrone being- 21°, 52'.
N. and the longitude 113°. 44'. E.
With the adjacent islands the La-
drones are so near to the continent,
that they appear like disjointed frag-
ments from the main land. All the
islands to the eastward of the gieat
Ladrone are steeper than those to
the westward. Tlie former are high
and uneven, and the depth of water
among them is about 20 fathoms.
The latter are of an even surface,
and when taken together appear like
a continued land, the water among
them being shoaler than among the
former. There are some springs to
be foiuid on them, the water of which
is not brackish, nor has it a chaly-
beate, or any other mineral taste.
The Ladrone Islands are the re-
sort of pirates who infest the mouth
of the Canton River, and have long
set the whole naval power of the
Chinese at defiance. In 1805 they
had by conquest acquired possession
of the southern part of Formosa,
from whence a great deal of grain is
exported, and of the whole Island
of Hainan. {Staunton, Krusensteru,
Lahar. — A small town subject to
the Maharattas, in the province of
Agra, 40 miles S. E. from (Johud.
Lat. 26°. 13'. N. Long. 78°. 59'. E.
Lahdack, (Ladak). — A province
to the north of the great Himalaya
ridge of mountains, and situated
principally between the 34th and
.37th degrees of north latitude. 'I'o
the north it is bounded by Tibet ; on
the south by the Nahry Sangkar pro-
vince ; to the east it has I'ibet ; and
on the west the province of Cash-
mere. Its limits are wholly unde-
fined, and the interior has been but
imperfectly explored. The province
is remarkably elevated and rugged,
but most probably declines from its
southern and most elevated boun-
dary both to the north and west.
By the merchants in Hindostan,
who trade to the regions of Tibet,
Lahdack is described as an inde-
pendent territory situated from Ger-
tokh in Tibet west ; from Cashmere
north ; at a distance of 13 days jour-
ney from either place. The town of
Lahdack is the mart between Cash-
mere and Tecshoo Loomboo. From
Tibet it imports the fine goats hair,
or shawl wool, which is re-exported
to Cashmere, and Ihere manufac-
tured into shawls ; to Tibet Lahdack
exports apricots, raisins, kishmisscs, '
currants, dates, almonds, and saf-
fron. The trade is entirely managed
by the inhabitants of Tibet, who
find a direct road beyond the Hima-
laya Mountains, and over a level
country from Gertokh to Lahdack.
We are so little acquainted with
the interior of this province, that it
has never been accurately ascertain-
ed what religion the natives profess ;
but from their geographical position,
and other circumstances, it is pro-
bable they follow the doctrines of
Buddha. The father of the Teshoo
Lama, who reigned in 1774, was a
Tibctian, and his mother a near re-
lation of tlie Rajah of Lahdack, from
whom he learned the Hindostany
language, which he could speak
when visited by Mr. IJogle, the am-
bassador dispatched by IMr. Hastings
to his court. {Colebi-ooke, Webb, Tur-
ner, Bogle, ^c.)
Lahdack. — A town in the pro-
vince of Lahdack, placed in the
maps in Lat. 35°. N. Long. 78°. 10'.
E. but as the geography of the pro-
vince is as yet very uncertain, it is
probable that when better explored
a new position will be assigned te
LAHORE.
483
this place. Merchants travelling from
Hindustan to Yarcband in Cliinesc
Tartary rendezvous at this place,
from whence they proceed in a body,
travelling the greatest part of tlie
way along tiie banks of the Indus,
which they assert comes within two
days journey of Lahdack. If true,
tliis fact would materially alter the
geography of this part of Asia, but
the natives are generally so loose
and inaccurate in their observatious,
that it cannot be depended on. {Wil-
ford, 4c. ^-c.)
LAHORE.
A large province in Hindostan,
extending from the 30th to 34th de-
grees of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by the province
of Cashmere, and the districts of
Puckoli and Muzufl'erabad ; to the
south by Delhi, Ajmeer, and Mool-
tan ; to the east it is separated by the
Sutuleje from various districts in
Northern Hindostan ; and to the
west by the Indus from Afghanistan.
In length it may be estimated at 320
miles, by 220 miles the average
breadth. By Abul Fazel, in 1682,
this province is described as follows:
" I'he soubaii of Lahore is situated
in the second climate. The length
from the River Sutuleje is 180 coss,
the breadth from lihember to Chow-
kundy, one of the dependencies of
Sutgmrali, measures 86 coss. On
the east lies Sirhind ; on the north
Cashmere ; on the south Beykaneer
and Ajujcer; Mooltan bounds it on
the west. This soubah has six fine
rivers issuing from the northern
mountains; the Sutuleje, the Beyah,
the Ravey, the Chinaub, the Jhy-
lum, or Behut, anciently the Be-
dusta, and the Sinde, or Indus.
" This soubah is very populous,
highly cultivated, and exceeding
healthy. The cultivated lands are
chiefly supplied with water from
wells. The winter is much severer
here than in any other part of Hin-
dostan, although considerably milder
2i 2
than in Persia or Tartary. Ice
brought from the northern moun-
tains is sold the whole year. The
horses resemble irakies, and are very
fine. In some parts by sifting and
washing tiie sands of the rivers, they
obtain gold, silver, copper, rowey,
tin, brass, and lead.
"This soubah contains five doa-
behs, subdivided into 234 pergun-
nahs. The measured lands aie
16,155,643 beegahs ; amount of re-
venue 569,458,423 dams; out of
which 9,865,594 dams are seyurglial.
It has 54,480 cavalry, and 426,086
infantry. This province is subdivided
into the following districts, viz. 1.
Doabeh Bevt Jallinder; 2. Doabeh
Barry; 3. Retchnabad ; 4. Doabeh
Jennet ; and 5. Sinde Sagor."
The district named Retchnabad,
in the above description, compre-
hends the coimtry between the Ra-
vey and the Chinaub ; and the Doa-
beh Jennet, that between the Che-
naub and the Jhylum.
The province of Lahore consists
of two portions nearly equal; the
mountainous, Avhich occupies the
whole extent from 32°. north, and
the flat country to the south of tliis
latitude, better known by the name
of the Punjab, from the five cele-
brated rivers by which it is inter-
sected, which latter appellation is
sometimes but erroneously applied
to the whole province. The climate
of course varies, and in the winter
season a degree of cold, little in-
ferior to that of the central regions
of Europe, is experienced iu the
northern districts.
That part of the province deno-
minated the Punjab is by far the
most lertile, and produces in great
abundance, when properly cultivated,
wheat, barley, rice, pulse of all sorts,
sugar cane, tobacco, and various
fruits, and is also w^ell supplied with
cattle. Owing, however, to the de-
vastations it has su.stained, and the
number of petty hostile states into,
which it is subdivided, the whole
tract of coimtry being betwixt the
Jumna and the Indus, is but very
484
LAHORE.
iftiperfeetly cultrvaicd, and exhibits
a great proportion of waste land.
In the eastern parts of this pro-
vince the sides of the inhabited
mountains prodnce wiicat, barley,
and a variety of small grains. The
cultivated spaces project from the
body of tlie hill, in separate Hats, in
the form of a rau2,c of semicircular
stairs. The groinid, which is stron<>'
and productive, has been propelled
into these projections by tlie rains,
which fall with threat violence among
these mountains from June laitil
October. 'J'iie earth washed down
is preserved in that state by but-
tresses of loose stones. Kice is also
cultivated in the narrow vallies, but
not in great quantities ; nor is it the
usual fuod of the inhabitants, who
chiutly subsist on wheat, and bread
and jjcase made into a thick soup.
In Ihe mountainous tract between
Janiboc and Cashmere arc seen
many pines, which grow on the face
of tlje mountains, and the willow
liere is also a common occnrrencc.
The resinous part of the fir cut in
.slips supphes the common uses of
the lamp, but the method of ex-
tiaeting its turpentine and tar is not
known, or practised by t!ie natives.
The climate of the northern districts
of Laliore is not favourable to fruits
and vegetablesv being too hot for the
I'ersiaii productions, and not sulTi-
ticntly ^\arm to mature those of In-
dia. In many jtarts of this province
large beds of fossil salt are found,
and the mountainous tracts were
Ihey in\estigatcd would })ro!)ably
jMove rich in all sorts of minerals.
An open regular trade with tlie
Punjab, frouj the other parts of Hin-
dostan has,^ in a great mcasiu e, ceas-
ed ; but petty merchants, by apply-
ing for passports to tiic diflerent
chiefs of the Seik territories, i)revious
to entering their boundaries, are ge-
nerally supplied witli th( m. through
whi<;li medium a trilling conmierce
is carried ou. I'lie exports from La-
hore to tlu^ countiies west of the
Indus are sugar, rice, indigo, wheat,
aiid wLite cotton clotlis ; the im-
ports from these countries areswords',.
horses, fruit, lead, and spices. The
exports to Cashmere are nearly the
same as to Persia; the imports being
shawls, a variety of cloths, saffron,
and fruit.
With the inhabitants of the moun-
tains the natives of the Punjab ex-
change clolh, matchlocks, horses, for
iron and other smaller commodities.
I'rom the Deccan are imported sul-
phur, indigo, salt, lead, iron, European
coarse broad cloth, and spices ; the
exports to the Deccan are horses,
camels, sugar, rice, white clolh,
matchlocks, swords, and bows and
arrows. This trade is not canied oji
by any particular route, but de-
pends on the character of the chiefs
through whose distiicts they pass.
The most considerable part of the
trade is carried ou from Amritsir by
the way of IMatchway wara to Dutt-
yala souths ard, by the way of Hansi,
Kajghur, and Orc(;cha, into the
western part of the lAajpoot country
by the way of Kythul, Jeind, and
Dadery, and lastly by Carnaul to-
wards Delhi.
Commerce is mucli obstructed^
heavy duties being levied on it by
all the petty rulers through Mhose
districts it passes, wliich causeti
great part of the Cashmere tiade to
be carried to Hindostan Proper, by
the dillicult and mountainous route
of Jannnoo, Nadone, and Serinagur,
The Seik chiefs in the Punjab, have,
however, lately discovered their er-
ror ; and J>avo endeavoured by a
more strict administration of just-
ice, and allording facilities, to re-
store confidence to tlie merchant.
In the collection of the revenue
the general rule v.itii the Seiks is,
that the chief receives one half of
the produce ; but the wiiole of this
is never levied, the ryots, or culti-
vators, being treated with great in-
dnlgeiu;e. The adminisi ration of
justice among this sect is in a very
rude and imperfect state; for al-
though their siri|)tures imuleate ge-
neral maxims of justice, they are
not considered as books of law. Trs-
LAHORE.
485
Ship; (lispulos are scKlod Ity iho licads
of ^ illumes, l»y tlio cluet's, or Ity ar-
hitratiou. I'liis last is talloil pan-
chaycl, or a court of iivc, and is a
court of arbitration asscinbl(;d in
every part of India under a native
government; and as tlK\v are always
«-hosen from men of the best reputa-
tion in the place wher<( they meet,
this (!0urt has a high charat^ter for
justice. Murder is sometimes pu-
nished by the chief, but more gene-
rally by the relations of the de-
ceased.
The inhabitants of this province
are composed of Seiks, Siiig;hs, .fauts,
Rajpoots, other Hindoos of lower
castes, and iAIahonmicdaus. Tlie
inhal)itants professing: the i\lahom-
jnedan relisyion, remainino- within the
Seik territories in the province of
Lahore, are very numerous, but all
poor, and appe:ir an op])ressed, de-
spised race. 'J'hey till the ground,
and arc employed to cany burthens,
and do all sorts of hard labour. They
are not allowed to eat beef, or to
say their prayers aloud, and but sel-
dom permitted to assemble in their
mosques, of which few have escaped
destruction. The lower orders of
Seiks are more fortunate. They are
protected from the tyranny and vio-
ieuce of their chiefs by the jtrecepts
of their common religion, and by the
condition of their country, which
enables lo abandon, w hcuever they
<!h«se, a leader wliom they dislike;
and the tUstance of a few miles ge-
jKually places them under the j)ro-
tection of iiis rival and enemy. In
the Punjab it is reckoned that one-
fonrlh of the whole inhabitants are
Singhs, who continiie 1o receive con-
verts; but a considerable number of
the cultivattHs arc Jauts, The na-
tives of the niountains are composed
of dill'erent classes of Hindoos; and
little dilference of manner is seen
between them and the southernHin-
doos, except such as arise liom a
residence in a low or a mountainous
country. J'he women in llie hilly
tracts towards the east iiavc au
<i»live eoniplexion, and are delicately
.shaped; their manners are also un-
4ler less constraint than to the south
inJJindostan Proper. Among these
mountaineers the goitres, or swelled
throat, is very conmioii.
In the north-western borders of
Lahore the inhal)itants are chieily
Afghans, Avho live in small forts or
walled villages, and entertain mutual
dread and distrust of cacjj other.
'I'liis quarter is subjected to much
desolation by the dciiredations of the
Seiks on the Attock and adjacent
districts. 'J'he Seik inhabitants be-
tween the Ravey and C'hinaub are
called Dharpi Singhs, from the conn-
try b(>ing called Dharpi. The Dliane-
gel) Singhs are beyond the Chinaub,
but within the Jhyluni River. In
the Punjab the natives are remark-
able for well-arranged white tectli,
l)awn and betel being )iot so much
used here as in other parts of India.
In this quarter of Lahore it is no
uncojnmon event to meet with a fa-
keer (n devotee or mendicant) tra-
velling about iji a palanquin, clad in
silk, with numerous attendants of
horse and foot to protect his sacred
person. These fanatics are extreme-
ly proud, and in general insolent and
abusive to I']moi>eans. The Puii-
jabee provincial dialect is generally
spoken in this country, and is a mix-
ture of liindoslany and Persian,
without any peculiar written cha-
racter.
The Seiks, or rather Singhs, have
in general the Hindoo caste of coun-
tenance somewhat altered by their
long beards, are as active as the Mh.-
harattas, and much more robust,
tiom their living fidler, and enjoying
a healthier climate. Their courage
is equal to that of any of the natives
of India; and, when wrought upon
by prejudice or religion, is quite des-
l)erate. They arc all horsemen, and
have no infantry in their o\\ n coun-
try, except for the delence of their
towns and villages; but they gene-
rally serve as infantry in foreign ar-
mies. They art.' bold, and raflier rough
in their address, speakirig invaiiably
in a loud bawling tone of voice.
486
LAHORE.
The Seik merchant or cultivator,
if he be a Singh, differs little in cha-
racter from the soldier, as he wears
arms, and is from education very
prompt to use them. The Khalasa
Seiks (the original followers of Na-
nac) differ widely from the Singhs.
They are full of intrigue, pliant, ver-
satile, and insinuating ; and have all
the art of the lower classes of Hin-
doos employed in business, Avhom
they also so much resemble in their
dress and other particulars, that it is
difiicult to distinguish them. The
three religious tribes of Acalies, Sha-
hid, and Nirmala, have each their
peculiar manners. The Nanac Poo-
tras, or descendants of Nanac, have
the character of a mild, inoffensive
race.
The Seik Hindoo converts con-
tinue all those civil usages and cus-
toms of the tribes to which they be-
longed, that tiiey can practice, Avith-
out infringing the tenets of Nanac,
or the institutions of Gooroo Govind.
They are very strict respecting diet
and intermarriages. The Mahom-
niedan converts, who become Seiks,
intermarry with each other ; but are
allowed to preserve none of their
usuages, being obhged to eat hog's
flesh, and abstain from circumcision.
The Seiks or Singhs are forbidden
the use of tobacco, but are allowed
to indulge in spirituous liquors,
which they all drink to excess, it
being rare to see a Seik soldier after
sunset quite sober. The use of
opium and bang (anotlier intoxicat-
ing drug) is also quite common. The
mili'ary Seiks permit the hair of the
head and beard to grow to a great
length, and are remarkably fond of
the flesh of the jisHgle hog, which is
food permitted by their hiw.
The conduct of the Seiks to their
women differs in no material respect
from that of the tribes of Hindoos
and Mahommedans from whom they
are descended, but may be consi-
dered as more lax than that of their
ancestors. I'hey are all hoisemen,
and were formerly well mounted
from the Lacky Jungle ; but arc not
now better mounted than the Ma-
harattas.
The country now possessed by the
Seiks, which reaches from 28°. 40'.
to beyond 32°. north, includes all the
Punjab, a small part of Mooltan, and
most of the tract of country which
lies between the Jumna and the Su-
tuleje, ill the province of Delhi. It
is bounded on the northward and
westward by the tenitories of the
King of Cabul ; to the eastward by
the territories of the mountain Ra-
jahs of Jummoo, Nadone, and Seri-
nagur; and to the southward by the
teiTitories of the English govern-
ment, and the sandy deserts of Hansi
Hissar. The Seiks inhabiting the
countries between the Sutuleje and
the Jumna are called Malawa Singhs,
and were almost all converted from
the Hindoo tribes of Jauts and Gu-
jars. The principal chiefs of this
tribe are the Rajahs of I'atiala, Tah-
nessir, Keintalj and Jliind.
The government of the Seiks, con-
sidered in its theory, may be termed
a theocracy. The Acalies, or im-
mortals, a class of Seik devotees,
have, under the double character of
fanatic priests and desperate soldiers,
usurped the sole direction of affairs
at Amritsir ; and are, consequently,
leading men in a council, which de-
liberates under the influence of reli-
gious enthusiasm. A chief who is
unpopular with tlie Acalies must not
only avoid Amritsir, but is likely to
have his dependants taught that it is
pious to resist his authority. Wlien
a Gooroo-mata, or great national
council, is called, all the Seik chiefs
assemble at Amritsir, and all private
animosities are supposed to cease.
The last assembly was called in
1 805, when tlie British army pursued
Holkar into the Punjab, The prin-
cipal chiefs of the Seiks are all de-
scended from Hindoo tribes, there
being no instance of a Singh sprung
from a Mahommedan family attain-
ing high power.
Seik, properly Sikh or Sicsha, is a
Sanscrit word, which signifies a dis-
ciple or devoted follower. Nanac
LAHORE.
487
Shah, llie fotnider of the Scik sect,
was born at the villaj^e ofTiilwuudy,
ill the district of Bhalli.aud piovince
of Lahoic, A.D. 1469, Uiid died at
Kirthipoor Dehia, on the banks of
the Ravey. He was succeeded l)y
2. Gooioo Ansud,wlio wrote sonic
chapters of the sacred book, and died
A. D. 165-2.
3. Amera Dass a Klutii succeed-
ed him, and died A. D. 1674.
4. Fam Dass, the .-on of Amera
Dass, followed. This Gooroo im-
proved the town of Chak and the
famous tank or reservoir, which *.e
called Amritsir, a name signifying^
the water of immoilality. H« died
in 1581, and was succeeded by his
son,
5. Arjooiimal, who rendered him-
self famous by compiling the Adi
Grant'h, or first sacred book of the
Seiks, and tlius gave a consistent
form and order to their religion. He
died in 1606, and was followed by
Ills son,
6. Hurgovind, This was the
first wailike Gooroo, or priest mili-
tant, and is said first to have al-
lowed his followers to eat the flesh
of animals, with the exception of the
cow. He died in 1644, and bad fur
his successor his grandson,
7. Hurray, whose rule was tran-
quil, and who in 1661 was succeeded
by Ids son,
8. Hurkrishna, who died at Delhi
A. D. 1664. After much opposition
Ids successor was
9. Tegh Behadar. I'his Gooroo
was put to death by the Mogul go-
vernment in 1675, after having re-
sided for some time in obscurity at
Patna.
10. Gooroo Govind, the son of
Tigh Bahadur, followed. This chief
new modelled the whole government
of the Seiks, and converted them
into a band of ferocious soldiers,
changing their name from Seik to
Singh, wldch signifies a lion, and
haxl before been exclusively assumed
by the Rajpoot tribes. He ordered
his followers not to cut the hair off
their heads, or shave their beards.
After mueli skirmishing with the
Mahommedans, during the reign of
Auiengzebe. he was ( xpelled from
Lahore, and is .supposed to have died
A. D. l*/08, at Naded, in tlie Dcccaii.
The Seiks consider Gooroo Nanac
as the author ol" their religion, but
revere Gooroo Go\ind as the founder
of their worldly greatness and poli-
tical independence. He was the
last acknowledged Gooroo, or reli-
gious ruler of the Seiks.
During the confusion which took
place in Hindostan, on the death of
Auiengzebe, in 1707, the Seiks in-
creased in strength, and de\astated
the conntiy, under the command of
a bairaggi (religious mendicant),
named Bauda, who was at lengtii
taken prisoner by the emperor's of-
ficers, and executed. There still re-
mains a sect of Seiks, named Bandai,
or followers of Banda, who chiefly
reside in Mooltan, Tatta, and other
cities on the banks of ihe Indus.
From the death of Banda (about
1711) until the invasion of India by
Nadir Shah, we hear nothing of the
Seiks, who are related there to have
plundered part of that conqueror's
baggage. In the subsequent disso-
lution of government, which took
place in Lahore and the adjacent
provinces, the Seik power strength-
ened ; and, during the first Abdalli
Afghan invasion, in 1746, they made
themselves master of a considerable
part of the doab of Ravey and Jal-
iinder. They received many severe
checks from the Mahommedans, and
in 1672 and 1763 were almost exter-
minated by Ahmed Shah Abdalli and
the Afghans ; but from their deter-
mined spirit of resistance they al-
ways rose superior to their nnsfor-
tunes, until they acquired their pre-
sent extensive possessions.
For many years past they have
been mostly occupied by petty in-
ternal feuds, transmitted from father
to son. Independent of the compa-
ratively larger conquests in which
the greater chiefs arc oreasionally
engaged, every village has become
an obfect of dispute ; and there are
488
LAHORE.
few ill llic Punjab, the mle of which
is not coulcsted by brothers or near
lelalioiis. In this state their power
became so Httle formidable, that
aboist 1803, General Perron, who
commanded a body of troops in the
service of Dowlet Row Sindia, in-
tended \o have snbdaed the Punjab,
and made the Indus the Hmit of his
possessions. When Holkar tied into
tlie Punjab in 1805, he was pursued
tiicrc by Lord Lake, upon Avhieh
occasion a national council of Seik
chiefs was called to avert the dan-
ger; but very few chiefs attended,
and many of the absentees notified
their intentions to resist the resolu-
tions of this council.
It is diflicult to. ascertain (he po-
pulation t)f the Seik territories. They
boast that they are able to raise more
than 100,000 horse ; and if it were
possible to assemble every Seik
horseman this might not be an ex-
aggeration ; but there is no chief
among tiiem, except Runjcet Singh
of Lahore, that could bring an ef-
fective body of 4000 men into the
field ; and in 18<>5 this prince's force
did not amount to 8000. His army
has since become more luimerous;
but it is composed of materials that
have no natural cohesion, and the
first serious check it meets with will
probably cause its dissolution. With
the British governm* nt he has con-
tinued on good terms since 1809,
- when a treaty of friendship and al-
liance was concluded with him by
Mr. Metsalf, on tliepart of the Ben-
gal government. By the conditions
of this treaty the British engaged to
have iio'eoiiceru with the subjects or
tenitoriis'of the rajah to the north
of (he Sutnleje; and the rajah agreed
never to maintain, in (he territories
occupied by him and his dependants
to tJic south of (hat river, more troops
than w ere necessary to carry on (he
internal police of the country, and
also to abstain from encroaching on
any of the chiefs to (he south of that
boundary. Since that period he has
l)cen principally employed in coei-
cir.g- refractory petty chiefs, and ia
several abortive attempts (o achieve
the conquest of Cashmere.
The religion of the Seiks is de-
scribed as a creed of pure deism,
blended with the belief of all (he
absurdities of Hindoo mythology,
and the fables of Mahommedanism.
Nanac Shah professed a desire to
reform, but not to destroy (he reli-
gion of (he sect in which he was
born ; and endeavoured to reconcile
tile jarring faiths of Brahma and
Mahommed, by persuading each to
reject particular parts of their re-
spective belief and usages.
The earlier successors of Nanac
taught nearly the same doctrine ;
but Gooroo Govind gave a new cha-
racter to the religion of his followers
by many material alterations, and
more especially by the abolition of
all distinctions of caste. The pride
of descent might still remain, and
keep up some distinction ; but in tin;
religious creed of Gooroo Govind all
Seiks or Singhs are declared e(pial.
The admission of proselytes, the abo-
li(i(m of cas(e, the eating all kinds of
flesh except that of cows, the ibriii
of religious worship, and (he general
devotion of the Singhs to arms, are
all at variance with Hindoo theo-
logy, and have rendered the religion
of the Seiks as obnoxious to the
Brahmins and higher tribes of Hin-
doos, as it is popular with the lower
classes.
The province of Lahore possesses
many advantages over the rest of
India, ;uid, under the proper form of
government, VAOuld alone be sulli-
cient to constitute the basis of a
powerful and ciAilized kingdom.
The remarkable richness and ferti-
lity of (lie southern half, intersected
by five noble rivers, and th(^ natural
strength and temperate climate of
the northern, unite circumstances in
its favour that arc generally in col-
lision. These advantages, added to
its topographical situation at the
only assailable quarter, point it out
"as (he country from whence llindos-
tan is to be ruled or ccmqueied. It
is, nevertheless, in a most miserable
LAMPOON.
489
slate of cultivalion, and our of llio
most thinly inlialiidMl in India; llio
whole popniation dispfised ovor a
smfacf of 70,000 sqnaio niilrs, pro-
bably not exocfdiiig loin- millions in
inimhcr. {Malcolm, Foster, Alml
Fazel, Treaties, Wth liiii^ister, i^-f.)
Lahoki;.— A city in the province
of Lalioic, of which i< is fho capital,
situated on the soniii side of 1h<^
Kavcy iUver. Lat. 31°. 5o'. JS.
hou--. 73°. 4S'. I^,
The ii\er is iicre abont 300 yards
broad, hnt tlie stream is not deep or
rapid, except dnrinir tlie hei^lit of
tlic rains. 'J'he fort is a place of no
strength, without a ditch or any de-
fences for cannon. 'Jhc walls arc
lofty, and decorated on the outside ;
but hastening' to ruin, as arc most of
the private hnildings. Lahore is,
notwithstanding, still a town of con-
siderahle size, with a good bazar;
but it is not inhabited by wealthy
people, on account of the frequent
sackings it has sustained ; tliey have
migrated for safety to Amritsir.
Tiie palace was originally founded
by Acber, and eidarged by his .suc-
cessors. It is now inhabited by
Fajah Rnnject Singh, a Seik chief,
about 4'i years of age, and blind of
one eye, Avliich he lost by the small-
pox. Across the Kavey at Shah
Durra, about two mites north of La-
hore, stands the cclel)rated mauso-
leum of Jehangecr, within a wall of
nearly 600 Aards square. It is a
magnificent building, 66 paces on
each side, and still in tolerably good
condition, but nnuh inferior to the
Tanje Mahal at Agia. 'J'o the south-
ward of this, in the open plain, is to
be seen the tomb of Noorjehau PiC-
giini, a building 36 paces squaw\
The wells iiere are above 35 cubits
deep.
lialiorc was first taken by Sultan
Baber, A. D. J520, inidwas for some
time the seat of the Mogul govern-
ment. Since tiiat period it has un-
dergone many revolutions, and was
for a considerable lime possessed by
t!»e Abdalli Afgiians of Cabul, by
vvhoui it is named Sikrci. 1' or the
last 30 years it has been mider the
Seik domination, whose capital l)eing
Amritsir, this city has been much
neglected, and in a ])rogressive state
of desolation,
'('ravelling distance from Dcllii,
380 miles; from Agra, .017; from
Lucknow, 6ot> ; fronj Bombay, 1070;
and from t'alcutta, 1356 miles.
(IIM Register, Reuucl, Lcydcn, ^Vr.)
Lahory N I.PAUL. — A town in
Northern Hindostan, in the territo-
ries of the (ioorkhnli Ixajah of Ne-
panl, situated on the east side of
th<;Sursuttv (SereswatiJ h'iver. Lat.
27°. 42'. N ■ Long. .Sl°. 55'. E.
Lamjunc.u. — An cxten.sive dis-
trict in Northern Hindostan, tribu-
tary to the (Joorkhali Kajah of Ne-
paul, and having the great Himalaya
ridge of mountains for its northern
boundai} . Like the rest of Northern
Hindostan, its surface is elevated
and rugged, but comprehends niany
fertile vallics, through which rlow
the streams from the northern moun-
tains. The principal towns are Mu-
cnndnath and Lantargur, but the
district has as yet been but very im-
perfectly explored.
Lampoon. (Lampung). — A district
in the south-eastern quarter of the
Island of Sumatra, which begins on
the Avest coast at the River Padang-
goochie, and extends across the
southern extremity of the island as
I'ar as Palembang on the north-east
.side. In the neighbourhood of the
rixcrs tlie land is overflowed in the
rainy scaon ; but the western parts
towards Samangka are mountainous,
and soiDC of tlie peaks visible to a
considerable distance at sea. This
district is best inhabited in the cen-
tral and mountainous parts, where
the inhabitants li\e secure from the
Javanese banditti, v\lio often ad-
vance into the country, and com-
mit depiedaliuns on the natives, who
do not make use of lire anus.
'i'he' inhabitants i>f liampoon, of
all the Snmatiaus, l)a\e the stion<'--
cst rescnii>lan(c to the Chinese, par-
ticulailj in the roundness of the
face, and construction of the eyes.
490
LAOS,
They are also the fairest on the
island, and the women are tallest,
and esteemed the most handsome.
The manners of the Lampoo«g:s are
more free and Hcentious than those
of the native Sumatrans. They eat
all kinds of flesh indiscriminately,
and tlie fines and eompensalions for
murder are the same as in the coun-
tries of Rejang and Passamah. The
IVIahomraedan religion has made
considerable progress among the in-
habitants, and most of their villages
have mosques in them ; yet an at-
tachment to the orii;inal supei-stitious
of their countiy influences them to
regard, with particular veneration,
the burying-place of their ancestors.
The Lampoong language is form-
ed by mixing Malay and Batta with
a proportion of Javanese. The
Dutch claim a domination over the
country, it having formerly been tri-
butary to the kings of Bantam, and
devolved to them by right of con-
quest.
Towards the end of the 18th cen-
tury an officer was sent to the Bay
of Lampoon from Batavia to fix on
a favourable situation to erect a fort,
barracks, and storehouses ; but the
expedition ended on the burning of
a few huts, the inhabitants of which
fled to the jungles. On his return
the officer reported, that he had dis-
covered no place suitable for an
establishment, having seen nothing
but impenetrable marshes on the
whole extent of the coast, and for
some distance up the country.
(^Marsden, Leyden, Stavorinus, Tonibe,
Lantagur. — A town in Northern
Hindostan, tributary to the govern-
ment of Nepaui, in the district of
Lamjung. Lat. 29°. 5'. N. Long.
84°. 19'. E.
Laour. — A town in the province
of Bengal, district ofSilhit, 40 miles
W. N. W. from the town of Silhet.
Lat. 2.5°. 8'. N. Long. 91°. 2'. E.
Laos, (Law). — A central country
in India beyond the Ganges, extend-
ing from the 12th to the 18th degrees
of north latitude. To the north it
adjoins Lactho and Tunquin ; to the
south Cambodia; to the east Tun-
quin and Cochin China ; and to the
west Siam, and an unexj-lored region
to the north. The exact bounda-
ries of this province have never been
ascertained, but it probably consists
ofa long and large valley, through
which flows the great River Mekon,
or Cambodia, and separated from
the neighbouring kingdoms on the
east and west by two ridges of lofty
mountains.
Uur information respecting the in-
terior of this region is neither co-
pious nor authentic, being chiefly
derived from the earlier Portuguese
or Dutch writers, or from the un-
certain reports of Tunquinese and
Chinese merchants communicated to
the missionaries. According to the
latter the province is extremely
thinly inhabited, and but little culti-
vated, the largest collected popula-
tion being at the viiiage of Uanniah,
amonnting to only tour orSUOO per-
sons, and these mostly strangers
from I'uukin and Cochin China,
with few Chinese, settled for the
purposes of traffic. The smaller vil-
lages are mere groups of huts, and
many of the inhabitants are de-
scribed as still living in a migratory
state, without permanent habita-
tions, or any agricultural occupation.
In the forests large building timber
and cabinet wood of an excellent
quality abound, but being remote
from water carriage, are allowed to
rot where they grow. From a parti-
cular species a varnish is extracted
by the natives, and sent to China.
The only external commerce car-
ried on is with Tunquin and Cochin
China, to which countries elephants,
ivory, wax, bamboos, and cotton
are sent from Laos, and in exchange
salt, salt fish, oil, s<nne silken stuffs,
fire arms, and gunpowder, are re-
ceived. In some pari s of the coun-
try the inhabitants are very wild,
consisthig only of small erratic hordes
that do not cultivate the earth, but
subsist on what it produces na-
turally.
LAPA ISLE.
491
The subjection of this province
to tiic Cochin CJunoso empire is
little more than nominal ; and,
on account of the natural strength
of the country, and its extreme
insalubrity, will probably never
be rendered more efficient. The
inhabitants, also, on account of
tlieir unceasing- internal warfare,
are of martial habits, and accus-
tomed to the use of fire arms. The
wild and wandering tribes of this
province are asserted to have nei-
ther religion, priests, nor pagodas;
but some others are said to wor-
ship a being named Nhang, whom
they consider as the author of tiicir
existence, and the arbiter of their
destiny. In Laos the veneration for
their ancestors prevails more than in
Lactho, but not so nuich as in Tun-
quin. The belief in magic is ge-
neral, and the profession of con-
jurer (who is also a physician) lu-
crative.
The Law language is used by this
nation, who are generally termed
Lao, and in the plural Laos by the
Portuguese writers, from their con-
sisting of difi'erent races. The bulk
of the Law nation, like the Siamese,
consists of t\vo difi'erent tribes of
people, denominated in Siamese
Chong-mai, and Lanchang, which
were reported by Koempfer to have
been the names of their principal
cities. The first of these are termed
by the Birmans Yun, and their
country Yunshan; and the second
Lain-sain, and theii- countiy Lain-
sain Shan.
The inhabitants of Khomen, or
Cambodia, are not supposed to have
existed as a polislicd people so early
as the Law. It is from this nation
that both the Birmans and Siamese
allege they derive their laws, reli-
gion, and institutions. It is in the
country of tlio Law that all the ce-
lebrated founders of the religion of
Buddha arc represented to have left
their most remarkable vestiges. Cey-
lon boasts the sacn'd traces of the
left foot of Buddha, on the top of the
mountain Amala-sri-pali, or Adam's
Peak. Siam exhibits the traces of
the right foot on the top of the
golden mountain, Swa-na-bapato.
Other tr;iees of the sacred step are
sparingly scattered over Pegne, Ava,
and Aracan ; but it is among the
Laos that all the vestiges of the
founder of this religion seem to be
concentred, and thither devotees
resort to worship at the sacred steps
of Pra-ku-ku-son, Pra-koii-na-kon,
Pra-putha-kat-sop, and Pra-sa-mut-
ta-ko-dum. These Siamese names
of the four Buddhas seem to corre-
spond with the Birman Kaukason,
Gonagom, Kasyapa, and Gautama;
and with the Ceylonese, Kasusanda,
Konagom, Kasyapa, and Gauta-
ma.
The Laos language has never been
cultivated by Europeans ; very few
of whom, besides Alexander de
Rhodes, have penetrated the coun-
try. According to Koempfer, the
Law nation do not differ much,
either in language or ^vl•iting, from
the Siamese, except that they are
unable to pronounce the letters /
and r ; and Dr. Leyden thinks that
their language bears the same rela-
tion to the Thay, or Siamese, that
the Aracan docs to the Birman, and
that with the Thay J hay it accords
more fully than with the Thay Pro-
per, The Laos language is repi-e-
sented as abounding in books, espe-
cially translations from the Bali ;
and, if tlie antiquity of the nation
can be depended on, they must be
extremely interesting on account of
the central situation of the country ;
but our information, as yet, is too
defective to admit of our forming
any decided ojiinion on this subject.
If the Laos nation ever existed as a
polished society, it must have greatly
retrograded, as there is every reason
to believe it at present exhibits a
state of the utmost btubarity, (De
Bissachere, Leyden, F. Buchanan,
SfC Sfc.)
Lapa Isle. — A small island, one
of the Sooloo Archipelago, situated
due south from the Island of Sooloo.
The land is high and woody, and,
492
LI3I0NG.
with Scassee, forms s:ood shelter
lioin tJie S. W. and N. E. Avinds.
Lassa, {Lehassa). — A town in
"^ribet, the capital of a province of
the same name. Lat. 2b°. 30'. N.
Long-. 91°. 2.5'. E.
'I'liis town is the capital of Tibet,
and tiie seat of the Dalai Lama, or
pontifical sovereign ; but the Chinese
keep a garrison here, commanded
by a general oHieer, whose influence
supersedes, in a great degree, that
of the llamas. The Lassa territo-
ries extend so far west as Rlieroo,
distant 350 miles W. S. W. which
thej comprehend ; but the \\ hole arc,
in lact, snbject to the Chinese.
AA ith the city of Teeshoo Loomboo,
in Tibet, soutJi of the Brahniaj)00-
tra, Lassa exchaiigcs silver bullion
for gold dust.
A bout the year 1715 the King of
the Eluths invaded this country;
Lassa was ravaged, the temples
plundered, and all the Lamas, or
priests, who were found, were put
into sacks, and throM u upon camels,
to be transported into Tartary.
{J^uruer, Kirkpatrich, Colehroolie, ^-c.)
Laswarke. — A small village in
tJie province of Delhi, where, on
tlic 1st of November, 1803, a despe-
rate battle was i'ought between the
army under General Lake and that
of Dowlet Row Sindia, in vvhieh the
latter Mas totally deleatcd, but with
severe loss on the part of the British.
Latta Latta Isle. — This is one
of the small islands adjacent to Gi-
lolo, and about 25 miles in circum-
ference. Lat. 0°. 20'. S. Long. 126°.
60'. E. The stiaits wiiicli separate
this island from that of 'J'appa are
about a mile and a half in length,
and in some places not above 46
yards broad, lietvv een Latta Latta
and Mandioly the straits are eight
miles broad. (Forrest, ^e.)
Latiy Aighany. — A district
which occupies the northern ex-
tremity of the pro\ince of Ajinecr,
with a small portion of the adjacent
province of Mooltan, and situated
betw een the 29th and 30th degrees
of north latitude. TJiis district is
4
one of the most .sandy and sterile in
Hindostau, being destitute of rivers,
and dependent on deep wells for a
scanty supply of moistnre. Like
other barieu territories, it remains iu
the hands of the original inhabit-
ants, presenting few attractions to ,
invaders.
Latta Isles. — A duster of small
islands lying otf the west coast of
Gilolo, a few minutes to the north
of the equinoctial line, and about
the 127th degree of east longitude.
Leyden Isle. — An island situated
oil' the N. W. coast of Ceylon, sub-
ordinate to the district of Jafnapat-
nam, from whieli it is separated by
a narrow strait. In length it may be
estimated at 13 miles, by two and a
half the average breadth. Here is
excellent pasturage for rearing horses
and cattle.
Leyte Isle. — One of the soutli-
ernmost of the Philippines, situated
al)out the lllh degree of north lati-
tude. In length it may be estimated
at 95 miles, by 38 the average
breadth.
LiMBOO. — A town in the Malay
Peninsula, district of Quedah, four
miles from Allestar, and chiefly in-
habited by Chuliars, or natives of
the Malabar Coast. Duiing the
rainy season the adjacent country is
oveiflowed, which renders it exceed-
ingly productive of fruits, and all
sorts of vegetables.
LiMoNG. — A district about 70 or
80 miles inland liom I3eucooIen, in
Sumatra, which produces the linest
gold and gold dust on the island.
The Limong gold merchants repair
ammally to Bencoolcn to purchase
opium and other articles, in cxt
ciiange for which they give gold,
containing very little alloy. The
gold is sometimes found in dnst, and
often lodged in a very hard stone.
'J'hey are ignorant of the principles
of assaying or anialgammation, but
are extremely expert in separating
])articles of loreign metals from gold
dnst, ))y a very superior acuteness
of vision. The gold is not found
far bcjieath the surface.
LOGUR
Tliis sjolden country has never
l)ceii explored by any European,
owing- to the impervious natiue of
the country, and the malijcnant in-
fhicnee of tlie climate iu the inte-
rior. {MacdonaUl, \v.)
LiNCAPAN IsLK. — A small island
about 20 miles in eir< iinifercnce,
situated off tiie north-east evtreniity
of Palawan Isle. Lat. 11°. 40'. N.
Long. l->0°. 10'. E.
LrxGEN TsLi;, (Lingga). — An
island situated oMthe N. Iv coast of
Sumatra, and intersected by the
equinoctial line. In length it may
be estimated at 50 miles, by 30 in
breadth, but it is of a ^ cry irregular
shape.
'I'his island is remarkable for a
mountain in its centre, terminating
in a fork, on which seamen lun e
bestowed the appellation of Ass's
Ears. The eastern ocean in this vi-
finity is covered w itii a vast variety
of islands, of all forms, sizes, and
colours — some alone, and some col-
lected in clusters ; many are clothed
Mith verdure ; some have tall trees
growing on them, while others are
mere rocks, the resort of innumerable
birds, and whitened with their dung.
This island is nuich frequented hy
piratical Malay prows, the rajtih
being a chief of that profession.
'J'hese ])irates have a small fort, or
blockhouse, at Penobang, the ca-
pital, surrounded by \%ater, and
having guns mounted. The houses
are built on ])iles, or stakes. Coun-
try shii)s, on a trading vo\agc to the
eastward, call here, and dispose of
a few chests of opium, for which
they receive in return tin, pepper,
•nd rattans. {Staunton, Wth Re-
gister, Elmore, iSr.)
LoBOF, (Lnbtt). — A small state,
situated at the iipixM pait of the
Bay of Boni, on t!i.' Island of Ce-
lebes, and extending- ilown the east-
ern side inland to lii«" country of the
horaforas, or aborigines. To the
west it is bounded Ity \\ adjo, and
to the north hy IVmradja. 'J'he land
is very fertile in rice, an<l iu the
rivers uuich g(^ld is found, the couu-
493
try also producing goo«l iron. A
great proj)orli()n of the sovereigns of
this state have been females, which
is no uiiconunon circumstance in
Celebes ; hut until tlicir recent mis-
fortunes, the powCT of the HutcFi
I'ast India Comfiany predominated,
although the native chiefs were per-
mitted to govern.
IjOOHUR, {Lohaghar, the Iron-
Fort). — A strong hill fori in t'le pro-
vince of Ain-ungabad, 20 miles N.
"W. from Poonah. Lat. 18°. 49'. N.
Long. 73°. 41'. E.
'I'lu> perpendicular height of this
rock is too great to be stormed, and
the artificial defences erected are not
supposed to add to its strength.
Lower d<twu tljan the main body of
the fort there is a ledge of hill, but
of sullicieni height to prevent any
attack, tlie rock being perfectly bare
and peri)ciulicular. I'rom the sum-
mit the view is very extensive. Tlie
sea beyond Bombay appears to the
Avcst; inland a chain of hills is visi-
ble, whose tops rise into fortified
sunmiits as perpendicular as Loghnr.
'J'he strata of these is suiijrisingly
regular, and a line drawn from one
hill would meet the corresponding
strata of another. The sunnnits arc
mostly green, and ca])nble of culti-
vation. liOghur lias within nume-
rous tanks, and several small .streams
from the springs above. The maga-
zines are cut in the rock. Esapoor
is higher, and only a musket shot
from [yc.ghur; but, it is said, in (he
hands of any enemy could not in-
jure the latter, on account of the
nature of the surface.
'i'his fortress formerly belonged to
Nanah Eurnavese, who at ins death
entrusted it to the custody of Don-
doe Punt ; but by the intcrfereiice
of General Wellcsley it was sur-
rendered to the Peshwa, m ho could
not otherwise have obtained it, it
being esteemed the strongest fort in
the Peshwa's dominions. Dondoe
Punt declared he had lived iu this
hill foil 30 years, v\ itliout ever de-
scending. {Lord Valentin, ^v.^
LoGUR. — A town belonging to
494
LOMBHOOK ISLE.
the Nagpoor Maharattas, in the pro-
vince of Gimdwana, 107 miles S. E.
from the city of Nat^poor. Lat. 20°.
25'. N. Long. 81° 10'. E.
LoHANNA. — A village in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, near the N. AV.
boundary, and situated a few miles
south from Theraud.
This place belongs to the Rajah
of Deodhur, and contains about 400
houses surrounded by a ditch, yield-
ing a revenue to its chief of about
700 rupees per annum ; but it like-
wise pays contributions to the Coo-
lee thieves of Mondetah and Ther-
wara. It possesses an excellent well,
which is an accommodation of great
consequence in this arid region.
LoHURDiiNGA. — A town in tlie
province of Bahar, district of Chuta
>Jagpoor, 223 miles W. N. W. from
Calcutta. Lat. 23°. 28'. N. Long.
85°. 2'. E. Near to this place is a
pass into the western hills, which
bound the district.
LoLLDONG. — A pass in the pro-
vince of Delhi, where it is separated
from Serinagur by a rivulet, which
forms the boundary in this quarter,
being 15 miles S. E. from Hurdvvar,
and 110 N. E. from Delhi. Lat. 29°.
52'. N. Long. 78°. 16'. E.
The country from Nujibabad to
this place is chiefly a waste overrun
with low wood, and ill supphed with
water, there being none in the space
from Ramnagur to the neighbour-
hood of Lolldong. The road from
hence northward is by a N. W.
course through the mountains. From
hence to the Ganges the country
forms a chain of close woody moun-
tains, containing a few miserable
hamlets ; and abounding with ele-
phants, which are not to be found
on the west side of the Jumna.
In 1774, after the total defeat sus-
tained by the Rohillahs at Cutterah,
Fyzoolah Khan, with the remains of
their army, retreated to this pass,
and was pursued by the British,
where ultimately a treaty of peace
and amity was concluded. {Foster,
Rennel, Sfc. Sfc.)
LoLLARA. — A large tillage in the
3
province of Gujrat, district of Wcr-
near, situated about 30 miles S. E.
from Rahdunpoor.
This place contains about 1000
houses, inhabited principally by Na-
roda Rajpoots, IMahoramedans, and
Rajpoots, who have been converted
to tliat faith. On the east side a fine
sheet of water extends above a mile;
oil thi' west side tliere is a haiidsome
mosque. The gairison stationed for
the defence of Lollara, consists of a
Sindean jemmadaur, and 10 or 12
horsemen. At this village is ob-
served the great .superiority of the
cattle of the north part of Gujrat
over those of the south, which pre-
eminence prevails throughout the
whole of Kakrcze, Puttenwara, Wer-
rear, Neyer, and Deesa. In Kak-
reze a pair of the finest bullocks may
be purchased for 120 rupees, which
at Baroda, or Surat, would cost from
three to 500 rupees. Between this
place and Somniee extensive fields
of wheat and cotton are seen. —
{Macmurdo, ^-c.)
LoLLJEE. — A town in Tibet, in
the Narytamoe province, situated on
the north side of the Brahmapootia,
here named tlie Sanpoo River. Lat.
30°. 15'. N. Long. 84°. 26°. E.
LoMBHooK Isle. — An island in
the Eastern Seas, situated between
the eighth and ninth degrees of south
latitude, and intersected by the 116th
of east longitude. It is separated on
the west from Bally by the Straits of
Lonibhook, and on the east from
Sunibhawa by the Straits of Aliass ;
and in length may be estimated at
53 miles, by 45 the average breadth.
Like the rest of the Sunda Lslands
it is distinguished by high moun-
tains, and is well covered with wood
and verdure. The navigation tluough
the Straits of Lombhook is extieme-
ly difficult and dangerous, but that
by the rUraits of Aliass (the native
name of which is Loboagec) is the
most con;inodious passage tlirough
the chain of Sunda Islands to the
east of Java.
This island is very populous, and
extremely well cultivated, the rice
LOOKIANG RIVER.
495
ngiitulture being; conduclrd, as in
the Cainatic, by means oi' large tanks
or reservoirs, and the crops so pro-
ductive tliat larj;e <|uantities arc ex-
ported. Tlie inhabitants also carry
on a very extensive connnerce witli
all the ^lalay Islands, and paiticu-
larly with Java and Borneo. At the
town of Bally, in the Straits of Al-
lass, a considerable tralfie is carried
on with the European ships bound
to the eastward, which procure here
refreshments in great abundance ;
but the natives want few articles of
European manufacture, unless it be
fire arms and ammunition. For poul-
try, and the n)inor description of
provisions, the natives will accept iu
exchange knives and coarse cutlery
to a certain extent ; but for bullocks,
and provisions of a more expensive
kind, dollars are rcquiied. The in-
habitants of this island Captain For-
rest calls Gentoos, but it is not clear
what meaning he attached to that
term. They arc more civilized than
the generality of the population of
the Eastern Islands, and have al-
ways preserved their independence
against the Dutch, although so near
to them. {Stavorinus, Fm^rtst, liligh,
LoMCLF.M Isle. — One of the Sun-
da chain of islands, situated between
the large islands of Floris and Ti-
mor, and the eighth and ninth de-
grees of south latitude. It is an is-
land of considerable dimensions,
being in length about 50 miles, by
16 miles the average breadth ; but
it has never been explored, and re-
mains nearly unknown.
LoNsiR. — A village in the province
of Gujrat, the property of the Rajah
of Wankaneer, and situated about
15 miles N. E. from that town. In
the centre of Lonsir is a square
building perforated \\ ith loop holes
for matchlocks, and supplied with
water from a large tank.
From hence to Choorvera the
country has a very w ild appearance,
the hills are bleak, and partly cover-
ed with a \vild prickly shrub. The
plains are oversjircad w ith short thick
jungle, presenting few traces of cul-
tivation. 'J he villages arc niiserable
in the extreme, and being generally
placed on the most prominent point
of a black rocky mountain, are only
ilistinguishable by the smoke ascend-
ing from their wretched hovels. Th«
inhabitants of these villages are
chiefly Catties, Bheel:-;, and Rick-
barries. A similar description of
country extends all tin; way to the
Choteela Hills. {I\f((cmurdo, ^Vc.)
LoNFAR FuLO Isle. — An island
ia the Indian Ocean, separated fro!ii
the Peninsula of Malacca by a nar-
row strait. Lat. ;°. 30'. N. Long.
99°. E.
'i'his island, and some of the
neighbouring ones, are inhabited by
a race of lethyophagi, denominated
by the Malays Orang Laut, or men
of the sea, because; their constant
employment is on or near that ele-
ment, fiom which they procure their
sole subsistence. Their manners are
simple and inoffensive. Agriculture
is wholly unknown to them, the in-
considerable quantity of rice that
enters into their diet being prociued
by bartering fish with tlie Malavs.
'I'his people are not yet converted to
the Mahommedan religion, nor is it
ascertained that they liave any dis-
tinct notion of religious worship. In
person and complexion they differ
from the Malays only in the eflect
which the peculiarity of their diet
produces, covering their bodies with
a scorbutic eruption, such as is
found, though less generally, among
the Malays themselves. Their lan-
guage diflers from the Malay only in
being more simple and primitive,
{Edinburgh Review, ^x.)
Long Island. — A small island
about 40 miles in circumference, si-
tuated off the coast of Papua, be-
tween the main and Mysory Island,
and about tlie first degree of south
latitude. Like the preceding, it is
almost wholly unknown.
LooKiANG River. — A river in
the Birman dominions, formerly
supposed to be a great branch of
tlie Irawaddy River, but which ha:<
496
LUCKPUT BUNDER.
no communication with it. On en-
tering^ the Ava tenitoiies, from the
nortli, it assumes the name of Tiia-
luayn, and falls into the sea at Mar-
taban.
LooNGHEE. — ^A town in tJie Bir-
niau empire, situated on the east
.side of tlie Irawaddy. Lat. 19°. 41'.
N. Long. 19°. 55'. E.
The soil in this neighbourhood is
v<My favourable for cotlon, with
which many fields are planted, where
the shrub grows strong and healthy.
The cattle used for tillage and
draught in this part of Ava are oxen,
and ordy one pair are put into a
plough, which resembles the com-
mon Hiudostany one. In their large
waggons they yoke four or six,
which are often driven at a hand
gallop, by a country girl standing up
in the vehicle ; who manages the
reins and a long whip, with equal
ease and dexterity. This is a novel
sight to a person aocustonii'd to the
slow moving machines of India, in
which the women are generally too
timorous to ride, much less to at-
tempt to guide. {Spnes, Sj-c.)
LoosEKGNA. — A small town in
the province of Bahar, district of
Baingnr, 90 miles S. by W. from
TatiKi. Lat. 24°. 20'. N. Long. 84'.
58'. E.
IjOUER. — A town belonging to the
Maharatlas, in the province of
Aurungabad, situated on iho banks
of thcGhirah River. Lat. 20°. 25'.
^. Long. 74°. 2/'. E.
liOUASHAN.— A province in t!ie
Birman emjiire, siluated between
tlie 22d and 24th degrees of north
latitude. To the norlh and east it is
l)OUiided by the province of Yunan
in China; to the south by the coini-
try of Yunshan ; and to the west by
Ava Proper. It is intersected by
the Lookiang or Thaluayn River,
which Hows into it from China, and
the principal town is Iviaintoun.
The country to the east of t!ic river
is mountainous, and but little known
even to the Birmans.
LowYAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar. district of Bettiah,
74 miles N. N. W. fioin Patna. Lat
26°. 36'. N. Long. 84°. 50'. E.
LuBEC Isle. — A small island si-
tuated off the northern coast of
Java, and almost surrounded by a
cluster of rocks and rocky islets.
Lat. 5°. 48'. S. Long. 112°. 45'. N.
This island is populous, and carries
on a brisk trade with Java and
Bornee.
LucKPUT Bunder. — A town in
the province of Cutcli. situated on a
salt creek or river which comnumi-
cates with the Gulf of Cutch, but
oidy navigable for small vessels. Lat.
23°. 47'. N.
The fort of Luckput Bunder
.stands on the western brow of a
liill, which rises from a swamj^y
plain, a1)Out a mile and a half from
Luckput Bunder River. In figure
it is an irregular jjolygon, defended
by round towers, and built of hard
brown stone. The eastern .side is
flanked by a hill of the same ma-
terial, and containing a large tank,
but which becomes dry towards the
end of March. There are several
other tanks within the fort, but the
water is not reckoned good.
Tlie walls of llie fort are of a con-
.sideral>lc heiglit, but not thick; and
IJieie are only six pieces of cannon
mounted on the works. To tlic
Avcstward of the principal gale a
wall divides Uie inside of the fort
into t\vo parts, tin; westein only
being inhabited. It is not sup])Osed
to contain more than 2000 inhabi-
t-ants, 500 of whom an; srj>oys, and
it is at present a place of little trade.
It is nevertheless the jtrincipal towu
on the road liom Hyderabad, tho
capital of Sinde, to Mandavie on the
Gulf of Cutch. The most con-
venient time for performing this
journey is duiing the months of
July and August, when the creeks
are navigable tor flat bottomed boats
to Alibuuder; where a small neck of
land separates the fresh water from
the salt water creek, which runs
down to Luckput Bunder, over
Mhicii isthmus the boats arc easily
carried. {Mmjield, Sfc.)
LUCKNOW.
497
LuCKYPOOR, (Lahslmiipuy). — A sifiou than the Bengulese. HjAbiil
town ill llio pioviii(;( v\' IJeiij^al, dis- I'azcl, iu 1582, it is dtscriljed as lol-
trictol' I i|)|ieial), situated a leu miles lows:
inland t'roni the east hank of the i\Ie[
na, witli wliieh it eonimnnicatesbv a
small liver, l^at. 22°. oO'. N. Loiij--.
90°. 43'. K. Halt \s and other coarse
cotton !2:oods of an excellent and
snbstantial falnic arc mamitli<tnred
in this iieighbonihood, whirh is also
very fertile and productive, being
on the whoK^ one of the cheapest
places in the Company's donu-
nions.
The River Mcpna near to this
expands to a breadth cxccodiiig" 10
miles, and dnring the hei<»ht of (he
rains, when tiie shoalv islands are
subniergcd, appears more like an
iidand sea of fresh water in motion
than a river. In 1763 it rose six
feet above its nsiial level, and occa-
.sioned an jnnndalion that swept
away the honses, cattle, and in-
iiabitants of a whole district.
LiJCKNOW, {Lakshmanavati). — A
district in the Nabob of (^)nde's ter-
ritories, adjacent to the city of Lnck-
iiow, and sitnatcd between the 2Gth
and '27th degrees of north latitnde.
The land here is generally Hat and
" Sircar Lncknow, containing 55
niahals; measnrement, 3,307,426
becgahs; revenue, 80,710,120 dams;
seyurghal. 4,.'>;2,.5G() dams." {Lord
Vakntia, Temtant, Aba/ Fazel, ^c.)
IjUCKNow. — A cit} in the province
ofOnde. of wh'ch it is the capital
and residence of tlie Nabob. Lat.
20°. 51'. N. Long. 8u°. 55'. E.
'I'his town stands on tiic sonth side
ol' the Cutomty, wjiich is navigable
for b(»als of a common size at all
seasons of the year, and fails into
the (hinges between Benares and
Gazypoor. The streets where the
lower classes reside are siuik 10 or
12 feet below the surface, and are so
narrow that two carts cannot pass,
being likewise lilthy in the extreme.
The dillerent palaces of the nabob,
the great mosipies, and burying
jilaccs, display considerable splen-
dour, haviiig gilt roofs and architec-
ture loaded with ornaments.
On the death of the Nabob Sujah
ud Dowlah. in 1774, the late Nabob
Asoph ud Dowlah remo\ ed the seat
of government to this place from
sandy, and, after a storm, is covered Fyzabad, the former capital. The
■with puddles of water. Near to bankers and men of property accom-
liengcrmow the country is more panied the court; and Lucknow, i«
pleasing, being tolerably well cnlti- a very few years, became one of the
vatcd and slightly undulated. A\ heat hngest and richest towns in Hindos-
and bailey are the principal crops, tan, w liile its predecessor decayed
and the district is covered with with a pioportionate rajtidity. Iii
clumps of mango trees. Over the 1800 the population was estimated
small river Sye is a bridge of 15 to exceed 300,000 ; but it probably
arches, an excellent specimen of has since diminished, on aecoinit of
Mahommedan architecture; and it the decreasing splendour of the na-
is besides watered by the Gauges, bob's court, and consequent limited
the Goggrah, and the Goointy. c\i)eiulitnr<'.
'I'he towns in this division of Ondc Among the curiosities in this neigh-
are mostly built of brick, with ruins l)ourhood is Constantia,the residence
far more extensive than the inha- of the late (ieneral Martin, which is
bited ])art; and there still remains said to have cost 150,0001. sterling,
the debris of many extensive cities, To tin; house is annexed a very noble
the vestig(!S of which are only to be gardcji and extensive jnango clump;
traced In large mounts of brick dust, but the country around is a barren
From this district are (irocnrcd many sand and dead ilat. On his decea.sc
of the best recruits ior the British the furniture was sold, and the giran-
Sepoy corps, the iiati\cs being mure doles and mirrors now adorn the go-
robust, and of a more niaitial dispo- vcrument Jiouse in CHlcutla.
2 K 1
498
LUZON ISLE.
The nabob has also a menascerio,
in which variety or utility has not
been so mucii Jittcnded to as the
oddities of natme, The rlvinoeeros
is the most remarkable animal in this
collection. Near to (lie stables a
very large breed of Gnjrat bullocks
is kept, the introduction of which
among' the jieasants jieneraliy would
be of infinite advantaj!;e to a couniry,
where the draught cattle are so small
and weak as in the Oude province.
Tlie body of the late Asoph nd
Dowlah lies interred in a reljjvious
sepulchre, lighted by a vast number
of wax tapers, iMid liavinu; the grave
strewed with flowers and gilt paper.
At one side is a censer, with various
perfumes; on the other, bis sword
and waistband; and opposite lohis
head lies his turban, and a copy of
the Koran. The grave is covered
with rich bread of barley, from Mec-
ca; and verses from the Koran arc
chanted day and night. Lucknow
is mentioned by Abnl i'azel as being
a town of considerable note dnring
the reign of Acber. It stands about
650 miles, travelling distance by the
nearest road, from Calcutta; and
from hence to where the Ganges
joins the ocean all is one vast plain.
Travelling distance from Delhi, 280;
from Agra, 202; and from Benares,
189 miles. (Tennant, Lord Valeiitia,
Jtcnnel, ^c.)
LucoNiA Isle, {Luzon). — The
largest of the Philippines. — See Lu-
zon.
LuDEHAUNAH. — A town ou the
northern frontier of the Delhi pro-
vince, situated on the banks of the
Sutuleje River, 180 miles N. N. \\\
from tiic city of Delhi, and 120 S, R.
from Lahoiv. Lat. 30°. .53'. N,
Long. 75°. 32'. E. The climate at
this place is excessively cold for four
or five months of the year ; and, in
the sunnner season, extremely hot,
witli hot winds, both seasons being
in extremes. The rains are abnn-
dant. liUdehanndah is the most re-
mote military station 'to the north
west wliif'h the liritish possess in
India, a detachment having been
establislied hel^ in 1808 io coerce
tlic adjacent Seik chtdi?.
LuMGUANAT. — An Afghan district
in the province of Cabnl, situated
about the 34th degree of north lati-
tude, and extending along the south
side of the Kaineh, or Cabul River.
The chief towns are Jelaiabad and
Irjah. Ijumghanat, wilh the ad-
joining district of Kameh, appears
to be the region described by Dr.
Leyden in the 11th volinue of the
Asiatic Researches, under tlie appel-
lation of Ningarhar. When invaded
by .Sebuctaghi, in A.D. 997, this \\ a»i
a Hindoo district ; and it still retains
a peculiar dialect, named the Lum-
ghanee.
I^UNAWARA, {Lavanavfo-n, a Salt
Rcfrjov). — A town in the province
of Gnjrat, district of Gndara, 65
miles K. by N. from Ahmedabad.
Lat. 23°. .5'. N. Long. 73°. 46'. E.
On the 14th of November, 1803, a
treaty was concluded with the rajah
by the British government, which li-
berated him from the tiibute he had
before paid to Dowlet Row Sindia.
In consideration of this benefit he
engaged to support a body of troops
for the defence of their own domi-
nions; and, in case of necessity, to
assist the British, whose enemies he
considered as his own.
Luzon Isi,e, (or Luconia). — The
largest of the Phili]ipinc Islands, on
which stands Manilla, the metropo-
lis. This island is situated between
the 13th and 19th degrees of north
latitude, and extends from the TiOth
to the 124th degTces of east lon-
gitutle. It is of a very inegular
form, but may be estimated at 400
miles in length, by 115 the average
breadth.
The greater part of this island is
mountainous, being intersected fron>
north to sontli by an immense chain,
from which diverge various ramifi-
cations that spread over the whol«
island ; in some places forming de-
tached mountains, like insulated
cones, in the midst of extensive plains.
The whole of this elevated region,
occupying a gieat part of the interior.
LUZON ISLE
499
is eiUier a wilderness, or inhabited
by a MTctchcd people nnder no
conlioul from the Spanish govern-
ment.
There arc on Luzon several vol-
canoes, i)artieulaily that of IVIayoie,
l»et\veen the provinces of Albay and
Camarines, whieh has the figure of a
sugar-loaf, and is of such altitude
that it may be discovered a great
distance at sea. The Do Taal is of
a similar form, and stands in the
middle of a large lake, named Bom-
hon. Its present appoaranee indi-
cates as if the mountain, on tiie sum-
mit of whieh w;is the volcano, had
sunk ; part of it, however, still re-
maining consid( rably elevated above
the waters of the surrounding lake.
'I'herc are many warm springs and
small lakes, indicating an ijitcrnal
combustion, from v\hieh probably
origiruite tiic earthquakes to which
the island is subject. From their
numerous orifices, ashes, stones,
sand, water, and lava, are enipted,
inundating and destroying the neigh-
bounng fields. In 1650 an earth-
quake happened, whieh overtmned
almost all Manilla, with the excep-
tion of the church and convent of St.
Augustine. In one part of the island
a hill was raised from its foundations,
and fell on the town, burying under
its mass all the inhabitants. In some
parts the earth sunk ; and in others
torrents of sand burst forth, over-
whelming man and beast; and the
succession of earthquakes altogether
lasted 60 days. In 1754 there hap-
pened another tenible <;arthquake ;
and the Taal, which is in the middle
of the Lake Rond)on, in the province
of Batangas, threw out such inunense
quantities of cinders, as completely
to ruin four towns whieh were situ-
ated near the lake, and compelled
the inliabitants to retire a league fur-
ther into jlhp, interior. INIany other
severe shodksibllowed, accompanied
by loud r(!ports, like the artillery of
contending squadrons; and the at-
mosphere was entirely obscured by
the sand and ashes discharged.
Although situated within the tro-
2k 2
pics, the climate of this island is
teniperat(!, and the soil fertile. In-
digo, tobacco, and sugar, all I'f an
excellent (juality, arc |>rodueed in
abundance; and might, if encou-
raged, be increased to almost any
amount. The sea-coast is indented
by many bays and commodious har-
bours ; but that of Manilla, whieh is
one of the fuiest in the world, is the
only one frequented by ships of bur-
then. 'I'here are several lakes in the
interior, the most considerable of
whieh is named by the Spaniards
Laguna dc Bay. The Manilla Ri-
ver, which may be ascended in boats,
issues from this lake, which is said
to be 30 leagues in circumference.
In the middle of the lake is an island,
where many Indian families reside,
who subsist by fishing, and are de-
scribed as being of a gentle disposi-
tion, and somewhat disposed to in-
dustry. Although converted by the
Spaniards, they preserve their an-
cient laws and customs, by which
they continue to be regulated, each
village being superintended by one
of their chiefs, nominated by the
Spaniards.
To the east of this lake there are
said to be extensive plains, thinly
scattered over with villages, and in-
tersected by deep streams ; the na-
tives carrying on unceasing warfare
with the neighbouring tribes. Many
expeditions have been undertaken
by the Spaniards against the moun-
tain Indians of Luzon ; but to so
little purpose, that they remain in-
dependent to this hour. Tl.ey carry
on a small traflic with the Spaniards
in gold, wax, and tobacco, in ex-
change for cattle; and the Augus-
tine friars have su('ceeded in eon-
verting a few who live in the ham-
lets near to the mountains.
Before the Spaniards anived tho
district in the neighl)ourhood of Ma-
nilla was oc'cupied by the Tagala
nation, inhabiting many towns and
villages, and governed by petty
chiefs. To the north of this people
the Spaniards found the Pampangas,
the ZambaleSjthe I'angasinan, \lo-
500
MACASSAR*
cos, and Caya^^an tribes. Each of
these nations formed a diflferent com-
munity, with a particular dialect of
the same hinguage, and distributed
in mnd villa<i,es, without a king or
stipreme liead; the power being par-
celled out among numberless petty
chiefs or rajahs, whose particular au-
thority was seldom obeyed by moie
than 60 or 100 families. After the
conquest eacli of these nations was
. constituted into a province, governed
by a Spanish alcalde mayor. To
the east of the Tagala are the Cama-
rines, whose country has been di-
vided into two districts ; that of Al-
bay, and tliat of Camarines, each un-
der an alcalde mayor. In the vici-
nity of Manilla the original natives
are now much intermixed with Chi-
nese.
The Spaniards have several esta-
blishments scattered over the island,
consisting generally of monks, for
the propagation of the Roman Ca-
tholic religion. The native inhabit-
ants under their government exist in
a state of sloth and inactivity, and
appear indiilerent to either virtue or
vice. Indolence and timidity are the
characteristics of the great majority ;
but as there arc partes >vhich the
Spaniards have never been able to
subdue, they are inobably possessed
by races ■of a dillerent description.
Among the mountains and recesses
of the interior, there is said to be a
tribe approaching nearly to a state
of nature, w ho roost on trees, and do
not even associate in families.
AVere this island adequately culti-
vated and better governed, it might
8up])ly subsistence for a munerons
population, and reign paramount
over all the neighbouring Archipe-
higo. As it is, the inhalutants are
comparatively few in number, desti-
tute of energy, and despised by their
neighbours, tlic Malay pirates, wlio
have long considered Ijuzon and tlie
other Philippines as the quarter liom
whence slaves may be procured, with
the least risk and greatest facility.
(Znnign, Sotinerut, La Peyronse,
M.
]MACASSAR,(il/HHg-/j<wrt?-)- — A king-
dom situated on the south-west coast,
of the Island of Celebes, which, bc-
%-)\c its conquest by the Butch, com-
prelu'uded all the coast from Bocle-
boele in the Bay of Boni to the Point
ofLasseni; thence westward to the
Point of Touratte, or Tanakeke ; and
along the west coast northward to
Tanette, or Aganondje. Inland it
icaehcd as far as Boni and Soping ;
and throughout the whole the ori-
ginal Macassar language prevailed.
The power of this state was at its
highest about the middle of the 17th
century, when its princes not only
governed great part of Celebes, but
luul likewise rendered Loma, Man-
delly, Bima, Tambora, Dompo, and
Sangar, trii>utary; and had conquer-
ed Booton, Bungay, Capi, the Xulla
Islands, and Sumbhaw a. They also
possessed Salayr, which had been
given to Macassar by Baab Lllah,
the King of rcrnate. At that ])eriod
the sovereigns of Macassar were iu
strict alliance with the inhabitants
of Bali, and coined the first gold
coins, which v\ ere probably the gold
maas, of the value of GO Dutch
stivers.
Tlie Portuguese obtained a footing
in this province so early as 1512, at
which time it does not appear that
the Mahomniedan religion had any
existence in Celebes ; but we have
no information respecting the prior
doctrines of tlie natives, who had at-
tained a considerable degree of ci\i-
lization. Subsequent to this period
the Malays, being allowed to .settlt;
on the island and erect a mosque,
their religion made such progress,
that in 1U03 the Macassar Hajah,
v\ith the whole Macassar nation, by
one of t)ie most singular revolutions
on record, renounced tlieir ancient
religion; and not only adopted that
of Mahonuned, but compelled a
luunber of the inferior states to imi-
tate their example.
The empire of JNIacassar has been,
entirely subverted by the Dutcli, but
MACASSAR.
501
tlie iiiliabitanis sfill ir<:iin lluir mar-
tial cli-^rnctcr and iimlaunlfd coii-
ras,T. The (inishiiip: Mow was 2,ivcii
to its indi-|>(?n(lou(:(' in llic vear 1778.
'I'lio kiiig-s ot'INlaoassaihad t'oiiiiciiy
always a m-w name <2,iv(;n to lluin
aflrr llioir doalli, and Ihcir siircess-
ors wric noniinatt'd bcl'oic tlicir in-
termont.
The IMacassars, like all the otiier
Enjij^oss trihes, are mucli addicted
to traflic and a seal'ai in^' life. They
bnild llieir piovN s very tiulit, by dow-
Jinj>: their planivs together as coopers
do the ))arls that tbrni the head of a,
eask. Ijetween the pieces tiiey put
the bark of a jiartieular ])lant, which
swells ; alter which they fit timbers
to tiie phniks. as at llombay, but do
rot rabbet the planks as is done
there. They have their bow hiwer-
ed, or cnt down in so aukward a
milliner, that, being; oltcn under wa-
ter, a bnli.-head is raised ahatt the
stem to keej) oft" the sea. in size
they seldom exceed 60 tons, and are
ri<;,u,ed w ith a tri[)od mast, nuide of
three stont bamboos, earryinj:: a high
pointed sail. 'I'he dialect of Macas-
sar dillers considerably from the JJiiic-
jfess Proper. {Sfavdrinus, Forrest,
Ln/den, Marsilau, Nc.)
iViACASSAK. — 'The chief settlement
of the Dnteh on the Island of Ce-
lebes, named by them I'ort Jioltcr-
dam, and sitnated on the sonth-west
coast of the i.sland. Lat.6°. 10'. S.
I.on.^^ I \b°. 20'. E.
TJjc fortress stands about 800
yards from the beach, where a ])ier-
head extends for unloading ships.
'j1ie walls are high, siroii;;', and con-
structed of IVcc-Ktonc. TheCiiincse
live altoj;etlier in one street, which
is named n'itvr them. The town lies
in an extensive plain, ^\hich reaches
to the foot of a range of high moun-
tains ci»;hl Dutch niil' s to the east-
ward ; and is covered w ith rice fields
and paslnre grtUinds, being watered
by small caiial;. from the large streams
wliieh descend from the monutains.
In 1/80 the Jurisdiction of thePuteh
Conij anv c. ten Jed lioin Sambonj?
Java to what is called the Ivi aal ;
thence, northward, along the salt
marshes behind IJontualack, as far
as the Kiver I'atcnga lioang.
While jjossessed by the Dutch the
prijicipal exports from heiu'c were
rice, sapnn wood, and cadjang; but
the settlement was eon.sidered of
great importance for the secnrity of
the IMolnccas and spice trade, i'rom
hence also the Dutch transported
many slaves to their colonies on the
Island of Ja\a and elsewhere. 'I'hey
alloAved a Clunese jnuk to come an-
nually to ]\faeassar dire<-t from Chi-
na; from whence nankeens, silk
goods, sugar, tea, china-ware, and
some smaller articles, w ere im])orted ;
which, if not permitted openly, would
have bc<'n clandestinely introduced.
The Dutch lairopcan imports were
very trifling, and consisted i)riiiei-
paily of fire-arms, annnnnitioii, and
coarse cutlery; but, many articles,
the produce of .]a\a, were brought
for the use of the garrison. In 1777
the establishment here consisted of
.")7 persons in civil, and three in ec-
elesjastical employments, 13 sur-
geons and assistants, 27 artillery-
men, 178 seamen and marines, 502
soldiers, and 72 mechanics; in all
852 !'",uro|)eans — a nund)er dispro-
poitionately large lor any benefit
jieldcd by the settlement.
'J'his part of the Celebes coast was
first visited by the I'ortnguesc in
1512, where they soon afterwards
established a settlement; and re-
mained until 1G08, when they were
expelled, and the town of Macassar
captured by the Dutch, who had pre-
viously made some progress in the
pro\iiiee,and had long annoyed them
by sea. In 1G(J0, the Dutch under-
standing that the Jesuits had a large
property on board a rortngm se fleet
ricliK laden, attacked them in tli(v
harlioin- of .Macassar, and siink five,
but brought off onl.N one. The Eng-
lish I'^ast India Company's agents
cstabli.died a factory h -re in 1G15;
the ar'ifices of the Dutch soor eom-
pelleil them to abandon it, which
was of no great (letrimeut, as it
scarcely iurnished any article lit for
502
MACAO.
the then state of the European
market.
In 1 759 there was a gener'al con-
spiracy of the Buggesses, the Macas-
sars, the Wadjorese, and several
other smaller states, against Ihe
Datcli,when they besieged I'ort Rot-
terdam; but ultimately failed, like
many other coalitions, for want of
union. In 1 ?80 the Buggesscs again
made a desperate attack on Fort
Rotterdam, but were beat ofl" with
great loss; and in 1810 it surrender-
ed to a British squadron without any
resistance. {Stavorinus and Notes,
Sruce, Forrest, ^'c.)
Macassar, (Straits of). — This
arm of the sea, for it cannot with
propriety be called a strait, separates
the Island of Borneo from that of
Celebes, and extends above 300
miles from north to south, with a
breadth in general exceeding 120
miles, except at the northern extre-
mity, where it contracts to about GO
miles. This part of the Eastern
Seas abounds with shoals, rocks, and
rocky islands ; j ct it is nuich fre-
quented by ships bound to China
late in the season, the western pas-
sage along tlie coast of Borneo being
tlie best and most explored. In Ja-
nuary and February strong winds
generally blow from the northward,
forcing a strong current through this
strait to the southward.
Macao. — This Portuguese settle-
ment is situated at the southern ex-
tremity of an island, separated only
by rivers from the southern continent
of China. Lat. 22°. 13'. N. Long.
113°. 35'. E.
The town of Macao is connected
with the remainder of the island by
a long neck of land not exceeding
100 yards across, which was proba-
bly originally Ibrmed by the sand
tlirown up by the beating of the
waves on each side. Across it there
is a wall erected, which projc cts into
the water at each end, witli a gate
and guardliouse in the middle tor
Chinese soldiers. The walls aie con-
structed of oyster-shells, which are
found in these seas of an enormous
size; and are used, after being di-
vided into thin laminae and polished,
instead of window-glass, at Macao,
and throughout the southern pro-
vinces of China.
The Portuguese territory on this
island does not exceed eight miles in
circuit, and beyond it tlu^ are sel-
dom allowed to pass. Its greatest
length from N. E. to S. W. being
under three miles, and its breadth
less than half a mile. The broadest
part of this little peninsula to the
northward of the town is cultivated
by the Chinese. It is nearly flat, and
of a light sandy soil ; but by the skill
and industry of the cultivators it
produces culinary vegetables, Eu-
ropean and Asiatic, sufficient for the
settlement. The market is well sup-
pHcd with grain from the Chinese
part of the island, and sometimes
from the main land ; and all the arts
of comfort or convenience are exer-
cised by the Chinese, the Portuguese
being de\oted to trade and naviga-
tion.
From this spot the Portuguese for
a long time carried on a considerable
commerce, not only with the Chines©
empire, where they alone of all Eu-
ropeans resorted, but likewise with
the other countries in Eastern Asia ;
such as Japan, Tungquin, Cochin
China, and Siam. The settlement
then prospered ; and the vestiges
which remain of public and private
buildings prove a decline from a su-
perior state. The harbour does not
admit vessels of great burthen, which
generally anchor six or seven miles
off, the town bearing W. N. W. If
there be any women on board, ap-
plication must be made to the bishop
and synod of Macao for permission
to land them, as they will not be per-
mitted by the Chinese to go further
up the river. A voyage from Macao
to Calcutta, taking the inside passage
to the westward of the Paracels, ge-
nerally last a month ; but it has been
made in 25 days, including two days
delay at Malacca, and three at Prince
of Wales's Island.
The Portuguese iiiliabitants still
MACHERLA.
503
fit out a few vessels, and others lend
tlieir iKiuies for a trillin*; eoiisidera-
lioii to foreigners beli)njj;inj:: fo llic
Canton factories, wlio require to be
nominally associated with the J'or-
tut!,nese to be allowed to trade from
the port. Tiie money spent in the
settlement by the Canton factors,
who live hospitably, is also of i;reat
advantage, 'J'he whole popnhiliun
amoinits to about 12,000, of whom
considerably more than half arc Chi-
nese. 'J'he garrison, which is com-
posed mostly of nmlatoes and blacks,
amounts 1u about 300 men, w ith a
mnnber of ."upernumerary t)fliccrs.
The public administration is vested
in a senate composed of the bishop,
the judge, and a few of the ])rin-
cipal inhabitants, but the Chinese
n)anda)in is the real governor. The
bishop has great sway, and contri-
butes to give a tone of devotion and
religious obsenances, which is the
only material occupation of a great
majority of the Catholic laity, w ho
do not exceed 4000 persons. For
this number there are 13 churches or
chapels, and 60 ecclesiastics, three
monasteries for men, and a convent
of ajjout 40 lunis, besides mission-
aries from France and Italy. 'I'he
Chinese possess two temples at iMa-
cao, which are overshadowed by
thick trees, so as not to be vi.sible at
a distance.
In tlie senate house, wiiich is two
stories high, and built of granite, are
several colunnis of the same mate-
rial, with Chinese characters en-
graved, signifying a solemn cession
of the place I'rom the Emperor of
China, This is, however, an In-
sultioient guard against the encroach-
ments of the Cliincse, who some-
limes exact duties in the port of
Macao, and punish individuals with-
in Ihcir walls for crimes committed
against Chinese; added to these, they
sometimes march with idolatrous
processions through the tow n, which
is scarcely less oHensive to a Portu-
guese, The latter arc, in i'act, kept
imdcr such restraint, that they dare
jiotrepair a house without penui.ssion
from the Chinese. Wlienevcr re-
.sistancc is atlcmptcd, the mandarin,
who commands in the little fort
within sight of IVIacao, stojis imme-
diately the supply of pro\isious un-
til they submit.
There is a cave below tJie loftiest
eminence in the town, called Ca-
moen's Cave, from a tradition ciu-
rcnt in tlie settlement, that this cele-
brated poetAvrote the Lusiad in that
spot. This cave is now in a garden,
opposite to which in the middle of
the harbour is a small circular is-
land, whidi formerly belonged to
the Jesuits of JNlacao. On this is-
land were erected a church, a col-
lege, and an observatory, with a bo-
tanic and a kitchen garden ; but all
these imi)rovemciits fell to decay
with the society, and are scarcely
now to be traced. The harboiu- in
which this little island lies is called
the Inner Harbour; by way of dis-
tinction from the opposite or outer
bay, where ships are exposed to bad
weather, cs];ccially during the N. E.
monsoon. It has been obser\ed by
mariners that this bay is gradually
growing shallow er. It opens on one
side into a basin forniLd by four
islands, in which Ijord Anson's ship
lay to be rc|)aired, biit no such ship
could enter it at present.
The Portuguese first obtained ])os-
scssion of Macao in A. D. 1586. At
this period a pirate had seized an
adjacent island, but w as expelled by
the Portuguese ; in gratitiule for
which the Chinese Emjjcror made
them a gift of the small peninsula
on which the town now .stands.
{Staunton, Elmore, La Peijrousc, See.
Macclesfield Shoal. — A shoal
in the Eastern Seas, situated prin-
cipally between the 15th and 16th
degrees of north latitude, and tlie
114tli and llolh of east longitude.
The depth of water is not less than
10, and in many places more than
50 fathoins.
MachI'RLA. — A town in the pro-
vince of the Carnatic, district of
Paluaud, 108 miles souUi liom lly-
504
MADRAS.
derabad, Lat. 16°. 8. N. Long. 78°.
64'. E.
Macherry. — See Alv.ar.
Mackoor- -A district in the pro-
\iiice of Berar, extending alonfc the
KivcrKailin, and situated belAveen
the 20th and 21st de^iet^s oi' north
latitude. 'I'he principal touiis are
Omerpoor, Shapoor, and Jaffierabad,
and the whole district is within the
Nizam's dominions.
Mackwa. — A (own in Ihe North-
ern Circars, 40 miles W. N. W.
from Cicarole. Lat. 18°. 33'. N.
Long-. 83°. 24'. E.
Maclahs.mjl. — A town in the
province of Berar, district of Gaun-
gra, situated on the north side of the
Tuptcc River, 20 miles N, E. from
Gawelo-lnn-. Lat. 21°. 64'. N. Long-.
77°. 34'. E.
Macowaix, {Malihaval).—A Seik
town in the province of Lahore, si-
tuated on the banks of the Sutnlejc
River, 133 miles S. E. from the city
of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 14'. N. Long.
75°. .58'. E. This was the first town
acquired by the Sciks during the go-
A'erninent of their martial, Gooroo
Govind.
Mactan Isle. — A small island, one
of tiie I'hilipjiines, about 10 miles in
circnmferejice, situated to the east
of Zebu Isle. Lat. 10°. 30'. N.Long.
123°. 48'. E. Here Magellan was
killed, A. D. 1.521, when on his return
from America, by a westerly course.
Madighkshy. — A fortress in the
Mysore Rajah's tcnilories, situated
on a rock of >cry diilicult access.
Lat. 13°. 48'. N. Long. 77°. ir/. E.
At the foot of the rock is a fortilied
town,. containing near 200 houses.
This place originally belonged to a
polygar faniiiy, a lady of which,
named jNladigheshy, having hurned
herself Avith her husband's corpse,
her name was given to the tow)i.
This practice is very rare in the table
land above the Ghauts. jVIadiglieshy
was afterwards go\erned by rannies,
or femah? sovereigns, from whom it
was conquered by the family of Chi-
rappa Cauda, and at last absorbed
into llyder's gaveniment.
The fonntry around is covered
with little hills overgrown with copse
wood. The vallies shew marks of
ha\ing' been formerly in a state of
cultivation, and exiiibit the ruined
villages of their former iiihabitants.
Evtr since the dcv.astation commit-
ted by Purseram Bhow's army, and
the subsequent famine, thev have
been ncarlv waste, but are last re-
covering under the Mysore Rajah's
government. {F. Buchanan, ^c.)
Ma \)yiWV.K\ ,{Mad!iu-giri). — A hill
fort and town in the ISajah of My-
sore's territories. Lat. 13°. 33'. N.
Long. 7/°. 1.5'. E.
On tiie fall of the Bijanagur em-
pire this place belonged to a poly- '
gar named Chicuppa Gauda, but
n)ore than a century ago it came into
the possession of the Alysore Rajah's
family. Mul Rajah built a fortress
of stone, the piior one having been
of mud. I'his place had been so
often plundered, that prior to the
conquest of the Mysore, in 1799, it
was reduced very low, but is now
fast recovering. Bulwunt Row, ouo
of Purseram Bhow 's officers, besieg-r
ed it five months, but was unable to
take it.
In this neighbourhood, on the best
land, when tliere is plenty of water,
two crops of rice are raised annuallj'.
The mode of cultivation here diflers
from that followed to the south of
Nundydroog, and also from that to
the west of the i idge of hills tow ards
Sera. In a black clay soil, which
contains small masses of limestone,
cotton is cultivated, but the quantity
is small. In the kitchen gardens
maize, transplanted ragy, wheat, tur-r
mcric, capsicum, onions, garlic, and
hemp, are cultivated — the last being
oidy used to intoxicate. Good soil
iit for kitchen gardens pays a rent of
from 12s. to 21s. per acre. In this
vicinity all accounts are kept iu
Canteraya pagodas. (jF. JBuc/ianan,
JMADRAS, (Mandirraj).
A city in the Caruatic provijiccj
MADRAS
505
and the capital of the Briiisli pos-
scs-ions in t!ie Dccoari and south of
India. Liit. 13°. 5'. N. Loivj;. 80°.
25'. Iv
T\u' approach to M adias from the
sea is vf IV s'rikiii^. The low Hat
.sandy shores extending to the north
and .south, and the small hills Ihat
arc seen inland; the whole exhibit-
ing an ap|)earanee of barrenness,
■\vjiieh is iniuh improved on closer
inspection. 'J'he beach seems alive
vvitli tiie crowds that cover it. 'J'he
public ofticcs and store houses erect-
ed near (o the bca(;h are line build-
ings, with colonnades to tiie upper
stories, supported on arciied bases,
covered with the beaiiliiul shell mor-
tar of Madras — ii.u'd, smooth, and
pohshed. Within a few yards of the
sea the fortilications of I'ort (Jeor^e
present an interesting appearance,
and at a distance minarets and pa-
f^odas are seen mixed \s ith tiees and
gardens. With all these (jxtemal
advantages it wouUI be dillioiilt to
find a woise place for a capital than
Madras, situated as it is on the mar-
gin of a coast where juns a rapid
current, and against which a tre-
inendoiis surf breaks even in the
mildest weather. The site of Pon.^
tlicherry is in every respect sujierior,
and is placed in a rich aud fertile
couetry, besides having tin; great
advantage of being to windward, the
loss of which was severely felt by the
British si;! tiers during the iiard fought
warsofthi lSthcenlur>. Yet, liow-
ever inconvenient, t!ie expense of
removal at this late period prechldes
all idea of a change.
The boats used for crossing tiie
surf aie large and light, and made
of very thin planks, stwed together
with straw in tiie seanis instead of
i^aulking, which it is siipjiosed would
render them too stilf ; tiie great ob-
ject being ito have them as flexible
as possible, to yield to the waves
like ieatliir. ^\ hen within tlu! in-
fluence of the surf, the coxswain
gtands up, and bt ats time w ith great
agitation with his voice and foot,
■while tlie rowers work thejir oars
backwards, until .ovortnken by a
strong srtrf curling up, which sweeps
the boat along willi a fiightful vio-
lence. Every oar is then |)lied for-
wards with the titmost vigour to pre-
vent the wave from taking the boat
back as it recedes; until at I'MigtIi,
V)y a few" successive surfs, the boat is
dashed high and dry on the beach.
The boats belonging to ships in
the roads sometimes proceed to the
back of the surf, where they anchor
on the outside of it, and wait for the
cou ,try boats from the beach to con-
vey their passengers on shore. When
the weatiier is so unse tied as to
make it dangerous even for the coun-
try iioats to pass and repass, a Hag is
displayed at the beach house to cau-
tion all persons on board ship against
landing. J,arge ships generally moor
in nine fathoms, with the Hag stalT
W. N. W. about two. miles from the
shore. From the beginning of Oc-
tober until the end of December is
considered the most dangerous sea-
sou to remain in the Madras Hoads.
The lisljcrmen and lower classes
of natives, employed on tlie w ater,
use a species of Hoating machine, of
a very simple construction, named a
catamaran. These are formed of
tw ti or three light logs of wood, eight
or 10 feet in length, lashed together,
Avith a S'nall piece of wood inserted
between thorn to serve as a stem-
piece. "When ready for the water
they hold tw o men, who w ith their
paddles launch themselves through
tlu; surf to fish, or to carry letters or
small (piantities of relieshments to
sliips, wiien no boats can venture
out. They wear a pointed cap made
of matting, where they secure the
letters, which take no damage, how-
ever often the men are washed off
the catamaran, which they regain by
swimming, unless interruj)ted by a
shark. JNIedals are given to such
catamaran men as distinguish them-
.selves by saving persons in danger,
or by their care in conveying papers
through the surf in dangerous wea-
ther. '
Madras differs in appearance con-
506
MADRAS.
siderably from Calcutta, having- no
European town, except a few honses
in the fort, the settlors residing en-
tirely in their garden houses ; i epair-
ing to the fort in the morning for the
transaction of business, and return-
ing in the afternoon. I'ort George,
as it now stands, was planned by tiie
celci)rated engineer, Mr, Robins, and
is a strong handsome fortress, not
too large. It is situated within a few
yards of the sea, and although not
so extensive, or of so regular a de-
sign as Fort William at Calcutta,
yet from the greater facility of re-
lieving it by sea, and the natural ad-
vantages of the ground, which leaves
the enemy less choice in the manner
of conducting his attack, it may on
the whole be deemed ecjual to it, and
has tlic convenience of requiring but
a moderate garrison. In the middle
of the present fortress stands tlie ori-
ginal fortress fust erected here, but
MOW mostly converted into govern-
ment ofliccs and the town residen-
cies of some of the civil servants.
To tlie southward stands the church,
at the back of which is the residence
of the governor. To the northward
of the old fort stands the Exchange,
on which, in 1796, a hghthouse was
erected ; the light of which is 90 feet
above the level of tlie sea, and may
be seen from ships' docks 17 miles
at sea.
The govejnmeui house, whicli is
large and handsome, is in the Choul-
try Plain, being situated on the edge
of the esplanade ; and near to it are
Chepauk Gardens, the residence of
the Nabob of the Carnatic, which
intercept the breeze from the sea,
and confine the view. The garden
bouses jd)otit Madras are generally
only of one storj', but of a pleasing
stile of architecture, having their
porticoes and verandahs supported
by chunamed pillars. The walls are
oi the same materials, either white
or coloured, and the floors are cover-
ed with rattan mats. They are sur-
rounded by a field planted with trees
and shnibs, which liave changed the
barren sand of the plain into a rich
scene of vegetation, but flowers and
truits are still raised with ditficulty.
During the hot winds mats made of
the roots of the cusa grass, which
has a pleasant smell, are placed
against the doors and windows, and
are constantly m atered — so that the
air which blows through them spreads
an agreeable freshness and fragrance
throughout the room. The moment
however the cooling influence of
these mats is quitted, the sensation
is like entering a furnace, although
taking the average of the whole year
Madras experiences less extreme
heat than' Calcutta. In January the
lowest is about 70°. and in J uly the
highest 91°.
The botanical garden, reared at a
vast expense by the late Dr. James
Anderson, is now in a sad state of
ruin. On the 9th Dec, 1807, Ma-
dras was visited by a violent huni-
cane, which almost destroyed the
garden, and the loss may be con-
sidered a national one. Many of the
natives were involved in great misery
by the storm, but it had a singular
cll'ect on one individual. After the
hurricane had subsided a native wo-
man raised a pile of wood in a gen-
tleman's conch house, and getting
underneath it with her child, had the
desperate resolution to set fue to it,
and thus burned herself and child to
ashes. Among the remaining plants
ars still to be seen the sago tree, and
the nopal, or prickly pc^ar, on which
the cochineal insect feeds, and Avhich
Dr. Anderson discovered to be an
excellent antiscorbutic, and it has
since been used as such on board of
the ships of war on the Indian sta-
tion. This plant (the nopal) keeps
fresh, and even continues to vege-
tate, long after it is gathered, and it
also makes an excellent pickle, which
is used on boaid ship.
The Choultry Plain commences
about a mile and a quarter S. W. of
Fort George, from which it is sepa-
rated by two small rivers. The one
called the River Triplicane, winding
liom the west, gains the sea about
1000 yards to the south of the glacis ;
MADRAS.
507
tlie other coniiiig; from the N. W.
passessfhe westtrii side of the black
touii, tbo exfrciiiily of which is liigh
grouml, wliich the iiv«M roiiads, and
continues to the east « itliin 100 j aids
of the s."a, where it washes the foot
of the glacis ; and then turning; to
the south continues i>arallel Mitlj
the beach, until it joins the mouth
andbaroftlie KiverTiiplicane. Th(>
Choultry Phiin extends two miles to
the westward of the enclosures which
hcund tiie St. Thome Road, and ter-
minates on the other side at a large
body of water called the Aieliapoor
tank, beliind which runs with deep
windinos the IVijilicanc River. The
road from the mocnit passes t«o
miles and a half nnder the mound of
the tank, and at its issue into the
Choultry Plain is a kind of defile
formed by the mound on one side,
and buildin;?s Avith biick enclosures
on the other.
In the neis^hbourhood of JMadras
tlie soil, when well cultivated, pro-
duces a g;ood crop of rice, provided
in the wet season the usual quantity
of rain falls. In some plac(^s the in-
dustrj- of the natives by irrigation
creates a refreshing verdure, 'llie
fields yield two crops of rice per an-
num. In appearance the counti-y is
almost as level as Bengal, and in
general exhibits a naked brown dusty
plain with few villages, or any relief
lor the eye, except a range ol abrupt
detached hills towards the south. The
roads in the immediate vicinity of
Madras are cxceilent, and a great
ornament, being broad and shaded
by trees. The hnfs seen at a little
distance from the town are covered
with tiles, and have a beller appear-
ance than those of Bengal ; and the
inns and choultries, w liicli are com-
mon on the roads, evince an atten-
tion to travellers not to be found in
that province. A considerable part
of the country, although at present
Baked, seems capable of raising tiees
and hedges, and shews symptoms of
being in a progressive state of im-
provement. Near to Cojidaturu the
country assumes a very pleasing a.s-
pect, Numeroiis small canals from
the SajmbruMibacuni tank convey
a constant snp|)ly of walcr to most
of the migliboiniiig fields, and fer-
tilize them without the trouble of
machinery ; in consef-jueme of which
Ihey yield two crops of rice per an-
num. The cattle in the neighbour-
iiood of Madras are of the species
which arc common in tlie Deeean,
and are a small breed, but larger
tlian those reared in the southern
parts of Bengal. In the vicinily of
Madras bntlaloes are generally used
in carts, of a smaller size than tlio
Bengal bnll'aloes.
In November, 1803, a navigable
canal was opened from the black
tow n to Ennore River, 10,5(50 yards
in length; the greatest breadth at
the top 40 feet, and its greatest
depth 12 feet. By this channel boats
go to Pulicat, from whence Madras
is supplied wifli cliarcoal.
The society at \Iadras is more
limited than at Calcutta, but the
style of living much the same, ex-
cept that provisions of all sorls arc
much lesv abundant, and greatly
more xpensive. JJuring the cold
season, there are moirdily assemblies,
with occasional balls all the year,
Among the public places of resort is
<he mount road leading from the
fort to St. Thomas's Mount, which
is quite smooth, having banyan and
yellow tulip trees planted on each
sidi>. Five miles from Fort (je< ige
on this road stands a cenotaph, to
the memory of the Marquis Corn-
wallis, the erection of which cost
a very huge sum. It is customary
for the ladies and gentlemen of
Madras to repair in their gayest
equipages, during the cool oi'tho
evening, to the Alount Road; where
they drive slowly about the ceno-
taph, and converse together.
The greatest lounge at this pre-
sidency is during visiting hours,
from nine o'clock in the morning
until eleven ; dming which interval,
the young men go about tiom house
to house, learn and retail the news,
and ofl'er theii- services to execute
508
MADRAS.
commissions in the city, to which
ihry must repair for purposes of
business. A\ hen these i'miclionaries
arc 'jfone, a troop of idlers appears,
and remain until tiffin at two o'clock,
when the real dinner is eaten. The
party tlien se[)arate, and many re-
lire to rest or to read until five
o'clock ; about which tiuie the mas-
ter of the family returns from the
fort, when an excursion to the
Mount Road, and dinner afterwards,
iinishes the day, unless prolonged
by a ball or supper party at nisiht.
Aniouo- the cliaritable institution.s
at Madras are a male and female
orphan asylum, both admirably con-
ducted. The men servants arc
mostly Hindoos, but a great ])ropor-
tion of the female servants are na-
tive Portuguese. Besides French
pedlars from Pondicherry,with boxes
of lace and artificial flowers, there
are a set of jNlahommedans, who go
about selling nioco stones, petrified
tamarind svood, garnets, coral, mock
amber, and a variety of other
trinkets.
On landing at iVIadras, passengers
are immediately surrounded by luui-
dreds of dobashies, and servants
of all kinds pushing for employment.
Those dobashies undertake to in-
terpret, buy all tliat is wanted, pro-
vide servants, tradesmen, palanquins,
and to transact whatever busiiiess a
stranger nquires. These infei--
pre'.ersat iMadras are of three castes
of Sudras. The persons of the first
caste seem analogous to the Kyastas
for Koits) of Bengal, and are called
Canaca-pillays, which by the En-
glish is connnordy written Cami-
co])ily, or Canacoply ; and this name
is by Einupf'aus extended to all
persons, whether IJralnniiis or (Su-
dras, who follow the same profes-
sion. 'I'he next caste, who ibilow
Iho bushiess of dobashies, are the
more learned "Caalas or ~^ adavas;
and the third caste are the ^' ay hi-
lars of tiie labouring class. Each
of these castes pretends to a su-
periority of rank over the others,
'i'he pride of caste is remarkably
prevalent among" the Hindoos, and
there is scarcely a creature so
wretched or ignorant, but who, on
this account, holds in the utmost
eoiitempt many persons in easy cir-
cumstances arid respectable situa-
tions. The rank of the diflerent in-
ferior castes is by no means well
asc(ulained — there being only one
point perfectly clear, which is, the im-
measurable superiority of the Brah-
mins above all the rest of mankind.
The ftladras jugglers are cele-
brated all over India for their dex-
terity : the most curious, and at the
same time most disgusting sight is
th(! swallowing of a sword, in which
there is no deception, ''hey com-
mence operations verj' young — the
children beginning the experiment
with short bits of bandioo, which
are lengthened as the tlnoat and
stomach are able to bear them.
The bkck town of iNIadras stands
to tl.e northward of the tort, from
which it is separated by a spacious
esplanade. It was formerly sur-
rounded by ibrtifications, sufficient
to resist the incursions of cavalry;
but having long become unneces-
sary, ajc iiow^ much neglected. In
this town reside the native Arme-
nian and Portuguese merchants,
and also many Europeans uncon-
nected with government. Like
other native towns it is irregular and
cojifused, being a mixture of brick
and bamboo houses, and makes a
better ajipearance at a distance than
when closely inspected. In 1794
ithe total population of both towns
was estimated at 300,000 persons,
and the cily certainly has not since
diminished in any respect.
Owiiig to the want of a secure
port and navigalue rivers, the com-
merce of jMadias is much inferior to
tliat of the other two presidencies;
!)ul all sorts of Asiatic and Euro-
]ieiui conunodities are, however, to
be procured. Besides the disad-
vantages abovementioned, the Car-
natic piovinee considered generally
is sterile compared with Bengal;^
and raises none of the staple ais
MADRAS.
509
tides of that province, in such quan-
tities, or at so low a i)riee, as to lul-
iiiit of a competition in t'oreiu,ii mar-
kets. The details of the external
coinmerce for the year IW 11, which
was on the whoh' an nnliivouraljlc
year, will be found at the conclusion
of this article. The Dasi India
C'om[iuny's staple article of export
is piece goods. IVIcat, poultry, and
fish, and other refresh nie ids for ship-
piuij are to be procured here, but
they are neither of so u;ood a«|u;dily
nor so cheap as in l}eni;al. \\ ood
and fuel is rather scarce, and con-
sequently dt.'ar, 'I'he water is vi' a
very gocid quality, and supjilied by
tile native boats at speeiiied prices.
On account of the ilearness ol' pro-
visions wages are considerably higher
here than in Calcuita, bnt tew ser-
vants are kept comparatively, jct
the work is quite as well done.
Ifousehold servants receive from
two to live pajirodas per month, and
the hire of a palankeen is four and a
half pagodas per niDuth ; for the
lield service a set of bearers receive
each two pagodas per month, but at
the presidency one and three-fourth
pag:odas each.
The accounts at Madras are kept
in star pagodas, fnnams, and cash ;
80 cash make one fanam. The bank
of European merchaits keep their
accounts at 12 lanams to a rupee,
and 42 fanams to a star pagoda ; but
the natives keep theirs at 12 fanams
60 cash to a rupee, and 44 fanams
50 cash to a pagodo. In liie market
rent rupees, Tlic oiigin of the tenri
])agoda has never been satisfactorily
ascertained. IJy the I'^nglish, in the
Carnatic, it is a Jiame given to a
Hindoo temple ; and alst> to a gold
coin called varaha, or varaliun, by
the Hindoos, and boon by the .Ma-
honnnedans.
A supremo court of jilstiee is
established at Madras on the model
of that oT Tort U iliiam, in lieiigal.
It consists of a ciiief justice and
tlnee other .judges, who are bar-
risters of not less tliaa ii\e years'
standing, ap[)(»int<'d by the kiiig".
Tlie salary <d" the chief justice is
GOUOl. per annum, and of the puiona
jndgtts oDOOl. each, to be j)aid at
tile exchange of 8s. per pagoda.
After seven } ears' service in India,
if the judges of the supreme court
return to Eun)|ic, tlu^ king is an-,
thorized to order pensif)ns to be paid
them out of the teiritorial revcnnu'S
on the following proportions: to the
chief judge not more than IGOOl. per
annum, and to the junior jndges
not more than 12001. per annum.
'J'he law practitioners attached to
the court are seven attornies auii
four barristers.
'lliis part of the Coast of Coro-
mandel was probably visited at an.
earlier period by the linglish, but
they possessed no lixed establislt-
nient until A. D. IC'Jf), in w Inch year,
on the 1st of .March, a grant was
received Ironj the descendant of the
Hindoo dynasty of IJijanagur, then
reigning at Cliandeigherrv, for the
the jiugoda (Inctuates from 44 to 4(>Dc)('eti()n of a fort, 'i'his document
fanams. 'I'he current coins are va-
rious sorts of pagodas, Aicot ru-
pees, single and double fanams, and
copper coins, of 2(J, 10, 5, and
one cash each. I'or the adjustment
of the customs here, the pound ster-
ling;; is valued at two pagodas 21 fa-
nams; the Spanish dollar at 28 fa-
nams 40 cash; the China lacl one
pagoda ; three and one-lbnrth sicca
rupees one pagoda ; and tlnee and a
half Bombay rupees one pagoda. In
the Company's accounts, the lUO
star pajodas are vfdued at 425 cur-
tiom Sroc J^ung Hayeel ( \picssly
enjoins, that the town and fort to
be erected at ^ladras shall be called
alter his own nam(\ Sree llunga
Kajaputam; bnt the local governor,
or iiaik, Damerla Yencatadri, who
first in\ited Mr. i'rancis Day, the
Chief of Arniagon, to remove to
INladras, had previously intimated
to him, that he would have the iiow
ilngliih establishment founded iu
the Jiaine of his father, Chcna|>-
pa, and the name of CJieimajia-
tam eoutinues to be universally ap-
510
MADRAS.
plied to the town of Madras by the
iiati\ es of that division of th.e south
of India, named Diavida. In con-
sequence of tins permission, witli-
out waiting for instructions from
the Court of Directors, Mr. Day
proceeded, with great alacrity, to
the construction of a fortress, which
in India is soou surrounded by a
tOAvn. The latter lie allowed to re-
tain its Indian appf llation, but the
former he named Fort St. George.
The tenitory granted extended five
miles alongshore, and one mile inland.
In 1644 the money expended on
the fortifications amounted to 22941.
and it was computed that 20001.
moie would be requisite to render
this station impregnable to the na-
tive powers, and a ganison of 100
soldiers. The latter appears after-
wards to have been much dimi-
nished, as in 1G52 tiiere were only
26 soldiers in the fortress. In 1653
the agent and council of Madras
.were raised to the rank of a presi-
dency. In 1654 the Court of Di-
rectors ordered the president and
council at Fort George to reduce
their civil establishment to two
factors, and a guard of 10 soldiers.
In 1661 Sir Edward Winter was
appointed agent at Madi'as ; but, in
1665, was superseded, and ]Mr,
George Foxcroft appointed to suc-
ceed him. On the anival of the lat-
ter, Sir Edward AVinter seized and
imprisoned him, and kept ])osses-
sion of Fort George until the 22d of
August, 1668, when he delivered it
up to commissioners from Eng-
land, on condition of receiving a
fnll pardon for all offences. Mr.
Foxcroft then assumed the go-
vernment, which he filled until 1671,
when he embarked for Europe, and
was succeeded by Sir William Lang-
horne. This year the sovereign of
the Carnatit made over to the Com-
pany his moiety of the customs at
Madras for a fixed rent of 1200 pa-
godas per annum. In 1676 the pay
' of a European soldier at Madras
w as 21s. per month, in full for pro-
■viiiious ajjd npctsscuies of every kind.
In 1680 Mr. William GifTord was
appointed Governor of Fort Georg'C,
and in 1683 he was appointed pre-
sident both of Madras and Bengal;
in 1686 he \\as dismissed, and Mr.
Yule appointed president of Port
George only. On the 12th of De-
cember, 1687, the population of the
city of Madras, J'ort George, and
the villages within the Company's
bounds, was reported in the public
letter to be 300,000 persons. In
1691 Mr. Yule was dismissed, and
]Mr. Iligginson appointed his suc-
cessor.
In 1696 Mr. Thomas Fitt w as ap-
pointed governor, in which year the
revenue produced i)y taxes at Madras
amounted to 40,000 pagodas. In
1701 Mr. President Pitt expresses
his fears that the natives will bribe
the Arab fleet to assist them in block-
ading the ganison. In 1702 3Ja-
dras was blockaded by Daoud Khan,
Aurengzebc's general, who said he
had orders to demolish it altogether.
Up to 1703 gunpowder foJTned one
of the articles of the outward-bound
investment, but about this period
the manufacture of it was so much
improved at Madras, as to preclude
the necessity of sending any more.
In 1708 the governor, Mr. President
Pitt, was much embarrassed by a
dispute among the iiatives for pre-
cedency — one party described as the
right-hand caste, and the other as
the left-hand caste; each threatening
to leave the place, and retire to St:
1'honie's, if superiority were not
granted.
I'rom the junction of the rival
East India Companies, in 1708, we
have no authentic annals of Madras
until 1744, when it was besieged by
the French from the Mauritius, un-
der M. dc la Bourdonnais ; at which
period it was etimated, that the na-
tive inhabitants residing within the
Company's boundaiies amounted to
250,000 persons. The English in
the colony did not exceed 300 men,
and (if these 200 only were soldiers
of the garrison. On the 7th of Sep-
tember the French began to bom-
MADRAS.
511
bard the town, and on the 10th it
was surrendered. Tlierc v\as not a
man killed in tlie French camp
durin;? the siea;c ; fonr or live Ew^-
lishnuMi w«Me killed in the to\\n by
tiie explosion of the bombs, whieh
likewise de.stroved two or thiec
houses. From this period it is use-
ful to contem|)lale the progiess made
by the Brilish in Hiiidostan, both
in the science and spirit of war.
The phnider realized by the French
was about •200,0001. and the town
was, by the capitulalion. ransomed
for 440,0001. which aoreement was
subsecpieiitly l)roken by INI. Dupleix,
and all tlie Jhitish inhabitanls, of
every description, compelled to aban-
don the place.
At the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle
Madras was restored, and evacuated
by the French in August, 1749, when
it v\ as found in a \ ery improved con-
dition. The buildings Avitiiin the
white town had sull'ered no altera-
tion ; but the bastions and batteries
in this quarter had been enlarged
andslrenglhened. The French had
<Milirely demolished that part of the
black town situated within 300 jards
of the white, in which space had
stood the buildings belonging to the
most opulent American and Indian
merchants. >\ ith the ruins they
formed an excellent glacis, which
covered tlie north side of the white
town, and they likewise had thrown
up another ou the south side. The
defences of the town remained still
much inferior to those of Fort St.
David, where the Fast India Com-
pany ordered the presidency to con-
thme.
Although improved. Fort George
was incapable of making a consi-
derable resistance against a regular
European force ; yet in this condi-
tion it was allowed to remain until
1756, when the apprehension of
another attack from the French com-
])elled the governor and ccunieil to
strengthen the fort ifieat ions. About
4000 labourers, of dilfcrent descrip-
tions, were consequently employed,
aud continued at work until driven
away by the approach of the French,
under M. I. ally, in 17.58.
On the l'2th <»f December, that
year, the last of the troops from the
ditterent oiilprwts entered the fort,
and completed the force with which
iMzulras was to sustain the siege.
'J'he wholeof the Fjuropeau niilitar\,
including ofiieers, with C4 topasses,
and 89 cofl'res, amotnited to l7o8
men ; the .sepoys, 2220 men ; the
European inhabitants, not militarj',
were 150, and they were appropri-
ated, without distinction, to serve
out stores and provisions to the gar-
risoji. The council of the presi-
dency, by an unanimous vote, com-
mitted the defence cA' the siege to
the governor, Mr. Pigot, recom-
mending him to consult Colonel
Liawience on all occasions.
The siege commenced on the 17th
of December, 1758, and was pro-
secuted with the utmost skill, vi-
gour, and bravery on bgth sides,
until tlic 17th of February, when
the French were ol>liged to raise the
.siege with .such precipitation, that
they had not time to destroy the
black town, or remove their sick.
They took with them the quarter
part of the stores, but left behind
them 52 pieces of cannon, and 150
barrels of g-unpowder.
During the siege the fort fired
26,554 rounds liom their <;annon,
7502 shells from their mortars, and
threw lyyo hand grenades; +lie mus-
ketry expended 200,000 cartridges.
In these services were used 176tJ
barrels of gimpowder ; 30 pieces of
cannon and five mortar.? had been
dismounted from the works. As
many of the enemy's cannon ballc
were gathered in the works, or about
the th'fences of the fort, or found
within the black town, as the gar-
rison bad expended. The enemy
threw 8000 shells of all sorts; of
which, by far the grtsMcr nunilx r
were directed against the buildings,
so that scarce a house lemained
that w as not open to tin- lieavens.
While the .siege lasted 13 ollicors
were killed, two died, 14 woiiuded,
512
MADRAS.
and four taken prisoners ; in all 33.
Of Eniopeaii troops 198 were killod,
62 died in the hospitals, 20 det^ortcd,
122 wnc taken i.iisoners, and 1G7
wounded; in all 579. ^'f the se-
poys and jastars 114 v/ere killed,
including officers, 232 wounded, and
440 deseiled.
The loss of men sustained by the
Frencli .-uiny has never been exactly
ascertained. > heir force at the com-
mencement of the siege v/as 3500
Europeans, 2000 sepoys, and 2000
native and European cavalry.
Since that memorable period IVIa-
dras has suffered from no external
attacks, although approached very
near by Wydcr in 1767 and 1781 ;
but the strength of the works is
■wholly beyond the utmost effort of
native tactics, and blockade need
not be apprehended while the sea is
open. I'lom being the head of a
petty territory, five miles long by
one broad, it is now the capital of
an extensive region, comprehending
tlie whole of the south of India and
part of the Deccau, some account of
which will be found in the next ar-
ticle, under the head of INladras
Presidency. I'hc last governor was
Sir George Hilario Earlow, who
landed tlie 241h of December, 1808,
and returned to Europe in 1814. He
was snceeded as governor by the
Honourable Hugh Elliot, who slill
continues to fdl that important sta-
tion.
Commercial Details of the Private
Trade, from the \st of January,
1811, to the 30th of April, 1812
(16 Months).
AMERICA.
The total value of imports from
America, from the 1st of January,
1811, to the 30th of April, 1812,
was Arcot rupees 1,04,017, ^liich
consisted principally of the infiiior
sorts of wine, gin, brandy, and pro-
visions of different sorts — such as
hams, tongues, ike.
The exports to America amount-
ed to 374,579 Arcot rupees, con-
.sisling of the produce and mauu-
factures of the districts tinder the'
Madras Presidency. American ships
rarely take their whole cargoes from
the Coast of Coromar.deJ, but, hav-
ing proceeded to Calciitta. and re-
ceived the most valuable i>art, call
afterw anls at iVladras lor such piece
goods as are required ibr tlieir
market. Tliey laud ihclr specie at
Calcutta, and draw bills from Ma-
dras ibr the goods Ihcj find expedi-
ent to ship tliere — thus exhibiting
large sliii)mcnts,coniparedMi^h their
imports at Madras. At tiiis parti-
cular [)eriod the political state of
afiairs had nearly ])ut a stop to all
intercourse between America and
the British settlements in India.
BAT A VI A.
The total value of imports to ]Ma-
dras from Batavia, between the 1st
of January, 1811, and 30th of April,
1812, was 48,356 Arcot rupees,
which consisted principally of prize
sugar, sent by the agents of the
ca|)tors, with a little sugar candy and
tut(>nague.
In the same period the exports to
Batavia amounted to 259,576 Arcot
rujiecs, composed chiefly of piece
goods — many being of the coarse co-
loured sort, witli salampores recijived
from the southern districts; some
handkerchiefs of the manufacture of
Madras and Vcntapollam, and a
considerable proportion of southern
blue cloths. There was a re-export
of goods to the amount of 51,555
rupees, chiefly of wines and other
European articles for the consump-
tion of the Europeans of Java.
BENGAL.
The total value of imports from
Bengal, from the 1st of January,
1811, to the .30th of April, 1812,
amoimted to 3,004,180 Arcot rupees.
'J'lie articles composing this exten-
sive import are seldom found ma-
terially to alter, the gTcat staples
being different species of grain, par-
ticularly rice, which that fertile i)ro-
vince exports in largo quantities.
There is also a great demand for
Bengal raw silk, wliicli is mauufac-
MADRAS.
513
tniod ill tlio iiiloiiorinio piece g:oods,
mostly lor tiie use of the luitives, but
uliich species of niamifactuie has
of late much improved. Another
principal article received from Ben-
!;al is the canvas, which is there nia-
Jmfactured, of an excellent quality,
and much used by his majesty's
ships, which have also of late been
sTij/plied from Bengal with salt pro-
visions. The other imports are piece
goods, muslins, and shawls of a
«;oarse description, silk piece goods
of an inferior kind, long pepper, su-
gar, borax, saltpetre, some wines,
previous stones, and numerous small
articles.
The exports to Bengal, during the
same period, amounted to only
130,607 Arcot rupees, and consisted
chiefly of some red wood, coloured
piece goods, and salt. The principal
returns made for the extensive im-
ports are in bills, private and public ;
those granted by government being
usually at the exchange of 350
Arcot rupees per 100 pagodas. The
re-exports from Madras to Bengal
are generally considerable.
BOMBAY AND CUMPORAH.
The total impoits from Bombay,
from the 1st of January, 1811, to
the 30th of April, 1812, amounted
to 162,861 Arcot rupees. 'I'he im-
ports from Bombay are, with very
little exception, first received there,
on their trade with the Persian and
Arabian Culplis, and principally
consist of dried fruits or drugs ; viz.
almonds, dates, raisins, kismishes,
rose-water, ackara karuni, &c. The
imports from Bussorah are nearly of
the same description, being dried
fruits, hing, mandesty, brimstone,
&c. and also some horses, -rhe other
imports from Bombay, with the ex-
ception of some cotton, consist ge-
nerally of goods, first received there
from Bengal and China.
The exjKirts to Bombay, during
tlie same period, amounted to only
30,.'369 Arcot rui)ecs, and consisted
principally of some chintz and co-
loured turbans, manufactured about
2 L
Masiilipatani, with a small proi)or-
tion of long cloth.
The intercourse between ^Madras
and the Brazils is inconsiderable.
The Portuguese vessels usually pro-
ceed to Bengal, where fine silk and
piece goods, calculated for their
markets, are procurable, on more
reasonable terms than at Madras.
CEYLON.
The total value of the imports
from Ceylon, from the 1st of January,
1811, to the 30th of April, 1812,
amoinited to 743,859 Arcot rupees,
and consisted of large supplies of
arrack, principally for the use of
the navy, and the European troops
on the coast. In addition to this,
Ceylon also furnishes a number of
articles, which arc afterwards re-ex-
ported to China ; such as biche de
mar, shark fins, ebony, chayroot,
palnieras, and reepers. The pearls
procured at Ceylon do not often ap-
pear in the Madras import accounts,
as they are generally conveyed to
the opjiosite shore, and brouglit to
Madras over land.
The exports to Ceylon are very
insignificant, being principally Eu-
ropean and China articles, re-ex-
ported for the consiunption of the
Europeans on that island ; and,
from the 1st of January, 1811, to the
30th of April, 1812, amounted to
only 18,055 Arcot rupees. Ceyloa
requires considerable supplies of
grain ; but much of it is furnished
from Bengal, and paid for by go-
vernment bills.
CHINA.
Tlie total value of the imports
from China, from the 1st of January,
1811, to the 30th of April, 1812,
amounted to 1,336,948 Arcot rupees,
which consisted of the usual descrip-
tion of China goods; such as tea,
sugar, nankin, China ware, with a
large proportion of alhim, camphor,
arsenic, tutenague, China root, ga-
lengal, piece goods, stationery, &c.
Tli« exports to China, during the
same period, amounted to only
440,760 Arcot rupees, which was
514
MADRAS.
partly owing to the failure of the coir, with some other small articles ;
cotton crop in the southern districts, the whole amounting to only 11,410
that article being held in higher es- Arcot rupees. The exports and re-
timation in the China market than exports were too small tor noUcc.
auv other which is sent there.' The
total amount of cotton exported
within this period was 13,761 cwt
MANILLA.
The total value of the imports from
consisting of bichc de mar, shark
fins, and ebony. The re-exports to
Cliina amounted to 341,432 rupees;
\i7.. pearls, 288,376 rupees; ebony
and other articles made up the dif-
Icrence.
LONDON.
The total value of imports from
Loudon, from the 10th of January,
1811, to the 30th of April, 1812,
amounted to 1,767,204 Arcol rupees.
Tiie various articles comprising it ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^
con.-ist of ihe supplies brought in the ^^.^^^ ^ ^,^^j
iiivestnicnts of captains and ollicers ^;,^„^ ^n«r.,i«<mT.^
of the Company's ships, and com-
jireheiid not merely goods of coii-
sumpliou found on sale in Europe
?hops, but also <he diflcrent articles
in demaiid for the manufactures, &cc.
iron, copper, tin, and naval stores,
with suppl.es of wine and necessaries
for individuals. Coral was formerly
imported in huge qaantilies, but it
is now much reduced.
Duritig tiic above period, tlie ex-
ports to London amounted to 979,000
Arcot rupees, and consisted of in-
-digo, valued at 418,967— piece goods,
307,944, which formed tlie chief ar-
ticles ; besides some rough diamonds,
one of wliich was VHluetf at 16,000
star pagodas (0,4001). The re-ex-
])orta were prize spices; such as
mace, cloves, nutimgs ; pearls, to
the value of 97,384 rupees; and
pepper, 51,333 sicca rupees. The
♦juautity of indigo, mai)ui:iciured and
indigo, besides treasure to a consi-
derable amount. The indigo is of a
good quality, and usually re-ex-
ported for the European or American
market. As a trade is catried on
betw ecu INIanilla and China, a part
of the returns find their way to Can-
ton, and are from thence remitted to
some of the presidencies in bills^
specie, or goods.
Tlie exports to Manilla, during the
same period, amounted to 572,483^
Arcot rupees, and consisted of va-
rious descriptions of piece goods;
viz. cambays, haadkercliiefs, pun-
jum cloths, &c. to the amount of
497,211 sicca rupees; and cotton^
32,643 sicca rupees ; which last was
probably ultimately inteixlcd for the
China market, and the other articles
for Spanish America. This trade has
greatly declined since the internal
warl'are in the mother country
and colonies. The vessels sailing for
Manilla usually leave Madras in the
moulii of July, and those with re-
turns mostly arrive in the January
and February following.
ISLES OF rRANCR.
The total value of the imports from
the Isles of France, from the 1st of
January, 1811, to the 30th of April,
1812, amounted to 202,096 Arcot
rupees, which consislL'd of coll'ca
and cU)V«.s, bic. 162,b97 sicca ru-
pees; besides which tliere was bran-
txuorted from this c.nct, increases dy, copi)er, iron, lead, and many
ariuualiy.
Froin Madeira, \\ino to the M^'ue
of 60,378 Arcot rupees was im-
ported.
From tiie Malubar coast the im-
port was very small, t-onsisting of
pepper, timl)ei voir, cordage, and
other s'maii articles, which probably
had formerly been captured by the
eupmy. The great proportion of re-
turns for goods exported to the Isles
of l^tance must consequently be
made bv bills.
The exports, during the above pe-
MADPxAS.
515
run], amounted to 1,157,646 Arcot
nipees, and consisted principally of
Ion<;' ciolhs, blue cloths, and liuud-
kfichiels, nnislins, ginghams, piin-
jiun cloths, sulauiporcs, and shirts ;
Avith a small re-export, composed of
Enrope and China goods — sucli as
Mines, hosiery, tea, nankin, and
also some arrack. The \nvvv goods,
<>!' a coarse description, and parti-
tnlarly the ljlneel«»tlis, were iiilend-
cd fur clothing thc^ shnes, and tor
r(»^ export to the small Alriean Is-
lands, and ports in the Aiozanibi(pic
Ciianncl. Tiie value of the piece
goods exjioited CKteeded !(){- lacks
of rupees; the oilier princij)al article
was soap, to the amoiuit of 20,315
sicca rupees.
PEGUE AND THE BIRMAN UMPlllE.
The total value of the imports
from Pegne, from the 1st of Janu-
ary, 1811, to the 30th of April, 1812,
amounted to 495,643 Arcot rupees.
The staple article of import from
Pegue is timber ; but, owing to the
troubled state of that country, the
price, during this period, was ex-
travagant, and it could not l)e ob-
tiined in large quantities. The breed
of Jjinnau horses are in estim.ation
at Madras, and are imported to a
considerable value. The other im-
ports are a coarse description of car-
damoms, ivory, wax, wood, oil, coir
cordage, with some other small ar-
ticles.
'I'he exports, during the above pe-
riod, ai!)ounted to 215,006 Arcot
rupees ; of which seven-eight's con-
sisted of piece goods — such as coarse
handkerchiefs, manufactured at Ven-
tapollam, in the vicinity of Madras,
with some of the medium sort of Ar-
nee muslins. The rc-e\[)orts were
small, and cor.sisted of eoi)per, ar-
rack, brandy, mace, cloves, iron,
perfumer)', glass ware, and naval
stores.
The trade is now inconsiderable,
compared with v\hat it was some
years ago. Pew vessels, commanded
by Europeans, are now engaged in
it, and tliese are of a verv small de-
2 L a
script ion. ^ lost of the traders from
Madras to l\'gue are under native
commanders, who sail them at a
small cx|)eiise ; but, being from par-
simony ill found, and frequently in a
bad state of repair, there are many of
them lost.
In 1811-12 the total amount of the
exports, exchisive of treasure
from Madras, and the ports under
the Madras Presidency, in private
trade amouitted to J 12,869,049
(Arcot luipees) - > '
Ditto ditto of imports 12,039,679
Ealance in favour of ^
the export trade J
829,370
The whole quantity of treasure im-
ported into Madras, between the
1st of January, 1811, and the 30th
of April, 1812, amounted to
(Arcot rupees) -. - 2,662,438
Imported at the subor- K riorgi
dinate ports - - - 5 ' ''
Arcot rupees 4,176,029
Treasure exported during the above
period. — From IMadras 311,857
Prom the subordinate ports 6,720
Arcot rupees 318,577
In the olTicial year, 1811-12, the
value of the investment exported by
the East India Company was as tbl-
lows, viz.
TO LONDON.
Cochineal - - 12,4.54
Hemp - - - 2,272
Piece goods - -4,416,163
Saltpetre - - 22,545
Sugar - - - 10,227
4,463,661
TO ST. HELENA.
Cholum seeds - 40
Piece goods - - 6,752
6,792
TO THE ISLES OF FRANCE.
Piece goods . - - - - 18,829
Arcot rupees 4,489,282
516
Travelling: disfance from Calcutta,
1030 miles ; and from Bombay, 770
miles. {Parlinmeutani Reports, M.
Graham, Milburn, Bruce, F. Bu-
chanan, Witks, Orme, Lord Valen-
tia, Rennel, R. Grant, ^c.)
MADRAS PRESIDENCY.
11. Taniore.
MADRAS PRESIDENCY.
The territories subject to the Pre-
sidency of I'ort George, or Madras,-
comprehend nearly the uliole of In-
dia south of the Krishna River (im-
properly named tlio Peninsula), and
also a large province in the Decern,
named the NortiieniCircars. \N ithiii
these boundaries are three princes,
V ho collect the revenues, and exer-
cise a certain degree of power in
the internal management of their re-
spective states ; but, with reference
to external politics, are wholly sub-
ordinate to the British govermnent,
are protected by a subsidiary force,
and furnish large annual contribu-
tions. These princes are the Ra-
jahs of ]Mysore, Travancor, and Co-
chin ; the rest of the country is un-
der the immediate jurisdiction of
the governor and council at Madras ;
and, for the administration of justice,
and collection of the revenue, lias
been subdivided into the following
districts, viz.
NORTHERN CIRCARS.
1, Ganjam.
• 2. Vizagapafam.
3. Rajamiuidry.
4. Masulipatam.
5. Guntoor, inchidiiig Palnaud,
wliich is part of the Caruatic.
CARNATIC.
6. Nellore and Ongole, including
part of the Western Pullams or 'Ze-
niindaries.
7. Northern divi.sion of Areot, in-
cluding Sativaid, Pnlieat, Coon-
-foody in the Bairamahal, part of
Ballaghaut, and of the Western Pol-
lams or Zemindaries.
8. Chingleput, or the Jaghire.
9. Southern division of Areot, in-
cluding Cuddalore and Poudiclicrry.
10. Trichinopoly.
MYSORE AND CARNATIC
12. Dindigul, including Madnrjr,
INIanapara Pollams, Ramnad, and
Shcvagunga, forming part of lh«
Southern Curnalic.
SOUTHERN CARNATIC.
13. Tinncvclly.
MYSORE.
14. Bellary. ^Balaghaut Ceded
15. Cudapah. \ Districts.
16. Seringapatam.
17. Salem and Kistnaghcny.
18. Coimbetoor.
19. Canara.
20. Malabar.
21. ]\Iadras.
The limits of these districts are,
almost in every instance, co-exten-
sive with the local jurisdiction of the
Zillah courts of justice ; and the ag-
gregate square contents of the whole
may be roughly estimated at 125,000
geographical sipiare miles.
The provinces subject to the go-
vernment of Fort George, with the
exception of Canara, Malabar, and
other districts, in which traces of pri-
vate property still existed when tliey
came under the British government,
exhibited nearly the same system of
landed property and revenue policy.
The land was the property of go-
vernment, and of till' ryots or cul-
tivators; but where the .share of go-
vernment absorbed nearly the whol«
of the landlord's rent, the ryots pos-
sessed little more interest in the soil
than that of hereditary tenancy.
The country was divided into vil-
lages. A village (in this part of In-
dia), geographically, is a tract of
country, comprising some hundreds
or thousands of acres of arable and
waste land; politically, a village is
a little republic or corporation, hav-
ing within itself its municipal olli-
Gcrs and corporate artificers. Its
boundaries are seldom altered, and,
though sometimes injured, and even
desolated by w ar, famine, and epi-
demical distempers, the same name,
boundaries, interests, and even fa-
milies, continue for ages.
MADRAS PRESIDENCY. 517
Tlie govennncnt sliaie was ojonc- the rajahs of Mysore, Travancor,
i-nlly rcci'ivcu IVoni rice lands in and Cochin, aro not included,
kind, at rates varying tVoni 40 to GO Besides the land reveiuic, tho
per cent, of the u,ross produce, after other soinees from wiienee the pnb-
dednctinn; certain portions distri- lie receipts of the iMadras {jorern-
hutcd before the threshinu: com- ment are drawn, consist of the go-
niences. The share of o;overnnu'nt vernment customs hotii bj sea and
from dry ftrain land \va.s generally land; the latter beinjsj levied on the
received in cash, varying with the articles of the inland trade, on their
produce. transit through tjje coinitry, and on
'I'lic following slatenient will shew their entrance into particular towns ;
in what parts of the connlry the per- of a monopoly of the sale and ma-
manent settlement of the land re- nufacture of salt; of the licensed
venue has been canied info cHect, Jnannfactnre and sale of toddy and
and at what peiiods it has been ex- arrack ; and, in some parts of the
tended in particular districts: country, (»f tlie licensed sale of betel
ANCifcNT TEKRiToKY. and lobacco, and of stamp duties
Distrk'ts. Whenpennnnenthj assessed, and fees on judicial proceedings.
The Jaghire - - 18(tl-2. The mode and principles, according
Northern Circars 1 802-3 & 1804-5. to which these branches of the pub-
MODEliN TERRirouv. lie resources are conducted, are si-
Salem - - - "\ niilar to those Avliich obtain under
Western Pollams f tqqo <i ^''^ Bengal government. The col-
Chittorc Pollams / o^--^- lectors, to whom is confided, under
Southern Pollams 3 ll't' superintendence of the Presi-
Bamnad - - - 1803-4. deney, the local management of the
Kistnagherry - - 1804-5. revcnnes, are 21 in number, ex»
Dindigul - - - 1804-5. elusive of assistant collectorships.
ANC.ENT TERRITORY. 'W'"" <^l'o"ing are the particulars
Trivendaporam K .^ . f, ^^'^ vcsvnac^ and charges ot the
T. <vi.;..r. , .H-.n-^B 4 lo*^-'- Aladras Presidency, uom all sonrces,
" ° lor the year 1808-9 :
CountriJ not permanenthi assessed. revenues £
MODERN teurit6ry. Post Office - . - -' 16,808
JIal''«^=»''- Customs 152,938
^^»^\^' Carnatic 1,016,67J»
Counbotoor. Tanjore 431.405
Balaghaut Ceded Distncts. Mysore 1,540,228
Tanjore. KiZAxn 681,807
CARNATIC. Dutch Settlements - - 2,727
P«'naud. Travancore 6,504
Nellore and Ongole. j^3„d 1,057,628
Arcot, northcni and southern dm- i,.,j.,„g ^^^ Licences - - 61,599
sion.
^^.''^'y^l^*^- , ^4,968,321
1 riehmopoly.
Madura. CHARGES.
JmnevcUyCircarLands. Post Office 19,926
The total population of these pro- Revenues and Customs - 333,024
vinces has been estimated at 12 mil- Carnatic ----- 3.33,61;)
lifins ; and, from the loiig trancjuil- Tanjore ------ 130,685
lity and comparatively plenty they Mysore ------ 208,519
have enjoyed, is certainl} increasing Nizalu ------ 77,551
annually. In this estimate the in-
liabitaiiis of the lenitorics subject to Carried forward of 1,103,018
518
MADURA.
Bronglit forward ^1,103,318
Dutch Settlements * - 9.336
Civil and judicial - - 493,548
Military ----- 3,143,575
Buildings & fortifications 185,960
^4,935,743
Total of cliarges ^£4,935,743
Interest on debt 495,408
Revenue
5,431,151
- 4,968,321
Deficiency £ 462,830 in 1 809
In 1809 the debt owing by the East
India Company at this presidency
amounted to - - ,£7,059,679
Amount of assets, debts, \
&c belongiiig to the( g3gg2
East India Company i ' '
at the same period - ^
^2,124,003
The Company are possessed of
property to a considerable amount,
which, fiom not being considered as
inmicdiately available, is not in-
serted among the assets. This pro-
perty consists of plate, household
furniture, guns on the ramparts,
arms, and military stores ; to which
might be added the buildings.
In 1810 the sum, estimated to have
been expended on buildings and
fortifications, was J. 1,840,682
Plate, furiiiturc, planta-"^
tions, farms, vessels, > 447,798
stores, &:c. - - - j
£ 2,288,480
In 181 1-, the number of civil ser-
vants on tlie Madras establishment
was 206 ; and the pay, allowances,
and emoluments of the civil service,
including the European uncovenaiit-
ed assistants, amounted to 470,3461.
per annum.
In 1811, tlje nmnber of regular
troops of all descriptions sening un-
der the Madras Presidency amount-
ed to 50,456 men. The j)ay and al-
lowances to llie officers belonging to
the Madras establishment, 1347 in
number, was 554,4811. Tlie chap-
lains on the Madras establishment
were 15, their allowances and pay
14,3001. per annum. The surgeons
101, their pay and allowances 57,8901.
per annum.
Since the completion of the ar-
rangements for the government of
the extensive territories subject to
this presidency, one circumstance
has peculiarly contributed to im-
prove the condition of the great body
of the natives; which is, tlic vigour
and efficiency of the administration,
neither permitting nor acknowledg-
ing divided rights of sovereignty, but
keeping every other power in due
subordination. The beneficial ope-
rati(m of this state of things has been
greatly felt in Ecngal, but much
more on the Coast of Coiomandel,
arising from the greater degree in
which a turbnlent and warlike spirit
pervaded the zemindars, the poly-
gars, and other chiefs. ^^ liilc they
maintained their military retainers
and establishments, they not only
bid defiance to government, but
were constantly carrung on petty
wars against each other; by which
the fields of the cultivator were over-
run and laid waste, his crops de-
stroyed, and whatever other property
he possessed, fell a sacrifice to the
predatory bands of the contending
parties.
At present there exists not, unless
in the hills of the Nonhern Circars,
and in a very if^w other places, any
military force kept up by individuals.
The unndy and restless spirit of the
])olygars is graduidlv giving a^ ay to
tiie peaceable habits of the land-
holder, and the pcas;int is enabled
to pursue the cidliNation of his fields
witiiout daug(!r or appreiicnsion.
The evils, wiiich were formerly con-
tinual, are now only occasionally
experienced, and proniptly and clli-
caciously suppressed by a vigorous
government, whose duty it is to en-
sure equal protection to all ranks of
its subjects, {bth Report, 3IUburii,
11. Grant, §c.)
. Madura, (JMathum). — X district
MADURA.
519
in tlie 'Sonthcvn Carnal ic, situated
primipallylx'twoeii the 911i and lOlh
dc};iecs ol" noitli latitude. 'I'o tiie
north it is hounded by tlie l'ul\^ai
territory and Dindigul ; to liie south
by Tinevelly ; on the east it has (lio
district ofiNIarawas; and on the west
thitt of Diudii;id. The Vaygaroo
and Caudaroo are (he chiet" rivers,
and the priueijjal towns Madura
and Schoh»\aiiden.
The ancient sovereJ«;us of this
country were named tlie I'andiau
jace ; and it is suj)po;'.ed to have
i)een tlie Pandionis Meditlf iraiiea',
and Madura Re<;ia Fandionis of I'to-
lemy. In eonjunction v ith '1 rielii-
nopoly it forms a Hitirloo •!:c05rai3hi-
cal division, named Madru.
Aithoui^h the soil is naturally fer-
tile, and tolerably well supiilied with
water, this district never attiiiiied the
perfection of cultivation to be found
iu I'anjore and sonic other of tiie
Company's districts, wliicii probably
yvna owing to tlie number of inde-
pendent polygars iu a state of con-
stant hostility ; by which it was oc-
cupied, until transferred to the liii-
tish, in 1801, by the Nabob of Arcot.
During the early Carnatic wars, from
1740 to 1760, a great proportion of
this territory was covered with fo-
rests and thick jungle, iu the recesses
of which tiie poljgars had their for-
tified castles, iiy the recent Qi-
rangements, it is comprehended iu
the Dindlgul coliectorship, and hav-
ing enjoyed long traiKjuillity is ra-
pidly recovering.
In the remote jieriods of Hindoo
history this was one of (he holy coun-
tries of the south of India, the capi-
tal being styled the Southern Ma-
thura; and the district still e\liii)its
the reniains of many monuments of
Ibriner ijindoo grandeur. In mo-
dern times tiie Christian rohgiou has
made no inconsiderable progress ;
the number of Honian Catholic
Christians, in 17^3o, having been es-
timated at 18,000, besides those of
the Protestant persuasion. {Wilhs,
Fullarton, Fra Paolo, Mackenzie, 5th
Report , ^c.)
Madiikv. — An ancient city in liie
Southern Carnatic, the capital of the
district of IVladura. Lat. 9°. 51'. N.
Long. 7h°. 13'. K
'I'lie tour sides of iMaduia front
nearly the four cardinal jioints. The
river passing from the N. W. washes
the walls at the \. il. angle; ai:d the
b(!(l, unless immediately alter heavy
rains, lies in dry llais of sand, ou
some of which are buildings with
narrow i:hannels between them. This
town, duringtho Carnatic war;^, from
1740 to 17G0, sustained many sieges.
and was often in the hands of rel'rac-
tory polygars, with which desciiplion
of cliieis the district then swarmed.
The groat revolution whicli, towards
tlie conclusion of the last century,
transreired Ihe souiii of India into
the possession of the Jjiilish, by re-
moving hostile op(ra1i(ms to a great
distance, has leiulcred the inaiiite-
nanee of tiiis and a multitude of other
fortresses wholly superliuous.
Travelling dislance from Seringa-
•^atani, 240 ; from Madras, 307 miles.
{Onne, Renitel, >>-c.)
Maduka, {Mat/mra). — An island
in the Eastern Seas, situated oli'the
north-east coast of the Island of
Ja\ a, from which it is separated by
a narrow strait. En length it may
be estimat^tl at 100 miles, by IG th<^
average breadth. The channel of
tiic Straits of :Mailiua where it nar-
rows is only 8;> liiliioms wide, and
luarked witli buoys; ab hough at the
entrance there arc only three fathoms
water, ships of a large size can pass
it, the bottom being so!t mud, which
is easily worked through in the
lightest breeze, assisted by the
strength of tiic currents In 1773
this island was di^ided into three
divisions, which eontaiiu'd 30,0l>0
tjatgars, or families. At that period
a Dutch junior merchant resided ou
the island, at Saiiuiiiap, the capital,
principally for the purpose of watch-
ing the island and its inhabitanis, as
the commerce carjied on was \ery
trifling.
The language spoken by the inha-
bitants oi' Madura appcaiii to be a
520
MAGINDANAO.
dialect of the Javanese. The greater
part of the natives profess the reli-
gion of their an estors, resemble the
IliiKloos in thrir looks, wear the llin-
tloo mark on their forehead, ;uid the
Avonien bnrn themselves with their
husbands, according to the practice
of the Hindoos, Like the nncou-
verted Javanese, they are particu-
larly addicted to the worship of In-
dra, Surya, and Vishnu. Tlie word
Dewa, used in some parts of Suma-
tra to express a superior and invi-
sible class of beings, is an original
word in IVTadura for a superior being,
which the Javanese believed in; but
w ilji regard to whom they used no
ceremonies or forms of worship.
1'hey appear to have some idea of a
future life, but not as a statL> of retri-
bution ; conceiving innnortality to
|je the lot of rich, rather than of good
men.
The inhabitants of the interior and
mountainous parts of this island have
a considerable knowledge of vege-
table poisons, in which they dip their
arrows for tlie purposes of warfare
and tlie cliace. These arrows aie
made of thin slips of bamboo, and
arc blown through a hollow tube.
(Marsden, Lei]den,Stavoriuus, Tcmbe,
i-c. -Vc.)
Maggkri, {Magudi). — A town in
the ]\lysore Faj all's territories, 47
miles N. E. from Sciingapatam. Lat.
12°. 5/' Long.77°. .37^E.
I'rom Ramagiri to this place the
road is through a wild biit romantic
country, which consists of low hills,
intcrmixtd with liitie cultivated val-
lies, the soil of which is tolerably
good ; but they are mostly cultivated
with dry grains only. The liij;lier
parts are covered with trees, vshich,
owing to the poverty of the soil, aie
in most parts very small ; but near
Sevcndroog the timber and bamboos
grow to a good size. The sunnnits
of all the ridges of hills arc bare
rooks of the granitic porphyry, and
often rise into high sharp peaks, or
immense masses of naked stone.
The most stupendous of these is oc-
cupied by Scvcndroog, wliich the
array of Lord Connvallis took by
assault.
In the hilly tract of country there
are many iron forges, the metal being
procured partly from the black sand,
Avhieh is found in the rainy season
in the chr.nnels of all the torrents in
the country, and partly from an ore
which is found at Ghettipur in great
abundance. During the four months
of heavy rains, four men are able to
collect as much sand as a furnace
can smelt for the remainder of the
year. Steel is also manufactured
here.
In the woods around Maggeri and
Sevendroog the sandal wood of the
English merchants is fomid. When
tlie tree is cut, the connnon size of
it at the root is nine inches diameter;
but only one-third of the tree is va-
luable, the remainder being white
wood, and totally devoid of smell.
The wood is found to be of the best
quality in trees that have gi own ou a
steep rocky soil. The bottom of the
stem under the ground, immediately
above the di\ ision into roots, is the
most valuable part of the tree. There
are also a few teak trees in this neigh-
bouiiiood, but in general this valu-^
able timber does not grow of a sufti-.
cicnt size for use. (F. Buchanan^
MAGINDANAO, {Melindenoiv).
A large island in the Eastern Seas,
the most southerly of the Philippines,
and situated principally between the
6th and 10th degrees of north lati-
tude. Tiie shajie is extremely nrc-^-
gular, but ni length it may be esti^
mated at 300 miles, by 106 the aver-
age breadtli.
This island has three remarkable
promontories; ononeiiroamboai'gan
to the westward; Cape St. AugusT-
line to the eastward ; and Sui igao to
the northward. It may be divided
into three parts; the Ihst under the
sultan, who lesides at Magindanao
or Iselangan, wiiich formerly comprcr
hciided the greater part of the sea^-
MAGINDANAO.
521
const ; the serond is iuhUt the
^Spaniards, which iiirhi<lcs a lai>;c
puitioii of the .soa-coasl to the N.\\ .
and N. E. whcjt; tiiey liavo phmted
ruluuics of Christians from tlic I'iii-
iippiacs, named JJisayans. TIk;
third is nndcr tlic ilhxnos (or hilloo-
iias), sultans, and rajahs, avIio inha-
bit (ho banks of the great hike, or
Llano, and thenee inhmd to the hills.
They also possess tlx; coast of the
2:reat Llano IJay, situated on the
south-east side of the island.
Many of the districts above I'oyan
are subject to the Bojan Kajah, who
is a Mahomm( dan, and has about
20,000 male inhabitants of that reli-
gion. To the north of MagintUnao
town is the harbour of Sugud or Fol-
lok, which is one of the finest in
India, and distinguished by a peaked
hill above 200 fei-t high. A t the har-
bour of Tuboc, tormcd by the Island
of Ebus, is the (iliief place for assem-
bling the piratical prows; aiid here
the jajah has a house fortilied with
Spanish guns.
The Bay of Panguil, on the north-
east side, cuts deep into the Islajid,
and receives the waters of many
small rivers, where the piratical
prows conceal tiiemselves from the
.Spaniards. A little to the east of
this bay is the .Spanish town of ^ li-
gan, containing about 150 houses;
beyoiiii which lies the town of C'aya-
gj'.n, which has a fort and tolerably
goodha:"Oiir. This town eontain.s
400 houses, and is situated on a con-
sidern Lie rit or, which goes far up a
country whciue gold is jirocurcd.
The inhal itants on the sea-coast at
Caya:;au are Bisayan, or Philippine
Christiaus, who cany on a tViciidly
intercourse with the AJahonnnedau
mountaineers and the horaforas of
the interior. The Spanish jurisdic-
tion Ibrmerly extended to Tandag
and Calil, but their forts have been
destroyed by the jjeople of IVIagin-
danao. The harbours at both the
last-named places are bad during
the north-east monsoon, as they then
lie on the wiiidwurd side of the
island.
The interior of "Magiudanao con-
tains several chains of lofty moun-
tains, between which are e\tensi\c
plains, where vast tiocks of cattle arc
pastured- Several deep chasms, or
vallies, intersect certain pnrts of the
country, through which, during the
rains, great torrents rush to tlic sea.
About the middl- of the island are
several lakes of considerable extent,
the principal being the Great Llano,
which is from 15 to 20 mii(;s across,
and about 60 in circumference.
IVlany rivers discharge themselves
into this lake; but only one is known
to issue from it, which falls into the
.sea at Yligan. '1 he borders are in-
habited by various savage tribes,
ruled by independent chiets, entitled
sultans and rajahs, whose subjects
in 17/6 were estimated at 61,000.
In the district of Kalagan is a high
mountain, whieli at tiuK's discharges
smoke, lire, and brimstone. AVhen
the mountain has not for any time
thrown out any brimstone, the inha-
bitants suppose the god who rules it
is angry. They therefore ])urchase.
for live or six kangans (pieces of
cloth), an old slave, w hose blood
they shed to appease this deity.
This island is well wooded, and
its many parts tow.irds the sea-coast
is covered with impenetrable jungle
and forests; and most phiccs in the
interior are covered with timber
trees, brushwotnl, reeds, or grass.
The soil is well watered, tliere being
streams every where, produ(ung a
most luxuriant vegetation. The spe-
cies of trees that arc most abundant
are the teak, the larch, the poone,
and the cassia tree. Kice is pro-
duced in great plenty ; as also yams,
sweet potatoes, cocoa nuts, pimiplc-
noses, mangoes, jacks, j)lantains,
oranges, limes, and all fruits com-
mon to tropical climates. There arc
no ravenous wild beasts on the
island ; on w Inch account deer, wild
cattle, bulfaloes, hogs, goals, and
horses, multiply fast, the latter being
of a sm;dl breed, but remarkable for
their spirit.
On the hills inland; about 30 miles
MAGINDAXAO.
522
up the liver of Mao^imlaiiao, is a s.ilt-
petre cavo of coiisidciable extent,
along the bottom of wliich tlicre is
a min, <2,lutinous reud. With one
nicasnrc of this nnid the natives mix
two measures of wood-aslies, and
then filter water through it; after
v.iiieh, by evaporation, tiiey jnocure
the nitre ; but the gunpow der made
from it is very coarse uraincd, and
has but little streiiglh. In the moun-
tains of Kalang-an, on the south-east
quarter of the island, talc is found ;
and on the banks and sands it is
said the pearl 03 ster has been dis-
covered.
The horaforas, or aborigines of the
interior, cultivate rice, su<i,ar canes,
potatoes, yams, pumpkins, and other
vegetables, which they biiiig down
to the sea-coast lor sale ; and they
also, fi'om rice and molasses mixetl,
make a liquor of a ])leasant taste.
In exchange for tliese articles the
Malay inhabitants of the sea-coast
give them iron chopping knives,
cloth, salt, kc. The natives of Ma-
gindanao manufacture a cloth from
the fibres of the plaiiitain tree, three
yards long and one broad. This is
the usual garment of the country
women, and resembles a wide sack
without a bottom, and is often nsed
as a currency or measure of cxdiange
in the market. Tlic horaforas make
a strong clotli from a species of iiax.
The currency in most parts of the
country is thcChinese kangan,(value
2s. 6d.) a piece of coarse cloth thinly
woven, 19 inches broad, and six
yards long. The value on the island
ofSooIoois 10 dollars for a bundle
of 25 kangans, scaled up; and at
Magindanao is nearly the same, ex-
cept that dollars are scarcer. In the
bazar the immediate eurrcuey is rice
in the husk ; but ,\vhen things of
considerable \;'.lue are mentioned,
such as a house or prow, it is de-
scribed as being vvoith so many
slaves ; the old valuation being one
slave lor SO kangans, or bundles of
clolli. China and Sooloo cash (thin
I)ieces of copper perforated and
strung on a cord) are also current.
All sorts of Hindoslan cloth sells
well here, especially long cloth, or-
dinary, blue, white, and red hand-
kerchiefs ; chintzes of dark grounds,
Surat goods, especially jnttollies,
opium, and European cutlery. The
Spaniards having long hindered the
Chinese junks bound from Am oy to
Magindanao from passing Samboau-
gan, most Chinese articles are im-
ported by tlK! way of Sooloo. Be-
sides kangans they consist of beads,
gongs, China basins, deep brass
plates, deep saucers, brass w ire, and
iron.
The chief places under the Ma-
gindanao Sultan, where gold is pro-
cured, arc Ctiruan, Tikboo, Tubuan,
and Eu ne.tr Kalangan ; under the
Spaniards are Emiloa, Cayagan,Su-
rigao, Capasahan, Buluan, Adon,
Ebon, Liangan, and Epunan. It is
said that a Spanish governor, with
100 men, in 20 days, procured in the
Caruan Biver IBO ounces of gold.
In 1775 the value of this metal at
Magindanao was about 21. 10s. per
ounce. Besides gold the principal
exports are rice, wax, cassia, rat-
tans, tobacco, and pepper. The
Mahommcdans on the sea coast
carry on a considerable trade with
the horaforas of the interior, who
bring down, on rafts of bamboos,
pumpkins, potatoes, rice, yams, &c.
which they exchange for salt, cloth,
and coarse cutlery.
'I'he form of government at Ma-
gindanao is partly femial and partly
monarchi(;al. Next to the sultan in
rank is the Rajah jNloodo, his suc-
cessor elect, like the King of the
Romans in Germany. The laws on
the sea coast are nearly the same as
in the other Malay states ; iu the in-
terior, among the uncon\erted inha-
bitants, custom and superstition are
the only guides by A\hich they i-e-
gulate their conduct. The vassals
of the sultan are a mixtuie of Ma-
hommcdans and horafoias, the for-
mer accompany him on his militarj'
expeditions; the latter are excused
attendance, but pay heavy taxes,
and are sold along with the laud.
MAGINDANAO.
523
Tlie sultan's pri'.ards are goncrnlly
captives ami slaves 1:.)iti tiie Philip-
pines. On n;ran(l days ho has tlinn
dressed in uniforms of hUie broad
cloth turned up with red, and trim-
med Midi white liuttons of tin. On
their heads (hev wear Siianish gre-
nadiers' eaps, inserihed with Yo el
re\ (Itlieking). This monarch's pa-
lace is l\:u icet lon<;-, l»y 50 broad,
and is sup'/iorted l>} ;?2 strong;' wooden
pillars in four rows. The lirst lloor
is raised 14 feel from tliej^round, and
in the hiw(!r part boats with their
furniture and tackling are kept under
cover. Some of tlie principal rooms
are ornamented witli scarlet cloth
a)id Hindostiui palempores.
A JMaj^indaiiao prow of a lar;^e
size measures 90 feet long, 26 feet
broad, and 8\ feet deep; rows 40
oars, has t\\ o rudders, arul carries a
crew of 90 men. In buildi))g them
they begin by dowUng the planks
one upon tlic other, so as never to
require caulking; after wliieh they
fit the timbers, the beams going with-
out, and clasping the j)lanks like the
burrs in the Keiigal rivers ; by which
mode of building the vessel is very
liable to become leaky at the beam
ends. Some of their piratical cruiz-
ors arc very long and narrow, being
frequently 50 feet long, and only
tliree broad, with outriggers to en-
able them to carry sail. They use
the tripod mast, and row with great
velocity. In had weather they throw
out a wooden anchor, and veer away
a long rattan cable w Inch keeps the
-head to the sea. Sometimes in an
extremity the erew^ jump overboard,
and hold by the outriggers for hours
to case the vessels of their weight.
The owner finds nothing but the
hull, for which he has one-third share
of ilio {)!izes; tlu! masts, sails, an-
chors, and cabb's. are made by the
crew, who also find their own pro-
visions, and make their own gun-
powder.
The udiabitants of Magindanao,
of all descriptions, are so much given
to piracy, that their chiefs, were they
iiieliucd, could notrcstrain tlieir sub-
jects from fitting out vessels to crui'/c
among the Piiilip|)iiies ; which, to
the disgrace of the Spaiiianis, is the
grand cruizing ground for all depre-
dators in the iOastcrn Seas. During
their cruizes they observe particular
laws established by custou), and
keep a certain order and discipline.
Previous to sailing each man of the
crew burns a bit of w a\ candle on a
heap of coral rock stones, rudely
piled near the river, wiiich Ihey as-
sert to be tiie tomb of tiieir great
ancestor the Shereef, who first came
to the island from Mecca. When
the prow is large they stiike the
mast, and hide among the rocks and
small islands, or up a creek. Canoes
aie then detached to plunder, and
the proceeds are brought to the large
v( ssel, which returns home w hen a
sullicient cargo of slaves and plunder
is acquired. AVhen tliey attack the
Dutch possessions they make slaves
of persons of tlitir own religion,
which they otiierwise endeavour to
avoid. Besides the Philippines they
extend their cruizes to J a\ a, Suma-
tra, Borneo, and Celebes.
From their vicinity to, and inter-
course with, the Spanish Philippines,
the inhabitanJs of Magindanao have
acquired some of tlie European arts.
In 1775 the Rajah Moodo, or sultan
elect, could read and write Spanish,
and was a perforuicr on the violin,
but musical gongs are the favourite
instruments of the natives. They
have goldsmiths who make fillagree
buttons, earnngs, &c. but not so
well as the Malays (}f Sumatra or
Java. Their blacksmiths are inca-
pable of making any thing that re-
quires more ingeimily than a com-
mon nail, but they frequently have
Philippine slaves who can mend gun-
locks, 'i heir culinary utensils tiny
almost wholly procure from Cliina.
'Jhe nialeiniiabitants do not sulJer
their beards to grow, but plnck it
out with i)incers, wliich is a general
custom among the Malays. I'lieir
favourite an)usement is cock figlitiii;;-.
to wiiich the Malays arc universaliv
addicted. They arc moderate in
^
524
MAGINDANAO.
tliejr eaiinp:, niid very loniperatc
■with respect to drinkino;. 'J'lu'y bury
their dead witli ^eat expedition, and
generally begin making the cofliu
beiorc the sick person's face, if the
danger be eminent. Captain I'orrest
mentions having visited the \\ idow
of one of the principal <hiefs, the
day after her husband's dtath, who
received him very kindly, and gave
Jitin a piece of beef which weighed
lour pounds.
'Ihc sultana?, and other females,
do not api)ear to snfl'er the strict
confinement to vviiich they arc sub-
jected in Ilindostan, as they are
present at audiences and other pub-
lic cNhihitions. At the age of 1.3 the
Magindanao ladies have their teeth
filed thin, and stiipped of the ena-
mel, in order to have them stained
black, v\lii(h is performed with great
reieniony, and among persons of
high rank is preceded by a festival.
A^ hen digniticd females visit eadi
other, they arc accompanied by at-
tendants of their own sex, some-
times exceeding 100 in number,
who, as they draw near the house,
set np a disagiceable howl to notify
their approach, which must on iio
account be joined by any man, but
is frequently by the dogs in the
street. They play much at draughts
on a chequer board, with diflerent
sorts of glass beads; and dance
slowly in a cii cle, singing as they go
round. On these occasions the men
never mix with the women, nor do
they touch or bow to them as they
pass. When females of high lank
walk abroad tlicy assume a precise
air and step, extending with their
right hand a thin piece of silk to
shade, but not to hide the face. A
train of female attendants, slaves,
and the husi)and's concubines follow,
and tiie paths being narrow, they
proceed one after the other iu a long
cxtcrided line.
In 1776, at the marriage of the
sultan's daughter, the portion given
with her was valued at loOOl. and
consisted of various articles, amongst
wliich \\ ere two iron four-pouiidcrs,
valued at 1001. Captain Forrest,
who was presiJit, and de cribes the
ceremony, informs us that when con-
cluded, the company i \ciaimed with
loud shoHls lor quarter of an hour,
and then dispersed. The Maginda-
nese have one name which they give
their children during infancy, and
another when they arrive at man-
hood ; in which thry rcscm!)le the
Chinese, as in many other of their
customs — such as cstecmiiig yellow
the royal colour, 'i he language of
this island nearly coincides with the
J>anoon dialect, and is a compound
of Malay, I3nggess, and Tagala,
(Philippine) witli a ceitain i)ropor-.
tion of the ancient Tcrnatc, or Mo-
lucca language.
In the interior are a people called
Bangcl llangel, who do not build
houses, but live under bushes, and
in hollow trees. They eat the wild
hogs, which they surprise in tho
puddles by covering thf.'ir own bodies
with nmd, and in this manner ap-
proach them.
Tho horaforas arc thinly scattered
over the island, and frequently mi-
grate from one place to another.
'J'hey A\ear brass rings round the
wrist and under the knee, live or six
on each leg and arm. They also
have beads round their necks, and
biass rings or beads in their ears,
w hich in both sexes arc very broad,
and extend almost to their shoulders.
Into the holes which are perforated
in their ears, they put a leaf rolled
up like the sj)ring of a watch, in or-
der to stretch them. The men of
this tribe tie up their hair by fixing
it round a piece of wood five or six
inches in diameter, and half an inch
thick, vAhieh is flat on their heads,
and has a very graceful efl'cct — tho
hair being tied aljove and below it.
'ihc women tie their hair behind,
plait it like the dancing girls at Ma-
dras, and w ear a sort of petticoat.
The weapons of the men are bows
and arrows, and when they can af-
ford to purchase, then swords, lances,
and targets, liy the Spaniards thia
race arc termed Negros del Moute*
#
MAGINDANAO.
52r>
w XctoTics of (he Mountain, vliom
tlicy iiave hud considcraljle success
in convoitins. as they aj^rcc in one
<'ss(Mitial point — the eating ol" hog
ll«sli.
There remains no salisfactory re-
cords to iiilbrui ns at what period
Maftindanao Mas visited by lorei^u
nations, but it is probable that be-
fore the discovery ot" the Cape ot"
Good IJope, ships rtoin Araljia found
tiieir way to this ishuui ; and either
tX)nvcr(od the pri<ir inhabitants, or
planted new JNlahonnnedan colonies
on the sea const < )u Jlastcr Pay,
1521, Maiiohan arrived at ^lajiin-
<];uiao, wlicrc he ordered tl>e lirst
mass that was said in tlie l'IiiUpj»ine.s.
Tiiis took place in tiie jjrovince of
Carai;a and town of IJatnan, where
he set nj) the cross, and took pos-
session of tlie island in the name of
the.Kinj; of Spain and Euiperor of
Gcnnany, Charhs the I'ifih. It was
visited by the Portuguese about 1537,
and by the Dutch in IGW, 1616, and
1627. Ill 16<S9 an envoy was sent
by the Ihitoh East India Company,
vvitli an iiifer of 2000 ri\ dollars for
permission to bnikl a fort, which was
rt.'fused. The Dutch made a sort of
survey of it in 1693, A\h(n it was
much frcrpientcd by the EngUsli pi-
ratical vessels, which then s« armed
in tiic Indian Seas, The Spaniards,
alt]iou';h at an early period they
subdued the nortiiern coast, never
made any further pro>;TCSs, and now
with difliculty retain the feeble colo-
nies they ibinierly planted.
The intercourse,4»f the British with
tlic Magindauesc lias not been fre-
quent, and generally i>ot of an ami-
cable sort. The pirates from tiiis
island had the temerity to attack the
settlement at Prii»<e of A\ ales's Is-
land soon after its csJalilishmcnt iu
1788, but were repid^ed with loss.
In 1798 the Sultan of ^lagindanao
city seized a boat's crew IxUHiging
to the-La Sybylle frigate, which had
been sent on slnue to wood and
water. They weie alterwards Ubc-
fated, but not until a ransom of 4000
«HolIars had been paid. In 1803 llie
pirates from hence fitted out a fle«»t
of 40 prows, with the intention of
invading the India Company's settle-
ments in Celebes, but were met by
th(! Sw ift crnizcr, and defeated w itli
considerable loss. {Forrest, I.rydcH,
Mears, Vakiitipi, Zuxiga, .Vo.)
iVlAGiNDANAO. — The jtrincijial
town iu the Island of ^Magindanao,
and residence of the sultan. Lat.
7°. 9'. N. Eong. 121°. 4o'. E.
This place is situated about siv
miles up the Pclangy (or Magin-
danao Hiver), on the right hand sidu
at its junction with the Malampy,
after which the Melampy is about
the breadth of the Thames at Lon-
don bridge. Higher up this river
has other branches. The moutli
of the Pelangy being sheltered by
the Island of 13unw oot, has a smooth
bar almost at all times. Coming
from sea, the water suddenly shoals
from ten to live fathoms on the bar.
within which it is two and a half
and three fathoms at low w ater.
The town jiroperly called Magiu-
danao is small, but on the opposite*
side of the river, connnunicating by
several bridges, is the tow n of Se-
langan ; the two in fact forming but
one town, under diiferent namrs,
the latter being the most prevalenl
among the natives of the countn.
Selangan extends about a mile down
the south side of the liivcr Pelangy.
and cojitains the fortified palace of
the sultan, and also stroif^ wooden
castles, belonging to some of the
chief nobles. Eurther down tliu
river, the town extends into several
irregular streets, amounting in the
whole to 220 houses, where many
Chinese reside. Here is also the
brick and mortar foundation of a
Spanish chapek
In an island like ^lagindanao,
where the country is thiidy in-
habited, and the land of litth value,
the inhabitants (particularly the Ma-
hommcdaiis) dislike crowding to-
gether, and prefer building their
houses at 300 yards distance from
each other, along the banks ot the
river, surrounded by gardens of
M
52(5
MAHAEALIPURAi^r.
«(>coa init, mango, and plantain
trees, and licids ol' rice and sngar
<:aTic. The fort is on the extreme
jMiint of land, in extent about six
acres, and is strongly pallisadoed,
Mitii a lloor of stont plank, supported
by posts and beams. On this are
monnted five pieces of cannon, six
and nine pounders, which eommaud
both brandies of the river. On the
i^rojuul are seveial pieces of heavy
eannon, and all round the fort arc
mouiitod bra«.s swivel guns, and
some brass rantackers, which carry
a haiC pound balk
The rivers here wind tluoug-h a
plain aboiit 12 miles broad, extend-
iug- N. I']. 40 miles, and S. E. as for
as the lakes of Legua?sin and Eu-
looan; the iuhabitaitts consequently
travel mostly by water in sampans
or canoes of different sizes. Jt is
customary along; the river, where
thcle is a house, to rail off a part
ag-ainst the alligators, in order to
bathe in safety. The highest tide
here rises six feet and a half, which
is sufficient to overflow the adjacent
lands, but not to auy great depth.
On the side of the town next the
Pelangy River many Chinese lami-
lies reside, who are mostly car-
penters, arrack makers, asitl dis-
(iilers. The exports from heiice are
rice, wax, cassia, rattans, tobacco,
pepper, and gold— the traflfic being-
principally carried on with Sooloo, ,
Manilla, Borneo, and the Moluccas.
The Sultan of Magindanaij town
and district is one of the most
powerful of the Malay pri-nces, and
possesses considcrabie feiulHl au-
thority over other chiefs; his direct
tenitorial jurisdiction is, however,
limited to the country in the im-
mediate neighbourhood of tliis city.
{Forrest, Mcnres, ^-c.)
Mahabalipuram, (or the Seven
Pagodas). — A small town on the
sea coast of the Can.atic, 38 miles
S. by W. from Madras. Lat. 12°.
23'. N. Long. 78°. 18'. E.
In the vicinity of this town are
the celebrated ruins of ancient Hin-
doo temples dedicated to Vishnu.
generally called tlic Seven Pagodas,
but it is not knowji for what reason,
as no such number exists here.
I'lic name means the city of the
gieat Bali, a character very famous
in Hindoo romance. I'he eye is
first attracted by a high rock or
rather hdl of stone, covered with
Hindoo sculptures and works of
imagery, so thickly scattered as to
convey tiie idea of a petrified town.
Facing the sea thrrc is a pagoda of
one single stone, about 16 or 18 feet
high, which seems to have been cut
on tlie sj)ot out of a detached rock.
On the outside surface of the rock
are bass rc!i(-f scuii-'lnrcs, represent-
ing the most remarkable ])ersons,
whose actions are cebbrated in the
Mahabharat. Another part of the
rock is hollowed out into a s[»acious
room, aj>parently for the purpose of
a choultry.
On ascending the hill there is a
tenjple cut out of the solid rock, with
some figures of idols in alto relievo
upon the walls, very well finished.
At another part of the hill there is
a gigantic figure of \ishnu, asleep
on a lied, w ith a huge snake wound
rouiid in many coils as a pillowy
wliich figures are all of one piece
hewji out of the lock. A n)i!e and
a half to the southward of the hill
are two pagodas about 30 feet long;
by 20 wide,, and the same in height
cut out of tlie solid rock, and each
consisting originally of one single
stone. Near to these is the figure
of an elephant, as largf^ ; s life, and
of a Hon mnch larger than the natu-
ral size ; but otheiwis*- a jusr repre-
sentation of the real lion, which is,
how<;V(r, an animal unknown in this
neighbourhood, or in ti>e south of
india. 'i'he whole of these sculp-
tures ajipear to have been rent by
some coji' ulsioa of nature, before
they were finishe(i.
"i'lie great rock above-described is
about 100 yards from the sea; but,
on the rocks w ashed by the sea, are
sculptures, indicating that tlu y once
were out of it. East of the village,
and washed by the sea, is a pagoda
MAHARATTA.
527
of stone, containing Hic Lina;am, and to the Western sea; on wliich bor-
dedicatcd to Mahadcva. Tlic surf der Scdasheogur, in Noitli Canara,
here breaks far out, and (as tlio forms the northern limit. In the
Sr^iinnins assert) over the ruins of Aravi, or Tamul language, the Mah-
the oily of Mahabuli|)uram, Avhieh arallas are named Aray.
was once large and maguiliccnt ; and The original Maharatta state
there is reason to believe, from the comprehouded a country of great
traditioual records of the nalivcs, natural strength, intersijcrscd vvitb
that the sea, on this part of the Co- mountains, deliles, and fortresses,
roniandel coast, has been encroach- and aihnirably cakulaled lor the
ing on the land. All the most an- prosecution of defensive warfare;
cient buildings and monuments at but that they were not of the military
this place are consecrated to Yishnu, caste is proved by the names of their
whose worship appears to have pre- then principal tribes — the Koonbee.
dominated on this coast ; while, on the Duiigar, and the Goalah ; or,
the opposite coast, in the neighbour- the farmer, shepherd, and cowherd
hood of Bombay, that of Mahadeva, — all rural occupations. The exte-
or Siva, prevailed to a greater ex- nor. also, of the Rajpoots and Mali-
teut. (i'hanibn-s, Gollhigham, M. araltas marks a diiiercnl origin. The
Graham, Lord Valentia, ^-c. f)-c.)
MAHARATTA , (MaharusMru. )
lirsl is rcnKukable for t lie grace and
digjiiry othis perscm ; the hitter, on
the <ttntrary, is of diminutive size,
h\ genera! hadiy made, and of u
mean rapacious disposition. The
Maiiaratta Brahmins, also, difler iu
their customs liom their neighboins,
willnvliom they will neither associate
nor intermarry.
It certainly appears extraordinary,
that a, n;:tion so numerous as llie
, In the ancient tables of the Hin-
doos, the term Maharashtra occurs
as the name of a geographical divi-
sion of tlie Deccan, referring prin-
cipally to the north-west quarter.
The best modern accounts lead \is
to suppose, that the original country jMaiiarattas should have remained
of the iMaharattas included Khaii- almost wholly unnoticed in Indian
dcsh, Baglana, and part of Berar, histury. for as long a period as IVoru
extending towards the north-west as the lirst ATahonunedan conquest un-
farasGujrat and the Nerbudda Hi- til the roign of Aureng/ebe ; but it
ver, where the Grassias and Bheels probably oiiginatcd fnmi the indit-
commence, there being few genuine ference of all Alahonuncdan aufliors
Maharattas seen further north. To (except 4l)ul Vwa-A) to every thing
the north-west they possessed the C(Mmeetcd eitlier with the Hindoos
narrow but strong tract of country, or (Ijeir religion. One respectable
which borders on the Concan, and aatlior (Major Wilford) seems iu-
strctches parallel with (he sea from dined to consider them as foreign-
near Surat to Canara. The Maha- ers, who migri-.ted into India from
ratta language is now more widely
spread ; but it is not yet become the
\eriiacular diale(!t of provinces, si-
tuated far beyond the ancient bo'nn-
daries of their countrv. I'rom Beerl t
the Metiteni p'uts of Persia, about
l-2t)0 yeiirs ago, wh:!;li, were tlie
fact sufliciently esta!)lis!ied, is an
era long prior to the Maiuimmedan
incursions, \insiiigh, a i)rinee of
it is spread over the whole country the Maharattas, in A. D. 13'J1, is
to the nortii-westward of Canara, mentioned by Ferishta ; but it is
and of a line, which, ])a3sing con- piol)able, that, prior to the time of
siderably to the eastward of Dowlct- Scvajee, the Maharatta country,
abad, takes an irregular sweep like the other parts of tde Deccan.
until it touches the Tnptee River, was divided into little jjrirtcipaiities
and follows the course of that river and chiefsihips ; many of wUit h wcr*
5-28
MAHARAl'TA.
ticpendant on the lieiglibOiirinp; ]Ma-
liounnedaii princes, but never com-
lilctcly brouj^lit under subjection,
Scvajec, the first Malianitta coni-
maiidcr, who combined the et'orts
of these discordant chiefs and tribes,
was born in A. D. 1626, and died in
1680. His gencahjgy being obscure,
his adherents were at liberty to in-
vent the most illustrious; and, ac-
cordingly, traced his origin from the
Kanahs of Odeypoor, (the purest of
tlie Khetri caste,) who claim a de-
scent, equally fabulous, from Nou-
shirwan the Jtist. The concpiests of
Scvajee were extended by his son,
Sambajee, who unfortunately fell
into tiie hands of Aurengzebe in
1689, and was put to death. He
•was succeeded by his son, Sahoo
Rajah, whose successes far exceeded
tliose of his father or grandfather.
He reigned upwards of 50 years, and,
at his death, in 1740, the Maharatla
empire had reached its zenith. This
race, whose name and existence we
can with difficulty trace for the short
period of one century, had either
subdued or laid under contribution
the whole of the Deccan and south
of India. Their ddUiinions eastward
and westward were bounded by the
sea, and stretched, north and south,
from Agra to Cape Comorin.
Sahoo Rajah was succeeded by his
son. Ram Rajah; a weak pruice,
who was confined to the fortress of
Satarah by the two chief officers of
.state, the Peshwa, and Bukshee
(paymaster), Bajecrow, and Rago-
jee. TJie former (a Concany Brah-
min) assumed the w estcrn Maharatta
empire, fixing his capital at Poonah ;
while the latter ruled the eastern,
and made Nagpoor, in the province
of Gundwana, the scat of his go-
vern nicnt.
The usur|iation of these chiefs oc-
casioned that of others, and llie
state begun to break from the united
.shape it had hitherto possessed into a
confederacy of chiefs; who, liow-
cver, for a period, respected each
other's rights, and acted under the
leading iulluciice and able diicclion
3
of Bajecrow. They not only tfaf"
ried their successful ravages to ther
banks of the Indus, and through the
rich provinces of Bengal, but wrest-
ed from the Portuguese the import-
ant I'ort of Basscin, and the Istand
of Salsette.
Bajeerow died in ITAO, and left
tlie olTice of Peshwa, which was now
considered as hereditary, to his son,
Ballajee. About this time a formi-
dable rival to the Maharattas ap-
])eared in the famous Ahmed Shall
Abdalli, of Cabal ; and, on the 7th
of January, 1761, was fought the
memorable battle of Paniput, when
the Maliarattas experienced one of
the most sanguinary defeats recorded
in history. This chocked the cnter-
j)rising spirit of the Maharattas; and,
for more than ten years, none of their
armies committed any depredations
of consequence to the north of tho
Ncrbuddah.
Ballajeerow died soon after the
action of Paniput, and was suc-
ceeded by his son, Madhoorow, w h»
died in 1772 ; and was succeeded by
his son, Narrain Row, who was
nuudercd the following year by l)is
uncle, Ragobab ; who, however,
failed in his object, as the posthu-
mous son of Narrain Row was pro-
claimed Pesliwa, by a combination
of twelve ships, styled Bara Bye.
At the head of these was Ballajee
Pundit, commonly called Nanah
Furnaveze, who became Dcwan, or
prime minister, to the infant prince.
Bagobah solicited and gained tlic
support of the Bombay government,
with which he concluded a treaty
highly advantageous to the Com-
pany ; but their endeavours to sup-
port liis claim were incffcclual. The
atrocity of Ragobah's crime had
brought general oldoquy on hini
among a nation, with whom assas-
sination is unfrequenf ; and his call-
ing in foreign aid liacl the effect of
producing a junction against him of
the whole Maharatta empire. By
the intoli.Tcnce of tlie Bengal go-
vernment ii treaty was concluded ;
but, in 1777, the Bombay govern-
MAHARATTA.
529
mcnt ajaln espoused ilic cause of Dowlct Row Sindia, who peiTnitted
' ^ "'" ' him to enjoy nothing of the sove-
reignty but tlio name.
On the 25th of October, 1802, the
army of Dowlct Row Sindia, com-
bined with tliat of tlic Peshw a, was
totally defeated, near Poonah, by
the latter acted on the defensive; Jeswinit Row Holear; and, on the
but it was judged expedient to make same day, he fled towards Severn-
a peace, on account of the Carnalic droog, in tlie Concan, where he em-
invasion by Hydcr, and it was con- barked lor Bassein, which he reach-
eluded, by Mr. Anderson, in 1782; ed on the 1st of December. On the
by the conditions of which every con- 31st of that month a treaty of per-
Ragobah ; and a war eu'^ued, which
was terminated in a short time by
n disgraceful convention, and Ra-
gobah was abandoned. A general
war afterwards ensued between the
English and Maharattas, in which
quest was restored, except the Island
of Salsette.
At this period there were a gi-eat
many petty independent states,
which extended along the western
frontiers of the Company's domi-
nions, and formed a barrier tow ards
petual friendship and alliance was
concluded b<^tween the Peshwa and
the British government ; by the con-
ditions of which, the friends and ene-
mies of the one were to be con-
sidered in the same relation to the
other. The Peshwa agieed to re-
the ^^aharatta territories. In 1784 ceive into his dominions a subsidiary
the Maharattas commenced their force of 6000 infantry, with their
operations against these states ; and, usual proportion of field pieces and
in the course of six or seven years, Eiuopean artillei7man attached —
the whole were completely subdued, for the payment of which he assigned
and annexed or rendered tributary districts in tlie southern quarter of
to the Maharatta empire, which, by his country. In 1803, an addition
these encroachments, came in con- of one regiment of native cavalry
tact with the British dominions. In was made to this force, and the
1785-6, the Poonah Maharattas, in above districts exchanged for the
conjnuetion w th the Nizam, car- province of Bundeleund. This treaty
ried on an unsuccessful war with annhilated the Maharattas as a fe-
Tippoo, and were obliged to jnir- deral empire, and, in its stead, esta-
chase peace with the cession of some blished the relatively independent
■valuable provinces — all of which states of the Peshwa, the Rajah of
they recovered, by their alliance Nagpoor, Sindia, Holear, and the
with the British, in 1790.
Madhurow, the young Peshwa,
died suddenly the 27th of October,
1795, and the government was rent
by tlie internal dissensions which
followed this event — Bajeerow and
Chimnajee, the surviving sons of
Ragobah, being alternately raised
to the throne by the contending fac-
tions. At this time the Peshwa's
authority extended no further than
that branch of the Maharatta state
termed the Poonah Salt — eompris-
Guicowar. In the beginning of May,
1803, the Peshwa Bajeerow was
reinstated at Poonah, by General
Wellesley, and has ever since re-
mained firmly attached to the British
government, which assisted him to
settle all his diflerence with the nu-
merous chiefs subordinate to tJie
Poonah state.
The Maharatta constitution, from
the commencement, has always been
more aristocratic tlian despotic, and
the local arrangements of their em-
ing most of the original country of pire peculiar — the territory of the
that tribe, but none of their con- dilTereut hostile chiefs being blended
quests. The eldest brother, Bajee- or interspered with each other,
row, after experiencing many vicis- Great part of the Peshwa's domi-
situdes, was at last fixed on the nions extends along the ^vest coast
throne by the powerful assistance of of India ; yet, until the treaty of
3 M
530
MAHARAITA.
Bassein, he possessed tenitory to
the north of Delhi, and now holds a
district within a few miles of Surat.
It is uo iincoramon thing for a dis-
trict, or even a single town, to be-
long to two or tluee chiefs; and,
until lately, some were tiie joint
property of the Peshwa and the
Nizam.
The Peshwa, although the ac-
knowledged head of the Maliaratta
empire, holds very little territoi7 of
his own. In 1804 his territory and
revenue were estimated as follows ;
viz.
Ahmood
Jumboseir
Dubboi -
Concan -
Sevei'ndroog
IN GUJRAT.
200,000
500,000
] 25,000
900,000
200,000
ABOVE THE GHAUTS, N. AND W, OF
POONAH.
Junnere _ _ . 1,000,000
Singumnere - - - 1,000,000
Ahmednuggur - - 400,000
ADDED BY TREATY OF SERINGA-
PATAM.
Savanore - - - 872,838
Bancapoor - - - 751,278
Darwar - - - - 415,608
Part of Bnndelcund - 800,000
Rupees 7,164,724
All this rcvenne is not realized, as
a considerahle part is absorbed in
the expense? of collection ; but, on
the other hand, the scenritv afforded
by the presence of a Eriiisii subsi-
diary force precludes the necessity
of his retaining a large anny for de-
fensive purposes. The i^eshwa's
jurisdiction nominally comprehends
a vast extent of tenitory, as the Cui-
cowar is still considered as his feu-
datory. At <!ie court of Poonali all
the high ofiiccs are liereditary. The
Dewan (prime minister), the Furn-
aveze (chancellor), the Chitnuveze
(a civil officer), and even the com-
mander-in-cluef, or bearer of the
Jerryput, (the national standatd),
are all situations held by descent.
It is one peculiar feature in the
Maharatta constitution, that the go-
vernment always considers itself in
a state of war, wliich formerly was
a principal source of revenue. On
the day of the festival, caUed the
Dussera, or Durga Poojah, towards
the end of September, at the break-
ing up of the rains, the Maharattas
used to prepare for their plundering
excursions. On this occasion they
wash their horses, sacrificing to each
a shee]), whose blood is sprinkled
with some ceremony, and the flesh
eaten with none. In 1797, Dowlet
Row Sindia was supposed to have
slaughtered 12,000 sheep : the Brah-
min chiefs give their servants money
for this purpose. The Maharatta
soldiers eat almost every thing indis-
criminately, except beef and lame
swine ; they will eat w ild hogs. The
Maharatta country abounds with
horses, and there are some of a very
fine breed, called the Beemarteddy,
(raised near the Beemah River) ;
but the common Maharatta horse,
used in war, is a lean, ill-looking
animal, with large bones, and com-
monly about 14 or 14| hands high.
The ordy w eapon used by the horse-
man is a sabre ; in the use of which,
and management of their horses,
they are extiemely dexterous. For
defence they wear a quilted jacket
of cotton eiotli, which comes half
way down their thighs. The number
of genuine Maharattas in the con-
quered provinces, remote from the
scat of govennncnt, did not use to
bear a much greater propoition to
the natives of these eoiuitries than
the British in India at present do.
The territories which they possessed
in Upper Hindosfan were, for many
years, only secured toi'ieir authority
by the iniroduclion of Ijuropean
odicers into their aruiies, who op-
posed a system of discipline to the
irregular valour of the Rajpoots and
native Slahotnmeduns.
In the different governments of
the native powers, as in most de-
•
MA.IIE.
531
spotic ones, the prince, nuloss he
possesses gTeat talents, heeoines a
mere eiplier, tlie piimc-miiiisler <!U-
grossiiig,- :ill liie authority. To this
rule t!ie ^lal^a^att!l states are not aa
exeeplion. and lliis important ofliee
is unilorni-'y hestoned on the person
who ean ruinish th<' lari;('st stiiii of
liionry lor some partieular e\ia,-enee ;
consecjueiitly every subaltern situa-
tion is disposed of to the hityhest bid-
expected. (MSSl. Tone, Lord Va-
leidia, Moore, Lord Lauderdale, 'Trea-
ties, Colehrooke, cS"c.)
MiHANiiDDY River, {Mahanadi).
— This river has its source in the
province of (Jniidwana, wljerc the
exact spot has not y(>t been ascer-
tained ; but it is probably in the
neif^libourhood of Kyraliu;nr, or Con-
kair. From hence it proceeds to-
wards the Bay of Bengal, with an
der; and to the most dignified eliicf uneommonly winding course, water-
in the Maiiaratta empire a bribe may ing many wild Goand districts, Sum-
be offered, not only v\itl!out offence, bhnlpoor, and part of Urissa, until it
but with a positive certainty of sue- ariives in the province of Cuttack,
cess.
Among this peoph; the gradual
progress of refinement is discernalile
from the wild predatory Maharatta,
almost semi-barbarous to the po-
v\ here it receives the streams of the
SoUundce, the Gaintee, the Bitrnn-
nee, the Gursan, the Bamoni, and
the Comorea.
About two miles to tlic west of
Hshed and insidious Brahmin, whose Cuttack town, the Catjoura, scpa-
sjiceioiis pwliteness and astonisli- rating itself from the Alahanuddy,
ing cojniiiand of tem|)er leave all flows to the southward of the town ;
Tluropcan hypocrisy in the shade, while the jVIahanuddj', passing under
'J'iiis extraordinary urbanity qualifies the fort of Barabuttce to the north,
them, in t!)e highest degree, for all bends its course to the Bay of Coo-
jmblic busHiess. The bulk of the jnng, where it falls into the Bay of
people nnder the Maharatta govern- Bengal, insulating the spot in the
ment arc almost without property; form of a Delta. Its whole coiu".se.
few having an opportunity of acipiir-
ing w ealih, except the powerful Brah-
mins, who are the piincipal function-
aries under the state. 'I'heir avarice
is insatiable ; and, if ever the jnadness
including the windings, may be esti-
mated at 550 miles. {Leckie, Blunt,
Mahaim. — A small town on the
Island of Bombay, where there is
of atcnmulafion was accompanied the tomb of a Mahonimedan saint.
by the liighest degree of foll^ it is
here exemplified : for, although the
Brahmin Ite permitted to go on for
years in the practice of extortion, his
wealth at last attra<'ts the attention
with a mostjue attached to it. Here
is also a Portuguese church, to which
is annexed a college for Boman Ca-
tholic priests; but those who pretend
to learning usually study at Goa,
of the prince, when he is obliged to where they learn to speak barbarous
disgorge, and is perhai)s confined in Ijatin. A small premium is given at
a fortress for lite. II he happens to the church for every child that is
die in office, his i)ropert> is gencially baptized ; couse(|nently a number of
sequestrated. This mode of raising native women present their children
jnoney forms a consideiable part of for that purpose. {M. Graham, (Sr.)
the contingent revenue, and is known Mahim, {Mahima). — A town be-
by the name of goona-geeree, or longing to the Peshwa, on the sea-
crime penalty. Among the iVIaha- coast (jftheprovince of Aurungabad,
ratta chiefs, mcrehaiits and com- 51 miles north from Bombay. Lat.
nierce meet with protection and en- 19°. 3;/. N. . Long. 72°. 48'. E.
couragement* ami, among Hindoos Mahe, (3/f////, a Fish). — A town
generally, even in flie most rapacious on the sea-coas tof the Alalahar Pro-
governments, this class of people are \ince, being the principal livnch
less molested than miglit have been settlement on this coast. Lai. 11°.
2 M 2
532
MAHY RIVER.
42'. N. Long. 75° 38'. E. This
place is finely situated on a high
ground, on the south side of a river,
•where it joins the sea; and the site
is in every respect preferable to that
of the neighljouring British settle-
ment of Tillichery. It may be here
remarlced, that generally all the
spots selected by llie Trench for the
establishment of their factories in
India were, in point of local circum-
stances and geographical situation,
much superior to those chosen by
the English. The latter appear to
liave been influenced by the tempo-
rary resort of commerce ; while the
first were guided by more enlarged
views, which to them, however, ne-
ver have had any beneficial result.
The river at Mahe is navigable
for boats a considerable way inland,
and in fair weather small craft can
with great safety pass the bar. The
town has been neat, and many ofthe
houses are good ; but the whole have
been in a decaying state until lately,
since the British commercial resi-
dency has been removed to this place
from Tellicherry. The principal ex-
port is pepper, the staple commodity
of the province. Mahe was settled
by the Freiich in 1722, but taken
from them by the British forces un-
der Major Hector Munro in 1761.
It was restored at the peace of Paris
in 1763; but on the ruptm-e with
Fiance in 1793 recaptured, and re-
tained ever since. (J"^. Buchanan,
Orme, ^t.)
Mahmudabad. — A town in the
province of Agra, district of FuiTuck-
abad, 10 miles S. W. from the town
of FuiTHc!;f»bad. Lat. 27°. 19'. N.
liong. 79°. 25'. N.
Mahmudpook. — A town in the
province of Bengal, 75 miles N. E.
from Calcutta. Lat. 23°. 24'. N.
LoJig. 89°: 34'. E.
Mahmudshi, {MahmudsJtaJd). — A
5?cmindary in the province of Bengal,
surrounded on all sides by that of
Raujoshy, and mostly situated ou
the southern bauk of the Ganges.
la 1784 it continued 844 square
miles, and had been held by the
Brahmin family of Deo from the time
of the Soubahdar Jaflier Khan. Like
the rest of the south of Bengal, it is
intersected by innumerable branches
of the Ganges, and well situated for
inland commerce. In some parts
the mulberry is cultivated, but rico
and esculents are its staple produc-
tions. (J. Grant, S<-c.)
Mahomdy. — A town in the Nabob
ofOudc's territories, 83 miles N. N.
W. from Luckuow. Lat. 27°. 56'.
N. Long. 80°. 19'. E.
Ma H OCR, (Mahvar). — A district
in the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Berar, situated about the
2()th degree of north latitude. The
surfucc of this district comprehends
part of a high table land, between
the Wurdah and the Godavery rivers,
including many naturally strong po-
sitions. It is on the whole but thinly
inhabited, and indiflbrently culti-
vated. By Abul Fazel, in 1582, it
is described as follows :
" Sircar Malioor, containing 20
mahals ; revenue, 42,885,444 dams ;
seyurghal, 97,844 dams."
Mahoor. — A town belonging to
the Nizam, in the province of Berar,
the capital of a district of the same
name. Lat. 20°. 4'. N. Long. 78°.
33'. E.
Mahowl. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, district of Jion-
poor, 47 miles S.E. from Fyzabad.
Lat. 26°. 18'. N. Long. 82°. 42'. N.
Mahrajegunge. — A toAvn in th«
province of Bengal, district of Pur-
neah, 30 miles N. E. from the town
ofPurneah. Lat. 26°. 4'. N. Long.
87°. 47'. E.
Mahy River, {My?ii\—Thh ri-
ver originates in the province of Mal-
wah, district of Oojain, not far from
the source of the Chumbul. It first
proceeds to the N, W. but after-
wards pursues a S. W, course, and
falls into the Gulf of Cambay, in tho
district of Broach, having performed
a course, including the windings, of
about 280 miles. Although it flows
through so considerable an extent of
country, the body of its waters never
attains to any great magnitude.
t:'
MAISSORE.
533
Tlirougliont Ihc Marasscc villages
on the banks of tliis liver, and in
many otlicrs under an nnscttled >^o-
vernincnt in Cujrat, the nalixes
dwell in wickered cabins, supported
by slender bows, and covered with
grass and leaves, but scarcely al-
t'ordinj? protection from the weather.
Sometimes to realize the balances of
the revenue, the collectors under the
native governments set fire to these
hamlets; and, sometimes to evade
payment, the inhabitants burn them,
and retire with their flocks and fami-
lies into the impervious jujigles,
Avhere they remain until an arrange-
ment is effected. The term Mahee-
vasee,or Mewassee, properly belongs
to people inhabiting the banks of the
Mahy Kivor; but the phrase has been
by strangers applied to all depreda-
tors in generai. The roads to the
north of this river are much infested
by the Dinga tribe of Coolee thieves.
{Drnnimond, ^x.)
Mailcotta, {Mailcotajf). — A town
in the Mjsore Kajah's territories, si-
tuated on a high rocky hill, com-
manding a vie« of the valle), water-
ed by the Cavery, 13 miles north
from Seringapatam. Lat. 12°. 3b'.
N. Long. 76° 52'. E.
This is one of the most celebrated
places of Hindoo worship, as having
been honoured with the actual pre-
sence of an Avatar, or incarnation
of Vishnu, as Narasingha (or the
man-lion), in v\hich character he
founded one of the temples. It is
also one of the principal seats of the
Sri Vaishnavan Brahmins. I'he
laige temple is a square building, of
great dimensions, and entirely sur-
rounded by a colonnade ; but it is a
mean piece of architecture oiitward-
Ij. The columns arc of very rude
w orkmanship, and only six feet high.
The structure, as it stands, is said to
have been put into its present form
by Rama Anuja Acharya, who is
generally supposed to have lived
about the year 1000 of the Christian
era.
The tank is a very fine one, and
surrounded by buildings for the ac-
commodation of religious persons.
The natives b( lieve that every year
the waters of the Ganges are utiia-
culously conveyed to it by subter-
raneous passages, 'llie jewels be-
longing to the great tcmplt are vei-y
valuable, and even Tip])o(> Sultauu
was afraid to seize th(!m. The houses
amount to about 400, of which more
than half are occupied b> J3rahmins.
The houses are tiled, and covered
with thorns, to prevent the monlies
unroofing them. {F. Buchanan,
Hfc. 4-c.)__
JNIaissore, or Mysore, (Mahesa-
sitra). — A town in the province of
]Mysore, and its metropolis, until the
subversion of the Mysore Kajah's
dynastv by Hyder. Lat. 12°." 16'.
N. Long." 76°. 62'. E.
Tliis place is about nine miles dist-
jint from Seringapatam, and in the
same valley ; but in a more elevat<'d
situation, and probably more healthy.
'I'ippoo, to destroy every vestige of
the dynasty which his f.ilher had de-
posed, removed the town to a sniyll
eminence, distant above one mile,
and gave it a new name, as was his
custom. After havirjg completed it
he discovered that there was no wa-
ter, and that the place was not ha-
bitable. 'I'he war with the British,
in 1799, put an end to the work ; for
the rajah, on his restoration, imme-
diately began to carry off the mate-
rials to their old station. The new
tov^rn which has arisen near the seat
of government is about a mile loitg,
consisting of one incipal street.
The rajah's fort is well built, and
kept in tolerably good order.
'J'he foi-t at this place Was either
built or repaired in the year 1524 ;
and the new name assigned to it,
of Mahcsh Asoor, now eoutractc<l
to Mysore. Prior to this peiioil it
was named Puiaguny. Mahesh
Asoor is the nanu' of a buiialoe-
headed monster, whose overthrow
constitutes one of tlie most cele-
bmt«d exploits of the goddess Cali.
In the year 1593 it was taken b) the
Adil Shalice sovereiti,iis of Bejapooj-,
at wluch era it belonged to Necta-
#
534
MALABAR.
dari Naik, {Lord Valenlia, Wilhs, This country he'm^ intcrsrcted by
Ferishta, ($t.) many rivrrs, and bounded by 1h6 sek
Maissy, (Mnhesi).—h. town in and liii!;h mountains, presented so
the province of Bahore, disiiict of many obstaelcs to invaders, that it
Bettiah, 54 miles nortli from i^aliia. escaped snbjnoation bv the Maliom-
Lat. 26°. 20'. N. Lou"-. 85°. ^'. J'^. medans until it was attacked Ity Hy-
ftlAsni-i. — A Jaro-e island iii Assam, der in 1766; tlie orioinal manners
formed by the Tirahmapootra, the and customs of the Hin<loos liavc,
lenoth of whicli is estimated at 160 consequently, been jaeserved nmch
miles, and tlie utmost breadth 60. purer than in most parts of India-
This insulated district is intersrcled The oth'^- inhabitants of Malabar
by channels of commnuication be- are J^b)plays (or Mahommedans),
tweeu the two branches, whicli in Christians, and Jews; but their nnm-
reality convert it into a cluster of l>er, c<t||eetively, is small, compared
distinct islands. They all possess a villi liiat of the I li'.idoos, some of
rich soil, above a deeper layer of whose nsostremarkalde manners and
sand, and often of clay. The small customs vshall be here described, re-
islands formed iy the channels are serving; the more local details for the
called Chapoori. {Wade, kc.) three g-eographical subdivisions re-
Makewara. — A small town in the speetively.
province of Delhi, district of Sirliind, The rank of caste on tlic Malabar
within four and a half miles distance
of the Sutulcje River; the course of
which, about 35 years ago, ran un-
der it, but has now taken a more
northerly direction. (11^/t Register,
coast is <is follows:
1st. The Namboories, or Brah-
mins.
2d. The Nairs, of various denomi-
nations.
3d. The Tears, or Tiars, who are
cu!ti\ ators of the land, and free men.
4tli. The Malears, who are niusi-
('ians and conjurors, and also free
men.
5fh. The Poliars, who are. slaves
MALA BAR, {Malayamr, the Region
of Mount Malaya),
This region extends along the
western coast of India, from Cape or bondmen attached to tin" soil.
Comorin to the River Chandiagiri, The system of distances to be ob-
iii Lat. 12°. 27'. N. but the term is served by these castes is specified
frefjuently erroneonsly applied to the below, viz.
whole coiintn, from Bombay to the 1st. A N air may approach, but not
southern extremity. 1"he province
of Malabar is a partio'dar part of the
coast to which this name is ap|,ro-
priated, the other modern subdivi-
touch a Brahmin.
A Tear niusi remain 36 steps off.
A Poliar96 steps off.
2d, A 'I'ear is to remain 12 steps
sions in maps being Cochin andTra- distaiit from a Nair.
vaneor; but in the Hindoo geogra- . A JMalear three or four steps fnr-
phieal systems the whole region is ther.
denominated Kerala. 'J1ie ^talabar A Poliar 96 steps.
laiigna'.'-f extends from Cape Como- 3dly. A iNIalear may approach,
lin as 'ar nor<h us Neeliseram, where but not touch a Tear.
conimeu'-es the country of Tulava 4thly. A Poliar is not to come
(misnanicd Canara), and th.e Tiilava near even to a Malear, or any other
language. In .some ancient tables caste. If he wishes to speak to a
Tulava is considered as a subdivisi(m Brahmin, Nair, Tear, orMalere, he
of Kerala, which is said to have e\- must stand al the above prescribed
tended from Gankarna, round Caiic distance, and cry alomi Ut tliem.
Comorin, to the River Tumbrapunii If a Poliar touch a Brahmin, th«
in Tinncvelly. latter must make expiation by im-
W'
MALABAR.
>35
niediaicly batlung, rcadiiip,* much of rious ranks and professions. The
fhr divine books, and chanj^in!? liis
Eraliminicid tlucad. If a I'oliar
touch a Nair, or any olher caslo,
hathing is snilifiont. In soint^ parts
of the province, Cinninun is a term
apphed to slaves in general, wliat-
ever their caste be, l)nt it is in some
highest in rank are the kirit, or Ki-
rnm Nairs, who on all piil)lic oc-
casions art as cooks, vvhi( ii among
Hindoos is a sure mark of ti aiisf end-
ant rank, for every [jcrson may eat
foodprepan^d by a person of a higher
caste than himself. The second rank
other parts confined to the Poliars ofNairs are more partienlarl} named
peculiarly. FAena?nougtiiescwn>teh- Sudras, but the whole acknowledge
ed creatures tlie pride of caste lias thtnnselves, and are allowed to be
full iniluenee ; and if v. Poliar be of pure Sudra origin. Tliere are ai-
tonched by another slav(> of the Va- together 11 ranks of Nairs.
rinr tribe, he is defded, and nnist 'J'his caste form the militia of Ma-
vvash his head and ])ray. labar. directed by the l>rahmius, and
The Parian, in tiie plural Pariar, governed by rajahs. Before tiie conn-
lielong to a tribe of T^Ialabar below try was disturbed byforeigu invasion,
all caste, ail of whom are slaves. In their submission to their superiors
the countries where the Tamul lau- was great ; but they exacted defer-
guage prevails, a tribe of tlie same ence from those under them wi<I) a
name is common, but the customs cruelty and arrogance rarely prae-
of the two are not the same. In ti.scd, but by Hindoos in their slate
Malabar the Pariars acknowledge of dependence. A Nair was expected
the superiority even of the Niadis, instantly to cut down a Tear (culfi-
bnt pretend to be higher tiiun two va{or)ormucua(fishei)nan),whopre-
other races. This tribe eat (;arrion, sumed to defile him by touching liis
and even beef, so that they are look- person ; and a similar fate av\aited a
«'d upon as equally impure with the Poliar, or Paliar, Avho did not turn
Malionnnedans and Christians. out of his road as a Nairjiassed. Tlie
The Niadis arc an outcast tribe peculiar deity of the Nair caste is
common in JMaiabar, but not nu- Vishnu, but they wear on their fore-
merous. They are reckoned so \ ery heads the mark of Siva, or Malia-
impure, that even a slave of caste <leva. The proper road to heaven
will not touch them. They nave
some miserable huts built under
trees, but they generally wander
about in companies of 10 or 12,
keeping a little distance from roads ;
and when they see any passenger.
they describe as follows;
TJie votary must go to Benares,
and afterw ards perform the ceremony
in commemoration of his ancestors
at Gaya. He must then take up
water from the Ganges, and [)our it
tliey set up a how 1 like dogs that are on the image of Siva at KariH-sv^ ara,
hungry. Those who are moved by in the Straiis of Ceylon. After this
compassion hiy down what they are he nuist visit the principal places of
inclined to bestow, and go away ; pilgrimage — such as .Tuggernauili iu
the Niadis afterwards approach, and Orissa, and Tripetty in the Carnaiic.
pick up what has been left. They He must always speak the truth,
have no marriage ceremony, but one and give nuich charity to learned
man and t)i!e woman always asso- and poor Brahmins ; and, lastly, he
ciate together. They kill tortiiises, nnist frequently fast and pray, and
and sometimes alligators, both of be very chaste in his conduct,
which they eat, and consider ex- The Nairs marry bt.l'orc they are
celleiit food. 10 years of age, but thu husband
The next most remarkable rastc never cohabits with his wife. He
are the Nairs, who are ihepu)<' Su- allows her oil, ciothiug, ornaments,
dras of Malabar, aiid all pretend to and futxl ; but she remains in her
be horn soldiers, ))ut they are of va- mother's Iiousc, or after her parents'
#
536
MALABAR.
death with her brothers, and co-
habits will! any person she chooses
of an equal or higher rank than her
own. In consequence of this strange
aiTangement, no Nair knows his fa-
ther, and every man considers his
sister's children as his heirs. His
mother manages tlie family, and af-
ter her death the eldest sister as-
sumes tlie direction. A Nair's move-
able property, on his decease, is
equally divided among the sons and
daughters of all his sisters.
All Nairs pretend to be soldiers,
but they do not all follow the martial
profession. 'I'here are supposed to
be 30 distinct classes of this general
tribe, many of whom practise the
arts of husbandry, accounts, weav-
ing, caqjenters' Mork, potterj', and
oil making. Formerly, howevci-, they
were all liable to be called on by
their sovereigns to perform military
service. They are still very fond of
parading up and down fully armed,
the consequence is that assassina-
tions are very frequent. Most of the
Nairs and Malabar Hindoos are as
remarkable for a thoughtless profu-
sion, as in other parts they are no-
torious for economy. The Nairs ge-
nerally are excessively addicted to
intoxicating liquors, and are per-
mitted to eat venison, goats, fowls,
and fish.
From the time of Cheruman Per-
mal until that of Hyder, Malabar
was governed by the descendants of
13 Nair chiefs sisters ; among whom,
and among the different branches of
the same femilies, there subsisted a
consta^it confusion and change of
property', which was greatly increas-
ed by many inferior chiefs assuming
sovereign power. The country thus
became subdivided in a manner of
wliich there is no other examjde,
and it was a common saying in Ma-
labar, that a man could not take a
step without going from one chief's
dominions into those of another.
Hyder taking advantage of these
dissensions, subdued tlie northern
division now called the Province of
Malabar; wliilc the Kajah of Tra-
vancor, and the Cochin Rajah, sub-
dued all the chiefs of the central and
southern divisions.
To a European the succession
among the Malabar chiefs appears
very extraordinary, and as an in-
stance that of the Shekury family
may be described. The males of
tliis family are called achuns, and
never marry. The ladies are called
naitears, and live in the houses of
their brothers, whose families they
manage. They have no husbands,
but may grant their favours to any
person of the Khetri caste, who is
not an achun. All the male children
of these princesses become achuns,
all the female naitears, and all are of
equal rank according lo seniority;
but they are divided into two houses,
descended from two sisters of the
first shekury rajah. The eldest male
of the family is called the shekury,
or first rajah; the second is called
ellea rajah ; the third cavashiry ra-
jah ; the fourth talan tambourau ra-
jah ; and the fiftli tariputamnra rajali.
On the death of the shekury, the
ellea rajah succeeds to the highest
dignity ; each inferior rajah gets a
step, and the eldest, entitled achun,
becomes tariputamnra. There arc
at present between one and 200
achuns, and each receives a certain
proportion of the fifth part of the
revenue, which has been granted by
the British government for their sup-
port.
The Cunian, or Cunishun, are a
caste of Malabar, whose profession
is astrology ; besides which they
make umbrellas, and cultixate the
earth. In many parts of India, tho
astrologer, or wise man, whatever
his caste may be, is called a Cu-
nishun. They are of so low' a caste,
that if a Cunian come w ithin 24 feet
of a Brahmin, the latter must purify
himself by prayer and ablution. They
aie said to possess powerful mantras
(charms) from fragments of the fourth
Veda, winch is usually alleged to be
lost.
At a very early period the Christ-
ian religion made a considerable pro-
MALABAR.
537
gress on ilie Malabar Coast, wiiich
contains in pioportio.i more persons
professing that religion llian any
other country in India. 'I'he hierar-
clial system ot the Roman Calliolic
chnrcii on the Malabar Coast con-
sists ol' three ecclesiastical chiefs ;
two of \\ hicli are appointed by the
Portnguesc church at Goa, and one
by the see of Rome, exclusive of the
Babylonish bislioj)s presiding over
tlie Ncstorian community, 'i'he ijreat-
est diocese is that of the Bishop of
Cochin, now residiiij? at Coulan; the
second is the Archbishop of Ci anga-
nore ; and tlic third the bishop of
Verapoly. Besides these tin re is a
Babylonian or Syrian metropoliiau,
residiiif!^ at Narnate. in the province
of Travaneor. I'oiirly-foin- churches
compose at present the Ncstorian
community', which contained abo\o
200,000 souls before the arrival of
Vasco do Gama, and is now reduced
to about 40,000. I'he nnmber of
Clnistians on the whole Malabar
Coast, including tlie Syrians or Nes-
torians, is computed to amount to
rather more than 200,000, of wI)om
about 90,000 are settled in the Tra-
vaneor country. The number of
Jews are estimated to exceed 30.000.
The first book printed on this
coast was the Doctrina Christiana of
Giovanni Gonsalvcz, a la\ l)rolhcr of
the order of the Jesuits, w ho first
cast Tamu lie characters ii the year
1577. After (his, in 15l/», there ap-
peared a ))ook entitlci! the !• ios Sanc-
tonim. which v/as f(<iiowed by the
Tamulic Dictioiiary of Father An-
toniii de Proenza. printed in the year
1679 at .■\mbalacate, on this coast.
The Itindoos of \ialauar reckon l)y
the era of Parasu llama, and disidc
it into cycles of loOO >ears ; the year
A. D. 1800 being reckoned to cor-
respond with the 97(J;ii of the cycle.
The characters used in Malabar are
nearly the same \\ith tho.-e used
among the Tamuls oi the Carnatic
for writing po( *^rjr, and the poetic
language of both races is nearly the
same.
The whole foreign trade of this
extcn.sive province, both import and
export, is v, ith a few exceptions con-
fined to Bombay, the Persian tiulf,
and Gujiat. The imports consist of
allum, assafoetida, cotton, piece
goods, shawls, broad dotli, nankin,
rice, sugar from IJcngalaud Bombay,
coir and cocoa nuts from 'JVavaucor.
The exports are more numerous
and extensive, and consist chiclly of
coir, cocoa nuts, timber, rice, gliee,
dry ginger, piece goods, cardan)oms,
pepper, sandal wood, sapan wood,
turmeric, arrow root, betel nut, iron,
&c. &c.
The total value of imports into
this provinceduring 1811, from places
be) ond the territories of the Madras
government was Arcot rup. 721,040,
viz.
From Bengal ----- 55.844
Bombay - - - - 438,935
Cc^lon"^- - - - - 8,G10
China ----- 6,030
Eastward - - - - 20,638
Goa 2,375
Gujrat - , - - - 44,852
Mabaratta country 37,838
IMocha - - - - 1,283
Travaneor - - - 10,348
Various places - - 94,789
Arcot rupees 721,040
Tlie total value of the exports to
places beyond llie limits of the Ma-
dras government, dining 1811, was
Arcol, ru];ecs 2,236,718, viz.
To Calcutta - - - - 68.367
Bombay _ - - - 1,510,713
Ce.\ion 11,823
Eastward - - - - 25,792
Gujrat ----- 206,11.9
London - - - . i,687
jSIaharatta country - 39,275
Mocha ----- 1.33,576
Muscat ----- 59,800
Travaneor - - - - 51,533
Various places - - 108,034
Arcot rupees 2,236,718
Between the 1st May, 1811, and
the 3Uth April, 1812, 1140 vessels
and craft, measuring 71,796 tons, ur-
538
MALABAR PROVINCE.
lived ; ami 469 vessels, nieasiiring
65,268 Ions, departed. {F. Bnchn-
vnn, Parliamentorij Eeporis, Wilks,
Dow, Duncan, Fra Paolo, Isr,)
MALABAR PROVINCE.
A provinro on the west coast of
India, situaled between the 10th
and 13th degrees of north latitude.
To the north it is bonnded by the
Proviiice ofCanara; on Ihe south by
the Rajah of Cochin's terriiories; to
the ea;t it has t!ie chain of higii
nionntaitis named the Western
Chants ; and to the west the sea. In
]eni2,<h it may be estimated at 155
miles, by 35 the average breadtii.
This province may Ix- divided into
two portions. By far tiic most ex-
tensive consists of low hills separated
by narrow a allies, and from the
Chants this always extends a con-
siderable distance to the westward,
and Konielinies even to the sea. The
hills arc seldom of any considerable
height, but in general have steep
sides and level summits. The sides
possess the l)est soil, and arc iinnany
jiaces formed into tenaces. Tlic
summits in many places are bare,
and especially towards the north ex-
])Ose to the \iew large surfaces of
naked rock. 'I'he valiics contain, in
general, rivnlets that convey away
the superiluons w ater ; but in some
places the level is not suflicicnt, and
in the rainy season the around is
nnich overilow ed. 'j'he soil in these
\aliies is extremely fertile.
'Ihe second portion of the Mala-
liar province consists of a poor sandy
soil, and is confined to the places on
the sea-coast, seldom above three
miles wide, and in general not so
n)ucli. Near the low hills these
plains are the most l( vel, and best
tlKed for the cnl'jvatiou of rice.
Nearer the sea the> are more nne-
<jual in tiieir surlace, and rise inio
low downs, admirably adapted for
the cocoa nut tree. This division
of the c ountiy is wondcrlully inter-
sected by iulets of the sea, whicli
often run for g-reat lengths paralldl
to the coast, receiving" tlie various
mountain streams, and conununi-
cating v/ith the orean by diilerent
narrow and shallow openings. In
other places, where there aie none
of these salt inlets, the low land
Avithin the downs on the sea-coast is,
in the rainy reason, totally over-
ilowed ; for the fresh water has then
no vent, and must therefore stag-
nate unfii it gradually evaporates.
As it dries up it leaves the land fit
for some parlicidar kinds of rice;
and it is probably owing to this cul-
tivation, that tlie stagnate waters do
not injure the salul)rity of the air;
for Malabar, generally, may b«
esteemed a healthy conntry.
In this province tiie rivers and
moimtain streams are very nume-
rous ; but, on account of the vicinity
of the Western Ghauts to the sea,
their courses are very short. Few
of the rivers Iiave any pecidiar ap-
pellation, but each portion is called
after the most remarkable [dace near
which it Hows. In the Jrnadu dis-
trict gold dust is collected in the
river which passes Nelambur; and
is a branch of that which falls into
the sea at Parapanada.
The forests in this country are
private property, api)lication being"
necessary to the landlord for per-
mission to cut down any particular
tree, which is not recpiisite in all
parts of India. The teak tree grows
mostly about IManarghant, and is
therefore too remote from a navi-
gable river to be conveye<l for sale
to the sea-coast, 'i'he sandal wood
is not the produce of Malabar; but,
as the greater part of it grows im-
mediately to the eastward of the
Westeiii Ghauts, all that is pro-
duced towards the sources of the
Cavery ought to come to Malabar,
as the nearest sea-coast from w hence
it can be exported. The sandal
Mood is of the best quality ; but the
few trees that are tbund within the
limits of Malabar are totally devoid
(tf smell. The palm, which in Ma-
labar is called the brab (borastus),
MALABAR PROVINCT,.
5.'>9
is in such iminonse quantities about
P;ilij:;biuit, tliat the ,iap,()ry preparod
Jioiii it commonly soils jit one fauarn
per toliim, or 2s. 7[(\. pcrcwt. With
pio])er cave an excellent spirit might
be e\tracted irum if.
Blaclv pepper is the grand article
of Lnropeaii oxport (Voui lYIalahar,
as tiicy usually pun hase about five-
eighths of all ptodiH'cd, and carry it
prjucipaily to Europe dieet, or to
Bombay and Cliiisa ; for which last
market many articles, the produei;
of .\ralabar. are peculiarly suited.
The remainder of the pepper is ex-
ported chiefly by the native traders
to the Bay of Reiigal, Siuat, Cutch,
JSinde, aud other countries in the
north-west of Jiidia; and a consider-
able qiiantily goes to the Arabian
merchants of Muscat, Mocha, l^o-
<leida, and Aden. In 1810 the im-
poits to K<'!;gal liom the Coast of
Malabar and Bombay amounted to
391, .565 sicca rupees, and the ex-
ports to the Coast of Malabar to
2,2:38,699 sicca rupees. Vi\ the
Coast of Malabar, Canara, and west
of India, the Coin!)an^ have custom-
honses at Bombay, Mangalore, 1 el-
liclierry, IVIahe, Calicut, Cochin, and
Anjengo.
Malabar, when invaded by Tiyder,
was a country very rich in the pre-
cious metals, the inhabitants having
been, for ages, accumulating the
gold and sdver that had been given
to tlieni for the produce of their gar-
dens. After its concpiest, vast sums
were extorted from the natives by
the miltiary ofTieers. and 1-y tlie Ca-
iiavese Brdliniius j)laced over the re-
venue. In the northern parts of
jMalabar the most connnon curreucy
is a silver ianans ecpial in value to
»>iie-fil'tli of a Bombay rupee. In
the V ellater district arc many tbrges
for melting iron, which is done so
imperfectly, that its cavities include
many pieces of charcoal, enveloped
by the iron. In this small district,
also, there are a few rcmarka))lc
spots of land watered by perennial
streams, t hat aimually produce tlu'ce
crops of rice.
Tfie native breed of cattle and
budalocs in ]\Talabar are of a very
diminutive form, and are Imt little
usei! in the fraiisportation of goods,
which ar<' usually carried by p(;rtcrs.
No horses, asses, swine, sliecp, or
goats, are brcfl in Malabar; at least
the nundier is ]ierfeetly inconsider-
able, all those renuir(>d for Use use
of tiie iiihabilants being imported
from the eastward. The original
unlives had no poultry; btit, since
tJie Mm-opeans have settled among
them, the commou fowl may be had
in a!)undanee. Ceese, ducks, and
turkies are confined to the sea-eoast,
wiiere they arc reared by the Portu-
guese.
The villages in Malabar arc tlic
neatest in India, and are nmeh em-
bellished by the beauty and elegant
dress vi' tlie Brahmin girls, Tiie
houses are placed contiguous in a
sfraigiit line, and are built of mud,
so as generally to occupy tw o sides
of a s(pnire area, that is a little
raised, and kept dean aud free from
grass. The mud is of an excellent
quality, aud, in general, is neatly
smoothed, and either white-vvaslied
or ]>aii!led ; but the hon^^es, being
thatelKnl with palm lea'.cs, are ex-
tremely liable to fire. Both Ini'/.nr?,
and villages have been introduced i)y
foreigners, the Nambouries, >ti!irs,
and all the aboriginal uatives of Ma-
labar living 'n\ detaelied houses, sur-
rouude<l with gardens, and col-
lectively called Desas. 'I'hese higher
ranks use very liltle eloihing. but are
remarkably clean in their jjcrsons —
cutaneous distempers being never
ol»served, except among the slaves
and the very lowest castes.
In Ihe district about I'alighaut
b)" tar the greatir part oi' the laixmr
in the field is performed by slaves.
■'J'iiese are the absolute property of
their lords, or divaru.s. They arc
not attached to the .soil, but may be
sold or transferred in any manner a
master think fit, except that a hus-
band aud wife cannot be sold sepa-
rat ly ; but children may be taken
from their parents. Tiicse slaves ar«
540
MALABAR PROVINCE.
of diffcreiit castes. They erect for
themselves temporary huts, Avhich
are little better than large baskets.
A young man and his wife will sell
from Gl. 4s. to 7l. 8s,; two or three
children will add 21. 10s. to the va-
lue of the family. The slaves are
very severely treated, and their di-
minutive stature, and squalid appear-
ance, shew evidently a w ant of ade-
quate nourishment. I'here can be
no comparison of their condition
with that of the slaves in the West
Indies, excejit that, in Malabar,
there are a sufficient number of fe-
males, who arc allowed to marry
any person of the same caste with
themselves. The personal labour of
the wife is always exacted by the
husband's master, the master of the
girl having no authoiity over her, so
long as she lives with another man's
slave.ThisJsapraclice that ought to be
adoi)ted by theWest-India planters.
'I'he southern juid middle divi-
sions of the Malabar Province are
supposed to contain 3300 British
square miles, Avith rather more than
.100 inhabitants to the square miles ;
the total number of inhabitants pro-
bably exceeding 600,000. In 1800
the population of four districts, viz.
Bettutanada, Parupanada on tlie sea-
coast, and Vellatcr and Shirnada
towards the Ghauts, was as follows :
Houses inhabit' d by Mahom-
mcdans ___--- 12,581
Do. by Nambomg Brahmins 297
Do. by Puttar Brahmins - - 44
Do. by the families of rajahs 33
Do. by N airs 6,747
Do. by Tiars - - - . _ 4,733
Do. by mucuas (flshennen) - 60S
Do. by people from the east-
ward ------- 472
Total 25,515
Inliabitauts.
Containing about - - - 140,000
Number of male slaves 8,547
Female ditto - - - 7,654
16,201
Total population 106,201
The Malabar Province, on Ks
coming into the possession of the
Company, in 1792, was annexed to
the Bombay Presidency. It was
then found to labour under all tho-
evils which could be inflicted upon
it by the hand of injustiee and op-
pression; and the administration of
its aflairs, while it continued under
the Bombay government, was not
calculated to improve its condition.
When first invaded by Hyder, in
1766, Malabar was governed by a
race of rajahs, exercising, in their
respective districts, an authority
nearly independent — the lands being
nio,'<tiy in the possession of the
Nairs. I'he persecutions to which
the rajahs and Nairs were subjected,
dining tlie Mahomniedan rule of
Hyder and Tippoo, but more parti-
cularly the latter, obliged them to
seek refuge in other countries. The
power and authority which they had
possessed Avere transferred to the
Sloplays (Mahomniedan), v\'ho con-
sequently became the officers and
instruments of government.
On the breaking out of the war
between Tippoo and the British, in
1790, the rajahs and Nairs were
leading a predatory life in the jun-
gles, or were living in the Travan-
cor province. They were allowed
to join the British army, but the
war was terminated without tlieir
assistance. The Bombay govern-
meat immediately reinstated the ra-
jahs and Nairs in their former pos-
sessions, and made a settlement
with them for the revenues ; but
they failed to fulfd their eugtige-
ments in three suucessive settle-
ments, and their mode of govern-
ment was besides found such as
could not be tolerated or protected
consistent with humanity. They
were, in consequence, deprived of
all authority, and allowed one-liftli
of their countries' revenue to sup-
port their dignity; which is more
than any sovereign of consetjueuce
in Europe can spare for that pur-
pose. They were, nevertheless, dis-
satislied, became refractory, and at
MALACCA.
541
fest lioisted tlie standard of rchcl-
lion ; llicrcbv creatinij a conl'nsiun
wliioh could only be subdiud by a
military force. In (his state of af-
fairs the P.eiigal fi^ovenuneiit ordered
tlic transfer of the province to the
Madras Presidency, and it was com-
mitted to the manage meat of a mi-
litary ofiicer, having three subordi-
nate collectors.
Since this period a great improve-
nicnt has taken ])lace in llic con-
dition of this province, and it now
exhibits a scene of public tranquil-
lity and progressive opulence, which
would appear, in a great degree, at-
tributable to the judicious local ar-
rangements of Mr. Warden, the col-
lector, who Mas appointed to that
important situation in 1803, and dis-
charged the duties of it for eight
years. In 1807 the revenue pio-
duced by this province was six lacks
and a half of star pagodas, and it
was on the increase. It had been
realized without difficulty, and was
produced by indirect taxation ; the
land revenues being ligiit, in compa-
rison with the rest of the south of
India. Besides the province, the
coUecturship of IMalabar includes
the \^^ynaad, and some small dis-
tricts above the Western Chants.
(F. Buchanan, dth Report, Fra. Pa-
oli, Dimcan, Falconar, SfX.)
Malabar Point. — A remarkable
promontory on the island of Bombay,
where there is a cleft of rock of con-
siderable sanctity, to which nume-
rous Hindoo pilgrims resort for the
purpose of regeneration, which is
effected by passing through the aper-
ture. This hole is of considerable
elevation, situated among rocks of
difficult access, and, in the stormy
season, incessantly lashed by the
surf of the ocean. Near to it are
the ruins of a temple, which is re-
ported, with great probability, to
have been blown up by the idol-
bating Portuguese.
In the neighbourhood is a beauti-
ful Brahmin village, built round a
fine tank of considerable extent,
i^jth broad (lights of steps down to
the water. Brahmins are here found
leading the li\es most agreeable td
them. The ceremonies of religion
comprise the business of their lives;
and a literary and contemplative in-
dolence forms their negative plea-
sure. Some of them :ue said to
have lived liere to an old age, with-
out once visiting the contiguous town
of Bombay. Wealthy and devout
Hindoos pay occasional visits to
these philosophers, and derive profit
and consolation from their sage coun-
sels. Near to this village is a temple
of Lakslimi (the goddess of plenty),
much resorted to by pilgrims and
pious persons, who have the addi-
tional benefit of optional regenera-
tion offered, in the passage thiough
the venerated type above described.
(Moor, ^c.)
MALACCA, {3Ialaha).
A peninsula situated at the southern
extremity of India, beyond the Gari-
gcs, and extending from the first to
the 11th degree of north latitude.
The isthmus of liraw, about 97
miles in breadth, connects it to the
north with the province of Tenas-
serim; on all the other sides it is
bounded by the Eastern Ocean. In
length it may be estimated at 775
miles, by 125 the average breadth.
This nearly insulated region con-
sists of a long nanow strip of land,
almost covered by a deep and impe-
netrable forest. A range of extreme-
ly bleak mountains runs through it
from one cxlrcmity to the other, giv-
ing rise ti» innumerable streams,
which fall into the sea on each side,
so that the country is well supplied
with water. The principal mcderii
subdivisions of the peninsula are the
isthmus of Kraw, Queda, Pera, Sa-
lengore, Malacca, Rumbo, Johore.
Tringano, Packanga, and Patany ;
and at the southern extremity are
the islands of Bintang, Batang, and
Sincapoor, with many othei-s, so
thickly clustered together, that they
seem a prolongation of the main
land, being only separated bynamnr
542
MALACCA.
straits. The west coast is also stud-
ded witli iiuineious islands, and,
among- tlic rest, Palo Peuani;-, or
Prjuce of Wales's Island; but on
tlie eastern side tlie sea is more open
and less interrupted.
Ijike other Malay eountn'es, Ihe
coast is well covered witli wood, and
exhibits a great extent of verdure ;
but, a.«! far as is yet knows), the tcak-
Iree is thouglit to be astran<!:er. As,
in many parts of the east, the juu-
ftles, from their d-^nsity and gieat
hixHiiance, are unfavourable to the
production of animals, game, in
consequence, is dillicult to be pro-
cured. The soil is not remarkable
for its fertility, but the seas and ri-
vers afibrd an abundant supply of
llsh. The rivers, on account of the
bars and sandbaisks at their mouths,
are only luivi^able for vessels of
small burden. Ships returning to
Calcutta from their voyage eastward
rr<'<jueutly call at Snlengore, Prince
of Wales's Island, and Qucda, to
coHe(;t tin, pepper, betel-iiut, wax,
elephants' teeth, and rattans — aiti-
cles of cxpoi t ; the grand imj)ort
consists of opium : but for further
commercial and local details, the
reader is referred to the different
subdivisions specified ; what follows
being priiicipally applicable to the
Malay nation generally.
The peiiiiisula is at present inha-
bited by various distinct races of
people. Until recently the Siamese
possessed the northern part to Lat.
"7°. cxtcndiiig across, and the Ma-
hiy states oi (,)«erah, P:'.<an\, Tiin-
ganno. and j-iickang, ar*' still tji-
butary to (hat kingdom ; the power
of vhkli. however, has been greatly
reduced by liie Eirmajjs. The JVia-
lays i)Ossess the ivliole of the sea
roast liom tiiat latitude to Point
Romania, b-.Mng mixed in some
places with the Buggesses from Ce-
lebes, >\ho h;!\e still a small settle-
ment at Saleng(ire. The inland
parts to the northward are inhabited
by the Palauy jieople, who aj)j>ear
to be a mixture of Siamese and
Malays, and occupy independent
villages. The rilenancabow people
on the Peninsula are so named from
an inland country in Sumatra; a dis-
tinction Iieing made betAveen theoi
and the Malays of Johore, although
none is perceptible.
Among the aboiiginal natives are
the oriental negroes, who inhabit the
interior. Though of a more diminu-
tive stature, they iune the woolly
hair, the jetty black skin, the thick
lip, and fiat nose, which characterize
the African. ]\v tlie Malays they
are named Sansang, and they are
distingnished into the Samaisgs of
the lower laads; who, from their
vicinity to the Malays, have bor-
rowed some slender poition of civi-
lization, and the Samaugs of the
mountains, who are represented as
being in the lowest stage of savage
existence. The first have lixed ha-
bitations, plant a small quantity of
rice, and barter \\ ith the Malays for
food or cloths, the resin, bees' wax,
and honey of th(;ir forests. Tlie last
present the genuine picture of the
iiunter's life, and are divided into
petty communities, perpetually at
variance. They go entirely naked,
and are said to have no fixed habi-
tations, wandering through the thick
forests in quest of roots and game,
and takiiig shelter from the weather
under the first tree or thicket. Their
language differs much from that of
the lUalays, who describe it as a
mere jargon, which c;ai only be com-
pared to the chattering of large
hhxh.
I'he IMalays are named Khck by
the Siamese, asid Masu by the l>ii-
liians. Their language, which con-
tains a great number of sanserif,
many Arabic, and <'vcn some Portu-
guese words, has from its sweetness
been termed the Italian, and from
its geiuirai diffusion the llindostany,
or lingua franca of the east. As a
spoken language it exists in its
greatest pmity in the states of Que-
dah, Tannasay, Pera, Salengore, Kil-
hing, Johore, Tringar.o, Paliang, and
as far as Patauy, wdere it meets the
Siamese. Tiie Malav is generally
4
MALACCA.
543
employed in the districts bordriiii<5
on llic" sea co;ist, and the montlis and
banks of navif;able rivers, bein<>; the
medium of commercial and loreiiin
intercourse; but it lias obtained no
footing- in the interior of the Indian
conlinent. That tlic Malay lan-
guaj!;e has ac(|uired this extensive
currency, is attrilnitable to the eoni-
mereial and enterpiiwinj;- character of
the people ; who, cithei' by force of
arms, or in the spirit of mercantile
speculation, liave eslaijlished tiiein-
, selves in every part of the Archi-
pelag:o; and also to the ^aluablo
qualities of the lanii;ua';e, vliich is
remarkably soft and easy of pro-
uunciatioji, and simple in tlie gram-
matical relation of its words. Tlie
character j;;enerally used is a modi-
fication of the vVraoic, to v> liich they
add six other letters. The Malay
^poken at fiie Island of Tidore, when
visited in 1521 by P(>j!:gafitta, the
comi)anion of IVJagellan, accords
exactly v\ th the Malay of the pre-
sent day; which proves that no ma-
terial alteration has taken j)lace in
the tongue, during the laj)sc of tJnec
centuries.
The great sources of all the iSIa-
lay poetic legends are (he Javanese,
the Keling(si)olven on t!ie west side
of the Bay of Eengal), and the Ara-
bic languages. 'J'he Malay an lite-
rature consists chiefly of transcripts
and versions of the Koran, com-
mentaries on the Malionnnedaii law,
and historic tales in prose aiid verKC.
]\Iany of these are original com-
posilions, and others arc translations
of the popular tales enrren in Arabia,
Persia, India, and the neighbouring
Island of Java. 'J'here are also
many compositions of a historical
nature. One of this description,
termed the IJikarat Malacca, relates
the founding of tiiat city by a Java-
nese adventurer, the arrival of the
Portuguese, and the eondjats of the
Malays \\ith Albnqu(i<[ue, and the
other Portuguese connnaudcrs.
With respect to the religion pos-
sessed by the Malayan princes, prior
to their conversion to tiie Mahom-
medan, little is known; but it was
probably some modilication of the
Hindoo religion, much corrupted and
blended with theautecedeiit idolatry
of the country where they origi-
nated. Prior to tlieir coiiversion,
they do not appeur to have had an
era, with which liiiuloos are gene-
rally amply provided ; and they ap-
pear al:^o to have been ignorant of
the ordinary division of time, into
days, weeks, .and \ears; a division
\v ell known to their civilized neigh-
bours, the Javanese, luwn now,
however, the more enlightei!(;d <jf
them arc seldom al)le to tell tlieir
own age, or the year of their birth.
The modern Malays are of the
Sooni Mahomniedan sect, but do
not possess much of the bigotry so
common among the western fol-
lowers !>{' Mahommed. ~Slv\i of rank
ha\e their religious j)criods, during
vvhieli tiiey Kcrupulously attend to
their diiiies, and reliain liom grati-
iiealions of the appetite, together
with gambling and coek-ligiiting ;
but these intervals are neiliier long
nor fretjuent.
The .^.lalay goTernmcnts arc of tlie
rude:-t (.onstruction, and founded on
principles nearly Ic'udal. The head
of the slate is a rajah, a\ Iio usnal'.y
assumes the title of siilt^i, inlro-
dueed by tlie Arabians ; and under
him are a certain miniber of dattoos
or nobles, who have a train of siib-
onlinate vassals. In general, liovv-
ever, the king is but little obeyed
by tlie chiefs, or tin; latter by liie
j)eoj)le, thaii according to their in-
clinalion. Violent acts of imme-
diate power are committed both by
the chiefs and their superior, but
there is no regular system of obedi-
ence. Tile presumptive heir is iu
all states named the rajah nioodo,
or yoiutg rajah ; and with the insti-
tution of dattoos a|)pears peculiar
to this nation. The free Mahns are
an intelligent,, active, indnstiious
body of men, engaged like t!ie Chi-
nese ill trade and foreign commerce.
JMany of tlieir pro'.\5 are '. eiy fin«
vessels, and uavi^^ated v. ilh •joiisi-
544
MALAGGA.
dcrable skill ; hut the Malay sailor,
aIthouj;h strong- and occasional!y ac-
tive, is by no means pcrseveiingly
so ; and, during extreme cold or b.td
weather, is tonnd to sculk sooner
than tlie more feeble but doeilc Ben-
gal lascar.
The distinct cliaractor of the Ma-
lay is certainly of a very extraoidi-
iiary nature, and exhibits a striking;
contrast to the mild and tinnd Ben-
e:ally. In their pursuit of plunder
the Malaj^s arc active, restless, and
courageous, as in their conquests
tliey are ferocious and vindictive.
To their enemies they are remorse-
less, to their friends capricious, and
to strangers treacherous. I'he cou-
rage of the Malay maybe considered
of that furious and desperate kind,
that acts on tlie impulse of tlie mo-
ment, ratlicr than that steady and
deliberate conduct that preserves its
character under all chcumstances.
It is equally dangerous to offend or
punish a Malay: in the one case lie
will slab privately; in the other, in
the heat of his rage. By the same
impetuous temper that renders him
impatient of injuries he is driven to
desperation by misfortunes, whether
they arise from unavoidable circum-
stances, or from his own misconduct,
lu either case he rarely submits to
his fate with coolness, but tlies to his
favourite opium, to prepare him for
the commission of the desperate act
lie meditates. Animated to a frenzy
he lets loose his long black hair,
draws his deadly creese, and rushes
into the streets, determined to do all
the mischief he can during the short
time he has to live. This is Avhat is
usually called running a muck (from
Lis calling amok, amok — kill, kill),
and seldom happcus in a British set-
tlement; but were very frequent
among the Dutch, Avho were noto-
rious for the fiend-like cruelty of
their punishments. An unfortunate
propensity to gambling is one of the
chief causes that drives the Malay
to this state of desperation. So pas-
sionately attached is he to every
sjjecics of gaming, and more parti-
cularlyaTcock-fighting, tlial his tasf
morsel, the coverii;g of his body, his
wife and ciiildren, are fiequently
staked on the issue of a battle to be
fought by his favourite cock.
The superiority of the European
naval power in the Eastein Seas, has
tended very much to repress the pi-
racies and deprcflations of the Ma-
lays, who arc certaijily no longer the
bold and enten»iizing race of Bucca-
neers they are represented to have
been. The authority oTlaw and just-
ice, however, is but imperfectly es-
tablished; trading vessels visiting
their ports must still be armed, and
notwithstanding every precaution are
frequently cut off, and their crews
murdered, Avith circumstances of sin-
gular atrocity. Tlie population along
the Malay coasts does not appear on
tlie increase, nor are the marriages
prolific. It has been asserted tiom
good authority, that under fjivonr-
able circumsf ;ujces,lhe average num-
ber of living children to a marriage
is highly rated at two.
It appears from evidence as posi-
tive as the nature of the subject will
admit, that the present possessors of
the coast of the Malay Peninsula
were, in the first instance, adven-
turers from Sumatra; who, in the
12th century, formed an establish-
ment there ; and that the indigenous
inhabitants were gradually driven by
them to the rocks and mountains,
and are entirely a different race of
m«»]].
The original country inhabited by
the Malayan race, according to the
best authorities, was the kingdom of
Palcmbangin the Island of Sumatra,
on the banks of the River MalajTi,
from whence they migrated about
A. D. 1160, to the soutli eastern ex-
tremity of the opposite peninsula,
where they first built the city of Sin-
capoor, and afterwards, about A. D.
1252, foundedthatof xMalacca. Up
to A. D. 1276, the Malayan princes
were pagans. Sultan jVJ->hommed^
Shah, who at that era ascended the
throne, was the first Mahonnuedan
luiuce, and by the propagation of
MALACCA.
545
tills faith acquired peal celebrity
dmins: a long reign ot 57 years. His
intlueiice appears to have extended
over tlie neighbouring islands ut" Lin-
gen and Bintang, together with Jo-
hore, Patany, Quedali. and Pera, on
tiie coasts of the peninsula, and
Campar and Arn in Sumatra — all of
whicli acquired the appellation of
IMalayu.
During part of the loth century,
Malacca appears to have been in
subjection to the Siamese sovereigns.
Sultan Mahniood Shah was the 12th
IMalayan King, and seventli king of
Malacca city. In A. D. 1.309 he re-
j)»lled the aggression of the King of
Siani ; but, in 1511, was conquered
by the Portuguese under Alphonso
D'Albminerque. and compelled m ith
the principal inhabitants to tly to the
extremity of the peninsula, where lie
founded the city of Johore, which
still subsists. {Mnrsden, Edinburgh
Review, Lei/deu, Quarterly Review,
Elmore, ^c. ^r.)
Malacca. — A towai in the straits
of the same name, situated near the
southern extremity of the Malay
Peninsula. Lat. 2°. 14'. N. Long.
102°. 12'. E.
The roads here are safe, but the
entrance of the river is rendered in-
tricate by a bar, over which boats
cannot pass before quarter flood, nor
after hist (piarter ebb, w ithout much
ditficidty. Under the lee of the is-
land, nearest to the fort, there is a
harbour where, in the S. ^\ . mon-
soon, vessels not draw ing more than
16 feet water may be secured. 'Ihe
liouses in the town are tolerably well
built, with broad and straight streets,
but that part of it inhal)ited by the
natives is composed of bamboo and
mat liuts. On the southern side of
the river are the remaining walls of
a fort, in a most ruinous condition.
A few guns are ranged along a little
above the fort, which serves as a sa-
luting batten*'. On the summit of
this mount stands an old Portuguese
chapel, built in tlie 16th century, but
now in a state of dilapidation.
I'hc country' aroiuid Malacca, for
2n
eight or 10 miles in circumference, is
pleasant and productive ; and, al-
though so near the equator, the heat
of the climate is moderate — it being
refreshed by a succession of land
and sea breezes. The rising grounds
in the vicinity are barren and rocky,
ajid have been used by the Chinese
as places of sepulture ; most of the
cultivators, distillers, sugar makers,
and farmers of the customs, being of
that industrious nation. 'i"he vallies
produce rice and sugar, which might
be much increased under a better
government.
Considerable supplies of grain are
imported to Malacca from Bengal,
.Fa^a, and Sumatra ; but abundance
of fruits and vegetables may be pro
cured here, particularly yams and
potatoes among the roots, and the
niangosteen among the fruits. Sheep
and bullocks are scarce, but there
are bufl'aloes, hogs, poultry, and fish,
in great plenty, and at moderate
prices. The trade of this place w as
extensive until superseded by Prince
of Wales's Island, both as a place of
commerce and refreshment. The
export trade principally consisted of
all the produce of the straits and
eastern [)orts, such as tin, pepper,
l)iche de mar, sago, rattans, canes,
elephants' teeth, and sojne gold dust.
The country ships from Calcutta to
the Malay coast with opium, piece
goods, raw and China silks, and
dollars, ballast with rice ; which, if
they do not dispose of at .lunkseylon,
or Prince of ^\'ales's Island, they sell
here, and take in ballast. During
the Dutch government this was a
great market for piece goods, but
the opium was bought on the Dutch
I'^ast India Company's account by
the governor, who with the fiscal
and shahbunder, were the principal
merchants. Occasionally a few chests
of opium were smuggled on shore by
private merchants, and spars for mo-
derate-sized vessels might be pro-
cured.
A. D. 1252, Sri Iscander Shah, the
last King of Sincapoor, being hard
pressed by the forces of the King of
546
MALDIVES ISLANDS.
Majapahit in Java, retii-ed first to
the northward, and alterwards to
the westward, where he founded a
new city, to which he gave the name
of Malacca. It was iirst visited, in
1508, by the Portugnese, and, in
1511, captured by them after an ob-
stinate resistance. In their posses-
sesion it remained until 1640, during
vi^hich interval it was repeatedly at-
tacked by the kings of Achecn, who
were with the utmost difliculty pre-
vented from effecting its conquest.
In 1640 it was assailed by the Dutch
and taken, after a siege of six
months. With them it remained
until 1795, when it was seized on by
the English, but restored at the i)eace
of A m)en.s. It was again recaptured
by the British, with whom it still
contimies, and partof thcwallsblown
up in 1807, at which time the re-
venues produced 80,000 dollars per
animm.
'J'he tenitorial possessions of the
Dutch in this vicinity, according to
the Transactions of the Batavian
Society, are the mountains of Rum-
bo, inhabited by a Malay people
named Maning Cabou (Meuanca-
bow), and Mount Ophir, called by
tlie natives Gunong Ledang. Hiese
limits they say are impracticable for
a European to pass — the whole coast
for some leagues from the sea being
cither a morass or impenetrable fo-
rest ; these natural difticultics being
aggravated by the treacherous and
sanguinary chai acter of the natives.
(Mursden, Elmore, Johnson, Howison,
Mai.ativok. — A smfdl town in the
Island of Cevlou. Lut. 9", 17'. N.
Long. 81°. 7'. K
This place is unt^ominonly well
situated close to a sniidl river which
runs past the fort, and when it joins
the sea forms a harbour sufHcient to
admit small craft. The j)rincip;d
employment of the inhabitants is
fishing, and from hence the garrison
at Trincomaie is supplied with this
article. Cattle and poidtry are here
also cheap and abundant. In the
woods Avild hogs and deer are so
plentiful, that for a little powder and
shot a native will undertake to pro-
cure game, and ask no further pay.
{Peirival, ^-c,)
Mald.4, (ilMffrfff). — A town in the
province of Bengal, district of Raje-
mal, 56 miles N. by W. from Moor-
shedabad. Lat. 25°. 3'. JS. Long.
88°. 4'. E.
This place is situated on a river
which communicates with the Gan-
ges, from which the town is not far
removed. It arose out of the ruins
of Gour, the ancient capital of Ben-
gal ; is a place of great trade, and
produces much silk, which is the
staple commodity of the country.
The weaving of mixed goods made
with silk and cotton also flourishes
in this neighbourhood, for the pur-
chase of which and of silk, the East
India Company have for a long time
had a commercial resident and esta-
blishment settled here. {Rennel,
Coli'brooke, ^-c.)
Maldives Islands, {Malaya Dwi-
pa, the Isles of Malaya). — Tliese is-
lands extend from the eighth degree
of north latitude to the equinoctial
line, and are divided into 17 clusters
called Atollons, These groups arc
most of them round, but some are
oval, and lie in a row in a N. W.
and S. E, direction, separated from
each other by narrow channels, not
navigable by ships of biuthen. Each
of these clusters is surrounded by
rocks, that defend them from the
sea, wiiicli here rages with great
fury. The large islands are inlia-
bited and cultiv ale<i, but a great pro-
portion of the chain consists of mere
rocks, rocky shotds, and sand banks,
flooded at spring tides. They have
never been completely e\i)lored, al-
though so near to tl^e course of ships
outward bound to Bengal ; but their
size is known to be very small, and
their Jiumljcr veiy great.
A great trade is carried on among
these clusters, each of them having
something peculiar to itself; the
weavers residing in one, the gold-
smiths in another; the locksmiths,
mat makers, potters, turners, joiners;
MALAVILLY.
547
oacli iiiliubiting distinct groups of
islands. Tlie dlHeicnt Intdois a;o
from island to island in boats witli a
sniidl deck, and somctinus are a
year absent tioni their own island.
Oil these occasions they generally
live in their boats, and carry their
male children of four or five years of
age with them, to accustom tiiem to
a sea life.
Some years back one or two ves-
sels used to visit the Maldives from
the British settlements to load cow-
ries, but from the delay they ex|)e-
rienced, and the unhealthiness of the
climate, this trade has for st)Uietinic
been abandoned by Eurojioans, It
is now princii)ally carried on by the
Maldivians in their own boats, con-
structed of the trunks of cocoa nut
trees. These arrive at Balasore in
Orissa, situated at the moutli of the
Calcutta River, in the months of
June and July, (when the S. A¥.
monsoon is steady in the Bay of
Bengal), loaded with coir, (the fibres
of tlie cocoa nut), cocoa nut oil, and
all the other produce of the cocoa
uut tree, their grand staple, cowries,
salt fish, turtle shell. Sec. ixe. They
sail about the middle of December,
during the N. E. monsoons, w'uh
their returns ; more than half of w liich
consists of rice from Bengal, the gra-
uaiy of the Indies, tlie rest is sugar,
hardware, broad cloth, cutlery, silk
stuffs, coarse cottons, tobacco, ike.
The imports to Bengal, in 1810, ave-
raged about 184,129 sicca rupees,
and the exports iJU, 182 sicca rupees.
Many Maldivian boats come an-
nually to Acheen, and bring dried
bonetto in small pieces, about two
or three ounces weight, w hich when
cmed is as hard as horn in tiie centre.
Ships oceasionally resort to the Mal-
dives to procure dried shark fins for
the China market, being esteemed
by that nation as an excellent sea-
soning for soup, and highly invigor-
ating.
'I'he Maldivians profess the Ma-
hommedan religion, yet m some of
their customs resemble the Boadjoos
of Borneo- They annuallv launch
2 N 2
a small vessel loaded with perfumes,
gums, and 0(loiif«;rous llowers, and
turn it adrift at the mercy of the
winds and waves, as an offeiing to
the spirit of the winds ; and some-
times similar offerings are made to
the spirit whom they term King of
the Sea. With their internal govern-
ment we are httle acquainted, but it
does not appear, that although se-
parated into distinct islands and
groups of islands, that they engage
in war v\ith each other, which is
wholly unaccountable. They are
deseriijcd as a mild inoffensive race,
and very hospitable. In 1777 a
French vessel, \A'ith some ladies of
rank, was wrecked on the Island of
Ymetay, who met with the kindest
treatment from the chief and his
suljjects. The French East India
Company had formerly a lorporal
and some soldiers resident on these
islands, but they were removed by
M. Lally in 1759, When Hyder in-
vaded Malubai;, in 1766, he con-
templated the conquest of these is-
lands also, but never carried his in-
tention into execution. {4th Re-
gister, E more, Forrest, Ley dan, Son-
tierat, Si'c. 4"c,J
jMalivagunga River. — One of
(he principal rivers in the Island of
Ceylon, which in its course nearly
surrounds the hills where the city of
Candy stands, for which it serves as
a defence. It is here broad, rocky,
ami rapid, and a strict watch is kept
on its banks by the Candians.
Malipootas Isle. — One of the
small Sooloo islands, which is very
low and woody, and has shoals all
round, extending about two miles to
the N. AV.
Malavillv, {Malayavali) — A
town in the Mvsore Rajah's territo-
ries, 35 miles east from Seringapa-
tam. Lat. 12°. 23'. N. Long. 77°.
16'. E.
This is a Iarg(? mud fort, separated
into two portions by a transverse
wall, and was given as ajaghire with
the adjacent country to Tippoo by
his father Ilyder, About two miles
S. W. from iNlalavillv is a large re-
548
MALWAIL
sorvoir, where, daring the last Mar,
Tippoo had an action with General
Harris, in which he was defeated.
After (he liattlc he sent and destroy-
ed this place, but above 500 houses
have since been rebuilt. Near to
this town iron ore is smelted, from
whence Scrin^apalam receives its
chief supply. {P. Bnchanan, Ac.)
iMallia. — A town and I'ortress in
the province of Gujrat, situated on
the River jMuchoo, which having
passed Wankaneer in the interior,
empties itself into the Run two and
a half miles below this place. The
surrounding country is low, and
.slopes off towards the Run; in the
rainy season it is a marsh for many
miles.
Prior to 1809 this fortress was pos-
sessed by a band of notorious |)Iun-
derers, who had gained such an as-
cendancy over the neighbouring
country, that they commiited the
most atrocious acts of cruelty and
oppression with impunity. Many
efforts had been made by the neigh-
bouring chieftains to extirpate them,
but all their cjidcavours were un-
availing, and only increased the re-
putation of the robbers, whose strong
hold came to be considered as im-
pregnable. In 1809 it was attacked
by a Bombay detachment under
Col. Walker, and the town stoimed
in open day in the presence of the
native chiefs, a few hours after the
batteries were opened. The effect
was such that tlie upper fort was
evacuated during the night, and the
few depredators, who had escaped
the storm, took refuge across the
Run in the province of Cuteh. Beibre
this event the villages had been de-
serted, and the country around iMal-
lia depopulated for many miles. — •
{Macmitrdo, I \t/i Register, iVc)
jVIalloodoo. — A district in the
north-eastern extremity of Borneo,
and in many respects the most vrt-
luablo which that large island con-
tains. Numerous rivers fall into the
Bay of Malloodoo, which is reported
to hkvc good soundings throughout
the whole of it. Tliis district is po-
pulous, and well supplied with food,
which is a rare case in Borneo. Rat-
tans of an excellent quality, from
10 to 20 feet long, may here be pro-
cured, and also clove bark.
The natives on the sea coast as-
sert, that in the interior there is a
lake named Kcnne\ balloo, w liicli ap-
pears from their description to ex-
ceed in magnitude that of Manilla,
and to contain mrmy islands. It is
said to be five or six fathoms deep
in some places, and to be the source
of many ri^ers. Around its margin
are many hamlets inhabited by the
Idaan or Horaforas, but from their
want of Ibreign connnunication, and
the peculiarity of their customs, they
are little addicted to commerce.
{Dalrijmple, ^c-)
Malnori;. — A town in the Seik
territories, in the province of Delhi,
160 miles N. W. by N. fiom the city
of Delhi. Lat. 3()°. 22', N. Long.
75°. 18'. E.
JNIalluver. — A village in the pro-
vince of Gundwana, the residence
of a Goand chief, 12 miles south
from Kuttunpoor. Lat. 20°. 34'. N.
Long. 82°. 50'. E. From Bouslagur
to this place, a distance of 50 miles,
the road is through a country which
is one continued wilderness. In this
neighbourhood there is a small suba-
cid ])lum of a very pleasant taste,
which grows wild. {Blunt, Sf-c,)
Maloor. — A town in the Mysore
Rajah's territories, 27 miles E. by N.
from Bangaloor. Lat. 13°. Long.
78°. 9'. E.
Malpoorah. — A small town in
the Seik territories, in the province
of Lahore, 105 miles E. S. I'l. iioni
the city of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 26'.
N, Long. 75°. 45'. E.
Maltown. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, district of Biin-
deleund, 80 miles S. W. from Chat-
terpoor. Lat. 24°. 19'. N. Long.
78°. 46'. E. This place is situated
near the hills, which separate Bun-
delcuud fronj Malwah, and is a large
\illage with a stone fort.
Malwah, (Malam). — A large
province in llindostan, situated
MALWAH.
549
principall}' bchvccn the 22(1 and
2.'3d ilc'jjices of iioitli lalitiulc. To
tilt' north it is bouiidcd by Ajmccr
and Agra; on <!io south bv Klian-
dosh and Bcrar; to thr east it has
Allahabad and Cnndvi ana ; and on
the west Ajnieer and Cnjrat. In
length it may be estimated at 250
miles, by 150 miles the aver;><^e
breadth. By Abnl Fazel, in 1582,
tiiis province is described as follows:
" The soubali of Malwah is si-
tuated in the second climate, '^riie
length from Cnrrah to Banswareh,
comprises 245 coss, and tiic breatlth
from Chandery to Xnddcrbar in-
cludes 2.'30 coss. It is bounded on
the cast by JJaudhoo ; on the nortli
by Narwar ami the mountains; on
the south by IJoglaneh (Baglana);
and on th(; west by (Jujrat and
Ajmeer. The rivers Nerbuddah,
Soopra, Calysind, Neem,andLowdy,
flow through this soubah. The
situation of this soubali, compared
M'ith otiicr parts of Hindostan, is
liigh. Both harvests are very good.
Wheat, poppies, mangoes, musk,
niclons, and grapes, are here in high
perfection. 'J'his .soubah is divided
into the following districts; viz.
1. Oojain ; 2. Koysain; 3. Gunah;
4. ChcndaiT; 5. Sarangpoor; 0.
Beejagur; 7. Mendow; 8. Ilindia;
9. isuzerbar; 10. Merusoor; 11.
(Jayroon; 12. Kowtry Beranch.
These districts are subdivided into
301 pergunnahs, and contain 280,810
cavalry, 68,000 infantiy, and 90
elephants."
I'rom the above dcHiication it ap-
pears, that when tlie Institutes of
Acbcr were composed, the province
of 3Ialwah extended to the .south
of the Nerbuddah; and an angle
touched on Baglana on the south-
west, and Berar on l!ie cast. The
rest of the southern boundary was
formed by the Nerl)uddaii; but it is
diflicult to reconcile this arrange-
ment with the position of (he pro-
vince of Khandesh. On the north-
east this province is separated from
the district of Uarowty in Ajmeer
by a ridge of mountains, extending
east and WTst near tlie village of
Muckundra. Lat. 24°. 4S'. N.
Long. 7()°. 12'. K
Main ah is probably the most
elevated region in Hindostan, for
from hence the rivers descend in
every direction ; but, altiiougii higher
than the adjacent countries, the land
is extremely fertile, the soil being
generally a black vegetable mould,
producing cotion, opium, indigo,
tobacco, and grain in large quan-
tities, besides furnishing pasture for
numerous (locks of cattle. The har-
vest in this province as in Hin-
dostan generally, is divided into two
jieriods, the one being cut in Sep-
tember and October, and the other
in March and April. Rice is culti-
vated only on a few detached spol.s,
which lie convenient for water; but
the (piantity is so small, that it can
hardly be reckoned among the crop.s.
Barley is not cultivated, the soil
being unfavourable for that species
of grain. Irom its elevation, this
territory enjoys a temperature of cli-
mate, i'avourable to the production
of many species of fruits, which are
destroyed by the heat of the lower
provinces.
The principal articles of export
are cottons, which arc sent in large
cpiantilies to Gnjrat, coar.se stained
and priiited cloihs, the root of the
morinda, citrifolia, and opium. All
the last at the time of gathering is
adulterated with oil, and fre(|iiently
with other substances, and is on the
whole a very inferior article to the
Bengal opium. The Mahvah to-
bacco, particularly that of tlie Bil-
.sah district, is beyond all com-
jiarison the best in India, and mu( h
sought after by the votaries of the
liookah. It is sui-i)iising that (he
eager demand and high price have
never influenced the natives to in-
crease the cultivation materially;
but they prefer substituting tol)acco
of a dilierent growth, and asserting
that it is the genuine Bilsah, rely-
ing on the ignorance and want of
taste of their customers.
Alalwah contains the sources of
550
MANAAR.
numerous rivers, but none attain to
any great magnitude until they
leave its limits. They are the Ner-
buddali, Chumbul, Betwah, Siiidc,
Sopra, Mahy, and Cane. The prin-
cipal towns are Oojain, Indore,
Mimda, Bopid, Bilsah, Seronge,
Teary, Koorwey, Klieralasa, Miui-
da, and Shujaw nipoor.
This province was invaded early
in the ISth century l)y the Patau
sovereigns of Delhi, and was wholly
confjuered or rendered tributary.
Its subjection to that empire con-
tinued very precarious until the
14th and I5th centuries, during
which period it was governed by
independent sovereigns of tlie Patau
or Afghan race, whose ca[»ital was
Mandovv (Munda), situated among
the A'indhaya Mountaiiis. After the
conquest of Delhi by the Mogul
dynasty, Malwaii was soon subdued,
and continued to form a province of
that empire until the death of
Aurengzebe, in 1707, when it was
invaded and overrun by the Ma-
harattas ; and finally separated from
the Mogul government about the
year 1732, during the reign of Sahoo
Rajah, and with this nation it has
remained ever since.
At present a large proportion of
Malwah is possessed by the Sindia
family, but agreeably to a Maha-
ratta custom, so intermixed with
the territories of the Peshwa Hol-
liar, and other chiefs, that it is dif-
ficult to discriminate tliem. The
ancient laudiu)lders who were de-
prived of their possessions by the
Maharattas, still retain some forts
dispersed over the province, and
partly by treaty, partly by Ibrce,
receive a portion of the rents from
the neighbouring villages. These
people are called Grassmli, and in
1790 during the life time of Mad-
haje«( Sindia. one of them possessed
a mud fort within ten miles of
Oojain. 'J'hese people are generally
freebooters, and levy contributions
by ibrce during any confusion or
distress of government.
Besides the Grassiah, a great num-
ber of petty clriefs hold hereditary
possession of districts, for which they
pay the revenue to Sindia; and while
this part of their engagement is per-
formed, are little interfered with
the internal management of their
territories. Each of these chieftains
possesses one or more stnnig holds,
with Aviuch the province abounds;
their subjugation, therefore, when
refractory, is attended with consi-
derable diiliculty and expense; antl
they frequently make it a point of
hoiioiu- to withhold their revenue
until the payment is compelled by
force. {Hunter, Rennel, Scott, Mar-
quis Wellesleif, ^-c.)
Malpurba, {Mahyajturva). — A
small river in the south of India,
which, after a short course, I'alls into
the Krishna, and with that river may
be considered as the northern bound-
ary towards the Deccan.
Mallown, (or Malwan). — A sea-
port town in the Maharatta terri-
tories, province of Bejapoor, and
formerly famous as a resort of pi-
rates, named iiom it Malwans. Lat.
16°. 4'. N. Long. 73°. 20'. E.
MAiMi'AVA.— A town situat< d on
the w est coast of Borneo. Lat. 0°.
21'. N. Long. 109°. 10'. E. This
is one of the best markets among the
Eastern Islands for opium; the con-
sumption, includisig its dependen-
cies, being equal to 600 chests per
annum. {Elmore, ^-c.)
Manaar. — An island situated olF
the north-west coast of Ceylon, from
which it is separated by an arm of
the .sea about two miles broad,
which at low water is almost dry,
with the exception of a small channel
in the iniddle, not exceeding 30 or
40 yards broad. The passage from
Manaar to Ramisseram is about 12
leagues; but it is interrupted by a
line of sand banks, which runs (piite
across, and is known by the name of
Adam's Bridge. Small boats ply be-
tween liamisseram and Manaar, and
government have also boats station-
ed for conveying over the letter bags
between Ceylon and the continent.
l''rom Madras to Cohunbo the dist-
]MANAH.
551
anc« is 500 miles, and tlio lettei's are
},^(Mieially convened betwixt thoiii in
10 days; but an express is some-
times eairied in eii;lit days.
The Dutch built a i'urt on tlie
Island of Manaar, Mith a view to
comuiand the passage; and a garri-
son is still maintained here, whieli is
augmented during the pearl (isiiing
season. In length the island may
be estimated at 15 miles, by three
the average breadth. Manaar is a
Tamul word, and signifies a sandy
river, from the shallowness of the
sea at this plaee. To the south of
this island, towards \ripi»o, the coast
of Ceylon is wild and barren, and
destitute of accommodation and pro-
visions. {Percii'dl, Lnheck, c^c)
Manaar, (Gult of). — This gulf
separates the Island of Ceylon from
the Southern Carnatic. Although too
shallow to admit vessels of a large
size, the depth of water is sufficient
for sloops, donies. and country cralt
of various descriptions, wiiich convey
goods by this passage, from Madras
and other jilaees on the Coromandel
coast, to Columbo, instead of taking
the outward circuitous passage, and
rounding the island by 'I'rincomale
Point do Galle,and Dondrahead. The
ridge of sand banks, named Adam's
Bridge, frequently presents an insur-
mountable obstruction, and \esseis
are obliged to lighten at IManaar be-
fore they can perform the passage.
This is called the Inner or Palk's
Passage, from a Dutchman of that
name, who first attempted it. It is
common to have large bouts station-
ed at Manaar, to receive the goods
and convey them forward to CoUnn-
bo. Coarse cloths and calicoes are the
chief goods imported by this route;
and areka, cocoa mits, betel leaf,
fruits, arrack, and coir, are sent in
return. {Pcixival, ^c.)
Manapar, {Manipara). — A town
situated on a promontory, in the
province of Tinnevelly, 60 miles N. l'.
from Cape Comorin. Lat. 8°. 39'.
Long. 7b°. 17'. i'i.
Manapar — A town in the Poly-
gar territory, 50 nnles W. by S. from
Tanjore. Lat. 10°. 39'. N. Long.
78°. 30'. E. 'Ibis was formerly the
re.sidence of a tributary and refrac-
tory polygar ; but is now, with the
surrounding district, comprehended
in the Dindigul coUectorship.
Manaswarv. — A small island
about five miles in circumference, si-
tuated in the harbour of Dory, on
the great Island of Papua. Lat. O''.
54'. N. Long. 134°. 40'. E. Here
are many nutmeg trees growing
wild, wiiich produce nutmegs of the
long sptcies, but of inferior quality.
{Forrest, ^-c.)
Manah. — A town in Northern
IJiudostan, in the province of Seri-
nagur, of which it foruis the bound-
ary in the N. E. quarter. Lat. 30°.
45'. N. Long. 79°. 40'. E.
This town is built in three divi-
sions, containing 150 or 200 houses,
and is more populous than any place
in tliis neighbourhood. The num-
ber of inhabitants is computed at 14
or 1600, who appear to be of a differ-
ent race from the moiuitaineers of
Gerw;d or Seriuagur. They are above
middling size, stout, well formed, and
their countenances more Uke the
Tartars or Bootancrs. I'hey have
broad faces, small eyes, and com-
plexions of a light olive colour. The
women are in general handsome, and
have a ruddiness of complexion al-
most approaching to the lloridness
of Euiopeans. Their necks, ears,
and noses, are covered with a profu-
sion of rings, and vaiious ornaments
of beads and triidvets of gold and
silver.
The houses are two stories high,
constructed of stone, and covered
with smcdl deal plank, instead of
slate. These may be considered only
as their summer residences; for in
the winter season the town is entire-
ly buried luider snow — the popula-
tion being cou)pelled to migrate to
a less rigorovis chmate. The villages
of Josimath, Panchcser, and their vi-
cinity, aflbrd them an asylum for the
lour inclement months of the year.
After the first fall of snow they retire
from this place with their families,
652
MANDOW.
carrying: all their property with them,
excepting the grai;), which they bury
in small pits. 'I'hey profess the Hin-
doo Biahminical doctrines, and call
themselves Raipoots. Like other
inhabitants of cold climates, they are
much addicted to drinking — their
beverage beijig a spirit extracted from
rice, prepared in tlie usual mode of
distillation.
A considerable trade is earned on
from hence with Eootan. Towards
the end of July, when the snow lias
melted, these people set off in par-
ties of from 100 to 150, with mer-
chandize, principally laden upon
sheep and goats. The principal ar-
ticles imported froniBootan are salt,
saffron, borax, zedoary, dried grapes,
gold dust in small bags, cow tails,
and musk in pods, blankets, inferior
cow tails, and bezoar A few ar-
ticles of porcelain are also brought
down, and also a small quantity of
tea, but the demand for both is trif-
ling. Hill ponies, sheep with four
and six horns, and the Chowry cow,
are also brought from those trans-
alpine regions, and are to be seen
grazing in the neighbourhood of Ma-
iiah. Dogs, of a species as large as
the Newfoundland breed, are also
imported. {Raper, SfX.)
ftlANCOTE, {Maiicata). — A village
in the province of Laliore, 74 miles
N. E. from the city of Lahore. Lat.
32°.44'. N. Long.'74° 28'. E. This
place stands on an eminence skirt-
ed by a small river, and in 1783
was Iributary to the Rajah of Jam-
boe, but is now possessed by the
Seiks.
Mandhar. — A district in the
Island of Celebes, bounded on, the
west by the Straits of Macassar, and
on the east by a tract of desert moun-
tains, to which the inhabitants retire
when attacked from the sea by ene-
mies too powerful to resist in the
field. The government of this small
state was formerly vested in 10 no-
bles, who were in subjection to the
Macassars before the latter ^\ere
subdued by the Hutch. The name
js celebrated in Hindoo mythology,
as that of the mountain with which
the demi-gods and demons churned
the ocean to procure the essence of
immortality.
Mandoly Isle, — One of the Gi-
lolo Islands, situated between the
1st and 2d degiees of south latitude,
and about the 127th of east longi-
tude. In length it may be estimated
at 20 miles, by four the average
breadth.
Mandow, {Mandu). — A district in
the province of Malwah, situated
among the Vindhaya Mountains, be-
tween the 22d and 23d degrees of
north latitude, and at present sub-
ject to the Maharattas, but much in-
fested by tribes of freebooters of the
Bhecl caste. The Nerbuddah, which
bounds this district to the south, is
the principal and almost the^ only
river, the face of the country being
generally mountainous; but the val-
lies are fertilized by numerous
streams from the hills. On account
of the defective state of the govern-
ment this temtory is greatly covered
with jungle, and very thinly inha-
bited. The chief towns are Munda,
Bajulpoor, and Dectan. By Abul
Fazel, in 1582, it is described as fol-
lows:
" Sircar Mandow, containing 16
mahals ; measmement, 229,969 bee-
gahs ; revenue, 13,788,994 dams ;
seyurghal, 127,732 dams. This sir-
car furnishes 1 180 cavalry, and 10,625
infantry."
Mandow. — A city in the province
of Malwah, the capital of a district
of the same name, and situated 47
miles S. S. W. from Oojain.
This city is now much deca5'ed,
but was formerly the capital of the
Khillijee Patau sovereigns of Mal-
wah, and is described by Abul 1 azel,
in 1582, as a city of prodigious ex-
tent, 22 miles in circuit, and contain-
ing numerous monuments of ancient
magnificence. In 1615, when visit-
ed by Sir Thomas Roe, it was greatly
dilapidated, and its grandeur disap-
peared. It then occupied the top of
a very high and extensive mountain.
It is now possessed by the Maliarat-
MANGALORE.
553
tas, and sunk into obscurity. {Abul
Fax el. Reimel, Scott, <^-c.)
Manda VEE. — A large Ibrtified rca-
port town, in the province of Cufcli,
situated on the Gulfof Cnteh. Lat.
22°. 50'. N. Long. 69°. 34'. E. This
place carries on an extensive trade
Avith Malabar and the Arabian coast.
Mandowee. — A cily in the pro-
vince of Lahore, possessed by chiefs
tributary to the Seiks, and situated
on the cast side of tlie Beyah River,
140 miles N. E. from Lahore. Lat.
32°. 54'. N. Long-. 7.5°. 4b'. E.
Mandowee. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, district of Broach,
situated on the south side of the Ri-
verTuptee, 25 miles east from Surat.
Lat. 21° 13'. N. Long:. 73° 25'. E.
Mangapett. — A large village in
the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, 104 miles N.W.
iiom Rajainnndi-}-. Lat. 1 8°. 14'. N.
Long. 81°. 5'. E. This place is si-
tuated near to the S. W. bank of the
Godavery, in the Poli)o«sliah Rajah's
country, and is the head of a pergun-
iiah of the .same name. 'J he moun-
tains continue close down to the
east side of the Godavery, opposite 1o
this place ; and the wild inhabitants
sometimes extend their depredations
to this side of the river. ( Blunt, St.)
jNIangalo RE, (Ma/(ga /«/•). — Ailon-
risliing sea-port town, in the province
of South Canara, situated on a salt
lake, which is sepaiated from the
sea by a beach of sand. At high
water, ai;d in line weather, ships of
less than 10 feet water can enter it.
Lut. 12° 49'. X. Long. 75°. E.
'I'his town, also named Codeal
Bunder, is large, and is built round
tiie sides of the peninsula, in the ele-
vated centre of which the fort was
placed. 'I'he lake by which the pro-
montory is formed is a most beauti-
ful piece of salt watei-. Ten miles
further up the river is the small tovAU
of Areola, which is likewise called
Fcringypettah, having formerly been
principally inhabited by Concaa
Christians, invited to reside there by
the Ikerry Rajahs. Its situation on
the northern bauk of the southern
Mangalore River is very fine, and it
was form<rly a large town ; but after
"J'ippoo had taken General jMalthews
and his army, in 1783, he destroyed
the town, and carried away its inha-
bitants. The whole of the coimtry
above Mangalore resembles ]VIala-
bar, only the sides of the hills have
not been formed into terraces with
equal industi-y ; the eattle also re-
semble those of Malabar in llieir di-
minutive size.
In Hyder's reign the principal
merchants at Mangalore were 31 op-
lays and Concanies ; but since the
lirilish acquired the government,
many men of property have come
from Surat, Cutcli, Bombay, and
other places to the north. These
men are chiefly of the Vaisya caste,
but there are also many Parsecs
among them. The shopkeepers are
sti4l mostly jNToplays and Concanies.
The vessels employed in trade chielly
belong to other ports.
Riee is the grand article of export,
being sent to Muscat in Arabia. Goa,
Bombay, and Malabar. In 1800 the
current price was 2s. 8d. and 3s. Gd.
per bushel; and in 1803, out of 11
lacks of rupees, the total export of
Mangalore, rice composed nine lacks,
and was then subject to an export
duty of 10 per cent. Next to rice,
as an export, is betel nut, tlien black
pejtper; sandal wood is sent from
lience to Bondjay, but it is the pro-
duce of the country above the
Ghauts. Cassia, or dhal cliina, is
sent to jMuscat ; and turmeiic to
Muscat, Cutch, Surat, and Bombay.
The chief imports are blue cotton
cloths from Surat, Cutch, and Ma-
dras ; and while cotton clolh from
Cutch, Bovvnagur, and other jtlaces
Jiorth fiom Bombay. Salt is injide
on this coast by a process similar to
that used in Malabar; but the quan-
tity manufaeluretl is very inadequate
to tlie wants of the country ; on v\ hich
account it is imported from Bombay
and Goa, and sells for 3d j er bushel.
Raw silk, for the use of the manufac-
turers above the Ghauts, and sugar,
are imported from China and Ecu-
554
MANICPOOR.
gal ; and oi! aiifl ghee (boiled butter)
liroiii Suiat. Much of the cloth used
in the country is brought from above
the Ghauts. 'J lie niaund at Manga-
lorc is only 28| pounds, by \viiich
Aveight the Company buy and sell.
]\Janga!ore at a very early period
of history was a great resort of Ara-
bian vessels, the produclions being
peculiaily adapted to that country.
The i^ortuguese also carried on an
extensive commerce, and hgd a fac-
toiy established iierc. In 1696 the
Aral)s of JJuscat being at war with
the Portuguese, one part of the Ara-
bian ileet run down along the coast
of Africa, and desfroyc<l the Portu-
gese seUlement atEombazar; while
the other, stretching across the In-
dian Seas,burned the factory belong-
ing to thai nation at Mangalore. In
I'ebruary, 1768, it Avas taken by a
detachment fiom Bombay, but re-
lakcn by Hyder immediately after-
Avards, and the garrison made pri-
soners.
In 1783 Mangalore again surren-
dered to a force from Bomljay ; and,
after the detruction of General Mat-
thew's army, sustained a long siege
by Tippoo, during which the garri-
son, under Colonel Campbell, made
a most gallant defence. The whole
l)0wer of that prince, assisted by his
French allies, could not force a
breach that had long been open, and
he was repulsed iu every attempt to
carry it by storm. On the conclu-
sion of peace, in 1784, it was given
up to TipjK)0 a mere heap of rub-
bish ; wliat remained was wholly
destroyed by him, when he expe-
rienced how little his fori resses were
calculated to resist European sol-
diers, and with what dilhculty he
could retake any of them that were
garrisoned by Ibitish troops.
Travelling distance iiom Seringa-
patam, 162; from Madras, 440 miles.
(^F. Buchamm, Bruce, Lord Valentia,
Sfc. <Vc.)
Mangeray,(Straits of). — These
straits separate the Island of Floris
or Ende from that of Comobo. In
general the depth of water exceeds
30 fathoms. On the Floris side are
many good harbours and bays, where
vessels may anchor. ( Bligh.)
Mangeedara. — A distiict in the
most eastern quarter of Borneo, ex-
tending towards the Sooloo Archi-
pelago, iu a long narrow point, nam-
ed Unsang. The first river in Man-
geedara is named Tawoo, opposite
to the Island of Sebatic, to the east-
ward of which is a promontory,
named Biraug, the adjacent country
affording pasture for nuuiy cattle
near a river named the Pallass. The
peninsula of Unsang terminates east-
ward in a bluif point, at the north-
east point of which is a small island
named Tambeesan, forming a har-
bour capable of admitting ships of
a considerable size ; the vicinity
abounding with line timber. On
this coast tliere are many rivers, but
they have generally bars at their
junction with the sea.
Mangeedara produces bird nests,
wax, lacka wood, daminer, and gold.
The most remarkable place for the
latter is Talapam, in Gicoug Bay;
but the river diseuibogues into the
north sea, between Tambeesan and
Sandakan. The eastern part of Un-
sang abounds with wild elephants;
and Mangeedara generally witli a
breed of cattle, originally left here by
the Spaniards, who had a footing in
the I7th century, which they after-
wards, by treaty with the Sooloos,
relinquished. (Dahymple, )^-c.)
M A NGH ELLY, {Mangnlalaya). — A
town in the Afghan territories, in
the district of Puekholi, and formerly
the residence of Shader Khan, the
chief of Tiddoon. Lat. 33°. 32'. ^'.
Long. 72°. E. {Foster, ^c.)
Manicpoor. — A district in the
Nabob of Oude's territories, in the
province of Allahabad, situated about
the 26th degree of north latitude.
The soil is here fertile, and tolerably
well supplied wilh water, a consi-
derable part of the district extending
along the north-east side of the
Ganges ; but the superior cultivation
and prosperity of the contiguous
proNinces belonging to the British
MANILLA.
555
point out the marked dilTcrence of
tlie two governments, altliongli lliat
of Oude, jceneially, has hceii nnifh
improved by the present Nabob. The
prineipal towns are iManicpoor, Dal-
mow, and Rnssoolpoor. F'y Abnl
Fazel, in 1682, t'lis distriet is de-
scribed as fellows : — " Niicar Manie-
poor, coutainins 14 maimls, mea-
surement 6Go,222 l)eei!,ahs, revenue
33,yi6.527<lams. Se> Mri;lial2,446,173
dams. This siirav furnishes 2,040 ca-
valry, and 42.900 infantry."
JNIamcpoir. — A town bdongina: to
the Nabob of Onde, in ihe province
of Allahabad, 40 miles distant from
that fortress, and situated on the
N. v.. side of the tianges. Lat. 25°.
47'. N. Long. 81° 25'. K
Manilla. — A city in the Island
of Luzon, and the capital of the
Spanish settlements in the Phihp-
pines. Lat. 14°. 38'. N. Long. 120°.
60'. E.
This city stands on tlie Bay of
Manilla, which is 25 leagues in cir-
cumference, and receives some con-
siderable rivers; among others, the
Pasig, which, floAving from a large
lake to the castwaril of the town, at
the distance of three leagues, falls
into the sea, alter passing the walls
of the fortihcation to the north.
Three Icagnes distant from Manilla,
to the south Avest, lies the port of
-Cavite ; so called from the Avord
canit, a fish hook, to which the
tongue of land it stands on bears a
strong resemblance. Cavite is de-
fended by an indifferent iort, and is
provided A\ith an arsciial for the ac-
<;ommodation of the Acapuico ships,
and a few small vessels lor the de-
fence of the islands against the pi-
ratical cruizers. At this port large
ships generally unload — the entry
of the Manilla l^iAcr being impeded
by a bar, Avhich is very dangerous
during high Avinds ; but sm:dl vessels
ascend tlie ri\er, and laud their
cargoes at the city.
Manilla is large, and contains
many handsome private houses ; and,
in spite of the earthquakes, some
niagnilicpnt churches. The sur-
rounding coimtry is fertile, and fit
l()r any sort of culture ; but remain.s
almost in a state of nature, having
been little improved by the Spani-
ards. .As in the other Spanish pos-
sessions, the largest and best part of
the town is octnpied by monasteries
and convents. The town in general
was much injured, in 1762, by the
natives, who joined the British
forces. The houses of the native
Indians are made of bamboos, co-
vered Avith leaves, and extremely
combustible. They are raised on
AA'ooden pillars, eight or 10 feet from
the ground, and are ascended to by
a ladder, which is pulled up at
night. On account of the frequency
of earthquakes, many of the Spanish
houses are built in the same manner
and of similar matcrial.s.
In 1785 the city of Manilla, Avitii
its suburbs, Avas supposed to contain
a population of 38,000 souls, among
whom not more than 1000 or 1200
European Spaniards were reckoned
— the rest being mulatoes, Chinese,
and Tagalas, who cultivate the
eartli, and carry on the arts of in-
dustry. Notwithstanding the dis-
like the Spaniards have ahvavs
shewn to allowing the Chinese to
colonize, and their repeated expul-
sion, in 1800 there were from 15 to
20,000 of that industrious nation
.settled on the Island of Luzon, and
engaged in commerce and agricul-
ture. A Chinese captain is appointed
by the government, avIio is respon-
sible for their conduct, and through
Avhom applications lor permission to
reside nnist be made. Tlie inter-
course Avith the Chinese port of
Amoy, and Avith the north-eastern
ports of China, employs .seven or
eight junks, which bring over Avith
them from three to 500 ncAV adven-
turers annually, Avho Avork their
passage, and import each a small
package of goods; and, in these
junks, numbers of Chinese annually
return. With some diflerence in
point of time, vessels are able to
pass betAA ecu Manilla and China at
all seasons of the year.
556
MANILLA.
All llie necessaries of life are to be
licre mot with in ^cat abiindaiice ;
but the cloths, manufactures, an(l
furniture of Europe and India, are
extremely dear, on account of the
restraints and proliibitions to which
commerce is subjected. The horses
are indiflerent, but cheap : two of
the best may be purchased for 30
piastres ; in consequence of which
the poorest of the Spanish families
have one or more carriaj^es. The
environs of Manilla, ailhouijh little
cultivated, have a pleasing appear-
ance, A river tlows past it, branch-
ing into dilierent channels, the prin-
cipal of which lead to the famous
Lagoon or Lake of Bahia, which is
surrounded by numerous Indian vil-
lages. The food of the natives is
rice, wliicli they eat with salt fish
and hot peppers.
In 1785 the gannson of Manilla
consisted of two battalions, forming
1300 effective men, mostly Mexican
inulatocs. Besides these there were
two companies of militia, 150 horse,
and also a battalion of militia, raised
and paid by a rich Chinese of half
blood, named Tu-assou, who was
afterwards ennobled. All the sol-
diers of this corps were Chinese of
half blood, and would have furnished
but a very feeble aid in lime of need.
On urgent occasion, a numerous na-
tive militia might also be raised, and
oiTicered by crcoles or iMiropeans,
There is a small eoi-ps of 150 men
maintained, to supply the garrisons
f>f the Ladrone Isles and of Ma-
gindauao.
From its advantageous position
■with respect to India, China, and
America, Manilla ought to be a city
of the first commercial importance;
but, under the government of the
Spaniards, its trade has never been
encouraged ; or rather, until reccutly,
was altogether repressed. Formerly,
the entry of foreign European ves-
sels was either altogether prohibited,
or burthened with such heavy duties
as were equivalent to a prohibition.
Chinese, and vessels belonging to
the natives, were then alone admit-
ted, and exported the dollars re-
ceived by the galleons from Mexico.
The chief articles of export from
Manilla are cordage, resinous sub-
stances, pilch and tar, cloths, rushes,
rattans, indigo of an excellent qual-
ity, rice, and cotton ; which last, if
suflicienlly cultivated, might prove a
valuable article of exportation to
China. 'J"he sugar-cane thrives well,
but little is mar.nfactured, and the
woods abound with a species of
bastard cinnamon. The tobacco i,j
good, and makes excellent cigars,
Avhieh are smoked all day by the
INIanilla ladies. The cocoa of the
island is considered superior to that
of America; and the tree is much
cultivated, on account of the quan-
tity consumed by the Sjianiards.
Neither tobacco nor cocoa were indi-
genous to the Philippines, having
been introduced by the Spaniards.
'V\'ax n)ay be collected in consider-
able quantities; and gold is filtered
from the rivulets by the Indians,
who are sometimes able to procure
daily to the value of fifteen-pence
each. Native iron is found in mass-
es, and there arc considerable quar-
ries of marble, from Avhence it is
procured to decorate the churches.
In 1810-11, the imports to Bengal
from ^Manilla amounted to 2,969,942
sicca rupees, and consisted princi-
pally of copper, indigo, and cochi-
neal, with a large proportion of trea-
sure : the ex|)orts from Bengal to
Manilla were only 1,270,542 rupees,
the market having been glutted with
Bengal goods.in 1808-9.
Prior to the Spanish invasion, INIa-
nilla existed as an Indian town. In
1571, Miguel Lopez de Lcgaspi,
the Spanish connnaudcr in the Phi-
lippines, sailed in person to the
Island of Ijuzon ; and, entering the
river with his squ;;dron, on the 19tlx
of May, took possession of Manilla,
which he constituted the capital of
the Spanish possessions in the Phi-
lippines. For further details see the
article Philippines. {Sonnerat, Zu-
niga, La Peyronse, Parliamentarif
Reports, Ac.)
MANSAimOR.
357
Manipa Isle. — A small island,
about 20 inilos in cirtnnitcrt'iico,
situated o(V tlic wcsU'in end of Cc-
raui. I.af. 3°. 21'. N. Long;. 12/°.
•51'. E. Viewed lioni the sea it has
a mouiitHinous appearance ; but it
is well cullivated and inhabited.
{Forrest, iSe.)
JNIancap Isle, {Pulo). — A very
small island, situated at the extre-
mity of a sand bank, which extends
about .six leagues lioni tii<! S. A\ . ex-
tremity of Borneo. Jvat. 3°. S. liona:.
102**. 67'. K. The tides between this
place and Suratoo are very stronji;,
and it should not be approached too
near by ships, on account of the
inciitnlarity of the soundiuf^s.
Mankiam Isle. — A small island,
abotit 30 miles in circumference, si-
tuateil oil" the west coast of Gilolo.
Lat. 0°. 20'. N. Lon-. 127°. 30'. E.
iMANJEE. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Sarun, situated
at the confluence of the CJanoes and
(io};!;ra, 42 miles W. N. W. from
Pattia. Lat. 25°. 49'. N. Lonj;. 84°.
35'. E. There is a custom-house
established licre,where boats, ascend-
ing or descending: these two rivers,
underf-o an examination.
Near to ^lanjee is a remarkable
banyan, or burr tree, of which the
following are the dimensions: dia-
meter, I'rom 363 to 375 feet ; circnm-
terenee of the shadow at noon, 1116
Icet; circumtcrence of the several
stems, 50 or 60 in number, 921 feet.
Formerly umlor this tree sat a naked
fakeer. who had occnj)icd that sta-
tion 25 ycius ; but he diil not con-
tinue there the whole year through ;
for his vow obliged him to lie, during
the four cold months, np to the neck
in the Hiver Ganges.
Manowly. — A tow n in the Malia-
latla territories, in the |)rovitice of
Bejapoor, 22 miles N. E. from the
fortress of Darwar. Lat. 15°. 5b'.
N. Long. 75°. 10'. E.
This place originally belonged to
Neel Kkunt Bow Sindia and his an-
cestors, which family was dispos-
sessed, abont 35 years ago, by the
Colapoor llajah. who was soou af-
terwards expelled by the Peshvva ;
Pur.^eram Bhow thenHield the coun-
try until the decline of his power,
when it again fell into the hands of
the Colajjoor Bajah. Some time
afterwards, Doondeah M augh's (the
freebooters) partisans obtai'ifsl pos-
session of it, but it was taken froni
them by Cenei-al Welleslcy, who
gave it to Appah Saheb (Purserara
Bhow's oldest son), ^\'ith him it
oidy remained a year, when Apjiali
Dessiiye came with some troops of
Dowlet Row Sindia's, and turned
him out ; since which time it lias
been lu;ld by Appah Dessavc, tri-
butary to the Peshwa. {MSS. ^-c.)
Maxsahuor, (or Chue Mapuah
liAKE). — In the mythological poems
of the Hindoos, mention is frequent-
ly made of two lakes, situated among
the Himalaya INlountains, nannxl
the Mana Sarovara, and tlie "\ indii
Sarovara, from which issue several
of their sacred rivci-s. According
to Prawn Poory, a travelling de-
votee,thc MansahrorLake is situated
on an elevated plain, covered with
long grass, to the north of which is
a conical hill, dedicated to Maha-
dcva. During the rains the lake is
said to overflow, and several streams
rush down from the hills ; but they
soon dry up, the sacred one not cx-
cejjted. 'l'h<! lake he described as
forming an inegular oval, approach-
ing to a circle — pilgrims being five
days in going round the lake, which,
from its form, a])pears to resemble
the crater of a volt;ano. The place
of woVshij), or gombah, is to the
south, consisting of a few^ huts,
with inregular steps down to the
lake, from wiiich the Ganges issues
with a small .stream, which, in the
dry season, is not more than six
inches deep. According to the di-
vines of Tibet, lour sacred rivers
issue from the ManasaRtva Lake,
viz, the Brahmapootra, the Ganges,
the Indus, and the Sita.
Notwithstanding these testimo-
nies, the existence of iliis lake at
all is extremely doubtful; and it is
knowuior certain, that the Ganges
558
MARAWAS.
does not proceed from it. Hindoo
itinerant devotees have, in general,
a great faculty at finding what tliey
wish or expect; and, with the as-
sistance of their imagination, easily
reconcile difficnlties. This part of
Asia has not yet been visited by
European travellers ; but it is cer-
tainly extremely desirable to ascer-
tain whether any lake exists within
the great Himalaya ridge, and whe-
ther any river issues from it, as is
generally affirmed: and lastly, whe-
ther that river be the Sarjew or Ala-
canandes, there being Hindoo au-
thorities for both. In the best Eu-
ropean maps this lake is placed be-
tween the 33d and 34th degrees of
north latitude, with a circumference
of about 60 miles. {C'olebrooke, Wil-
ford, Sfc.)
Manwas, (Manavasa). — A small
district in the province of Gundwana,
situated about the 24th degree of
north latitude, and still possessed by
independent native chiefs. Like the
greater part of the province, it con-
tinues in a very barren and unculti-
vated state, with a thin population
of wild inhabitants scattered over a
great tract of country.
Manwas. — A town in the province
of Gundw ana, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name, and situated
95 miles S. W. by S. fiom Be-
nares. Lat. 24°. 13'". N. Long. 82°.
5'. E.
Mansir, {Manasara). — A Aillage
in the Seik territories, in the province
of Lahore, 75 miles N. E. i\v N. from
the city ol" Lahore. Lat. 32°. 50. N.
Long. 74°. 20'. K. This place con-
sists of a few houses standing on
the margin of a beautiful sheet of
water, abundantly supplied with
lish ; but, being held a sacred or
royal property, they live unmolested.
{Foitei; ^c.)
Manzora, (Mamitra, victorious).
— A river in the Drccan, which rises
in the province of Berder ; and, after
a short but winding course, falls into
tlie Godavery.
Maratuha Isles. — A cluster of
islands, six in number, lying olf the
east coast of Borneo. Lat, 2°. 15'.
N. Long. 118°. 35'. E. The largest
has some wells of fresh water made
by the Sooloos, who come there to
collect biche de mar, or sea slug.
Marawas, (Maravasa). — A dis-
trict in the Southern Carnatic, situ-
ated principally between the ninth
and 10th degrees of north latitude.
To the north it has Tanjore and the
Polygar territory ; to the south Tin-
nevelly ; to the west it is bounded by
Madura ; and on the east by the sea.
In length it may be estimated at 80
miles, by 30 the average breadth.
This district possesses consider-
able advantages from its maritime
situation, tiom the progressive in-
crease of its external commerce, and
tijc permanent estajjlishment of a
large public investment of cloth,
which employs its manufacturers,
and maintains a considerable circu-
lating capital. The southern divi-
sion is remarkably well supplied with
w ater iiom streams and fiom tanks,
wliere it is kept above the level of
the country. While one body of the
peasantry are employed in letting
out the water from the tanks, others
are ploughing with oxen ancle deep
in the mud, and a third set raising
mounds round the small divisions of
laud, to preserve a suflicient depth
of water on the surface. Near the
sea-coast, in general, the country is
extremely well cultivated, and is
uniformly flat, and adapted for irri-
gation.
Lilce the rest of the Southern Car-
nality this district exhil)its many re-
uiitins of ancient Hindoo religious
magnificence, consisting of temples
built with large massive stones. At
small distances on the public roads
are choultries and pagodas, in the
front of which are gigantic figures
of richly ornamented horses, formed
of bricks covered over with chunam,
and shaded by fruit and lolty ban-
yan trees. The principal towns are
Ramnad, Shevagunga, Armacotta,
and Tripaloor,
At a jcmote period of Hindoo an-
titpiity, tJiis district formed a part of
(
MASULIPATAM.
559
the great Pandean onn>irc ; Init, in
modern limes, came into the pos-
session of tlie rajahs ot" Shevas;nn<;a
and Ranniad; the first of whom was
called the Great iVlarawa, and the
second the Little Marawa, both tri-
bntary to the Nabob of the Carnalie,
and occasionally letiactory. The
Company collected the tribnte of
tlie two Marawas from the year 1792;
and, in 1801, by treaty with the Na-
bob of Arcot, obtained the complete
sovereijynty. Tlie district is now
comprehended in the eoliectorship
of Dindigul. {Lord Valcntia, bth
Report, Fullartou, Mackenzie, ^c.
Marf.lla. — A town in tlic North-
ern Carnatic, district of ( )ngole, G6
miles N. by W. from Nelloor. Lat.
15°. 16'. N. Long,-. 7i^°. 35'. E.
Maroeesherah. — A town in the
Mysore Rajah's territories, 110 miles
N. N. E. from Sering:a|)a1am. Lat.
13°. 55'. N. Lon<?. 77°. 23'. E.
jMaronda. — A small town in the
Rajpoot territories, in the province
of Ajmeer, 20 miles N. E. from the
town of Ajmeer. Lat. 26°. 43'. N.
Long. 75°. 7'. E.
Maroots, (or Maruts). — See
Borneo.
Maros. — ^A Dntch settlement in
tlie Island of Celebes, the chief of
those to the north of Macassar, or
Fort Rotterdam. Lat. 4°. 51'. S.
Long. 119°. 35'. E. In 1775 the
number of neegrees, or townships,
over which the Dntch Company's
influence, and the authority of their
resident extended, was 370, the
s^reatest part of the inhabitants were
Buggesses, and very indushious in
agriculture. These people have their
own chiefs, who are appointed by
the King of Boni ; but they were
liable lo the Dutch for a tax, which
consisted of the lOth ])artof the rice
harvest. {Stavorinus, Se.)
Martakan, {Mandema). — A dis-
trict in the Eirman em|»ire, situated
principally between the 15th and
17th degrees of north latitude. Ves-
sels bound from the Straits of Ma-
lacca, Prince of Wales island, and
otlier eastern parts, frequently get
entangled in the Bay of Martaban
among the shoals, w hence a retreat
is very dillicult, as the tides (low
wilh such strength, and How so high,
as to render anchors nearly useless.
{Symcs, !!ifc.)
xMartaban. — A sea-port town iii
the Birnian empire, the capital of a
district of the same name. Lat. 16°.
30'. N. Long. 97°. 30'. E. This was
once a place of considerable size
and commerce, but snliered during
Ihe wars of the Birmans with the
Pegners and Siamese. I'ish maws
and shark fins arc procured here tor
the China market.
Marwar, {Marvnr). — A large di-
vision of the Ajmeer province, situ-
ated priin:i|)allY between the 26th
and 281h degrees of north latitude,
but, in modern times, better known
as the Rajah of Joiidpoor's tenitu-
rics. In former times, l!ie term JMar-
war, as including the town and
tbrtresss of Ajmeer, became almost
synonimous with that of the pro-
A incc. By Abul Fazel, in 1582, it
is described as follows:
" Marwar is in length 100 coss,
and in Ineadth 60 coss. Sircar Aj-
meer, Jondepoor, Sarowy, Nagore,
and Beykaneerarc dependent on it.
'J"h<! Rhatore tribe have inhabited
this division for ages. Here are
many forts, of wl;ich the folloMing
are the most famous, \iz. Ajmeer,
.1 ondepoor, Bicanere, J elmeer, A m er-
kote, and Jyenagur."
M asulipatam, {Maiisuhpatan). —
A sea-port 1o«n in the Northern
Cin-ars, district of Candapilly. Lat.
16°. 5'. N. Lr,ng.8l° 11'. E.
Tlie fort of Jlasulipatani is an ob-
long sqnare figure, 800 yards by 600,
situated in the midst of a salt mo-
rass, close to an inlet or canal, which,
opening a communication with the
sea and the krisiina, enlarges the
means of defence without exposing
the works to an immediate naval at-
tack, as no ships can come within
reach of cannon-shot, nor any a[i-
proaches be made on the land side,
except between the north and east.
o60
MASULIPATAM.
points of tlio compass. The pctfah,
or town of JMasnIipatam, is situated
a mile and a hall to tlie nortli-wcst
of the fort, on a plot of f^roiind
risin<^ above the fort; across Mliich
the commiuiication between this
j^ronnd and tlie fort is by a straip;ht
canseway 2000 yards in length. 'J"hc
town is very extensive, and its site
en the further side is bounded by
another morass — both of which are
miry, even in the driest season.
The shore at Masniipatam is still,
and it is the only port from Cape
Coniorin on m Inch the sea does not
beat with a strong: surf, and capable
of reccivinj? vessels of ,300 tons bur-
then. It early became a port of
commerci;'.! resort, and still carries
on an extensive foreip;n commerce ;
but, notw ithstanding the fedility of
the adjacent country, watered by
immerous small rivers and channels
from the Krishna and Godavery,
Iar2:e quantities of rice are annually
imj-orted for the consumption of the
inhabitants. Masniipatam has long
been famous for chintzes, but, al-
though much cheaper, they are nei-
ther so handsome, nor of so good a
quality, as the European chintzes.
The former is an article of very ge-
neral wear all over Persia, and there
is a considerable trade canied on be-
tween that port and the Gulf of
Persia.
The trade of Masulipatam ex-
lends very little beyond the ports of
Calcutta and 13ussorah, in the Per-
sian Gulf, and with those places it
is principally confined to the article
of piece goods ; to the latter the ex-
port of cloth is very considerable.
From Calcutta i.re injportcd rice,
raw silk, shawls, rum, and sugar;
and between this place and the
Maldives Islands chintz goods and
snufl', to a small extent, have been
exchanged for cocoa nuts.
The Jotal value of imports, from
the 1st of May, 1811, to the 30th of
April, 1812, 418,235 rupees; of
wliich 306,809 w as from places be-
yond the territories of the Madras
government, viz.
3
FromBalasore - - - - 17,325
Calcutta - - - - 244,001
Maldives Islands - 14,536
Various places - - 30,948
Arcot rupees 306,809
The total value of the exports,
from the 1st of May, 1811, to the
30th of April, 1812," was 2,136,298
rupees; of which 1,347,733 rupees
was to places beyond the territories
of the Madras government, viz.
To Calcutta 24,165
Chittagong - - - - 2,196
Bussorah - - - -1,299,747
Maldives Isles - - - 7,368
Various places - - 14,257
Arcot nipecs 1,347,733
In the course of the above period
755 vessels and craft, measuring
31,277 tons, arrived; and 727 ves-
sels and craft, measuring 31,048
tons, departed.
Masidipatam was conquered by
the Bhamencc sovereigns of the
Deecan so early as A. D. 1480. In
1669 the Trench established a fac-
tory here; and, in 1751, received
possession of the town and fort,
w hen they modernized the defences,
and improved it very much. It w as
taken liom tliem hy stoun on the
night of the 7th April, 1759, by the
British troops uiider the command
of Colonel Fordi ; the garrison which
sunendered amounted to 500 Euro-
peans, and 2537 sepoys and topasses,
bciiig considerably more numerous
than the a.ssailants. After this event
the town and adjoining district w ere
ceded to the British, Avith whom
they have reniained ever since, and
now form one of the live collector-
ships into which the >Jorthcrn Cir-
cars were subdivided, on the intro-
duction of the Bengal revenue and
judicial system in 1803.
'I'ravelling distance from Calcutta,
764 miles ; from Delhi, 1084 ; from
Madras, 292; and from Hyderabad,
203 miles. {Orme^ J. Grant, Re-
:\IATHURA .
561
ffoyfs, Malcolm, White, Ferishta,
Jiennel, >.Sr.)
Masbatf. Isle. — One of the Plii-
lippiiu's, lyiiijf due south of tlie laroo
Island of Luzon, or Lucouia, and
on the route of tlu; (jallcon from
Acajjulro to Mauilla. In length it
m.iy be estimated at (jO miles, by 17
the average breadth,
Mascal IsLK. — An island separat-
ed from tlie district of Chitta<?ong in
Bengal \>y a narrow strait, and si-
tuated between the 21st and 2'2d
degrees of north latitude. In length
it may be estimated at 15 miles, by
10 tlie average breadth. It is com-
prehended in the jurisdiction of the
Chittagong magistrate, but is thinly
inhabited, and indillereutly cultivat-
ed. Small oysters of an excellent
flavour are procured here, and occa-
sionally sea turtle.
Mash a n ag ur, {Mahesa-nagar). —
on the spot. In Iho fort are .still to
be seen the remains of an astrono-
mical obs<'rvatory, built by Kajaii
Jeysiugh of Jeynagur on the banks
of the Juuma.
INlathma continued subject to tho
Mogul government until its dissolu-
tion, after which it experienced many
misfortunes, particularly in 1750',
when Ahmed Shah Abdalii inflicted
a general massacre on the inhabit-
ants. Towards the conclusion of
the 18tli century, with the rest of
the Agra province, it came into the
possession of the Maharatta Sindia
family, m ho confided it to their com-
mander-in-chief. General Perron, as
part of his jaghire for the support of
his forces. This oIKcer made it his
head (juarters, strengthened the de-
fences, and established here his prin-
cipal cannon foundery ; it was, how-
ever, taken possession of without re-
An Afghan town in the province of sistance by the British in September,
Cabiil, situated on the east side of
the small river Sewal, about 30
miles west from the Indus. Lat.
33°. 47'. N. Long. 71°. 6'. E.
IMaswev.— A town in the Nabob
of Oude's territories, district of
Lncknow, 16 miles N. N. IC. from
the citv of Lncknow. Lat. 27°. 4'.
N. Long. 80°. 40'. E.
MArwi'KA. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, situated on the east
side of the Jumna, 30 miles N. E.
by N. from the city of Agra. Lat.
27°. 32'. N. Long. 77°. 37'. J-:.
I'his i)lace is nuich celebrated and
venerated by the Hindoos, as tiie
.scene of the birth and early adven-
tures of their favourite deity KrisJi-
na; and in the Maiidnnnedan in-
vasion became one of the first ob-
jects of their attention, having been
taken and destroyed by MaluMood
of Gliizui .so early as A.D. 1018. It
was sub.se(iuently rebuilt, and orna-
mented with several rich temples,
the most magnilieent of whi<h was
erected by Bheer Singh Deo, the
Hajah of Oorcha, and cost .'JG lacks
of rupees. This edifice was after-
wards razed by Aurengzebe, who
erected a mosque \vith the muteriais
2 o
1803, and 'has remained with them
ever sijice.
INIathiu-a and Bindrabnnd, in the
vicinity, still continue the resort of
Hindoo votaries ; but tliey exhibit
no remains of architectural magnifi-
cence similar to that exhibited in the
temples of the Carnatic. There ar«
a multitude of sacred monkies of a
large sort fed here, and supported
by a stipend bestowed by Madhajce
Sindia. One of them was lame fiom
an accidental hurt ; and, in conse-
quence of this resemblance to his
patron, who was lame also from a
wound received at the battle of Pa-
niput, was treated with additional
respect. In 1808 two young ca\alry
officers inadvertently shot at them,
and were immediately attackctl by
the priests and devotees, and com-
pelled to attempt to cross the Jumna
on their elephant, in which endea-
vour they both perished. The fish
in the Kiver Jumna, which winds
along the borders of JMathura, are
c(iually protected by the Hindoo
faith, and are frequently seen to rise
to the surface as if expecting to be
fed. {Scott, Turner, Hunter, Ki/d,
Sfc. Sc)
562
MEANY.
Matura. — A. small fort and vil-
lage near the southern extrcmitv of
Ceylon. Lat. 5°. 52'. N. Long. 8U°.
35'. E. The country roinid this place
abounds with elephants, and it is
here they are principally caught for
exportation, — a general hunt taking
place, by order of goverinnent, every
three or four years. In 1797, at one
hunt, 176 elephants were taken, a
number never exceeded at any one
time.
iMatura lies nearly at the south-
ernmost extremify of Ceylon, and,
owing to the nature of the country
to the eastward, there is no other
European settlement nearer than
Batacolo, at the distance of 60 miles.
The country which lies between these
two places presents the wildest ap-
pearance ; on which account those
who are oljliged to go on business
from Columbo to Batacolo prefer
going by sea; or, if tlu' season be
unfavourable, they ratlier take the
circuitous route by the west and
nortii-west coast of the island. The
savage Eedahs are found in the
woods in this neighbourhood. {Per-
cwal, Vc.)
JMatwar. — A district in the Mah-
aratta territories, in the province of
Kiiandesh, and situated between the
21st and 22d degrees of north lati-
tude. The pi incipal river is the Tup-
tee, which bounds it in the south
west; and the chief towns arc Sul-
tanpoor and Akrauny.
Mawbf.llypoor, {Mahnhnltpura).
— A small town in the provisice of
Bahar, tlistrict of Bahar, situated on
the east side of the Soane River, 35
miles S. W. from Patna. Lat. 25°.
20'. N. Long. 84°- 50'. E. Accord-
ing to tradition, this was once a
country seat of Maha Bali's, round
which a town was formed. {Wil-
ford, tVf.)
Mazagong , {Mahesa-gmnta). — A
Portuguese village on the Island of
liombay, where there is a good dock
for small ships, and two tolerably
handsome Roman Catholic churches.
The mangoes aie so famous for their
excellence, that they were formerly
sent to Delhi, during the reign of
Shah Jelian.
Mbahgung k, ( Mmhganj ). — A
town in the Nabob of Oude's do-
minions, built by the late Almass
Ali Khan, and formeily the capital
of his district. The outer wall is of
mud, and encloses several large
clumps of mangoe trees and spots
of cultivated ground. The inner
wall is of brick, notvei-y high, with
towers of the same at small dis-
tances, and holes in the parapet for
musketi-y. During the hfe of Al-
mass it was in a flourishing con-
dition, but now partakes of the ge-
neral decay. That chief kept here
his park of artillery, which consisted
of 40 pieces ; some of large calibre,
with ammunition-waggons, and bul-
locks in proportion. The scite of
the town is a flat, but it has a small
lake on two sides of it, which serves
for a ditch. When Saadet Ali, the
present Nabob of Oude, succeeded
to the throne, and first visited Al-
mass Ali Khan at this place, he re-
ceived, as a nuzzer (ofiering), a lack,
of rupees, piled up as a seat for his
highness, w hich he did not omit to
carry with him. (Lord Valentia. ^c.)
Meanree, — A fishing village in
the province of Sinde, district of
Tatta, situated about four miles east
from the town of Tatta. Lat. 24°.
44'. N.
Opposite to this place the Indus
is about a mile wide, and has three
fathoms water. Three miles east of
this place is another village, where
the Indus is about a mile and a quar-
ter broad, and continues so for about
two miles ; after which it becomes
narrower,not exceeding tluee-fourths
of a mile wide, with four or five fa-
thoms water.
Meangis Isles. — A cluster of
small islands in the Eastern Seas,
situated about the 5th degree of
north latitude, and the 127th of east
longitude. The inha!)ilants of Na-
nusa, one of the largest, are chiefly
employed in boat-building. (jPor-
rest, yc.)
Meany, (Miani). — A town in the
IMEGO.
province of Lahore, 128 miles W.
N. W. from tbe city of Lahoir. Lat.
32°. 10'. N. Loiiu:. 72°. 15'. E.
IMeduck, {Madhuvn). — A district
in the Nizam's doniinii>iis, in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, situated ai>oiit
tlie ISth degree of nortli latitude.
'J'he prineipal towns are Mednck and
Satanagur, and tlie ciiicf river tlie
jManzora.
jM educk. — A to\Mi in the pro\ ince
of Ifulerabad, in the Nizam's domi-
nions, 50 miles N. N. ^^ . liom th<'
city of H-,d(Madad. Lat. 17°. 5o'.
N. Long-; 76°. 20'. E.
IVlEEGHEOUNCi-v.AY. (or Cvocodilc
ToHu). — A town in the IJirnian em-
pire, situated on the cast side of the
Irawaddy. Lat, 19^. 53'. N. Long.
94°. .50'. E. This is a ])lace of con-
siderable trade, from Aviiieh rice, gar-
lic, onions, and oil, are exported.
The farms are neat — each of iliem
containing fom- or live cottages, bet-
ter built than houses in the towns
usually are, and fenced round to re-
ceive the cattle, of which there is
great abundance. The fields are di-
vided by thorn liedges, the low
grounds prcjtared for rice, and the
high planted with leguminous plants,
or ielt i'or pasture. {Si/mes, ^c.)
IVIeexas. — See J.ajghl'r.
Meek AT, {Men-ta). — A town in
tlie i>rovince of Ajnietr, district of
Joudpoor, .36 miles west from the
city of Ajmeer. Lat. 20°. 35'. N.
Long. 7-t°! 14'. E. This place be-
longs to the Jondpoor Kajali, and is
the boundary between his teriitories
imd those of Dow let Row Siudia in
tJiis province.
Meercaserai. — A small town in
t!ie province of Bengal, district of
Cliittagong, 35 miles \. by W. f;om
tlie town of Ishunabad. ' Lat. 22°.
4b'. X. Long. 91°. .'JO', v..
AIfercoot, (Mucuta, tite Aimer's
Cliff').— A small Afghan town in the
j)iovince of C'abnl, .05 iniies west
froniChizni, Lat.3;3°.31'. \. Long.
G7°. 30'. J'l. The eiimale here is so
cold, that sometimes so early as the
end of September water freezes so-
lidly when exposed iu a copper ves-
2 o 2
563
{Fos-
sel suspended fi'om a camel.
ter, i^c.)
Meerjaow, (Mldijaif). — A town
in the province of (,'anara, 80 miles
S. S. E. trom Coa. Lat. 14°. 27'. N.
Long. 74°. 36'. E. The |)roper name
of this place is iVlidijay, but coiTUpt-
cd in the pronnneiation bythejVla-
honuuedans. Meerjaow suffered
unich in a siege by Uyder, and still
remains in a ruinous condition. Ou
the south side of tlie Ri\er Tari-
hilay is a small town named Hegada,
where the river, seven miles from the
sea, in the mouth of February, is 700
yards across. The forests, about six
miles to the east of IMeerjaow, spou-
taneonsly produce black pepper.
They contain few teak trees, but
cassia and wild nutmegs are com-
mon. As the latter ripen, the nion-
kies eat the outer rind.
Dr. Robertson thinks this is the
INInsiris of the ancients; liom whence
they exported a variety of silk stuffs,
rich perfumes, tortoise-shell, difl'er-
cnt kinds of transparent gems, espe-
cially diamonds, and large quanlilies
of pepper. Except the latter, none
of the articles above enumerated are
at jiicsent produced in the counti-y
aeljaccnt to ]\leeijaow. {F. Bucha-
na.i. Dr. Robertson, ^-c.)
Mego, or ]*UL0 Mego Isle. — A
very small island, situated off the
western coast of Sumatra. Lat. 4".
S. Long. 101°. 5'. L.
'J'his island is called Pulo Mc<iO
(orCloud Island) by the ^lalays, and
Triste, or Isle do Keeif, by tli<' En-
ropeaiis. It is sniall and uninhabit-
ed, and, li.ke many otiiers in these
seas, is nearly surrounded by a coral
reef, with a lagnne in ihe centre,
(^n the borders of the lagnne there is
a little vegetable mould just aijove
til" level of the s( a, where grow some
species of tiinlier Irce.i.
All the smaii low islands which
lie off the western coast of Sumatra
aie skirted near tlic sea bernh so
thickly wilh cocoa nut trees, that
their inaiiches touch each olher;
v\hilst the interior parts, though not
ou a higher level, are entirely iiee
564
MEIIWAS.
tVom tliem. "VMicn uninliabiled, as
is the case with Pulo Mego,the inits
become a prey to the rats and squir-
rels, unless when occasionally dis-
turbed i(y the crews of vessels which
go thither to collect cargoes lor (he
market on the inainhuid. {3lars-
den, S)-c.)
Megna River. — This river is
formed by the junction oi' mumroiis
streams issuing from the mountains
which form the norlheru boundary
of tlie district of Sylhet in Bengal ;
but its course is short, and its bulk
small, until its contlucncc with the
Brahmapootra, about Lat. 24°. lO'.
N. after which it absorbs the name
of the latter, and communicates its
own. liighteen miles S. E. from
Dacca it is joined by the Issannitty,
bringing the collected waters of the
Dullasery, Boorigunga (old Ganges),
Luckia, and many smaller rivei s, the
aggiegate forming an expanse of
water resembling an inland sea.
From hence the course of the Megna
is S. Si. E, until i1 approaches the sea,
wlien its volume is augmented by
tlie great Ganges, and they conjoint-
ly roll their muddy tide ijito the Bay
of Bengal. Many islands are formed
ftom the sediment deposited by this
vast body of water, amongst which
number are Dukkiushabazpoor (30
miles by 12), Hattia, Siuidcep, and
Bamony.
The sand and mud banks extend
30 miles beyond these islands, and
rise in many places w ithin a few feet
of the surface. Some future genera-
tiou will probably see these banks
rise above water, and snccecding
ones possess and cultivate them ; but
whil(! the river is forming new islands
at its mouth, it is sweeping away
and altering old ones in the upper
part of its course. In the cliami(;ls
between the islands, the height of
the bore (the perpendicular inllux of
the tide) is said to exceed 12 feel.
After the tide is fairly past the islands
the bore is but little seen, except in
some narrow channels formed by
sand banks, the breadtii of the main
.stream adniittinj;- the inOux of t!i«
tide witliout any lateral impiestsiorf..
(llemiel, Vc.)
M EUiNDRY, {3Tahendri), — Tliis ri-
ver issues from a small lake in the
province of Gujrat, n(;ar the town of
Dungerpoor, and after passing the
city of Ahmedabad I'alls into the
Gulfof Cambay, having performed a
winding course of al)out 190 miles.
IMehiawun. — A town in the jho-
vince of Allahabad, district of Ko-
rah, 55 iniles S. W. from Lucknow.
Lat. 2G°. 18'. N. Long. 80°. 20'. E.
Mehwas. — The term Mehwas^
ought only to be a])plied to that part
of the pro\ince of Gujrat named tho
Kakreze ; but of late years Theraud
and both the Neyers liave been in-
cluded in the denomination, owing
to the disorderly stale el' society.
The word Mehwas literally signifies,
the residence of thieves ; but it is
now used to designate a country
through which it is dillicnlt to pass,
from whatever cause. The villages
in this country greatly resemble each
other, 'i'here are a lew tiled houses^
but the majority are in the shape of
a bee-hive thatched, and exhibits a
miserable appearance both within
and without. Besides the family, it
usually atlbrds sh^ilter tor a horse ami:
a couple of bullocks or cows.
In this turbulent region any chief
who can muster 20 horsemen claims'
and extorts a tribute from villages
belonging to a power on which he
acknowledges himself to be depend-
ent, and to which lie pays tribute-
Theraud levies contributions from
tire villages in the Sanjorc <listrict of
Joudi)oor, from \V(iw, and from
many villages in Kahdunpoor. Mer-
chants travelling in the Mehwas pay
stated sums of money to particular
Coolees, who ensure their safety as
fiir as a certain place, but beyond
these limits pillage immediately. Ja-
niajee of Th<;rah, about 45 years ago,
resolved to build small foriified })ost»
to check the Mehwas, but it appears
without the desired success.
The Piai[)oots of this part of Gujrat
have nearly become Mahommedans,
they have adopted so many customs
MENANCABOW.
565
peculiar to sroiariaiis of that failli.
Thriratlciidants arocliielly Malioni-
ineilaiis, and, like tlu; Jliarvahs of
Cutcl), tli( V have no scruple in eat-
inj; what lias been cooked l)y a ]Ma-
honiincdan, or even of eating with
liini. {31(U'mnrdo, St.)
AFi:HKoon. — A mountainous dis-
Irict in the temtorics oftiie Nagi)Oor
Kajah, in the proxince of Bcrar, si-
tuated about the 2h\ dcu;ree of north
latitude. By Abul I'azcl, iu 1582,
it is desenl)ed as follows:
" Mchkoor is a populous country,
situated between tw o of tlic south-
ern rauf^e of mountains of this sou-
l)ah, one of which is called IJundeh
(Vindhya), and on the toj) of it arc
the foUowhia; forts, viz. Kaweel, Ner-
liallah, Areelc>ur, Beroosha, Meha-
V ee, and Ramji^hur."
Melah. — A town in the Rajpoot
territories, in the ])rovince of Ajmeer,
48 miles S. S. E. from Joudjioor.
Lat. 25°. 49'. N. Long. 73°. 33'. ll.
Melkai'oou. — A town in the Ni-
zam's territories, in the province of
Berar, 28 miles S. E. from Boorhan-
poor. Lat. 21°. 4'. N. Long. 76°.
3*.'. E.
Menancabow, {Meimncahan).
Tills state, or empire, as it is usuail}'
called, is situated in the Island of
Sumatra, under the equinoctial line,
beyond the western range of high
mountains, and nearly iu the centre
of the island. In ancient times its
junsdictiou is understood to have
comprehended the whole of Sumatra;
in more modern times its limits w ere
included between the river of Falem-
bangand that of Siak on ihe eastern
.side of the island; and. on the west-
ern side, belwecn tlivise of Manjuta
(near Indrapur) and Singkel, where
it borders on the independent coun-
try of the Battas.
The pr<!sent seat, or more proper-
ly seats, of this divided government
lie at Ihe back of a mountainous dis-
trict nanied Tiga-blas-koto (.signify-
ing the 13 fortificid and confederated
towns), iidand from the settlement
of Padang. Tise country is described
as a lajge plain, smrouadcd by hills,
producing mucli gold, clear of wood,
and conii)ar;itively well cultivated.
Altliough nearer to the western
coast, its eonmiunication with the
eastern side is much facilitated by
water carriage, which consists of a
large lake, said to be 30 miles in
length, from which a river flows east-
ward, which afterwards takes the
name of Indragiri. Along this, as
well as the other two great rivers of
Siak to the northward, and Jambee
to the southward, the navigatioH is
frequent, the banks being well peo-
pled with Malay colonics.
^^ hen Sumatra was first visited
by European navigators, this .state
must have been in its decline, as ap-
pears from the political importance
at that period of the kings of Achin,
Pcdir, and Passey, who still acknow-
ledged the I'jnperor of Menancabow
Jis their lord paramount.
In conse<juencc of disfurbancies
which ensued upon the death of Sul-
tan Alif in 1780, without direct heirs,
the government became di\ided
among three chiefs, presumed to
have been of the royal family, and
in that state it continues to the ]>re-
sent time. Pasaman, a po[)uious
country, and rich in gold, cassia, and
♦•Huiphor, now disclaims all manner
of dependence. Each of these sul-
tans assumed all the royal titles,
without any allu.sion to competitors,
and assert all the ancient rights and
j)rerogatives of the ein|)ire, wiiich are
not disputed so long as they are not
attempted to be carried into foice.
'J'heir autliority greatly resembles
that of the sovereign pontiffs of
Rome during the latter centuries.
The members of the family arc held
sacred, and treated with such a de-
gree of sup<Mstitious awe by the
country people, that they submit to
be insulted, plundered, and even
wounded by them, without making
resistance. The titles and epithets
assiuned by the sultans are the very
climax of intlated absurdity, and his
salute only one gun ; it being sup
posed that no additional number
could convey an atl-.tjuatc idea of
566
MENDYGHAUT.
respect — by Miiich expedient he also
saves his gunpowder.
The immediate subjects of tliis
empire, proj'crly denominated Ma-
lays, are all of the Mahommedan re-
ligion, Menancabow being- regarded
as the supreme seat of eixil and re-
ligions authority in this part of the
east ; and, next to a voyage to
Mecca, to iiave visited its metropo-
lis, stamps a m;ni U'arned, and con-
fers Ibc character of superior sanc-
tity. The first Snlt.ni of I'lfenanca-
bow is by some supposed to have
been a thereof, or descendant of the
prophet ; but tradition claims aa an-
tiquity to this empire, far beyoiiu the
probahle era of tlu; establishment of
the Mahoininedan religion in Su-
matra. It is more jtrobable, there-
fore, that the empire was instrncled
and converted, but not conquered,
by people from Arabia, 'i'lic super-
stitious veneration attaclied to the
family extends^ not only where Ma-
honnnedaiiism prevails, but among
the Eattas, and other people still
iniconverted to that I'aith.
The arts in general are canied to
a greater degree of perfection by the
Malays of Menancabow% than by any
other natives of Sumatra. Tliey are
the sole fabricators of the exquisite,
delicate gold and silver tilagrce.
From the earliest period they have
manufactured arms for their own
use, and to supply the northern in-
habitants of the island, who are most
warlike, which trade they still con-
tinue — smelting, forging, and jire-
paring, by a process of their own,
the iron and steel for this purpose,
although much is at the same time
purchased from Europeans. The
ns(! of cannon in this and other parts
of India is mentioned b} t!ie oldest
Portugese historians, and it nnist,
consequently, have been known tiiere
before the discovery of the passage
by the Cape of Good Hope. Their
guns are of the sort called match-
locks, well tempered, and of the
justest bore, as is proved by the ex-
cellence of the aim. Gunpov.der
the)' make in great quantities; but,
either from the injudicious propor-
tion of the ingredients, or the im-
perfect granulation, it is very de-
fective in strength. Their other
weapons are spears, lances, swords,
and a small stiletto, chiefly used for
assassination. The creese is a spe-
cies of dagger, of a p; culiar con-
struction, very generally worn, being
stuck in front, through tlie folds of a
belt. The blade is about 14 isiches
in length, not slraight, nor uni-
formly curving, but waving in and
out, which probably may render a
wound given Avith it the more fatal. It
is not smoothed or polished like Eu-
ropean weapons, and the temper is
uncomuKJuiy hard. This instrument
is very richly and beaiitiiully orna-
mented, audits value is supposed to
be enhanced in proportion to the
number of persons it has slain. The
custom of poisoning tlicm is but
rarely practised in modern times.
The warklike oi)cnitions of this
people ate carried on rather in the
way of ambuscade, and the sur-
prising of straggling parties, than
open combat. Horses are but little
used, on account of the nature of
the country, and the ranjans, or
sharp-pointed stakes, which are
planted in ail the roads and i)asses.
The breed is small, well made, hardy,
and vigorous, and never shod. The
soldiers serve without pay, but the
plunder they obtain is thrown into
one conmion stock, and divided
among them. The government, like
that of all M^alay states, is founded
on principles entirely feudal. The
sovereign is styled Rajah, Maha
]\ajah, Jang de Pcrtuan, or Sultan.
Near to the hot miiieral springs at
Priaman is a large stone, fir rock,
OJi which are engraved characters,
supposed by the natives to be Eu-
ropean ; but this appears impro-
bable, as the European arms never
penetrated into this country. It may
jiossibly prove a Hindoo monument,
for it has not yet been seen or exa-
mined by any native of Europe.
(^Marsdi'H, ^-c.)
Mendvghaut, {Mhetidi-ghat). —
MERCUI ARCHIPELAGO.
567
A iown in the province oC Agra,
^^iluated on <li»^ west .side ol" the
(ianj^es, 60 miles W. by N. from
Lneknow. Lut. 27°. 3'. N. Lonj;;.
79° -57'. E.
'J'his place consists of two ba-
zars, proleeted l)y two mud forts,
raeii ab;)ut one mile in eirtuni-
ference, and formerly, for sonu!
time, the residence of Alniass Ali
Khan. Indig-o is cultivated in
this iieiglibonrhood to so consider-
able an extent, that, in ]7t>8, one
European manufaetme prodnced
and sent to Enrope 800 mauuds (of
i^O libs each). The eoiintry, being
then sui)ject to the Nabob .of Onde,
was in so disorderly a shite, tliat ho
was obliged to smronnd his works
with a small nuid fort, to protect
them lioin the dcjiredations of (iie
banditti, with which the province
tlien sAxarmed. {TennniLt, iSc.)
Mer. — A town in tlie province of
Culch, situated about 15 miles south
from Luckpnt Eundcr, and on {\\g
route from that place to tiio port of
Manduvee, in the Gulf of Cutch.
Lat. 23°. 32'. N.
'l\\o miles W. S. W. from Mer is
a village named Daminon. The
country between them is well culti-
vated with banyan trees, gTowing
near tlie tauk.s. To the soutli of this
the soil is sandy, and the lands co-
vered v\ith the bauble and milk
bushes.
Merav. — A town in tlie province
of Delhi, 32 miles N. j'^. from the
city of Delhi. Lat.2t>°. 1'. N. Long.
77°. 33' E.
This place must have been of some
note among the Hindoos prior to
the Mauommedan invasi(»n, as it is
mentioned among the lirst coucpiests
of jMahmood of Ghizni, A. D. 1018.
It is subseqiu ntiy, in the year 1240,
said to have resisted the army of
Turmccherin Khan, a descendant of
Gengis Khans, but, 1399, was taken
and destroyed by Timour. On the
departure of this con(|ueror it was
lebuilt, and is now the capital of
one of tlie districts, into which the
British possessions in the doab of
tlie Ganges and Jumna were subdi-
vided. Un account of its geogra-
phical position, it was, in 1809,
iixed upon as one of \\w principal
military siiitions under the Ucngal
Pr<;,sidciicy.
Mkucaka. — A large village in tlie
(country of the Coorg J'aj-di, of
which it is the capital, situated 72
miles Vj. from Seringapatam. Lat.
12°. 30'. N. L(mg. 75*^'. 58'. E.
JVliuifiUi. — A sea-port toAvn in the
Iiirinan dominions. Lat. 12°. 12'.
N. Long. 98°. 25'. E. Tiiis i)lace
iornierly belonged to the Siamese ;
but, in 1759, was taken from tliein
by Alompra, the founder of the pre-
sent Birman <lynasty. In 1791 it
was besieged by the Siames(>, but
relieved by the Birnians mIicii re-
duced to the last extremity. The
French cruizers used formerly to
Irecpient King's Island, near Mer-
gui, to procure [irovisions and wa-
ter. 'I'he i)rin(;ij)al imports are Ma-
dras piece goods, tobacco, and coarse
iron cutlery ; the exports, rice, Ia ory,
and tin — in atidition to which abun-
dance of excellent spars and timber
might be procured ; but the whole
commerce is insigniflcant. {Si/mes,
Forrest, S,-c.)
Mergui ARCHirEi.AGO. — These
islands extend 135 miles iiom north
to south along the coast of Taiiassc-
rim and the Isthmus of the jMalay
l^eninsula, with a strait between
them and the main land from 15 to
30 miles broad, having good anchor-
age, good soundings, and regular
tides the whole way. 'I'hese islands
are generally separatid by bold
channels; .some of them are rocky,
some hilly, and others flat ; but, in
gi'iieral, (covered with trees on good
soil, and in a <;limate always favour-
aide to vegetation. In (he sunonnd-
ing seas there are plenty of iish, and
the rocks which border the island
are eucru.stcd with a small d( licatc
oyster. At spring tid<'s the rise i.'i
12 feet, and the vicinity of the con-
tinent moderates the very tresh gales
tiiat prevail in the Biiy of Bengal
during the south-A\ est monsoon.
568
MEWAR.
The soil and climate of tbe Mcr-
giii Isles are so good, that it is pro-
bable Europef\u vegetables and tro-
pical fniits would thrive here ; but
it does not appear that at present
they possess either; not even the
cocoa nut, which usually plants it-
sell', ahhough the islands are so well
adapted for their production, and
they are so abundant in the Nieo-
bars, about 250 miles to the S. W.
They arc covered with a great va-
riety of tall timber trees, particu-
larly the Malay poon tree, which is
excellent for masts ; but it is not
yet ascertained vvhcther or not they
contain the teak. As yet, the Mer-
gui Islands have only been explored
along the sea-coast; but, from the
concurrent testimonies of navigators,
it may be inferred, that a great pro-
portion of them are not only unin-
habited by human beings, but almost
destitute of quadrupeds. Captain
Forrest, during a maritime survey
of considerable duration, never saw
any, but observed sometimes tlie
impression of their feet ; and once
his seamen noticed what they sup-
posed to be elephants' dung. The
town of iNIergui is situated on an
island Ibrmcd by branches of the Ta-
nasserim lliver, which, more pro-
perly, ajypertains to the continent
than to Archipelago, to which it
has given its name. Malay jaows
occasionally frequent the Mcrgui
Islands. The Island of St. Matthew,
in Jjat. 9°. 55'. N. is recommended
by Captain i'orrest as the most suit-
able for an establishment, which
might, if necessary, be eftected with-
out infringing the rights of the Bir-
mans, who have never taken pos-
session of those, the most distant
from the main land, and very pro-
bably do not know of their exist-
ence. (Furrest, Ac.)
Merkitch, {Marichi, producing
Pepper). — A town in tlie province
of Hejapoor, situated on the banks
of the Krishna, 130 miles S. E. from
rooiiali. Lat. 16°. 5G'. N. Long.
75°. E. Before the Maliommedan
inva.sion this was the capital of a
Hindoo principahty ; but, in modeffi
times, it has been the capital of dif-
ferent Maharatta chienains, such as
Purscram, Bbow, and Bastia ; and
is a town of eonsiderable extent and
importance. It was taken by Hyder
in 1778, but not retained by him.
At present it is the head-quarters of
Chintaman Row, one of the prin-
cipal Southern Jaghiredars under the
Maharatta Peshwa.
Merud, (Maruda). — A town be-
longing to the PesliM a, in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, 44 miles S. E.
from Poonah. Lat. 1«°. 15'. N.
Long. 74°. 86'. E. This i)laee is
also named Amravati, and is a large
town enclosed with a high wall, and
commanded by a fort on its northern
.side, in which there is said to be a
gmi as large as those at the city of
Bejapoor. {Moor, Sfc.)
Mewar. — A Rajpoot district in
the province of Ajmeer, situated
principally between the 25th and
26th degrees of north latitude, and
occasionally named Chitore and
Odeypoor, although it is properly
only a subdivision of the latter. By
Abul Fazcl, in 1582, it is described
as follows:
" Mey war contains 10,000villages,
and the whole sircar of Chitore is
dependant on it. It is 40 cosses
long, and 30 liroad, and has three
very considerable forts, a iz. Chitore,
Coombhcre, and Mandel. In Chow-
ra is an iron mine, and in Jainpoor,
aild some places dependant on Man-
del, are copper mines."
Tlie general surface of this district
is hilly, but not mountainous, al-
though it abounds in naturally strong
positions. The soil is fertile in
general, but in many places so
strongly impregnated with salt and
nitre, tliat the water in many wells,
and even in some of the smaller ri-
vers, is brackish during the dry sea-
son. It occasionally happens, that,
a lew yards distant from a brackish
well there is another, the water of
which is sweet. The productions of
this territory are Avheat, rice, sugar,
barley, and other grains and escu-
3
]\IIDNAPOOR.
lentS; besides M'hicli, eamels and
horses, of a, good c|iiali1y, are reared.
The priucipid iiiaiuifactures are
nialcliloeks, swords, and cotton
riolh of a coarse fabric. The ini-
jiorts and exports correspond a\ ith
tlioso of .lycnagnr. 'I'hc liUropean
and Persian articles conir' l>y the
way of Gnjrat, Jcssehnerc, and
Pawlec ; and tlio imjKirts from the
Deccan by Serongc, (Jojain, and In-
dore. 'J'he jnincipal towns are
Odcypoor, Sliajioorah, and J'.ilarah ;
and the chief river the Banass.
This district is at prosmt pos-
sessed by nnnierons Jielty Ivajijoot
chiefs, fendatories to the Hannah of
Odeyi)oor, bnt under a degree of
subjection scarcely more than no-
minal, and in a state of jicrpetnal
hostility with each other. They are,
in consequence of this disunion, li-
able to animal visits from Sindia,
Holcar, and other Maharatta depre-
dators, wiio levy the contributions
they withhold from their leuitiniate
sovereign. (Abut Fazel, G. Thomas,
Bro.igJiton, ^c.)
jVIkwat. — See Alvar.
Meyahoon. — A town in the Bir-
man dominions, formerly named
Loonzay, and famous dniing the
wars bctv\een the Pegners and the
Bin;ians, until the former were sub-
dued. Lat. lb°. 19'. N. Long. 95°
8'. E.
This is a very ancirnt town, ex-
tending- two miles along the vest
margin of Jrawaddy, and distin-
giii -lied by iinnu'rous gilded spires
and spacious convents. I'he vici-
nity is uiieuinmoiily iv rtile in rice,
and from hence a large (jiiantity is
annually «'\porled to the ca(>ital.
The Birman sovereign has here spa-
cious gianaries built of wood, and
always k(>pt replenished with grain,
ready to be trans|K)itcd to any part
of the cmjjiie when a scarcity oc-
curs, which is not iinlVequenI in tlie
upper jiroviiices, where the peri-
odical rains are not so copious, nor
so C( rtain, as in the southern dis-
tricts. Along the quays thcie aie
generally seen about 200 boats.
509
upward.s.
of GO tons burthen, or
{Symcs, iSt.)
MinDLFurRf-.ii. — A small island,
about 10 miles in ciicumfcrenee, si-
tuated olf the north-west extremity
of the Island of Cejlon. and at-
tached to the district of Jafnapat-
nam.
IMinXAPOOR, {Mrdnipnr). — A dis-
tiict in the i)rovince of Orissa, si-
tuatc<l principally between the 22d
and 23d degrees of iiorUi latitude.
■^I'o the north it is bounded by (he
districts of Hamgur and Bnrdwan;
to the south by the indci)endent ze-
niindary ofMohurbunge and ItyBa-
lasore ; to the cast it has Bnrdwaii,
Ilooghly, and the sea; and to the
west Singhhoom and IVIohurbunge,
with |>art of h'amgur. In 1784, in
all its dimensions, it contained G102
sqijare miles ; but it has probably
since received additions, as by an
actual enumeration of this district,
in 1800, it was found to contain one
million and a half of inhabitants;
yet the same able report states that
two-thirds of this extensive district
consist of a .jungle swarming with
noxious animals, and exceedingly
unhealthy, although the land be rich
and lertile. About the year 1770,
nearly half the jteople of this coui-
try were sv\'ept away bv' the greatest
famine recorded in history ; but ever
since that ])eriod, except in 1790,
when a partial famine occurred, the
numbers have been gradually ii.-
creasing, and the cultivation pros-
perous.
The cultivation here is almost en-
tirely increased by the increase of
po]iMlation, and is very little pro-
moted by |ilans for the improvement
ot agriculture, or by reveime regu-
lations. Waste and jungle land, if
in a low situation and (it for rice,
may be br»/ught into cnltivatioji in
one season, and the poorest man can
undertake i(. The class of mere
labourers v\ ho work for hire is not in
this district numerous, most of the
land being tilled by the peasandy
who pay (he rent.
Tiic manufactures of Midnapoor
570
MIDNAPOOR.
are few, and innch dpclined in quan-
tity from what they were a century
ago, when the Eiiropeans frequented
Balasore and Pij>]<'y. The iiilaud
roranierce appears slalionary, and
tiiere aie uo extensive commercial
enterprizes carryiuf? on, exccj)t by
Europeans ; tlie Company havinsj
much reduced their investment. —
Some sanaes arc made in the dis-
trict, and more arc imported from
the contiguous countries to the south
and east; plain gauzes, adajited for
the uses of the couiilry, are also
wove. The European planters have
introduced the cultivation of indigo,
but the quantity exported has never
been great.
In tiiis district there arc several
forts of mud and stone, but they are
HOW in a state of decay. They were
built many years ago, and intended
for the defence of the inhaijitants
against tiie Aiaharattas, for which
jiurpose they were effeclnal. One
of them, named Bataw, situated in
the jnngie quarter of P>angrec, lately
contained 20 piece's of unserviceable
artillery, Mhich were removed by
the magistrate. The western parts
of this division were formerly much
exposed to the depredations of Ma-
haratta robbers, \\iueh obliged the
zemind.us to m^tintain large bodies
of armed men for theii- protection.
Besides these, few natives keep arms
of any description, which perhaps,
on account of the prevalence olgang
robbery, they should be encouraged
to do.
In Midnapoor there are no reli-
gious buildings of anj consequence.
The natives are sometimes, from mo-
lives of vanity or piety, induced to
dig a tank, but there are few new
works of this kind. The remains of
the old ones attest the superior opu-
lence of Ibrmer limes, or ])crhaps
rather shew that jiroperty was then
more unequally divided than at pre-
sent. 'I'lie private houses of the ze-
mindars, and other men of note,
consist either of forts in ruins, or of
Avretched huts ; nor does it appear
they ever were better off in this re-
spect. It may seem surprising that
tiie opulent and respectable natives
are so seldom tempted to imitate the
commodious dweiliiigs erected by
Europeans, and that they have ac-
rpnred no taste for gjudening ; but
to the climate, aijd to tiie manners
of the people, must be attributed
their perseverance in constructing
for their own accommodation no-
thing but the slightest and most
miserable huts.
Tiic bulk of the people of Mid-
napoor, like the rest of the Bengal-
ese, do not Avork with a view to im-
prove their situation, but merely to
subsist their families. They scarcely
ever think of procuring themselves
better food, or better acconmioda-
tion ; and arc not stimulated to any
cfi'orts of industry by the security
they enjoy, but solely by the calls of
hunger. They have no luxuries, un-
less tohacco may be called one : they
are always in debt, and borrow at
enormous interest ; and when by any
accident they earn a rupee or two,
they remain idle until it is spent.
Jn the Midna])oor district celibacy
is extremely uncommon ; an unmar-
ried Hindoo man of 25, or an un-
married girl of 15, being very rare
occurrences. I'he great bulk of the
})eople live a. sober, regular, domes-
tic life, and seldom leave their houses,
not being called on for the perlbrm-
ance of military service, or jmblic
labour. \cjy few marriages are un-
productive ; but .he women becom-
ing prematurely debilitiited and de-
crepid, do not probably bear so many
children as in Europe; barrenness is
however extremely rare. Polygamy,
j)rostilution, religious austerity, and
the circumstance of young widows
seldom marrying a second time, are
the chief obstacles, though of no
great magnitude, to the increase of
poj)ulation in this district.
Among the causes of increase are
to be reckoned the extreme facility
of rearing children. In this territory
no infants perish of cold, of dis-
eases proceeding from dirt and bad
accommodation ; nor except durinj^
MINDORO ISLE.
571
famines, whicli are so srldom as
scarcely (o deserve meiiUoii, oC uii-
Iicalthy I'ood. 'I'lie siiiall-pox soinc-
times rarrit'sod miiltitiuks ofchild-
ren:iii()ciiiHtion. allliouiiii it has been
known lor ages, b( ii'ii; little prac-
tised. As sooji as a ehiiil is wciiiicd
it lives on lice like its parents, re-
qniies no care wlialever, i;<)i.'S naked
lor two or thrte years, aiid seldom
e.\p<-rienees any sickness. A f^reat
niajoiity of Itic inliabitanis of Ibis
district Jiave presurved their o!ii;inal
simplicity am! the c!iaraet< ristic I'ca-
tnres ol the llindoos. 'Jliey are l!;ss
f|narrelsoine, and i!,ive less trouble
than the natives of the nei<;hl)onrin'?
districts. Bciiia; little in tiie habit of
engaging!: in lawsuits, they thereby
escape the vices and contagion of
tlie courts of justice.
In ^Ji(hia|)oor there are not any
schools w here the AJahouunedan and
Hindoo laws arc tuni^Iit, but in every
village there are schools for teaching
Bengally and accounts to children in
low circumstances. The teachers,
though persons well qualiiied for
what they nnderlake, are persons no
Mays resj)cclaltle, their rank in life
being low, and their emolument
.scanty. 'Jhe ciiildren sit in the open
air, or under a shed, and learn to
read, write, and c.ist accounts, i'or
one or two aimas (2d or 4d) per
montli. A person charged witli .se-
veral thefts being sent for by the
judge, and asked his occupation,
said it was teaching o! chikhen, and
on inquiry it a|.[)eared he was emi-
nent in his line. On his conviction
it seemed toc\cit<' no surjuise amoiig
the naiivcs, that a person of his pro-
fession siiould tiuii out a tliief. In
opulciit Hindoo families leacliers are
retained as ser\ ants.
I'^ersian and Arabic are taught, for
the most part, by the Molavies, who
in general have a tew scholars in
their houses, whom they suj)port as
well as instruct. Tims J'Vrsian ami
Araliic students, though of respect-
able families, are considered as liv-
ing on charity, and the> arc t(ttal
stiangcrs to exjjense or dissipation,
There was foimcrly a Maliominedau
coliege at tiie town of .Midiiajioor,
and even yet the establi.-imient
exists, but no law is taught. There
are scarcely any iSlogids in this dis-
trict, bnf one-seventh of the whole
inhabitants are estimated to be Ma-
honmiedans.
In this district there exists now an
univ( rsal imprcssiirti (and it applies
to much the greater j)roportion of
tlie Company's territories) that jjro-
perty is not liable to conhscation, or
gross \iolaiion, by supreme autho-
rity ; wliicli nothing but a very long
experience of the admirably imjiar-
tia! distiibntion of justice in Jiengal,
ct)nld ever inilnence a native to cre-
dit. J[t was Ibrmerly the custom to
l)nry in the earth treasme and valu-
able goods, and to conceal the ac-
<juisi1i()!i of wealth, 'i his is still
done, I) lit generally from the dread
of gang robbers; never from any
apprehension that tiie oilieers of go-
vernment will lay violent hands on
jirivate ])roperty.
The principal places in .Midna-
poor are the town of that name, Jci-
lasoie, Pipley, and i\arraingur ; but
the district contains no large towns
Mhatcv<"r. It was ac(piired, in 1701,
by cession irom Cossim Ali, the
reigning >Jabob of Bengal ; and al-
though properly a snbdi\ision of
( )rissa, has been .so long annexed to
the tiDrmer, that much the greater
part of w hat is dctaileil above may
be considered as appl\ ing to the
^\!loie province of Bengal, as far as
regards the manners of the natives.
(Sir Heuri) Strarheii, J. Grant, Cole-
brooke, liennel, S'c.)
AllDNAPOOK. — A town in the pro-
vi;:.' e of Orissa, the capital of a dis-
tiict of the same name, and situated
70 miles W , by S. from Calcutta,
[.at. 22°. -i-y. N. Lc^ng. 87°. 25'. E.
'Ibis place formerly hail a fort, which
has been recently c-onverted into a
cri;nhial prison. The civil jail and
the ho.^jiital are thatciied buildings
at n diiitance from the fort.
VI IND.W AO. — Sec M AOINDANAO.
MiNuoRO Isle. — A large island.
572
MOCOMOCO.
one of the riuUipiiies', situated due
south from the S. W, extremity of
Luzon, and distant about 20 miles.
In length it may be estimated at 110
miles, by 25 the average breadth.
The interior of this island is moun-
tainous, but along the sea eoast the
height of the land is moderate, the
whole being covered with trees, and
making a very iKantiful appcaranee
when seen from on board ship. 1 he
channel between Pvlindoro, and the
shoals near the Calamine Isles, is
only three leagues wide. jNlomit
Calapan, on the eastern extr^'uiity,
is jiassed by the galleon on her
voyage from Aeapulco to INIanilki.
The Spaniards, although so long
lords paramount of the Philipi)ines,
have few establishments here, but
the island is otiievwise well inhabit-
ed. The early navigators, who lirst
visited Mindoro on their return lo
Europe, insisted that the inhabitants
had tails of consi<lcrable leiigtli.
{Meares, Soiuterat, La Page, cVc.)
MiNP00UEE,(Mm«/>MjJ). — A small
town in the province of Agra, 33
miles N. from the town of Etaweh.
Lat. 0,1°. 15'. N. Long. 7b° 59'. E.
IMiRZANAGUR. — A towu in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Jessore,
53 miles N. \L from Calcutta. Lat,
22°. SG'.N. Long. 89°. 13'. E.
MiiizAPooR. — A towu in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, district of Chu-
nar, situated on the south side of the
danges. Lat. 25°. 10'. N. Long.
83°. 35'. E.
This is one of the greatest inland
trading towns in Hindostan, and the
mart of all the cotton from Agra and
the INIaharatta countries. The na-
tives here are more vemaikable for
their active industry, than in any
part of the Company's dominions out
of the three capitals, to which they
have been much .stimulated by the
entcrprJKe and energy of the British
indigo ])]anters and merchants set-
tled among them. A considerable
quantity of filature silk is imported
to iMirzapoorfromBcngal,and ])asscs
hence to the INIaharatta dominions
and centrical parts of iiiudustaii.
In tlie vicinity a very durable car-
petting, and various fabrics of cot-
ton, are manufactured. The town
consists of handsome European
houses and native habitations, with
clusters of Hindoo temples crowding
the banks of the (_ianges, and seen
from the river makes a very lively
and animated appc; ranee.
Travelling distance iiom Benares
30 miles, >V. S. W, from Calcutta
by AJ oorshedabad, 754 ; I)y Birbhoom,
649 miles. (Volchruohe, Tennant,Lord
VtiJentin, liemiel, St.)
jMisej.ar Isle. — A small island,
about 15 miles in circumference, I3'-
ing olf the Bay of 'i'appanooly, on
the west coast of Sumatra. Lat. 1^.
39'. N. Long. 98°. 30'. E. This is a
high ni(<!intaiiious island, l)etweci»
which and the main is a channel
about lorn- leagues broad, which is
navigaltlc. {Elmore. tSr.)
i\loA Isi.E. — An island in the East-
ern Seas, situated off the eastern ex-
tremity of 'I'imor, and intersected by
the r28th degree of east longitude.
Lat. 8°. 20'. S. Although an island
of considerable size, having several
others adjacent, nothing is known
respecting it, but its geographical
situation.
I^IocoMoco. — A town on tlieS.W.
coast of Sumatra, district of Anak
Sungei. Lat. 2°. 31'. S. Long. 101°.
10'. E.
Fort Ann lies on tl.e southern, and
the settlement on the northern side
of the Si Luggau Biver, which name
])roperly belongs to the place also,
and that of Mocomoco to a village
higlier up. The bazar coiLsists of
100 houses, having the sultans at the
northern end, which has nothing to
distinguish it, except being larger
than connnon INJalay houses. Ships
arriving here nmst wait for a boat
from the shore, as their own cannot
land without great danger.
The trade here is principally with
the hill people in salt, piece goods,
iron, steel, aiid opium ; for which the
returns are jjrovisions, timbei-, and a
little gold dust. Formerly there was.
a trade carried on with I'adang, aud
^[OHURBUNGE.
573
€>\\nn- Ate Angiii people, Ijiit it is
now (Irojipod. 'Hie soil oftlio coiiii-
try armiiul (his piaec is saiidy, and
llie faec of the eountiy low and Hat.
The first English settleniciit at Mo-
conioeo was loiined in 1717. {Dure,
M(tisden, Elmore, &■(:)
MocwANPOOK. — A distriet in
Nortlieni J iiudostan, silualcd prin-
cipally between the '27th and ■28th
degrees ofnorlli latiliide, and lioiind-
C'd to the south by the distriels of
Bettiah and Tirhoot in Jiahar. 'J'hc
valley of iMo«inp<jor is ol no great
extent, not stretching further to the
eastward than six or seven miles,
and terminating u«ir Nagdeo on the
Hettowra side. It is very fertile,
yielding al)undanec and great va-
riety of rice; the cultivators enjoy-
ing considerable ininjunities from
the Nepaul government, to v.hieli
this distriet now belongs. The an-
cient liajah of Mocvvanpoor, who
was de])osed by the (Joorkhalies,
still resides on the borders of his for-
mer territory, under the protection
of the C<mipany. {Klrhpatrick, yc.)
MocwAM'OOii. — A town in North-
ern llindostan, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name. Lai. 27°.
28'. N. Long. 85°. 18'. E.
The hill fort of Mocwanpoor is
distinguisliable by the naked e^e
iVoni the banks of the Kurrali, and
is a place of considerable strength.
AN hen the Nepaulese were liard
pressed bv tlic Chinese, the regent
and some of the prin(.ipal chiefs dis-
patched a great part of tlieir most
valuable properly to this Ibrt. In
1762 Cossim All's Armcniantiencral,
G<x>rgccn Khan, made an attempt
on the litrtress of ^Jocwanpoor, but
did not sncct^cd. {Kirhputrick, ^x.)
^loHAMMEUAiUD. — A district in
the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Keeder, and situated be-
tween the 17lh and 18th degrees of
north latituile. 'I'he principal town
is Beeder, named by the AIussul-
niauns Alahonimedabad.
MoHAMMKDN AiiiuU'.. — A di.strict
in theNi/.ain's territories, in Ihepro-
y'uicti af lJ}dcrab'ad, sitiiutcd about
the 17tli degree of north latitude;
and comprehending witiiin its boun-
daries tin; city of Hyderabad, the
Nizam's capital.
MoHALN, (Mahati). — A town in
tlie Nabob of Uude's territories. Id
miles N. N. E. from Ijucknow. Lat.
27°. 4'. N. Long. 8b°. 58'. E.
MomiiBUNGK. — A district in the
province of Orissa, situated about
the 22d degree of nortii latilude.
Eixjui the district of Midnapoor it
is se|>arated by the Sulunireeka, tins
boundary of the Bengal I^resideney,
until (.'ultack was obtained during
the government of Marquis \\ el-
lesiey. This zemindary was for-
merly of much greater extent, but
much curtailed by the Maharattas,
who separated Balasor and other
tracts of country iiom it. It still
extends westward to the Neelghur
IJills. During the Maharatta go-
vernment Moliurbunge was depend-
ent on Cuttack, but paid also an in-
considerable tribute to the Com-
pany, on account of some lands in
Aiidnapoor, north of the Subunreeka
Ktver.
AMierc no battles arc fought, and
tlie natives remain unmolested by
military exactions, and w hen the ze-
mindar or his agent remain un-
changed, the lands of the Alaharatla
districts in the neighbourhood of
MidiKipoor are in a state of high
culttvation, and the population is
eipial, frequently superior to the Bri-.
tish districts. One cause which
tends to increase the poj)ulation of
a well-superintended Alaharatta
estate, is the constant aeeession of
numbers by emigration tioiu the
neighbouring countries. It is the
interest of the proprietor of a ze-
mindary to take as much care of his
cultivators as a farmer does of his
cattle, and that is sullieient to pro-
mote their increase. The peasantry
in the Company's territory enjoy
tiiat degree of security which is es-
.senlial to their increase, whieh is not
the case with the far greater portion
of the Alaharatta country ; vast
tracts of wliich are desolated, fa-
■5 74
MONGHIR.
mines frequent, and the population
diumiishiiig.
There are no towns of any consi-
derable magnitude in this district ;
but there are many chokeys, or lulls,
for the purj)ose of collecting: money
from the pilgrims going to Juggei-
nauth. {Sir H. Strachey, J. Grant,
\st Register, Vc.)
Molucca Isles. (Mcdnha). — 'i'his
term, in its most extensive applica-
tion, is understood to signify all iJic
islands situate to tlic east of the
Molucca Passage, in Long. 12t>°. E.
particularly those of Gilolo ; b;it in
its more limited sense, it is usnally
restricted to the Dutch spice islands,
Avhich are Amboyna, Danda, Ccram,
Ternate, Tidore, and Eatcliiau.
WhciJ the iSJoluccas were first vi-
sited l>y the Portuguese navigators
dispatched by Albuquerque, A. D.
1510, they were found occupied by
two distinct races of people; the
Malays, or j\lahomuiedans, on the
sea-coast, and the oriental negroes,
or mo])-headed Papuas, in the inte-
rior. 'J'he latter have ever since been
rapidly decreasing, and, in most of
the smaller islands, have wholly dis-
appeared ; but in the more eastern
islands they have held their ground,
and still retain undisturbed pos-
session of Papua or New Guinea.
The Malays of these islands have
adopted so many foreign words, that
their dialect differs very much from
the common Malay, and iu writing
tiiey occasionally make use of the
Latin characters to express the Ma-
lay languag(\ 'i'he ancient 'J'irnala,
or Molucca language, appeared to
Dr. Leyden to ha\e been an original
tongue. Among the islands are
many of the pretended descendants
of JViahommed, named Shereefs,who
are held in great respect, particularly
if they have performed the pilgrim-
age to Mecca. Under their re-
spective heads further partieuiius re-
specting these islands will be found.
{Forrest, Leifden, \c.)
MoNCHAfioo. — A town in the Bir-
man empire of small size, but mm !i
venerated as the birth-place of tiic
gr< at Alompra, tlie foundor of tho
present dynasty, and during his .short
and active reign the capital. 'Ihe dis-
tance from Rangoon to Monchaboo
by the Irrawaddy is 500 miles. Ijat.
22°. 40'. N. Long. 9G°. 20.' E.
MoNcooRAH Isle, {Manacura). —
An island situated to the south of
Dukkinshahabazpoor, at the moutli
of tlie great river Brahmapootra and
Ganges,here denominated theMegnji,
and the most .soiitherly of all th«
islands yet formed of the sediment
deposited by their vi aters. In length
it juay be estimated at 10 miles, by
three and a half the average bnadth.
xVloNEAK. — A small town in the
proviiicc of Eahar, district of Ba-
liar, situated at the junction of the
Soanc and Gaiiges, 17 miles west
from Patna. liat. 25°. 38'. N. Long.
84°. 56'. E. Commodious rantou-
ments for cavalry are erected here.
JMong H]R,(3iwf/g-«-g-/i/)7) .--A largo
district in tlie province of Baliar,
situated between the 26th and 28th
degrees of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by Tyrhoot and
Purnah; on the south by Eamgur
and Eirblioom ; to the east it has
Haujemaland Birbliooni ; and to the
west the Bahar district and Ramgur.
In 1784 this district, in all its di-
mensions, contained 8270 square
miles, of which only 2817 are in the
I'oglipuor division o:! both sides of
the^^ anges. By A bn I J 'azel, in 1582,
it is d(!seribed as foiiows:
" Sircar Mung/'er, conlaining 31
mahals, revenue 109,625,981 dams.
'I'liis sircar furnistles 2150 ca\alr},
and 50,000 infantry."
The traditional account of Blon-
ghir is, that it v. as ibrmerly only in-
habited by Thuduiitikurs, of tho
elasf: denominated Hick, who resided
chieily in tiie woods. One of those
■vvliosc habitation was upon a rock in
the iiiver Ganges, is said, with the
assistance of Vishv.a Karma, tiio
god and patron of artists, to havo
i)init a tbit, and named it IMonghir.
Tiie country is described as being at
that time in a complete jungle, with-
out a vestige of cultivation, but
MOODGUL.
57f>
eoiilaiiiing a temple dedicated to the
goddess Cliaudi. The distriet is
iiow one ofthebestcultivaled in the
Coini)aiiv's dominion, tlie agricultu-
ral labour being mana<;ed with ex-
emplary activity and perseveriiisf di-
ligence. The fields in the neigh-
bourhood of the town of jMonghir
are divided into squares, and irri-
gated v\ith great c;ue. They pro-
duce a great variety of leguiiiinous
plants, mustard seed, and castor oil,
besides opium, barley, and other
^ain.
In this district is a hot-well, named
Scetacoond, a common appellation
for hot-springs among the tlindoos.
It is situated about half a mile from
the banks of the Ganges, in a plain
backed by hills v\ith several rocks
about it. The spring is considerable,
and the air-bnbbles rise in great
quantities. The water is too liot to
admit keeping the hand long in it,
yet there are cold springs on thi;
sides of it, at the distance of about
20 i)aces. In 1801 the inhabitants
of the jMougliir, or BogUi)nor dis-
triet, were estimated at 600,000.
[Adah; Tennant, Lord Vcdentia, ^x:)
MoNGHiR. — A town and fortress
in the province of Eahar, situated
on the south bank of the River Gan-
ges. Lat. 25°. 23'. N. Long. 80°
38'. E.
1'lie fort of Monghir is large, sur-
rounded by a w all and deep ditch,
and is a place of considerable anti-
quity. It is most beautiliilly situated
on a bend of the (laugcs, which, in
the rainy season, forms here a j)ro-
digious expanse of fr<>sh water,
bounded by the (J oiruck poor Moun-
tains. Monghir was the chief resi-
dence of Sultan Sujali during his
government of the Jioigal province,
and was strengthened l)y him during
his rebellion again.-it his lather, Shall
Jehan. Subsequently it hecame the
residence of Cossim All Ivhun, when
he intended to throw uiV all depend-
ence on the Engiisli govern nvut,
which had raised him to the throne.
He added coiisideral)ly to the
strength of the forliliculioas, and en-
deavoured to discipline the natives
for its defence; but in vain, I'ur it
was taken by the English after a
siege of only nine days.
While Slonghir was a frontier
town it was a place of considerable
importance, and a depot of anwnu-
iiition ; but since the cessions in the
doal» of the Ganges and Jumna,
Allahabad has been selected in its
stead as a frontier depot. The ))ro-
truding ]mnt of the rock at this
place, which withstands the whole
force of the river, is considered as a
sacred bathing place by the Hindoos,
aiul during the season the crowd is
prodigious. The view from the fort
is one of (he finest in India. It is at
present occupied by some companies
of invalid sepoys, their coinmandant
having possession of the ruins of
Sultan Sujah's palace. The rest of
the space is occupied by gardens,
t^nks, and plantations,
'J'ravelling distance from Monghir
to Calcutta, by Birbhooni, 275 n)iles;
by Moorshedabad, 301 miles. {Lord
Vcdentia, Rennel, ^c.)
MONISHWAR, {Mamjesti-ara, the
Chief of Gems). — A town in the pro-
vince of Eejapoor, situated about 30
miles S. W. from I'oonah. Lat. lb®.
16'. N. Long. 74°. 25'. E. 'J^his is
a town of considerable extent, with
a good market. 'J'here is here a veiy
han('.som(^ dome erected over a smail
S(juare building, which in this pro-
vince is etFected in the following
manner: A mound ofearth is raised,
the iiitend<-d height and shape of the
dome or arch, over which the stcmes
aie placed, ;ind \vhen comj)leted on
tlie outside the support is removed.
The inhabitants have but little know-
ledge of the powers of mechanism:
when a large stone is to be raised, it
is dragged up a slope of earth, made
for the purpose, which is afterwards
removed. {Moor, Sc.)
iMooDGMf.. (3Jiids;ahi). — A district
in the \izan>'s dominions, in the pro-
vince of Eejapoor, situated princi-
pally between the 16lii and iJth de-
grees of north latitude, and extend-
ing along the south sid(; of th«
57(5
MOOLTAN.
Kiislina Kivcr. The chief towns are
jMoo(Ji;iil, Anamsagur, aiirl Cooloor.
This district was ravaged by tlie
Maliomnicdans so early as A. D.
1312, dnriiig the reign of Alia ud
Deen on the Delhi throne.
iVIooDGiTL. — A town in (he pro-
Tinco of iiejapoor, belonging to l!ie
Nizam, tjic capital of a district of the
same name. Lat. 16°. 6'. N. Long.
7G°. 47'. E.
AIooLOOPRTTY. — A <own on the
sea-coast of the sonthcrn Carnatic,
distdct ofMarawas, 123 miles N. E.
from Cape Comorin. Lat. i)°. 15'.
N. Lono-. 78°. a3'. E.
IMOOLTAN, {Mtiltan).
A provitlcc in [Tindostan, situated
principally between the 28th and
31st degrees of norlh latitude. To
the north it is bounded by Lahore
and Afghanistan ; to the south by
Ajmeer and Sinde; to the east it has
Lahore and Ajmeer; and to the west
Balloochistan. When Abnl Fazel
composed the Institutes of Acbcr,
Alooitan was one of the largest pro-
vinces in tlie empire, extending to
the frontiers of Persia, and coinpre-
licnding the modern countries of
Mooltan, Balloochistan, Sinde, Ha-
jykau, Seweestan, and Tatta, be-
sides several of tiie doabs now at-
tached to Lahore. Since that era
the din)cnsions have been so cur-
tailed, that it is one of the smallest
provinces iu Hindostan, the exact
extent of its hmits being still uncer-
tain. Abul Eazel's description, which
applies to the province in its greatest
magnitude, in 1582, is as follows:
" The soubah of Mooltan lies in
tlie first, second, and third climates.
Before that Tatta m as comprised in
this soubah it measured in length,
from Ferozepoor to Sewistan, 403
coss, and was in breadth from Khut-
poor to .lelmcer 108 coss; but, with
the additional length of Tatta, it
measures to Cutch and MekranOO'O
coss. On the east lies sircar Sir-
hind ; the pcrgunnah of Jhoor joins
it on the norlh ; on the south i( iri
bounded by the province of Ajmeer;
and on the west are situated CutcU
and Mekran, both of which are inde-
pendent territories. 'J'lie six fivers
described in l^ahore pass through
this soubah. I'Jie River Behut, near
the jiergunnali of Shoor, unites with
the Chinaiib; and then, after run-
ning together 27 coss, they disem-
bogue themselves into the Biver
Sinde, near rteh. lor tlie distance
of 12 coss, near Ferozepoor, the ri-
vers Beyah and Snluleje unite, and
then again, as they pass along, divide
info four streams, viz. the Hur, the
Haray, the Dund, and the Noorny;
and near the city of JVlooltan these
four branches join again. All tlie
rivers that disembogue themselves
into the Sinde (Indus) take its name,
but in Tatta the Sinde is called
Mehran,
" 'I'he mountains of this soubah
lie on the north side. In many re-
spects it resembles Lahore, except
that but little rain falls here, and the
heat is excessive. Between Sewed
and Behkar (Backar) is a large de-
sert, over which during the summer
months there blow.s (he pernicious
hot wind cabed the simoon. Tho
River Sinde some years ineUncs to
the north, and sometimes to the
south, and the villages (-hange ac-
cordingly. This soubah contains
three sircars, divided into eight per-
gunnahs. The measured lands
are 3,273.f)32 beegahs. Revenue,
151,403,619 dams; out of which
659,948 are scyurghal. It furnishes
13,785 cavalry, and 165,650 infan-
try."
'I'he more northern and eastern
districts of this province are ex-
tremely fertile, being watered by thu
Pimjab Rivers, and possessing a rich
soil, which becomes gradually more
sandy and barren as it ap])roaches
the Indus. To the west of that river
this strrility increases, until it termi-
nates in a rocky ridge of hard black
stone, the boundary of the western
desert.
Anterior to the invasion of Hiu-
MOOESHEDABAD.
577
dostauby Malunood of Gliizni, lliis
province appears to have been pos-
sessed by Mahoinmedans, as, in
A. D. 1006, lie is applauded by Per-
sian authors t()r havitii;- subcJued
Daoud Khan, an Afghan heretic, who
then occupied the country, and com-
pelled him to embrace the true faith ;
from which, however, he soon apos-
tatized. At present the province of
Mooitan is ])ossessed by different
petty chiefs, at variance with each
other, and harassed from without by
tlie Afghans, Seiks, and Ameers of
Sinde. Being remotely situated
from the British territories, possess-
ing no political or commercial im-
portance, and being httle visited by
Europeans, we are proliably Jess ac-
cpiainted with the interior of this,
than of any of the other original pro-
vinces of Hindostan Proper. {Abul
Fazel, Rennel, Stewart, l\'c.)
MooLTAN. — A cily in the province
of Mooitan, of which it is the capital,
•situated ncai" to the east side of the
Kavey Kiver after its junction with
the Jhylum and Chinaub, and about
30 miles above its confluence with
the Indus. Lat. 30°. 35'. N. Long.
71°- 19'. E. This place stands
nearly at the same distance from the
sea as Allahabad ; that is, from 800
to 850 British miles by the course of
the rivers. Mooitan is supposed to
have been the Malli of Alexander,
and is described by Abul l''azel, in
1582, as one of the most ancient ci-
ties of Hindostan, with a brick fort-
ress and lofly minaret, and possess-
ing the tomb of Sheikh Bahauddcen
Zukmi, a Mahommedan saint. It
appears to have been the seat of a
principality so early as A.D. 1006,
when it was plundered by Mahinood
of (ihizni, a fate which it again cx-
l)erieuced in 1398, mIicu captured
by the Mogul army of 'iiuiour.
MooKan at present is a large
walled town, with a citadel of con.si-
derable strength, and for many years
acknowledged a subjection scarcely
more than nominal to the Afghan
sovereigns of Cabul. In 1806 it was
attacked, captured, and pUuidered
2 e
by llajah Runjeet Singh, the Seiic
chief of Lahore, who was compelled
to evacuate it by the scarcity of
grain that prevailed in his camp. In
1809 the Nabob of Mooitan had sul)-
mitted 1o pay tribute to the Ameers
of Sindc. He was then described
as being able to collect a consider-
able body of men, but wholly unable
to support them, on account of the
sterihty and poverty of his country.
{Abul Fazel, Rcmiel, MSS. Sc-)
MooNEER, {Manir). — A town in
the provinie of Bahar, district of
Ro'as, 42 miles E. by S. from Be-
nares. Lat. 25°. 12'. N. Long. 83°.
40'. E.
MooRGOoR, {3Juda<>-Iiar). — A town
r,f considerable «'xtcnt, bcloiiging to
the Pesluva of the Maharatias, situ-
ated in tJie province of Bcjapoor,
about 15 miles N.W. from Darwar.
It is enclosed by a wall, and sur-
roniuled by a ditch.
MooRLKv, {Mnrali). — A town in
the province of Bengal, district of
Jessuic, 62 miles N. E. from Calcut-
ta. Lat. 23°. 7'. N. Long. 89°. 15'.
E.
MooRLEYDURSERA Y, {Mnrali dha-
ra serai). — A town in the province of
Agra, district of I'ltaweh, 42 miles
I'i. S. K. from the citv of Agra. Lat.
27°1'. N. Long. 78°. 40'. E.
MooRSHEDAUAD. — A large town
in the district of Raiijeshy, province
of Bengal, ol' which it was for some
time tlie capital. Lat. 2i°. 11'. N.
Long. 88°. 15'. E. It was oiiginally
named Muc^hsoosabad ; but in 1704,
when Moorshed Coolce Khan trans-
ferred here the seat of government,
lie ihangcd its name to Moorsheda-
bad.
'I'liis place extends eight miles
along both sides of the most sacred
brunch of the Ganges, named the
Bhagiratty, or Cossimbuzar River,
about 120 miles above Calcutta. The
buildings are in geucial bad, and the
palace of the nabobs r'o insignificant,
as to be passed >\ilhout observation.
The streets are narrow and incon-
VQuicnt, anil almost impassible for
European whetlied cajiiagcs. I'he
578
MOORSHEDABAD.
town was never fortified, except by
an occasional rampart in 1742, dur-
ing the Maharatta invasion. It is
a place of groat inland traffic, and
the river is seen constantly covered
with boats, which are examined at
the custom-house established here.
From October to May the Cossim-
bazar Biver, or Bhagiratty, is ahnost
dry; united with the Jeiiinghy fur-
ther down, they form the Hooghly,
or Calcutta River. The iVlootyjeel,
or Pearl Lake, in this neighbourhood,
is one of tiic windings of a former
channel ef the Cossimbazar River.
During the reign of Ali Verdy Khan,
a palace was erected in it, and orna-
mented with pillars of black marble
brought from the ruins of Gour, the
ancient capital of Bengal.
The neighbourhood of iMeorslicd-
abad is the chief seat of the manu-
facture of wove silk ; taifcta, both
plain and llowered ; and many otlicr
sorts for iidand commerce and ex-
portation are made more abundant-
ly than at any other place a\ here silk
is wove. The appearance of the
surrounding district exhibits a pro-
gressive improvement in cultivation
and population ; but no traces of in-
creased commerce, nor improvement
in buildings for religious or domestic
purposes. Individuals occasionally
build a temple, or dig a tank for ])ub-
lic use ; but similar endowments of
former days are going to decay, and
among the natives no degree of opu-
lence ever tempts them to improve-
ments in their domestic habits or
comforts.
Gang robbeiy, or dacoiiy, is the
most prevalent crime in this part of
Bengal. Few of the lower order of
natives keep any other arms in their
lionscs than long ihick bamboo
])ludgcons. Particular classes keep
.spears lor the declared purpose of
destroying wild hogs, and .^^ome of
the head a illagers and village wateli-
men have swords. Bludgeons, spears,
and fishgigs, are the usual arms I'ound
1X1 gang robbers. Sometimes the lat-
ter use a long tapering solid bamboo,
pointed at one end, and hardened in
the fire; but they very seldom use
swords, and almost never fire-arms.
The middle and higher classes keep
swords and daggers as appendages
of dress.
IVIoorshedabad became the capi-
tal of Bengal in 170-1, when the seat
of gOAcrnment was removed from
Dacca by the Nabob Jaffier Khan,
and it continued the metropolis un-
til the conquest of Bengal by the
British in 1757, when it was virtually,
though not nominally, superseded by
Calcutta. Until 1771 it remained
the seat of the collector-general of
the board of revemie, being more
centrical than Calcutta; but in that
year they were transferred to the
latter place.
The Nabob Jaflier Khan, who
made this ])lace his capital, was born
of a Brahmin, bought while an infant,
and educated in Persia by a Ma-
hommcdan. He was appointed sou-
bahdar of Bengal by Anrengzebe;
and on his death, by the assistanct^
of Juggcth Sect, the banker, he pxn-
chased the continuance of his ollice ;
besides which he discomfited two
other soubahdars, sent by the court
of Deliii to expel him. He died
A . D. ] 725, and was succeeded by
his son-in-law,
Shujah ud ]}owlah, who continued
nabob until 17a9, when, on his de-
cease, his son,
Allah nd Dowlah Serferauz Khan
ascended the musnud, but was de-
throned and killed, after a reign of
one year and two months, by
Aliverdi Khan, who, after an active
and eventful reign, died in 1750, and
was succeeded by his grandson,
Gholaum Ho:;-cin Scraje ud Dow-
lah. Two months after his acces-
sion this prince attacked and took
Calcutta; but in the same year was
defeated at Plasscy by Colonel Clive,
and soon after assassinated by the
son of his successor, iu 1757,
i\Ieer .lafiier Khan, who, on ac-
count of his incapacity, was de-
throned by the British in 1760, and
IMeer Cossitn Ali Khan raised to
the throne. In 17G3 this prince wa.s
MORTY ISLE.
579
expelled by the Britisli, and iiis pre-
decessor, Meer Jaftler Khan, rein-
stated. After reigning" one year, in
1764, he was succeeded by his eld-
est son,
Nudjani ud DoMiah, who, in 1766,
died of the small-pox, and was suc-
ceeded by his brother,
Seif lui Dowlah, wlio died in 1769,
ill which year a famine and epide-
mical distemper rajved with great
violence. His successor was
Mnbaric ud Dowlah, whose allow-
ances were at first 24 lacks of rupees
per annum ; but subsequently, in
1772, reduced to 16 la(;ks. This
prince died in 1796, and was suc-
ceeded by his son,
Nazim ul IMuluck, who died the
28th April, 1810, and was succeeded
by his eldest son, 8eid Zin ud Deea
Ali Khan, then 17 years of age.
Besides being the residence of the
native prince, Moorshedabad is the
head-quarters of a court of circuit,
having the follow ing districts subor-
dinate, viz. 1. Monghir, or Bogli-
j)oor; 2. Purneali; 3. Dinagepoor;
4. Kungpoor; 5. Raujeshy; 6. Birb-
hoom ; and 7. The city of Moorshe-
dabad. In 1801 the inhabitants of
the Moorshedabad district were esti-
mated at 1,020,572, in the proportion
of one Mahonimedan to three Hiu-
tloos, {Scott, Lord Valentia, lien-
nel, 5th Report, Stewart, Colehrooke,
^T. SfC.)
MooTA GuNGA, {Midi Gtivga, the
Pearl Stream). — A river in the pro-
vince of Gundwana, which has its
source in the Mehkoor Hills, from
whence it (lows, in a south-easterly
direction, past Chimneer, but its
course further has never been pro-
perly ascertained,
MooTYJtRNA, (Mutijesna). — A ca-
taract in the province of Bahar, dis-
trict of Monghir, situated about eight
miles inland from the Ganges. It
consists of two falls, which, taken
togetlier, measure 105 feet perpendi-
cnlar height. 'I'he water, after fall-
ing over vast masses of rock, is re-
ceived ill a basin below. At the
Isottom of the lower fall is a cave,
2 P 2
from w ithin which the water may be
seen, forming au arch ou the outside.
{Hodges, S,-c.)
MoPLAYS. — See Paniany.
MouADAHAn. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Bareily,
50 miles N. W. from the town of
Bareily. Lat. 28°. 52'. N. Long.
78°. 45'. E. This was formerly a
place of consequence, and possessed
a mint, the Moradabad rupees being
still current in Hindostan. It has
since greatly declined; but will pro-
bably experience rapid improve-
ment from having a district attached
to it, which took place in 1804, some
lime after the cession of the Bareily
Province to the British by the Na-
bob of < >ude. The judge, and ma-
gistrate, and collector of the revenue,
with their respective establishments,
reside at Moradabad.
MoRABAD. — A town belonging to
Sindia, in the province of Ajaieer,
40 miles E. from the city of Ajnieer.
Lat. 26°. 40 . N. Long. 75°. 28'. E.
MORTIZANAGUR. ScC GuNTOOR.
MoRTizABAD. — A district in the
Maharatta territories, in the province
of Bejapoor, situated principally be-
tween the I7th and 18th degrees of
north latitude, and intersected by
the Krishna River not far tVoni its
source. I'he princiiial towns are
Merritcli anfl Carrar.
MoRTY {or Morintai/) IsLE. — An
island in the Eastern Seas, situated
off the north-eastern extremity of
Gilolo, and comprehended princi-
pally between the second and third
degrees of north latitude. In length
it may be estimated at 65 miles, by
18 miles the average breadth.
This island has a pleasing appear-
ance- from the sea, the land rising
gently from the beach to a consider-
able height in the centre, but with-
out any precipitous elevation. The
country is thinly inhabited, but is
said to abound with sago trees; to
cut down which, for the pith and
tlower, parties go from Gilolo. The
Sultan of Ternate formerly claimed
the sovereignty of thib island. {For-
rest, Sfc.)
0(i
muddet;.
MoRVKG, (I\fa>/iir Anca, remark-
oble for Peacocktt). — A district in
Norllu'in Ifiiidostan, tributary to
the Ncpaulese, situated about tlie
27th <l(S'ee of iiortli latitude, and
botiiKled on the south by the district
of Purneah, in Bcii;:i;al. The face of
tlic country is uncommonly mouu-
tiiinons, some of tlie lii^hest attain-
inj>- an elevation of nearly 7000 teet,
wilh a vei y sudden rise from the
j)lains of Bengal. It abounds with
limber, which is occasionally floated
down the River Cosa and other
streams from the mountains ; but
the quantity procured has never been
threat; and tlie climate beiui? singu-
larly unliealthy, the interior has been
but little explored.
MoRWARUA. — A town in the dis-
trict of Neyer, situated about 30
miles S. S. W. from 'I'heraud, and
subject to the same family of Raj-
poots.
This is a populous town, without
any defences, l)ut lias a large tank,
and is in every respect a nourishing
place. The sunounding country is
much i)ifestcd by the plundering
Coolccs, who are, however, much
atiaid of fire-arms.
MosE Isle. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, about 30 miles in cir-
cumference, situated due north from
Timorlaut, and about tlie i32d de-
gree of east longitude.
IVEouNT DiLLY. — A hill on the
sea-cftast of the Malabar Province,
which is separated from the conti-
nent by salt water creeks, and forms
on the coast a remarkable promon-
tory. 'J'lic native name is Yesliy
Malay, but our scameJti call itMouiit
Dilly. Lat. 12°. N. Long. 75°.
20'. E.
MovrA?u.h\,{3Iut(ipali.).~A town
on the sea-coast of tiic Northern Cir-
cars, situated at the mouth of the
Gundezama Riser, which separates
the Carnatic from the Northern Cir-
ears. A considei able coasting trade
is carried on from hence in the waft
navigated bv the natives. Lat. 15*^.
30'. N. Long. 8U°. 16'. E.
Mow. — A town in the district of
4
Allahabad, situated on fhe west sidw
of the Soorjew liiver, 53 miles N. E.
from Benares. Lat. 25°. 57'. N.
Long. 83°. 37. E.
Mow. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Hajypoor, 17
miles N. E. from Patna. Lat. 25°.
47'. N. Long. 85°. 26'. E.
Mow. — A town in the province of
Agra, district of Furruckabad. Lat.
2;'. 34°. N. Long. 79°. 18'. E.
Mow. — A town belonging to in-
dependent native chiefs, in tlie pro-
vince of Gundwana, 76 miles S. W.
from Benares. Lat. 24°. 37'. N.
Long. 82°. E.
MowAH. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Hajypoor, 37
miles east from Patna. Lat. 25'^.
33'. N. Long. 85°. 51'. E.
MozABAD. — A small district tri-
butary to the Cabul sovereigns, in
tlie province of Mooltan, situated
about the 30th degree of north lati-
tude, and bounded on the N. W. by
the Sutuleje River, which is here na-
vigable. The chief towns are Beha-
welpoor and Mozgurrah.
MozGURKAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Mooltan, 65 miles S. E.
from the town of Mooltan. Lat.
2y°. 48'. N. Long. 71°. 51'. E.
Mdchoo River. — This river, which
is the largest in the Gujrat Penin-
sula, has its source at Sirdar, a few
miles from AVankaneer, which it
passes, as also Moorbee, and within
a mile of Mallia ; after which it emp-
ties itself by many mouths into the
Run. I>uring the height of the rains
it overflows the adjacent country.
Muddek. — A village in the west-
ern extremity of the Gujrat Penin-
s<da, situated on the S. E. bank of
the Kun, and on the sra-shore. Lat.
22°. 5'. N. Long. 69°. 22'. E.
This strange morass (the Run)
here, at a distance, appears covered
with water; but, when approached^
the decej)lion is discovered to pro-
ceed iiora a thick coat of salt as
white as .snow. I'rom Muddee, to-
wards Bhattia, the soil is good, and
well adapted for pasture and the
cultivation of wheat; but the wkole
MULAYNE.
58t
is iiparly desolate —the pcasantrj'
being afraid to trtist tlicir i!,iiuii in
the ground, on account of llie Oka
thieves. In 1809 Muddee contain-
ed hut one fiimily, and from hence
to Bhaltia not a human bciii;; was
to be seen.
The land thieves of Oka arc liere
named Kaba, a Sanscrit m ord, which
siDjnilics a searcher or seeker, on ac-
<ou{it of the seven; scrutiny ail pil-
grims and unprotected travellers un-
dergo. The rags of the Jiyraggec
are carefully examined, and tlie ball
of ashes with wliicli he covers his
body is broken by these robbers in
hopes of linding some small coin
concealed in it. {3Iacmin-do, S-c.)
MucKK \LAH. — A town in the Scik
territories, in the pro\incc of La-
hore, 83 miles N. W. from the citv
of Lahore. Lat. 32°. .33'. N. Long.
72°. 43'. E. In the neighbourhood
of this town there is a great deal of
fossil salt, which the natives dig for
sale.
SIocKONDABAD. — A town possess-
ed by independent chiefs, in the
province of Gundwana, 25 miles
south from Reerah. Lat. 24°. 15'.
N. Long. 81°. 24'. E.
MucKUD. — A town belonging to
the Afghans, in the province of T^a-
hore, situated on the east side of the
Indus. Lat. 32°. 22'. N. Long. 70°.
51° E.
MucKi'NDNAUTH, (MucKuda na-
tho). — A town in Northern Ilindos-
tan, district of Lamjimgh, and Iri-
bntary to the Ghoorkhali Ivajah of
Nepaid. Lat. 29". 28'. N. Long.
93°. 50'. E.
MtJCKUNDRA. — A village in (he
province of Mahvah, situated about
30 miles S. S. 1'.. from Kotali, in a
valley nearly circular, tlncc-tburths
of a mile in diameter, stn rounded
by very steep hills, and only acces-
sible by an opening to the south,
and another to the north, each of
which is defended by a stone wall
and a gate. This is the oidy i)ass
within many miles through a ridge
of mountains which extends to the
east and west, dividing the province
of Malwah from tlie district called
Harowty, or country of the tril)e
Hara. At Cluinkhairec, 14 miles to
the eastward, a great lair for liorse.^
and cattle is held. Lat. 24°. 48'. N.
Long. 7()° 12'. J':.
MucKiiNnoiiNGi:. — A town in the
province of Bahar, district of l>am-
gur, 114 miles S. by E. from Patna.
Lat. 23°. .09'. N. T.ong. 85°. 35'. J',.
There is a lead mine about 10 miles
west of this place.
IVIrcKWANNV. — A distri<'tin North-
ern Hindo.'itan, situated between the
2fJth and 27th degrees ol" north lati-
tude, :ui<l bo)inded on tin; south by
the district of TArhoot in Baliar.
The mountains in this territory rise
to great elevation above the plains
of Bahar, and the country, in ge-
neral, is covered with evtcnsivc fo-
rests, capable of supplying great
quantities of valuable timi)cr. This
district is but little cultivated, being
possessed by petty native chiefs tri-
buiary to the Ghoorkhali Kajah of
Nepaul.
INluFANAGUR. — A small town in
the Nabob of Oude's territories, 74
luiles S. W. from I^ncknow. Lat.
26°. 11'. N. Long. 80°. E.
iMufiANAYAKANA CoTAY. — A vil-
lage in the ]\hsore province, dis-
trfct of Hagalw adi. Lat. 13°. 8'. N.
Long. 76°. .58'. E. During the war
of 1790, it v\as besieged for two
months by a force consisting of 200O
of I'urseram Bdiow's JMaharaltas,
with one gun, wliich they lired se-
veral times, but never succeeded in
hitting liie jilaee. It now coiitains
above 200 houses, and is fortified
will) a mud wall. {F. Buchanan, W.)
iMt'OLiu.. — A towii among tlie
Eastern Ghauts, situuled 95 miles
west from iVIadras. Lat. 13°. lo'.
N. Long. 79°. 5'. J'-.
IMt'LANA. — A small t^'alled town
Avith a citadel, not far from INIusta-
pha!>ad, in the northern quarter of
ilie |>rovince of Delhi.
jAliJUYNK. — A large villag« in the
Nabob of Oude's territories, 42 miles
N. \\. from Ijticknow. Lat. 27°.
4'. N. Long. 80°. 10'. E. 'I'hc in-
582
MUNDUIM.
habitants are numerous, but tlie town
is mean and irregular, consisting al-
most entirely of small mud huts. Tlie
surrounding country is tolerably well
cultivated.
MuLCHAND Kalaudy. — A small
building for the accommodation of
travellers, in the province of Sinde,
district of Tatta, 10 miles east from
Corachie.
The surrounding country is a hard
sandy soil, bounded by rocky hills
to the north, and covered with clus-
ters of the milk bush, a shrub called
lye by the Sindeans, and a small
prickly shrub; the whole abounding
with jackals, hares, and partridges.
Four miles from Corachie there is a
range of scraggy sterile hills, on the
tops of which arc several tombs, but
not a tree is to be seen. At this
place there arc some wells of good
water.
Five miles further on there is a
choultry erected by Hajee Omar,
and near to it a well of excellent
water, 140 feet deep, dug to supply
travellers; an act of charity duly
estimated in this arid and sultry re-
gion. The country around this choul-
try is so hard, and the water so re-
mote from the surface, that the la-
bourers must for a long time have
been supplied with water brought
from a distance, before they could
reach that which they were in search
of {Smith, Maxfield, (^c.)
MuLHARA, ( Mulahara). — A town
in the province of Allahabad, five
miles N. N. E. from Chatterpoor.
Lat. 25°. N. Long. 79°. 55'. E.
MuLLAHPooR,(iMu'apm-). — A town
in the Nabob of Oude's territories,
situated on the S. W. side of the
Goggrah River. Lat. 27°. 40'. N.
Long. 81°. 16'. E.
iVI ULLUNC UR, ( Mulanagar). — A
small district in the Nizam's terri-
tories, in the province of Hyder-
abad, situated between the 18th and
19th degrees of north latitude.
INlin.LiJNGUK. — A town in the Ni-
zam's territories, in the province of
Hyderabad, the capital of a district
of the .same name, situated 38 miles
N. E. from Worangal. Lat. 18°
12'. N. Long. 79°. 32'. E.
MuLTAPPY. — A town belonging to
the Nagpoor Rajah, in the province
of Berar, 65 miles N. N. E. from
Ellichpoor. Lat. 22°. 19'. N. Long.
78°. 26'. E.
MuNDATTAFAL. — A town in the
Maharatta territories, in the province
of Khandesh, situated on a small
island formed by the Nerbuddah, 65
miles S. S. E. from Oojain. Lat. 22°.
25'. N. Long. 76°. 17'. E.
MUNDESSOR. — A large district in
the province of Malwah, situated
principally between the 24th and
25th degrees of north latitTide. I'Jie
country is elevated and hilly, but
fertile, being watered by the River
Chunibul, which intersects it. The
principal towns are Soonel, Bam-
poor, and Parkundy; and the dis-
trict is possessed by diftcrent native
chiefs, who are tributary to the Ma-
haraltas.
JMuNDERAR.— An Afghan district
in the province of Cabid, situated
about the 35th degree of north lati-
tude, and bounded on the soutii by
the River Chuganserai, the chief
town being also named Chuganserai.
By Abul I'azel, in 1582, this dis-
trict is described as follows :
" Tooman (district) Munderar
abounds with monkies. Here the
rivers Alishung and Alunkar unite
their streams, and disembogue them-
selves into the River Baran. The
River Chuganserai, after passing
through the N. E. quarter enters
Kuttore. Revenue of tooman Mun-
derar 2,684,880 dams."
MuNDUiM. — A village in the ter-
ritory of the Mysore Rajah, fortified
with a mud wall. Lat. 12°. 31'. N.
Lous
4'. E.
The country between Cliinapatam
and this place, although free from
hills, i;s not more than one half ara-
ble, the soil being in general poor
and covered with brushwood. Many
parts of tlie hills are cultivated, but
much more is incapable of ever be-
coming arable. The wet cultivation
does not exceed one-fifth of the whole.
IMURICHOM.
583
aSTt'NDLAIl, (3Ltn(JaIa). — A town
ill the inovincc of (lUiKhvaiia, si-
ttiidc'd on IIk; liaiiks of the Ncihud-
<lali, J -10 miles N. E. I'roin Naupoor.
Ua. 22°. 44'. N. Loii}?. 81°. iu'. E.
'J'liis town was oiw of llic ancient
<'ai>itals of llic Hindoo province of
(Inndwana, and furnierl} i^ave its
name to the snrronndins;' district.
'rravcllin<; distanc(! from Nagpoor,
160 miles; from Hyderabad, 470;
from Cakntta, 634 miles. {Lechie,
J. Grant, lieimcl, ^-c.)
INIu Nci V L w A u A , ( Maugiilavar). — A
town belonging to the roonah INIa-
Larattas, in the province of Beja-
poor, 16 miles S. E. from Fander-
poor. This is a considerable town
Ibrtitied with a stone wall, and pos-
.sessing a good market. 'I'lus snr-
ronnding country is stony and un-
cnllivated.
MuNGLORE. — An Algiian town in
the province of Cabul, district of
Sew ad, situated 30 miles west fiom
the Indus. Lat. 34°. 13'. N. Long.
71° 15'. E. By Abul Fazel it is
described as follows :
" Near the ])ass of Dhumghar, ad-
joining to Caslignr, is the city of
AInnglorc, the residence of the go-
vernor of the province. There are
two routes to it from Hindostan ; one
by the height of IVInlkund, and the
other by the pass of Shcre Khan."
MiJNGiiLHAUT, {Maiig-ala hata, a
Floia-is/iiiig- Marhet). — A large ma-
nufacturing town in the province of
Bengal, district of Rnngpoor, 20
miles nortii from the town of Rung-
poor. Lat. 26°. 5i)'. N. Long. 8<)°.
20'. E.
This place is situated on the south
side of the River Durlali, which di-
\ides l^nngpoor fiom Coocli Bahar.
'J'he houses are unconnnonly good,
the streets spacious, and the vhole
town has a very stipciior api>caranc<\
On the river arc numerous boats of
great burthen. Coarse cotton goods
are the staple commodity, and this
town furnishes a considerable jtarl
^)f the return cargo which is cairied
lny the Bootan caravan annually fiom
Rangpoor. {Turner, ^c. S^c.)
INIuNNlPORA, {Manipura, OieTovn
of Jewels). — A town in the Birmau
empire, the cajutal of the province
of Cassav. Lat. 24°. 20'. N. Long.
94°. 30'. E. The district in which
this town is situated is also occa-
sionally named the IVIuggalo* , or
Meekly country, and is the nearest
comn)unication between the N. ]"..
extremity of Bengal, and the N. W.
quarter of the Birman territories,
bTit the route has never yet been
traversed by any Euroj)ean. An in-
tercourse also subsists between this
town and the province of Assam, as
in 1794 the British detachment,
which w cut to Gcrgong, the capital
of Assam, saw there a body of ca-
valry which had anived fiom Mun-
nipora. Tliis town was captured by
the Binuans, in 1774, and has ever
since remained tril)utary to them.
{Wade, Sijmes, SfC. Sfc.)
MuRicHOM. — A village in Noilh-
crn Hindf stan, in the province of
Boolan. Lat. 27°. 6'. N. Long. 89°.
28'. E. This place consists of only
24 houses, but they are of a superior
structure to njost in Bootan. They
are built of stone Avith clay as a ce-
ment, of a s<|uare ff>nn, and the
walls narrowing from the foundation
to the to|), I'lie roof is supported
clear of the walls, and is composed
of fir boards jdaced lengthways on
cross beams and joists oi" lir, and
confined by large stones laid on the
top. The lower part of the house
accommodates hogs, cows, and other
animals; and the first story is occu-
pied by the faniilv, to Avhich they
ascend by a ladder
IMnrichom stands on a space of
level ground on the top of a moun-
tain, and has much cultivated land
in the vicinity. 'I'he farmers hero
level the ground ; they cultivate on
the sides of the hills by cutting it
into shelves, forming beds of such a ;
size as the slope will admit. The
native cinnamon, known in Bengal
cookery by the name of teozpaiit,
grows abundantly in the neighbour-
hood ; and in the season there are
plenty of straw berries, rasjtbcrries,
584
MUZIFFERABAD.
and peaches. The country surround- is found in the fonn of a white efllo-
ing INIurichom is much infested by a rescence on the adjacent sandy fields,
small lly, which draws blood with a The European glass is considered by
proboscis, and leaves behind a small the ring manufacturers as useless as
blister full of black contaminated our cast iron ; for neither of these
blood, which iunamcs and causes substances aie in a state upon which
much irritation. {Turner, cSr.) the fires of the natives have any ef-
MuRKUTCHuF,. — A owu iu the feet. {JF. Buchanan, ^-c.)
province of Bahar, district of Mon-
gliir, 90 miles S. by E. from I'atna.
Lat. 2i°. 23'. N. Long. 85". 45'. E.
MusTAPHABAD.— A town in the
northern quarter of the province of Long. 83°. 7'. E
JMuTGUR. — A town in the British
territories, in the province of Oude,
district of Goracpoor, 55 miles east
from Fyzabad. Lat. 26°. 45'. N.
DeHii, 110 miles north from the city
of Delhi. Lat. 30°. 2b'. N. Long.
76° 47'. E.
This is a town of considerable
size, and like every other town and
even village in this part of Hindos-
MiJTSHlPARA, {BTatsyapara). — A
towji in the Seik territories, in the
province of Delhi, district of Sirhind,
125 miles S. E. from Lahore. Lat.
30°. .58'. N. Long. 75°. 42'. E.
MuzAFFERNAGUR. — A district in
tan, is surrounded by a wall, as a the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
defence against the attacks of pre- vjnce of Beedcr, situated about the
datory horse. The adjacent territory 17th degree of north latitude,
js so completely divided and sub- Muzaffernaouk, {3Jazafar-na-
divided into small independencies, gar). — A town in the Nizam's terri-
that many of the small villages are tories, ia the province of Beeder, the
governed by two chieftains; and capital of a district of the same
this, before the British goverinnent
was established, was nearly the con-
dition of the c( untry throughout the
northern part of thv. Delhi province,
name, and situated 35 miles S. E-
from Hyderabad. Lat. 17°. N. Long.
78°. 25'. E.
MuzAFFERNAGUR. — A towu in tho
between the Jumna and the Sutu- province of Delhi, district of Merat,
GO miles distant N. E. from the city
of Deliii. Lat. 29°. 27'. N. Long.
77°. 40'. E.
MuziFFERABAD, (3Iazafar-abad).
— An Afghan town and district, si-
tuated about the 34th degree of north
latitude, in the country between
Cashmere and the Indus. Lat. 34°.
4'. N. Long. 72°. 22'. E.
I'he town of jMuziHerabad is small
but populous, and the residence of a
chief, entitled Sultan Mahmcpd. The
At this place there is a manufac- face of the .surrounding country ex-
ture of the glass used for making the hibits a continued view of moun-
rings which tiie native women wear tains, on the sides of which are seen
round their wrists. The glass is very j)a(chcs of cultivated ground, and
coarse and opaque, and is of five co- scattered handets of three or four
leje.
MUSTAPHANAGUR. — See CONDA-
riLLY.
MuTCHERiU'TTAH, (Matsijafiata,
the Fish Market). — A town in the
Nabob of (hide's territories, 40 miles
N. by W. from J^ncknow. Lat. 27°^.
22'. N. Long. 80°. 40'. E.
MuTEODU. — A small town in the
Mysore Rajah's territories, contain-
ing about 200 houses. Lat. 13°. 39'.
N. Long. 76°. 25'. E.
lours, black, green, red, blue, and
yellow — the first being most in de-
mand. All the materials are found
iu tiie neighbourhood, and great
quantities of the glass is bought by
the bangry (ring) makers to the west-
ward. During the hot season soda
collages. The inhabitants of the
district denominated Bombaus, are
Mahommedans of an xVfghan tribe,
asid inimical to the Cashmcrians.
The Kishcngunga River runs to the
left of this town, with a course nearly
S. W. and falls into the JhyiuHi,
MYSOL.
585
amons the monntuins at Uic licad of
tlie Puiijal). A toimiioii mode of
passing this river is on an intlated
sheep or dogs' skin, which support-
ing tlie head and breast of the pas-
senger, is impelled and guided by
the motion of tlie legs. The road
between Cashmere and this jdaee,
which is half w ay to the Indus, tends
to the S. W. and leads over a coun-
try covered with mountains inter-
sected by deep vallies. {Foster, llth
Rep^ister, ^-c.)
Myconivmi. — A town in tlie jMy-
sorc Rajah's territories, l.'}8 miles
N. N. W. from Seriiigapatam. Lat.
14° 16'. N. Long. 7G-'. 10'. E.
The fort of M>eondah is reckoned
of importance, l)eing situated at the
cntjance of a j>ass from the north-
westward into the valley of Chittel-
droog, which it is intended to defend.
AJter leaving Mycondah the [lass or
defile commences, and continues
rugged and jungly for four or live
miles, the road ascending all the way
towards Chitteldroog. (Moor, !fc.)
J\[Yi)AN, {3t(ii(kn). — A small Af-
ghan district in the province of Ca-
bul, situated between the 3.3d and
34th degrees of north latitude. In
the reign of the Emperor Acber the
Hazareh tribe, ^Maidaui, occupied
this evtensive district, which was
then rated at 2000 cavalry, and a re-
venue of 1,60G,799 dams.
Mviiii. — A town in the province
of Allahabad, 50 miles S. S. E. from
Callinger. Lat. 24°. 21'. N. Long.
80° 50'. E.
Mymunsing, (Ml/man Sinirh). —
A di.strict in the province of IJengal,
.situated principally i)etween tlic 24th
and 2.5th degrees of north latitude-
To the north it is bounded by the
Garrow Mountains and the distiict
of Ruiigpoor; toihe south by Dacca
Jelaljxior ; on the east it has Silhet
and iipperah ; and on the west Rau-
jeshy and Dinagepoor. This district
is of more recent formation tiian the
adjacent ones, on which account it
luiderwent no separate mensuration
fn 1784. It is intersected by the
great Kivcf Brahmapootra, into
which flow innunirrahle smaller
streams, and the face of the country
being very low and liat, it is, during
the height of the rains, nearly sub-
merged by the rising of the v.aters.
The soil is extremely fertile and pro-
ductive, particularly in rice, which
is the staple commodity ; but a con-
: iderable propoilion of the district
is still covered with jungle, and but
thinly inhaiiited. compared Avith the
more central disisions of Bengal.
The chief town is Bygoabary, whicli
is the residence of the judge and
collector, who are subordinate to the
D.u'ca court of circuit.
The result of the investigation or-
dered by the IMarquis Vv^ellcsley, in
1801. proved that tiiis district'con-
tained 600,000 inhabitants, half of
whom were lIindo(;s, and the other
half Mahommcdans, and that tlie
zemindars profit on the lands was
equal to 20 per cent, per annum.
Myo Islf,. — A small island situ-
ated in tlie Molucca pass.ige, which
separates Celebes and Giloli. Lat.
1°.23'. N. Long. 120°. 15'. E. This
island was inhabited while the Por-
tuguese held the Moluccas ; but the
Dutch expelled the inhabitants, lest
it ."-hoidd become convenient for tho
smuggling of spices,
My.nOl Isle. — An island in the
Eastern Sea, situated about tlie se-
cond degree of south latitude, mid-
way between the large islands of
Ceram and Papua. In length it may
be estimated at 50 miles, by 15 the
average breadth.
On the east coast cf Mysol is tlio
harbour of Efbe formed by a small
island of the same nanie, on which
fresh water may be procured in great
abundance, without any risk troni
the uinds, as t'lie harbour is peifectly
land-locked. Like the rest of tlic
islands east of the Molucca passage,
it is inhabited by 3Iahomincd;ais,
commonly called IMalays, on the
sca-eoast; and in the interior by th«
original natives, or horaforas. The
chiefs of the foriner are denominated
rajahs, which is a noted Hindoo
title.
586
MYSORE.
The birds of paradise come at
certain seasons of the year in flocks
from the eastward, and settling: on
the trees are caut;lit Avitli birdlime.
1'lie bodies are afterwards dried with
file fealhei-s on, as they are seen in
Europe. Tlie bbick loory, whith is
a very scarce bird, may also occa-
sionally be purchased here. The
other articles of the trilling export
commerce carried on here are, bichc
de mar, missoy bark, ambergris,
pearls, pearl-oyster shells, and slaves;
the imports are coarse piece goods,
cutlery, bea<ls, iron in bars, china-
ware, looking-glasses, and bruss
wire. The industrious Chinese set-
tled at Amlioyna are the principal
traders, but the whole amount is
very insignificant. {Forrest, Lahillar-
ttiere, ^■c.)
MYSORE, {Mahesnsiira).
A large province in the south of
India, situated principally between
the 11th and 1.5th degrees of north
latitude, and surrounded by the Bri-
tish territories under the Madras
Presidency. In length it may be
estimated at 210 miles, by 140 the
average breadth.
'Jlie whole of this country is en-
closed by the eastern and western
Chauts, and consists of a high table
land nearly 3000 feet above tlie level
of the se«, from which rise many
lofty hills, and clusters of hills, con-
taining the sources of almost all the
rivers that fenilize the south of In-
dia. The climate in this elevated
region is temperate and healthy to a
degree unknown in any other tract
of the like extent within the tropics.
'I'he monsoons, or boisterous ])eriod-
ical rains, which at different seasons
deluge the coasts of Coromandel and
Malabar, have their force broken by
the Ghauts, or mountains, and from
either side extend into the interior
provinces in frequent sliowers,w Inch,
though sometimes heavy, are seldom
itf long contiiuiance, and presi rve
both the t(!mj)erature of the rlinuite
and the verdure of the country
tliroughout tlie year. The principal
rivers are, the Cavery, the 'i'oom-
buddra, the Vedawati, the Bhadri,
the Arkanati, the Penar, Palar, and
Panaur ; but, except the Cavery,
none of tliese rivers attain to any
magnitude, until they quit the limits
of the province.
To enter the Mysore country there
are several passes, such as the Mug-
lee, the Palicaud. the Amboor, the
Changama, and the Attoor; but
those passes, while they facilitated
the operations of llyder, when in-
vading the Carnatic from the iiaria-
mahal valley, were not attended with
any similar advantages to the in-
vaders of his country ; for as the
only roads practicable united in the
Palicaud J'ass which leads to Oos-
soor, he had but one entrance into
the Mysore country to defend.
The dominions of the JMysore Ra-
jah are at present di\ idcd into three
great distiicts, or subayenas, called
the Patana, the Nagara. and the
Chatrakal Subayenas. The Patana
district is by far the largest, and
alone contains a greater extent of
territory, than was originally subject
to the Mysore Rajah's family. It
comprehends 91 districts, and is un-
der the immediate inspeeiiou of the
Dew an, or prime minister. In addi-
tion to this territory, since their con-
nexion with the British, they have
acquired the Chatrakal Subayena,
containing 13 districts, and the Na-
gara, containing 19, each of which
are superintended by a .soubahdar.
I'lom the remains of hedges, and
other signs, the Mysore province ap-
pears at some former, remote period,
to have been in a nmeh higher state
of cultivation than it at present exhi-
ijits, althougli rapidly recovering.
In this j)rovince, w lien land is once
brought into cultivation for rice, it is
imiversally considered as having ar-
rived at the highest possible degree
of improvement, and all attempts to
render it more productive by a suc-
cession of crops neglected as super-
fluous. Throughout India generally
there are tlirec modes of sowing th«
MYSORE.
587
!?P0(i of rice, from wlionce procord
three modes of eiiltivation. In the
first way, tlic seed is sown drv on Ihe
fields that arc to bring; it to maturity,
wliich is ealled dry-seed cuHivation,
In the second, (he seed is made to
vegetate befr)re it is sown, and the
field, when fitted to receive it, is
converted to a puddle; this is called
sprouted cultivation. In the third
kind of cultivation, the seed is sown
very thick in a small plot ofc^round ;
and when it has shot up a foot hioh,
the yoiuii^ rice is transplanted into
the liclds where it is to ripen ; this is
called cultivating by transplantation.
Tlie higlicr fields are cultivated after
the dry-seed manner of sowing, the
lower grounds are reserved for the
sprouted and transplanted cultiva-
tions. Tliese various modes of culti-
vating rice give the farmer a great ad-
vantage,as by dividing the labour over
a great part of the year, fewer hands
and less stock are required to till the
same extent of ground, than if there
was one seed-time and one harvest.
Besides rice, the lands produce
the follow ing articles ; the diieadu,
tiic dod'ada, the phaseolus mango,
the dolichos catsjang, the sesamum
orientale, and (he .sugar-cane, for
which a black clay is reckoned the
best soil. Tlie crop of raggy, or
cynosurus corocanus, is by far the
most important of any raised on the
dry field, and .supplies all the lower
ranks of society with (heir common
food. The rieinus palma Christi is
cultivated, and produces abundance
of castor oil, w liicli is used for the
lamp, given (o milch buffaloes, and
for a variety of oilier iiurposes. In
the sugar cultivation, theWest India
planters aj)pear to have a decided
advantage ov -r (hose; of Hmdostan
in climate, soil, carriage, and skill,
both in agricultine and mechanics ;
but the enormous price of labour,
compared with that of Hindostan,
brings them nearer an equality.
The betel-leaf tree thrives best in
low grounds, where it can have a
supply of water, which, at particu-
Jur .seasons, is raised from the reser-
voirs by means of macliincs, called
Yatams. About Colar (he i)oppy is
plentifully cultivated, both for mak-
ing opium, and on account of (he
seed, which is much used in the
sweet cakes that are eaten by (he
higher ranks of luitives. 'i'obacco
is not generally raised, and is reck-
oned inferior to (hat which comes
from the low country. The cocoa
nut palm in this province begins to
produce when seven or eight years
old, and lives so long, that its dura-
tion, among such bad chronologists
as the natives, cannot readily be
ascertained. The young trees, of a
good (piality, will give 100 nuts an-
imally, and (hey come forward at
all seasons of the year.
The English use Init one name
for the juices of all the different palm
trees in India, and call (hem toddy,
which seems to be a corruption of
(ari, the Maliommedan name for
the juice of the palmira, or borassus
flabelliformis. The natives have
distinct names for each kind of juice,
in the qualities of which there is a
considerable difference. The grass
roots are here of great length ; and,
being very tenacious of life, sprout
at every joint, and of course are
difficult to remove. Owing also to
the extreme imperfection of (heir
instruments, and want of strength
in their cattle, (he fields in this pro-
vince are very imperfectly cleaned.
After six or eight ploughings in all
directions, luunerous small bushci^
remain as erect as before (he labour
conunenced, while the plough has
not penetrated (hree inches deep.
'J'he Jat(er has neidier cotdter nor
mould board, to divide and turn over
the soil.
In Mysore considerable attention
is paid to (he manuring of the soil.
Every farmer collects a heaj) from
the dung and litter of his catde, in-
termixed with the ashes and soil of
(heir houses; bu( (hey do not em-
])loy (he soil of towns, 'i'wo crops
of rice are seldom taken from (he
same field in one year. In some
parts of Mysore the first qTialiiy of
5^8
BIYSORE.
land ^vill produce from 47 to 49
bushels ; the second quaUty, from
i35 to 42 ; and t!:e third qualitv. from
17 to 24 bushels of rice. It is usu-
all.v preserved in the husk, and will
keep two year.s ^vithont dcterioni-
tiou, and four without beinj; unlit
for use.
lu India it is a connnonly re-
ceived opinion, that when the sup-
ply of water is adequate, ground
can nctver be in sucli good heart as
Avhen regularly cultivated by a suc-
cession of rice crops. In all old re-
servoirs a great part is filled up by
the deposition from the water; and,
when a village has been deserted lor
some time, unless the mound break
down, the tanks in general become
quite obliterated, la many parts
of the Mysore the wells contain
what the natives erdl salt water ; at
Ijangaloor there arc several. Home
of them are situated very near wells
that are pcrftictly fresh, which is to
be accounted for from the vertical
position of the strata.
Tiic furmers in this province have
not usnaliy long leases, but it is not
usual to ciiange the teiiant so long
as he pays the rent. When a fanner
runs away for arrears of rent or op-
pression, and goes into the district
of another amildar, it is not custom-
ary, in any native government, to
give him up ; which is a consider-
able check on arbitrary conduct, as
a very unreasonable amildar would
soon be deserted.
The cattle chiefly bred in the
neighbourliood of Seringapatam are
cows, buflaloes, sheep, and the long-
legged goal. 'i"he natives of this
country, and of India generally,
seldom use butter in the manner Eu-
ropeans do, but prefer what is called
ghee, not only because it keeps bet-
ter, S)ut also on account of its hav-
ing more taste and smell. In order
to collect a quantity sufrieient for
making ghee, the butter is often
kept two ortliree days, which, in a
warm climate, renders it raneid.
After a sullicient quantity has been
tollectcd, it is luelted in an cavthen
jjot, and boiled until all the water
lias evaporated, when it is poured
into pots, and kept for use.
The native breed of horses here,
as in most parts of India, is a small,
ill-shaped, vicious poney, although
considerable pains were taken, by
Kyder and Tippoo, to introduce a
better kind, but without success,
and their cavalry continued always
very ill-mounted. Above the Ghaut.s
asses are a sort of cattle very much
used. The breed is very small, no
pains being taken to improve it, or
to keep it tioin growing worse ; and
the natives never use the milk. Swine
were ouce very common in the My-
sore, but Tippoo succeeded in ba-
nishing them from the neighbour-
hood of the capital. The sheep are
of three varieties as to colour — red,
black, and white.
This province throughout abounds
in iron ore, which is worked by the
natives in a very slovenly manner.
At the iron works near Chinnarrayan
Durga, the workmen procure from
the ore about 47 per cent, of mal-
leable iron ; but, as usual in India,
it is very impure. At the smelting-
house the buildings are so mean, that
they go for nothing in the expense ;
and at the beginmng of the season
are put up by the w orkmen in the
course of a day.
The three large divisions of this
province, named Patana, Nagara,
and Chatrakal, are under the in-
spection of an ofiicer of rank, or
.soubahdar. Each district is managed
by an amildar, who is an officer of
justice, police, and revenue, but his
authority is very hmited. I'hese
amildars have under them a sufficient
number of accountants, who, in the
Karnataca language, are called par-
putties; and the villages under them
are managed by gaudas and shana-
bogas, called by the Mahommedans
l)otails and curnums, which two of-
lices arc properly hereditary. The
gauda is the representative of the
amildar, and the shanaboga, of the
village accountant. The amildars,
parputties, and shanabogas are al-
MYSORE.
589
most universally Biiihniins ; the gau-
das are all Siulras.
'J'lie Mysore, upon the whole, is
but thinly inhabited, and not to bo
compared to Btt)i^;,|, or the adja-
cent provinces under the iiritish go-
vernment. In consequeiire of inces-
sant wars and calamilies, prior to
the final conquest, in 17S)9, many
districts, formerly well peopled, do
not exhibit a vestige of a human
being. In 1761 it was ravaged by
liunee "Visajce Pundit ; by Madhu-
row in 1765, 1767, and 1770; by
Trimbuc Row in 1771 ; by liagoo-
nauth Kow in 1774 ; by Hnrry Punt
Phurkia in 1776 and 1786; and
lastly, in 1791 and 1792, it sustained
niost merciless ravages from ihc
troops of Purserani Bliow.
In 1799, when the conquest of
Mysore was fmally atehicved by the
army under General Harris, the new
administration, established by the
British government, connneneed its
proceedings by proclaiming an un-
qualified remission of all Ijalances of
revenue, and the restoration of the
ancient Hindoo rate ol' assessment
on the lands. In 1804 the number
of families in the IMysore Rajah's
territories amounted to 482,Gl'2, and
the iidiabitants to 2,171,754. Of
these families there does not appear
to have been more than 17,000 of
the Mahommedan itligion, whir.'', is
very extraordinary, considering lliat
it had been 40 years the faith of their
sovereigns. The Brahmin families
Avcre 25,370 ; the Lingait, 72,627 ;
and the .Iain, 2063.
In 1804 the gioss revenue of the
Mysore Rajah's state \\as 2,581,550
pagodas. Accounts in. tlnspro\ince
are kept in canter ray a [)agodas, and
the seer is the standard of weight.
Cloth and timber are usually mea-
sured by the purchaser's enbit, which
may be considered in all Piations as
18 inches on the avera^';e. Notwith-
standing the arbitrary power of the
last sultan, Tippoo, he was never
able to establish an uiriformity of
weights and measures. In this coun-
try, and tlaough India generally, a
great deal of ]>ullion is lost to liie
world by being buried, as, when llitf
owners get old and stupifieil, ihty
forget wIk ;o their trcasines are hid-
den; and sometimes, when Ihey do
know, die without divulging the se-
cret.
Mysore having submitted to the
Mahommedan yoke at a very recent
period, ("umpared wjth the rest «>f
Hindostan, retains the primitive
Hindoo manners and customs in
considerable pnrity. From persons
of this faith information is best col-
lected where a considerable lunnber
of them are assembled together ;
when a few are present, they are
afraid of ritlections from those who
are absent ; and in general the Hin-
doos are ratlier inrlined to have
matters of business puhlicly dis-
( ussed.
In this country the person who re-
ceives charity is always considered
of higher rank than the donor; but
by charity nnist be understood sonic-
tliing given to a person asking for it
in the name of God, as having dedi-
cated himself to a religious lite.
Wlien sick, Hindoos often make a
vow to subsist by begging for a cer-
tain number of days after they re-
cover.
Vt hen (wo parties iu a village
have a dispute, one of tiie4n very
frecjuenlly ha^ recourse to an expe-
dient by which tliey both suffer;
and this is Ihc kflliug of a jack-ass
in the streets, which would ensure
the immediate dcsuialion of the
]»la<e, where no Jlinuoo would so-
journ another night, unless by com-
pui: ion. Even the adversaries of
the party who killed the ass would
think tliemselves i)orii:d in honour
to lly. The natives have also re-
course to tills remedy when they
fancy themselves oppressed by go-
vernment in matters relating to caste.
'I'he monkies and squirrels are here
very destrLicti\e; but it is reckoned
crimiiial to kill them. I'he proprie-
tors of gai dens used lormerly to hire
a particular class of men, who took
tiicsc animals in nets, and then, bv
590
MYSORE.
stealth, conveyed into the gardens
of some distant village ; but, as the
people there had recourse to the
same means of riddance, all parties
became tired of the practice.
The washerman of every village,
whose function is hereditary, washes
all the fivrnifrs' cloths ; and, accord-
ing to the number ofpersons in each
family, receives a regnjated propor-
tion of the crop. They also wash
the clothes of the panchanga, or vil-
lage astrologer, wlio (Ihcy say), in
retwn, visits them occasionally, and
tells them some lies ; for, that he is
never at the trouble of predicting
the truth, except to those who are
rich. The Whallia caste in this pro-
vince are considered as the very
lowest, yet they are very desirous of
keeping up the purity of the breed,
and never marry but with the daugh-
ters of families, with whose descent,
from long vicinity, they are well ac-
quainted. Every where in Mysore
and Karnata, the palanqucen bear-
ers are of Telinga origin. Their he-
reditary chiefs are called Pedda Bui;
\vhich appellation, among the Eu-
ropeans at Madras, is bestowed on
the hcad-licarer of every gentleman's
set. The dress of the females in
Karnata is very becoming, and they
possess in general fine forms. In
the villages ncarSeringapatam a great
proportion of the farmers eat pork ;
but, although the River Cavery
abounds with fish, very few are
caught by the natives, who are not
partial to this species of food. In
this pro\inco, as in Hindostan, ge-
nerally the hour consists of the 60th
part of a day, or 24 minutes, and
the natives compute distances by an
hour's tiavelling, called at IMadras
!i Malabar mile.
The Hindoos seldom erect mag-
nificent private dwellings; and the
Mahonnncdan chiefs under I'ippoo
M'cre too uncertain of their property
to lay out nni(-h on buildings. Every
thing they acquired A\as, in general,
immediately expended on dress,
equipage, and amusement, which
accounts for tlicre being actually no
private buildings in I^Jysore of any
grandeur.
Owing to the custom of polygamy,
very few of the females in this coun^
try live in a state of celibacy, ex-»
cept young widows of high caste,
who cannot niarr^' again. These,
however, arc numerous, as matches
betwixt old men and mere children
are very frequent. The comfort of
having chihlren is, in general, all
the pleasme that married women of
high rank enjoy in India. Where
polygamy prevails, love is but little
known ; or if it does possess a man,
he is usually captivated by some art-
ful dancing girl, and not by any of
his wives. In general a man may
mairy as many wives as he can
maintain or })rocure ; but here the
first is not very diificult, the women
being extremely industrious, both in
the field and in spinning. With a
few exceptions, the females arc not
strictly confined ; but, on marriage,
they adoj)t the religious forms of
their husband. Among some castes
Avidows cannot marry again, and
were expected to burn themselves
alive with their husbands; but this
practice is now become obsolete. lu
every part of India, a man's marry-
ing his uncle's daughter is looked
«pon as incestuous.
The subdivision of casle through-
out Hindostan is infinite. The
Brahmins assert, that they are di-
vided into at least 2000 tribes, which
never iuterniarry, although permit-
ted to do so without infringing their
caste. In Mysore the Eralvmins are
divided into three prineijjal so(-t,s;
the Smartal, the 8ri Vaishnavani, and
the Madual The IVairs of Mala-
bar, like the Khayaslas of Bengal,
are of the highest class of Sudras.
A great majority of the Hindoa
castes ar<' allowed by their religion
to cat animal food, and a consider-
able number to drink spirituous
liquors.
In the country around Seringapa-
tam, the division of the people into
what are called the right and Iclt
baud sides, is productiv e of consi-
MYSORE.
59 \
dcraMe ofTcct. Tlie first comprc-
lu'uds nine castes, and the last 18.
The circunistanccs th:it add dignity
to a caste in this country arc — its
bcin^ restricted from tlie picasines
of tlic table ; the followiii;^ of no
useful employment ; and beinu; de-
dicated to what are Ikmc called piety
and learning. Almost every man
endeavours to assume as much as
possible the appearanc<' of these per-
fections ; and amon;^' the |)eople of
this counti-j a hypocritical cant is a
very prevailing lashion.
The males of the Mysore Rajah's
family are said to be divided into
two great branches — the liajah Bun-
das, and the Collalays, vho inter-
marry. The head of the lirst is the
curtur, or sovereign; and of the last
the delawai. Some of the males of
each family are of Vishnu's side,
and some of them of Siva's ; but
none weiir the liuga, and all ac-
knowledge the Braljuiins as their
gooroos (priests). The cnrtur im-
mediately on ascending the throne,
whatever religion he may have been
educated in, always adopts the ce-
remonies at least of the Sri Vaish-
iiamam. On the contrary, the la-
dies of boti\ ffimilies wear tlje linga,
rej<'Ct the authority of the Brahmins,
and are under the spiritual guidance
of the Jangamas. This arrange-
ment among other nations would be
considered extraordinary, but among
the Hindoos is not uncommon.
Among the Hindoos a man is
reckoned good who prays constantly,
bestows great alms on religious
mendicants, and who makes tanks,
reservoirs, choultries, and gardens.
To be absorbed into the substance
of their gods, is supposed, by the
Hindoos, to be the greatest possible
felicity, and only ha|)pcns to parti-
<mlar favourites, T\w rich among
the lower castes procure absolution,
by giving charity to the Brahmins;
the jioor must trust to the mercy of
Ood.
About Silagutta, the principal ob-
ject of worslii[) witJi the IVlorasa
tribe is an image called CaJa Bhai-
rava, wliicli signifies the black d<ig ;
and, occasionally, at this temple, a
singular sacrifice is made. AVIien a
woman is from 15 to 20 years of age,
and has borne some children, ter-
rilied lest the angry deity should de-
prive her of her infants, she goes to
the temple, and, as an oliering to
appease his wrath, she cuts oil' ona
or two of the (ingers of her right
hand.
When a new village is founded, it
is customary, in some parts of the
counti'j, to place a large stone in or
near the village, wliicli is considered
as representing the god of the vil-
lage ; and w herever a stream is found
by its w indings to run coiniter to the
general dire(;tion of the river it be-
longs to, it is considered by the Hin-
doos as holy, and to both sacrifices
are otfered.
The Mysore Kajah's family is
supposed to have had its origin liuni
thcYadavatribe,w hich boasts among
its eminent characters Krishna, tlie
celebrated Hindoo Apollo, and at a
remote ])eriod had its residence in
the vicinity of Dwaraca, in the tJuj-
rat Peninsula. 'J'he first sovereign
on record is Cham lvai,who ascended
the throne in A. D. 1507; but ho
may be considered as having been
merely a w adeyar, or governor of a
snnUl distiict.
Tim Raj reigned in 1548, and add-
ed some snuill territories to his do-
minions.
Heere C!iam Raj iTigncd in 1571,
and died in 1576. He was succeeded
by Betad Wadeyar, his cousin, who
was supplanted in his government
by histyounger brother, Raj AN atle-
yar. This sovereign appears to iiavc
been the greatest conqueror of the
Mysore family, and more than dou-
bled the extent of his dominions.
In 1610 he acquired the important
fortress of Seringapatam, from the
viceroy, on the part of the tailing dy-
nasty of Bijanagur. He was suc-
ceeded by his grandson,
Ciiam Haj, who added considera-
bly to the Mysore territories, and
died in 1G37.
592
MYSORE.
Immadee Raj,llic posthumous son
of Raj Wadyar, was his successor,
and was poisoned at the expiration
of a year by his dalawai, or prime
minister.
Canty Revy Narsa Raj, the sou of
Betad Cham Raj Wadeyar, was the
next sovereign of Mysore, and was
the first prince who established a
mint, and coi)ied hoons (pagodas)
and fanams, still called idler his
name. He reigned tiom 1639 to
1659.
Dud Deo Ray was his successor,
and reigned until 1C72, during which
interval he made many conquests
from the ncighbouringW adeyars and
Naiks.
Chick Doo Raj ascended the
throne in 1672, ai;d died m 1704.
This prince completed the subjuga-
tion of the turbulent Wadeyars,made
a new land assessment, w hich, in a
2;rcat measure, still subsists, aiid de-
stioyed the Jungum pj^i'sts. His
j)rime minister for 14 years w as a Jain
Pundit. Among other places he ac-
quired Bangaloor by purchase.
Canty Raj, son of the last sove-
reign, ascended the throne in 1704.
Having been bora deaf and dumb,
lie was surnamed Mook Arsoo, tlie
Dumb Sovereign. In this reign be-
gae River
Wurda, from where it issues in the
Tnjardy Hills, to its junction with
the Godavery. The hills on which
the forts of Gawelghur and Ner-
nallah stand, with a contiguous dis-
trict to the amount of lour lacks of
rupees, to remain wi(h the rajah ;
but every thing else south of the
Injardy Hills, and west ofthe AVur-
da, to be ceded to the British and
their allies. On any dispute arising
the British engaged to mediate im-
partially between the Nizam and the
Rajah, and the latter agreed never
to receive any European into his ser-
vice without the consent of the Bri-
tish govennnent. During the war
possession had U^en taken of the
districts of Sumbhulpoor and Patna
in the province of Gundwana; but
in consequence of the amicable re-
lations subsisting between the states
tliey were restored in 1806 ; and, in
18()9, the rajah again experienced
the benefit ofthe British alliance, by
the poweifu! assistance aflbrded him
against Ameer Khan and his horde
of depredators.
The dominions of this prince still
occupy a very extensive region, and
comprehend great part of the ancient
Hindoo province of Gundwana. In
their utmost dimensions they border
on Bengal, the Northern Circars,
and the Nizam's territories' in the
Deccan ; but a large proportion of
the country never having lieen per-
iectly subdued, pays no tribute, un-
less when compelled by the presence
NANCOWRY ISLE.
597
of an army ; and llir more inacccs-
siljle parts |)<(} DO rovciMir « Iiatcvor.
'J'lie districls mure immodialcly ot-
tupicd liy the subjects ol tlic Najj-
poor Ha jail, are those in the Aicinity
of his cai)ital — ("hootcesjrlmr, Jiut-
tuiipoor, ami Chatidah ; tosjcther with
several strong ft)rlresses, such as (la-
welsihiiraiid Xunialhdi, in the Berar
province.
'i'ravellinc: distance fiom Hyder-
abad, 321 miles; liom Uojain, 340 ;
from Pooaah. 480 ; from Delhi, 631 ;
Irom Madras, 673 ; from Calcutta,
733 ; and from JJombay, 577 miles.
{Lcckie, Kennel, Treaties, cSr. S,-c.)
Nahry Sankar. — A province in
Tibet, bounded on the south by the
Himalaya ridj^e of mountains, hav-
ing; the Lahdack country to the \. E.
Respecting this rcgiou very little is
kno« n, but it is described as produc-
ing; sulphur and quicksilver among
the mountains, and borax in tjie
stagnated lakes of the low countries.
'J'he sources of mauy of the rivers of
Hindostan were formerly supposed
to exist in this region, but this no-
tion has been exploded since that of
tlie Ganges was discovered to issue
on the south of the great Himalaya
chain,
'S AH\, (Nahan). — A district on the
N. E. frontier of the Delhi province,
being partly situated in that pro-
vince, and partly in Serinagur, hav-
ing the Kiver Jumna for its eastern
bcmndary. which here in the month
of March is as wide as the Ganges
in the same latitude.
The whole of this country may be
described as woody and mountain-
ous. In the neighbourhood of the
town of Nairn the countrj' is inter-
spersed with low hills, which fre-
quently open into extensive Wcistes
overgrown with wood, and which do
not appear to have e\er been sub-
jected to cultivation. From Nahn
to Bellaspoor the mountains are of a
great height, with narrow breaks,
which serve to dischaige the de-
scending streams. Irom the top of
these mountains the plains of Sir-
luiid present a wide prospect to tlie
S. E. S. and S. W. the view to
the northward is terniinated at a
short distance by snowy mountains.
There is no cultivation soen in the
neighbourhood of the Jumna, al-
though a spacious plain extends on
the west side, which niiglit be water-
ed witiiout nujch ditiiculty from that
river. Erom Nairn the northern sides
of the hills produce the Scotcli fir in
great abundance, and the willovv is
frequently found- This district is
also known by the appellation of
Siremone. It is possessed by native
chiefs, subject to the extortions both
of the Seiks and Ghoorkhalies of
Ne|iaul. (Foster. Kirkpatrich, cVc.)
Nahn. — A town in Northern Hin-
dostan, the capital of a district of
the same name, and situated on the
top of a hiiih mountain. Lat. 30°.
41'. N. Loiig. 77°. 7'. E.
Nairs.— See ]Malabar.
Namboody. — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the i)rovince of
Aurungabad, 16 miles north from
Ahmednuguur. Lat. 19°. 15'. N.
Long. 73°. 3'. E.
Nancowry Isle. — One of the Ni-
coban Islands, about 25 miles in cir-
cumference. Lat. 7°. 57'. N. Long.
93°. 43'. E:. The Island of Comarty
lies contiguous; and, being excavated
by a large bay, does not probably
contain more square miles of land
than this isle. The space between
tiiese two islands forms a capacious
and excellent harbom- ; the eastern
entrance of which is sheltered by
another island, called Trikut, hing
at the distance of a league. I'he
inlet from the west is naiTo\v,,but
suflicieutly deep to admit the largest
ships.
'rhe .soil is rich, but little culti-
vated. The natural jjroductions arc
cocoa mits, papias, plantains, limes,
tamarinds, betel nut, and the mel-
lori (a species of bread fruit). Yams
and other roots are cultivated and
thrive, but rice is unknown. The
mangostcen tree and pine apples
grow wild. The two islands of N an-
cowry and Comarty are said to con-
tain 13 villages, each possessing
598
NANPARAH.
about 50 or 60 inhabitants ; the po-
pulation of botli may, therefore, be
estimated at 800 souls. They live
mostly on the sen shore, and their
houses are erected on piles, fre(|uent-
ly so near the shore as to admit of
the tide flowing under them. The
men are stout and veil limbed, but
extremely indolent; the women being
much more active, aithouoh inferior
in stature. Contrary to the usual
custom of the natives of India, fe-
males shave their heads, or keep the
hair close cropped.
The inhabitants of Nancowry are
described as hospitable and honest,
and remaikabic for their strict ad-
herence to truth ; in which, if true,
they certainly differ from tlipir neigh-
bours on the continent. It is also
asserted that such crimes as theft,
robbery, and murder, are unknown.
They are fond of intoxication, and
if they happen to quarrel they drub
each other with hard and knotty
sticks, until.no longer able to en-
dure the contest; after which they
put a stop to the combat by mutual
agreement, and ;dl get drunk again.
The Danes long possessed a set-
tlement on this islaml, which existed
so late as 1791. It consisted of a
Serjeant and tliree or four soldiers, a
few black slaves, and two rusty old
pieces of ordnance. They had two
houses ; one inhabited by this garri-
son, and the other by missionaries.
The island is aninially visited by
from 16 to 20 large prows, with Ma-
lays aiid Chinese from the Coast of
Malacca, in quest of the edible bird
nests ; tlie crews of which always
create much confusion and qiiarrel-
ing among the islanders, who are
otiierwise peaceable. (Hamillun, Col.
Colchroohe, Hacnsel, ^-c.)
Na.nd.aprayaga. — A place of pil-
griiuage in Northern IJindostan, in
the province of Seririagur, siinated
at the coi!iIiience of the Alaca\ianda
villi the Nandacni, a sinall river
V Inch flows from the soutli 30°. E.
Lat. yo° 22'. N. Long. 7b^. 22'.
E.
'J'his is the most northerlv of the
prayagas, or lioly places, and there
was formerly a temple and small
village on the spot, but no remains
of either are now to be seen. A few
grain dealers occasionally fix their
temporary shopshere; and, to supply
the want of a temple in a place of
such sanctity, a few loose stones are
piled up, on which some Hindoo
images are exposed for the adoration
of the pilgrims. (Raper, ^-c^
NANDiiRE, (Nandtra). — A small
province in the Deccan, situated
about the 19th degree of north lati-
tude, and intersected by the Goda-
very. When the Instittites of Acber
were compiled, Nandere was com-
prehended in the soubah of Berar,
under the name of Sircar Telinga-
neh, but was afterwards raised to
the dignity of a separate province.
Its limits have never been accurately
defined, but it may be estimated at
150 miles in length, by 35 miles the
average breadth. Abul Fazel's de-
scription is as follows :
" Sircar Telinganeh, containing
19 mahals ; revenue 71,904,000 dams.
Seyurghal 6,600,000 dams."
In the present geographical situa-
tion of Nandere, it is bounded on
the north by Berar ; on the south by
Hyderabad and Beeder ; on the east
by Gundwana; and on the west by
Aurungabad. The soil is very fer-
tile and well watered, and capable
of supporting a much greater popu-
lation than it at present possesses ;
the whole nmuber not exceeding
half a million, of whom not above
1-lOth are IVIahommedans. The
province has long been subject to
the Nizam's family, ami eontmues
comprehended in the dominions of
that soveri'ign, liable to much mis-
government. The principal towns
are Nandere, Candhar, Balcundah,
and Niimuhl. {Abul Fazel, Rennel,
(.ye. (Vc)
Nandoor, (Naudaver). — A town
in i\}e Northern Circars, 74 miles
S. W. by S. from Vizagajjatam. Lat.
17°. 27'. N. Long. 82°. 25'. E.
Nanparah. — A town in the Na-
bob of Glide's territories, 80 miles
NARNALLAH.
599
N. N. E. from Lncknow. Lat. 27°.
52'. N. Long. 81°. 30'. 1-].
Nappah. — A Igwn in the province
of (iiijrat, 30 miles E. by N. from
Camb'ay. Lat. 22°. 27'. N. Loni,^
73°. If/. E.
Narangabad. — A town i)i llie
Nabob of Oiulc's territories, 70 miles
N. N. W. from Lueknow. Lat. 27°.
45'. N. Lonji'. 80°. 30'. E.
Na R A voNG uxG E. — A Considerable
inland trading town in the province
of Bengal, district of Dacca Jelal-
poor, sitnated on the west side of a
branch of the Brahmapootra, named
the Situl Luckia. Lat. 23°. 37'. N.
Long. 90°. 35'. I^:. 'I'he inhabitants
of this place amomit to above 15,000,
and carry on a great trade in salt,
grain, tobacco, and lime ; and the
town exhibits a scene of comnjercial
activity seldom seen in a community
entirely composed of llindttos. Most
of the principal merchants are not
natives of the town, nor of the snr-
rounding country, but accidental
settlers from distant districts, who
do not bring tiieir families with them.
Dnring the height of the rains the
adjacent country is almost entirely
covered with waters; but when with-
in bounds the Luckia is one of the
most beautiful rivers in Bengal, and
here presents a scene of animated
industry, not general in the pro-
vince. In the surrounding country
are the remains of many fortifica-
tions, erected to repel the invasions
of the Mughs, but which do not ap-
pear to have been well caicidated
tor the purpose intended. On tlie
opposite side of the river, a few miles
above Narayongunge, is a place of
Mahommedan pilgrimyi^e, named
Cuddumresool, where is shewn a
footmark of the prophet, much re-
verenced by the |)ious of that faith,
who resort to it in great numbers
from Dacca and the adjacent vil-
lages.
Narangi'R, (Narai/anaghar). — A
town in the province of Orissa, dis-
trict of Midnapoor, 66 miles S. W.
from Calcutta. Lat. 22°. 11'. N.
Long. 87°. 35'. E.
Narasikghapoor.— A town in the
Mysore Bajah's territories, situated
on the banks ol'the Cauvery, imme-
diately below its juuclion witli tlie
Capini, 26 miles S. J'^. from Seringa-
patam. Lat. 12°. 8'. N. Lojig. 77°.
5'. li.
7'his place at present contains
about ,300 houses. A few miles fur-
ther down tlie l'av( ly, in the month
of <1ctober, is a large and deep river,
flowing with a gentle stream about
a quarter of a mile in width. In the
hot season it is fordable ; but after
heavy rains, it rises above its level
in October 10 or 12 feet perpendi-
cular, and completely (ills its chan-
nel. The only ferry-boats here are
what are calU d donics, which are
baskets of a circular form, eight or
10 feet in diameter, and covered with
leather.
Near to Narasinghapoor, between
the Neelaserry and iNloguroo, is a
fine plain of rich black nxtuld, fit lor
any cultivation. Soil of this descrip-
tion produces annually two crops,
the first of Jola (Holeus Sorghum),
and the second of cotton, which last
is the chief article cultivated. (/^.
Hurhanan, Sfe.')
Nakiad. — A town formerly be-
longing to the Guicowar INIaharatta
chief, in the province of Gujrat, 25
miles N. N. E. from Cambay. Lat.
22°. 42'. N. Long. 72°. 59'. E. This
town and the surrounding district
were ceded by the Guicowar to the
British in 1803, in part payment of
the subsidiary force, and were then
valued at 175,000 rupees per annum.
Narikek. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, 28 miles E. N, E. from
the city of Agra. Lat. 27° 18'. N.
liong. 78°. 20'. E.
Narlah, {Naralaya). — A town
possessed by independent native
chiefs, in the province of Orissa, 30
miles E. from Bnstar. Lat. 19°. 50'.
N. liong. 83°. 5'. E.
N A R N A L I, A H , ( Nnrai/ajialai/a) . — A
town and fortress belonging to the
Nagpoor Rajah, in the province of
Berar, 42 miles N. AV ". from Ellich-
poor. Lat. 21° 40'. N. Long. 77°.
600
NARYTAMOE.
30'. E. By Abul Fazel, in 1582,
this place is described as follows :
" Nemaleh is a large fort, con-
taining many buildings, situated on
the top of a mountain. Sircar Ner-
iiaieh contains 34 niahals; reve-
luie, 130,954,476 dams ; scyurghal,
11,038,422 dams. This sircar tnr-
nishes 50 cavalry, and 3000 infan-
try."
Nahnoul. — A district in the N. E.
quarter of the province of Agra, si-
tuated principally between the 28th
and 29ih degrees of north latitude.
By Anixl Fazel, in 1582, it is de-
scribed as follows :
" Sircar Narnoul, containing 17
mahals ; measurement, 2,080,046
beegahs; revenue. 50,046,711 dams;
seyurghal, 775,103 dams. This sir-
car furnishes 7520 cavahy, and
37,220 infantry."
The principal towns are Narnoul
and Rewary ; and the greatest por-
portion of the laud is possessed by
the Machery Rajah, whose capital is
7\lvar ; the rest by different petty
native chiefs.
Narnoi'l. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, 75 miles S. W. from
Delhi, and the capi'al of a district
of the same name. Lat. 28°. 4'. N.
Long. 7G°. 8'. E.
NarsingaH, (Narasingha). A
town possessed ljy independent ze-
mindars, in the province of Orissa,
58 miles W. by N. from the town of
Cuttack. Lat. 20°. 41'. N. Lpng.
85°. 20'. E.
]N AiisiPOOR. — A town in the North-
ern Circars, district of El lore, situ-
ated on the southern branch of the
Godavery, 48 miles N. E. from Ma-
suiipatam. Lat. 16°. 21'. N. Long.
81°. 50'. E.
Narwar, {Naravai'o). — A district
in the southern cpiarter of the Agra
Province, situated principally be-
tween the 251 h and 26th (Icgrees of
north latitude. By Abui Fazel, in
1582, it is described as follows:
" Sircar Narwar, containing five
mahals; mcastnement, 394,350 bee-
gahs; revenue, 4,233,322 dams ; sey-
lughal, 95,094 dams. This sircar
furnishes 500 cavalry, and 20,000 iu"
fantry."
The face of the countrv- in this
district is hilly and woody, but the
soil in many parts is rich, and when
well cultivated extremely produc-
tive. The Sindc is the chief river,
and the principal towns are Narwar,
Collarass, and Shepoory.
Narwar. — A town in the province
of Agra, district of Narwar, of which
it is the capital, and situated on the
S. E. side of the Sinde River. Lat.
25° 41'. N. Long. 78°. 12'. E.
This is a town of considerable an-
tiquity, having been conquered by
the Mahommedans so early as 1251 ;
but it subsequently recovered its in-
dependence ; as in 1509 we find it
again under the government of a
Hindoo prince, from whom it Avas
taken by Sultan Secunder-Lodi. At
the peace concluded with the Maha-
rattas, the fort and district of Nar-
Avar were guaranteed by the British
government to Rajah Umbajee Rowj
at which period the reveime attached
to the districts he retained amount-
ed to about 10 lacks of rupees per
annum. The guarantee was after-
wards withdrawn, and the place Avas
surrendered in 1810 to Dowlet Row
Sindia, the garrison having beei|
corrupted-
Narvtamoe, (Naintamu). — An
extensive province in Tibet, situated
principally betAveen the 30th and
31st degrees of north latitude, and
bounded on the south by the Hima-
laya ridge of mountains, Avhich sepa-
rates it from Hindostan. This ter-
ritory is intersected by the great Ri^
ver Brahmapootra, known here by
the name of the Sanpoo, the banks
of Avhich are frequently visited by
Hindoo itinerant devotees. A com-
mercial intercourse is also carried on
Avith the Ghoorkhali Nepaul territo-
ries to the south, but no European
traveller has ever reached this re-
mote region. Like the rest of Tibet,
the inhaiiitants profess the doctrines
of Buddha, under a Lama hierarchy,
protected by the Emperor of China, to
Avhom the Avhole province is subject.
NATUNAS NORTH ISLES.
(501
Nassau Isles. — See Poijc; y Isles.
Nassi'CK. — A town belonging to
the Peshwa, in the province ol'Au-
ruiigab.id, 90 miles north lioni Poo-
iiah. Lat. 19°. 4i>'. N. Long. 7;i°.
6(j'. E.
N 4TAANA, (Navathaiut). — A small
village in Northern Lindostan, in the
province of Serinagnr, consisting of
a few honses on the sloping 'orow of
a hill. Lat. 20°. 7'. N. Long. 78°.
4b'. E, On account of the el(>vation
of its site, the temperatnre of the air
is considerably reduced. 'I'he sur-
rounding nioinitains exhibit a very
naked appearance. At this place
cows and bullocks are the only ani-
mals to be met with, the inhabitants
having neither dogs, cats, sheep, nor
the common fowl. {Hardwiche, Ac.)
Natal, {or Natar). — A Malay
town on the S. W. coast of the Island
of Sumatra. Lat. 0°. 18'. N. Long.
99°. 5'. E. The English have had
a settlement here since 1752; the
other inhabitants are mostly colo-
nists, come for the convenience of
trade, from Achin, Raw, and iVIe-
iiancabow. There is here a consi-
derable vent for imported goods, the
returns for which are gold and cam-
phor. Rice is brought from the
Island of Neas, and afterwards re-
exported to Boicoolen.
Cold of a very fine quality is pro-
cured from the interior, some of t!ie
mines being said to lie within 10
miles of the factory. As the gold
receiv cd here is generally dust, great
care should be taken by strangers to
have it proved before a bargain is
made, as it is frequently much adul-
terated. Aquafortis is the best test ;
but if that cannot be procured, it
may be tried with spirits of harts-
horn, 'i'he principal imports are
piece goods, opium, coa;se cutlery,
nmnuinition and guns, brass wire,
and china-ware. Tiie exports, gold,
camphor, and some was..
'J"he influence of the British East
India Company is not so predomi-
nant here as in the pepper districts
to the southward, owing to the num-
bers of the inhabitants, tlieir vvcallh
and indi pendent spirit. They find
the English useful as moderators be-
tween tlnir o\. 11 couteiuling factions,
which often have recourse to arms
on points of ceremonious prece-
dence. {Marsdeu. Elmore, Sec.)
NAX'HnouAH, {Satlta Devaru, the
Temple of God). — A town in the pro-
vince of A j nicer, situated about 24
miles north from ( >deyi)Oor. Here is
a celebrated Hindoo temjjle of great
saiuJity, having many villages ap-
propriated, which are considered sa-
cred by the contending Rajpoot and
Maharatta armies. 'I'he Gossains
(Hindoo devotees) casTV on a consi-
derable trade with CJu jrat and Tafta,
and also with the rest of Hajpootana
and Hindostan Proper. (Broii^hton,
6th Register, ^'c.)
Nattradacotta, (Nat'ha Radha-
cata). — A town in the province of
Tinuevelly, 68 miles N.N. E. from
Cape Comorin. Lat. 8°. 46'. N.
Long. 78°. 10'. E.
N ATT AM. — A town in tlie Southeru
Carnatie, in the Polygar territory, 15
miles E. by S. fioin Dindigul. Lat.
10°. 17'. N. Long. 78°. 15'. E.
Nattore, {Nat'/iavey). — A town
in the provi.'ice of Bengal, district of
Raujeshy, 43 miles N. E. from Moor-
shedabad. Lat. 24°. 25'. N. Long.
88°. 55'. E. Appearances favour tlie
opinion, that the Ganges once had
its bed in the tract now occupied by
the lakes and morasses between Nat-
tore and Jafllergimge. During the
inundation there is a straight navi-
gation for 100 miles from Dacca
to this place across those jeels or
lakes, leaving the villages erected on
artilicial mounds, and the groves of
trees projecting out of the water to
the right and left. The current is
so gentle, as scarcely to exceed half
a mile per hour. This |)lace is tiic
capital of the Raujeshy disstrict.
{Reimel, cSr.)
Natunas North Isles. — A clu.s-
ter of very small islands in the China
Seas. Lat. 4°. 45'. N. Long. U)9'.
E. From October to December the
best tract for ships bound to China
is past these islands to the north.
(502
NEAS ISLE.
Natunas Soi'TH TsLES. — A clus-
ter of very small islands lying oft <he
north-westeiii coast of the Island of
Borneo, about Lat. 3°. N. Long.
109° £.
Natuna (Great) IsLK. — An island
in the China Sea, lying off Ihe N. E.
coast of Borneo, about tite fourth
degree of north lafilnde. In length
it nsay be estiinaled at 34 miles, by
13 the average breaillh, and is sur-
rounded by mimerou.s small rocky
isles. Some of tht- high mountains
on this island may be seen 15 leagues
off.
Nautpoor, (Nat'hapm-a). — A town
in the province of Bengal, district
of Purneah, situated on the west side
of the Cossaii River, 42miles N.N.W.
from the town of Purneah. Lat. 26°.
17'. N. Long. 16°. 58'. E.
Navacott. — A town in Northern
Hindostan, .subject to the Gboorkhali
Rajah of Nepaul, 105 miles X. E.
from Catmandoo. Lat. 2b°. 57'. N.
Long. 83°. 37'. E.
Nkamutserai. — A fortified village,
with a caravan.serai, in the district
of Puckoli, 56 miles N. E. from At-
tock. Lat. 33°. 30'. N. Long. 71°.
60'. E. This place stands on the
western limit of Jansul, the territory
of Gul Shcre Khan, an Afghan, and
on the north-eastern border of I^a-
liore. I'his serai is placed on the
west side of a break in the great
range of mountains which extends
from the Punjab to the Indus. {Fos-
ter, Si-c.)
Neas Isle. — An island lying off
Tapanooly Bay, on the west coast
of Sumatra, from Avhich it is distant
about 60 miles, and itilerscetcd by
the first degree of north latimde. In
length it ujay be estimaivd at 50
miles, by 20 the average breadth.
Nea.% is the most important and
productive, although not the largest
of this chain of islands. 'J'ho inha-
bitants are nnmc rous, and of a race
distinct, not only from those of the
main, but also from the people of all
the islands to the southward, with
th*' exception of Pulo Kapiiii. Their
tomplcxio.ns, especially of the wo-
men, are lighter than those of the
IMalays ; they are smaller in their
persons, and shorter in their stature;
their mouths are broad, noses very
flat, and their ears are pierced and
distended in so extraordinary a man-
ner, as nearly in many instances to
tduch their shoulders. They are
also distinguislipd by a leprous scurf,
which covers their bodies, but does
not appear inconsistent with perfect
health in other resi>ects.
The people of this island arc re-
markable for their docility and ex-
pertness in handicraft work, and be-
come excellent house carpenters and
joiners ; and, as an instance of their
skill in the arts, they practice that
of blood-letting in a mode similar to
ours. Among their neighbours, the
Sumatrans, blood is never drawn
with so salutary an intent. The
Neassers are industrious, frugal, tem-
perate, and regular in their habits ;
but, at the same time, avaricious,
sullen, obstinate, vindictive, and san-
guinary. Although much employed
as domestic slaves, particularly by
the Dutch, they are always esteemed
dangerous in that capacity. They
frequently kill themselves when dis-
gusted with their situation, or unhap-
py in their families, and often by
consent kill their wives at the same
time. They have been found after
their deaths diessed in their best ap-
parel, and appear to have taken pre-
cautions that their dress should not
be discomposed by the act of sui-
cide.
The principal food of the common
people is the sweet potaloe, but
much pork is also eaten by those
who can afford it ; and the chiefs or-
nament their houses with the jaws
of the liogs they eat, as well as with
the skulls of their enemies whom
they slay. In modern times the cul-
tivation of rice has become exten-
sive, but rather as an article of fo-
reign traffic than of home consump-
tion.
The Island of Neas is divided into
50 small districts, under chiefs or
rajahs who are independent of, and
NEGOMBO.
603
at perpetual variance with each
other; the ultimate object of their
wars being to make prisoners, whom
they sell lor slaves, as well as all
others not immediately connected
with tliemselvcs, whom they can
overpower by stratasfem. Tlie num-
ber annually exported varies be-
tween 600 and 1000. It is said the
Nctissers expose their children by
snspendinof tlieni in a bag; iiom a
tree, when they despair of being able
to bring tliem up.
Besides the article of slaves, there
is a considerable export of rice,
which the natives of tbo interior
bring down to barter with the traders
on the coast lor iron, steel, beads,
tobacco, and the coarser kinds of
Surat and Madras piece goods.
Numbers of hogs arc reared, and
some parts of the main are supplied
from hence with yams, iieans, and
poultry. Some of the petty rajahs
on this island are supposed to have
amassed treasures equal to 10 or
20,000 dollars, which arc kept in in-
gots of gold and silver. Dr. Lcyden
was of opinion that the dialect of
Neas had greater pretensions to ori-
ginality than any of tlie languages
of Sumatra. {Marsdcn, cS'c.)
NiiKLAHCUNDAH, {Nildcanf/ia,
Blue-necked). — A town in the Af-
ghan territories, in the province of
Lahore, 47 miles S. S. E. from At-
tock, on the Indus. Lat. 32°. 38'.
N. Long. 71°. 49'. E.
NEiiLAB, {Blue Water). — A town
in the pro\ince of Lahore, situated
on the cast side of the Indus, 30
miles S. S. W. from Attock. Lat.
32°. 50'. N. Long. 70°. 53'. E.
Nf.elgur. — A town in the pro-
vince of (.hissa, district of Cutfack,
seven miles west from Iia;asore. Lat.
21°. 30'. N. Long. 87°. 10'. E. This
was formerly the chief tov/n of a
considerable zeminditry, separated
by the jNIaharattas from the .\Ioher-
bunge Rajah's territories. It com-
municates its name to that range of
hills which extend to the west of
Midnapoor. {1st Register, ^-c.)
NeeIvGUNge. — A small town in
the Nabob of Oude's territories, 14
miles W. by S. from liucknow. Lat
26°. 47'. N. Long. 80°. 42'. £.
Negapatam, ( jS agapataiia). • — A
sea-port town in the province of
Tanjore, 48 miles cast from the town
offan.jorr. Lat. 10°. 45'. N. Long.
79°. 55'. E. 'i'his place was taken
from the Portuguese by the Dutcti
in 1G60, who strengthened its fortifi-
cations, and made it the capital of
their settlements ^n the Coromande!
Coast. They also established a mint
here, which used to coin gold to the,
amount of four or five lacks of ru-
pees annually. In 1781 it was in-
vested by tiie British with about
4000 troops; on the 30th of October
the lines and redoubts were canied,
and on the 12th of November the
town and foi t surrendered by capi-
tulation, after making two vigorous
and desperate sallies. At tiie peace
of 1783 it was finally ceded to the
British; and the fortilications, having
become of little importance from the
altered state of the Carnatic, have
been since little attended to. The
town is now a place of inconsider-
able trade, but frequently touched
at by sliips for rcireshments, which
are plenty. {Fra Paolo, Lord Va~
leniia, FuUarton, Johnson, ifC.)
Ni:gomuo, (Nagambhu, Land of
Serpents). — A large and populous
village on the west coast of Ceylon,
situated about 24 miles north tioin
Columbo. Lat. 7°. 19'. N. Long.
79°. 49'. E.
This is one of the healtliiest places
on the island, being in this respect
next to Jafnapatnam. The Dtitch
erected a fort here for the protection
of the cinnamon cutters, wJiich slill
remains. There are also three long
ranges of buildings, ^^ hich serve for
barracks and storehouses. Negombo
is very advantage(»usly situated for
carrying on the inland trade, ])arti-
cularly Mill) Columbo, as a branch
of the Mnlivaddy Hiver here runs
into the sea, by which goods are
conveyed inland to Columbo. One
of the principal articles sent by this
channel from Negombo is tish, tho
()04
NELLOOR.
trade in wliicli is the property of c;o-
vcrnmciit, and aiinnally {juukmI out
to the best bidder. l\jaiiy ])n1(h
i'aniilies in decayed circumstances
reside here.
The conntiy in the neighbourhood
of tliis town is flat and open, the
fields very ferlile, and Avell adapted
for the cultivation of rice, fioni the
constant supply of water, as the
whole is inundated durins^ the rainy
season. The cinnamon produced is
reckoned of an equal quality with
any in the ishuid. The inhabitants
of Negombo are a mixture of Ma-
homniedans, Malabars, and native
Portuguese; tlie females of these
castes, and of the native Ceyloncse,
are accounted the handsomest in
Ceylon. AA hen the English landed
lierr, in 1790, the foit suircndered
without opposition. {Pefcival,^-t'.)
Nkgrais Isle. — A small island
and excelleut harbour in the Birnian
dominions, situated at the mouth of
the westernmost branch of the great
L'iver Irawaddy, named the Negrais,
or Ba.ssein branch. Lat. 16°. 2'. N.
Jjong. 03°. li>'. E. Cape Negrais,
the most S. AV. extremity of India
bcAond the (janges, is in Lat. 16°.
N. Long". 93°. 15'. E. and is known
by an Indian temple, or pagoda,
V iiich is erected on it. Negrais Har-
bour is, without exception, the most
secure in the Bay of Bengal ; as
Iroui hence a ship launches at once
into the open sea, and may work to
the southward without any other im-
pediment than the monsoon opposes.
'J'he Madras government esta-
blished a small settlement on this
island so early as 1687; but, little
benefit being derived from it, it was
^!llJse(p^cntly relinquished. In 1751
it was again occupied by the Eng-
lish, mismanaged, and' al)aiidoncd.
In 1757 AlomiJia, tlie founder of th.e
present J-irnian dy)iasty, granted
the f'last India Company .some va-
luable immunities, and ceded the
island of N(grais to them in j»erpe-
liiil), which \\as taken possession <tf
with the usual ceremonies on the
22d of August, 1757. In 1759 the
Birmans murdered all the Eng'lislt
settlers they could lay hold of (about
nine-tenths), and comj)elled the re-
mainder to evacuate. {Symes, Dai-
ry mjAe, §-c.)
Nr.GRos Isle. — A large island,
one of the Philippines, situated due
south of Luzon, or Laconia, about
the 123d degree of east longitude.
In length it maj be estimated at 145
miles, by 25 miles the average
breadth. This island was so named
by the Spaniards, from its being^,
when discovered, almost entirely in-
habited by the Papuan or oriental
negroes, called Samangs by tlie Ma-
lajs.
Nehrwalla. — An ancient town
in the province of Gujrat, named
also Patana, or t!ie city. Lat. 24°.
25'. N. Long. 72°. 30'. E. At some
remote period of Hindoo history this
was the capital of the province ; and
it is described as still exhibiting
ruins of considerable grandeur.
Abul Eazel mentions it as a ibrtificd
town, and as.scrts, that it produced
oxen capable of travelling 50 coss
in half a day. In ancient Gujrattee
manuscripts it is named Anhulvada,
and at present is comprehended ii»
the territories of the Guicowar.
Nellisiuiam. — A town on the sea-
coast of the Canara province, 42
miles from Mangaloie. Lat. 12°.
16'. N. Long. 75°. 12'. K
Nellooh, {Ni/nver). — A town in
the Carnatic, situated about 500
yards distant from the south side of
the Pennar River, 102 miles N. N.
W. from Madras. Lat. 14°. 26'. N.
Long. 79°. 55'. E.
In 17.57, when this place was be-
sieged by Colonel Fordc, it extended
about 1200 yards from east to west,
and 600 on the other sides. The
walls A\erc of mud, and only the
gateway and a few of the towers of
stone. The parapet was six feet
high, with many port holes for small
arms, made of pijjcs and baked clay,
laid in the moist mud whilst raising,
and afterwards consolidated with the
mass, which is the common mode
of raising their defences in India,
NEPAUL.
eo5
Oil tills occasion Colonel Forde, al-
thoiij;li ail oHiccr of the lirst ability,
>\ as \iblig;ed to raise tlie sie^e. It
was subsequently aequired by the
nabobs of the Cainatic, and in 1801
rf'd(;d Ly treaty, along witii the dis-
trict, to tiie IJritish. Neiloor and
Oiijjole, incbidins: part of the West-
«?rn FoMams, now form one of the
collcetorships, into uiiich tlie Cai-
natic has been subdivided under the
Madras Presidency ; but the coun-
try has not yet been penna«cntly
assessed for tlie revenue.
Tlie export trade IVom Neiloor and
Ongole is confined principally to
salt, the value of which, in 1811-12,
amounted to 62,843 Arcot rupees.
From the 1st of May, 1811, to the
30th of April, 1812, "the arrivals in
the Neiloor district were 739 vessels
and craft, measuring 24,948 tons;
the departures, 137 vessels and craft,
measuiing 1909 tons.
About 1787, a peasant near this
town found his plough obstructed by
some brick-work. ; and, having dug,
he discovered the remains of a small
Hindoo temple, under which a little
pot was found, containing Roman
coins and medals of the second cen-
tury. He sold them as old gold, and
many were melted ; but about 30
•were recovered before they under-
went the fusing operation. They
were all of them of the purest gold,
and many of them fresh and beau-
tiful. Some were much defaced and
perforated, as if they had been worn
as ornaments on the arm, or round
the neck. They were mostly 'IVa-
jaiis, Adrians, or Faustinas. {Ormc,
Dttvidnon, bth Report, ^-c.)
N EL WAY, {Niluvai). — A town in
the Maharatta territories, in the pro-
vince of IMalwah. 13 miles west
from Oojain. Lat. 23°. 14'. N. Long.
75°. 35'. E.
N KM A AK. — A district in the Maha-
ratta terntories, in the province of
Khandesh, situated principally be-
tween the 21st and 22d degrees of
north latitude, and bounded on the
.south l>y a ridge of hills. The chief
towns are Kargauw and Cunduah ;
3
but there arc no rivers of any mag-
nitude.
NEPAUL, (Nepalu).
Including the tributary provinces,
this is one of the most extensive in-
dependent sovereignties in India,
coniprchendiiig at present nearly the
whole of Northern Mindostan. The
territories which i oniposc this stjtio
are situated principally hetueen the
271h and 32d degrees of north lati-
tude, and in length, from N. E. to
S. ^V. nifiy be estimati'd at 700
mill's, by 100 miles the average
breadth.
To the east, the possessions of the
Ghoorkliali Rajahs of NepanI are
bounded by those of the l^eb Kajali
of li<iotan ; to the S. E. they touch
the Bengal districts of IJungpoor,
J)inagej)oor, andCooch l]ahar. The
Ncpaul frontier, towards the east, is
distinguished by the town and dis-
trict of Sookhini, by the Mornng
Hills on the S. E. quarter; and on
the N. E. by the towns of Dhoalka
and Lastie. The country lying be-
tween Catmandoo and the borders
described, is almost entirely moun-
tainous, giving rise to many rapid
streams.
Along the whole southern fron-
tier, from Kungpoor, in Bengal, t«
Bella.spoor, on the Sutnleje, in the
province of Delhi, the NepanI ter-
ritories are bounded by the British
districts in Bengal, Bahar, Oude,
and Delhi, with the exception of
about 60 miles, belonging to the
Nabob of Oude, which intervene.
Since the comjuest of Scrinagur, in
1803, by the Nepaulese, the Sutn-
leje River forms the bonndai-y to the
M'«st, separating their territories from
the province of Lahore, on whit h
they have already begun to encroach.
Along the whole northern frontier
the great Himalaya chain of moun-
tains divides them from the elevated
table land of Tibet. The limits as-
signed above desciihe the en)])ire in
its utmost dimensions, of which
a very small portion only (hereitftcr
606
NEPAUL.
1o be described) has any claim to
the appcMation of Xepaul. The mo-
dern names of the other principal
districts are Gorcah, Kyraut, Mo-
rung, JMuckwanny, Mocwanpoor,
Lainjnng-, Tahnoon, 24 Rajahs,
Cashy, I'alpah, Ismah, Rolpah, Pey-
tahn, Dcucar, Jemlah, Kemaoon,
Ahnora, and Serinagiir.
The Bhagmatty River, which
passes between Manuiary and the
Kuttiool of modern maps, divides
in this quarter the Biitish and Ne-
pali! territories in a direction nearly
S. S. W. but the river, although
wide, is not, at particular seasons
of the year, above knee-deep. On
the western side, soutli of Hcttowra,
the common buundary of the British
and Nepaul territories may be de-
scribed by a line drawn midw ay be-
tween Ekdurra and UUown. At
Kettowra the countjy is composed
of a confused heap of hills, sepa-
rated in various directions by nar-
row bottoms or glens, which is also
the appearance exhibited by the
greatest part of the mountainons
tract known under the general name
of Nepaul ; no single uninterrupted
chain or range being met with after
passing the Cheriaghauti ridge. The
sides of these hills are every where
covered with tall forests (chiefly of
saul or scssoo), or partially culti-
vated with different sorts of grain.
The mountainous tract to the east is
inhabited by various uncivilized na-
tions, the principal of whom are Ihe
Kvrants, the Hawoos, and the Lim-
booas, who arc all Hindoos of the
Erahminical persuasion, but of the
lowest castes. The chief towns are
Catmandoo the capital, Gorcah, Pat-
tan, Bhatgan, Jemlah, Almora, and
Serinagur.
The Valley of Nepaul Proper,
from whence the sovereignty takes
its name, is nearly of an oval figure :
its greatt;st length, from north to
south, being about 12 miles, l)y nine
its greatest breadth ; the circumfe-
rence of the whole being under 50
miles. To the south it is bounded
by very stnpcudous mouutains ; but
to the east and west the enclosing
hills are less lofty. Sheopuri, which
constitutes its principal barrier to the
north, is the highest of the moun-
tains that encircle it, from whence
issue the Bhagmatty and Vishnu-
matty Rivers, which, with many
other streams, traverse the "*/ alley of
Nepaul — the bottom of which, be-
sides being very xmeven, is inter-
sected with deep ravines, and speck-
led with little hills. Seen from
Mount Chandraghiri, the Valley of
Nepaul appears thickly settled with
villages, among fields fertilized by
numerous streams ; but the part of
the view which most powerfully at-
tracts the attention, are the adjacent
enormous mountains of Sheopoori
and Jibjibia, with the gigantic Hi-
malaya ridge, covered with everlast-
ing snow in the back ground.
In some ancient Hindoo books
Nepaul is called Deccani Tapoo, or
the Southern Isle, in reference to its
situation with respect to the Hima-
laya Mountains, and the contiguous
northern regions ; the Valley of Ne-
paul being there described as an im-
mense lake, which, in the progress
of ages, had retired within the banks
of the Bhagmutty.
The northernmost part of the Ne-
paul Valley scarcely lies in a higher
parallel of latitude than 27°. 30'. N.
yet it enjoys, in some respects, the
climate of the south of Europe. Its
height above the sea appears, from
the barometer, to be above 4000
tbet. The mean temperature, from
the 17th to the 25th of March, was
67 degrees. The seasons here are
pretty much the same as in Upper
Hindostan. 'I'he rains commence
rather earlier, and set in from the
south-east quarter; are usually very
copious, and break up about the
middle of October. In a i'ew hours
tlie inhai>itants, by ascending the
mountains, can pass a variety of
temperatures; and, in three or four
days' journtiy, by moving from Noa-
kote to Kheroo, or Ramika, may
exchange the heat of Bengal for the
cold of Russia.
NEPAUL.
607
Throughout Nepaul Proper the
Newar tribes alone cultivate the
ground, and exercise the usuful arts;
but they enjoy little seciuity or haj)-
pincL^s under their j)resent rulers.
The sovereign is here decreed to be
orij^inaily the absolute proprietor of
all land-. Kv^u the first subject of
the state has, generally speaking,
but a temporary and precarious i»i-
tercst in the lands -vvlach he holds,
— l)eing liable, at every punjuuui (or
grand council), to be deijrived of
them uUogether; tohaveth^'m com-
muted for a pecuniary stipend, or
to have them exchanged for others.
This council consists of the principal
ministers of governuient, and of such
other persons as the sovereign thinks
pr4)per to invite to it.
The lands of the Nepaul state are
divided into, 1. Crown lands ; 2.
Birta, or Bimooter lands ; 3. Kohrya,
or Bari lands, (such as are destitute
of streams); and, 4. Kaith, or plant-
ation lands of the first quality. The
beegah is used in mensuration by the
Purbutties only ; by which appella-
tion the occupiers of the hilly regions
surrounding the Valley of Nepaul,
are distinguished from the Newars,
or proper inhabitants of the latter.
Many kaiths yield three harvests ;
one of rice, one of wheat, pulse,
&,c. and sometimes one or two of
an excellent vegetable, named tori.
There are grounds that yield tsvo
crops of rice suecessivtly; vne fine,
and the other coarse ; bc-iide.? alioid-
ing, in the same year, a wheat
crop.
The sugar-cane is cultivated in the
Nepaul Valley ; but rarely more is
raised than is required for the con-
sumption of the chief landlords : the
seed is always sown i)y I'emalcK. Tlie
plough is scarcely ever used by the
cultivators in the valley, who prepare
their gionnd for rice by digging to a
certain depth with a sort of spade,
turning up the soil in ridges, as in
potatoeplantations,Ieaving the whole
for some time until well Hooded, and
finally levelling the field. Among
the spoutaueous productions of Ne-
paul are the rasjjberry, the walnut,
and the uuilberry.
The cattle of Nepaul, generally
speaking, are not sup(;rior to thos<r
commonly met with in Bengal ; and
the Chowry cow, and Changea or
shawl goat, are only to be found
among the moiint;»ins bordrring on
'J'ibi4. The inhabitants of the hitter
eon^itry use sheep as beasts of bur-
then, for the transiK)rting of salt into
Nepaul ; of which each is said to
carry 42 pounds avoirdupois. This
district does not abound mneh with
game ; and the fisii, from the tran-
sparency and rapidity of the stream,
are very diilieult to catch with the
fly. The sarus, ortolan, wild goose,
and wild duck, appear in Ne|>aul
only as birds of passai';e, making a
stage of it between liindostan and
Tibet. Co[.-,!er and iron are found
here ; the latter of an excellent qua-
lity. Oudc was formerly supplied
with copper from this country ; but
of late the i'iuo])ean copper, by
underselling, has driven tlie Nep,aul
copper out of the markets. I'hc
gold imported to Bengal from Ne-
paul is not the produce of the coun-
try — the quantity procured from the
rivulets flowing through the territory
being extremely small. The gold is
received by the Nepaulese, from Ti-
bet, inexeha.ige for goods.
The conuneree of Nepaul is not
so extensive as it uvight be under
better regulations. This is partly to
be attributed to the ignorance and
jealousy of the administration ; but
also, in a great degree, to tiie mo-
iKipolies certain bluts, or mercan-
tile Gosaiiis, and a few other iner-
chants, have long been in possession
of. If it was not for these obstacles,
an cs.tcnsive traflie might be carried
on between Tibi't and tlic British
territories throagli Nepaul.
Nepaul exports to British India
elephants, elei)harits' teeth, rice,
timber, hides, gtuger, terra jai)0'
nica, turmeric, wax, honey, pure
rezin of the pine, walnuts, oranges,
long pepper, ghee, bark of the root
of bastard ciuuamon, dried leaves of
608
NEPAUL.
ditto, large canUnnums, daminer,
lamp oil, and cotton of the siiniil
tree. Tlicse articles are the produce
of the ]V1oning and other parts of
the Tiiryani, and of Nepaul. Be-
."sides these, a great varictj^ of arti-
cles produced iuTibet are sent soiitti
throii2;h Ncpanl. Tlicre are small
quantities of salt and saltpetre made
in tlie eastern part of the Ne])au!
Valley ; but the former is not so
much esteemed by the natives as
that of I'ibet. The following arti-
cles are exported from the Jlritish
dominions to Nepaul. either for the
consumption of that connti-j', or for
IhcTibet market ; viz. Bengal cloths,
muslins and silks of various sorts,
raw silk, gold and silver laces, car-
pets, English cutlery, saflron, spices,
sandal wood, quicksilver, cotton,
tin, zinc, lead, soap, camphor,
chillies, tobacco, and coral.
The Newars of Nepaul fabricate
only cloths of a very coarse kind.
The cotton employed is the produce
cither of Niakot, or of the Mijiddaize ;
by which last name they commonly
distinguish the Comoany's tei litories.
They work very well in iron, voppcr,
and brass, and are particularly in-
geiiionsin carpentry, though they ne-
ver use a saw — dividing their wood,
of whatever size, with the chissel
and mallet. They export some of
their brazen utensils to tlie south-
ward. They have latterly, without
success, attempted to manufacture
some fire-arms ; but their swords
and daggers arc tolerably good. They
gild extremely well, and construct
bells of so large a size as five feet
diameter. From ri(;e and other grain
Ihey distil spirits, and also prepare
a fermented liquor from wheat,
muniiua, rice, &c. w Inch they name
pliaur : it is made in the manner of
oar malt liquors, which it resembles.
The currency of Nepaid consists
rhieily of silver pieces of eight an-
nas, (14d.) called a sicca; and they
have a coin so low as the 280th part
of a sicca.
The great mass of the inhabitants
in Nepaul dwell iu the vaUies, the
hills, and Terriani, being but thinly
populated. General Kirkpatrick es--
timated the population of the Ne-
paul Valley at half a million, whicli
appears an extraordinary number
when its small dimensions are con-
sidered. The iidiabitants consist
principally of the two superior class-
es of Hindoos, (Brahmins and Khe-
tries, with their subdivisions), Ne-
wars, Uhenwars, Mhanjees, Bhoot-
eas, and Bhauras. The two first
sects, who occupy the principal
stations in the sovereignty, and fill
the armies, arc dispersed through the
country. The Newars are confined
almost to the Valley of Nepaul ; the
Dhenwars and Mhanjees are th«
fishermen and husbandmen of the
Avestern districts ; and the Bhooteas
inhabit such parts of Kuchar (Lower
Tibet) as are included in the Nepaul
tenitories. The Bhauras are sepa-
ratists from the Newars, and amount
to about five thousand. 'I'o the east-
ward, some districts are inhabited
by the Limbooas, Nuggerkootics,
and others ; of whom little is known
besides the name. The Newars arc
divided i+rto several castes, like those
amtKig the more southern Hindoos.
'J'he Parbutties, or peasantry of
the mountainous country, are di-
vided into ibur classes, according to
the number of ploughs, and the na-
ture of their occupation. The ex-
penses of the military establishments
are, for the most part, discharged by
assignments of land; though, in
some instances, the soldier receives
his pay from the treasury. In money
and lands together, the pay of the
private sepoy amounts to about 76
) npees per annum, exclusive of his
coat, which is supplied by govern-
ment. Some of the villagtis bestow-
ed in jaghires are of considerable
value, yielding horn three to 6000
rupees annual revenue. The income
of a village, exclusive of what arises
from the produce of such lands as
may be annexed to it, consists princi-
pally in the rent of houses, which
are all built of brick, and the duties
charged on salt, tobacco, pepper.
betel nut, and similar articles of ge-
neral consumption.
The Nepaul tenitoiies being for
the most part parcelled out into jag-
liires, the proportion of their pro-
duce received into the treasury is
not considerable. It proljabiy never
exceeds 30 lacks of rupees per an-
num, nor falls under 25. The profit
liom the mint alone is reckoned at
from seven to eight lacks of rupees.
The trade in gold from Tibet has
usually been a monopoly in the
hands of government ; the copper
mines formerly yielded a consider-
able revenue, but now scarcely pro-
duce a lack. 'J he chief expenses of
government are the provision of fire
arms and military stores — of broad
cloth, for the clotliiug of the regular
troops — and of jewels, silks, and
cotton stuffs, from Hcisgal.
The Nepaul artillery is very bad.
Matchlocks, bows and arrow s, and
kohras, or hatehct-swords, are the
common weapons used. The regu-
lar forces arc armed with muskets,
of which few are fit for actual ser-
vice. This force consists of from 50
to 60 companies, of unequal strength,
but containing on an average not
less than 140 fire-locks; the privates
of which are brave and very hardy,
but their discipline slovenly. The
jung neshaun, or war standard, is
on a yellow ground, and exhibits a
figure of Hoonimaun — a Hindoo
deity, whose figure is that of a mon-
key. 'J'he Nepaul constitution of
government is essentially «lespotic,
modified by certain oliservances en-
joined by immemoiiid custom — the
Dharma .Shastra forming the basis of
their jurisprudence in civil and cri-
minal eases.
The inhabitants of this region have
all along cjitertained but littl(> inter-
course with the iieigbbt>uring na-
tions, and arc prol)ably the only
Hindoo people who have never been
disturbed, far less subdued, by any
IMahomrnedan force. 'I'hey are, in
<onsequcnce, remarkable for a sim-
plicity of character, and an absence
A)f parade or afl'cctation. TJjc Ne-
2 K
NEPAUL. 609
Avar tribe differ, in many respects,
from the other Hindoo inhabitants,
particularly in feeding on the flesh of
buffaloes, 'i'hey probably never were
of a warlike disposition, and arc
lield in ctjntempt by the Parbutlirs,
or mountaineers. Their occupatifMis
are cliiefly agricultural, and they (;x-
eeute most of the country arts and
manufactures. They are of a mid-
dle size, broad shoulders and chest,
stout limbs, round aiid rather flat
faces, small eyes, low and somewhat
spnading nosi-s, and open cheerful
eciiiiteiiances. The ordinary cast
of llirir complexion is between a
salIo>v and copper colour. It is re-
markable that the Ncvvar women,
like the Nairs of Malabar, may in
fa<-t have as many husbands as they
please, being at liberty to divorce
them on the slightest piefeuccs.
It is extremely probable there is
no place in India, where a search
after ancient valuable sans crit ma-
nuscripts would be more success-
ful than in the Valley of Nejjaul,
and i)articularly at Ehatgong, which
is the Benares of the (ilioorkhali
territori(>s. Ceneral Kirkj)atrick,
the British ambassador to Nepaul,
in 1793, was informed while tliere
of one library, said to contain 15,000
volumes. Besides the sanserif, which
is cultivated by the Brahmins of
Nepaul, the jjiineipal ve titcular
languages are the Parinitti, liie \(-
war, the Dhenwar, die jMuggur, the
K^rant, the Hovoo, the Limbooa,
and the Bhootea.
The books held sacred by tlie
Hindoos leave scarcely any room to
doubt that the reli2,ion if Brahma
has been esta!)lishcd, from tlic most
remott! aniiipiity, in llie Nepaul
"V alley, where there are as niaiiy
temples as houses, and as m;i!iy idol
as inhabitants; there not bi-ing -.is
fountain, river, or hill within its li-
mits, that is not conseeratt-d to seme
one or otlu'r of the Hindoo deities.
The popular relig"ion, in general,
diliers nolliiug from the Hindoo
doctrines estai)lislied in oilier parts
of India, excepting so fiu as the se-
610
NKPAUL.
eluded nature of the coimtiy may
have assisted to preserve it in a state
of superior purity. The Valley of
Nepanl, in particiilar, abounds with
temples of great sanctity, where Ne-
wars, or peasantry, sacrifice buffa-
loes to lihavani, and afterwards feed
oji the llcsli with great satisiaction.
During the Gh(X)rkliali expedition to
Tibet, the soldirrs fed on the tlesh
of the Chowry cow, or loji'^-haired
bullock ; yet were, in otiier rcsi)ects,
])rofessors of the Brahniinical re-
ligion.
The ancient history of Nepanl is
very much clouded wilh mytholo-
gical fable. The inhabitants have
lists of princes for many ages back ;
of whom Ny Mmii, who communi-
cated liis nanie to the valley, was
tjie lirst. Like other eastern states,
it often changed masters ; but the
revolutioiis appear either to have
originaled internally, or to have been
connected with tlieir immediate
neighbours, as we never find them
subjected to any other great Asiatic
powders.
In A.D. 1323, Har Singh Deo,
Bajah of Semrouughur, and of the
posterity of IJamdeb, of the Soorej
Bungsi princes of Oude, entered
Nepaul, and completely subdued it.
The crown continued in his family
until 1768, when Purthi Narayon,
the llajah of Gorcah (Ghoorka), put
an end to the dynasty of the Sem-
roungliur Khetries. Kunjeet Mull,
of BhatgoDg, was t'.ie last prince of
tli" Soorej Bungsi race that reigned
over Nefiaul. tic formed an alliance
witii Furtiii Narrain, ofGorcali, with
a view of strengthening himself
against the sovenjign oiCatmandoo;
but this coimexion ended in the to-
tal reduction of Ne])aul, by his ally,
in the Newar yeiir 888, correspond-
ing with A. D.17GS. Kanjeet Mull
took refuge at Benares, where he
dieil, and left a son named Abdhool
8ingli, who is probai)ly still alive.
Purthi Narrain, the Ghoorkli.nii
conqueror of Nepaul, died in 1771,
leaving two sons, Shigli Pcrtaiib and
Bahadur Suh, the former of whom
succeeded Ivim, and died in 1775,
after having addcil considerably to
the extent of his dominions by the
subjugation of the districts of Tann-
ohi, Soomaisee, Jogimara, and Oo-
padrong, lying to the S. W. of Ne-
paul.
Singh Pertaub left only one legiti-
mate son. Rajah Run Bahadur, who
was his successor mider the regency
of his mother; during which period,
Palpa, Garrumcote, and Kaski, were
added to the Nepaul dominions. Un-
der the succeeding regency of Baha-
dur Sail, the rajah's uncle, all the
slates lying between Kaski and Se-
riuagur, including both the territo-
ries of the 24 and 22 Rajahs, com-
prehending the dominions of46p<!tty
princes, w ere either absolutely seized
or rendered tril)utary.
In .the year 17G9 a force was de-
tached by the Bengal government
against the Ghoorkhalies under Capt.
Kinloeh, wliich penetrated as far as
Sedowiy, an important post at the
foot of the Nepaul Hills; but not
being able to proceed further, and
his troops being sickly, the enter-
prize was abandoned.
Towards the end of Mr. Hastings's
government, the Teshoo Lama of
Tibet proceeded to Pekin, and dy-
ing soon after his arrival there, Sum-
hur Lama, his brother, tied from
Lassa to the Rajah of Nepaul, tak-
ing with him a considerable quan-
tity of treasme. By his comnnini-
cations he excited the avarice of the
Nepaul government, which marched
a body of troops towards Lassa. The
armies of the latter being beaten,
they agreed to pay a tribute of three
lacks of rupees. In 1790 the Ne-
paulese, l>y the advice of Sumhur
I^ama, sent an army of 18,000 men
r.gainst I'eshoo Loomboo, the resi-
dence of another sacred liaina,
which plundered that place and all
its numerous temples. In their re-
treat from this place tlicy lost 2000
men by the severity ot the weather,
great numbers of whom appear to
Ijave been frozen to death.
In 1792 the Emperor of Cliina, as
NERBUDDAII RIVER.
611
;j^rainl protector of the Lamas, whom
iu' worsliips, sent ail army of 70,000
men ajjainst the N'epaul Hajah, which
beiit the Nepanh'se repeatedly, and
ailvaneed to Noakote, within 26
niil«;s of Catmandoo. The Mepaiilcse
were oblij^ed at last to make peace
on i2,nominions terms, consenting to
become tribvitaiies to the Emperor
of China, and to restore all the
pinnder they had acquired fiom the
Tibet Lamas. A treaty of com-
merce was at this time attempted l)y
Lord Cornwallis, and Captain Kirk-
patriek sent envoy to Catmandoo,
but tlie extreme jealousy of the Ne-
panlcse frustrated all iiis endeavcturs.
In March, 1792, a treaty was en-
tered into by Mr. Dnnean, then re-
sident at Benares, on tlie part of tlie
British provernment, through tlie niv-
diinn of native a<!;ents, by A\!iieh it
was stipulated, that two and a Iialf
per cent, should be reeiproeall} taken
as duty on t!ie imports from both
countries, to be levied on the amount
of tli(! invoices stamjied at the cus-
tom houses of their respective coiui-
tries, lor which jjurpose certain sta-
tions on the frontiers v\ ere selected.
It was also apeed that the mer-
chants, who had transported their
ffoods into either eonntry, and paid
the rcg^ulated dnty, and not nieetins;:
with a sale, wished to carry tlieni to
any other country, should pay no
frirther duty, but be permitted to re-
move them ; and it was stipulated
that in ail cases the merchants should
experience a prompt administration
of justice, when imposed on or op-
pressed.
In Oct. 1801, a more detailed po-
litical treaty was concluded, by w hich
the friends and enemies of the one
state were to have the same relation
to the other, and arrangements ^^ere
made for the amicabl.- adjustment of
any dispute respe<'tiii<; boundaries.
Prior to this treaty a certain number
of elephants had been sent annually
by the Nepaul Rajah to the Bengal
government, on account of the per-
gunnali of Muckinacinpoor ; but the
ftovcmor-jieueral, v^ith the view of
2 K ■>
patifyinj^ the rajah, and in consider-
ation of the iinprov(;d friendly con-
nexions, agreed to relincpiish that
tribute. A mutual exchange of fe-
lons and criminals was also agreed
on, and tlie Rajah of Nepaul engag-
ed to appropriate a district for the
support and expenses of Samee Deo,
a member of liis own family, who
had taken refuge in the British ter-
ritories.
Jn cuder to carry into effect the
dilFerent objects contained in this
treaty, and to promote other verbal
negociation, the governor- general
atid the Ncjiaul Rajah agreed each
to depute a confuiential j)erson to
reside as envoy w ith the other, who
were instructed to abstain from all
interference with the interior ad-
ministration of the eonntry to which
they were delegated, or any inter-
coinse with its disafl'ected subjects.
Since the accession of the present
Rajah Ghur, ban, jndh, Bierama
Sah, a buy who, in 1808, was nine
years of age, the councils and en-
tire management of the country have
been entrusted to, oi- rather usurped,
by Biieem Singh Tapali. The Ta-
pahs are Casias, or cultivators of the
land, and formidable from their num-
bers. They oppose tlie Chawtras,
who are Raip(.)ots and uncles to tlie
reigning prince, whose cognomen is
Sah, and not Shah ; though the lat-
ter is very g(>ner;!lly aft'ected on ac-
count of its ro}al import. {Kh-Ji-
ptitrich, Turtier, Raper, Treaties,
Giuseppe, f\T.)
Ni-RBUDOAH RivEU, (Nanmda,
re)iderivg soft).- — This river has its
source at Omercuntue, in the pro-
vince of Gunduana, close to that of
the Soane. I.at. 22°. 51'. N. Long.
82°. ir>'. E. After ascending a table
laud at OmercuntiK-, a Jlindootem-
])!e is found nearly in the centre of
it. where the Neibnddah rises from
a small well, and glidt s along the
surface of the high laiiil, until jcach-
ing the west end it is precipitated
into Mundlali. 'I'he fall is described
by the natives as being very great,
and they assert, that at the foot of
6!2
NICOBAR ISLANDS.
tlic table land its bed becomes a
cuusideiablc expanse ; and, beiiisf
joined !>} otber streams, it assumes
t!ic appearanee of a river. From
lieiice its course is nearly due Avest,
Aviih fe>ver cunatures llian most In-
dian rivers, passing; tluongh i)art of
Gmidwana, Kliaiidesb, jMahvah, and
Gulrat, wliere it joins tbc sea below
Broacir. Including- the windings, the
length of the whole course may be
estimated at 750 miles. Salgramas,
or sacred pcb1)les, are found in this
river near to ( )ncar Mandatta, which
are considered -as types of Siva or
Mahade\a, and are called Banling.
The name of Dckkan was for-
merly applied by Hindoo geographers
to the whole of those countries which
arc situated to the south of the Ner-
buddah; but the term Dcccan now
signifies, in Hindostan, the coun-
tries between the Nerbuddah and the
Krishna. This river is also named
the Reva, and it is very desirable,
in a geographical point of view, that
the country near its source should be
properly explored and described.
{Blunt, Colebroolic, Wilhs, he ^'c.)
Nefiinj '.pettah. — A small town
in the northcin district of Coimbe-
loor. Lat. 11°. 35'. N. Long. 77°.
50'. E. This place is situated on the
wesl i>ank of the Cavery, which here
begins to rise about the 26th May,
and is at its highest from the 13th of
July until Ihe 13th of August, be-
fore the rainy season conmicnces.
As this advances it decreases in size,
but does not become fordable until
after the llth of January. Among
tlie hills in this neighbourhood are
many black bears, whicli are very
harmless animals, living chielly on
vvliite ants, wild fruit, and that of
tile pali'iira. (/''. Biic/taiian, cNc)
Nftravati Rivek. — A small river
in the j)rovince of South C'anara,
whuli has i<s source in the Western
Ghauts, from whence it Hows in a
westerly direction, passing the towns
of Areola and vuntwalla. The tide
fio\As no higher than Areola, but
cai o^s carrying 150 buslicls can as-
cend further up.
Newly, (I^avahi/a). — A town in
the province of Bejapoor, 50 miles
N. W. from Bellary. Lat. 15° 35'.
N. Long. 76°. 25'." E.
Neyer.^ — A small province in Hin-
dostan, situated about the 24th de-
gree of north latitude, and hitherto
but imperfectly explored. To the
south it adjoins (he province of
Cutch, and to the east Gnjrat ; its
northern and western boundaries are
unknown. This country generally
is of an arid and sandy nature, in-
tersected by no rivers or streams —
water being procured frt>m wells,
which in many seasons aflord but a
precarious supply. Nor are the in-
habitants better than the country,
consisting principally of Coolees, a
proportion of Rajpoots, and of late
years Mahommedans, who are all
professed thieves and depredators.
The principal town in this province
is A\ ow, to the westward of v\ Inch
are Bakasir, Gurrah, and Rhardra ;
the latter being about 40 miles west
from Wow.
Ncyer abounds with horses of a
quality superior to most places in
Gnjrat, which enables the plunder-
ing Rajpoots to extend their ravages
over a great tract of country ; occa-
sionally as far as Jhingwarra in Guj-
rat. The Coolees are armed with
the tecrkami)ta, and with a curved
stick like the blade of a sabre, which
is smoked and made extremely hard.
This weapon they can tlnovv 120
yards, at wliich distance they assert
they can break a man's leg, or kill
him if they strike the head. {Mac-
mnrdo, ^c.)
NiAGUR. — A town belonging to
the Nagpoor Maharattas, situated
in the province of Gundwana, 28
miles W. N. W. from Huttunpoor.
Lat. 22°. 22'. N. Long. 82°. 1 1'. E.
NicoBAR Islands. — I'hese islands
are situated in tlie S. II. tpiarter of
tlic Bay of Bengal, between the
sixth and lOth degrees of north la-
titude, and occupy the intervening
space from the N. W. point of Su-
matra to the most southerly of the
Andaman Islands. The largest ol'
NICOBAR ISLANDS.
613
this cluster is named Sambelong:, but
those most visited by Europeans are
Carnicobar and Nancowry. There
are nine other islands of moderate
size, besides a multitude of very
small ones, as yet without any dis-
tinct appellation.
Most of these islands are liilly,
and some of the mountains are of a
considerable elevation ; but Tricut,
1'assouin, and Carnicobar, are flat,
nnd covered « ith cocoa niit trees.
The other islan«ls have likewise a
large propttrtion of cocoa and Arcca
palms, with timber trees of various
kinds, some of them of an enormous
size. The valiics and sides of the
hills are so thieklj covcreil with
them, tliat the .sun-beams cannot jie-
netrate throuf;h their folJa!;e. In
.some places (hey are so thickly in-
terwoven v\ ith rattans and bushrope,
that they appear spun together, and
render the woods almost dark. The
leaves, twigs, and fruit falling down,
rot below, which circumstance eon-
tributes tomake the island extreme-
ly unhealthy, and absolutely jiesti-
lential to a European constitution.
There arc trees of great height and
size in the woods, of a compact sub-
stance, and fit for naval purposes;
some have been cut of 34 feet cir-
cumference.
There are none of the wild beasts
here so common on (he Indian con-
tinent, such as leoi>ards and tigers.
Monkies are found in the southern-
most islands of Sumbeloug, Tarup,
and Katshall. In some others there
arc large florks of bufl'aloes and
other cattle originally brought thi-
ther by the Danes, but which have
run wild in the woods since the co-
lony was abandoned. Dogs and
swine arc also found in most of the
islands. Snakes are plenty, but not
so numerous or •. «!n()m(>us as on the
Coast of Coromandel. Alligators are
numerous, and of groat size, and
crabs swarm over some of the is-
lands. The number and variety of
shell fish is so great, that here the
most beautiful collections may be
made with verv little trouble.
The inhabitants of the Nicobars
are of a copper colour, with small
eyes, small flat noses, large mouths,
thick lips, and black teeth ; well pro-
portioned in their bodies, rather short
than tall, and with large ears, 'they
have stnmg black hair ; the men
have liltle or no !»eard ; they shave
their eye brows, but never cut their
nails. The hinder part of (he head
is conipiessed, which is done to tlic
occiput at (he birth. 'I'hey dwell in
huts of an oval form covered with
cocoa nut leaves, and supported on
posts about live or .six feel from the
ground. The occu})atii)n of ihe men
consists chiefly in building and rc-
jiairing their huts, fishing and trad-
ing to the neighb(mring islands. The
women are employed in preparing
the victuals, and cultivadng the
ground. The men are short lived,
seldom exceeding 50 years, but the
females live longer; the poj)nlation
of the islands is how ever veiy scanty.
Ihere is a considerable traflic carried
on among the islands; the chief ar-
ticles of which are cloth, silver coin,
iron, tobacco, and some other com-
modities which they obtain from Eu-
ropeans ; and also the produce of
their own islands — such as cocoa
nuts, arcca nu(, fowls, hogs, canoes,
spears, bird nests, ambergris, and
tortoise shell.
The chief production of these is-
lands are tlic cocoa nut and arcca
nut trees. Most of the coundy ships
that are bound to I'egue from the
dillerent coasts oi India, t(»n(:li at
the Nicobar Islands in order to pro-
cure a cargo of cocoa nuts, \" Incii
they purchase at the rate of four for
a leaf of tobacco, and 100 for a yard
of blue cloth. V> iid cinnamon and
sassafias aiso grow here. In addi-
tion to these there is a nutritive fruit
called by the I'ortuguese the mellori,
viiich in some respects resemhies the
jaca fruil of I>( ngal, and grows on
a species of palm abundant in the
woods. liolh the dogs and hogs are
fed on cocoa nufs, and (he <|uality
of tiie pork is excellent. AViid pi-
geons are very abundiUit from Juntf
614
NILCUND.
to September. Tobaf co is the cur-
rent inediiun of all cxxhange and
barter.
Ten or 12 huts eonipnse a ■villap:e,
each of which has a captain, who
carries on the bartering trade with
the ships tliat arrive, but he Jias
otherwise no peculiar privileges. The
chief food of the inhabitants is the
niellori bread, which is very palat-
able, together witii cocoa nuts and
yams. The clothing of the men con-
sists of a narrow piece of cloth,
about three yards long. This they
wrap round their waists ; then pass-
ing it between their legs and through
the girth behind, leave the end of it
to drag after them ; fiom which cir-
cumstances originated the faiiulous
stories of men with tails, related by
Kioping, a Swedish navigator. The
elephantiasis is a coumion disease
oil these islands.
'J'he inhai)itants of the Nicobars
do not follow any of the systems of
religion prevalent on the neighbour-
ing continent, or among the Eastern
Isles, but their notions of a divine
being are extremely perplexed and
unintelligible. Their paters (an ap-
pellation bonowed from the Portu-
guese) act in tlie tiebl. capacity of
conjuror, physician, and priest. I'or
the expuLsion of evil spirits they de-
pend chiefly on exor« t.sms, the pro-
cess of eflecting which is accom-
panied by most horrible grimaces.
j\fr. Haensel,thc Danish missionary,
relates, that he was present when
one of th< sc physicians undertook to
cure a w oman who was very unwell.
After a succession of most hideous
faces, the sorcerer produced a large
yam, which he held up, pretending
that he had extracted it from the
body of the woman, and that the
enchanted yam hud been the cause
of her disorder.
The missionaries never managcfj
to acquire any considerai)le jiroli-
cicncy in the language of the na-
tives, which they found attended
with peculiar dillicidties. ]l is re-
markably poor in words, and the
natives are asserted to be so indo-
lent, that as long as they can ex-
press V. hat they mean by signs, they
are unwilling to open their mouths
for the purpose of speaking. Both
men and women cany always in
their mouths a large quid of betel,
Avhicli renders their speech a species
of indistinct sputtering. In their
common jargon there are many Ma-
lay words, and other phrases bor-
rowed from European and other
strangers. It is said they have no
expression for numbers beyond 40,
except by multiplication.
A commercial establishment was
formed on th.esc islands by the
Danes, in 1756, who new named
them Frederic's Islands ; but the at-
tempt was unsuccessful, and almost
all the colonists from Tranquebar
.soon died. A new arrangement was
formed, in 1768, in coniunction with
the Baptist missionaries ; but they
died so fast, that, in 1771, only two
Europeans and four Malabar ser-
vants survived. A few indefatigable
and intrepid missionaries continued
to reside on the islands, who re-
ceived supplies from Tranquebar,
and also additional brethren in place
of those A\ ho died ; but the mortal-
ity continuing incessant, and no
])rogress Iiaving been made in the
con\crs!on of the natives, the mis-
sion was linally abandoned in 1787.
During the comparatively short pe-
riod this mission existed, 11 of these
worthy men found tlieir giaves in tlie
Island of Nancowry; and 13 more
shortly after their return to 'i'raii-
quebar, in consequence of malignant
fevers and obstructions in the liver,
eojitracted on that island. {Haenset,
Foiitaiia, iSc. Sfc.)
Nidyca; iL, {Nadicavil, the Temple
on th(- River). — A small village in
North Coimbetoor, situated on the
portion .1)etween the Karnata and
Chera countries, two of the principal
divisions in ancient Hindoo geo-
iiraphv. Lat, 11°, 51'. N. Long.
77°. 42'. E.
NiLCUND, {Nilaceintha.). — A place
of pilgrimage, of great sanctity, in
northern liiudostan ; named also
NOAKOTE.
G15
liossair Otlian, and situated among
(he Himalaya mountains in the IVun-
ticrs of Tibet. Lat. 27° 51'. N.
Long. 86°. 60. 1'i. Tlie cold of tliis
placo is de.scril)ed a^ too great to
admit of the pilgiinis resting licre
beyond a .single day. Avalanches
are oonnnon on the road, and gla-
cieres both of ice and snow occur
in various parts of this A!j)ine re-
gion. Nilcund is visited ab(»ut the
end of July and beginning of Au-
gust ; yet the road is passable witli
great diHiculty, on account of the
<lepth of the snow, although the
mountain on which it stands is not
situated in a higher latitude than
28°. N. Soorchciuid, a small lake,
whence the Tadi Ki\ er rises, is situ-
ated a little more elevated than Nil-
cund, at the distance of three miles.
About lour miles from this place
lliere is a <'olossal stone statue of
Ganesa. The name means blue
throat, a title of Maliadeva's, derived
from an exploit performed by him,
and related in tlie Hindoo mytho-
logical poems. {Kirkpatrick, <^c.)
Nif.cuNDAii. — A district in the
Nizam's dominions, in llie province
of Hyderabad, situated about the
17th degree of north latitude, and
in general but thinly inhabited and
cultivated.
NiLCUNDAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, 42 miles S. E.
Krishna River, 40 miles W. S. W.
from Masuiipatan). I.at. 15°. .OG'. N,
Long. H0°. 35', IC. At this place a
considera!)le coasting trade i.s car-
ried on in the craft navigated by the
natives,
NoAKOTE, (Navacata, the newFort).
— A small town, temple, and valley,
in northern Hindostan, in the dis-
trict of Nepaul. Lat, 27°. 4.3'. N.
Long. 85°. 30'. E. The town of
Noakote is not of any great extrnt;
but it contains some of the largest
and best-looking houses in Js'apaul.
Its situation is of importance, as
commanding the only entrance in
this quarter from Upper as well as
Lower Tibet, and standing close to
IMount Dliyboon, by which the Chi-
nese army was obliged to descend
in 1792, when penetrating Ncpaul.
The tcmj)le of Noakote is dedicated
to Mahamaya, or Bhavani, and is a
brick building on the face of a hill,
witii nothing remarkable in its ap-
pearance. From the roof there are
numerous offerings to the goddess
.suspended, consisting principally of
brass vessels and weaptins of various
.sorts; among the latter some tro-
phies acquired from the Chinese.
'I'he "Valley of Noakote is about
six miles in length, by one and a
quarter in breadth. The soil of this
valley is extremely fruitful, and, not-
withstanding its victnity and expo-
from Hyderabad, and the capital of sure to the snowy mountains, whicU
H district of the same name. Lat.
16°. 55'. N. Long. 79°. 15'. E.
NiRMUL. — A town in (he Nizam's
dominions, in the province of Nan-
dcre ; four miles N. from the Coda-
very, and l.'W miics S. by E. from
Nagpoor. Lat. 19°. lb'. N. Long.
79°- 33. M.
NisKLour, {or Noussa Laut) Lslf,.
— One of (lie smallest of the Am-
boyna Isles, which, during the 17th
century, willi Sapania Isle, yielded
one half of ail the (loves exported.
Nizam. — See Province oi Hy-
nERABAD.
NiZAMPATAM. — A town in the
Northern Circars, situated on the
west side of one <d the mouths of (he
enclose it to the northward, it is ca-
pable of bearing all (he vegetable
productions of (he lialiar province.
The river of Noakate is held in par-
(icular estimation. This valley, al-
though so near to the hills, is reck-
oned one of (lie lowest ijr the vi-
cinity of Nqiaul Projicr; and this
fact will n<((iuiit for (In- great tem-
perature in the Valley of Noakote,
compared with that of Nepaul. After
tiie middle of April it is scarcely ha-
bitable, on aecoui't of the heat. IJe-
sidcs rice, considerable (pniiilitics of
sngar-cane are raised in (he ^'alh y
of Noakote and its neighbouiliood ;
the gonr, or brown sugar, iuought to
market here, is in a more reiined
(J16
NOMURDIES.
state than that which is usually met
with ill Bengal. The garlie has re-
markably large closes, and the pine-
apples, guavas, and mangoes, aie
excellent. {Kir/ipatrich, iSc)
NoANAGUR, ( Navanagara), — A
town in the ])ro\ince of Gajrat, dis-
trict of Halliar, situated on the S.E.
side of the Gulf of Cutch. Lat.
22°. 20'. N. Long. 70°. 1.5'. E.
The district of Noanagnr consists
of four divisions, viz. Nuggur, Kum-
ballia(or Sui^a), Siitchar.a, and Joo-
via — the last of which has been ali-
enated by the Khow as family. The
country inland from this city is ex-
tremely rocky, but it produces plen-
tiful crops of joaree, growing appa-
rently out of the stones, so entirely
is the soil concealed. What is sown
in the narrow valleys in October is
reaped in May and June, In the
neighbomhood of the small villages
the sugar-cane is cultivated. I'his
crop is so hazardous, that in India
it is usually only raised under peace-
ful goverinnents.where tiie peasantry
ai'o in good circnmstances, ajid se-
cure of reaping \\hen ihej have
sowed. I'he expenses of agricultnrc
here are comparatively small, wafer
being so near the surface, and the
G'ujrat I gninsnla generally having
Tnan> small streams with low banks,
so as to admit of iiTigation.
The town of Noanagur is asserted
by the nati\es to be three eoss in
circumference, and defended by a
wall of no great strength, erected
30 years ago. It contains many
weavers, who manufacture a consi-
derable quantity of coarse and fme
doth, sojne sorts of a very beautiful
fabric. I'rom hence Cottywar is
supplied with this article, which is
also exported to other parts of Gui-
rat. The small river Nagne flows
under the walls of Noanagur, asul it
is supposed i\v tJie natives to possess
some quality peculiarly favourable to
the dying of cloth, for the excellence
of which this town is celebraled.
All the Noanagur villages within
12 or 15nnles of the Run have walls
for their defeuce. The ciiUi\a1(.;s
generally ^ay a third of the produce
to government, Avhich appoints a
person to value the crop; besides
this, a tax is laid on animals, and
another on men. Corecs are stnjck
in Cutcli under the authority of the
Row, and others under the authority
of Jam of Noanagur. It is a small,
handsome, silver coin, with Hindui
characters, and its average value
three to a surat rupee.
The appellation of jam to the
chieftain of Noanagur, is a title
which has descended from his an-
cestors. The Hindoos deiive it from
a Sanscrit source, and theMahonmie-
dans from Jumsheed, a renowned
sovereign of Persia. By an agree-
ment executed in 1808, Jessajee, the
reigning Jam of Noanagur, engaged
with the Bombay government not
to permit, instigate, or connive at
any act of piracy committed by any
person under his authority ; and also
to abstain from plundering vessels in
distress. Reciprocal freedom of trade
to be pennitted by both parties.
{Macmurdo, Treaties, Sfc.)
NoGAiicoTT, {Nagaracata), — A
town in Northern Hindostan, in the
Rajah of Nepaid's dominions; but
since 1792 tributary to China, 60
miles (>ast from Catmandoo. Lat.
28°. 2'. E. Long. 86° 6'. E.
NoMURDiES, (Na?uradii/a). — A mi-
gratory Mahommcdan tribe, who oc-
cujjy part of Baloochistan, about
the 26th degree of north latitude.
By Abul Fazel, in 1582, they are de-
scribed as follows :
" Another chain of mountains
rims from Schwan to Sewee, where
it is called Khuttee. Here dwell a
tribe named Noiinirdy,who can laise
300 cavalry and 7000 iiitafltry. At
the foot of this territory is another
tribe of Belootchies, named Teh-
zcng, who have a thousand choice
troops. There is another range of
mountains, one extremity of which
i.s on Cutch, jind the other joins the
feniiories of the Kuimainies, where
it is called Karch. It is inhabited
bv 4000 Bi'lootchics." {Abn! Fuzcl,
ST. .VC)
NUDDEA.
617
NooiDROoGH, {Naladio-ga). — A
district in tlie Nizam's dominions, in
the inovintc of Bejapoor, situated
Jtotween the 17th and 18th degrees
of north latitude, and bounded on
tlic south by the Beemah River. The
principal towns arc Nooldrog' and
Jjackar.
Nooi.DRooG. — A town in the Ni-
zatn's dominions, in the province of
Bejupoor, 73 miles N. E. from tlie
city of Bejapoor. Lat. 17°. 42'. N.
LoiifT. 76°. ;37'. E.
NooNY, (Lavaiii, hracldsh). — A
town in the province of Bengal, dis-
trict of Kaujeshv, 74 miles ^V.N.W.
from .^Inorsiicdabad. Lat.24°.28'.N.
Long. 87°. 8'. E.
NooNTAL. — A small and moun-
tainous district, situated about the
3uth degree of north latitude, be-
tween the eastern extremity of Cash-
mere and the wctitcrn tionticr of
. Lahdack. It is also named Nieontai;
but respecting it nothing further is
known.
NooRGOoL. — A district in tlicMa-
haratta territories, in the province of
Bejapoor, situated between the Kith
and 17th degrees of north latitude ;
bounded on the north by the Krishna
River, and intersected by the small
Biver Gutpurba. The chief town is
Gohauk.
NooRABAD. — A lavg-e village in the
province of Agra, situated on the
south bank of the Sank Biver, over
which is a l)ridge of seven arclies,
well built of stone, 17 miles N.W,
from Goluid. Lat. 26°. 25'. N.
Long. 78°. 0'. E. Adjoining to this
village is a large garden laid out by
Aurengzebe, witliia which is a mo-
nument to the memory of Goona Be-
gum, a princess celebrated for her
])ersonal and mental accomplish-
ments. Many of her (ompositions
in the Ilindoslan language are still
sung and admired. Thi- shrine bears
this inscription in Persian, " Alas!
alas! Goona Begum."
The face of the country here is
bare, being dcstitut" «)f trees, and
almost Avithout cultivation. JNear
the road, south, are several snuiU
4
forts, some of mud, and some of
stone, possessed by petty chiefs, w ho
derive a precarious revenue from
predatory attacks. (Hunter, Sfc.)
NoRNAGUR, (Nuriiagin; the Citi/
of Light). — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of Tipperah, 50
miles E. bv N. from Dacca. Lat.
23°. 45'. E." Long. 91°. 5'. E.
NooRRi. — A village in the pro-
vince of Sindc, situated on the banks
of the Fulalee, 1.5 miles below Hv-
dernabad. Lat. 25°. 8'. N.
At this place travellers proceed-
ing to Luckput Bunder and the GuU
of Cutch, quit the Judalcc, and en-
ter a branch rimning to the south-
ward of Noori, in a direction S. E.
which is called the Goonee. About
one nnle to the south of this place,
at the village of Seidpoor, the Goo-
nee is about 150 yards broad, and
two fathoms deep, in tlie month of
August. The banks are but little
cultivated, and arc overgrown with
bushes of the lye. ( 3Ia.vJi€ld, Vc.)
NowADAH. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Bahar, .54
miles S. S. E. from Patna. Lat. 24°.
54'. N. Long. 85°. 40'. E.
NowAGUR, (Navaghar). — A town
belonging to the Nagpoor INlaha-
rattas, in the province of Guudwana,
situated on the N. W. side of the
Mahanuddy River, 30 miles S. S. K
from Ruttunpoor. Lat. 21°. 55'. N.
Long, 82°. 55'. E.
NowpooRAH, {Naupm-a, the Toivn
of Boats). — A town in the INIaha-
ratta territories, in the province of
Khandesli, 46 miles E. from Surat.
Lat. 21°. 6'. N. Long. 73°. 45'. E.
NucKERGAUT, (Lakr'ghat). — A
town ill Northern Idindostan, in tlio
province of Serinagur. Lat. SvP. 3'.
N. Long. 78°. 5'. E. Tlieie is a
ferry here across the Ganges, which
in i'cbruary, during the dry season,
is here about 200 yards wide.
NcDDEA, {Naradirrpa, the Neto
Island). — A district in tlie province
of ]]engal, situated between the 22d
and 24th degrees of north latitude.
It is bounded on the north by Rau-
jishy; on the south by llooglily and
618
NUNDABAP.
llie Suiidciljiinds ; to llie cast by
Jessore ; and on the west it is sepa-
rated t'roni Bmdwan by theHooslily
Eiver. In the aiuieut records of
Eenfi'al this district is named Oii-
kerah ; but more recently received
thai of Kishena^ur from the zemin-
dar wlio held it. In the l^e^ianinj;-
of the 18lh century it ^as bestowed
on Kagoorani, a Erahinin, the an-
cestor of the present family. This
district is large, and wonderfully fer-
tile in id! the dearer productions of
the Indian soil. It enjoys, besides,
an easy and quick transportation by
the rivers IJoooIdy, tlie Jellinghy,
and tlic Issanuitty ; yet tlic revenue
produced bears no comparative pro-
portion to that realized in the adja-
cent district of Burdwan, although
the latter does not enjoy the benefit
of so excellent an inland navigation.
In 1781, by Major Kennel's mensu-
ration, this district contained 3115
square miles ; the chief towns at pre-
sent are Kishenagur, Nuddeah, and
isantipoor.
In 1801, by the directions of tlie
jNIarquis Wellesley, tlieir governor-
renera!, the board of revenue in
Bengal circulated various (piestions
on statistical subjects to the col-
lectors of the difl'ercnt districts. The
result of their replies tended to esta-
blish the lact, that the ISJuddea dis-
trict contained 764,000 inhabitants,
in the proportion of two IMahom-
medans to seven Hindoos, and that
llie zemindar's proht on their land,
in general, exceeded 10 per cent.
{J. Grant, kc.)
NuDDV A. — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of Nuddea, si-
tuated at the Jellinghy and Cossim-
hnzar Bivers, with the Hoogliiy, 60
miles N. from Calcutta. Lat. 23°.
2.J'. N. Long. 88°. 24'. E. This ^\ as
the capital of a Hindoo principality
anterior to the Mogul conquest of
Uindostan, and was taken and en-
tirely destroyed, A. 1>. 1204, by
■\Iahonmied Bukhtyar Khiljee, the
lirst jVIahonnnedan invader of Ben-
gal. In modern times it has been
tlio seat of a Brahmin seminary of
4
learning, but of a very inferior de-
serijdion to Benares. {Abul Fazel^
J. Grant, <Sr.)
NuGHz. — An Afghan district in
theproviuee of Cabal, situated be-
tween the 33d and 34th degrees of
north latitude. By Abul Fazel it is
described under tlie name of Too-
nian Nughz, yielding a revenue of
854,000 dams ; but Major Willbrd
thinks, that the true name of the
capital of this district is Bughz, or
Bughzan, and that of the district
Iryab.
^UGnz. — An Afglian city in the
province of Cabnl, district of the
same name, situated on the north
side of the Cow or Cowniul Biver,
100 miles S. E. from the city of Ca-
bnl. Lat. 33°. 17'. N. Long. 69°.
28'. E.
NujitiAnAn. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, i)5 miles N. E. from
the citv of Delhi, and 25 S. by E.
from liurdwar. Lut. 20° 39'. N.
Long. 78°. IG'. E.
TJiis place was built by Nujeb ud
Dow lab, w ith the view of attracting
the commerce between Cashmere
and iJindostan. In length it is about
six furlongs, with some regular
broad streets, enclosed by barriers
at different distances, ami ibrming
distinct bazars. In the neighbour-
hood arc the remains of many con-
siderable buildings. A trallic of
some extent is carried on here in
wood, bamboos, iron, copper, and
tineal, brought iioin tho hills. It is
also the ( entre of a trade from La-
hore, Cabnl, and Cashmere, to the
east and south-east parts of lihi-
dostan. Nujib ud Dowlah, tho
Ibnnder, lies buried here in a grave
without ornament of any kind. Tho
situation of the town is low, and
the surrounding eonntry swamp}'.
{Hardicickc, Foster, iSr.)
NrtniNOAH, (Nuladang-a). — A
town in tiie province of Bengal, 74
miles N. Is. by N. from Calcutta.
Lat. 23°. 25'. N. Long. 89°. 7'. E.
NuNDAiiAR, {Naiularar). — A town
in the IMaharatla territories, in the
province of Khandesh^ 76 miles E.
NUSSERPOOR.
rji.o
.from Surat. Lat. 21°. 17'. N. Long.
74°. 15'. i:.
NiiNn.APORi'M. — A town in liie
Northern Circars. 82 uiilcs W . from
Cioacole. Lat 18°. 23'. N. Long.
82°. 40'. E.
NuNUYnROOG, {Xmtdidurga). —
A strong hill I'ort in JNIvsore Hajah's
dominions, Q-tjnilt's N. E. from Sc-
ringapaUim. Lat. 13°. 22'. N. Long.
77°. 53'. E.
This place is built on the suiiunit
of a mountain, about 1700 ftet liigii,
three-fourths of its rircunifercnce be-
ing inaccessible. In 1791 tiiis fortress
ranked, in point of strength, next to
Savendroog, Chittcldroog, and Kist-
uaghcriT; and was then taken by
storm, by a detachment under the
command of Major Gowdie, after
an obstinate defence of tliree weeks.
When llyder took it from the Ma-
liarattas, it was after a tedious
blockade of three years.
Among the hills of Nundydroog
there is much fertile land now co-
vered with bamboos and useless
trees, but which is quite capai)le of
cultivation. Near to this place,
among the hills of Chinrayaconila,
the Pemiar River is said to spring,
called Utara Pinakani in the Sanscrit.
This river runs towards the north ;
and the Palar, which also springs
from Nundy, runs to the south.
These hills may, therefore, be looked
upon as the iiighest part of the coun-
try in tiie centre of the land south
of the Krishna. The sources of the
Cavery and Toombuddra riveis,
towards the western side, are pro-
bably higlicr. {Dirom, F. Buchanan,
^■c. .No.)
NiJUPOOR. — A small district in the
Seik territories, in the province of
Lahore, situated between the .32d
and 33d degrees of north latitude,
and bounded on the north by the
River Ravey.
NuKi'ooR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Lahore, the capital of a
district of the same name, and 75
miles E. N. E. from the city of La-
hore. Lat. 32". 12'. N. Long. 75'^,
2'. E.
This town is situated on the top
of a hill, which is ascended by stone
steps, and has the appearance of
opulence and industry. Towards
the S. E. the country is open and
pleasant, with a winding .stream of
line water, the heat being much mo-
derated by the cool breezes from the
north-west hills ; which, during a
consitierable part of the year, are
covered with snow. The Xurpoor
districts are bounded to the north by
the Ravey ; on the east, by the Cham-
bah conntry ; on the west, by some
small Hindoo districts, lying at the
head of the Punjab and the River
Beyah; and on the south by ITur-
reepoor. In 1783 the revenues of
Nurpoor were estimated at four lacks
of rupees. {Foster, ■$•€.)
Ni'URAH, (Nara). — A town pos-
sessed by native Goand chiefs in
the province of Gundnana, tributary
to the Nagpoor Rajah, 78 mdes S.
by E. from Ruttunj>oor, Lat. 21°.
2'. N. Long. 82°. 45'. E.
N^'SSERABAD, {Nascraha(l). — A
town in the Maharatta dominions, in
the province ofBerar,42 miles S-AV.
from Boorhanr>oor. Lat. 20°. 56'. N.
Long. 75°. 51'. E.
NUSSERITABAD, Or SACKrR. — A
town in the Nizam's dominions, in
the province of Bejapoor, 43 miles
E. N. E. from the city of Beja-
poor. Lat. 17°. 20'. N." Long. 7(>°.
20'. E,
NussERFooR, (Nasirpura). — A
district in the province of Sinde, si-
tuated principally between the 2(jili
and 27th degrees of north latitude,
and intersected by the River Indus.
It is described by Abul Fazcl, in
1582, as " Sircar Nusscrpoor, con-
taining seven mahals ; revemie,
7,834,600 dams."
NrssKUPooR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Sinde, ihe capital of a <lis-
trict of the same name, and situ-
ated near the banks of the Indus.
Lat. 25°. 2b'. N. Long. W°. 10'. E
620
OAKAMUNDEL.
o.
Oaka, {Oka). — A town and small
district in the province of Giijrat,
sc|)ft.ratod from Ihc main land by 1 lie
Hull. Lat. 22° M. N. Long." 69°.
30'. E.
Twelve nnles sonth from Positra
the hreadth of the Rnii is five miles
and a half, the bottom being firm
parKl, with verv little mud. The
highest sjinng- iide.s tlood it to the
depth of 16 or 18 indies; at other
times it is dry, or merely moist, and
may be marched across with ease.
The Oaka sliorc is much more mi-
even and abrupt tiian tlie other, and
is thickly covered witji the milk
bnsh and similar wild shrubs. After
ascending the coast, the descent
into the country is gradual — the ge-
neral level of the country being
nmch lower tlian the beach of the
Fun,
'I'Jie soil of Oaka is in general
light red, and of no great depth;
and jowaree and bajeree are the
only crops it is capable of yielding.
There is but little cultivation, hoM -
ever — Iheinhabitants being a savage
race, and nnn;h addicted to piracy.
Camels of an inferior dcscrij)tion are
bred in Oaka, the sea-beach and
sandy sli])s, covered with shrubs,
being favourable to tlie rearing of
that animal, which requires liltle
care, and is suttered to roam wild
among the jungles, where there are
no tigers; but leopards have occa-
sionally b(!en seen. It is also well
stocked with partridges, quails, hares,
and hogs. 'J'lic rock, which abounds
in the Oaka district, is nnuh im-
pregnated with iron ore, but very
Jittle is fused beyond what the black-
smiths require for building and re-
pairing boats.
']'he population here consists
chiefly of Wagcres, a Hindoo race
of men, who are originally from
Cutch, but who appear to possess as
many Mahommcdan as Hindoo prin-
ciples. Their appeaiance and man-
ner of life arc barbarous in the ex-
treme, and they ma J be said to live by
plunder. During the monsoon, how-
ever, when their boats are laid up,
they retire to their small villages, and
cidtivate grain for their own use.
'i'iiey pay no revenue, their law be-
ing ])!ough and eat.
The i)iracies of Oaka are of a
very ancient date, and the natives
continue prone to this mode of life,
to which they are stimulated by the
numerous ailvautages they possess
for carrying it on. The reliance
they place on the power of their
deify at Dwaraca is one of the
strongest incentives — his priests and
attendants being the chief insti-
gators of piracy. Jn return, they
receive a certain portion of ail plun-
dered property, as a recompense for
the protection received from Ruu-
chor (the deity), while the expedi-
tion was at sea. Before setting off,
it is a common practice for the pi-
rates to promise a larger share than
the god can claim by right, if he
will ensine success to their trip.
Many vessels are fitted out in his
name, as sole owner, and actually
belong to the temple, whie!) receives
the plunder they bring back. Re-
cently, these predatory expeditions
have been greatly restrained by the
British naval power; but the inha-
bitants retain all their ancient pro-
pensity to the practice. {Macmwcld,
^■c. Vr.')
O A K \ M V \D K I, , {Okamamhhi). — A
district in the (iujrat Peninsula, ex-
tending along tile soutii side of the
Gulf of Cutch, and situated between
the 22d and 23d degrees of north la-
tit iide.
'J'his district begins at Kumballia,
from wlieiice W. by S. the country
consists of iiill and dale, with a hard
rocky soil. It jucsents a very wild
aspect, i\'w villages, no cultivation,
and abundance of the milk bush,
well stocked with partridges, hares,
and other species of game. This
state of desolation was caused by the
J^ositra ])lundercrs, which reduced a
considerable portion of the district
to a waste, covered v\ith jungle, in
some places scarcely penetrable.
ODEYPOOK.
621
Those idlibcrs were expclk-d liy tlic
IJritish ill 1809.
'riie word oka si2;iiifn-s iiiiv thiiij?
hm\ or difliciilt, in wiiic'i scii-^c it is
applied 1o this wild aitd liiiciMth dis-
trict. Ill modern tiiins thi" term
Okamiiiidel is piiiK ipaiiy ai>j)li<'d to
the western extremity ol tli G'ljrat
Peninsula, separated Ironi the main
laud by a run, or s\\ain|., {'oiined by
the sea inakiii;:: a bnarh tVoni the
northwest shore, near !'iii(li( l;iriik ;
and. cxteudiiii!: in a S. I"., direction,
ao;aiii connects itsclt with tlie sea at
Muddce, A\hicli is about 14 Jiiiles
distant tioiii rindletariik. The
breadth of this channel t:;i<idiiaMy de-
creases; at Mnddee it is not nu)re
than a mile, and is separated liom
llie ocean by :i low l)aiik, about 60
yards wide, which is weariii;;' away.
Jrom the earliest period ol history
commerce and a;;ricullure iiave beiii
disrcSHided in tliis part ot'tiujrat by
the inhabitants, who, beini;' mostly
iisiicrinen, addicted themselves als<»
to piracy. ( Macmiirdo, \c.)
Oby Isle. — An island in tlie
Ea.stern Seas, situated princiiially
between the first and second decrees
of south latitude, and tlie I'iSth and
l'29th of cast lon,2,itude. In ienj^th
it may be estimated at 65 miles, by
11 miles the avera!j;e breadth. On
this island live many ruiia\vay slaves
from Ternatc, who cultivati; ch)vcs,
which they sell to l\\c Biii;<!;esses.
It is claimed of the Sultan of Bat-
cliiaii, who lias a pearl lishery es^ta-
blished on the coast. < >n t!ie west
side of Oby the Dutch iiad a small
fort. {Forrest, \-e.)
OcLASEi.K. — A town in the pro-
vince oftiujrat, distiict of Kroach, 5
miles S. bv W. from Broacii. Lat.
21°. 37'. N. Lonu;. 7o°. lo'. E.
Odkpoor. — A '.nail town iu the
INIaharatta territories, ill the province
of Mahvah. 2-1 miles S. li. from Se-
ron^o. I>at. 2;}°. bH'. Loiii;-. 7b°.
21)'. E. This place stands on tlie
side of a rock, where tiieie is also a
Hindoo temple of .some celebrity.
There is here a lari!;c tank, and [)leii-
ty of line wells; aud about two
miles north there is a nullah, con-
tainiiij;- water to the end of 1 ebruary.
{MSS. Vf.)
OiJKVi'ooii, (Udtn/apina). — A Raj-
poot piii>ci|)ality, in the provisice of
Ajmeer, of whicii it occupies the
Pouth-castern (luarter. A consider-
able jiortion of the Odeypoor terri-
tories anciently bore tlie appeUation
ofMewar; and thf? soven i;^n is fre-
quently styled (he I'annah of Chi-
tore, under wiiicli heads respectively
I'urtlier details will lie found.
The present Odeypoor territories
maybe estimated at 110 miles in
letis^th from north lo south, by 70
from cast to west, but must be con-
sidered as in a perpetual state of
lliictnation. To the north tiiey are
bounucd by the Ajmeer district and
the chiefship of Kishenaf^ur; on the
north west and vest by Joudpoor;
on tlie south and sonth cast by the
province of Mahvah; on the south
west by (injiat; and on the north
east by Kcttaii and Bundce.
The face of the Odeypoor territo-
ries is in j-:eneral mountainous; but,
when properly cnitivated, extremely
brtile. It vields siis^ar, indigo, to-
bacco, wlieat,ricc, barley; there are
also iron mines, with plenty of fuel ;
and 30 miles north of Odeypoor sul-
phur is found, but it is of an inierior
(piality to ihat procured from Suraf.
The country is naturally strong. The
city of Odeviioiir, wiiieli is situated
in an amphilhiatre of hills, is guard-
ed iu the appri»ac!i l)y a deep and
dangerous dciile, whieli admits only
of a single carriage passing at a lime ;
}et so extensive is the circuit jiro-
tected bv tins pass, that ixtvveeu four
and 5U0 villages are comprehended
within its range. The generality of
the cattle are inferior to those of the
more western countries.
The lands throughout Odeypoor
are held on the feud::! :^ystem. I)ut a
consideiaiWe part is tributary to tiie
Midiaratlas, who possess also many
of the most 0{ink'nt towns. In tlie
jHcscnt distracted state of the hana'.s
dominions the revenue is rarely jiaid,
except wheii.- levied b) force; and
622
OMERCUNTUC.
the ffudatoiies as seldom obey his
sumtimns to appear at court. The
nobility arc Hajpoots, or Kajapoo-
tras, called Rliatores in the vulgar
dialect. They are of the tribe Seso-
dya, wliich is esteemed the purest
and most noble. 'I'he weapons of
au Odeypoor Rajpoot consist of a
matchlock, lance, and sabre, but
priiicii^ally of the two hitter. The
cultivators are composed ofKajpoots,
.Tants, Brahmins, and Bheels. The
chief towns are Odeypoor, Chitore,
Jalore,Bilarah, and Shahpoorah, and
the g^rcat mass of the inhabitants
Hindoos of the Bralnninical persi.a-
sion. (G. Thomas, Broughton, Wtl-
J'ord, ^'c.)
Odeypoor.' — A town in the pro-
vince of Ajmeer, situated on the
south side of the Bauass Bivcr. Lat.
25°. 28'. N. Long. 74° 5'. E. Tliis
place stands within an amphitheatre
of hills, which has but one road that
admits a carriage ; but there arc two
other passes throucrh which single
horses can go. The wells in the
neighbourhood, although but a small
distance from the surface of tiie
earth, are strongly impregnated with
mineral particles, which flow with
tiie water from the hills.
The Rana of Odeypoor is of the
Sesodya tribe, and is considered as
the most noble of all the Rajpoot
chiefs; bnt is much inferior in ])owcr
to the Rajahs of Jyenagur and Joud-
j)oor, paiticnlarly the latter. Jlis
family is also higlily regarded by the
MahonuMcdans, in consequence of a
tradition, that he is descended in
the female line from the celebrated
Nnshirvan, who was King of Persia
at the birth of .\rahommed,and thus
to have in that line a common origin
with the Seids descended from ilos-
sein, the son of Ali. In 1807 llie
Rajahs of Jyenagur and .toudpoor
continued their mutual pretensions
to many the daughter of the Rana
of Odeypoor, which involved them
in hostilities, by which the Maha-
ratta j)lunderers ])rofited. {G. Tlio-
was, Franklin, MSS. Sc)
Odeypoor.— A towu in the ter-
ritories of the Nagpoor jMaharatlas,
in the province of Ciundwana, 73
miles N.E. from Ruttunpoor. Lat.
22°. 37'. N. Long. 83°. 40'. E.
Offak. — A harbour on the Island
of AVageeoo, where there is a stream
of fresh water, and good anchorage.
OcUKRArURKA, (Agtirupuro). — A
town possessed by independent ze-
mindars, in the prosince of Orissa,
70 mik>s N. "\V. from Cuttaek. Lat.
21°. 23'. N. Long. 85°. 3.5'. K
Okirah. — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of Burdwan, 105
miles N.W. from Calcutta. Lat. 23°.
38'. N. Long. 87°. 15'. E-
(Jlpar, {U/iipara). — A town in the
province of Gujrat, district of Broach,
seven miles north from Sinat. Lat.
21°. 18'. Long. 73°. 1'. E.
By the treaty eonclnded with the
Pcsliwa, on the 16th Dec. 1803, sup-
plemental to that of Bassein, the
pergunnah of Olpar, yielding a reve-
nue of 316,000 rupees, was as a par-
ticular favour restored to the Pesh-
wa ; but as, on account of its proxi-
mity to the city of Surat, it was of
great value to the British, it was
agreed tiiat it should be so managed
and governed by the Maharatta. au-
thority, as to conduce to the conve-
nience of that city, and to the pro-
motion of an amicable conimercial
intercourse : the sovereignty of the
River Tuptee to remain with the
British. {Treaties, .Vc)
Ombay Isle. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, situated of!' the N.W.
coast of Timor, between the eighth
and ninth degrees of south latitude.
In length il may be estimated at 45
miles, by 13 Ihe average breadth.
Omkirseer. — A village in the
jjfovince of Cutch, situated about
four miles south from Ludiput BuM-
dor. Lat. 23°. 4C'. N. The soil of
the adjacent lands is a red sandy
loam, and is tolerably well culti-
vated. There arc few trees besides
the baubool ; but the grass on the
liilis is good, although tliinly scat-
tered.
Omf.rcuntuc, {Amara cantaca). — ■
A celebrated place of Hindoo pil-
.)NORE.
G23
ptimairc, in tlio province of Oniid- tivatod, of pent ffrtilify, britij^ iii-
waiia, ^2 miles N. N. W . fnmi Hiif- tersectcd by tiic Sopra and Giilyi'iiid
fimpoor, and 69 l'M)y N.fioni .Muncl- rivers. It contains no town ot t'lui-
lah. Lat. 22°. 63'. N. Lung. 62^. sequence.
16'. E. Ongologur, (An^nlaghar). — A
Tiie eonntry around Omt rcuntnc town possessed by i.-idipcndent Ze-
is very wild, and thinly inhabited, niiudavs. in llie pro\ince of Orissa,
It is seldom or never frcijiu ntcd by
;iiy travellers. e\e(i)t Hindoo pil-
pinis, who go to visit the sources of
the Soanc and Nerbuddah riv is at
55 miles west from CuHack. Lat.
20°. 3fi'. N. Lon<,^ b5°. 20'. E.
Ongoi-k, (/Iw^ff/rt). — /\ district in
the Northern Carnatic, sitnated bc-
this place ; the usual road to which tween tiie loth and IGth degrees of
is by Rnttunpoor. 'i'hese ri\ers are north latitude. It Wits formerly de-
.said to derive their origin from the pendent on the Ivirpa or Cu<lapah
water that is collected in, and issues principality; but was afterwards iu-
fnmi the cavities of the mountains, corporated with the Carnatic below
which form the eU\ated table land the Ghauts, and suiiject to the Na-
of Omercunlnc. Of this territory bob of Arc.it. 'I'he .sovfjreignty of
the Nagpoor Rajah claims a part, Ongole was (inally acquired by the
the Rajah of Sohagepoor another Coiiipany in 1801, by treaty with the
part, and the Goands a third; but nabob; and with Xeloor, and in-
tlie whole is generally in the posses- chiding part of the Western Pollams,
sion of the latter, {liluiit, Sc.) now forms one of the collcctorships,
OMr.Ri'ooii, iAminapnra). — A into which the Carnatic lias beeu
town in the Nir-^am's territories, in subdivided, under the Madras Presi-
the province of Ecrar, 82 miles N. E. dency. it is inlerior in point of fer-
from Jalnapoor. Lut. 20°. 23'. N. tility to Taiijorc and se\(ral otlicr
Loii'j,-. 77°. 10'. C. districts in this proviiwe, and has
OMlnrTKF., (Aniaravati, Dh-iiie).
— A large lortiticd and trading town
in the Nizam's dominions, iu the
province of Berar, 30 miles south
from i:!lie»i|ioor. Lat. 20°. 5!)'. N.
Long. 7h°. 20'. E. A considerable
quantity of colion of a good length
and staple is transported from hence
to Renjial bv land carriaire, biina: a
distance of more than 600 miles
The prime cost at this place is less miles N. by W. from Madras
than 2d. sterling i)or Donnd : at iVlir- 16°. 31'. IM'. Long. 80°. ]'. E
never been remarkable for trade or
manufactmcs. The Mussy and the
Gondegamma are liie principal ri-
vers, the latter being the boundary
Hue between the Carnatic and the.
Northern Circars. 'Jlie chief towns
are Ongole, Courchier, and Sintal-
sheroo.
Ongolk. — A town in tlie Carna-
1i<- I'rovhice, dishiet of Ongoie. 173
Lat.
This
zapoor on the (Ganges, in the Benares place formerly possessed ibrtifica-
province, it brings from 40 to 45s. tions of considciabk- strength; but
l>er ew't. {Ciih-hrouhf, cVc.) the necessity for ll'.em having pas.sei!
Omrke, (A)U(iri). — A town in the away, they were allo\V(>d io decay.
Nizam's dominions, in the province Onore, {Hanavnrn). — A sea-port
of lierar, 2!> miles S.Vv. fnmi Ellich- town in the province of North Ca-
poor. Lat. 21°. 7'. N. Long. 77°. iiara. Lat. 14°. 18'. N. Long. 74°.
54'. E. 26'. E. Tliis Avas formerly a place
OMUDWAK.\,(r'^?«rt(/"-crm). — A dis- of great c(Hmii(;rcc, where IJyder
tiict in the ]Maliarattii territories, in had established a dock-yard for
the province of .Malwali, situated )>uilding shijjs of war; but it was
between the 24th and 26th degrees totally demolished by Tippoo, Avhen
(d' north latitude. This country is it was recovered at ihe treaty of
of an uneven, iiilly surface, and much Mangalore. '[ here is now a custom-
covered with jungle ; but. where cul- house here, and part of the town has
624
OOJAIN.
born rebuilt. Boals come from Goa
uud Rajapoor to purchase rice, betel
nut, pepper, cocoa nuts, salt iish, &c.
which weie t'ornierly much annoyed
by piratical boats from the JMaha-
ratta coast — an evil that still exists,
but not to so great an extent. In
ihis part of Canara there never were
iiianuiacturcs to any considerable
amount, and the trade was wholly
destroyed by Tippoo. The Portu-
guese erected a fort here so early as
lu05.
'J'hc Lake of Onore is of great ex-
tent, and. like that of Cundapoor,
contains inany islands, some of which
are cultivated. It reaches almost
to the Ghauts, and in the dry season
is almost salt; but it receives many
small streams, which during the
rainy reason become torrents, and
render the ^vhole fresh. It abounds
with lisli, which, when salted, forms
a considoral)lc article of commerce
Avith the inland country. {F. Jiu-
r/ianan, Bruce, §c.)
Onrust Isle. — A very small isJe,
about a quarter of a mile in circum-
ference, situated two and a half
leagues from Batavia. In the centre
of the island, and within a fort, stand
the Dutch East India Company's
warehouses for tin, pepper, and cof-
fee. Here their shi])s refit, aisd
heave down — there being very good
.wharfs for that purpose, at w liich five
ships may heave down at a time;
there are also large machines for dis-
masting ships. The Dutch kept an
♦•stablishmcnt on Onrust of 600 i)er-
.sons, of whom 100 were European
<"arpenters, and the rest slaves. There
is above 20 feet of water along the
piers, and it rises and falls five feet
in 24 hours. Onrust is supposed to
be more heallhy than Bafavia ; it is,
notwithstanding, a very sickly place.
{Capluin Hunter, Sfavoriniis, ^c.)
Ontarrkk. — A town possessed by
independent zemindars, in the pro-
vince of Gundwana, district of Bil-
lounjah, 12 miles tiom the western
frontier of Palamow, in the Bahar
Province. Lat, 24°. 13'. N. Long:.
83°. 40'. E.
OocHINAnnooG, (Vjayini Durga).
— A .strong hill fort in the Balaghaut
ceded territories, district of IJarpo-
nully. Lat. 14°. 32'. N. Long. 75°.
65'. E. This fortress is situated
about 12 miles to the eastward of
Hurryhur, and has the appearance
of great strength; being of consider-
able height, uncoiniected and abrupt,
particularly to the northward and
westward, where it is almost perpen-
dicular. {Moor, ke.)
OocHASKER. — A town in the dis-
trict of Neyer, situated about 25
miles S. W. from Theraud, and sub-
jf'ct to tlie chief ot Morvvarra. It is
surrounded by a dry thorn hedge,
lias a small tank of bad water, and
sonie excellent wells. The inhabit-
ants are .Ihuts and Coolees.
Ooj AIN, (Ujai/ini). — A district pos-
sessed by the Sindia Maharatta fa-
mily, in the province of Malwah, si-
tuated between the 23d and 241h
degrees of north latitude. By Abul
I'azel, in 1682, it is described as fol-
lows :
" Sircar Oojain, containing 10
mahals ; measurement, 925,622 bec-
gahs ; revenue, 43,827,960 dams ;
scvurghal, 281,816 dams. This sir-
car furnishes 3250 cavalry, and
11,170 infantry."
'I'he soil in the vicinity of the city
of (Jojain, and over the greatest
part of the Malwah Province, is a
black vegetable mould, which, in
the rainy season, becomes so soft,
that travelling is hardly jiracticable.
In drying it cracks in all directions,
and the fissures are so wide and deep
by the road side, as to make a join-
ney dangerous. The quantity of
rain that falls in ordinary sca.sons
is so considerable, and Ih," ground
so retentive of moisture, that wells
arc little used for watering the fields;
but this makes the suflering more
severe, if the periodical rain fails —
there being no wells ready to supply
the deficiency. It if singular that
the vine in this district produces a
second crop of giapes in the rainy
season, but they are acidulous, and
of an inferior quality. The other
OOJAIN.
625
rmits arc the mango, j^iava, plaii-
tiiiii, iiicloii, watrr melon, and «•-
voiai varieties of the oranjve and
lime trees. In 1790 the distriel iin-
nicdiateh dependent on Oqjain ) ield-
ed a re^enne of five lacks of rnpees
per annum, and comprehended 175
vilhijjes. {Hunter, S}C. kc,)
Oo.i \ I s,{Ljjayini). — A city of great
celebrity in the |)rovinee of Malwali,
tlio capital of the dominions of the
Sindia Maliaratta family. Lat. 2.3°.
12'. N. Long. 75°. 50'. E. By Mnil
I'azel, in 1582, it is descrilxd as
follows : — " Oojain is a larg;e city on
the banks of the Sopra, and held in
high veneration by the Hindoos. It
is astonishing that sometimes this
river tlows with milk."
This city, called in sansciit Ujja-
yini and Avanti, boasts a niost re-
mote antitpiity. A cha))ter in the
Hindoo jNlythoIogieal Poems, named
Puraiis, is devoted to the descrip-
tion of it; and it is mentioiicd in the
Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, as
well as in Ptolomy, under the iiame
of Ozcnc. It is also considered by
Hindoo geographers and astronomers
as the lirst meridian. The modern
town is situated a mile to the south-
ward of the ancient, \^hich is said
to have been overwhelmed by a con-
vulsion of nature, about the time of
Rajah Vicramaditya, when it was
the seat of arts, learning, and em-
pire On the spot where the ancient
city is supposed to have stood, by
digging to the d«pth of 15 or 18 feet,
brick walls, pillars of stone, and
pieces of wood of an extraordinary
hardness are found. Utctisils of \a-
rious kimls are sometimes dug up in
the same places, and ancient coins
are frequently discovered.
The present city of Oqjain is of
an oblong form, aliont si\ miles in
circumference, and surrounded by a
stone wall with round towers. AV ithiu
thisspace there is some waste ground,
but the inhabited part occupies the
greatest i)ortion, and is much crowd-
ed with buildings and population.
The houses are built partly of bri(;k
and partly of wood, the frame being
2s
constructed of wood, and the inter-
stices tilled up with bricks, having a
roof of lime terrace or tiles. The
principal bazar is a spacious regular
street, i)aved with stone, and having
houses on each side oi two stories in
height. The lower stories, the as-
cent to which is by five or six steps
from the street, are used as shops ;
the upper are the habitations of tho
owners. The most n-markable build-
ings are four nioscpies erected by
private individuals, and a great num-
l»er of Hindoo temples. Nindia's
palace makes but a poor appear-
ance, being so much surrounded by
other buildings as to be little re-
marked. The south wall of the city,
washed by the Sipparah l^iver, is
named Jeysingpoor ; and contains
an obsenatory, built by Kajah Jey-
singh of Jycnagnr.
I'he oflicers of government arc al-
most the only ISTaharalta iidiabitants
of Oojain. The jVlahonuiiedans form
a considerable portion of the popu-
lation, and are priiicipally composed
of a i)articular class named Bohrah.
From Surat are imported various
kinds of European and Chinese
goods, Mhich are liequently to be
bought very (;heap here. Pearls and
assafoetida (the latter the production
of Sinde) are l>)ought here by the
route of Marwar; and diamcnids
from Biindelcund pass through this
city to Surat. I'he public bazars
ai<\ in general, well supplied with
fruits, vegetables, and grain ; but,
in 1804, when visited by a British
embassy, persons were seen dead
and dying of hunger in the open
.streets. The in!ia!)itants explained
this circumstaneo by saving they
were strangers, and that the fear
each individual had of siiewing tho
a|)pearance of siiiserHuily, occasioned
this deplorable w ant of humanity.
TJie hills in tliis neighlionrhood
are chiefly comi)Osed of granite, but
they are covered with ^egctable
mould of a sullicieni <!([!tli t( a Unit
of cultivation. Adjoinijig tlu^ sub-
terranean ruins, on the banks of the
Sippurah, i.s Kajah Bhirtcry's cave.
626
OOJAIN.
It consists of a long gallery, support-
ed by pilliirs. with cliambeis exca-
ViUed on each side, containing male
figures curiously carved in the walls.
Here Rajali Rhirtcry, the brotlier of
Kajah Vicramaditya, is said (o have
shut liimsclf up after having relin-
quished the world. Among tlie na-
tives a tradition exists, that this cave
formerly extended under ground to
Benares and Hurdwar.
Ptolemy places Oojain about 255
geographical miles from the mouth
of the River Mahi, but the real dis-
tance is not more tlian 200 miles.
Rajahs of this city are mentioned by
Ferishta so early as A. D. 1008, and
it \\as lirst conquered by the Ma-
liommedans about 1230. The cele-
brated Rajah Joysingh held the city
and territory of Oojain of the Em-
peror Mahommed Shah, but it soon
afterwards fell into the power of the
]\Iaharattas, and has been possessed
fjr four generations by the Sindia
family. Jyapa Sindia is the first of
this race iqion record, ana was a
.servant of the Peshwa Bajeerows,
who appointed him to several mili-
tary commands. He was follwvcd
by his son Junkojee, who was nnu-
dered after the battle of Panipnt ;
Ills uncle Ranojce succeeded to his
territories. This chief left two sons,
Kcdarjec, the father of Anund Row,
the father of Dowlet Row Sindia;
and Madhajec Sindia, wiio supplant-
ed his elder brother, and seized on
the throne.
Madhajce Sindia lost a leg early
in life at the battle of Paniput, so
fatal to the Maharattas ; btit he con-
tinued an active persevering com-
mander through life, and attained to
so great a degree of power as to over-
shadow the whole Maharatta em-
pire. Ry the introducti(m of Euro-
pean discipline among his troops, he
subdued a considerable portion of
IJindostan Proper, rendered the Raj-
poots triliutary, and brought his do-
minions in contact with those of the
Company under tlu; Bengal Presi-
dency. Dying withoi'.t issue, in 1794,
he left his hereditary possessions and
conquests to his nephew, Dowlet
Row Sindia, who for some years
augmented his dominions by unceas-
ing encroachments on his neigh-
bours; until, in 1803, he ventured
to try his strength ^\itll the British,
A short and vigorous war ensued, in
the course of which he experienced
such signal defeats from Generals
\V elleslej' and Lake, as threatened
the utter extinction of his sove-
reignty.
A treaty of peace vas, in conse-
quence, concluded on tlie 30th Dec.
1803, by v\ Inch he ceded to the Bri-
tish all tlie territory situated between
the Ganges and Jumna, and all his
possessions of e\cry description in
the country to the northward of those
belonging to the Rajahs of Jyenagur,
and Joudpoor, and the Ranah of
Gohud. He alsoreHnquishcd to the
British government the fort and ter-
ritoi7 of Broach, and the fort and
territory of Ahmednuggur; and all
his possessions to the sonth of the
Adjimtee Hills, including the fort
and district of .Talnapoor, the town
and district of Gandapoor, and all
the other distri(;ts between that
range of hills and the Godavery.
The fort of Aseerghur, the city of
Boorhanpoor, the forts of Powna-
ghur and Doluid, and the tcnitories
in Khandesh and Gnjrat were re-
stored to Sindia. The districts of
Dhoolpoor, Baree, Rajah Kerah, and
some other lands north of the Chum-
bul, Sindia and his adherents were
to be alloAvcd to hold under the
Company's protection. By this treaty
also the Briti.sh government agreed
to pay pensions 1o certain persons
attached to the court of Sindia, not
to exceed 17 lacks of rupees per
annum ; and this chief renounced
all claims or interference in the af-
fairs of his Majesty Shah A Hum.
He also engaged to exclude all Eu-
ropeans hostile to the British from
his service and dominions. During
this short war the city of Oojaiii w as
occupied by the Bombay army, but
it was restored when tlic peace was
established.
OON.
6-27
On the 23d Marcli, 1804, a treaty
of dotmiisive alHaiice was concluded
vitli Siiidia by Colonel AlaUolni on
the i>ail of the British "ovcrnnicnt;
by the conditions of uliicli Sindia
agreed to receive, and the Uritisli to
furnish, a subsidiary force of not
less than 6000 repjular infantry, to
be stationed near the frontier ol' Sin-
dia's dominions, and the expense
dcfi-ayed out of the revenues of the
country ceded by him, This force
to be empio\ed oidy in executing
services of importance ; such as the
protection of his country from at-
tack, invasion, or rebellion ; but not
to be employed on trilling occasions.
In the event of a war Sindia en-
gaged to join the Company's forces
with 6000 infantry and 10,000 ca-
valry ; and he also agreed to submit
all ditterences he might have with
the Peshwa to the arbitration of the
British govcrnmeiit.
]\Iany disputed points still remain-
ing unadjusted, a definitive treaty of
alliance was concluded with Dowlet
Row Sindia, on the 22d Nov. 1805,
by Colonel Malcolm, on the part of
the Britisii govenimeut ; by which
the fortress of Gualior, and the ter-
ritories of Gohud were ceded to Sin-
dia, who agreed to relinquish all
claim to the pensions of 15 lacks of
rupees, granted by the treaty of
Surjee Anjengaum to certain chief
officers of his state.
With the view of preventing any
misunderstanding relating to their
respective possessions in Hindostan,
it was agreed, that the River Chuni-
bul should form the lioundary be-
tween the two states, from the city
of Kotah on the west to the limits of
the Gohud tenitories on the east ;
Sindia t(t abandon all claim to the
north bank, and the Company to the
south, with the exception of the
'i'alooks of Bhadek and Sooseparah ;
which, being on the banks of the
Jumna, were to remain with the
British.
By the fifth article of this treaty
Sindia resigns all pretensions to any
tribute from the Rajah of Boomlee,
2s2
or any other on tlie north bank of the
Chumbul, as also to the countries of
Tonk Rampoorah, Baluaungaum,
Zemeidah, &c. and to the districts of
Dhoolpoor, Rajah Kerrah, and Ba-
ree ; all of which to remain in the
possession of the Honourable Com-
pany. In consideration of this ar-
rangement, the British government
engaged to pay Sindia personally and
exclusively four lacks of rupees per
annum, and also to assign a jahirc of
two lacks of rupees toBauzah Bhye,
the wife of Dowlet Row Sindia, and
a jaghire of one lack of rupees to
Chimimah Bhye, the daughter of
that chief.
By this arrangement it was stipu-
lated, that the British should not
interfere in the affairs of the Rajahs
of Odypoor, Joudpoor, or Kotah ; or
of any other chiefs, the tributaries
of Sindia, situated in Malwah, Me-
war or Marwar; and it also engaged
to leave all future differences re-
specting boundaries between Holcar
and Sindia to be adjusted by them-
selves. Since this period nothing
remarkable has intervened. Dowlet
Row Sindia still occupies the throne,
and employs his time chiefly ii»
plundering such of his neighbours
as are not under the British pro-
tection ; but the field of iNlaliaiatta
devastation is now greatly curtailed.
Travelling distance from Calcutta
to Oojain by Mundlah, 997 miles ;
from Bombay by Boorhaupoor, 500 ;
from Delhi, 440; from Hyderabad,
534 ; from Nagpoor, .340 ; and tiom
J^oonah, 442 miles. (Hunter, Rennel,
Treatit'S, Gth lieg. Ferishta, Wilford,
(St. (St.)
t)0N.— *A town in the province of
Gujrat, district of Werrcar, 15 miles
to the north of Rahdunpoor.
'J'his place, celebrated for the
thievish disposition of its inhabit-
ants, is situated on the borders of
the territoiy distinguished by the
name of Kakreze. It is an open
town, with one long bazar street, the
houses of which are tolerably well
constructed, and several have upper
stories. It contains about 2000
628
ORISSA.
houses, 800 of which are inhabited
b}' Coolees, and can send foitli, on
an nr2;ent occasion, many niatch-
lock-nicn. The otlicr inhabitants
arc Koonbccs, Rchbarccs, and a t'cw
Banyans. The present chief of Oon
is a Cook'C, named Prethi Raj.wliose
territorial income is abont 6000 ru-
pees ; besides which he is supposed
to realize double the amount from
his share of plundered property.
Tiiere are plenty of wells at Oon,
and the immediate \icinity is open
and cultivated. The chief's palace
is an upper-roomed house, surround-
ed by a square wall, within which
enclosure there are also houses for
the relations of the family, and sta-
bles. {Macmurdo, cS(^.)
OoNAER. — A small village in the
province of Gujrat, belonging to the
Guicowar, situated 50 miles S. E.
trom Snrat. At this place there is a
hot well, which, like all other extra-
ordinary phencmena of natuie, is
held sacred by the Hindoos, and re-
sorted to by pilgrims of that reli-
gion, who are supplied by the oflici-
ating jniest with tlic miraculous his-
tory of its original formation by Ra-
ma Chandra. {Drummond, Vc.)
OoNFARA. — A Rajpoot town in the
province of Ajmeer, the rajah of
which is related and a fendatory to
the Jyenagur family. Lat. 25". 51'.
N. Long. 75°. 58'. E. Tliis is a
large town enclosed by a wall, partly
of mud and partly of stone. I'he
rajah has a handsome house w ilhin
a stone enclosure, surrounded l)y a
ditch. {Hunter, Brongliton, Vc.)
OuEtCHA, (Arijaifa). — A large and
populous town belonging to the Hajah
of Jyenagur, in the i)roviuec of Aj-
meer. {G, Thomas, .St.)
Okey, (yl?7). — A small town tri-
butary to the Maharatlas. in the pro-
vince of Agra, 17 miles S. W. from
Kalpy on tin; .1 umna. Lat. 25°. 58'.
N. Long. 79°. 35'. E.
ORISSA, {Uddessa).
A large province in the Dcccan,
extending from tiic IGth to the 23d
degrees of north latitude. To the
north it is bouinled by Bengal; \o
tlie south by the River Godavery ;
on the cast it has the Bay of Bengal;
aud on the west the province of
Gundwana. In length, from N.E.
to S.W. it may be estimated at 530
miles, by t)0 the average breadth.
According to the Institutes of Ac-
ber, Orissa, in its greatest dimen-
sions, in 1592, was divided into five
districts, viz. JeUasir, comprising
Midnapoor, and the British posses-
sions lying north and east of the Ri-
ver Snbunrecka ; 2, Buddruck (now
Cuttack); 3. Cuttack; 4. Kulling, or
Cicacole; 5. Rajamnndry. Besides
this territory on the sea-coast, Orissa
also comprehended a mountainous
unproductive region on the wcsterir
frojiticr, making part of the Jchar-
cnnd, or Jungly country, with the
districts of l-!uttenpoor and Sumb-
hulpoor ; but the two latter properly
belong to Gundwana.
The interior of this province re-
mains in a very savage state, being
composed of rugged liills, uninha-
bited jungles, and deep water-
courses, surrounded by patidcss de-
serts, forests, or valleys, and per-
vaded by a pestilential atmosphere.
It forms a strong natural barrier ta
the maritime districts, being only
traversed during the driest season
from February to May by the Lum-
ballies, or inland carriers. There
are only two passes properly ex-
plored, in the whole length of the
great mountainous ridge, extending
from the Godavery to the Maha-
nuddy ; the one direct from C'han-
dah to Cicacole ; the other oblique
from Choteesginu- by the way of
Kalahitidi ; both uniting at the pass
of Saloor, or Saureacca. By this
pass, during the J'rench possession
of the Norfliern Circars in 1754, a
l)()dy of ]\iaharattas were intro-
duc d ; more than half perished from
the noxious air of the hills, and the
remainder, rather than rotiun by so
destructive a road, made a prodigi-
ous circuit south by Rajamnndry and
the Godavery.
ORISSA.
629
The principal modern subdivisions dominion. From the strirt and ro-
of tliis extensive province are, ("ica- j^uhir adniitiislratiou of jii.sliee, and
fole, Kajamnndry, Cnltack, Mohnr- the firm eoereion of all violence, tins
bunge. \Iidnapoor, and Konjcur; reseniijliinee must gradually in-
under wliich heads further topoj^ra- crease, until a Jjritiv<(i Hindoo shall
phical details will he found. The be ])erceptibly diti'ercnt from one
chief rivers are the Godavery, the sub}e(!t to the cajiWces of a native
Mahanuddy, the Bytuniee, and the potentate. The iang:ua<^e of this
Suhunreeka ; besides iiuninierable provinec, and the character in which
mountain streams of a short course, it is written, are both called Ooreeali.
Although ( >rissa may be generally In ancient Hindrxj History, Ut-
deseribed as a barren province, com- caJa, or Udradesa, was nearly co-
pared with Bengal, vet the iiiaritin)e extensive with the modern Orissa ;
part equals in fertility any territory the name Ltcala, or L dcala, imply-
in the Carnatie, or south of India ; ing the great or famous country of
and the district of Midiiajxior is ex- Cala. It was then inliabiled by a
txlled by very lew in JJengal. The powerful and martial race, who were
countrj between tl;e rivers (Jaiiitee at last extirpated by the Karnas, or
and Bamoni is one of the finest Kings of Magadha. In nunc recent
parts of tlie province, and is inha- times it was governed by a dyiuisty
bited by a considerable numiier of of Hindoo princes of the r:u(> of
weavers; chietly of coarse nmslins Gujaputty, who, in 1592, were eon-
for turbans; sanaes are also a staple (iiiered by AFansingh, the Emperor
manufacture. 'I'lie best bamboos Aeber's viceroy in liengal, to wiiicii
used for ])alanfpiins come from the dominion it wa^ tiien annexed as a
purgnnnahsofTolchan audJIindole. dependent government; extending
They grow near the summit of the from Tumlook, on the banks of the
rocks, and spring in July, when the Great Ganges, to l^ajamundry, on
people who collect them, having the Lesser Gauges, or Gunga Goda-
selected the strongest shoots, tie very of the; Deccan. It then mea-
them to stakes driven into the
ground, and thus direct their growth
to the proper shape. In this manner
they grow 20 yards long by the
siued along the sea coast near 000
miles, by 40 the medium breadtii,
stretching to tlie hills westvvard, and
contained t!ie nation of the (Jonas,
setting in of the dry season, wheji a distinct race of Hindoos, dillcriug
their tops are cut oil". If sull'ered to in language, manners, and some po-
stand h/iiger the hollow part in- culiarities of religion, iVom the other
creases, and they become weaker. Erahminical sects of Jlindostan.
In the back parts of this province, From the accounts of ancient Eu-
beyond the British domim'on, the rojjean travellers, fragments of na-
native Ooreas are a fierce people, tional history, and a few renujants
and possess a considerable degree of of former splendour, it was probably
personal courage, 'I hey are com- a flourishing country bcibre the Ma-
monly arnied with bows and arrows, honmiedan invasioii ; but soon alter
or swords; the latter heing generally fell into a state of comparative de-
carried naked, and are of a shape pression. It does not apj)ear, how-
Avhich is broad at the end, but nar- ever, that the A/^ahommedans ever
row in tiie miildle. 'J hey have a completely oe(U|)ied orcolonized this
rooted antii)athy to the Maliarattas, province, whi;h still remains one of
who plunder and oj)|)ress them. The those in which the Hindoo manners
Ooreas within the COmpanys juris- are preserved in their greatest pu-
diction are a quiet inoliensive race ; rity, and where the smallest propor-
and, with a few peculiar exceptions tion of Mahonunedans are to be
as to juanners, resemble the other found. The Temple of Juggcrnautli
Hindoo natives under tlje British is still famous for its antiquity, sane-
630
OUDE.
tity, and the great annual resort of
pilgrims. After tlie expulsion of the
Afghans from the province of Ben-
gal, during tlie reign of the Emperor
Acber, they retreated into Orissa,
and retained possession of the mari-
time and more fertile portions of it,
and, also of the Juggernauth tem-
ple for many years.
There is \io province in India
■which exhiiiitts a greater diflerence,
with respect to the proportion of in-
habitants in the dilVerent districts,
Midnapoor, which comprehends less
than7000square niiies,hasbeen found,
by actual enumeration, to contain a
million and a half of souls ; jet it is
probablt^ the population of the whole
province does not exceed four mil-
lions and a half. Three-fourlhs of
this extensive teiritory are possessed
by the Kritish, the remainder by va-
rious petty native chiefs in a state of
perpetual hostility with each other.
The Nagpoor jNlaharattas claim a
sovereignly over the greater part of
them, and occasionally levy a triijute
vehen assisted by the presence of an
army, without which their authority
is contemned. (J. Grant, Wilkins,
Colebronhe, Wilford, ^c. ^c.)
OoscoTTAH. — A small town in the
Mysore Rajah's tenitories, 15 miles
N. E. from Baugaloor. Tiiis is a
neat little town separated by a val-
ley from a hill fort. Here, as in
many other parts of the Mysore, the
small river has been converted to a
tank by a lofty mound carried across
the valley.
OoTAPALLiUM, (UlapaH). — A town
in the district of Dindigul, 52 miles
S. W. from the town of Dindigul.
Lat. 9°. 60'. N. Long. 7;°. 30'. E.
OorATooR. — A town in ibe Car-
iiatic, 30 miles N. N. W. from Tan-
jore. Lat. 11°. ?'. N. Long. 70°.
68'. E.
(JoTRADURGUM, (Utara Durga).
— A strong hill fort in the Rajah of
Mysore's territories, 48 miles N.N.iv
from Seringapatam. Lat. 12°. 58'. N.
Long. 7/ °. 18'. E.
OoTRiMjiLooR, {Uttaramalur). — A
town in the Carnatic, 54 miles S.W.
from Madras. Lat. 12°. 33'. N.
Long. 79°. 50'. E.
Otticotta, {Aticata): — A town in
the Carnatic, 33 miles N. E. from
Madras. Lat. 13°. 21'. N. Long.
80°. 1'. E.
Otungurra. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Chula
Nagpoor, 178 miles W. by N. from
Calcutta. Lat. 23°. N. Long. 85°.
42'. E.
OuDDANULLA, (Udai/a Nalla). — A
small town in the province of Ben-
gal, district of Rajemall, 62 miles
N. W. by N. from Moorshedabad.
Lat 24°.' 65'. N. Long. 87". 45'. E.
There is not any substance so
coarse as gravel, eith r in the Delta
of the Ganges, or nearer the sea
than OudanuUa, which is 400 miles
distant by the course of the river.
At this place a rocky point, part of
the bHse of the neighbouring hills,
projects into tlie sea.
At Oudanuila there is a bridge
built by Sultan Sujah, the second
son of the Emperor Shah Jehan,
which is one of the most elegant
specimens of modern IMahommedan
architecture, and the town has long
been famous for a victory obtained,
in 1764, over the troops of Meer
Cossim, by the small army under the
command of Major Adams. {Ren-
ncl, Hodges, ^-c )
OUDE, {Ayodhya).
A province in Hindostan, situated
between the 26th and 28th degrees
of north latitude. To the north it
is bounded by various petty districts
tributary to Nepaul, tjom which it
is separated by a range of hills and
forests ; to the south by Allahabad ;
on the east it has Barhar ; and on
the west Delhi and Agra. Li length
it may be estimated at 250 miles, by
100 miles the average breadth. By
Abul Fazel, in 1582, it is described
as follows:
" The Soubahof Oude is situated
in the second climate. The length,
from Sircar Gorakpoor to Canoje, in-
OUDEi
631
cliidrs 13.i coss, niul tiio Inviuhlj,
iVoin the uorllicin inoiiiilaiiis of Sid-
del)i)(K>r to Uio Soiibuli uf AlluliabiKi,
C()in|)iiscs 115 coss. 'i'o tlie east il
Jias Baliar; to tlic north lie luoiiii-
taiiis ; AJaiiicpoor boniiils it to the
soiitli, and Canojc to the \vcst. 'J'lic
large rivers are the G(jj;f^rah, the
(Joomty, and the S30. In (his son-
bah are live sircars divided into i;J8
pcr^uniiahs. 'J'ho anionntol' Ihe re-
venne is 5,043,454. It snpplics 7GG0
cavahy, 1G8,250 infantry, and 5y
elephants, and is subdivided into the
ioliowinj!,- districts, viz. 1. Onde; 2.
Gooracjxior ; 3. Baraitche ; 4. Khy-
rabad ; 5. Lucknow.
The whole surface of tliis province
is tlat, extremely fertile, and well
watcied by large rivers, or l>y the
coi)ious streams which intersect the
coiuitry. When jjroperly cultivated,
the land is e\tren)ely productive,
yielding ero|)s of wheat, barley, rice,
and other grains, sugar-cane, indigo,
poppies for opium, and all the richest
articles raised in India. The air and
climate are suited to the spontaneous
generation of nitre, from the brine
of which a culinary salt is procured
by evaporating the saltpetre brine to
a certain degree, which, though at
first much contaminated with bitter
salt, may be easily relined to a purer
state. Laj)is lazuli is also a pro-
duction of tins province, the colour
procured from which sells in I'-ng-
land at about nine guineas per
outiee. The principal towns of this
[troxince are, Lucknow, I'yzaljad,
Oudc, Khyrabad, Cooracpoor, and
Baraiche. It is inteisected by the
Goggiah, or Devah River, and
bounded on the west i'V tliedanges;
besides which there are numerous
smaller streams, and se\eral jeels, or
small lakes.
The Hindoo inhabitants of Oude,
Benares, and the doab of Agra,
are a yery superior race, both in
their bodily strength and mental
qualities, to those of Bengal, and
the districts south of Calcutta. The
Rajpoots, or military class of them,
geuerally exceed Europeans iu sta-
ture, have robust frames, and aro
possessed of every valuable quality
in a nuiitary |)oint of \iew. I'rom
the long occupation of this province
by the Mahoinnicdans, a nuieli
greater proportion of (hat religion
are to be found than in the more
southern and eastern countries; and
from bolh the above classes a con-
siderable number of the Compan3'.s
best sepoys are procured. Until the
assinnption of the government of
Onde by tiie British, the whole re-
gion was in a state of political
anarchy, livery individual travelled
cither with the prospect of defending
himself against jobbers, or of as-
suming that vocation himself; for
both of which events he was pro-
vided. The peasantr}' sowed and
reaped with their swords and spears
ready for defence or plunder, as oc-
casion ollcred ; and the rents were
levied by an irregular banditti under
tiie denomination of an army, which
devastated the country it prctend<Kl
to protect.
Onde is much celebrated in the
a;.cient Hindoo histories, as the
kingdom of Dasaratha, the lather of
the great Rama, who extended his
empire to the Island of Ce\lon,
which he con(picred. At an early
peiiod after the invasion it v\ as sub-
dued by the Mahommedans, ami re-
mained with did'erent vic-issitudcs at-
tached to the throne of Delhi, until
the dissolution of that empire after
the death of Aurengzebc. The first
ancestor upon record of the [)rcsent
reigning family was Saadet Khan, a
native of Kishapoor, in the pro\inee
of Khorasan, who was appointed
Soubahdar of Oude, during the reigii
of iMabommed Shah. He was suc-
ceeded bj his nephi'w,
beidar Jung, who died A.D. 175G,
vhen the throne was ascended by
his son,
.Shujah ud Dowlaii, who reigned
until 1775. On his decease his son,
Aso})h ud Dowlali, was his suc-
cessor, and reigned until 1797, when
he was succeeded for a short time
by his spurious soii,A'izicr Ali, whose
032
OUDE.
illegitimacy being discovered, he was
dethroned by the British, and the
goveninieiit confided to the late Na-
bob's brother, Saadet Ali, who was
proclaimed Vizier of Hindustan and
sovereign of Uude, the '21st Jan.
1798.
In 1790 the dominions of Oude
occupied all the flat country Ijing on
both sides of the Ganges, (with tlie
exception of Rampoor), between
that river and the northern moun-
tains ; as also the principal part of
that fertile tract situated between
the Ganges and Jumna (the Doab)
to within 40 miles of Delhi. Ever
since the pacifuafio!! between Lord
Clive and Shujah ud Dowlah, in
1765, this country had been pro-
tected from its external enemies, its
internal ])eaee preserved, and its do-
minions extended by the assistance
of a British subsidiary force, the ex-
pense of which was defrayed by the
Nabobs of Chide. The exigence of
the times compelled a large aug-
mentation of this standing army, and
the disbursements increased propor-
tionally ; but, owing to the misma-
nagement of the nabob's financial
concerns, an uncertainty attended
its regular payment, although his
tenitories under a proper adminis-
fiation were not only equal to all the
necessary expenditure, but capable
of realizing a large surplus. By a
fatality attending the British in-
fluence in Hindostan, it was fre-
quently obliged, in consequence of
remote treaties, to maintain on the
native thrones weak and profligate
prin<cs, who without that support
would, in the natural progression of
events, have been supplanted by
some more able competitors. Their
dominions, in the mean time, suffer-
ed by their vices, and their subjects
■were ai)aud(tned to the rapacity of
the unpriiffipled associates of their
low pleasures, who b^ flieir cruelty
and extortion depopulat' U the couti-
trj, and .irove the inhabitanls to a
state of desperation. 'J'hese obser-
vations particularly apply to the
Oude territories during the louff
reign of Asoph ud Dowlah ; and as
an opportunity now occurred, the
Bengal Presidency deemed it a duty
imposed on them, to endeavour to
procure a better system of govern-
ment for the great mass of the na-
tives, and at the same time remove
the uncertainty which attended the
payment of the subsidiary force.
A treaty was, in consequence,
concluded on the 10th Nov. 1801, by
the conditions of which the under-
mentioned portions of the Nabob of
Oude's territories, yielding a gross
revenue of 13,523,274 rupees, were
ceded to the British, in commutation
of ihe subsidy, and of every other
claim whatever.
STATEMENT OF THE REVENUE.
Districts.
Korah, Cunah, and Eta-
weh ------ 5,548,577
Reher, &c, ----- 533,374
Furjuckabad, &c. - - 450,001
Kharraghur, &c. - - - 210,001
Azimghur, 8cc. Mownan,
Eunjun, and Azimghur 695,621
Goracpoor, &c. 509,853
Butwul - - - 40,000 549,854
Sou bah of Allahabad, &c. 934,963
Bareily, Asophabad, and
Kelpoory - - - - 4,313,457
Nawab, Gunge, Rehly, and
others 119,242
Mahowl, &c. with the ex-
ception of Arwul - - 168,378
Lucknow sicca rupees 13,523,474
In consequence of these cessions
the British engaged to defend the
nabob's remaining territories from
all foreign and domestic enemies,
and liberated him from all future
claims of every description; it being-
stipulated that no demand should
afterwards be made on his high-
ness's treasury for an increase of
troops, hostile preparations, or on
any account or pretence whatever.
The nabob agieed to dismiss his
superviumerary forces, retaining in
his pay only four battalions of Nu-
OUDGHIR.
633
jeebs and Mcwattics, 2000 cavalry,
ami 31)0 artillery.
His excellency also enj^agcd <liat
lie wonld establish in his reserved
dominions such a system of adminis-
tration (to be evecnted by iiis own
officers) as should be <'ondneive to
OuDF,. — A district in the province
ofOnde, situated between the '2Gth
and 27tli dei^Tees of north lalilude.
By Abnl I'azel, in 1582, it is de-
scribed as follows :
" iSircar Oude, containinsj 21 ma-
hals; measurement, '2,796,206 bee-
the prosperity of his sul»jects, and gahs; revenue, 40,956,343 dams;
calculated to secure their lives and
property ; and he further ay,reed lo
advise with and act in coufonnity to
tlie counsel of the British ••dvern-
n:ent. (<n the 22d Feb. 1802, a
final arrangement was com[)le(ed.
seyin-2;hal, 1,680,249 dams. Thix
sircar furnishes 1340 cavalry, 23 ele-
phants, and 31.900 infantry."
In this district jungle is frequenl,
witii man«o clumps and viliagfes,
but cultivation much more scanty
explanatory of the <reneral prihcipies than in the Tbitish territory — thedii-
MJiieh should rejiulate tlie connexion ferenco beinp; such that it immedi-
and intercourse of tiic two states as ately strik(>s the traveller. Small
rcsidting; from the treaty, and to ob- streams often occur, over which in
viatc and anticipate all future doubts, many places there are stone bridp,es ;
Upon this occasion the nabob de- and the roads here are a;eiu'rally bet-
clared his intention of promotine; tcr than in most districts tinder a
INIii-za Ahmed Ali Khan, his .second native gov* rnment. The diief towns
son, to the situation of minister for are Oude, J yzai)ad, and Taundali ;
llie atlairs of g^overnment ; in which and the pnnci|.'al rivers the Goggrah
appointment the Marcpiis Welles- and the Goompty.
ley, then jjovcrnor-gencral, concur- Oude. — A town in tlie province
red. of ( )nde, in the nabob's territories,
It was also stipulated, that until situated on the south side of thcDe-
lhe formation of a commercial treaty vvah, or Goggrah River, 85 miles
mutually beneficial, the navigation travelling di.stanee east from Luck-
of the Ganges, and of all other rivers now. Lat. 26°. 45'. N. Long. 82°.
the boundaries of the two states, 10'. E. By Abul I'azel, in 1582, it
should be free and uninterrupted ; it is described as follows:
still remaining in the power of each " Oude is one; of tlie largest cities
government to levy such duties on of Uindostan. In ancient times this
goods imported as they consider- city is said to have measured 148
ed proper, provided they did not coss in length. and 36 coss in breadth,
exceed those collected by prior liponsiftiugtheearthwiiicli is round
usage. the city, small grains of gold are
Since this period the Nabob, Saa- sometimes Ibuml in it. 'j'his town
dit Ali, has continued .sovereign of is esteemed one of the most sacred
Oude, and his dominions have en- jilaces of antiquity."
joyed the utmost tranquillity. He
possesses superior abilities to the
generality of his countrymen, and is
the only native prince who ever aj)-
peared to have a real taste for Ku-
ropeaii conveniences. 1 1 e has excel-
lent houses of his own building, well
furnished, with carriages, horses,
equipage, and table well furnished
in the lilnglish style. {Reuucl, Mal-
vohn. Treaties, FraiJiUu, Colehrooke,
Kyd, ^-c. ^-c.)
Nearly adjoining to I^yzabad arc
the remains of the aiuicnt city of
Oude ; but whatever may have been
its former magniticence, it now
e\hil>its nothing but a heap of
shapeless rums. It is still consider-
ed as a place of great saiu tity, to
which the Hindoos perform pilgrim-
ages.
( )iinG HiR, (rWwvffgZ'j/v'y — A j.opn-
lous village, with a fort and express
garden in the JSizain's dominions, in
634
PADAH.
the province of Bejapoor, 115 miles
N. W. IVoni Hvdeialjad. Lat. lb°.
19'. N. Long."77°. 25'. E.
OuLLER Lake. — A lake in the
piovince of Cashmere, into whiclitiie
Kiver Behut or Jhvhira empties it-
self. Lat. 34° 22'" N. Long. 73°.
50'. E. A'.nil Fazel deseriijes it as
measuring 28 coss in circumference,
having in the centre a palace, built
by Sultan Zein ul Abdcen.
OuxD. — A village in the ]Maha-
ratta territories, in the province
of Bejapoor, situated about nine
miles from Poorali. The district
attached to tluiid, although sur-
rounded on evoy side by the Pesh-
Ava's dominions, is the property of
the Siiidia family.
OuNCH A, {Uncha, Lofti/ ). — A town
in the province of Allahal)ad, district
of Bundelcuud. Lat. 22°. 23'. N.
Long. 7b°. 52'. E. In remote times
this was a city of great note, the
Rajah of thnicha being then the
head of the Bondelah tribes, fiom
A\ horn the otiier rajahs received the
teeka, or token of investiture, in
1790 his revenue was reduced to one
Jack, and liis consequence iu propor-
tion. (Hunter, S)-c.)
OussooR. — A town in the jMysore
Bajah's territories, 20 miles S. S. E.
from Bangaloor. Lat. 12°. 45'. N.
Long. 7b°. E. This place surren-
dered without lesistance in 1791 to
a detachment under jNlajor Gowdic,
ahhough sufliciently strong for a de-
fence. {Dii-oni, St.)
OwLAH, {Aula, First). — A town
in the Delhi Province, district of Ba-
reily, situated about 16 miles N. \V.
from the toA\ii of Bareily. The Ri-
ver Nawaui) Nullah runs along the
south-« ostcrn side of Owlah, which
is now in ruins. On the summit of
an eminence is a brick fort, erected
about 70 years ago by Ali JNTaho-
med, the founder of the Rohillah gc-
vernuient, who kept his court here.
In the environs, which, during the
nabob's governnieni, were waste for
want of cultivation, arc to be found
the ruins of palaces, mosques, and
gardens. {Franklin, Vc.)
P.
Pachete, {Pacher). — A zerain-
dary in the province of Bengal,
which is now incorporated in the
surrounding districts of Ramgur,
Birbhoom, and Burdwan. In 1784
Pachete, Chuta Nagpoor, Palamow,
and Ramgnr, coutauied, according
to iNJajor Rennel's mensuration,
21,732 square miles, of which 16.732
were nearly waste. The revenue
was only 161,216 rupees.
Pachete is a large and westerly
zemindary, bounded by Chuta Nag-
poor and Ramgur, containing a
jungly territory of about 2779 square
miles, which was ouee a frontier ter-
ritory towards the western confines
of Bengal, and still retains the ste-
rility and l)ajbarism of the neighbour-
ing uncouth and mounlaiiious re-
gions to the south. The clijnate is
very uniiealthy, which has been ex-
perienced by the troops stationed at
Jaulda. The principal towns are
Pachete, Rogonauthgunge, and Jaul-
dah, \% Inch, with the zemindary, w ere
formeily held by a Rajpoot family,
named Narraiu. (J. Grant, Cole-
hroohe, lVc)
Pachf.te. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, the capital of a
zemindary of the same name, 126
miles N. W. from Calcutta. Lat.
23°. 36'. N. Long. 86° 50'. E.
Packanga. — A town on the east
coast of the Malay Peninsula, situ-
ated on a river of the same name.
Lat. 3°. 32'. N. This was formerly
a place of some note, but has long^
since fallen to decay, owing to its
being dependent on Rhio, where
most of the eastern trade was carried,
until it fell a sacrifice to the revenge
of the Dutch. The town of Pac-
kanga is very conveniently situated
for trade, having a deep fresh water
river, capable of admitting at the
mouth vessels of 100 tons burthen.
The produce of this place is gold
dust, tin, and rattans. {Elmore,
^■c. $i-c.)
Pad AH, {Padma).—'A town pos-
sessed by independent zemindars,, iu
PALACHY,
635
the province of Onndwaiia, district
of Ganj!,(Kior, sitiialcd on tlic c'3-t
side oF the Soauk River, 25 miles
from ihe soutli frontier of Cljuta
Na^poor. Lai. 22°. N. Long. 81°.
46'. II
P\DANG. — A Dutch .settlement on
the west coast of Sumatra, to which
the factories at Fiilo Chiiico, Pria-
iiiaii, ami Atljcrliadja, were subordi-
nate. Lat. 0°. 4h'. S. Long. i)i)°.
65'. E.
The town of Padang lies one mile
witiiin the river. The land to the
nortliward is low towards the .sea,
hut m<mutainons up the country.
Some pepper, camphor, and benzoin,
are fnrnislied ; but ever si. ce the
establishment of the En<!,lish settle-
ment at JBencoolen the quantity col-
leelcd has been small. A consider-
able quantity of g-old is collected
here, and sent to Batavia. Near to
Padang is a vein of g:old, v.hich lor
merly was worked; but not finding
the returns adequate to tlie expense,
the Dutch liast liidia Company let
it to farm, and it now produces little
or nothing. Padang was first visited
by the English East IndiaCompany's
ships in lf>49, at which time it was
not occupied by the Dutch. 3Iars-
de)i, Elmore, Bruce, ^t.)
Padooah. — A town belonging to
the Nagpoor Rajah, in the province
of Gundwana, 78 miles N. AV. from
the city of Naapoor. Lat. 21°. 53'.
N. Long. 78°. 52'. E.
Paga.hm. — A town in the Birman
empire, situated on the east side of
the Irawaddv River. Lat. 21°. 9'.
N. Long. 94°. ;W. E. In remote
times this city was the residence of
a long dynasty of kings, and is still
famous for its numerous temples, to
count which is among the prover-
bial impossibilities of the Birmans.
Scarcely any thing now remains of
ancient Pagahm,e\cept its numerous
mouldering temples, and the vestiges
of an old brick fort, the ramparts of
which are still to be traced. In the
b;izar the stalls are well provided
with rice, pulse, gteens, garliek,
onions, and tiuit; besides trcsh iish,
3
guapce (putrid sprats), and de d li-
zards, which latter the Birmans ac-
count a great delicacy yvhen yvell
cooked ; but the markets contain uo
butcher's meat.
This place is said to have been
the residence of 45 successive mo-
narchs, and abandoned 500 years
ago, ii! consequence of a di\inc ad-
monition. Its remains \no\e it to
ha\e been a place of no ordinary
splendour. Many of the most an-
cient tenqdes at this place are not
sohd at the bottom. A well-arched
dome su[)pf>rts a ponderous super-
structure, wiliiin which an image of
Gaudma sits enslirim d. His gene-
ral posture is sitting on a pedestal,
adorned with representations of the
facredleafofthe lotus — the left hand
resting on the lap, and the right pen-
dant- (Sjjmcs, Si'c.)
PaixomJei'NG. — A castle in Tibet,
lofiily situated on a perpendicular
rock, washed by a river which flows
at its foot. Lat. 29°. N. Long.
89°. 10'. E. Below the castle is a
bridge of rough stones, upon nine
piers of very rude structure. TheTi-
betians invariably place their strong
buildings upon rocks, aiid most of
the monasteries have similar foun-
dations. {Turne-r, iVc.)
Paitan. — A district on the N. E.
coast of Borneo, containing a bay
and river of the same name. It is
remarkable (or the abundance of
camphor; and also yields clove, bark,
and plenty of hssang. The bay i.^
very lull of shoals, and the ^oast on
both sides extremely foul. There is
a creek leading from Paitan into a
large bay, between it and jNlalloodoo
Bay, of which are many islands
nmeh incumbered with shoals. The
islands and shoals in this part of the
Eastern Seas are beyond nun)bcr.
( Dttlripnple, ^-c.)
Palachy, (Pahsi). — A town in
the province of South Coimbetoor,
containing about 300 liouses and a
small temple, w ith a small I'ort adja-
cent, 121 miles S. by E. from Sering-
apalam. Lat. 1 1°. 47'. N. Long.
77°. b'. E. Erom hence the .streams
636
PALEMBANG.
nui east and west to the Coroman-
dcl and Malabar coasts.
In tliis vicinity, in tiie year 1800,
a pot was du'j; np containing a great
man\ Roman coins of Angnstus and
Tiijcrins. Tluy were of two kinds,
but all of the same value, each
weighing 56 grains.
Palamcot TA, (PalJi)icatta). — A
town in the Carnatic, 125 miles
S. S. W. from Madras, and 42 miles
S. S. W. from l^ondiclierry. l^at.
11"^. 26'. N. I.ong. 79°. 42'! V..
Palamcotta. — A town in the pio-
Tince of Tiimevelly, 55 miles E.N.E.
tioni Cape Comorin. Lat. 8°. 42'.
Long. 7;°. 50'. E.
Palamow. — A hilly and jnugly
district in the province of Eahar, si-
tuated between the 23d and 25fh
degrees of north latitude. (.)n (he
north it is bounded by Khotas; on
the south and west by dillcrcnt wild
districts in the provime of Gund-
wana; and on the east by Kamgur.
This is one of the least cultivated
and most thinly inhabited territories
in the Coniftany's dominions, a great
proportion of iiie land consisting of
hills covered with jungle. The soil
ill many parts is strongly impreg-
nated with iron. The principal
towns are Palamow aiul Jaynagnr;
there are no rivers of any consider-
able size, but many small streams.
Palamow. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, 135 miles S. W. from
Patna, and the capital of a district
of the same name. Lat. 23°. 52'. N.
Long. 78°. 10'. E.
Pa la p ETTy, (PhaUapati). — A town
in the district of Dindigul, 30 miles
north frouj the town of Dindigid.
Lat. 10°. 40'. N. Long. 78°. loC E.
Palar River. — This river has its
source in the IMysore Province,
among the hills of Nundyuroog, not
far from that of the Pennar ; the first
turning to the south, and the last to
the north. 'J'hel'adar, atler a wind-
ing course of about 220 miles through
the iMy.sore and Carnatic, falls into
the sea near Sadras.
Palawan Islk. — A large island
jn the Eastern Seas, extending be-
tween the northera extremity of
Borneo, with which and the Phi-
lippines it forms an extensive chain
of islands. Its extreme length may
be estimated at 275 juilcs, and the
average breadth about 32 miles.
Tlie country is described as being
plain and i!at to the bottom of the
hills, 'i'hc productions are cowries,
wax, tortoise-shell, and sea slug, or
biche de mar, the last being abund-
ant. There is much ebony and laka
wood; and it is said there are hot
springs and mines of gold. The west
side is chieHy inhabited by a savage
people, who seldom frecjuent the
coast. 'J'he greater part of this
island was formerly under the domi-
nion of the Sooloos, but is little
known to Europeans. {Dalrymple,
Palcote, (Palacata). — A town in
the province of Bahar, district of
Chuta Nagpoor, 220 miles W. by N.
from Calcutta. Lat. 22°. 58'. N.
Long. 85°. E.
Palee, (Pnli). — A town in the
Nabob of Oude's territories, 20 miles
N. E. ti-om Eurru(>kabad. Lat, 27°
32'. N. Long. 79°. 49'. E.
Palemcang. — A district on the
north-eastern coast of Sumatra, ex-
tending along a river of the same
name, which rises within two days
journey of ikncoolen, and runs
nearly across the island. Opposite
to the town of Palcmbang and the
Dutch factory it is uj>\vards of a mile
in breadth, and is conveniently na-
vigated by vessels, whose depth of
water does not exceed 14 feet.
'I'he port is nuich frequented by
trading vessels, chieCiy from .lava,
Bally, jMadura, and Celebes, which
bring rice, salt, and cloths, the nia-
nufactine of those islands. "With
opium, the piece goods of India, and
Jluropean coiuniodities, it is sup-
plied by the Dutch from Batavia,
and by interloj)ers. "J'hesc in return
receive pei)per and tin, whicli for-
merly were niotiopolized by the
Dutch East India Company. The
quantify of pepper thus furnislied
was from one to two millions of
PALICAUDCHERRY
pounds per annum, niul of <in alxuit
two millions; oiio-third of wliicli was
slii])po(l at Hatavia for Ifollaiid, and
the remainder sent to China. 'I'his
tin is tlie jirodiiee of llie Islan/i of
l?anea, situated at tlie niouih of tiie
river, whieh may bo considered as
an entire hill of tin sand.
'J'he lower j)arts of tlie Faiemhan^
eonntry are flat marshy Jaiids, neiK-
rally understooil io have l/een for-
merly covered by the sea. 'I'lie pep-
per is cultivated in the interior, which
the king's ap:ei!ts purchase; at a
cheap rate — the trade in these parts
being usually monopolized by the
sovereign. In return he supplies the
country people with opium, salt, and
piece goods. 'I'he dominions of this
prince formerly reached ;is iar as thi;
hills of Lampong to the southward.
The interior parts are di\ided into
districts, each of which is assignetl
as a feif 01' government to one of the
royal family or nobles. 'I'he present
rulers and great part of the inhabit-
ants came from .lava, but Palem-
bang is supposed, by the best au-
thorities, to have been tne original
country of the Malay race. The
domestic attendants on the prince
are, for the nu)st part, fenndcs.
'I'lie policy of the Palcmijang sul-
tans, who were themselves strangers,
having always been to encourage
foreign settlers, tlie city and lower
parts of the river are, in a grcjit
measure, peopled with natives of
China, Cochin China, Cambodia,
Siam, Patani, Java, Celebes, and
other eastern places. The iMaiiom-
niedan religion prevails throughout
all the dominions <if l'al(;inbang,
■with the exception of a district near
the sea-coa.4t, where the natives live
like wild animals. The language of
tlie king and his conrt is the high
dialect of .lavan, mixed with some
foreign idioms; that of general in-
tercourse is the Malay.
In 1812 the town and district of
Paleuibaiig were taken possession of
by the British forces. {liJaisdcn, Vc)
Palemiiano. — A town in tlie
Islaud of Sumatra, the capital of n
6.37
Lau
province of tlic same name.
2°.48'. S. Long. 104°. .50'. l\.
This town is situated on a flat
marshy tract, a few miles above the
Delta of the river, about 60 miles
from the sea, and yet so lap|:from the
mountains of the interior, that they
are not visible. It extends about
eight miles along botii banks. The
buildings, witli the excej)tion of the
king's palace and mosque, are all of
wood or bamboos, staniling on j)osts,
and mostly covered with palmyra
leaves. 'I'hcre are also a number of
floating habitations, mostly shops,
upon bamboo rafts moored to [)ile.s,
which are movcMl witii the tide wJieii
required. The adjacent conntiy be-
ing o\crllowed duriirg high tides,
almost all the communication is car-
ried on Mith boats.
The king's palace being snrround-
ed with a high wall, nothing is
known to Europeans of its interior.
Ad;oiuing, on the lower side, is a
strong, sfpiare-rool'ed battery com-
manding the river. 'J'he royal moscpie
stan<ls behind tiie palace ; and, from
the style of architecture, appears to
liave been conslructcd by an Eu-
ropean. {Marsclen, S)-c.)
Palemerdy. — A town in tlie
Southern Carnatic, district of jNJa-
dnra, 31 miles S. E. from the town
of Madura. Lat. 9°. 26'. N. Long.
78°. 23'. E.
Pa LOUNGE. — A town (formerly
fortilied) in the province of Ijahar.
district of Moiighir, 122 miles S. l),
from Patna. Lat. 24°. 5'. N. Long.
m°. 15'. E.
Palicai'dcherry, ( Pdh'g-haut). —
A town in the ])rovinee of Malabar,
110 miles .south from Serini!:apatain.
Lat. 10°. 50'. \. Long. 7G°. oo'. J'!.
'Ihe fort was built by llyder on
his conquest of Malabar, in the
country called Paligatsherry, wliich
then belonged to the Sheknry lUtjah,
one of the petty Malabar chiefs.
Around the fort are scattered many
desa.s (estates), tillages, ajid ba/ars,
all together conlainiiig a, consider-
able population ; but there is very
little appearance of a town. This
(j.38 PA LP AH.
small district, in tlie year 1800, is an extensive plain, little cultivated,
contained the following' number of and afibidiug indittercnt pasturage
houses: for cattle.
Occupied by the families of Palhahnpoor. — A town in the
rajahs ------- 42 proiince of Gujrat, district of Da n-
By Christians 13 dar. Lat. 24°.' 44'. N. Long. 72°
By Mahommedans - - - 1,469 35'. E. Tiuough this place is one of
13y Namburies (Brahmins of the roads from Cutch and Gujrat to
high caste) ----- 137 Upper Hindostan.
By Puttar Brahmins - - - 3.309 Palks Straits. — An arm of Ihe
By Nairs ------ 4,29-2 sea, wliich separates Ceylon from the
By arlificers and tradesmen 2,329 Coast of Coromandel, and so named
By Shanars or Tiars (culti- after a Dutchman, who first attempt-
vators) ------ 4,287 ed the passage.
By fishermen ----- 539 Palla Isle. — A small island in
By people of Karnata, or the Eastern Seas, about six miles in
Chera ------- 5,054 circumference, situated to the south
of Sangir. Lat. 3°. 5'. N. Long.
Total houses 21,473 125°. 30'. E. It is inhabited and
cultivated.
Containing free inhabitants 106,500 Palleeangan Isle. — A small,
Add Chumar, or slaves - 16,574 low, woody island, one of the Sooloo
Archipelago, having a salt water
Total population 123,074 lake in the coitre.
Palnaijd, { Palanatha). — A dis-
exclnsive of military, camp follow- trict in the Carnatic, situated prin-
ers, travellers, vagrants, Sec. cipally between the 16th and 17tli
The part of this district occupied degrees of north latitude, "i his dis-
by thick forests, and uninhabited, trict belongs 1o the Carnatic, al-
is very extensive. These forests though placed towards the Krishna
possess a great advantage in being River to the westof Guistoor, in the
intersected by several branches of Northein Circars The chief towns
tl.ie Paniani River ; by which, in the are Macherla, Timerycotta, and
rainy reason, the timber may be Currumcouda. This district was
floated to the sea. About 45,000 finally acquired from the Nabob of
cubical feet of teak may be procured the Carnatic in IHOI, and is now
annually, but it can only be done comprehended in the collectorship
with the assistance of a large body of (juntoor. It has not yet been
of trained elephants. permanently assessed for the re-
The Paiighaut district was ceded venue.
to the British by Tippoo, at the Palpak. — A small district in
peace of 1792, when its revenues Northern Hindostan suijject to the
were valued at 88,000 pagodas. {F. Ghoorkhali Rajali oi" Nepaul, and
Buchanan, ?fc.) situated between the 281 h and 29th
Palkah, (Pff7/c«). — A small town degrees of north latitude. To the
in the Seik tenitoncs, in the pro- south it is separated from the pro-
vince of Lahore, 112 miles N. E. vince of Oude by eKtensi\e woods
from the city of Lah(»re. Lat. 32°. and forests, placed at the bottom of
6b'. N. Long. 75°. 13'. E. the irregular mass of bills, which
Palenga. — A village in the pro- compose the surlacc oi' this and all
■vince of Sinde, situated on the route the adjacent countrj, I'h" chief
from Uyderaliad to Luckput Bun- town is Paipah, and (ho Gmiduck
der. La<. 24°. 19'. N. is the principal river. 1'he dis.rict
Close to this village are two pools forms one of the petty principalities,
of water, but the adjacent country which altogether form the country
PANGOOTARRAN.
C39
of the 24 Rajahs. {Kirlipatrick,
^■c. §-c.)
Palpah. — A (own iii Northern
Hindostan, subject to tlie Nepaui
Rajah, and tlie capital of Mahadut
Seiu. Lat. 28°. 1 1'. N. Loiij^. 8->°.
65'. E. 'I'liis place is situated aiiionj^
the niountai'is, the Guiiduck River
passing below, {Kirkpatrick, ^t.)
Palrf.e. — A \illase in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, near the western
boundary, and situated between
Therah and 'I'heraud.
The country from hence to Rhun-
teela is a contiiuied succession of
hiil and dale, covered with thick
jungle, and wholly uncultivated.
The jungle consist of the baubool,
bone, a green bush resembliiig the
briar, and long grass, which grows
lip to the branches of the trees. The
little hills are formed entirely' of
sand, and very loose. Palree be-
longs to the Rajah of Deodhur, and
at present contains about 250 huts,
principally inhabited by Rajpoots.
Pamper. — A town in the province
of Cashmere, district of Vehy, si-
tuated on the north side of the Jhy-
lam River. Lat, 34°, 19'. N. Long.
73°. 13'. E.
Panagur, — An extensive village
in the province of Malwah, district
of Gurrah, 115 miles south from
Chattel-poor. Lat. 23°. 20'. N. Long.
80°. 15'. E.
Panamao Isle. — One of the Plii-
lippines, about 45 miles in circum-
ference, and situated between the
11th and 12th degrees of nortli lati-
tude.
Panaroocan. — A town in the
north-eastern exireniityof the island
of Java, formerly the capital of an
ancient principalitj-, but now subject
to the Dutch. Lat. 7°. 40'. S. Long.
114°. E.
The fort here is a scpiare, built
with pallisades and planks, decayed
with age, mounting four Iwo-ponnd-
ers, and surro\inded by a wide ditch
ftdl of water, and situated in a
marshy plain, three quarters of a
mile from the sea-coast. It is usu-
ally gairisoned by invalids, who live
well on their pay hero ; fish, jioultry,
and rice bein^ elieap and abujidaiit.
The town is placed in the Straits
of Madura, on a river, which emp-
ties itscll' by several branches into
tlie sea, none of which are navi-
gable, even for canoes, except during
high floods. I'rom the fort here,
when the weather is clear, Samanap,
in the Island of Madtua, may be
discerned. The Chief of Panaroo-
can is a Chinese, who lives in a large
wooden house, and entertains in the
European style. {Tomhe, Vc.)
Panchuekarah. — A town and
small district in the province of
Cashmere. Lat. 34°. 32'. N. Long.
75°. E. It is described by Abul
Fazel as a place of great sanctity,
and dependant on I neej, and that
it had formerly been a large citj'.
Pandiwaua. — A small village in
the })rovince of Gujrat, district of
Werrear, beloiiging, in equa^ shares,
to the Jhingwara state and the Na-
bob of Sonunee. Near it flows the
Rooiiini, which is a small stream of
clear but salt water. The surround-
iiig country is flat, open, and, when
well cultivated, productive.
Pandar. — A small town in the
Seik territories, in the province of
Lahore, 132 miles N. E. from the
city of Lahore. Lat. 33°. 17'. N.
Long. 75°. 16'. N.
Pangansane Isle. — An island in
the Eastern Seas, situated off tliQ
south-eastern extremity of Celebes,
about the 5th degree of south lati-
tude. In length it may be estimated
at 52 miles, by 16 miles the average
breadth. Part of this island is very
low, level, and. covered with fme
trees; and it is also, in general,
well peopled.
pANGoorAURAN. — A suiall island
in the Eastern Seas, oiieof the Soo-
loo Archipelago, about 10 miles long,
bv four tlic average breadth. Lat.
6°. 9'. N. Long. 120°. -JO'. E.
This island is an entire bed of co-
ral rock, with scarce any appear-
ance of soil on it ; yet it abouds with
cocoa nut trees, which are tall asid
fruitful, and of great use to the in-
640
PANIANY.
liabitaiitR, rs tlie island is doslilutc
ot" g-dod fresh water. NotTvitlislaud-
ing- Ihe dciiciciicy of good water,
aud scareity of soil, this island has
plenty of cattle, goats, and fowls,
and is tolerably well inhahikd. It
was formerly settled by the Spa-
niards, who left a large breed of
hogs here. Some of the chief per-
sons' houses arc built on four trees,
lopped oil for posts; aiul perhaps
something of this kind may have
given rise to the reports ol' people
living on trees, as the trunks con-
tinue to Vegetate, and send forth
branches. {Daln/mple, ^r.)
Panha. — A village, tribtitaiT to
theNcpaul rajahs, in the provir.ce
of Sciinagur, containing 40 or 50
huts, situated abcuit 100 feet above
the base of a mountain. Lat. 30°.
18'. N. Long. 79°. 10'. E.
Six miles to the south of this j)lacc
are the lead aiid copper mines of
Dhanpoor, v.hieh are farmed lor
4000 rupees jier annum. I'lom two
to 300 people arc employed the
whole year in smelting the ore, the
process of which is very simple. It
is performed by pounding the ore,
and making it up with cow dung
into balls, Mhich are put into a fur-
nace sufllciently heated to jnoduce
a fusion of the metal. About eight
miles to the north, on the opposite
hills, are the copper mines <;f hug;-
poor, which are the richest in the
Scrinagur province, but vhich are
notAVorked on account of the capital
tlicy would lequhe, and the unset-
tled state of tlie Ghoorkhali govern-
ment of Nepaul. {Napcr, cVc.)
Panca Point. — A renuukable
point in the Island of Java, situ-
ated at the north-eastern exliemity,
at the mouth of the western entrance
of the Straits of Madura.
At this place Java and European
pilots arc stationed, who, as soon as
vessels sue discovered standing for
the channel, go before to pilot them
toGressec and .SourwMiaya. Refresh-
ments of every kind may, at the same
time, be procured from the masters
and crews of the pilot boats, aud at
moderate prices. The Dutch niain-
tain here asmall military guard (or the
protection of their ilag. {Tcmhc, S-c.)
Paniany. — A sea-port town in the
province of Malabar, 40 miles S. by
E. from Calicut. Lat. 10°. 44' N.
Long. 76°. E. This place is called
by the natives Pnnang Wacul, aud
contains above 500 houses, belong-
ing to traders, 40 mosipies, and at
least 1000 huts, inhabited by the
lower orders of the people. It is
very irregularly built, but many of
the houses are two stories higl), built
of stone, and thatclied with cocoa
nut leaves. The huts are inhabited
by boatmen and lishermeu, who were
formerly Mucuas, a low caste of
Hindoos, but they have now all em-
braced the faith of Maliomnied.
The town is scattered over a
sandy ]>lain, on the south side of a
liver, which desct nds from Anima-
laya, and enters the sea by a very
wide channel. The mouth, how-
ever, is shut by a bar, which only
admits boats to enter. The trading^
boats arc called pattemars, and on
an average carry 50,000 cocoa nuts,
or 1000 muddies of rice, equal to
500 Bengal bags. About 60 years
ago the iMoplays of this port were
very rich, and possessed vessels that
sailed to Surat, Mocha, Madras,
and Bengal ; but the oppressions of
Tippoo Sultan reduced them to gieat
poverty. The exports from hence
are teak wood, cocoa nuts, iron, and
rice; the cliief imports wheat, pulses,
sugar, jagory, salt, cut (terra japo-
nica), and spices.
Paniany is the residence of the
tangal, or cliief p.ii jst, of the ]Mo-
l)hiys, who says he is descended
from Ali and Tatim;'., the daughter
of jMaliommed. Although of the
Mahomniedan religion, the tangul's
sister's son, according to the custom
of AJalabar, is considered as the
heir to this hereditary dignity. These
people are called Moplayar in Ma-
labar, and Lubbaymar at Madras ;
but, among themselves, they ac-
knowledge no other name than that
of Mussulmauns, or Maliommcd-
PANNIPUT.
641
ans. Being of AiaLic extraction,
they consider themselves of more
honourable birth than the Tartar
Malionimcdaus, who are of the con-
trary opinion. The Arabians set-
tled in India soon after tlie promul-
gation of the faitli of IMahonuncd,
and liave made very numerous cou-
\crts ; yet, in many families of dis-
tinction, the Arab blood stemi still
uncontaminated.
The Moplays use a written ejia-
racter peculiar to themselves, and
totally different from the present
Arabic, which language is known
to very few of them except their
priests. Ihe Moplays of Alalabar
arc both traders and farmei"s; the
Lubbaymare of Madras confine
themselves to the former profession.
As traders, they are a remarkably
quiet, industrious people ; but some
of them in the irterior, having Ijceu
encouraged by Tippoo in a most li-
centious attack on the lives, per-
sons, and property of the Hindoos,
became a set of fii rce, bloodthirsty,
bigotted ruffians ; which disposition
the British government had consi-
derable difficulty in reforming. Prior
to this the Moplays had no au-
thority excej)! in the small district
of Canauore, even over their own
sect, but were entirely subject to
the Hindoo chiefs, in whose domi-
nions they resided. Tippoo's code
of laws was never known beyond
the limits of Calicut. ]>uring this
period of total anarchy ihe number
of Moplays was greatly increased;
multitudes of Hindoos were circum-
cised by force, and many of the
low er orders converted.
In religious matters the tangul is
the head of the sect, and the office
is hereditary in the female branch.
The mos(jucs are very niunerous, in
each of which presides an imaum,
or moullah, appointed by the tan-
gul, who usually bestows the office
on his sister's son, the heir of the
person who last held the office. {F.
Jiiwhaiian, ^c)
Panniput, {Paiiipati). — A town
iu the province of Delhi, 50 miles
2 T
N, by W. from the city of Delhi.
Lat. 29°. 23'. N. Long. 76°. 5lf. E.
In its greatest extent tliis place is
about fotir miles in circumiereuce,
and was formerly surrounded by a
brick wall, which partly rejnains.
In the centre is the shrine of a Ala-
hommedan devotee, named Shah
Shercef ud Decn Abu AliCuliinder, ^
whose death hiippened in the 7'i4tli *
year of the Hijerah. The import*
ito this place are salt, grain, and cot-
ton cloth ; the surrounding country
produces and exports coarse sugai".
I'annipul is famous for having
been tlie scene where two of tiie
greatest battles ever fought iu India
look place, both decisive of the sway
of Hiudostan. The lirst was in tlje
year A. D. 1525, between the army
of Sultan Baber and that of thu
Delhi Patau Emperor Ibrahim Lodi,
in which the latter w as slain, and his
army totally discomfited. With liini
the Patau dynasty of Lodi termi-
nated, and tixe Mogul one of i'iuiour
commenced.
'Ihe second took place in 1761,
between the combined ]\iahoin-
medan army, commanded by Ahmed
Shah Abdalli, the sovereign of Ca-
bul, and that of the Maharattas,
commanded by the Bhow Sedasiva.
'J'he Mahomincdan army consisted
altogether of 42,000 horse and 38,000
foot, besides camels, and between
70 and 80 pieces of cannon. These
were the regular troops ; but the ir-
regulars, who accompaniotl them,
were sometimes more uuiuerous.
The Doorranies of Cabul, who were
the strength of the army, being
about 29,000, were ail men of great
bodily vigour, and tlieir horses of
the J'urkish breed, and very hardy.
Tiic regulars of the Aiaharatta
army consisted of 65,000 hor.se and
lo,'K)0 foot, with 200])ieces of can-
non, and camel pieces and roekela
without luimber. Besides the regu-
lar troops, there were 15,000 pinda-
ries (plunderers), and the camp fol-
lowers may be estimated at foux
times the innnbcr of the regulars.
The armies continued iu froflt of
1
642
PANWELL.
each other from the 26th of OcIoIkt,
1760, to tlic 7th of Jaiuiai-y, 1761,
diiriiii!; ^vhich interval of time miiiiy
bloody skirmishes took place, which
ceiierally t<rminatcd in favour of the
Diirranii's. At the last-nieiitior.ed
pciiod, the INIaharatta army b iiig
reduced to the greatest distress lor
tlie Maul of supplies the Ijiiow de-
lermined to quit his iDfrcnelinients,
and give battle. 'I'he action eouli-
iiued nearly equal from morniuf^ un-
til noon, al)0ut m hich time lUswass
liow, the Pcslnva's son, a youth of
17, was mortnlly wounded, Avhi<h
appears to hc'ive decided the fate of
the battle, as the Maharattas then
fled in all directions, pursued by the
victors, who g^ave no quarter in the
heat of the pursuit.
( »f all descriptions, men, women,
and children, there were said to
liave been 500,000 in the jNIaharatla
camp, of whom the greatest part
were killed or taken prisoners ; and
of those who escaped from the field
of battle, many were destroyed by
the zemindars. Abort 40,000 pri-
soners were taken alive; those who
fell into the hands of the Durranies,
were mostly murdered afterw ards by
them, alledging, in jest, as an ex-
cuse, that when they left their own
country, their motheis, sisters, and
wives desired, that, when they de-
feated the unheliever.s, they would
kill a few of them on their account,
that they als(j might possess a merit
in the sight of the pro|)het.
The commander in chief of the
Maharattas, Sedasiva Bhow, was
jjrobahly killed in the battle, but
this was never to a cert;iinty esta-
blished. Many years afterwards,
about 1779, a person appeared at
Benares, who said he was the Bhow,
and some of the Maharattas ac-
knowledged his claim, while others
treate<l him as an impostor, which
he probably was. (Asiatic Researches,
Ferishta, G. Thomas, ^c.)
Pannah, {or Puma). — A town in
the province of Allahal>ad, 30 miles
S. E. from Cliatterpoor. Lat. 24°.
43'. N. Long. 80°. 17'. E.
This place is situated above the
Ghauts, or beyond that range of
mountains extending from Bhotas to
the confines of Ajmeer, on which
stands Callinjer, from wlieucc Pan-
nah is distant 20 miles.
In the neighbourhood are the
valuable and celebrated diamond
niiiu's, supposed to have been the
Panassa of I tolomy. During tlic
reign of Acber they were estimated
at eight lacks of rupees annually,
and they also formed a considerable
source of public revenue, as well as
of mercantile profit, during the go-
vern uient of the native chiefs of
Bundelcund, and of Ali Bahadur,
its last JMaharatta conqueror. During
the reign oi Rajali Chuttersal (about
1750), the duties le\iedat Pannah,
and the profits accruing to govern-
ment I'rom these diamond mines,
were estimated at four lacks of ru-
pees jjer annum ; but we have no
detailed description of them of re-
cent date. As they are now com-
j)rehcnded within the Biitish terri-
tories, it is to be hoped this want
will not be long unsupplicd. {MSS.
isc. kc.)
Panter Isle. — An i>iland in the
Eastern Seas, separated from that of
Loblem by the Straits of Aloo, and
situated between the eighth and
niiitli degrees of north latitude. In
length it may be estimated at 30
miles, by 12 the average breadth.
Pantuu.a. — A small village, with
a church, in the Island of Ceylon,
sittiated about 18 miles to the south
of Columbo. Lat. 6° 50'. N. Long.
79°. 53'. E.
Panwell. — A town in tlic pro-
vince of Aurungabad, 27 miles E.
from Bombay. Lat, 19°. N. Long-.
73°. 13'. E.
'I'he River Pan flows up to it seven
miles from the harbour ; but, during
the prevalence of the south-westerly
winds, the passage to Bombay is te-
dious and inicertain. 'l"he ruins of
a small fort still remains at the en-
trance, built in 1682 by the Maha-
ratta Hajah Sambhajee, to protect
the low districts in the neighbour-
PAPPAL.
G43
liood from the inupfions of tlie Siil-
lices, tlieu in the scnico of Aurciii;:-
«(>ljc, who used to liuid, and burn or
carry off tlic rice. 'I'he town of Fan-
■\vell is extensive ; and, beiiii!, w ell
situated, carries on a consielerable
trade. (3/. Graham, 31oor, Lord
Valentin, tVr.)
Pany Isle. — One of the Philip-
j)ines, situated duo south of Luzon,
between tlie 122d and 123d degrees
of east longitude. In length it may
be estimated at 110 miles, by 38
miles the average breadth.
'I'his island, wlicn viewed from
the sea, exhibits numerous villages
on tii(! declivity of the hills, the
houses of ^^ hich are well built, and
arranged with great regularity, 'i'he
sea-coast abounds with cocoa nut
trees, and in the interior are plenty
of wild game, such as deer, hogs,
and bnflaloes. Cattle and horses
are said to be so plenty, as not to Ik;
appropriated, but allowed to range
at pleasure. I'he air of the island
is nnhealthy, on account of the mo-
rasses and the thinness of the cul-
tivation. Ijike most unexplored
(ountries, it has the reputation
of containing mines of silver and
gold.
The i)riucipal estaldishinents of
the Spaniards on this island are at
Ilo-ilo and Antigua, on which coast
there is good anchorage. Antigua
is situalid in 1(>°. 42'. N. where the
an<'horage is in 10 fathoms, at a
considerable distance liom the shore.
Vessels cannot anchor here in No-
vember, Decend)er, and January,
without considerable risk, for it is
tlicn the winds from the S. W. and
W. prevail. Water is to be had
here liom a rivulet, and also liom a
ri\er, which serves as a ditch to the
fort, up which boats may j)roceed a
considerable way, but the water is
brackish even during neap tides.
Antigua, like the other Spanish set-
tlements, is extreuKiy ill governed
and defended — vessels being plun-
dered in the harbour by tiie pirat(;s,
who parry off the crews into slavery.
The fort is built of wood, and gur-
o ■^' 2
risoned by about 20 Cliristiaiis of
the country.
The inhabitants of this island are
more industrious than those of Lu-
zon, and manufacture, from cottou
and from the hbres of anotlicr plant,
handkerchiefs and cloths, which they
A\ear, and export to the neighbour-
ing islands. A coloured cloth, made
here from a plant raised on the
island, is much worn by females at
Manilla. {Sonnerat, 3fcares, S^-c.)
Pappal. — A district on the nortlt-
castern coast of Borneo, the limits
of which are Sampanniangio on th(;
north, and Keemannees River, in Lat.
6°. 30'. N. The productions of this
coast in general arc sago, rice, betel
nut, cocoa nut oil, camphor, wax,
some pepper, and coarse cinnamon,
'i'he country is populous, the inte-
rior particularly, which is inhabited
by idaan, or aborigines, as are also
some places on the sea-coast.
This part of Uorneo is very well
watered, and has the convenience
of many rivers navigable by boats,
and some even by large vessels,
'i'he river of Tawarran leads to the
lake of KeeneyEalloo, from vv hence
it is about 10 or 15 miles di.stant,
and is accessible for boats. Tam-
passook, Abai, i^oobook, and Am-
boony are small rivers in this district,
the borders of which arc; inhabited
by jMahommedaiis. Tln^ harbours
and rivers of Abai are superior io
any between Sanipanmangio and
I'ortgaya, and it is the only i)lace
where vessels can have shelter from
A\ csterly winds. The country here
abounds with grain, and, if cidti-
vatcd, might be made to produce
considerable quantities of pepper
and cinnamon.
'i'he Hivcr 'i'awarran is inha])ited
chielly by idaan, among whom a
few Chinese are settled. iManca-
boony l!i\er is inhabited by iNJa-
luiinmcdans, and is well .settled ; to
the eastward lie I'ort Cay a ami
some other islands, which, with the
slioals, lorin a harbour for small ves-
sels, 'i'he banks of the iiatuan,
Inaimam, jMangatal, Poolalau, and
644
PAPUA.
Kinaroot vivcvs, are inyiaVjited by rcmarkftbly great IicigRl, such as
Mahommedans, and produce sago, Mount Ophir in Sumatra. The
rice, betel nut, cinnamon, and co- whole being covered with palm-trees,
coa nut oil. aiid timber of large size, the soil may
The next river to the southward be presumed naturally fertile ; but it
is Pangalat, which is also peopled has as yet been little disturbed by
by jMahoinmedans, and produces cultivation. The cocoa-nut and two
camphor, besides other articles. Kee- species of the bread-fruit-tree arc
inanees is the last river of what fotuid here, and also pine-apples and
formerly was the Sooloo dominions, plantains. The lioraforas of the in-
The inhabitants are idaan, and carry terior practise gardening, and some
on an extensive trade in their own sort of agriculture, as they supply
prows to Java, &e. The counliy, the trading Paj)uas on the coast with
besides a considei-able quantity of food in exchange for axes, knives,
coarse cinnamon, and other articles, and other kinds of coarse cutlery,
produces tenjoo, which is the gum Nutmeg-trees grow here in a Avild
of a certain tree found also in Pala- state ; but they are known not to
wan andMagindanao. {Dalyymple, be of the proper quality as a spice.
^c. ^c.) It is said, there are no quadrupeds
i ■ on Papua, except dogs, wild cats,.
„ . ^^^ . ,^ 7 T. XI and hogs ; and that to tlie east of Gi-
PAPUA, (Tannah Papita, Papua ,^,^ „^ ^^^^^^^^ animals, of any de-
i^'^")- scription, are to be found. The
The Papuan Isles extend from the woods abound with wild hogs, which,
south end of Gilolo, and the north the natives I; ill with spears, and bows-
coast of Ceram, to the west end of and arrows. \Mth the latter they
Papua, or New Guinea; the exact are particularly dexterous, and dis-
dimensions of which have not yet charsc arrows six feet long with
been ascertained ; nor is it certain
that it is not a cluster of large
islands, iaist(;ad of one of immense
size. If the latter, its longitudinal
extent is so great, that it appears to
ap])ertain partly to the Asiatic Isles,
and partly to those of the Pacific ;
the inhabitants of the two extremi-
ties exhibiting considerable generi-
cal ditterences. The western is pos-
bows made of bamboo, having a
string of split rattan.
On the north-west coast of this
island, the natives build their houses
on posts, fixed several yards below
low-water mark, from which there is
a long stage to the land, and also
another towards the sea, on which
they haul up their canoes, Thi*
strange semi-aquatic mode of dwell-
sessed by the remarkable race of ing is intended to provide against
oriental negroes, while the natives
of the eastern approximate to the
ycll(Jw-coniplexioned, long-haired
natives of the South Sea Islands.
Like Celebes, Gilolo, and other
eastern isles, Papua is indented by
such deep bays, lliat it resembles a
chain of peninsulas, so near does the
sea approach on each side, and it is
only separated from New Holland
by a narrow strait, discovered by-
Captain I'linders in the fnvestigator.
Viewed from the sea, the coast of
I^i|>ua rises gradually from the shore
to hills of considt-rable elevation ;
but there are no mountains seen of
attacks both by sea aitd land ; if the
assault be from the first, they take
to the woods, and if from the last,
they launch their canoes, and sail
away. The furniture of these cabins
consists of a mat or two, a fire-place,
a cliina plate or basin, with .some
sago flower. The females make
earthen pots from clay, which they
burn with dry grass or light brush-
wood.
The Papnas on this part of the
coast are so far advanced in civiliza-
tion, as perfectly to understand the
nature of traffic, which they carry
on with the Malays and Cliinese :
PAPUA.
645
but more particularly the latter, from
■whom they purchase their iron tools,
blue and red haflas, axes, knives,
•china beads, plates, and basins. In
exchange the Chinese cany bnck
missoy bark, slaves, amberj^rease,
sea slug (biche de mar), tortoise-
•shell, small pearls, black and red
ioories, bir<ls of paradise, and many
other species of dead birds, which
the Papuas have a particular method
of dressing. The Dutch gov<>rn-
ment at Ternate do not allow the
Dutch burghers to trade to the coa.st
of New Guinea for missoy bark, the
powder of w Inch is much used by
•the Javanese for rubbing their bo-
dies, the discreet Chinese only being
allowed to prosecute this species of
<;ommejce.
On the north-west of Papua,
which is the only quarter we are
much acquainted with, the natives
wear their hair bushed out roiuid
their heads to the circumference of
two and a half and three feet ; and,
to make ii more extensive, comb it
out horizontally from their heads,
occasionally adorning it with fea-
thers. From the short, close, woolly
nature of an African negro's hair,
it could not be dressed exactly in
tlic same manner, as no skill could
make it stick out so far from their
heads. The men wear a thin stufi'
snade from the tibrcs of the cocoa
Jtiut tree, tied round their middle and
between their legs, fixing it up be-
hind. The females in general wear
Wuc Surat cloths, put on in the same
manner as th(^ men ; tbe children,
initil the age of puberty, go entirely
naked. Both sexes are fond <(f glass
or china beads, which they wear
round the wrist. Captain Forrest
says, he saw no gold ornaments
among the Papuas, but that they
declared it was to be found in the
hills. As among all barbarous tribes
the women appear to be the labori-
ous class. I'hey make a .sort of
earthen ware of clay, and mats of
the cocoa nut tree.
Some of the horaforas of the in-
terior are said to have long hair ; but
this appears doubtful, at least so far
as applies to the western extremity,
where all the inhabitaiils jct seen
by voyagers presented the cx]janded
mop head of the oriental negro.
The inhai)itants of the more easterly
parts have the character of being
very savage, and extremely prone to
war and carnage. It is said, how-
ever, that they deal honestly with
the Chinese who trade with tliem,
and advance them goods for se\ ei al
months before the returns are made.
The Papuas term themselvi's Igo-
lotc, but by the Spaniards of the
Philippines they are named Negritos
del Monte, from their colour and
bushy hair. They appear to be a
second race of aborigines in the
eastern isles, in several of which
they are still to be found, and in all
of which they seem originally to
have existed. In the more western
of the Papuan Isles, some of their
divisions have formed small savage
states, and made some advances to-
wards civilization; but the greater
part of them, even with the example
of more civilized races before their
eyes, have betrayed no symptoms
either of a taste or capacity for im-
provement, and continue in their
primitive state of nakedness, sleep-
ing on trees, devoid of houses or
clothing, subsisting on the sponta-
neous products of the forest, or tiie
precarious success of their fishing
and hunting excursions. The na-
tives of the Andaman Isles seem to
be of this race, as also the black
mountaineer tribes of the Malay pe-
ninsula ; but a considerable diiier-
ence may be discovered in the bodily
frames of these miserable wretches,
and the structure of the natives of
tlni Papuan Isles. The former are
a dwarfish, diminutive race, while
the latter are of a good stature :uid
robust, although much inferior to
the African negro in muscular pow-
ers. The skin of both is jet black,
but coarse and rough. Their noses
are ilat, mouths wide, and their li)W,
particularly the upper ojie, U)uch
swelled out.
646
PARAGONG.
The oriental negroes being much
divided into small commuiiities or
families, liltle connected with each
otlier, their language is broken into
a niultitiule of dialects, which, in
process of time, by separation, acci-
dent, and oral corruption, have
nearly lost all resemblance. The
Malays of the peninsula consider the
language of tlie blacks of tlie hills
as a mere jargon, "hich can only
be compared to the chattering of
large birds ; and tlie Papuan dia-
lects, in many of the eastern isles,
are generally viewed in the same
light.
TJie inhabitants of the more west-
erly islands of the eastern Archipe-
lago buy the Papnas for slaves, and
tlic natives of the west coast of New
Gninea make slaves of those of the
oast, and sell them to strangers. The
latter have the gristle between the
Jiostiils pierced with tortoise-shell.
About April and IMarch the Papuas
of New Guinea and Sahvatty assem-
ble in great numbers, and make v\ ar
on Gilolo, Ceram, Ambojiia, Am-
Idoo, and as far west as Xulla
Ijessy.
'I'he Arabians, in their early vov-
ages, appear frequently to ha\e en-
countered the Papuas, whotn they
des(ribe in the most frightful co-
lours, and constantly represent as
<;aunibals. Tannah Papua was tirst
discovered by Europeans in 1511,
when it was visited by Antonio Am-
breu and liancis Serrano. I'roni
Ihe Portuguese names given to cer-
tain harbours, bays, and islands, on
the north coast of New Guinea, it
Avould seem tliat nation, in former
times, had much frequented this re-
gion ; for its modern appellation it
is indebted to the frizzled locks of its
inhabitants.
\\ hen the INIoluccas were first
visited by the Portuguese, the inte-
rior was in most of them occupied
by this race ; but they have ever
since i)een rapidly decreasing, and
in most of the smaller islands have
wholly disa|)p(ared. Captain For-
rest endeavours to account for this
3
decrease, by attributing it to the
numerous proselytes gained to the
Mahomniedan faith; on which event,
he says, they either cut their hair off,
or smooth it down straight with a
comb : other physical properties
would, however, iK'tray their origin,
and tlie success of the last expedient
may reasonably be doubted. New
diseases, vices, and wants, the con-
sequence of a civilized vicinity, and
the being driven tiom the sea coast
to the unwholesome jungles and
swamps of the interior, supply more
probable causes for the gradual dis-
appearance of the Papuas, where the
jNJalays have established themselves
in any numbers. With the natives
of Papuathe British have as yet had
very little intercourse. In 1791,
when thePantherfa Bombay cruizer)
was off the coast of New Guinea,
the natives decoyed the surgeon into
their canoes, and murdered him ;
after which tlK^y discharged a shower
of arrows into the sliip, and woiuid-
ed four of the crew. They were
dispersed by the great guns and
small arms. {Forrest, Lei/den, Son-
nerat, <5c.)
P.AUAGONG,(P«rffn»-fl/H«). A tOWTl
in Northern Ilindostan, in the pro-
vince of Bootan, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name. Lat. 27°.
43'. N. Long. 89° 21'. E.
The governor of the district, whose
jurisdiction is of the first importance
in Bootan, has his residence here.
It extends from the frontiers of Tibet
to the borders of Bengal ; to Dalim-
cotta adjoining the territories of the
Segwin, or Seecum Bajah; and it
comprehends the low lands at the
foot of the Luckidwar jNlountaiiis.
The palace, or castle of Paro, is
constructed, and the surrounding
ground laid out, more with a view
to strength and defence, than almost
any other place in Bootan. The A^al-
ley of Paro exceeds that of Tassisu-
don by a mile. It lies N. AV. and
S. E. and is irregularly intersected
by the river. This is almost the only
market in Bootan that is much lie-
qucuted, and it is also famous for
thp niannfaoturn of iiuap;os, mid llic
Ibifiin}!; o!" arms. |iinfi( iilarly swoiils
and daa,ii<'i"s, and tlu; hurbs of ar-
rows. (Turner, Sr.)
V MiKV s'Tt^' .( Pfirak/i((ii(I>). — A town
in IIh! Maliaratla (cnil(iri<'s, in llu;
j))ovince of INlalwal). 7S miles north
IVom ( ).)iaii). Lat. '2-1°. 19'. N. Lon;;-.
75°. 3S'. !•;.
I' ARKiR. — A small dislricl in Hin-
dostan. sitnatcd alxjiil tin- 21tli de-
gree o!" nortli lalitudc. To the north
it is Ijonndcd l>v the sandy desert ;
on the south In Cuteh ; to the east it
lias (iiiirat, and on the west the pro-
vince of Sinde. Cominu: from (inj-
rat, after crossins: the I'nn, whieh
takes a sweep round the north of
Cutch, tlie Parkiir district com-
meiices. Sinde hei^ins aixmt ;^() miles
Ij; yond Taieenajjnr ; in \\ hich. as also
ill Weerawow, i\leer Giiolanin Ali
lias a detachment of 15 or 20 men,
w ho levy taxes on tlie zemindars for
their suhsistence.
Tliis comilry has heen sekloin vi-
sited hy Europeans, Imt is descrilied
by the natives as of a sandy, rocky
nature, indiHereiitly supplied with
Maf<r, and in many respects re-
seiiihlinp: llalliar in (injrat. C'ulli-
valion is carried on hy means of
waterprocured liom wells and tanks
t'loihs of diHerent descriptions, and
a few horses, are occasionally tinns-
]R)rtid throii;;!) this ilistrict iroin
Ninde to (iiijrat; but on account of
tiie insecurity trade of all sort.-, is of
little amount. TheParkur territory
is said to ( onlaiii between 4U and .00
Ailla;;es; the ca|.'ital is l'areenii!;<inr,
couinionly called Nii^;;nr, and the
jesidenc(; of the Sodah JJaijtools.
Pareemin;;ur in its present state
contains oiilv ;jOO houses, chiedy in-
habited by Sodah JJajpools; the an-
cient population L!a\iiij;' Ions;- aban-
doned it on account of its turbu-
lence, and niiu,Tated for safety to
ISoanaijjnr and other places, 'i'lie
tow n is not fortilied ; the refuse of
the iiihai)itants, when any enemy
appears, Iteinu; a nei;4iiliouiin<; moun-
tain, which is represented as risin<;-
lo a great elevation. This uiuiintaia
PARKun. (J47
is named Calliiijer, and may be seen
at the distance of many miles. It is
covered with junj^le, and accessiide
only to tho.se who arc acquainted
with its secret paths.
The principal chieftain in the Par-
knr district is Pooniajee of \\('era-
wow, whose capital is surrounded
by a wall, and contains about (iOD
houses. His great souk^c of revenue
is a celebrated idol which he pos-
sesses, named (ioreecha, from its
having originally come from (!or
Uangalia (jnobably Gour in Bengal).
It is carved of marble, is (wo feet
high, in a sitting posture, Mith his
legs across
At a remote period of history
when Pareenuggur tli<urished, it was
inhabited by numerous families of
lianyaiis, or Shrawuks, whose tem-
ples were famous for their eleg:\nco
and sanctity, and resorted to by
Shrawuks from ever\ quarter, to pay
their devotions at the shrines of Go-
reeeha and Mandow Kay, who were
considered as biotlicrs. During the
confusion and anarchy that followed
the .Maiiommedan iii\asions, Man-
dow' Pay feli into the hands of a
body of Purmar ilajpoots, who re-
moved from Parkur to Mooter in
Chalawar, where they built a mag-
nificent temple for Mandow IJay, in
vv lich he siill resides. Goreecha,
during the disorder, was seized on
by a I'ajpoot family, and concealed
in the sand hills which lie to the
N. W. of Parkur. Some years alter-
wards, when the iuiiiience of (he
.^ridiomnicdans of Sinde had de-
clined, and the Sodah Pajpools had
regained the •i.sceudaney, Goreecha
was reproduced, and the mwsofhis
safety attracted Shraw iiks from every
region to pay their devotions io him ;
for permission to do which the jios-
.ses.sor levied a heavy (ine, which the
Hanjans consented to pay. Subse-
quent to this period the idol passed
from hand to hand, and is at present
in the ])ossession of Pooiijajee of
\\ eerawovv. whose grandlather Sut-
tajee stole him from a Kajpoot of
Parcenagur.
648
PARUPANADA.
The pilgrimages to this Hindoo
deity are made in caravans of many
thousand persons, who have agents
at Rahdnnpoor, who settle before-
hand with the different Coolee chiefs
for a safe conveyance to the spot
w^here the idol is to be seen. He is
then dug out of the sand, and placed
under a gu;ird of Rajpoots with
drawn sabres, while the pilgrims per-
form their worship, and make offer-
ing in proportion to their circum-
stances. These gifts are deposited
in a large chest, and afterwards di-
vided between the Sodah Rajah and
his attendants. Numerous fees are
exacted during the ceremonies, and
are paid with extraordinary liberality
by tire votaries, who are on all other
occasions a most parsimonious race.
After the ceremonies have con-
tinued for a few days, the image is
privately removed, and parties of
horsemen gallop off in every direc-
tion, one of whom has charge of the
idol, whose actual place of conceal-
ment is known only to a very few
contidential persons. In 1809 one
party, or sungli, as it is called from
Smat, amounted to 9000, besides
those expected from other quarters,
the whole being computed at 70,000
persons, who were to assemble at
Morwarra,where the ceremony won Id
be performed. The rajah who pos-
sesses this stone frequently antici-
pates his revenue, and mortgages the
approaching fees and oHerings ex-
pected to be realized, for so large a
sum as one and a half lack of rupees.
P»esides the .sums levied at the place
of worship, all the adjacent towns
and chiefs extort contributions from
these pious devotees, who, owing to
their im.'nense numbers, suffer like-
wise maii> h;,rdshi|^s in this barren
region. {Macniiirdo, At.)
Parnf.lla, {Parnalaya). — A town
and distjict in the province of Beja-
poor, rei>iited one of the most healthy
in tiie Maharatta dominions. Lat.
16°. 50'. N. Long. 74°. 15'. E. P;t-
wanghur is the capital fortiticatinn,
and is a plaoc of considerable
eitrength.
On the 4th April, 1701, Sir Wm.
Morris, the ambassador from the
English East India Company (while
two separate and rival companies
existed), arrived in Aurengzebe's
camp, then stationed at this place ;
and, on the 28th, went to the au-
dience M ith vast pomp. He remain-
ed in the camp until the 5th Nov.
1701, endeavouring to accomplish
the objects of his mission, practising
every eastern intrigxie, and liberal
both of bribes and promises. He
was, however, completely out in-
trigued by the Mogul courtiers, and
returned much disgusted and cha-
grined ; the embassy from the begin-
ning having cost the English East
India Company 80,0001. an enormous
sum at that period. Towards the
conclusion of his negociation it \vas
intimated to him by Aurengzebe,
that the English best knew if it were
their interest to trade in his domi-
nions ; and if the ambassador per-
sisted in refusing the obligation re-
quired, he knew the same road back
to England which he had come. The
obligation required by Aurengzebe
was, that the English East India
Company should make good all losses
which his Mogul subjects might sus^
tain from pirates. {Bruce, Moor,
Parsonahth, (Parswanatha). —
SametSieijara, called in Major Ren-
nell's map Parsonauth, is situated
among the hills between Bahar and
Bengal. Its holiness is held in great
estimation by the Jainas, and it is
said to be visited by pilgrims from
the remotest parts of India. Parswa,
or Parswanath, the 23d dei6ed saint
of the Jainas, and vvho perhaps was
the real founder of the sect, was
born in the suburbs of Benares, and
died at the age of 100 years on
Mount Sammeya, or Sauiet. {Cole-
brooke, <Sc.)
Parsees.— See GuJRAXaud Bom-
bay.
Parupanada. — A Moplay town
on the sea-coast of the Malabar pro-
vince, 22 miles south from Calicut.
Lat. 11°. 2'. N. Long. 75°. 65'. E.
PASSAROOWAN.
649
Tliis place contains abont 700 houses
mostly built of stoue, and well aired,
and which would be conii'orlablo
even for Europeans. When com-
pared with that at Madras the surf
on this coast is trifling:, and except
whrrc rocky head lands run a little
way into the sea, boats of any kind
may without danirer land on the
coast. The small town of Vaypura
was originally called North Pariipa-
nada. Its situation is very fine on
the north side of a river where it en-
ters the soa. Within the river has
deep wat(!r, but, like all those on
this coast, it has a bar at the mouth.
At favomable seasons, vessels draw-
ings 14 feet water, may be floated
over the bar by means of casks.
From tw o <o 3000 teak trees may
be procured here annually. The
limber is cut on tiie mountains, and
conveyed by elephants to the part of
the river which, in the rainy season,
Las sufficient water 1o float it. Many
of the best trees are cut in two to
enable the elephants to drag them,
by which many oltliem are rent and
otherwise injured, 'leak timber of
an ordinary quality for ship building
sells at 10 rupees per 11 square feet.
The foot, therefore, costs from Is. 6d.
to 2s. and choice timber 2s. lOd. jier
cubical foot. At Baypoor a saw
mill has been erected with the view
of suppiv ing the dock-yards at Bom-
bay, but tlic moving power being
wind, it appears too ])recarious for
the !ieav-> machinery required. {F.
Snchamai, 4"c.)
Pasay. — A town in Sumatra, once
the prineipai seat of government in
this extix'mify of the island. It is
situated in a fine bay, where cattle,
provisions, and grain, are in plenty,
witli large limber fit for masts grow-
ing closo to the shore.
Pass AG K Islk. — A low sandy isle,
covered with trees, lying off the west
coast of Sumatra, which here forms
n deep bay named Baneongter, w here
arc sev(!ral Malay porls. Lat. 2°.
31'. N. Long. 97°. 55'. E.
Passaman. — A small district in
l^umatia, situated nearly under the
equinoctial line, formerly under tho
dominion of Menangcabon, but now
subject to the Acheenese. Formerly
it was a place of considerable trade,
and, besides a great export of pep-
per, received much fine gold from
the mountains of the Ran country,
lying about three days journey in-
land. The inhabitants of tliese moun-
tains are said to be Battas converted
to Mahommedanism, and mixed with
Malays. I'he greater part of the
gold they now collect finds its way
to the River Siak, and from thence
to the eastern side of the island and
the Straits of Malacca. (Marsden,S,-c.)
Passaroowan. — The capital of a
large district in the eas'.ern quarter
of the Island of Java, Lat. 7°. 36'.
S. Long. 113°. 10'. R.
'I'he town of Passaroowan is in-
tersected by a river which is navi-
gable for some leagues up the coun-
try for coasting vessels, and crossed
by a wooden bridge. A resident on
the pait of the Dutch government is
established here v\ith two subalterns
and a few European soldiers, with
some companies of Malays, to guard
a small stone fort erected to check
the natives.
In the neighbourhood are seA'eral
plantations of coffee and pepper be-
longing to the Dutch East India
(.'ompany, and also a yard for build-
ing coasting vessels of a small size.
Two leagues inland is a hill on which
all kinds of European vegetables are
cultivated, which degenerate sur-
pri.singly little. The commandant
or resident's house faces the brids:e,
and is a commodious and capacious
building; his appointment is one of
the most lucrative in Java.
Passaroow an and the adjacent dis-
trict of Bangel towards the coast are
remarkably fertile, and produce abun-
dant crops of rice and maize. Nu-
merous villages, surrounded by ba-
nana, cocoa nut, and papaya trees,
are seen scattered over the flat coun-
try. The Dutch here are few, but
the Javanese numerous, and their
chiel' lives in considerable splendour.
There arc good roads and posts es-
650
PASSIR.
tablislicd alonp; the const of <1iis dis- elusive of rice, ^Iiich is very plefili-
liict, wliich is so sliallon tliat ships fill, the j)m(hicc of !hi^ coiin i-y is
arc obliocd to anchor three and (our hciizoin, iiinsk, aloes, jicpper, cassia,
jniies liom the sliorc. {Tumbe, Blig/t, and ioiig i)iitine*;s ; also \ a; ions kinds
^c. (Vc.) of fruit, eKcellcnt mastic and other
1'a.ssir. — A town and district on gums, parlienlarlj' dragon's hlood ;
the cast coast of Poriieo. Lat. 1°. honey, fTold dust, and camphor, are
6/'. S. Im\i^. 116°. 10'. E. The town likewise to be procured,
of Passir stands about 60 miles up a The exchanj^c for the produce of
river of the same name, which has this ))iaee is siiiiiar to the oth'r parts
IG reaches, and is joined l»y live of he Aialay e<iast, viz. opium, guns,
other rivers. I'he town consists muskets, pistols gunpowder, lead
principally of 300 wooden houses on in pigs and sheets, iron and steel in
Ihc north side of the river, mostly nanow bars, hangers, knives, scissors,
inhabited by I'nggess merchants, and other cullery, cloths chintzes.
The house and wooden fort of the carpets, spectacles, looking glasses,
sultan are on the south .side. The spy glasses, clock work, ike. 'i lie
tide in Pa.ssir IJoads rises nine feet, inhabitants of Passir are very liraudu-
and runs a good way above the town, lent, and have cut olf many ships by
Over the bar, at the mouth of the treachery. In their weights ;ind ni<a-
river, there is two fathoms water snres they are unjust, and Ihcy make
with a muddy bottom. At Passir compositions to imitate some ol tiio
the houses front the river; some have n)ost valuable articles, particularly
stages or wirarfs in front, but there bars of gold, which is so artfully
are no water lanes here, as at the done that the imposition cannot he
town of Jjorneo. 'j'Jie river uj) at discovered uidess the bars are cut
the town is fresh, and often very quite through. At the mouth of the
ra))id. Passir IJiver there are many Biajoos
The air here is refreshed by cool- settled, who s!!i)sistl)y catching small
ing breezes liffin the sea, otherwise shrimps, wlii<li afer washing with
the heat would be insupportable, salt water are expo.sed to a hot sun
The country is, nevertlieless, very tintil ])utrid, and then bea' in a mor-
mihealthy, as it lies in a ilat formany tar to a paste of a strong and |)a-
jniles; is encircled with woods, and lalable taste named ballaehong. The
annually overflowed. "When the language of tiiis place is the Malay
waters retire a nuuldy slime is left mixed with n)neh Buggess.
on the surface, upon which the sun In the year 1772 an attempt Mas
shining with perpendicular rays oe- made by the I'.nglish East India
casioiis thick logs, which in the Company to establish a factory here,
rveiii:ig turn to rain, with cold ehil- whicli did not succeed. In 1774
ling winds off llic laud. Another L'I':|)reuve, a vessel belonging to the
circumstance that contributes to the
iinhealthiness of the air, is the great
lujmber of frogs and other vermin
left in the mud, w hieb being destrov-
King of I'rance, was treacherously
cut oH' here, and the crew assassi-
Jiated by the attendants of one of the
IMalay chiefs, while the latter with
cd by the heat of the suji occasion his suite was at dinner with the eap-
an intolerable st( iich. tain and olliccrs in the cabin, whom
In April the dry season begins, they stabbed on a [)reeoncertcd sig-
und continues to Septendter, during nal being given. An armed vessel
which time the wind is easterly be- manned with Euro|)eans was dis-
tween the .south coasts of Borneo j)atched next year from Chanderna-
aiid the Island of .lava; but from gore in Bengal to inflict punishment.
Ncptendur to vVpril the Minds are P.y this expedition about 300 of the
westerly, attended by violent storms natives of this part of Borneo were
of thunder, lightning, and rain. Ji\- destroyed, and a j-rcat many prows
PATNA.
651
nnil vcpspIs ; hut tlic vonp;c;uiro was
blindly directed ; for amoiii:; the 3(H)
destroyed there were, prohably, very
lew ol' the perpetrators of the mas-
sacre ol' 1774. 'I'iie iiistniclions from
the couiieil at Chauderiiac^orc, amonjj
other particulars, direct the ca[)taiii,
" that haviiij^: seized a lunnlxr of
prisoners on the coast to put them on
shore a<;ain, after ha\ingcnt otf their
cars and noses, and from some also
one hand." {Elmore, Sonnemt, For-
rest, Stavoriniis, Leyxlen, Se.)
PAriSUMM.Mi. — A district in Snma-
Ira, which nearly bord(;rs on Kejang^
sontliwards. This is an extensive
and eomparativcly popnlons country,
bonnded on the north by that of
Jjamattanp;, and on the S. IL. by that
of Lamponjj. It is governed by four
pangerans, who are independent of
«ach other, bnt acknowledge a kind
of sovereignty in tlie SuKun of l^a-
lembang. In tlie low conntrics,
vhcre the pepper planters reside,
the title of Kalippa prevails, wliieh
is a eorrnption of the Arabic word
3<halifah, signifying a vicegerent.
{Marsden, ^-c.)
Pata Isle. — One of the small
•Sooloo Islands, lying due south from
Sooloo. It is inliaijited, and eon-
tains a good stock of cattle. It also
contains three pits ofvery white salt-
l?etre earth, which yields one-eighth
of saltpetre,
Patan. — A town in the province
of Ajnirer, district of IJarowty, si-
tuated on the S. K. side of the Chum-
bnl, which is here stonv, uneven,
and slii)pcry. Lat. 20"° 17'. N.
Long. 75°. 50'. E. This town con-
tains a palace, and also a temple,
dedicated to Yishnn, erected by the
liajahs of lioondce. In 1790 it was
the head of a perguiuiab, containing
32 villages, half of whi( h belonged
toSindia, and half to llolcar.
Patatan. — A small town on the
N. V^^ coast of Lorneo, situated on
the Itiver Patatan, which lies to the
southward of Pulo Ciaya, and has a
smooth and shallow bar. 'J'lie town
stands three or four miles up the ri-
vor, and contains about 100 houses
fronting the water. Above the town
are many ()epper gardens b( longing
to the Chinese, further down the
coast is Papal River; the banks of
Mhich aboun<l so much with cocoa
nut trees, tliat during the floods
many of the rnits are carried to sea.
Lat. 5°. 50'. N. Long. 1 IG'^. 5'. JC.
(^Elmore, -St.)
Patkunostkr Isr.i'S. — A great
number of small rocky ides in the
Jvistern Isles, sunonnded by nume-
rous shoals, which render the navi-
gation extremely dangerous, and si-
tuated about the llfsili degree of
east longitude, and seventh of south
latitude.
Patury. — A liilly and MOody dis-
trict in the Nizam's territories, in the
province of Eerar. bounded on the
south by the Godav(>iy liiver, and
situated between the Unh and 20lh
degrees of north latitude. The chief
towns arc Patery and Ifastee. By
Abnl Fazel, in 1582, it is described
as follows :
" Sircar Pahtery, containing IS
niahals ; revenue, 80,705,954 dams;
seymghal, 11,580,9.54 dams."
Patf.ry. — A town in the Nizani'.<
territories, in the i)rovince of I'.erar,
situated on the north bank of the
(iodavery River, 78 miles S. E. from
Aurnngabad. Lat. 19°. lb'. N.
Lontr. 77°. 8'. E.
P ATG o Nc , ( Putraffrawft). — A town
in tlie province of Jkngal, district of
Rungpoor, 38 miles N. \. \\\ from
Rungpoor. Lat. 26°. 18'. i\. Long.
88°. .'iS'. E.
Patincor. — A town in the .Soutli-
ern Caruatic, district of Marawas,
30 miles E. S. E. from Madura. Lat.
9°. 41'. N. Long. 78°. 35'. E.
Patna, (Padmnvati). — A large
city in the province of IJahar. of
M'hich it is the capital. liat. 2.0°.
37'. N. Long. 85°. 15'. V,. This
j)lace is situat<d on the south side of
the (Ganges, which is here live miles
wide during the rainy season, and
the eastern limits not discernable,
'i he tovA n of Patna is one continued
street for many miles along the (ian-
gcs, the houses of the natives beinjj
652
PATREE.
generally of mud ; but those of tlio
liuropeaus, which extend from Bari-
kipoor, are of brick, and make a veiy
handsome appearance, Avhich is not
the case with the rest of tlic city.
There are several large buildinj?s of
brick, but they arc old, and withowt
ornament. It was formerly fortilicd
after the Hindostany manner, witli a
wall and small citadel, which are
long gone to decay, 'ilie surround-
iua,- country is perfectly flat. Tliis
town is extremely prosperous and
populous ; but the number oi inha-
bitants have never been correctly
ascertained; they cannot, however,
be estimated at less than 150,000,
yet every article of food is rema)J^.-
ably cheap here.
A lar£:e quantity of saltpetre is
annually dispatched from hence to
Calcutta, for iuternil consumption
and exportation. Chintzes and di-
mities of various kinds arc manufac-
tured here, and also cioths resem-
bling diapt I :»!k1 damask linen. In
the vicinity flannels well wove, but
ill fulled, are made, and also a sort
of canvas from cotton.
The Company many years ago
erected a depot here to contain rice.
It is a building of stone in the shape
of a bee-hive, with two winding stair-
cases on the outside, which have
been ascended on horseback. By
these stairs the grain is poured in at
the top, there being a small door at
the bottom to take it out. The walls
at the bottom, although 21 feet
thick, have given way — a circum-
stance of very little consequence, as
were it tilled (which it never was) it
would not contain one daj's con-
sumption for the inhabit'ints of the
province. It originally cost 120,000
rupees. Here are also the remains
of the British factory, where the mas-
sacre of 200 prisoners was perpe-
trated in 1763 by the German ad-
venturer, Somro (Summers), then in
the service of Meer Cossim ; imme-
diately alter which the city was cap-
tured by the British troops under
Alajor Adams, and has ever since
remained in their possession. A
njonument, but without inscription,
is erected to the memory of the sut-
ferers in the European burying
ground.
At Bankipoor, one of the suburbs
of Patna, the East India Company's
civil servants reside. The provincial
court of appeal and circuit, its re-
gisters and clerks, the district and
eity court, with the commercial resi-
dent, collector, and otlier agents of
the Company, compose a luimerous
establishment, with liberal appoint-
ments. The Patna division of tiie
court of circuit comprciiends the fol-
lowing districts, viz- I. Ramgur ;
2. Bahar ; 3. Tirhoot ; 4. Sarun ; 5.
Shahabad ; 6. The city of patna.
Patna is a city of great antiquity,
and supposed by some to be the site
of t!ie ancient Palibothra. By the
modern Maiionunedans it is named
Azimabad, and by the Hindoos Sri
Nagur.
'I'ravelling distance from Patna to
Calcutta by Moorshedabad, 400
miles ; by Birbhoom, 340; from Be-
nares, by Buxar, 155 ; from Delhi,
661 ; from Agra, 544 ; and from
Lucknow, 316 miles. {Rennel, Lord
Vahntia, Colehrooke, Teimant, 5t/i
Report, ffC.)
Pa TREE. — ^A town in the province
of Gujrat, and the capital of a small
district. Lat. 22°. 50'- N. Long.
71°. 35'. E.
'i'his is a large and populous place,
defended by three distinct walls, the
inner of which is enclosed by a small
ditch, v^ liicli even in tlie dry season
contains a considerable quantity of
water. In remote times it was
esteemed a place of strength, and it
makes a considerable fignrc in the
hjsi.ories of Gujrat ; but the Ibrtiti-
catious are now in a state of decay,
and in many places failing to pieces.
A hcaiitiful tank extends along the
noith face, and renders an attack
from that quarter altogether imprac-
ticable ; and the town, on the whole,
is still one of the strongest phices in
India. 'Jo the north of Patrce the
country is tolerably well cultivated,
but much interspersed with the milk
PAULEE.
653
1>nsii and low baubool free, the rind
of which is apowerltil astringent.
Patrce originally bclongecl to the
Rajah of Drane,(!ra, formerly an in-
dependent principality in (-olti war,
but became the properly of the pre-
sent family through the interest of
the Peshwa's govern meiit,\\hich they
had served for a series of 3 ears. The
present chief is of the Koonbee caste,
and only entitled Dessoy, althoui;h
in reality he is the thakoor (lord) of
the place and its dependencies. 'Ihe
inhabitants are chiefly Hajpoots and
Koonbees; and the latter, when
cultivatina; the fields are seen armed
with the bow and ar'ows of the
Coolees. {3facmHrdo, Sc.)
Pattan, {Patana). — A district in
the pro\ince of Gujrat, situated
about the 21th degree of north lati-
tude. 'I'his district on the west is
bounded by the Run, and 30 years
ago belonged to Kumaul ud Deen,
the father of the present Nabob of
Rahdunpoor; but lie was then com-
pelled by Damnajee Guieowar to a-
bandon all pretensions to Pattan and
its nine dependent pergunnahs. The
country is now but thinly inhabited,
and much eKi)osed to the ravages
of tlie numerous predatory tribes in
this quarter of Gujrat; but it con-
tains the ancient capital of Gujrat,
named Nehrwallah, or Pattan, which
was afterwards transferred by the
Mahommedan Sultans to Ahnieda-
bad. The appellation Nehrwalla is
written Anhulvado, and sig.iides the
field of Anhul ; in njodcrn liTues it is
known to the natives by the name
of Pattan. oi- the city.
By Abul Fazel, in 1582, this dis-
trict is described as follows : — " Sir-
car Putten, contaii;ii;g 16 mahals;
measurement, 3,7.'>U,015 beegahs;
revenut, 600,325.099 dams; seyiu-
ghal, 210,327 danis. This sin-ar fur-
nishes 715 cavalry, and 6000 infan-
try." {Macmurdo. Drvmmonfi, is'c.)
Pat r AN. — A town in the Nizam's
dominions, in tiie province of An-
rungahad, 38 miles 8. \V. from the
city of Auruiigabad. Lat, lt»°. 2^'.
N. Long. 75°. 33'. E.
Pattan, (Patn). — A town belong-
ing to the Ghoorkhali Rajah, in the
Valley of Nepaul. Lat. 27°. 3 1'. \.
Long. 80°. 40'. E. 'J'his city stands
in a small but rather elevated plain,
at the distance of a mile and a half
from the south end of Catmandoo,
the two capitals being separated by
the Bhagmultv River. AVTiile Patn
existed as an independent state it is
said to have comprehended 24,000
houses, including its dependencies
within tlie valley, of which the Patn
.sovereign possessed a greater por-
tion than fell to the share of the Cat-
mandoo or Bhatgong Rajahs. The
dominions of Patn beyond the val-
ley stretched southerly, comprehend-
ing Chit long, Tambehkan, Cheesa-
pany, and some other places in the
same direction. It is a neater town
than Catmandoo, and contains some
very handsome edifices. Jiy the Ne-
wars it is termed Yulloo daisi. {Kirk-
patrich, ^"c.)
Pattkalah, (Patyalaya, the Chief's
Hesidence). — A town belonging to a
Seik chief, in the pro\incc of Delhi,
1.32 miles N. W. tiom the city of
Delhi. Lat. 30°. 18'. N. Long. 75°.
33'. E. Tliii is a place of consider-
able extent, and now the most flou-
rishing town in the district of Sir-
hind. It is surrounded with a mud
wall, and in the centre there is a
square citadel, in which the Rajah
resides. {Malcolm, iVc.)
Pal'KPUTTAN, {or Ajodin). — ^A
toMu possessed by native chiefs, in
tlie province of ]\[ooltan, 130 miles
E. by S. from the cily of Mooltan.
Lat.'30° 20'. N. Loiig. 73°. 30'. £.
Near to this town is the tomb of
Sheik Eurrecd, which was visited by
'iimour.
Paungaow, {Pa>i(is;ruma). — A
small walled town heionging to the
Maharattas. in the pro\inee of An-
rungal)ad, 88 miles S. E. from Ah-
mf'dtjagur. Lat. 18°. 14'. N. Long.
76°. 12'. E.
PuLEE, {Pnldi). — A town in the
province of Ajnu-cr, and one of the
greuust commercial marts in this
part of Rajpoutaiiu. jLere tlic uier-
G54
chanls cxchanj^c the coiiimoditios of
i'^iirope, Persia, and tho Dcccaii, tor
those of C:i.slunorc, Ihc Punjab, and
Hindostan.
PAWAXcm.m. — A fortified town in
the 31aliaratta territoiics, in the jiro-
vincc of Jiejapoor, district of Par-
ncila, of wliith it is tiie eapitai, and
42 uiik's S. by W. from Meiritcli.
By the Maharattas it is considered
as a place of great s(reii£;tii, Lat.
16°. 52'. N. Long. 74°. 20'. E.
Peddabalabaram. — A town in
tlie Mysore Kajah's territories, 84
miles N.E. from Seringapatain. Lat.
13°. 17'. N. Long. 77°. 47'. E. By
theMahommedans this town is call-
ed Bnrrah Balapoor, in the Telinga
Peddabalapoor, in theKarnata Doda
IJalapoor, and by the Jinglish Great
Balapoor. 'J'he fort, although en-
tirely built of mud, is large and
strong; one side is surrounded by
gardens, and the other by the town
of Balapoor, which contains above
2000 houses, and is tbrtilied with a
mud wall and hedge. The com-
merce of this place is imonsider-
able. In the neighbourhood arc
many kitchen gardens, but the soil
is poor, although water is found near
the surface. Mai/e is cultivated, but
seldom converted into llower.
On the dissolution of the Bijana-
gur kingdom, Narayan Swami, the
polygar of Balapoor, assunred inde-
pendency. It was afterwards con-
quered by the Mogul army under
(Jossim Khan, and wrested from
them by the Maharattas. with whom
it remained until the ))attle of Pan-
ni])Ut, when it was seized on by the
Nizam, and subsequently subdued
by Hyder. In tiiis town was born
MeerSaduc, the minister of Tippoo
Sultan n. {F. liitclianati, ^-c.)
PiajiiAi'DKE, (Padnuipiira), — A
town in the XortluriiCircars, district
of Jtajannuidry, 2n miles E. N. E.
trom the town of Kajamundrj'. Lat .
17°. 5'. N. Long. 82°. 1. v. i]. Sugar
to a considerable extent is cullivated
in the Peddapore zemiudary, along
the banks of the Eliseram River. A
lialllo was fought Lore iu 1758 bc-
PEGU.
twecn the French army, commnndecl
by M. de Conflans, and the EngUsh,
commanded by Colonel Eorde, in
which the formei- were totally de-
feated, {Bo.vbvrgh, Orme, cVe.)
Pkdiu. — A town on the west
coast of the Island of Sumatra. The
principal exports of this place are
betel nut, pe|)pcr, gold dust, canes,
rattans, bees' wax, camphor, and
benzoin. 'I'hc soil is fertile, and well
watered with rivulets; but in the
low lands next the sea are bogs and
marshes, which j)roduee only reeds,
rattans, and bamboo canes. The
domestic animals are horses of a
small breeil, bntfaloes, goats, oxen,
and hog deer. There are many wild
animals in the mountains, such as
tigers, rhinoceroses, moukics, wild
hogs, spotted deer, and bears. There
are also alligators, guanas, j)orcu-
])incj», serpents, scorpions, and other
venomous reptiles. Poultry is to be
had here in abundance, particularly
ilucks and low Is. {Elmore, cSr.)
PiCDRA Blanca. — A large elevated
rock, perlectly while, situated in the
.sea of China. Lat. 22°. 19'. N.
Long. 114°. 57'. E.
Pkixas Islcs. — A cluster of small
islands in the Eastern Seas, situated
due west of Basseelan. Plenty of
cowries are found along the beach
of these islands, but they are said to
be destitute of fresh water.
l^LEiUiAUM, {Pii-grama, the Saints'
Village). — A town in the Maharatlu
teriitories, in the province of An-
rnngabad, 68 miles east from Poo-
nah. Lat. 18°. 32'. N. Long. 75°.
2'. E. 'I'he Beemah and Sursuty ri-
vers join close to the S. E. of the
town, and ibrm the point on which
the iiouses and fortress stand.
PEGU.
All ancient kingdom in India be-
yond the Ganges, whii h now tbrn)s
one of the southern ])rovinces of the
Jiirnian empire, 'i lie word l^egu
appears to be a corruption of Ba-
goo, ihc vulgar name of its capital.
PEGU.
G55
Thr orij^lnal inliabitauls drnomiiiate
fhcmsclves Moii ; by (Ik; C'biiirse
«iul liirmaiis tlicy ai<» li-rmrcl 'I'alc-
iii'j; and. by the Sianu-se, iMiiigiiuiu.
'J'iic province of Pegu exlends ;ilon<j
the months of two £,Tea1 rivers. Ira-
A\a(l(iy aiKl'I'hanlayn, foroC Ava ami
]Mar(al)an) and occMipies the sea-
roast from the frontiers of Araean to
those of Slam. 'I'he town of Prome
was its northern frontier.
'IJic liver of l*cfi;u, vvhieli was
supposed to c(niie liom Ciiina, rises
anionf"- the liills al)ont 100 miles from
tlic sea, vvhi; ii form th<' boundaries
between theDirman and I'ej^ii eonn-
trics. Its commnnieation with the
sea is by the Ham^oon Hiver, and in
the fair season it is almost dry. 'I'he
country inland from the river is clear
of trees and brnsll\^ood; but on the
banks of the riv<'r tiiere are ibickets,
v\hieli abound with the domestic
fowl iii a wild state, and peacocks,
but is also infested with tig'ers.
About a day's journey to the south
of the town of Pegu the inliabitants
are much molested by wild elepiiants,
that occupy in •^cat numbers a tbrest
to the northeast. These jjowerful
'animals, allured by the early crops
of rice and sugar-cane, make preda-
tory incursions in larg<! troops, and
do a great deal of mischief, devas-
tating nuuli UKire than they de\our.
'J'his pro\ ince a])pears to be the fa-
vourite abode of the elephant; and
one of liis ISirman majesty's titles is,
" Lord of tlu' White Elephant, and
of all tlie i'^lepbants in the \> orld."
Pegu having' long been subject to
the liirman «'inpire of A\a, the his-
tory of its concpiest and otiier j)arti-
cularswill be found iinilerlhe article
Ava. ^\ hen the Hirmans had com-
pleted its subjngatittn tiiey sultdi-
vided it intoIVi districts, and named
it jrlenziiwuddy, w lii( ii is the Sanscrit
name for the v\li(»!e pruxince. Miu-
derajee Praw, the tilth king of the
jiresent d\ nasty, abrc»gated many se-
vere penal laws imposed by his pre-
decessors U|)on the native JVguers.
Justice is now (listribfite<l with con-
siderable impartiality, and the only
distinction at present l)e(\veen a I'ir-
man and l'<gin-r consists in the ex-
clusion of the latter from places of
public trust and power. In Pegu
there are no brick buililings allowed,
except such as belong to the king,
or are dedicated to their divinity
Gaudma, bis majesty having jtrohi-
bited tlie use of brick and stone in
pri\ate buildings.
From the plenty of teak with wbich
the Pegu forests abound this pro-
vince has long l)een famous for ship-
building. So early ns 1707 tJie Arabs
of iVJuscat, then a considerable ma-
ritime power, were aeenstomed to
build ships here, some of wliicli car-
ried liom 30 to 50 gtuis. For th«
procuring of this valnalile timber a
great intercourse subsists between
Pegu and all the Ibilish provinces,
paitieuhnly liengal, mIxic the ves-
sels are alnntsl wholly fabricated
bom Pegu teak, wifli the assistance
of tiie country timber.
The itdjabitaiits of Pegu appear to
have attained ci\iii/,ati(in at a nioro
early period than the JJirmans, and,
though now reduced, formerly ta
Jiave be<"n a great and potent nation.
In the early Portuguese histories
they are denominated the i'audalus
of Mon, and they are su|)])oscd to
liave founded the ancient Kalamin-
ham empire. 'I'lic name Kalaujin-
bam, mentioned by the i'ortnguese,
is probu!>ly connected witli tlie Sia-
mese name of the nation, iMingmon.
The iVlon lajiguage is still used by
the iidiabitants of Pegue, and ap-
pears quite original. It is said by
tin; llirmans and Siamese to Jiavc no
aOinity to either of their languages.
0\\ ing to the long and .sanguinary
wars carried on betwcx-rj the Bir-
mans and Pegners, the greater part
of this province, although one of tht
most produc^tive in India, remains
desolate and uncultivated; and it
will re<|uire a very long period of
tranquillity to rest(»re Pegu to its
lbr;iicr population. {Si/ines, Lcyden,
J\ Jineluinan, Cox, ^f.)
PiiGL'. — A city in the ]>irmau em-
pire, the capital of the province of
056
PEGU.
Pegu, and situated 90 miles by wa-
ter above Ragoou. Lat. 17°. 40'.
Long. 96°. 12'.' E.
The extent of ancient Pegu may
still be traced by the ruins of the
ditch and wall that surround it.
From these it appears to have been
a quadrangle, each side measuring
1| miles; the breadth of the ditch
was about 60 yards, and the
depth 10 or 12 i'eet. When in
repair, even in the dry season, the
ditch had seldom less tlian four feet
of water. The wall was composed
of brick badly cemented with clay
mortar, about 3.5 feet thick, with
small equidistant bastions about 300
yards asunder ; but the whole in a
most ruinous state. Tlie Birman
monarch, Alomjtra, when he acquired
possession of the city in 1757, razed
every building to the ground, and
dispersed or led into captivity all the
inhabitants. The temples, or praws,
which are very numerous, wne the
only buildings that escaped his fury,
and of these the great pyramid of
8hoemadoo has alone been reve-
renced and kept in repair.
About 1790, Minduajce Praw, the
reigning monarch, to conciliate the
natives, issued orders to rebuild Pe-
gu, and invited the scattered fami-
lies of former inhabitants to repcople
their deserted city. At tlie same
lime he ordered tlie viceroy to quit
Rangoon, and make Pegu his future
residence, and the seat of provincial
govermncMit. The present inhabit-
ants, who have been induced to re-
turn, consist chiefly of rhahaaus, or
priests, the followers of the court,
and a lew poor Pegu families. The
men of business continue to reside
at Rangoon, and the whole number
of inhabitants of this town do not
as yet exceed 7(K»0. A great pro-
portion of the former inhabitants are
either extinct, or scattered over the
provinces of Tongho, Martahan, and
Talowmeon.
The city of Pegu, in its renovat-
ed state, is f. need round with a
stockade from 10 to 12 feet high.
There is cjne main street running
east and west, cro.ssed at right an-
gles by two smaller streets. At each
extremity of tiie principal street
there is a gate defended by a
wretched piece of ordnance, and a
few musketeers, who never post cen-
tinels, and are generally asleep in a
neighbouring shed. The streets of
Pegu are spacious and paved with
brick, which the ruins of the old
town plentifully supj)ly. The houses
are all made of mats, or of sheath-
ing boards, sup|)ortcd on bamboos
or posts, and extremely combusti-
ble. As a precaution against fire,
at each door there stands a long
bamboo, with an iron hook to pull
down the thatch ; and there is also
another pole, adapted to suppress
flame by pressure. Almost every
house has earthen pots fdled with
water on the roof, and a particular
class of people, whose business is
to prevent and extinguish lircs, walk
the street during the night.
The object in the city of Pegu
that attracts the most notice, is the
temple of Shoemadoo Praw — Shoe,
in the Birman tongue, signilies gold-
en, and Aladoo appears a corruption
of Mahadeo. — 'i'iiis temple is a pyra-
midical building, composed of brick
and jnortar, without excavation or
aperture of any sort, octagonal at
the base, and spiral at the top ; c^ch
side of the base measuring 162 feet.
The great breadtii diminishes ab-
ruptly in the shape of a .speaking
trumpet. 'l"he extreme height of
the building, above the level of tlie
country, is 361 feet. On the top is
an iron tec, or umbrella, 56 feet in
circumfcreiice, which is gilt, and it
is the intention of the king to gild
the whole building.
On the north side of the I uildina^
are three large bells of good work-
manship, suspended near the ground,
to announce to the spirit of Gaudina
tlie approach of a suppliant, who
places his oiiering, consi.stiug of
boiled rice, a ]jJate of swei;imeats,
or a cocoa nut fried in oil, on a
bench near the foot of liic ten)ple.
After it is oflercd the devotcr
PELING ISLK.
657
seems iiuliflereiit wliat becomes of
it, and it is often devoured in his
presence by the crows or dogs,
whom he never attempts to disturb
during- tlieir repast.
Numljeriess images of fJaudma
lie indiscriminately scattered about.
A pious Eirman, Avho purchases an
idol, first procures tiie ceremony vi'
consecration to be performed by the
rhahaans, or monks; he then takes
ius purchase to whatever sacred
building is most (umvenient, and
thus places it within a kiouiu, or
on the open ground before the tem-
ple ; nor does he seem to have the
least anxiety aliout its lutinc \we-
sei-vation. Some of these idols arc
made of marble found in the neigh-
bourhood of Unnncrapoor, and ca-
pable of receiving a very tine polish ;
many are of wood gilded, and a few
of silver ; the latter, however, are
not exposed like the others. Silver
and gold is rarely used, except in
the composition of household gods.
The rhahaans assert, that the tem-
ple of Shoemadoo Praw was begun
2300 years ago, and built by suc-
cessive monarchs.
About 40 nules from the town of
Pegu are the Galladzet Hills, re-
markable for their i)cstilential atmo-
.sphere. Around this town a few
miserable villages, with very little
cultivation, shew the poverty of the
peasants. Hiee, gnaj)ee (a species
of sprat ^\ liich, when half putrified,
is made into a pickle, and as a sea-
soning for the rice), oil expressed
bom a small grain ;uid salt, aie al-
most (heir only articles of food.
'J'hey have cattle, but they do not
cat the flesh ; and, v\ hat is juojc ex-
traordinary, seldom drink the milk.
The cows are diminutive, resem-
bling those on the coast of Coro-
maiidel; butthebull'aloes are superior
to those of India. The only article
of conse(pience nianulhetured at
Pegu is silk and cotton, which the
females weave for domestic use. The
thread is well spun, and the texture
oi" the web clos(! and slrong, being
chequered like tartan.
2 V
The chief ollicers in Pegu ar<! the
maywoon (\iceroy), the rayvvoon,tho
chekey, and the sercdogee. 'I'hese
officers exercise the functions of ma-
gistrates, and hold separate courts
at their own houses for the deter-
mination (»f petty suits ; but this
private jurisdiction is very limited.
All causes of importance relating to
pro])crty are tried in open court.
The three inferior olHcers above-
mentioned united Ibrm a tribunal,
which sits in the rhoou, or public
hall of justice, Mhere they hear par-
ties, examine witnesses, and take
depositions in writing. These do-
cuments arc sent to the viceroy, and
the judges transmit tiieir opinions
along with the (nidence, which the
viceroy either conlirms or rejects ;
and, in case of conviction, orders
execution, or pardons the eruniuak
{Sipnes, vVc)
Peinuhkr. — A town in the Eir-
man empire, situated on the west
side of the Irawaddv- Lat. 18°. 31'.
N. Long. 94°. 5U'! K In the vi-
cinity of this place a great part of
the teak tind)er is procured, which
is carried to Rangoon, and from
thence exported to the Erilish terri-
tories. The forests extend along
the western mountains, and are in
sight from tin; river. The tiees are
telled in the dry season, and when
the monsoon sets in are borne down
by the current of the Irawaddy.
Here also ships of 4U0 tons are fre-
quently built, although the distance
from Rangoon, including the wind-
ijigs of the rivei, be loO miles.
{Si/mcs, S)-c.)
"Pelaighe.— A town tributary to
the Maharattas, in (he province of
Agra, 12 mih-s N. from Narwar.
Lat. 25°. 51'. N. Long. 78°. 8.- E.
PiXAHOAH. — A large village in
the Rajpoot territories, in the pru-
vince vf Ajnieer, said to contain
1000 houses, 70 miles E. S. E. from
Jvcna<>,in-. Lat. 20°. 30'. N. Long.
76°. 45'. E.
Pr.LiXG Isi.ii:. — ^An island situated
olf the east coast of Celebes, be-
tween the 123d and 124th degrees
(358
PELOO ISLES,
ot east longitudo. In length it may
be estimated at 50 miles, by 15 tlie
average breadth ; but, excepting its
geogiajihical position, searcely any
tiling is known respecting it. To
the east of P cling are many smaller
isles, with numerous rocks and
shoals.
Peloo Isles, (or Pahs Isles). —
A duster of small islands in the
Eastern Seas, situated principally
between the seventh and eighth de-
grees of north latitude, and the 134th
and 135th of east longitude. They
were probably lirst noticed by the
Spaniards ironi the Philippines, and
by Ihem named Palos Isles ; tlie tall
palm trees, which grow there in
great abmidance, having at a dist-
ance the appearance of masts, w hic.h
the term Palos naiitically denotes.
To the north there is one large island,
named Banbeltliouap, which is about
60 miles in circumference; to the
south are a great number of verj'
small islands, the chief of w hich are
Caroora, Oroolong, Pelelew, and
Angoor.
'I'hese islands are, in general, well
The common domestic fowls
abound in the woods, but were not
eaten by the natives until the Eng-
lish set the example ; yet they reared
pigeons on jjurpose for food. Along
the shores are a great variety of iish,
with many shcU-tish, particularly the
largo Kima cockle (the chama gigas
of Liima^us), which they procure by
diving, and which they commonly
eat raw. >
The soil is in general rich, and
produces plenty of excellent grass.
There are no rivers of magnitude^
but many small streams and ponds,
'I'hey extract saccharine matter from
the palm tree, with which, and co-
coa nut scrapings, they make sw eet-
meats, which acquire such hardness
by keeping, that a knife will hardly
penetrate it ; on which account it
was denominated by the seamen
choke-dog. The natives have no
salt, nor do they make use of salt
or seasoning to any thing they eat.
They drink very little, and have no
intoxicating liqnors.
Their seasons are divided into wet
and dry, as in other tropical coun-
wooded, some of the trees being of tries, and they have no method of
the largest dimensions, and capable
of forming a canoe able to contain
30 persons. Ebony is also found
here, and a species of maehineel
tree, the sap of which blisters the
skin. There arc also cabbage trees,
and the wild bread fniit trees. Yams
and cocoa nuts are Ihe chief articles
of sustenance, and are attended to
with great care, the latter being in
large plantation.s. Ibc betel nut
aboiuids also; but, contrary to the
custom in India, the natives only use
it when green ; the olher pnidr.clions
of these islands are plant. liiis. bana-
nas, oranges, lemons, some sugar
eanes, bamboos in plenty, and tur-
meric. None of the islands visited
by the English had atiy kind of
measunng time but by the height
of the sun. All the Peloo Isles vi-
sited by the English appeared popu-
lous, and one of the expeditions of
the smaller central islands against
Pclelew was estimated to consist of
4000 men. 'J'heir houses are raised
about three feet from tlic ground,
are placed on stones, and extremely
well suited to the climate. Their
best knives are made of a piece of
mother-of-pearl oyster shell, and
their fishing hooks of tortoise shelL
They make vessels of earthen ware,
in which they boil their li.sh and
yams. Their hatchets are made of
part of the Kima cockle, ground to
a sharp edge.
The principal weapons used in
grain, nor any quadruped whatever, battle are spears, 12 feet long, made
except some brownish grey rats, and
three or four meagre cats, which
were seen in some hous;s, and pro-
bably had bficn wrecked on the
coast.
of bamboo, pointed with some hard
wood, and darts and slings. 'I'heir
battles are generally fought in ca-
noes, whicli they make from the
trunk of a tice, with an out-rigger.
PELOO ISLES.
659
and iiin)is}ied with latino sails made
of matting.
1'Jie natives of the Peloo Ishuuls
are well made, and rather above tlie
middle stature; their complexions
being deeper than the Indian copper
colour, but not black. Their hair is
long and flowing, and inclined to
curl. The men go entirely naked,
hut the women wear little aprons or
fiinges, made from the hnsk of the
cocoa nut, and dyed yellow. When
both seves grow up, their teeth are
blacked by means of a d\e, and
they get tattooed. During the con-
tinuance of the English with the na-
tives of Pelew, they never saw any
particular ceremonies, or obser\ed
any thing that had the appearance
of public worship. Their conduct
to the crew of the Antelojje, when
wrecked in 1783, was so kind and
benevolent, as to entitle them to a
high place in the moral scale ; yet
their incessant wars, and their prac-
tice of massacreing their prisoners,
indicate a disposition sanguinary
and ferocious. The latter custom
they attempted to extenuate by the
pica of polilica! necessity.
Their advancement in civilization
is, in some respects, considerable.
When the English belonging to the
Antelope visited the towu of Pele-
lew, they found it defctided by a
stone wall, thrown up across the
causeway, which led up to the town.
This wail was 10 or 12 feet high,
with a foot bank of stone raised be-
hind, upon which they could stand,
and throw their spears at their ene-
mies. Some of the public buildings,
named Pyes, are tJO Icet long, and
constructed with a sinprisiugstrenglh
and neatness, considering their tools,
and their towns are built w ith much
regularity.
The largest of tlie Peloo Islands,
named Babclthouaj», is divided into
several districts, or governments, of
which Artiugall is the largest. The
capital of this district is named Mal-
ligryoke, where the king resides,
wIjo is in a state of constant hosti-
lity with tlie smaller Pcloo Islands
8 u 2
to the south, which were formerly
governed by Abba Thulle, the sove-
reign of C^aroora. The other dis-
tricts on Ijabelthouap arc Angrarth,
and Emmeleigue, the whole island
being about 60 miles in circumfe-
rence. The pier at Mallogayoki is
a wonderful fabric, considering by
whom it was built. It is about one
mile in length, 12 i'cot in height, and
\') broad at the top, but considei-
ably more at the base ; built entirely
of coral rocks, piled up, and ex-
tends from the town to within 12
yards of the outer reef.
In return for the kindness shewn
by Abba Thulle. the I'rince of Peloo,
to the crew^ of the Antelope, wreck-
ed on the Island of Ooroolong in
1783, in the year 1791 tlie East
India Company sent him as a
present four young cows in calf,
and two young bulls from Lebojee,
and 10 ewes and two rams of the
Bengal breed ; eight she-goats and
two rams of the Sural breed; five
sowji in pig, and two boars from
Bombay ; two geese, three ducks,
and one mallard from Bencoolen ;
two hens, eight turtle doves, and
two parrots from Allass ; which were
all landed in good condition ; be-
sides seeds pf various sorts, Eu-
ropean swords, and hardware, with
arms and amnmnilion.
In 1791 the captain of the Pan-
ther, a Bombay cruizer, was so
j)leased with the n)auners of the na-
tives, that he resigned his command,
determined to spend the remainder
of his life among them ; but, after a
residence of 15 months, he grow
tired, and sailed in his pinnace to
Macao. The stock left in the Pe-
loo Islands had gieatly increased in
1802, with the exception of the
sheep, which had failed. At that
time several Europeans resided ou
the islands, for the pnrpo.sc of col-
lecting biche do mar, tortoise shell,
and shark fms for the China market.
The Jesuits of iNIanilla, in 1696,
made an attempt to reduce the
Islands of Palaos, or Peloo, which
were then understood to consist of
060
PERIAPATA^r.
82 in inimbcr, and to be very popu-
lous ; but it uas not until 1710 tiiat
tlioy made good a landing. A party
of Jesuits, attended by 12 of the
ship's company, then landed wilh
the intention of planting tlie cross ;
but they probably met with some
disaster, as, after waiting a consi-
derable time, tlie ship was obliged
to sail without them, and they never
were afterwards heard of. Two
shijjs w ere subsequently dispatched
in search of them, one of which was
lost, and the other failed in the at-
tempt to reach Peloo. {Keating and
Supplement, Macchier, Znniga, iSf.)
i-'EMGUR, {or Pooiig'ur). — A town
in the ]\laharatta territories, in (he
province of Khandesh, situated on
the south side of tJic Nerbudda Ri-
ver, 73 miles S. E. from Oojain.
Lat. 22°. 28'. N. Long. 76°. 35'. E.
Penang Islk. — Sec Prince of
Wales' Island.
Pennar River. — This is said to
have its source not far from Nundy-
droog, and in sanserif is called Ut-
tara Pinakani, from its northerly
course. It flow s at fu st in a northerly
direction, until it approaches Gooty,
and then takes a south-east cour.se
by Gandicotta and Cuddapah ; after
which it changes to Ihe east, and
reaches the sea at Gungapatuam,
after passing the fortress of Nelloor.
(jP. Buchayian, Rennet, §t.)
Pennatore. — A town on the sea-
coast of Travancor. 58 miles N. W.
from Cape Comoriu, Lat. 8°. 25'.
N. Long. 76°. 55'. E. Here the late
Rajah oF 'I'ravancor had an entirely
new harbom- constructed, where the
European and Chinescships anchored
in order to load pepper.
Pera, (Peraft). — A district in the
Malay Peninsula, extending along
the Straits of IVIalacca, and situated
principally l)et\^een the fourth and
fiflh degrees of noith latitude.
At the mouth of the Pera River
» the tide runs very strong, especially
after the rains. It will admit a ves-
sel of 12 or 14 feet draught of \\a-
tcr, and is navigai)le up to the Dutch
factory at Tanjoug Putecs. 'Ihe
surrounding country is flat, and fa-
vourable for the cullivatiou of rice.
It abounds with the aneebong tree,
which is fit for many uses, and has
a head like a cabbage. Cattle and
poultry arc not so cheap here as at
Quedah, but there are plenty of
oysters at the river's mouth.
'I'he Dutch East India Company
had formerly a fort in this district,
for protecting the collection of the
tin which is dug here. They formerly
used to contract with the sultan for
all the tin produced at 10 Spanish
dollars per pecul of 133^ pounds,
but much of it was smuggled away
by interlopers. In this district the
]\Ialay language is spoken in great
purity. {Forrest, Stavorinns, Ley-
den, $,-c.)
Pera Isle, {Pulo Pera). — A bar-
ren rock as high as the hull of a
large ship, lying off the west coast
of the Malay Peninsula, which may
be seen many leagues off. Lat. 5°.
50'. N. Long. 9U°.,12'. E.
Periapatam, {Priija Patana, or
the Chosen City). — A town in tlie
JMysove Rajah's territories, towards
the borders of the Coorg country, 31
miles W. bv S. from Seringapatani.
Lat. 12°. 21'. N. Long. 76°. 25'. E.
I'his city and domain formerly be-
longed to a polygar family, named
Nandiraj. About 160 years ago tho
chief was attacked by Chica Dcva
Raya, the Curtur of ihc Mysore ;
and, finding himself unable to resist
so powerful an enemj', he killed his
wives and children, and then rushed
into the midst of his enemies, where
he died also. The desolation of this
country appears to have arisen from
its being a frontier between the so-
vereigns of Mysore and Coorg, On
the approach of General Abercrom-
bic's army, in 1790, Tippoo ordered
botl. tlie town and Ibrt to be destroy-
ed. '^1 he fortifications arc now quite
ruinous, and in the inner fort there
are no inhabitants, except some ti-
gers.
The surrounding country is beau-
tifid, but at the time it was con-
quered by tlie British did not ecu-
PERWUTTUIM.
061
tain one-fourth the number of in-
habitants necessary for its cultiva-
tion. 'I'lie natives in the vicinity
declare they liave never seen ice or
snow on the top even of tlie highest
hills. Bettatlapoor, a hill about 15
miles north of Periapatam, is pro-
bably about 2<)00 feet above the level
of the surroundinaf country, which
is coujectiued to be about 4000 feet
above the level of the sea. Peria-
patam, in time of peace, is an en-
ticpot of trade between the Coorg
and Mysore sovereignties.
Sandal wood grows in the skirts of
the forests. It is a strong soil that
produces the best sandalwood, which
in 12 years attains the most suitable
size for being cut. The Periapatam
district produces about 2000 hundred
weight. The woods are much in-
fested, and the crops injured, by
wild elephants, which are n»ore nu-
merous on the borders of the Coorg
country than cither at Chittagong or
in Pegu. The soil of these forests
is, in general, good, and much of it
black. They are very extensive, and
reach to the foot of the Western
Ghauts, but in this space there are
many fertile tracts belonging to the
Rajahs of Coorg and Wynaad. Among
tiie trees ar€ abundance of teak.
Hegodu Devana Cotay, about 20
miles to the south of Periapatam, is
one of the most considerable dis-
tricts for the j)roduction of sandal
wood. To prepare the sandal wood,
the billets should be buried in dry
ground for t« o months, during which
time the white ants w ill eat up all
the outer wood without touching the
lieart, which is the sandal. The
deeper the colour the higher the per-
fume, but the root sandal is the best.
The largest billets are sent to China,
and the middle sized billets used in
India. The clioj)s, fragments, and
smaller assortment of billets, are
best for the Arabian market, and
from them the essential oil is distil-
led. The whole sandal wood of In-
dia is now in the possession of the
East India Company and the Rajah
of INIysorc ; and as it is an article of
luxury, it is a very legitimate sub-
ject of monopoly. (F, Bnchanan,
Peking a nv. — A town in the South-
ern Carnalic, district of Marawas,
.32 miles E. S. E. from Madura. Lat,
9°. 38'. N. Long. 78°. 40'. V..
Vv.R^i \ci'>\L,{Permaculam, the large
Pond, or Bath). — A small town in
the Carnatie, 72 miles S. S. W. from
Madras, and 20 mil(;s N. W. from
J'ondicherry. Lat. 12°. 13'. N. Long.
79° 62'. J:.
After the defeat sustained by the
French at Wandiwash, in 1760, when
the army fell back on Pondieherry,
Permacoil, which before had been
neglect<^d, became a place of im-
portance. The rock on which the
I'ort of Permacoil stood, does not
extend, even at its base, more than
500 yards. Its breadth to the north
is about 400 yards, and to the south
not more than 200 yards. The height
is various, being at the narrow end
300 pcrpendieidar feet, and dimi-
nishing by slopes and declivities to
200 at the other. The rock falls
every where so steep, that the area
of the fortified surface above is equal
to half the base below, and the ad-
jacent rocks are not high enough to
carry any detriment to its fortifica-
tions. It was taken in March, 1760,
by Colonel Coote, who was wounded
here, and during the attack the se-
poys much distinguished themselves.
(Orme, Fra Paolo, <^t. ^-c.)
Pkrsaumah, {Parasu Rama). — A
town in the province of Bahar, dis-
trict of Tirhoot, 90 miles N. E. by
E. from Patna. Lat. 26°. 1'. N.
Long. 86°. 32'. E.
Pkrsaim, {or Basschi). — A town
in the Rirman empire, in the pro-
vince of Pegu. Lat. 16°. 50'. N.
Long. 95°. E. In 1757 a piece of
land, opposite to the old town of
Persaini, was granted by Alompja,
the founder of the present Kirman
dynasty, to the English East India
Company, for the purpose of erecting
a factory. {Spnes, ^c)
Vv.K\\VTTVM,{Pcrvntam,the Moun-
tain). — A village near the south bank
062
PETLAD.
of the River Krishna, iti a wild tract
of conntn' ahiiost| uninhabited, ex-
cept by the Chinsuars, 118 miles
south from Hyderabad, Lat. 15°.
67'. N. Long. 78°. 40'. K. The rook
of this neij^hboiirliood is gianito, in
which the red colour predominates.
Diamonds are found in this moun-
tainous tract ; but the labour so great,
and the chance of meeting M'ith the
veins so uncertain, that the difjging
for them has been long discontinued.
Here is a remarkable pagoda de-
dicated to a deity whom the attend-
ant Brahmins call Mallecarjee, in
the shewing of whom a great deal of
mystciy is observed. He is generally
exjiibited in the back part of the
building, by the reliccted light of a
brass speculum, and of course can
only be seen as the Hashes fall on
bim. The idol is probably nothing
more than the Lingam so much re-
verenced by the votaries of Siva.
The revenues derived from the re-
sort of pilgrims are collected by a
manager, who resides within the en-
closure. There is a goddess also
worshipped here, named Brahma
Rumbo. The several pagodas, chonl-
fiies, courts, &:c. are enclosed by a
Avail 600 feet long, by 610 broad, the
w alls of which are covered by an in-
tinitc variety of sculpture. {Mac-
Jienzie, S)-c.)
P E s H A w E u , ( the advanced Post). —
An Afghan town and district in the
province of Cabul, situated on tlie
south side of the Kameh, or Cabul
River, 40 miles west from the Indus.
jLat. 33°. 22'. N. Long. 70°. 37'. E.
By Abnl I'azel, in 1582, this district
is described as follow s :
" Tlie district Becicram, commonly
railed Peishore, enjoys a delightful
spring season. Here is a teinjile
called Gorehkehtery, a place of re-
ligious resort, particularly for Jogics.
Tooman Beckram 9,692,410 dams."
'I'he city of Peshawer was founded
by the great Acber, who encouraged
the inhabitants of the Punjab to re-
soit to his new settlement, seeing
the Afghans were so averse to tlie
occupations of commerce. 'I'hc city
is large and populous, hut the situa-
tion flat and unwholesome, being
surrounded on evei^ side by mo-
rasses. During the summer the heat
is excessive, and in the heiglit of the
solstice the atmosphere is almost in-
supportable. Tlie road from the In-
dus to Peshawer has nearly a west
by south direction, and the country
from Ackorah is sandy and inter-
spersed with stones, but from thence
to Peshawer are many tracts of land
under cultivation.
Peshawer from the convenience of
its position unites, by a commercial
intercourse, Persia and Afghanistan
w ith India ; and has become an im-
portant entrepot, the residence of
many wealthy merchants, especially
of shawl dealers. The markets are
abundantly supplied with provisions,
particularly with mutton, which is
the flesh of the large tailed sheep.
The inhabitants are principally Ma-
hommedans and Hindoos, but there
is also a small society of Jews. The
teriitory adjacent to Peshawer is
named Pokhtankha, or Afghanistan
Proper, and with the city is governed
by an Afghan officer, who remits the
revenue, which, in 1783, was seven
lacks of rupees, to the capital. {Fvs-
te)\ Wth Register, Leyden, ^-c. ^c.)
PusHWA. — See Maharattas and
POONAH.
Petalnaig, {Patula Nuyaca). — A
town in the province of Tinnevelly,
100 miles N. E. from Cape Comorin.
Lat. 9°. 13'. N. Long. 78° 15'. E.
Petaree. — A large village in the
JNJaharatla tenitories, in the province
o{ Malwah, belongisig to Bilsah, from
which it is distant about 48 miles
N. E. The country to the S. E. is
open, and the soil fertile, compre-
hending many line villages. At this
jdace there is a very small nullah,
but the only good water in the dry
season is procured frojn wells.
Petlad. — A town in the province
of Gujrat, district of Broach, 16
miles E. N. E. from Cambay. Lat.
22°. 27'. N. Long. 73°. E. The caste
of Dhers are here exempt from the
general duty imposed on them all
PHAK.
663
over Gujrat, of scrvinj? as pn"des to
strangers. At tliis place a travellor
may seize on the first person he
meets, and force him to act as a
guide, or find a substitute. {MSS.
&-C. S,-c.)
Pi-TLAHWAD. — A town belonging
to the IVIaharattas, in the province
of Malwah, 70 miles \V. by N. liom
Oojain. Lat. 23°. 22'. N. Long. 74°.
60'. E.
Pettipoor, {Patipitra). — A town
in the Northern C'ircars, district of
Rajaniundry, 33 miles E. N. JC. from
the town of Rajamundry. Lat. 17°.
5'. N. Long. 82°. 25'. E. Sugar and
jagory, to a considerable extent, are
made in this zenundary.
Pettycotta, {Putivata). — A town
in the Southern Carnatic, in the pro-
vince of Taiijore, 32 miles S. by V).
from the town of Tanjore. Lat. 10°.
21'. N. Long. 79°. 22'. E.
Peyai^ng. — A town in the Nabob
of Oudc's territories, 70 miles N. N.
W. from Lucknow. Lat. 27°. 40'.
N. Long. 80°. 15'. E.
Peytahn. — A district in Northern
Hiiidostan, tributaiy to the "Ghoor-
khali Rajah of Nepaul, and situated
about the 29th degree of north lati-
tude. It is of a mountainous irre-
gular surface, much covered with
jungle, and intersected by numerous
streams which issue from the hills.
The cultivated vallies are very pro-
ductive, but they are not many, and
the population is thinly scattered.
Peytahn. — A town in the Nepaul
territories, the capital of a district of
the same name. Lat. 29°. 4'. N.
Long. 82°. 15'. E.
Pn AK!. — A fortress in the southern
part of 'I'ibet, near the Bootan front-
ier, and named also Pary Jeungh
and Parisdong. Lat. 27°. 5b'. N.
Long. 89°. 1'. E.
This fortress is a sloue building of
an irregular form, but deemed of
great strength. On the N. W. there
is an extensive suburb, and on the
south a large basin of water. 'I'hc
Valley of Phari is very extensive,
compared witli the narrow slips of
land in Bootan ; and is the station
of the Phari Lama, who is here a
little potentate, being superintend-
ant of a goombah or monastery, and
governor of a most extensive trad
of rocks and deserts, which yield
verdure only during the mildest ."rea-
son of the year; at which time thin
neighbourhood is frequented by large
herds of the longhaired, bushy tailed
cattle. The musk deer aie also
found in great abundance among
these mountains.
Perpetual winter may be said io
reign at this fortress; Chuunilari is
for ever clothed with snow, and from
its remarkable form is probably the
mountain which is occasionally vi-
sible from Purneah and Rajemjll in
Bengal. , In this vicinity wheat does
not ripen, yet it is sometimes cultis
vatcd as forage for cattle during the
depth of winter. The j)lains and
adjacent mountains are frequented
by large droves of cattle, shawl goats,
deer, musk deer, hares, and other
^ild animals. There are also par-
tridges, pheasants, quails, and a gi oat
multitude of foxes. Such is said to
be the intensity of the frost here, al-
though in so low a latitude as 28°,
N. that aiumals exposed in the open
field are found dead, with their heads
split open by its force.
In 1792 the Chinese established a
military post at this j)lace, on the
southern frontier of Tibet toMaids
Bootan, which circumstance put a
stop to all comimmication between
the northern statt^s and the pro^ince
of Bengal, the approach of strangers
being utterly prohibited by the Chi-
nese. {Turner, Si'c.)
Phak. — A district in the province
of Cashmere, bounded on llie west
by the Jhyluin, and situated in the
35th degree of north latitude. By
Abul I'azel, in 1582, it is describeil
as follows :
" The pergunnah of Phak abounds
with odoriferous plants. Adjoining
to it is a large lake named Dull, one
side of which is close to the town.
On this lake are artificial islands
made for the purpose of cultivation,
and sometimes robbers will cut off
f)64
PHILIPPINE ISLES.
pieces of these floating islands, and
convoy thcni to another part of the
lake."
PHILIPPINE ISLES.
The Philippine Isles extend from
the fiftli to the 20th decrees of north
latitude, and conipreliend a j2:rcat
inimber of islands, man} of which
arc as yet but little known. The
larp:est island is Luzon, or Luconia;
to the south of which the principal
islands are IMiudoro, Panay, Ma-
rindiriuc, Negros, Masbate, Zebu,
Bohol, fjcyte, Saniar, and Magin-
danao; besides whieli there are many
smaller ones, the aggregate of the
wliole being denominated Bisayas,
or Islas dc Pintados, or Painted Is-
lands : the inhabitants having been
accustomed to paint their bodies be-
fore the arrival of the 8i)nni;uds. AH
these islands are nomiiudly subordi-
nate <o the Spanish govei nrnf-nt at
Manilla ; some of them are r)artially
colonized, and pay tribute, collected
by theCorrigidores,or Alcaldes Ma-
yores, of the provinces into which
tliey t'ue subdivided ; but others, such
as iviagindanao, are not only inde-
pendent of, but carry on perpetual
warfare against, the Spanish esta-
blishments in the Philippines. This
apjM'llation was given them by l^uy
Lopes d(! Yillabolos, in compliment
to Philip II. of Spain, at that lime
Prince of the Asnxrias. I'liey were
first named llic Western Isles, or
the Arehipehgo of St. Lazarus,
which di sigiiation was bestowed by
Magellan whe>i he discovered them.
'iiie Philippines being situated
within tlie tropics, the .sun twice
passes the zcnilh, and exhales the
inoistnr(>, which afterwards descends
in CO] lions showers. This rainy sea-
son generally lasts from May Tujtil
September, sometimes so late as tiie
be;,inning of December, from which
latter jjcriod, until lii«^ sucee<;ding
May, liiere is a |>er|)ctual spring.
The regular winds are the north, the
east, and the S. W. each of which
])revail from three to four months ;
the change of wind ])eing attended
with violent storms of thunder, hght-
ning, and, at times, whirlwinds.
Some of these storms rise to the
violence of hurricanes, blowing from
every point of the compass within
24 hours, tearing up trees by the
roots, and laying waste the country.
Notwithstanding their tropical lati-
tude the heat of the Philippines is
far from being intense; and, as a ge-
neral spring continues for a great
part of the year, if the atmosphere
Mere less moist, the climate Avould
be unobjectionable. To this mois-
ture, however, must be attributed
the great luxuriance of the country,
the trees being constantly covered
with leaves, and the soil with vege-
tation, which renders it a difficult
task to keep the cultivated lands
clear of weeds and insects.
The Philippine Islands from their
extent, their climate, and the fer-
tility of their soil, are capable of pro-
ducing all colonial commodities ;
and their situation is most advan-
tageous for the commerce of India,
China, and America. Rice is their
principal production, and the chief
food of the natives, who appear to
have cultivated it in large quantities
Itefore the arrival of the Spaniards.
The other i)roducts are different
sorts of pulse, such as mongos, pa-
tani, kidney beans, and millet. Un-
der the same roof with themselves
the inhabitants rear pigs, Ibwls,
ducks, goats, and bufl'aloes. In the
mountains are many deer, and the
Avoods and lields swarm Avith all
sorts of pigeons, small birds, quails, '
a species of partridge, woodcocks,
8i,c. The sea aboiuids with an in-
finite variety of fish, which may be
caught either with the hook or with
nets.
The native Bisayans take great
delight in tisiiing, as it is a pursuit
that indulges their indolence, and
gratifies their appetite for fi.sh, which
they prefer lo flesh meat. There an^
m;iny other vegetable productions
made use of besides those above-
PHILIPPINE ISLES.
665
named. The pith of the palm, tlie
young shoots of the .snj;;ir caiic,
green willies, and other suceidenls,
serve as food to those who have an
aversion to work to proenre hetter.
Tlie natixcsetdtivate the bread I'niit,
heans. the eaeavata, &(?. and they
lake f^reaf eare of the palm tree, as
from it they proenre both a spirit
and an oil, together with a speeics
of sweetmeat, named by them elia-
naca. The Iruit trees are few in
ninnher, and of an inditlereiit »pia-
lity, exeept the [)lantain, to wliieli
may be added the oran;;c and mango.
'J'he arcca, or betel nnt, is also cnl-
tivated under the name of itini), and
used profusely both l>y Spaniards and
natives.
In the interior of the IMiiiippin<>s
tliere are mines of gold and ir'in, but
they are little attended to ; gold is
also procured by washing the sand
which tlows in small streams iiom
the mountains. The gold mines at
Paracalo are worked, but so iiido-
lently as scarei'ly to defiay the
charges. In the mountains there is
excellent timber both for ship and
house building, and the bamboos
arc very long, some of them being
as thick as a man's thigh. Of these
the natives construct their houses,
covering them with palm leaves. A
little cotton is also laised for cloth-
ing, and dyed w ilh indigo, log wood,
and the seed of the achiste tree.
Wax, wild lioney, andjer, marble,
tar, brimstone, and many other lesser
objects, may also be named among
the commercial articles of tin^se is-
lands.
'J'o their indigenous productions
the Spaniards have added horses and
horned cattle, which have multiplied
so much that they run v\ild among
the mountains, without being claim-
ed by any owner. From this fact we
may conjecture that there are no
tigers, or any of the stronger carni-
vorous animals. The Si)aniards also
introduced sheep, geese, grapes, tigs,
wheat, jieppcr, eoifee, cocoa, sugar,
tobacco, and various sorts of [danls,
A\luch have tluiven remarkably w ell.
Among the curious birds found here
are the swallows,whi(!h form tli e
edible nests so highly esteemed by
the Chinese; and the biche de mar,
another Chinese delicacy, is also pro-
cured on the sea coast. On the
shores there are a great variety of
shells, and aniong the rest are cow-
ries and the ( normous Kima cockle,
sonu; of which will hold a gallon,
and an; used for vessels of holy water
in th<' churches.
Notwithstanding the fertility of
these islands, they continue in a very
des(»late state, when it is considered
that they have been colonized for
marly three centuries. The obstacles
to improvement are, the sloth of the
Indians; and, it may be added, of
the Spaniards — the hiuricanes which
sv> eep away and destroy the planta-
tions, and the destruction caused by
insects, rats, and other vermin, witii
which the country teems. Tolera-
tion in respect to religion, and a few
privileges granted to the Chinese,
would soon attract many tliousands
of that industrious nation, who would
change the face of the country — but
this liberal policy is wholly repugnant
to the Spanish notions of propriety.
The native Indians carry on among
themselves a barter for tJie dilferent
productions of their country, in which
gold is the representation of value
and medium of exchange. They
carry on likewise a small trade with
the Chinese and Malays of Borneo
for flag-stones, copper, and articles
of lurniture ; but their wants being
fi!W, the quantity required is insig-
nificant. \\ ith respect to clothing,
they go almost naked ; tlieir rice they
cook in a joint of green bamboo, and
eat it oft" a leaf of the plantain tree.
'Jho early Spanish navigators, who
visited the Philippines, framed ex-
traordinary narratives regarding the
original inhabitants, whom they di-
vided into three classes ; satyrs, men
with tails, and sea monsters. It is
probable liicy found only two — the
various tribes of Bisajan Indians,
and t!ie strange race of oriental ne-
groes, vv lio still occupy the Papuan
6G6
PHILIPPINE ISLES.
Isles : the latter roamed the moun-
tains almost in a slate of nature,
merely covering the fore part of tlie
body with the bark of a tree, sub-
sisting on roots and snrJi animals as
they could kill with the bow and
arrow. They slept wiierever they
happened to be benighted, and a|i-
jrnached, in their manners and
habits, extremely near to the beasts
of the forest. 'I'lic Spaniards have
at last succeeded in domesticating
and eoirvertinj.; some of them to
Christianity, in Mhich they acqui-
esce so \'m^ as they can get food
without labtnir; but if they are
compelled to work for their subsist-
ence they fly again to the mountains.
The Spai.iards are of opinion that
these negroes are the original in-
habitants of the Philippines, and
that the Bisayan Indians were fo-
reign intruders, w ho never could en-
tirely subdue the interior. At pre-
sent the Papuas arc few, and their
power limited; but their hatred to
the Bisayans flourishes in all its pris-
tine perfection. \^ iien the latter
kill a negro, it is customary for an-
other to bind himsrlf to his country-
men by oath, that he will disappear,
and will not return among them un-
til he has killed three or four Bisa-
yans. To carry this jiurpose into
execution he watches the Bisayan
villages and the passes of the moun-
tains, and if any unfortunately stray
within his reach he murders them.
Besides the Tagala nation, which
is principally found in the Island of
Luzon, there are several other races
who inhai)it these islands, who dif-
fer considerably from each other in
features, language, and the various
relations of the social state. Such
are the Pampangos, who reside to
the north of Manilla, and the paint-
ed races, termed by tlie Sj)ariiards
J'intados, who are by some reckoned
a branch of the Bisayan tribe, and
related to the Tagala and Buggess
races, while by others they arc sup-
posed to be of the same origia as the
horaforas.
'i ho Indians whoni the Spaniards
found in the Philippines were of re-
gular stature, an olive complexion,
with flat noses, large eyes, and long
hair. They all possessed some de-
scription of government, and each
tribe was distinguished by a distinct
name ; but from the similarity of
their dress and manners they, pro-
bably, had all the same origin.
'Hie chiefs are described as ac-
quiring their dominion both by here-
ditary descent and by personal va-
lour, but their authority rarely ex-
tended over more than one or two
•villages, and between neighbouring
villages an everlasting w arfare sub-
sisted. The prisoners on each side
were condemned to slavery, out of
which arose three classes of people ;
the chiefs or masters, the slaves, and
those whom the chief had enfran-
chised with their descendants, who
are at this day termed Timavas.
wiiich properly signifies children of
liberty, lu some places Indians
were discovered whiter than others,
the progeny probably of Chinese or
Japanese, who had been wrecked on
these coasts, and who had inter-
married with the Indians ; in parti-
cular the tribe Igorrotes, or Ilocos,
whose eyes have a Chinese shape.
Among the Bisayans there is no
written law, suits being decided by
the tradjiion of old customs, or more
frequoitly by the will of the strong-
est. The rajah, or chief, with the
assistance of some of the elders, re-
gulates civil affairs ; but in criminal
cases the relations are accustomed
to compound with the aggressor for
a sum in gold, unless in cases of
murder, when the law of retaliation
is sanctioned. If the perpetrator
happen to be of a difl'erent village,
or tribe, all the community of which
the deceased was a member make it
a common cause, and numbers are,
in consequence, killed and made
slaves on both sides. A person sus-
pected of theft is obliged to undergo
the ordeal of drawing a stone from
the bottom of a cauldron of boiling
water, and if he fails is fined a cer-
tain quantity of gold, the greater
PHILIPPINE ISLES.
667
part of which poes to the rajali or
chief. Adiiltei7 is .ilso punished
by a p. uniary fnc, as is also dis-
respect ID the elders ; but for fraud,
or usury, there is no iuiliction « iiat-
ever.
In conformity to their cnsfoms
they arc j)erniitted to have only or.o
wife, but the princii)ai persons ha^'e
several concubines, who are usually
slaves. As among ceilaiu tribes in
Sumatra, the brideg'room in the I'hi-
lippines purchases his bride, ;ind fre-
quently by a previous service of se-
veral 3 ears. Durinjx' this probation
it is iucunibent on all the relati(»ns
of the suitor .to behave respectfully
to the bride and her relations, as if
any insult be offered the niarria2:e is
annulled, which is always agreeable
to the parents of the lemale, as by
that event they are enabled to dis-
pose of her a second time. The
bridegroom, to console himself for
his sufferings, as soon as his term of
service ends, treatshis wife as a slav<'.
On her devolves ail the laborious
work for the maintenance of the fa-
mily, which, when concluded, is re-
warded by a bt-aling from the hu.s-
band, who lives in idleness.
The interest which the parents
thus have in the disposal of their
female children dooms them to.alite
of niis-ery, and is in the highest de-
gree repugnant to humanity and
good morals. The Spaniards en-
deavoured to effect its abolition, both
by royal edicts, and by the influence
of the clergy ; but such is the adhe-
sion of custom among barbarians, as
yet without success. The marriage
ceremony is performed by the immo-
lation of a hog, which, with many
grimaces, is slain by a priestess.
After tliis she bestows benedictions,
and an old woman having presented
the company with some food, the
ceremony is concluded with danc-
ing, drinking, feasting, and many
obscenities.
The missionaries complain, that
even the Indian converts persuade
the others not to be baptized, that
tliey may escape tribute and im-
posts, which are, notwithstanding,
very moderate. 'J"he custom of one
tribe rr\ onging tlie murder of an in-
dividual on the whole tribe of the
criminal, likewise very much im-
pedes conversion and civilization ;
for from this results a necessity to
the weakest tribes of changing their
residen!;e, or forming a confederacy
with others. In such cases the bap-
tized Indians must follow those who
:ne not converted, and remove to a
distance from the missionaries; be-
sides whieh, they are exposed to
constant hostilities from tlieir pagan
associates.
The Ta-gala, or the Gala lan-
guage, is among the Philippines
Avhat the Malayu is in the Malay
Islands, or the Ilindoslani in Hin-
dostan Proper. There are six dia-
lects in t!ie Island of Luzon, and
two in Atton. Some of these are
current in several islands, but tlie
most geiK ral are theTagala and Bi-
saya ; the last of which is very gross
and baibarous, but the other more
rctined and polished, and it has been
cultivated by the Spanish missiona-
ries. The alphabet consists of 17
letters, three of which are vowels
and 14 consonants. The Tagala
characters are still used in C'oinin-
tan, and in general among the Ta-
galas, who have embraced Chrii;li-
anit}'. The idioms of this language
are rendered so complex by a va-
riety of artilices, that it becomes
quite im})Ossible for a person who
uuderstands all the original words of
a sentence, eitlier to recognize them
individually, or comprehend the
meaning of the wholj.
The ancient rehgious traditions of
tin; Tagala race, their genealogies,
and the feats of their gods and he-
roes, are car<'fully preserved in his-
torical poems and songs; from which,
in gcncial, the vliole substance of
eastern history nmst bo gleaned.
These original memorials of the race,
the. Spanish missionaries have with
pious c;irc endeavoured to extirpate,
and havi' employed themselves se-
dulously in coniposing religious
(308
PHILIPPINE ISLES.
tracts, l)oth in prose and verse, in the
'J'agala luugnaf^e, with the hone of
sniiplantiiig the remains of natioiuil
and pagan antiquity. Many psalms
and liymiiK, and even some of the
Creek dramas composed by Diony-
siiis Areopagita, have in this man-
iier beeii translated into the Tagala
langnage.
The other dialects of the difl'erent
tribes of the Phiiipi)i»es are many
and various, so that tlie inhabitants
of one province are not intelligible
to those of another; vet, notwith-
standing this complexity, it ajjpears
from their constrnction, that they
are all derivatives from one parent
langnage. The prepositions and
l)rouonns are said to be nearly the
same in all of them ; the numerical
characters to diflcr but little, and
they have many words in com-
mon, of exactly the same structure.
In their religions cen'monies the
Bisayans use neither idols nor tem-
ples, their sacriiices being offered in
arboins uhieh they raise ibr that
pur)tose ; nor have they any external
Jiddress of adoration to their gods.
They have priestesses, whom they
term babailonas, or catalonas, to
v\ hoin (he function belongs of pcr-
ibrming the sacrifice. Taking a
lance in her hands, with extravagant
gestures she works herself np to
a frenzy, muttering unintelligible
words, which are received as pro-
phetic — she then pierces a hog with
a lance ; and, having distributed the
carcase among the bvestanders, the
ceremony is closed with dancing and
drinking. These sacrifices are oi-
lered alike to evil spirits and to the
manes of their ancestors ; the latter
of whom they arc taught to believe
inhaliit veiy large trees, rocks of a
fantastic appearance, or any other
natural object, va: \ing in respect to
magnitude or formation from the
usual course, t'f this their con-
■\iction is so strong, (hat they never
pass objects of this description with-
out asking leave of their imaginary
inhabitants. The\ have manj other
supcislitions, one of which is tUc
Patianac. This is a spirit or ideal
being, whose employment and
amusement consists in pr-enting,
by a method peculiar to itself, the
delivery of a woman in labour. To
counteract the malignity of this
demon, the husband, having made
fast the door, strips oif his clothes,
lights afire, and arming himself with
a sword, flourishes it, furiously about
until the woman is delivered. The
Tigbalang is another object of their
apprehension, and is described as a
phantom w hicli assumes a variety of
uncouth and monstrous shapes, and
interposes its authority to [irevent
the converted Indians li om perform-
ing the duties of religion.
These and other superstitions for-
merly had an extensive influence,
and are still extolled by ixnpostors,
who find their account in recom-
mending such absurdities as pa-
naceas for illness and misfortune.
Such also is the imbecility of In-
dians, that although they believe
these customs arc sinful, and by no
means give entire credit to their ef-
ficacy, yet they practise them, think-
ing chance may elfect sometliing iu
their fa^onr. 1 he Spanish mission-
aries have also found them but su-
l)erficial Christians, and more in-
Jlucnccd by a dread of power, than
by any religi«)us impressions, or ra-
tional piety. Their manners and re-
ligious notions correspond, in many
particulars, with those of the inland
Sumatians.
The Bisayan Indians do not be-
lieve there is any future state of re-
ward or punishment; but they ac-
knowledge the immortality of the
soul, and express an apprehension
of mischief from the spirits of the
deceased, who they suppose retain
all the wants incident to them while
on earth, lor this reason thej' place
on the tomb clothes, arms, and
food; and, on the fourth day, when
the funeral ceremony is performed,
a vacant seat is left at the table tor
the deceased, whom they believe to
be actually present, although not
perceptible. To verily this fact,
PHILIPPINE ISLES.
069
aanil is strewed on tlie lloor, on
wliicli tlie prints of tlio feet of the
tlefniK't are asserted to be seen ,
and, in order to deprecate his sup-
posed wrath, eatables are offered to
him — fear and superstition forming
the basis of the Bisayan charac-
ter.
IMagellan, whose ship first circum-
navigated the globe, on the day of
St. Lazarus, in A. D. 1521, disco-
vered a great many islands which
he named the Archipelago of St.
Lazarus; and on Easter-day he ar-
rived at the Island of Magindanao.
Several voyages were subsc«]uently
undertaken by the Spaniards, for the
purpose of taking possession of these
islands; but nothing was eifeeted
until 1564, when, in conse()aeiice of
orders fiom Philip II. of Spain, a
fleet was dispatched from Alexico
under Miguel Jjopcz de Legaspi,
which anived at the Pliilippiiies in
February, 15G5, and first sto|)ped at
Zebu, which was soon wholly sub-
dued.
In 1570, a fleet sailed from the
Island of Panay for IjUzou, when,
after several engagements w ilii the
rajahs of the country, who ajjpear
to have been principally Malays,
they effected a settlement at the
mouth of the Manilla Kiver. In
1571, Legaspi in person sailed to
Luzon, and entering the river on
the lUth of May, took possession of
the town of Manilla, which he con-
stituted tiie capital of the Sj.iauish
possessions in the Philippines. He
afterwards sent detachments to dif-
ferent parts of the island, accom-
panied by friars, without whose as-
sistance little progress would have
been made iu the reduction of the
island. Dilfereut establislimeuts were
in conseijuence fixed ou the sea-
coast; but to the lust the interior
has never I'een eitiier subdnt^d or
explored. In 1572, several Chinese
junks arrived M'ith merchandize, and
ninny of tiiat nation settled on the
Island of Luzon, niuc!; against liie
inclination of the Spaniards, who
rcj)caicdly expelled them ; and in
this year liCgaspi, tlie first viceroy
of the I'hilippines, died.
In 1574, the existence of the co-
lony was cudangen-d by an attack,
from Limahon, a gpat f'hiiiese pi-
rate, who arrived with 02 junks; but
after many bloody engagements he-
was expelled, and great part of his
army destroyed. Towards the con-
clusion of the 16th century, a con-
siderable and o|)en trade was carric<l
ou witii Japan; the natives of wliicli,
very different from those at present,
navigated all over the Eastern Seas,
and brought cargoes of the richest
merchandize to Manilla, both fm-
the consumption of the settlement
and for the export trade to Acapulco.
'J'he Japanese l'jm|)eror,'l'aycosuma,
even wished to be acknowledged
King of JVtanilla, but without suc-
cess. Through the medium of tliis
counnerec seveial friars were intro-
duced into Japan, for the propaga-
tion of the Roman Catholic r<'ligion.
At the same period the King <if
CauUxnlia sent the governor of thy
Philippines a present of two ele-
phants, and solicited his assistance
against the King of Siam. In 1.596
eommeieo nourished, and an inter-
course subsisted with China, Java,
the Coast of Coromandel, and
Mexico.
In 1.590, the Spaniards attacked
the Island ofSooloo. named b\ tliem
Jolo, but were repulsed witligieaL
slaughter ; nor could they even make
any im|>ression on the Stioluo |)i-
rafi s, wiio have for nearly three cen-
turies been the scourge of the Phi-
lippines, and still contirnie so.
Vt hen the Dutch established them-
selves in India, a war conmienct-d
between them and the Spaniards,
which lasted nearly half a centurv.
By the year A.D. l(i:^9,thenuujberuf
Chinese on these islands had in-
creased to 30,<t00, Uiost of thetn set
tied as cultivators in Ciilamba and
Binau. The Sp"j)iiarits appear ahv."vs
to have been jealous of them, and
hostile to their residence, although
the most industrious of their sub-
jects, in I63y, iu consequence of
mo
PHUGWANNA.
some disaffection, real or imag-inary,
tlie Spaniards commenced u v>;\r
afrainst them, and made so dreadtiil
ahavock, that in a short time lluy
were reduced lo 7000, who suncii-
dcred at discretion. DiJrin<? this
disturbance tlie native Indians re-
mained neuter, having a greater ha-
tred to the Chinese, than even that
which possessed them against tiie
Spaniards. In 1662 Manilla was
threatened with an invasion honi
Coxinga, a great Chinese piialc,
who had subdued Formosa, and ex-
pelled the Dntch ; but it was never
carried into effect.
A.D. 1757, the viceroy of the PIu-
lippines dispatched all the Chinese
to their own country; and, in order
to prevent their lutiwe establishment
in the Archipelago, he appropriated
the quarter of St. Fernando for tiio
reception of such Chinese as i,i)ould
come on commercial pursuits, and
made rcg'.ilatioiis for their re-em-
barkation in good time, with the ex-
ception of such as had been convert-
ed to the Christian rehgion, who
were permitted to remain and apj)ly
themselves to the cultivation of the
land.
In 1762 Manilla was attacked by
a British fleet and army under Ad-
miral Cornish and General Draper,
which arrived on the 22d of Septem-
ber; and, after a short siege, stormed
the walls on the 51h of Octobci . The
archbishoj), w ho acted as governor,
was admitted to a capitulation on
the 6th (>{■ October, when, to prevent
a general phuider of the city, lie
agieed to pjiy the conquerors four
millions of dollars in different w ays ;
but of this little more than half a
million was ever received. F^y the
terms of the capitulation the whole
of theislan<lswere surrendered; but
in the remote provinces the Spa-
niards maintained their independ-
ence, and the British force was
scarcely sufiicient to garrison the
town, far less'to subdue the country.
Skirmishes and small actions conti-
nued to occur between the Spaniards
and tlie British, in which the latter
were joined by the Cliinesc settlers.
In many districts the Indians rose
on the Spaniards, and great confu-
sion prevailed until the 23d July,
1763, when an English frigate ar-
rived w ith the armistice ; but Ma-
nilla was not conclusively delivered
up until March, 1764.
Since that period the Spanish co-
lonies in these fruitful istands have
not been disturbed by any European
enemies, alth\)ugh frequently threat-
ened with invasion from the British
settlements in India. Besides Ma-
nilla, and the larger establishments
on liUzon, they have many smaller
settlements scattered over tiie islands
to the south ; but such is the weak-
ness of the Sjianish government, that
they have never been able to jirotect
them against the attacks of a few
despicable pirate vessels. For two
centuries pas! the piratical cruizcrs
from jMagindanao and Sooloo have
been plundering tlie coast of the Phi-
lippines, capturing vessels, pillaging
villages, burning towns, massacrcing
some of the inhabitants, and carry-
ing others into slavery; in which un-
fortunate list are included a very
great numbei- of the clergj', both
Spaniards and Indians. Although
unable to dei'end them, such is the
jealousy of the Spaniards, that they
do not allow the natives to possess
arms, iron of every sort being a royal
monopoly. It is asserted also that
the alcades purchase from the jjirates
the v( ry slaves they have captured
on their own islands, which saves
them the troid>le of carrying them
Hwvy lor sale. In J'eb."l809, the
Spaiiish government of (he Philip-
piiics published a declaration of their
adherence to Ferdinand VII. and
opciicd their ports to the British;
since which time a brisk trade has
subsisted, although considerably in-
jured by the revoIutio)iary warfare
in Mexico. {Zuniga,Sonnerat, Ley-
den, Marsden, Peiirouse, Fonfst, l^c.)
Phdgvvanna. — A town in the pro-
vince of Lahore, situated in the
doab of the Sutuleje and Beyah ri-
vers S. E. &om Jaliindei'. This is a
PLASSEY.
071
hrge ivalled town, situated in a fer-
tile country, produeiiii; wlieat, o;rain
mote, mongh, cord, aud sug:ar-caiie.
Ill tlie neighbourhood coarse dotlis
of various sorts are manufactured.
(IIM Register, .St.)
for the col<jur and mineral qualities
of the spriii"-. In tiic nciu'libouilieod
are many large t:inks. 'J'lir villa" o
belongs to tlie .lam of Noanagur.
{Maoiuirdo, .Vf.)
Pindar River. — .\ small river iu
PlLLiBEET. — A town ill tlic pro- Northern Hindostan, ill the pioviiice
vincc of Delhi, district of Bareily, 33 of Serinagur, which aflt-rwaids joins
miles N. E. from Bareily. Lat. 28^. the Alacanaiula, forniini; the sacred
39'. N. Long. 79°. 45'. E. During coulluence of rarnaprayaga.
the Rohillah government this place Pipi.EY, {Pipuli). — A small town
was an emporium of commerce, and iu the province of Ori.ssa, district of
was greatly augmented by IJafez Mohuibniige, situated on the Su-
Kehmut, who built a .spacious pettah bunrecka River, 22 miles >f. E. from
four miles iu circumference. Its
staples are saul, sissoo, and fir tim-
ber.s, sugars, and coarse cloths; and
from the mountains of Ahnora are
Balasore. Lat. 21°. 42'. N. Long.
87°. 2.y. E.
About the middle of the 17th cen-
tury this was a great resort of Eu-
importcd bora\, pitch, drugs, wax, rojiean trade, from whence the Dutch
and honey. After its acquisition by shipped annually 2000 tons of sail.
the Nabob of Oude its commerce The fust permission obtained by the
was annihilated ; but, since its cos- English from the Mogul emperors to
sion to the Lritisli, has greatly re- trade with Bengal was restricted to
vived. {Franhliii, Ac) this place, now almost unknown.
PiLLERE. — A small town iu the Sinc(? that period, the floods having
distinct of Gurrumcundah, 95 miles washed away great jjart of the town,
W. N. W. from Madras. Lat. 13°.
32'. N. Long. 79°. 5'. E.
PiNAGRA. — A town in the Barra-
mahal Province, 95 miles E. by S.
from Seringa patam. Lat. 12°. 6'.
N. Long. 78°. 8'. N.
PiNDTARliK, (or Piittara). — - A
small village in the Oujrat I'cninsula,
situated on a sandy plain, extending
about two miles from the sea-sliore,
wear the south-western extremity of
the peninsula.
In the vicinity is a spring of pink-
coloured water, celebrated among
the natives as a place of pilgrimage
and lormcd a dangeious bar in the
river, the merchants have removed
to lialasore.
1'iPi.Y. — A town in the province
of Urissa. district of Cuttack, 30
miles south from the town of Cut-
tack. Lat. 2(.°. 8'. N. Long. 86°. o'. E.
P]Pl.oVD.( Pini)al(ivati). — A town
and large mud tort in the I\Iaharattii
ttiritories. iu th<' jnovince of Khaii-
desli, 31 miles N. E. from Booihan-
poor. Lat.21°. 44'. X. Loui:;. 7G°.
35'. E.
PiRHALA. — A town tributary to
the Afglian sovereigns of Cabu!,
This spring gives its name to the vil- iu the prosiuce of Lahore, .55 miles
lage, which is inhabited only by a east from (he Indus. Lat. 32°. 25'.
few religious pcr.sons. v,ho .subsist on N. Lon.:. 71°. 48'. E.
the bounty of the numerous [lilgrims. Pitt's Straits. — The straitswhicli
As this village lies in the direct road se[iarate the i.slands of Salwatty and
to Dwaraea, persons resorting to that Ikittanta, situated at tlie western k\-
fane take the opportunity of bathing tremify of Papua, or New Gtiinea.
in the pink-coloured stream, and In length they are about 30 miles,
thereby purifying themselves. The by six the mean width,
spring is within high water mark ; by ' Plasskv. CPfl/aoi). — A town in the
which circumstance it i.s kept con- province of Bengal, district of Nud-
stantly clean. Tiie adjacent lands den, 30 miles so-.ith frojn iMoorshed--
along the coast are much inqjieg- abad. Lat. 23°. 45 . N. l/Oug. 88°.
uatcd with iron, which may account 15'. E.
672
POGGY ISl.ES.
Tlie battle of Plassey, which ilc-
cidcd the fate of Bengal, aud ulti-
mately of India, was fought on tin;
23d June, 1757. The British forces,
under Colonel Ciive, consisted of 900
Europeans, 100 topas^ses, and 2000
sepoys, with eight six-poiindets, aiid
two howitzers. The nabob's army,
if such a rabble deserve the name,
was estimated at 50,000 foot, and 50
pieces of cannon, besides abont 40
Frenchmen, fugitives from Ciiander-
nagore.
PoGGY (or Nassau) Isles, {PhIo
Paggi).— The Poggy or Nassau
islands form part of a chain, \\ hieh
lie oft" the whole length of the west
coast of Sumatra, at the distance of
20 or 30 leagues. The north extri^-
jnity of the Northern Poggy is situ-
ated in Lat.2°. 18'. S. and the south-
ern extremity of the most southern
island in Lat. 3°. 16'. S. I'he two
are separated from each other by
a very narrow passage called See
Cockup, in Lat. 2°, 40'. S. and Long.
100°. 38'. E. which affords very safe
anchorage for ships.
The face of the country is rough
and irregular, consisting of high and
precipitous mountains, covered with
trees to their summits, among which
are the species called puhn, tit for
the largest masts. The woods in
their present state are quite imper-
vious. The sago tree grows here in
plenty, and is the chief food of the
inhabitants, who do not cultivate
rice. The cocoa nut tree and the
bamboo, and also a great variety of
fruits, such as mangostecns, pine-
apples, plantains, &e. are found
here. The wild animals are the
large red deer, hogs, and several
kinds of monkeys; but there are
neither bullaloes, goats, nor (igers.
Fish are procured in great i)lenty,
and with pork constitute the fa-
vourite food of the natives. The
shell of the nautilus is often driven
on shore empty, but the natives sny,
they have never yet caught the nuu-
tiJus fish alive in the shell.
Notwithstanding the proximity of
these islands to Sumatra, the inha-
bitants and their language have no
resemblance v\hatever to the Suma-
trans, but a very strong one to the
natives of the South Sea Islands.
Near the entrance of the Straits of
See Cockup (Si Kakap) on the
Noithern Island, are a few houses
inhabited by Malays from Fort
Marlborough, who reside here for
the purpose of building large boats,
on account of the })ieiity of timber.
The natives are but few, divided
into small tribes, each tribe occupy-
ing a small river, and living in one
village. On the Northern Poggy are
seven villages, and on the Southern
five ; the aggregate number of inha-
bitants not exceeding 1400, the in-
terior being uninhabited.
Their clothing consists of a piece
of coarse cloth made of the bark of
a tree. Their stature is generally
uniler five I'vct and a half; their
complexion a light brown, or copper
colour, like the Malays. The use
of betel is unknown among them,
but the custom of tattooing the skiu
universal. They ha^ e no metals ex-
ce[it such as they procure from Su-
matra. 'I'he greatest length of their
war canoes is 65 feet ; breadth five
feet; dei)th three feet and a half;
and their weapons bows and arrows.
The natives of these islands do
not appear to have any form of reli-
gious worship, and do not jiractise
circumcision. ^Vhcu asked from
wSience they originally came, they
rej)ly, from the sun. Murder is pu-
nishable among them by retaliation.
In cases of adultery the injured hus-
band has a right to seize the effects
of the paramour ; and sometimes he
pnnishes his wife by cutting off her
huir. The custouis they follow in
llieir mode of disposing of their dead
resemble those of the Otaheitans.
In 1783, the son of a rajah of
one of these islands came over to
Sumatra, on a visit of curiosity, and
seemed to be an intelligent man.
IJe appeared acquainted with seve-
ral of the constellations, and gave
names of the Pleiades, Scorpion,
Great Bear, and Orion's Belt; aud
POINT DE GALLE.
673
umlerstood the distinction betwixt
fixed and wandering stars. He par-
ticularly noticed Venus, whieli lie
named the i)lanet of the evening-.
Sumatra he named Serailiu, and
said, that as to reli<j;ion, tiie rajaiis
alone prayed, and sacrificed liogs and
fowls, in the first instance they
address tlicmselves to the J^ower
above the sky ; next to those in the
moon, who are male and female ;
and lastly, to that evil being, whose
residence is below the earth, and is
the cause of earthquakes.
The dialects of Neas and the
Poggy Isles, the inhabitants of the
latter of which are termed Mania-
way by the Malays, ha\e probably
greater pretensions to origin.iiity
than any of the dialects pf Sumatra,
but resemble the Batta more than
any other language. {Crisp, Mars-
den, Leyden, Sec)
Point Palmiras. — A small town
situated on the sea-coast of the pro-
vince of Orissa, district of Cuttack.
Lat. 20°. 45'. N. Long. 87°. 5'. E.
In favourable weather IJengal pilot
schooners for the River ilooghly are
frequently met with as soon as this
cape is passed.
Point de Galle. — A fortified
town in the Island of Ceylon, where
it ranks the third in consequence ;
situated GO miles south from Co-
lumbo. Lat.6°. N. Long. 80°. 1 5'. E.
llKi harbour is spacious, particu-
larly tjie outer road. '1 he inner har-
bour is secure during a great part of
the year ; but winds tiom a particu-
lar quarter are requisite to carry
vessels out. Ships outward-bound
from Europe generally come in sight
of the first huid at Dondrahead, the
southerii promontory of (.U-ylon, and
make Point de (ialle the first har-
bour. There is no regular rainy
.season here, but from ils situation
at the extremity of the island it has
a share of the rain of each coast,
which falls in occasional storms at
every season of the J car. JMore
rain, however, falls between No-
vember and February tiian at any
other time.
2 X
Point de Galle is an old Dutch
fort, very much out of repair. Not
above six English families reside
here constantly ; but oceaMoiially,
when tlie honieward-l)ound flecjt is
assembled here, a nuieh greater
number is colleetcd. Tiie j)cttah,
or native town, is extensive, and the
houses superior to those at Trinco-
malc ; in respect to tiatle it ranks
next to ColumI)0. 1 ixheries to a
( (tnsiderable extent are carried on
here, and the fish dried and cured
tor exportation to the Continent of
India. Arrack, oil, pepper, cotton,
and cardamums, also form a j)art of
its exports. Cinnamon is also grown
here, but not in such <iuaiitities as
ai»ont Columbo; in tlavour it is
much the same. One of the East
India ships touches here annually,
to cairy ofl' what cinnamon is pre-
pared lor exportation.
Near the fort a colony of Chinese
is established by government as gar-
deners, for the jMupose of raising
vegetaldes, in which their patience
has at last succeeded, alter that of
Europeans had failed. They culti-
vate escn!(^nt vegetables of various
sorts, and have also thriving planta-
tions of sugar-cane. 'Ihe nuitlou
here is indiiierent ; but the beef,
poultry, bread, and fish, arc excel-
lent. The travelling distance Irom
Columbo, in a palanqisin, is 72
miles.
At Rellcgain. aliout 20 miles S.E.
tiom I'oint de Galle, is a celebrated
IJuddhist temple, in which is a figure
of Buddha rocunibciit. in a corner
is another figu/e, seated on a cobra
capella snake coiled up, the hood of
w hieh forms a canopy over his head.
There is also a gigasUi*; four-handed
fij,';ne of Yishtui. of a durk blue co-
lour, and the wails williin are co-
vered with puiiiicil fignres of Bud-
dha. Aboul two miles from the
temple of Bello.gam there is a large
fragment of a lock, on whiih is
sculptured a figure 13 feet high,
called by the country people the
Cutta Bajub. The Portugueze ob-
tained posicssion of Point de (jalie
674
POLYGAR'S TERRITORY.
so early as 1517. (Percival, M.
Gmham, Lord Valentia, Bi'uce, cSc)
Point Pedro. — The uoiHiein ex-
tremity of the Island of Coyloii.
Lat. b°. 52'. N. Long. 80° 25'. E.
The passage from Ncgapataiii, in
the province of Tanjure, to I'oint
Pedro, is made usnally in a few
hours. The Dutch formerly had a
small fort here.
PoLLOoR. — A town in the Car-
natic, 77 miles S.W. from Madras.
Lat. 12° 30'. N. Long. 79°. 15'. E.
Polo. — A small island, one of the
Philippines, situated olf the west
coast of Luzon, or Luconia, about
the 15tli degree of noitli latitude.
In length it may be estimated at
25 miles, by three the average
breadth.
PoLOONSHAH. — A towu and dis-
trict tributary to the Nizam, in the
province of Hyderabad, 70 miles
N.W. from Rajahnuindry. Lat. 17°.
35'. N. Long. 81°. 10'. E.
This place is situated in a rich
and luxuriant valley, about lour
miles wide. The fort is a square of
about 300 yards, and has a large
round tower at each angle. The
rampart is faced with masonry, and
is surrounded by a deep dry ditch.
It is well covered by a glacis, and
may be considered as a place of
some strength. The town is above
two miles in circumference, and is
very populous, but consists of poor
Telinghy huts. The valley is sur-
rounded on all sides by lofty ranges
of mountains, the passes through
which are the only accesses to Po-
loonshah. There is here a manu-
factory of matchlocks, jinjalls, spears,
sabres, and other wcaj)ons, and the
rajah has a train of six brass field
pieces. {Blunt, (Vc.)
PoLYGAu's Territory. — A dis-
trict in the Southern Carnatic, situ-
ated principally between the 10th
and 1 1th degrees of north latitude.
To the north it is bounded by Tri-
chinopoly ; on the south by Alara-
was and Madura; on the cast it has
Taiijore and the sea ; and on the
west Dindigul. Altiiough tbis coun-
ti-y has acquired the distincHve ap-
pellation of the Polygar Teiritory,
the name is not peculiar to it, being
common to every native chief
throughout the south of India.
The polygars arc military chief-
tains of diHcrent degrees of po«er
and consequence, who bear a strong
affinity to the zemindars of the
North rn Ciicars. Those whose pol-
lams, or estates, are situated in the
frontier and jungly part of the coun-
ti7, are represented to have been
for the most part leaders of banditti,
or freebooters, who, as is not un-
common in Asia, iiad afterwards
been entrusted with the police of
the country. Some of them trace
their descent from the ancient ra-
jahs, or fiom I hose who held high
offices of trust under the Hindoo
government, and received allow-
ances in land or inoney for the shi>-
port of a body of horse and foot on
the feudal principle.
Other polygars had been renters
of districts, or revenue officers, who
had revolted in times of public dis-
turbance, and usurped the possession
of lands, to which they were con-
stantly adding by successive en-
croachments, when the ruling power
happened to be weak and inefficient.
The heads of villages, when favoured
by the natural strength of the coun-
try, frequently assumed the uame
and character of polygars, and kept
up their military retainers and no-
minal officers of state, exercising ia
this contracted sphere majiy of the
essential jiowers of sovereignty.
The amount of the tribute which
they paid to the Soubahdars of the
Carnatic was w holly disproportioned
to their revemics ; but more w as
constantly extorted by the officers of
government under the names of fines
and presents, which was a |)erpetual
source of violence and distraction.
During the jjcriods of public cala-
mity, they retaliated ujion the na-
bob's officers and the peaceable in-
habitants of the goverimient villages,
those ads of indefniiti^ and oppress-
ive authority, which were connnitted
PONDICIIERRY.
675
on themselves. Ilenec tlic Britisli
RoveiniiKMit were repeatedly biir-
tlcned M itii large armaments to snb-
due these fendatories, involving
hcav) disbnrsements from the ])ublic
revenue, and severe loss of lives.
The })rineipal pollams, or polygar
estates, arc those of Shevaguiiga,
Ramnad, INfanapara, Madura, and
Nattam. Tlic two first were perma-
nently assessed in 1803, at tlir same
time as those of 'I'inevelly ; and the
rest were soon afterwards settled in
perpetuity. From this period the
tribute of the j)olygars, although in-
creased, has been punctually paid ;
no blood has been shed, or money
expended in military operations
against them, and the surrounding
districts have enjoyed tranquillity
Tinder the revival of the ancient sys-
tem of village police.
This territory is not so well wa-
tered, or in so high a state of culti-
vation, as the adjacent province of
Tanjorc ; but the soil is naturally
very fertile, and the agriculture,
from the steadiness of government,
I)rogressively improving. There are
no rivers of any considerable mag-
nitude ; the chief towns are, Nattam,
ISIanapar, Vcranially, Puducotty,
Cottapatam, and I'ondi. The dis-
trict is now comprehended in the
collectorshi|) of Dindigul. {pth lie-
poi't. Lord Valentia, '$-c.)
PoxAKUM. — A town in the Car-
natie, 53 mil(>s S.W. from Pondi-
cherry. Lat. 11°. 20'. N. Long. 79°
20'. \L
PONDICHERRY, {Puditchei'i). — A
city on the sea-eoastof ihe Carnatic,
once the most splendid European
settlement in India, but now greatly
reduced. Lat. 1 1° 56'. N. Long.
79°. 58'. E.
This i)laee stands on a sandy plain
not far from the sea-shore, producing
only palm trees, millet, and lew
herbs ; but the sunounding district
produces cotton and a little rice,
f pon the whole, however, it is better
.situated than Madras, as during the
S.W. monsoon, which is the season
of naval varfare, it is to wiiidw ard,
2x2
an advantage the French experi-
enced the benefit of dining the hard-
contested wars of last century.
Pondicherry has no natural advan-
tages as a connnereial town, and
when it ceased to be the capital of
the French possessions, it soon fell
to decay. On account of the long
continuance of the late war, the
I'rench inhabitants were reduced to
the utmost distress; and being un-
able, from poverty, to repair their
houses, the appearance of the town
has sull'eied very much — and for the
destruction of its fortifications, it is
indebted to the policy of its own go-
vernment.
In 1758 the French govenimcnt,
confiding in the great force sent out
under M. Lally, ordered him to de-
stroy and dismantle all the British
fortifications that might fall into his
power, which he executed practi-
cally when he caj)turcd Fort St. Da-
vid. A heavy retribution followed
when Pondicheny was taken by Co-
lonel Coote, in 1761. On this occa-
sion the fortifications Avere levelled,
and the ditch filled up by the removal
of the glacis into it, and from this de-
.struction it lias never completely re-
covered.
The French power in India M'as
but of short duration, but remark-
ably brilliant while it lasted. It
commenced under the government
of M. Dupleix in 1749, and was ex-
tinguished by the surrender of Pon-
dielierry in 1761; but the beginning
of the colony has a much earlier
date.
'I'he French first adventured to
India in 1601, when two ships were
fitted out from St. Maloes, under the
command of the Sicur Bardalieu,
which were Miecked next year
among the Maldives Isles without
reaching their destination. In 1604
Henry lY. incorporated the first
French East India Company with a
charter for 15 years. In 1672 the
French, under M. Martin, purchased
from the King of Visiapoor (Beja-
poor) a village on the coast called
Pondiclienv. with a small tract ad-
676
PONDICHERRY.
jacent, where ho effected a settle-
ment, M hich soon became populous,
from the dislracted state of the neigh-
bouring' couutries. In 1693 the
Dutch took: PondicheiTy, which they
jetajned until the peace of Ryswick,
in 1697, when they were obliged to
restore it with the fortifications great-
ly improved.
On tlie 26th August, 1748, Admi-
ral Boscaweu besieged Pondicherry
with an army composed of 3720 Eu-
ropeans, 300 topasses, and 2000 se-
poys; and, on the 6th October, was
compelled to raise the siege, having
lost in the course of it 1065 Eu-
ropeans. 'l"he French garrison con-
sisted of 1800 E\noi)eaus and 3000
sepoys. M. Duplcix acted as go-
vernor during this siege, having been
appointed in 1742 ; in 1754 he Mas
removed from the government. M.
Lally lauded at this settlement on
the 28th Feb. 1758, when an active
war ensued between the French and
British forces, which ended in the
total ruin of the French and their
adherents. Pondicherry surrendered
to the British army under Colonel
Coote on the 16th Jan. 1761, after a
long and strict blockade. The total
number of European military taken
in the town, including services at-
tached to the troops, was 2072 ; the
civil inhabitants were 381; the artil-
lery fit for service were 500 pieces
of cannon, and 100 mortars and ho-
witzers. The ammunition, arms,
weapons, and military stores, were
m equal abundance.
At tlie peace of 1763 this fortress
was restored to the French Flast In-
dia Company, with the fortifications,
in a very dilapidated condition; but,
by great exertions and the skill of
<he J'rench engineer;:', they were
again considerably strengthened. In
Oct. 177.S it surrendered to the army
under Sir Hector Monro alter an
obstinate defence, highly honourable
to the governor, M. de Kellecombe.
The gai rison consisted of 3000 men,
of whom 900 were Europeans; the
besieging army amounted to 10,.50U
men, of whom 1500 were Europeans,
At the peace of 1783 it again de-
volved to the French, but, on the
breaking out of hostilities, surren-
dered to the British army on the
23d August, 1793. On this occasioa
the garrison consisted of 900 sol-
diers, and 1500 armed iidiabitants.
It was restored nt tlie peace of
Amiens, at which period the inha-
bitants were estimated at 25,000,
the revenue at 40,000 pagodas per
annum, and the extent of sea coast
five miles. On this event Buona-
parte seems to have formed expec-
tations of raising it to its ancient
splendour, otherwise he would not
have sent out an establishment of
such magnitude as arrived under
General de Caen. This consisted
of seven generals, a proportional
mimber of inferior officers, and 1400
regular troops, including a body
guard of 80 horse; in addition to
which they brought 100,0001. in spe-
cie — the Avhole evidently intended
for a much wider field of action than
the confined territory of Pondicherry
afforded. Whatever were his plans
they were all frustrated by the short
duration of the peace, as Pondicherry
was again occupied by the British
in 1803 ; but the French admiral,
Linois, having the earliest intelli-
gence, escaped with his ships.
The system of policy adopted by
the l-'rench from the beginning vio-
lated the customs and prejudices of
the natives. JNI. Duplcix destroyed
their temples; M. Lally forced thcjn
to work in the trenches, and to do
other military duty repugnant to
their caste ; and the French govern-
ment had prohibited the residence of
a single family winch was not Christ-
ian within its boundaries. To this
intolerant and interfering spirit, in a
considerable degree, nmst be attri-
bnted the decline of the French
power, and to a contrary system the
elevation of tiie Britisli on its ruins.
'I'ravelfing distance from Madras,
1 00 miles ; fi om Seringapatam, 260 ;
from Hyderabad, 452; from Delhi,
1400; from Calctitta. 1130; from
Nagpoor, 773: from Poonah, 707.
POONAH.
677
(Lord Valentia, Orme, Macpherson,
Kennel, ^-c.)
PoNTiANA. — A Dutch seUlcment
on tlie west coast of tlie Lslund of
Borneo, Lat. 3°. S. Lonjj. 109°.
30'. E.
The Dutch East India Company
obtained possession of Landak and
Succadana, on the Isijuid of Borneo,
by a f^rantfrom the King- of Bantam,
to whose crown they wcie appen-
dages. In tlio year 1778 he ceded
tlic entire property of them to tlie
Dutch East India Company, Mhieh
took immediate possession of tlieni,
and erected a small fort called Fon-
tianii situated on a river then named
Lava, but now by Europeans Pon-
tiana. {Stavorhiits ami Notes, '$•€.)
PooLSEKPOoR. — A town in the
Nabob of Oude's territories, 46 miles
N. N. E. from I 'vzabad. Lat. 27°.
28'. N. Long-. 82°. 30'. E.
PooNAH, {Pmm). — A city in the
province of Bejapoor, the capital of
the Peshwa and of the IMaliaratta
empire. Lat. 18°. 30'. N. Long.
74°. E.
This place is situated about 30
miles to the east of the Ghauts, 100
road miles from Bombay, and 76
from the nearest sea-coast. Consi-
dering its rank Poonah is not large,
covering probably little more than
two scpiare miles, is but indill'crently
built, and wholly open and defence-
less; on which account it belter an-
swers the ilcscription of a large ^ il-
ia jc than of a city. Severid of the
houses are large, and built wiih
s(|uare blocks of granite to about 14
feet from the ground ; the upper part
is a frame work of tind>cr, with slight
walls. 'J'he lime, bricks, and tiles,
are so bad, that the rain washes away
any building that does not depend
on limber for its support. The in-
habitants are well supplied from ex-
tensive markets; aiidllure is a long
street in which a great variety t)f ar-
ti('les, such as minors, globes, lamps,
&c. are displayed, 'i'he streets are
named after mylliological person-
ages, adding the termination warry,
oqnivalent to street ; and the mem-
bers of the Hindoo pantheon are
brought still further into notice by
paintings on the exterior of tho
houses ; the history of tlie Brahmin-
ical deities may therefore be learn-
ed while traversing the city.
The ancient palace or castle of
Poonah is surrounded by high thick
walls, with four round towers, and
has only one entrance, through a
pointed arch. Here the Peshwa's
brother and other members of tho
family reside, but he has a modern
house for his own residence in ano-
ther part of the town. In 1809 he
had made tinangements for the erec-
tion of a palace, to be built by Bri-
tish architects, his highness defray-
ing the expense. Preparatory to the
construction of this edifice the ground
was then marked out and conse-
crated, by l)eing plastered over with
a composition of cow dung and ashes.
The view from Parvati liill com-
mands the town with all its gardens
and plantations, the cantonuients of
the subsidiary force, and the British
residency at the Sungum. At the
bottom of the hill is a large square
field enclosed with high brick walls,
where the Peshwa assendjles the
Brahmins, to whom he gives alms at
the great feast Avhcn the rainy sea-
son terminates, who, on this occa-
sion, beg their way to Poonah from
all parts of India. When all assem-
bled they are shut in and marked,
and as they come out, one at a time,
the gratuity is given to them. To
the eastward of the city there are
mythological excavations resembling
those of Carii and El(>iiliauta, but of
a very inferior description.
At this place the ^Moota Kiver
joins the Moola — their union funn-
ing the Mootimioola, wiiichruiis into
the Beeinah. This river afterwards
forms a junction with the Krishna;
by which nuite, dining the rainy
season, a journey by water may be
ellected from w ithiu 75 n)iles dist-
ance of the western coast of India
to the Bay of Bengal. The IVIoota
washes the city on the north side,
where it is abt)ut 200 yards broad.
078 POONAKHA.
and in the dry season very sliallow.
It was formerly intended to build a
bridge over it ; but the Peshwa, who
conmienced it, dying, and his suc-
cessor, while prosecuting the work,
tlie undertaking was judged unpleas-
iiig to the gods, and abandoned. The
Sunguni, where tlie British ambas-
sador resides, is distant about two
miles from the city, having the Moo-
ta River between them, and is en-
tirely occupied by the ambassador's
suite and other British subjects. The
garden is watered by both rivers by
means of aqueducts, and produces
Indian fruits and vegetables. Apple
and peach trees thrive here, and
there is also an excellent vineyard.
The present Peshwa Bajeerow is
the son of llie famous Bagobah (Ra-
goonaulh Row)of evil memory. His
predecessor, Madhurow, -"the young
Peshv.a, died suddenly the 27th of
Octol>er, 1 795, when this prince was
raised to the sovereignty, but expe-
rienced many vicissitudes, having
been repeatedly dethroned and re-
instated by the chiefs of the contend-
ing factions. His alliance with the
British, concluded at Bassein on the
30th Dee. 1 802, established his power
on a solid foundation, and he has
ever since remained in undisturbed
possession of the government. Al-
though his family is Brahminical,
yet, not being of the highest order,
the purer classes of Brahmins refuse
to cat with liim ; and at Nassuck, a
place of pilgrimage, near the source
of the Godavery, he was not allowed
to descend by the same flight of steps
used by the holy priests. The Poo-
nah Ibahmins affect an extreme pu-
rity, and abstain from animal food,
and some of them object to eating
carrots; but, notwithstanding their
sanctified al)stinence, they are held
in extreme contempt by their carni-
vorous bretlncn of Bengal and Up-
per Hindostau.
Among the natives here beef is
never killed or eaten, except by very
base tribes of iliiidoos. Particular
towns within Maiiaratta territories
enjoy the exclusive privilege of kill-
ing beef for sale ; Koorsee, on the
Krishna River, is one; and Wahi,
or Wye, about 50 miles to the south-
ward of Poonah, is another. The
burning of widows with their hus-
bands' corpse is very frequent at
Poonah, where five or six instances
occur every year ; and the immola-
tion is usually performed at the junc-
tion of the Moota and Moola rivers,
close to the British residency.
The population of Poonah is not
great for tlie metropolis of so exten-
sive an empire, but it probably ex-
ceeds 100,000. Formerly at the fes-
tival of the Dusserah, on the 13th of
October, the great ]\Iaharatta chief.*
used to attend at l^oonah, accom-
panied by prodigious bodies of their
followers, by whom whole fields were
devastated. Having celebrated this
festival, they were accustomed to
set out on their predatory excursion.s
into the neighbouring coiuitries,
where little distinction was made
between friend and foe — a ]\Iaha-
ratta being remarkably impartial in
his robberies. On some occasions,
when invaded, the Maharattas not
thinking Poonah worth preserving,
have destroyed it with their own
hands, after sending the archives and
valuables to some of the nearest hill
fortresses ; and, in a state that can
conveniently exist without a large
capital, great advantages are gained
in war by a release from such an in-
cumbrance.
Travelling distance from Bombay,
98 miles ; from Hyderabad, 387 ;
from Oojain, 442; from Nagpoor,
486 ; from Delhi, 913 ; and from
Calcutta, by Nagpoor, 1208 miles.
(Re)tnel, M. Graham, Moor, Lord
Valcntia, Malet, ,^-c.)
PooNAKHA. — A tow n in Northern
Hindostan, in the province of Boo-
tan, situated on the cast side of the
Chaanchicu River. Lat. 27°. 66'. N.
Long. 89°. 45'. E. This is the win-
ter residence of the Deb Rajah, and
being tlie warmest part of Bootan, is
selected lor the cultivation of exotics
from the south. The palace of I'oo-
nakha resembles that of Tassisudon,
POPO ISLE.
679
l)ut is rather more spacious, and has
in tijc sa1ne niaiiucr its ('itadol ami
trilded canopy. It is situated on a
peninsiilii, washed on both sides l>y
tiie JNJatehien and Patclucu Hivcrs,
inimeiiiateiy before their junction.
{Titrner, S'C-)
PooNAR. — A hilly and woody dis-
trict belo!ia,iii!j to the Nizam, in the
province ol lierar, situated between
the 21st and "i'id degrees of Jioilh
latituile. 'J'he chief to«n is Poonar,
and th«'re is no river of consequence.
By Abul Fazel, in 1582, it is de-
scribed as follows :
" >ircar Poonar, containing five
niahals ; revenue 13,440,000 tlanis."
Poonar. — A town in the Xizani's
territories, in the province of licrar,
the capital of u district of the s;inie
name, 75 miles south from Elli( li-
{)oor. Lat. 2o°. y'. N. Long. "ib".
13'. E.
PooRBUNDER. — A town on the
S. W. coast of the Gujrat Peninsula.
Lat. 21° 37'. N. Long. 6[)°. 50'. E.
On a high mountain in this dis-
trict, visible from Bhattia, once stood
the city of Goomtec, which w as tlie
metropolis of the Banas of Poor-
bunder, when their sway extended
throughout the western quarters of
the Gujrat Peninsula. It was de-
stroyed by Jam Bhamenee, the son
of Jam Oner, who invaded the coun-
try from Siude, for the purpose of
overturning Uie government of Poor-
bunder. Legendary tales and songs
state their passage of the Run at
Mallia, which may l>e esteemed evi-
dence of the extent of that curious
swamp at an early period. In this
district there are several extensive
works for fusing iron.
By an agreement conrhided in
1808, BanaSerlanjeeand Coer llal-
lajee of Poorbunder, engaged with
the Bomliay governmeiit not to per-
mit, iiLstigate, or connive at, any act
of piracy committed by iuiy perisou
under their authority, and also to
abstain from plundering vessels in
distress. Kecriprocal freedom of
Irade to be permitted by both par-
ties, and ajj agent from tho Bombay
government to be allowed to reside
at I'oorbunder, to ascertain that the
articles of the treaty were correctly
observed. {Macmurdo, Treaties, Vc.
PoOKNAH BiVF.u, {Piirana, full).
— A river in the Deecan, which has
it.s source in the Injardy Hills, from
whence it flows west through the
jirovince of Bcrar, and falls into the
'i'uptee about 20 miles below JJoor-
han|)Oor.
PonRUNnER,( Ptfrrtnrfa>-fl). — A town
belonging to the Maharatta I'eshwa,
in the j rovince of Bejapoor, 17 miles
S. by E. fronj Poonah. Lat. 18°.
16'. N. Long. 74°. o'. E.
PoovALOOR. — A town in the Carr
natic, 24 miles north from Tanjorc.
Lat. 11°. 6'. N. Lo g. 79°. 15. E.
PooRWAH, (P;</Tn).~A town in
the Nabob of Oude's territories, 28
miles S. S. W. from Lucknow. Lat.
2G°. 28'. N. Long. 80° 44'. E.
PooTELLAM. — A town ou the west
coast of the Island of Ceylon, re-
markable for its salt pans. Lat. b°.
5'. N. Long. 79°. 51'. E. 'I'he salt
pans are Conned by an arm of the
sea, which overflows part of tlie
country between this place and Cal-
penteen. A large quantity of salt
was manufactured here by (he Dutch,
who considered their exclusive pos-
session of this article as one of their
greatest means of coercing the kings
of Candy, as the latter could only
procure this necessary through the
medium of the Dutch.
Since the British acquired Ceylon,
the production of salt here has been
almost entirely neglected, although
it might be rendered profitable, and
is most eligibly situated for supply-
ing the King of Candy's domini(»ns.
{Percioal, iSt.)
PoPo Isle. — An island in tho
Eastern Seas, 50 miles in circum-
ference, and situated about the 130th
degree of east longitude. 'J'he two
clusters of islands named Bo and
Popolo lie nearly in the same pa-
rallel of latitude, the latter being of
a more mountainous surface than the
former. They are inhabited, and
680
POSITRA.
afford a supply of cocoa nuts, salt,
and dried fish. {Forrest, ^c.)
PoosHKUR, {or Pohir). — A cele-
brated Hindoo place of pilgrimage,
in the province of Ajnieer, sifuuted
about four miles from the city of Aj-
nieer. The town, wliich is not lai j^e,
stands on the t^hore of a romantic
lake (Pooshkor), from whitlt it takes
its name. It is said that at this place
only is to !>e seen any sacred image
of Brahma. His temple is close to
tlie lake, small, plain, and very an-
cient; and the image is about the
size of a man, with four faces in a
sitting posture. The largest temple
at this place is dedicated to the third
incarnation of Vishnu, but only the
ruins now remain, having been de-
molished by the zeal of Aurcngzebe.
Besides these there are many others
of modern date, erected to every
deity in tho Hindoo calendar, and
amongst otiiers one didicat(Ml to
Mahadi-Aa, which is the handsomest
at the place. The banks of the lake
are covered with small temples, pa-
vilions, and choultries, built by the
neighbouring rajahs at various times.
The town of Pooshkur is divided
into two (juarters, containing alto-
getlier about 700 houses, the inha-
bitants of ^^llich are mostly Brah-
mins, and entirely dependent on cha-
ritable <;cn1riou)ions for a siibsist-
tncc. Here is also a jMahonmiedan
mosque, built l)y Byram Khan, the
friend and tutor of the Emperor Ac-
ber. The marble u^td in most of
the great bnildings is dug out of
(juarrics about seven miles to the
west of Pooshkur. The country ex-
tending west to the city of iVJeerta
is flat, and but little cultivated.
{liroug/iton, <SiC.)
PouCA. — A town on the sea coast
of the province of 'I'ravant'or, 130
miles In. >V . from Cape Comoriti.
I.at. 9°. 2.3'. N. Long. 76°. 24'. E.
This is a populous |)lace, inhabited
by many Mahommedan, Hindoo,
and Christian mercliants. The ad-
jacent country produces abundance
of rice, and may be called the gra-
nary of Malabar. 'J'hc Dutch East
India Company had formerly a fac-
tory here, for the purpose of procur-
ing pepper. {Fra Paolo, S^c.)
PoRO IsLi:. — This island is also
named Pulo Sipora, or the Island of
Good Fortune, and is situated off
the south-western coast of Sumatra,
N. W. of the Poggy Isles, and in-
habited by the same race, with the
same nnaincrs and language. When
this island was visited, in 1750, by
Mr. John Saul, the towns or villages
contained nearly 1000 iidialutants ;
and, in 1757, when Captain Foirest
made his inquiries, there was not any
material alteration. In length this
island may be estimated at 33 miles,
by eight the average breadth, and it
is described as being almost entirely
covered with wood. {Mar.sden, ^c.)
PoRTONovo. — A town on the sea-
coast of the Carnatie, 117 miles
S. S. W. from Madras, and 32 miles
S. by W. from Pondicherry. Lat.
11°. 30'. N. Long. 79^. 52'. E.
PosiTRA. — A piratical town and
fortress in the western extremity of
tiie Gujrat Peninsula, situated in
the district of Oka, near to the town
of that name, and in sight of Bate.
Lat. 22° 23'. N. Long. 69°. 17'. E.
By an agreement executed on the
28fh Dec. 1807, Coer Meghrajee, of
this place, engaged with the Bombay
government not to permit, instigate,
or connive at, any act ot piracy com-
mitted by any person under his com-
mand, and also to abstain from plun-
dering vessels in distress. A free
commerce to be permitted to all
British vessels paying the regulated
duties. 'J'hcse precautions do not
appear to have been efiectual, as, in
1809, Posiira surrendered to a British
niilitaiy turce, and the walls were
levelled with the ground. It had
long been ia the possession of a band
of pirates and freebooters, who kept
tlie adjacent territory in a state of
desolation, and had baflled the ut-
most ejlbrts of the neighbouring
chieftains. In the neighbourhood of
this place there is still a village of
professed pirates, who do not culti-
vate ground sufficient to raise the
PRINCE OF WALES' ISLAND.
f)8l
necessaries of life, Inisling to tlie
success of tlieir clepredalions. 'i'lie
gopoc chuiiduii, a Avliite clay for
uiarkiii;;- the forehead, taken In.m a
holy tank near I'osifra, sells iit Pom-
bay for six rupees per maund. {Mac-
viurdo. Treaties, <^"c.)
PowALLY. — A town in the pro-
vince of 'I'iiineveily, 20 miles S. \V .
from Madura. Lat! i>°. 31>'. N. Lon,^
77°. 69'. K.
PowA NG HL'R, {Puvanglinr). — A
stronji; hill fort in the Alaharalta ter-
ritories, in the province of Cujrat.a
few miles distant iiom the town of
Chumpaneer. Lai. 22°. 31°. N.
Long. 73°. 39'. E.
Powanghur is an immense rock,
every where nearly perpendicular,
al)OUt 600 yards high, aiid iiiacees-
sibie except on the norJh side, which
is fortified with five w alls. On the
suuunit of ;dl is a ro( k, on which
stands a celebrated J liudoo temple,
the ascent to which is by 240 steps.
Notwithstanding its Ibrmidable posi-
tion, it was taken, in 1S03, by the
Urilish forces, wfter a very slight re-
sistance, {tith Rigister, tVc.)
Pratas 1sm.s. — A cluster of is-
lands, shoals, and large recks of
considerable extent, in the J'^astcrn
Seas, being six leagues from north
to south, and stretching three or tour
leagues to the eastward of the island.
Lat. 23°. 50'. N. Long. \ 16°. 4.V. E.
PuiAMAN. — A town .situated on
the S. W. coast of Sumatra. Lat.
0°. 36'. S. Long. 99°. 43'. E. U\
168.5 this was the Jlast India Com-
pany's chief settlement on the is-
land, tlie troops endjarked for tlie
garrison amouutiisg to 300 men, and
the artillery to 49 pieces of ordnance.
{Bruce, ^c.)
Princi; of Walks' Island, (PuIo
Penatig, Eetel-iwi Island). — An in-
land situated off the west coast of
the Malay Peninsula, the N. E.
point of which is in J^at. 5°. 2o'. N.
Long. 100°. 19'. E.
This island is of an irregular four-
sided figure, and computed to con-
tainnearly 160 square miles. Through-
out the centre of the island tlicre is
a range of lofty hills, rffcreasiig in
magiiitu;ie as they approach I'l'-
south, ai;d from these (low numerous
fine streams, which supply the island
abundantly with water. 'I he har-
bour is formed bj the nanow strait
which scjjarates the north side of the
island fiom the (^)uedah shore, it
is capafious, atibnis good anchorage
for the largest ships, and is so well
defended from the winds that a
storm has never been lelt here. The
principal entrance is to the N. W.
Imt there is also a fine ciianiHl to
the southward. Yiolent squalls are
occasionally experienced, but they
rarely continue more than an hour.
^^ ifh the exception of January
and i'cbruary, wliii^ii are the dry
hot months, the island is seidoin a
few day without rain ; the heaviest
falls about November and December.
'J'hc flag stafl' hill, which is nearly
the highest in the island, is estimat-
ed to rise 2500 feet aljove the level
of the sea. Here the thermometer
never ascends above 78°. seldom
above 74°. and falls to 6b°. while on
the j)lai(i it ranges from 76°. to 90°.
The distance of (Jeorge Town from
the fool of the hills is five miles, auti
from thence to the Hag staff is three
miles more.
The soil of this island is various;
generally a light black mould niixccl
with gravel, clay, and in many parts
sand}'. The whole island had been
for ages covered with an immense
forest, from which originated a line
veg-'table monhl formed by the de-
cayed leaves, wiiieli, as the woods
were cleared, and liie surface ex-
posed to the weather, isi a consider-
able degree disappeared ; but the
soil in the interior is still equal to
any sort of cultivation. These fo-
rests prod'iee excellent timber for
ship building, and supply masts of
any diniensio.is — lower masts of one
piece having been procured here for
a 74 gun ship. Much of the north,
and nearly the whole of the south
and east sides ol the island, are in a
state of culti\aiion. 'I'he principal
productions arc pepper, betel mit,
GS'2
PRINCE OF WALES' ISLAND.
betel leaf, cocoa nuts, coffee, sugar,
paddy, i^inger, yams, sweet potatoes,
and a ojcat variety of vegetables.
The fruits arc the mangosteen, rani-
bosteen,pine apples,guavas, oranges,
citrons, pomegranates, &,c. Ti;e ex-
otics raised here are cloves, nutmegs,
cinnamon, pimento, kyapootec, co-
lalava, and a number of other plants
from the Moluccas and Eastern Isles.
Pepper is the chief article of culti-
vation ; the quantity raised in 1804
was calculated at two millions of
pounds.
The elastic gum vine (nrceola
elastica) or American caout-chouc,
is found in great plenty on Prince of
Wales' Island. It is about the thick-
ness of the arm, almost round, with
a strong ash-coloure<l bark, much
cracked and divided longitudinally,
with points at small distances that
send out roots, but seldom branches.
It creeps along the groinid to the
distance of more than 200 paces, and
then ascends among the branches of
high trees. The milky juice of the
vine is drawn off by wounding the
bark, or by cutting the vine in pieces.
The best is jnocurcd from the oldest
vines, which will jicid two-thirds of
their weight of gum. The chemical
properties of this vegetable milk sur-
prisingly resemble those of animal
milk.
The fort here is ill built, and in-
capable of defencx3 from its size and
construclion ; the sea has also for
some time been making rapid en-
croachments on it. The public roads
arc wide, and extend many miles
round the town ; and there are se-
veral good bridges over the river,
which were built by the Company's
artificers and the Bengal convicts;
the latter are likewise employed in
raaking bricks. The niarkets are
well supplied wilh fish of various
kinds and of excellent quality, poul-
try of all sorts, i)ork, grain of every
description, and a gicat profusion of
fine fruits and vegetables. The beef
and veal are not of a good quality ;
sheep arc imported from Bengal and
iIk; Coast of Coromaudcl ; goat mut-
ton is procured from the IMalay Pe-
ninsula and Sumatra. Milk, bread,
and butter, are very dear, and the
tirst very scarce.
A Imost al! the country ships bound
to the eastward, particularly those
for China, touch liere, where they
refresh and purchase such articles of
trade as (hey have room for. The
East India Company's ships bound
to China touch also here, and load
la e quantities of tin, canes, lat-
tans, sago, pepper, betel nut, biehe
de mar, bird nests, &c. ibr the China
market, as also to serve for dunnage
for their teas to Europe ; and in this
small island now centres the whole
irade of the Straits of Malacca and
adjacent islands.
IMPORTS.
From Bengal. — Opium, grain, iron,
steel, marine stores, and piece goods.
These last generally consist of hum-
mums, gurrahs, baftaes, cossacs, tan-
jcbs, inamoodies, chintzes, kurwaks,
taffetas, and bandanas.
From the Coromandel Coast. —
Salt, tobacco, punjam cloths, blue
cloths, coir rope and yarns, hand-
kerchiefs, chintzes, and a small quan-
tity of fine goods.
From Bombay and the Malabar
Coast. — Cotton, salt, a few piece
goods, red wood, sandal wood, shark
tins, fish mote, putchuck, mjrrh, Su-
i-at piece goods, oil, &c.
I'rom the west coast of Sumatra. —
Pepper, benzoin, camphire, and gold
dust.
From Acheen and Pedeer. — Gold
dust, betel nut, white and red, cut
and chickney, pepper, rice, and
Acheen cloths.
From Diamond Point. — Rattans,
sago, brimstone, and gold dust.
From the east coast. — Tin,pepper,
Java arrack, sugar, oil, rice, tobacco,
&c. &c.
From Junk Ceylon. — ^Tiii, bird
nests, biehe de roar, sepun, and ele-
phants' teeth.
FromTringano. — Pepper and gold
worked cloths.
From Borneo. — Gold dust, sagOj
and black wood.
PRINCE OF WALES' ISLAND
From tlie "Moluccas. — Spices.
FioinCliiiia — Tea, sugar, lustrings,
\ civet, pai)or, umbrellas, china ware
oi all kinds, quicksilver, nankeens,
lutcnague, sweetmeats, pickles, and
every article required by the Chinese
settlers; raw silk, copper ware, china,
camphor, china root, alluni, &e.
l-XPORTS.
To Sumatra cast and west coast.
• — All the various piece goods im-
jiorted from JJengal, the coast, and
Bombay, cotton, opium, iron, and
tobacco.
To Junk Ceylon. — Piece goods and
opium.
To Tringano, .TaAa, Borneo, Ce-
lebes, and thcMoluccas, — Iron, steel,
opium, Bengal piece goods, blue
fioth, European coarse blue, red,
and green cloths, and coarse cutlery.
To China. — Opium, cotton, rat-
tans, betel nut, pepper, bird nests,
sauclal wood, shark tins, Sumatra
camphor, tin, biche de mar, catch,
and .sppun.
To Bengal andCoromandel. — Pep-
per, tin, betel nut, cut and chiekuey,
rattans, camphor, gold dust, ^c.
Ui" these exports a great propor-
tion were originally imported. In
1810 the prime cost of woollens ex-
jiorted to Prince of Wales'lsland, by
the East India Company, amounted
only to 4451.
The settlement here was origin-
ally established at an enormous ex-
pense, with a view of constituting
it a great slii{» building depot and
arsenal; but so little did it ulti-
mately answer this expectation, that,
in 1807, it was stated by the civil
architect at Prince of A\ ales Island,
that a ship built there would cost
three titnes as much as one built at
Rangoon or Bassein.
From the ajipearance of many
parts in the interior of the islaud,
and the number of tombs that were
discoveretl soon after the colony was
formed, the tradition of its having
been formerly inhabited seems to be
entitled to credit ; when taken pos-
session of, however, there were only
a few miserable Ushernicu on Uie
683
sea coast. In 1785 it was granted
io Captain l'ran( is laght, of a coun-
try ship, by the King of (^iirda, as
a marriage i)0rtion with his daughter.
Captain Light translerrcd it to the
East India Coin])aiiy, and was by
them appointeil lirst governor of the
island, where he arrived in August,
178G. The early settlers had great
diliiculties to contend with ; an im-
mense forest was to be cut down,
swamps to be drained, and ravines
tilled up. AVithiu the lirst v car (jO
Chinese families removed lioni the
adjoining countries and settled here.
SVlien Prince of Wales Island was
occupied by the East India Com-
pany, they agreed to jtay the King
of Queda (5000 dollars annually, as
an indemnilication for the loss of
revenue he was likely to sustain. In
1800, by a new treaty, he ceded
along the oi)posite coast 18 miles in
length, and three in breadth; in
consideration of m hicli the trilmtd
was raised to 10,000 dollars per an-
num, at which it still continues.
Captain Light died in 1794, and
was succeeded by Mr. Manuingham,
w ho died soon alter in Bengal, In
1796 Alajor Maedonald took charo-c
of the government, and died at Ma-
dras in 1799. lie was Kiicceededby
Sir (ieorge Leith, w lio lived and re-
turned to lUuope. The Hon. C. A.
Bruce, brother to the Earl of Elgin,
arrived as go\ernor on the 24th of
March, 1810, and died next De-
cember, universally regretted. Tins
island is resorted to by invalids from
Bengal and the Coromandel coast
for a change of air ; but, if we may
draw any inference from tlic rapid
mortalityof the governors, the change
is not for the better.
In 1801-2 the total number of
inhabitants amounted to 10,310, of
which number 1222 were slaves; in
1805 the inhabitants of all descrip-
tions were estimated at 14,000, and
have since been progressively in-
creasing, and exhibit an uncommon
diversity of races. Here are to be
seen British, Dutch, Portuguese,
Americans, Arabs, Pai'sccs, Cliiucsc,
<384
PUCKHOLI,
Chulias, Malays, Bnggesscs, Bit-
mans, Siamese, Javanese, &c. &c.
The settlement having: risen in im-
j)Orfancc, the Company, in 1805,
fieterminer! to constitute it a regular
government, subordinate only to the
C;overnor-(ieneral of India ; but, on
account of the eisormous expense
iiunrred hy the establishment, some
Diodilicalions have since taken place.
(Sir G. Leith, Elmore, Hoivison,
Mcrsdcn, Johnson, St'c.)
Princi:s Islk. — An island situ-
ated off the north-westernmost ex-
trcnsity of the Island of .lava. I^at.
H° 30'. S. Long. ]05°. 12'. E. The
li^nd is "in general low and woody ;
The higliest eminence on it iscalled
by the English the Pike. In 1G94
it was uninhabited ; but it now con-
tains a town, named Samadang, di-
vided into two parts by a river of
brackish water. Turtle may be had
here, as also fisli, deer, plantains,
pine a]iplcs, liee of the mountain
kind, yams, and other vegetables.
(Stmwrimis and Notes, Sfc.)
Pkome. — A town in the Birman
empire, named also Peeage Mew.
Eat. 18°. 60'. N. Long. 95°. E.
This city was the original and na-
tTual boimdary of the Birman em-
pire to the south, although conquest
lias stretched their dominions se-
veral degrees fnrther. This town is
larger and more populous than Han-
goon, which contains 30,000 inha-
1)itants, and its market is also better
sup])lied. At the upper end of the
piesent city are to be seen the ruins
of the ancient city of Prome ; the
modern fort is nothing more than a
pallisadoed enclosure, with earth
thrown up behind it. Adjacent to
the town there is a royal menageiie
of elephanls, consisting of two rows
of lolly and -well built stables, in
whi< h these animals are lodged dur-
ing the rains.
Many ages ago Prome was the re-
sidence of a dynasty of Pegu kings,
beliire the country had submitt<tl to
the liirman yf)ke ; at present, along
V ith the province, it forms the jag-
hire, or estate of the King of Ava's
second son. The chief exports ar©:
stone flags and timber. A teak
plonk, three inches thick, and from
16 to 20 feet long, niay here be pur-
chai'^dl'or half-a-crown. (Symes, <^t.)
PuRNA. — A town in the province
of Bengal, 63 miles E. from Moor-
shedabad. Lat. 24°. N. Long. 89°.'
12'. E.
Pi'CKHoLT, (Paxali). — A district
to the noith of the province of La-
hore, situated about the 34th degree
of north latitude, and bounded on
the Avest by the Indus. By Abul
Eazel, in 1582, this territory is de-
scribed as follows:
" Sircar Puckely measures in
length .35, and in breadth 25 coss.
On the east lies Cashmcfe ; on the
north, Kinore ; on the south, the
country of the Gchker tribe; and,
on the west, is Attock Benares. Ti-
mur left a small number of troops to
keep possession of this quarter, and
soiue of their descendants are there
to this day. Snow is conlinually
fjtiliiig in the mountains of this dis-
tiict, and sometimes in (he plair^,
"J he Avinter is very severe, but the
summer heat moderate. Like Hin-
(lostan, Puckely has periodical rains.
IJrre are three rivers — the Kishen-
gung, the Bohut, and the Sinde.
'j'he language of the inhabitants
has no affinity with those of Cash-
mere, 'Zabulistan, or Hindostan.
Nakhud and barley are the most
plentiful grains here. Apricots,
jieaclies, and walnuts grow wild,
I'ormcrly, the rajahs of the coun-
try were tributary to Cashmere."
Distant as is the period since Abul
Fazel wrote, we have very little
more recent information res))ecting
this remote region than what he
has suiii)iicd. The whole of this
province now lies to the east of the
Indus ; but it is supposed in ancient
times to have oecujj)f<] also a tract
of country on the western side. The
<-oiMmon road from Cashmere to the
Indus lit s through Puekoli territory ;
but th(^ inhabitants are so notorious
for a fierce and predatory dis{)osi-
tion, that the route is esteemed too
PULO CONDORE ISLES.
085
liazardous. The district in j^cnrral
is of a inoiuitaiiioiis surface, parti-
ciilaiiy I'ntiu Mnziilcrabad to 1?:'-
zaar on llio Indus; llic iulial»i)aiils
lliinly scattered into distinct pctlj'
jiiiueipalitics, subject to cliicis of
tin; I'atan or Afglian race. {Abul
Fazel, llennel, Foster, ^c.)
PucKHOLi. — A town situated to
the nortli of the I.aliorc ])rovincc, in
the district of Pucliholi, of \\ liicii it
is tlie capital, 3(> miles Vj. from the
Indus. Lat, 33°. -Hy. N. Long. 72°.
8'. L.
PucouLOE, {Paclu). — A town in
the province of B«ngai, district of
Dacca Jelalpoor, 3-i miles N. N. A\ .
from Dacca. Lat. 24^. b'. N. L(fng.
sy°. 55'. E.
PuDucoTTA, (Pitdttcata). — A town
in the Southern Carnatic, in the I'o-
I\gar teiTitories, 32 miles S. S. W.
from l\iniore. Lat. U.°. 2u'. N.
Long. 78°. .59'. E. Tiiis was form-
erly the capital of Tondiman, which
•was the hereditary title of a po!\gar,
and not the name of an iiidiviihiai.
PuLMARY. — A town in the Ni-
zam's dominions, in the province of
Ainungabad, 30 miles west of Jal-
napoor. Lat. 19°. 59'. N. Long.
76°. 5i'. E.
PuLLlCAT, (VaJiamta). — A town
on the sea-coast of the Carnatic, 25
miles N. from Madras. Lat. 13°.
2G'. N. Long. H0°. 25'. V.. The lake
of Pullieat, on w Inch it stands, ap-
pears to owe its existence to the
•seas breaking through a low saiuly
beach, and overllowing . the land*
within. Its comnuuiitations with
the sea are extremely narrow^ Tl:is
lake is in extent 33 liiiles from north
to south, 1 1 miles acrus:; in the broad-
est part, and comprehends several
large islands.
I'he Dutch established themselves
here so early as lfc)t>9, when they
built a stjuare fort named (>cldiia ;
to whicii, afler the li;ss of N<ga-
patam. the chief government of tluir
settlements ontheCoroinaudel Cu^sl
was transfened. Their principal nn-
ports were arrack, sugar, Japan coj>-
per, spices, and other aiticles,bro«glit
4
from Balavia. In 1795, in conse-
(picnce of the war with the Dutch,
possession was taken of Pullieat,
and it is now comprehended in the
norlhern division of the Arcot col-
lectorship. {liennel, Fra Paolu,
c)C. Vc.)
I'uLO Ekassk Lsi.k. — A small
island, about 10 miles in ciniuii-
fereiice, situated olV the N.AV. e\-
tremitv of the Island of Sumatra.
Lat. 5°. 39'. N. Long. 95°. 3(/. 10.
PuLO Eaniack Isui:. — A small
island, ai)out 25 miles in circnm-
fercuce, sitinited off the west coast
of Sumatra, between the second and
third degrees of north latitude.
PuLO Dammuh Islk. — An island,
about 30nulcs in circumference, si-
tuated olf the southern extremitv of
(aiolo. Lat. 1^. S. Long. 128°.
25'. E.
PuLO Canmbaz Isle. — A suiali
island on the southern coast of Java,
from which it is separated by a nar-
row strait. In length it may be esti-
mated at 20 miles, l)y six the averairc
breadth. Lat. 7°. 5!i'. S. Long. 109°.
25'. E.
PuLo CoxnoRE Isles. — A cluster
of small islands in the Eastern Seas,
•siti'.aied oif the south of Cambodia.
I,ai. 8°. 40'. N. Long. 10G° 42' K.
The principal i'^land is 12 miles in
length, and about three in breadth.
'J'his island is in the form of a
crescent, and eunsis.(s of a ridge of
l)eaked hilis. On the east side of
the island there is a spacious bay
uf good anchorage. At the bottem
of the bay there is a village, situ-
ated on a fine sandy beaeli. Tiie
inhabitants of Pulo Condore ate
mostly refugees from Cocliin China,
and arc capable of supplving ships
V. ith some lelVeshinents. Their flut
faces, and little long eyes, denote a
Chinese origin, but the spoken lan-
guage of China is not intelligible to
thcni. When the matter is written
to them in the Chiueie character it
is pertecliy intelligible.
The J'Onglish had a settlement herc^
until 1704, wiien an insunection
took place amo|i^ the Malay syl-
680
PUNDERPOOR.
diers, who firsl set. fire to tlie Com-
pany's warehouses, and then niiir-
dercd Mr. Catclipoole, the governor,
and tlie i;reatest part of the Enj;;lish
on the island. To this trearhery
tlie jMalays are supposed to have
been instigated by the Cochin Chi-
nese, in order to obtain possession
of the Company's treasure, estimated
at 22,000 tael". {Stmnton, Bruce,
PuLO MiNTAOU. — An island, si-
tuated off the Avest coast of Suma-
tra, about the ySth degree of east
longitude. In length it may be esti-
mated at 35 miles, by 12 miles the
average breadth.
PuLOKUM Isle. — One of the
smallest of Eanda isles, named by
all tlie early navigators Polaroon.
Lat. 6°. 35'. N, Long. 129°. 4.5. E.
The English East India Company
obtained possession of this island so
early as 1617, but Mere repeatedly
expelled by the Dutch. In March,
1665, it was formally delivered up
by the Dutch to the English, but in
so desolated a state (the whole of the
spice trees being destroyed), that
this station, which had been the
subject of so many treaties and ne-
gotiations, was rendered totally use-
less for eight years. In 1666 it v as
re-occupied by the Dutch. {Bruce,
PuLowAY Isle. — k small island,
about 20 miles in circumference, si-
tuated otr the north-west coast of
Sumatra. Lat. 5;^°. .53'. N. Long.
95°. 45'. E. This Island is about
five leagues distant from the mouth
of the Achecn Kivcr, a)id was once
a volcano, sulphur being found on
it. (Forrest, <Sc.)
PuLWALL. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, 36 miles south from
the city of Delhi. Lat. 28°. 11'. N.
Lo ig. 77°. 18'. E. According to
Abul l"azel,this place is the northern
bound?ry of the Agra province, al-
ter which that of Delhi com-
mences.
PuNDA, {Punyada). — A town in
the province of Ecjapoor, 25 miles
S. E. Irom Goh, ai.'d near the S. "W.
extremity of the territoKy belonging
to the Poonah Maharattas. Lat.
15°. 20'. N, Long. 74°. 3'. E.
PuNDY, {Punyada). — A town in
the Northern Circars, 64 miles S. W.
from Ganjam. Lat. 18°. 43'. X.
Long. 84°. 40'. E.
Pu N D ER POOR, {Punyadharapard).
— A town in the Maharatta tenito-
ries, in the inovince of Bejapoor,
situated on the left bank of the Ri-
ver Beemal, 86 miles S. E. from
Poonah. Lat. 17°. 56'. N. Long.
75°. 12'. E.
This town is not very large, but
regularly and well built. The streets
are broad, well paved, and adorned
with handsome houses, almost all the
principal members of the Maharatta
empire ha\ ing dwellings here. The
Peshwa's house is handsome, but
Tuckojee Holkar's is still more ele-
gant. Nana Furnavese, Rastia,
Purscram Ehow, and others, had
houses liere. Sindia has not any
place of residence, but his mother
had several.
Tlie market is ver)- extensive and
well supplied, not only with grain,
cloth, and the productions of the
country, but w ith a variety of Eng-
lish articles, theie being a whole
street of boras' (Alahommedan ped-
Icrs) sliops, in Avhich the merchants
of Bombay and Poonah are con-
cerned. The lirst story of the build-
ings here are of stone, the second of
brick, and make a handsome ap-
peaiance. Leading from the town
to the river are several fine ranges
of stone .steps, and the front next
the river is faced with a wall of
stone.
Punderpoor is very populous and
prosperous, I'he country to the
south is weil wooded and watered,
and near the town the soil is good :
but the Brahmins assert, that the
lands around it are so holy that no
grain will grow on them, and that
they produce nothing but a conse-
crated shrub. The temple here is
dedicated to a subordinate incarna-
tion of Vishnu, under the name of
A\ittoba, which is said to have tukeu
PURNEAir.
687
jilare at no very remote period, lie
is sciilpdired in stone, about tlic
size of a man, and standing- with
his foet parallel to each other.
{Moor, ^T).
PuNuu.A. — See Purr.ah.
PUNGANooR. — A fortified town,
now compreliended within the Ha-
lag'haut ceded distriets, 117 miles
W. by N. from Madras. Lat. 13°.
li)'- N. l>on<?. 78°. 42'. E. Two
thirds of thePnnganoor district were
acquired by the eomj)any in 1799.
Punjab, {or Five Waters). — The
province of Lahore is oftcner named
tJie Punjab than Lahore, but the
Punjab being- only a part of that
province, and the term beinp: ap-
plied to the nattnal division of Ihe
country, it jjroperly includes part
also of Mooltan. The eastern boun-
dary of the Punjab is properly the
ridge of snowy mountains, tioni
whence its rivers sprin«^; but, in a
more limited scnsi",thc Punjab means
the country situated to the west of
the hilly tract.
The territory dcsip;uated by the
name of the Punjab is very exten-
sive, and remarkably fertile, pro-
ducing abundantly all the necessa-
ries of life, besides wine, sugar, in-
digo, cotton, and many luxuries. 1 n
the tract ijctweeii the Jhylum and
the Indus there are salt-mines,
Avhich furnish inexhaustible stores
of that article. The lower part of
the Punjab, towards j\Iooltan, is
tlat and marsiiy, and inundated like
Bengal, by the periodical rains,
which fall between the months of
May and October.
The Punjab, or Panehanada, is
watered by live celel)rated streams,
that fall into the Indus, the Indus
itself not being one. The names of
the five rivers are — 1. the Sutuloje;
2. the IJeyah ; 3. the Ravey ; 4.
theChinaub; and .'3. the Jhylum, or
Behul. {Rennet, Colebroohe, !yc.)
Pl'mjgga. — A small village iu
Northern Ilindostan, in the pro-
vince of IJootan. Lat. 27°. 23'.
N. Long. 89°. 23'. E. The moun-
tains iu tlie vicinity of Pauugga arc
among the highest in P»ootan. Tiie
peasantry here use, as a manure,
pine-leaves, which are heaped toge-
ther, and left to ferment and i<tl ;
after which they are esteemed a good
manure. The pestiferous insect, so
troul>le.-.ontc to the southward, at
Murithom, does not reach this
length. {Turner, $,-c.)
PURNEAH, {Puriin/(i). — A hirge
district in the prctvincc of JJengal,
situated about the 2f)lh degree of
north lalitudc. To the north it is
bounded by the M<»rung bills, in the
Nepanl territories ; on the south by
Monghir and llajemall ; to the east
it has Dinagepoor ; and to the west
Tirhoot and Roglipoor. By Abul
i'^azel, in 1582, it is described as
follows: —
" Sircar Poorcneah, rontaing nine
mahals ; revenue 0.408,793 dams.
This Sircar furnishes 11)0 cavalry,
and 5000 inf mtry."
'I'his district (named also Seerpoor
Dulmalpoor) forms, beyotul the
Caiiges, the north-v. est boundary of
Bengal, towards Bcliar on the one
side, and the Morung country to the
north. Purncah comprises 5119
square miles, of a fertile, compact,
well-watered fiat — producing rice,
oil, pulse, wheat, with almost all the
ordinary greens lor home consump-
tion. It produces also, o|>ium ajid
saltpetre for foreign conunerce ; to
which may be added fir-masts, and
other valuable timber, from the ^fo-
rung forests. Th<! northern part of
this district, bordering on the .Mo-
rung, is very thinly inhabited, being
covered with immense woods of
saul and other timber ; but sueli
parts of this tract as have been
cleared are fertile, and suit ex-
tremely well for the cultivation both
of rice and indigo, the latter being
one of the staple commodities.
Purneah, irom the extent and
goodness of the pastinc land, is en-
abled to export a considerable <]nun-
tity of ghee, or bulfaloes' l)utter cla-
rified ; and it is particularly uislin
guished for an excellent breed ol
draught and carriage bullocks. Oidy
u88
QUANTONG.
ihi? district and Sircar Samm pro-
duce bullocks of a standard suited
lor the couvevaiice of the baggage
and artillery atiiiched to the Beutjai
army; for which purpose above oOUO
are generally employed on the Ben-
gal establisiinient, exclusive of ele-
phants and camels for the convey-
ance of camp equipage. These bul-
locks are well pio])ortioncd, large
in size, capable of great exertion,
and very superior to the draught
cattle in C;dcutta. The Company's
cattle are allowed a certain quantity
of gram per day, which they do not
always receive ; but when fed for
slaughter, the carcase actually sur-
passes the best English b-ecf.
About 1790, the resnlt of an of-
ficial inipiiry in the jpurneak district
found 80,9i4 husbandmen holding
leases, and 22,324 artilieers paying
ground-rent, in 2784 villages, and
upon 2531 stpiare miles. Allowing
five to a family, tliis gives more than
203 to a s(]iiare mile. In 1801, the
result of the replies of the collectors
in Bengal to the questions circulated
by the board of revenue, proved,
that the Purneah district contained
1,450,000 inhabitants, in the propor-
tion of seven Mahourmedans to 10
Hindoos. The chief rivers arc, the
Cosah and Mahanada, and tho prin-
cipal towns, Purneah and Tanje-
poor.
During the Mahommedau govern-
ment this was a frontier military
province, under the rule of a loujdar,
subordinate to the soubahdar, or
viceroy, but possessing a greiit de-
gree of independence. Syei Khan
is the most famous of the piovincial
rulers, and governed until bis death
in 1169; Bengal year, under the
successive viceroyalties of Jaffier
Sujah and Aliverdi Khan. In 11:39,
he extended by conquest the limits
of his jurisdiction towards Bahar
beyond the Cosah, and added a con-
sideraljie portion of productive ter-
ritory on the side of Morung. lie
was succeeded by Sonlct Jung, on
whose death the foujdariy was
usurped by Shouket Juug, or Kha-
dini Hossein Khan ; but this rebel-
lion was quashed in A.D. 1763 by
Cossinj Ali Khan, the reigning Na-
bob of Bengal. {J. Grant, C'ule-
brooke, ^-c.)
Purneah. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Purneah,
124 miles N. \\ , by N. from Moor-
shedabad. Lat. 25°. 45'. N. Long.
88°. 2:V. E.
FuRRAH, {or Pundtui). — A town in
the province of Bengal, district of
Itajemal, 10 miles N. E. from JVIaul-
da. Lat. 2.5°. 9'. N. Long. 88° 9'.
E. In A. D. 1353 this was a royal
residence, the capital of llyas, the
second independent sovereign of
Bengal, at wliich time it was be-
sieged and taken by the Emperor
Feroze. During the reign of Kajah
Cansa, the Hindoo monarch of Ben-
gal, who died in 1392, the city of
Fundua was much extended, and
the Brahminical religion flourished.
His son, who became a convert to
the xMahommedan faith, removed
the seat of government back to Gour
again. Some of the ruins of this city
still remain, particidarly the Adeena
mosque, and the pavement of a very
long street. {Stetoart, Rennel, 4'c.)
PuTTAN SoMNAUT, {Pafuva Soma-
nathct). — A town on the south-west
coa.it of the Gujrat PeulTisula, dis-
trict of Piittan. Lat. 20°. 57'. N.
Lojig. 70°. 2;3'. E. By Abul Fazel
it is described as follows : — " '1 his is
a huge town on the sea-shore, with
a stone fort in a jdain. '1 he city is a
place of great religious resort." Both
the town and temple were plundered
and destroyed by Mahnjood of Ghiz-
ui, A. D. 1024. In a more modern
period it was conquered from the
Nagre Rajpoots by the baud of Rha-
ture Rajpoots, who established the
sovereignty of Sorut.
Q.
QuANToNG. — A town in the Bir-
niau empire, situated on the south-
QUEDAH.
689
cast side of the Ava River, 26milrs
distant from the frontiers of tke Yn-
iian, in Ciiina. Lat. 24°. 2'. N.
Long:. 96°. .%'. E.
Qi'KDAH, {Kiildeh). — A Malay
The entire countiy of Quedah is
extremely well watered by 24 ri-
vers ; all navigable for prows, and
some of them for larger vessels.
Qualla Mooda is a shallow rapid
principality in the peninsula of Ma- river, but convenient on account of
lacca, situated on the west coast, be- its conimunication with the tin
tween the fifth and eiglilh degrees of mines ; the annual produce of which
north latitude,and immediately oppo- is about 1000 peculs, and might be
site to Prince of Wales' Island. Seen rendered much more. The country
from the latter the Quedah coast to the south is less cultivated than
presents a considerable plain, cover- that to the north ; but, being a flat
ed with close wood, through which country, supplied with a redund
winds a river navigable for small
craft up to the foot of the high moun-
tains; from behind which, as \'iewed
from George's town, the sun rises.
This coiuitry extends along the
coast about 150 miles, and is from
20 to 35 miles in breadth, but the
ance of moisture, it is extremely
productive of rice, and abounds al-
so with bulfaloes, bullocks, and
poultr}'.
The commodities of Quedah are
tin, elephants' teeth, wax, &c. and
the imports the same as at the other
cidtivated land no where exceeds 20 Malay ports — opium and Spanish
miles from the shore. From Trang
to Purlis the sea coast is sheltered
by many islands, the distance being
24 leagues, low, and covered with
woods. The water is also remark-
dollars composing the most valuable
part of the cargo. It was a place of
considerable trade before the esta-
blishment of Prince of Wales' Island;
since which the commerce has been
ably shallow, ships being obliged to mostly transferred to the latter,
anchor a great distance from the In 1786 an agreement was enter-
shore. Along this tract 11 rivers ed into with the King of Quedah for
empty themselves into the sea, but the cession of Pulo Penang, now
navigable for boats only. Prince of Wales' Island, to the Bri-
The principal sea-port, called Que- tish. In May, 1792, a regular treaty
dah by strangers, and Quallah Ba- of peace and amity, to continue as
tany by the natives, lies in Lat. 6°. long as the sun and moon give light,
N. The river is navigable for vcs- was concluded ; by which the East
sels of 300 tons ; but the entrance is India Company engaged to pay the
choked up by a flat mud bank, over king 6000 dollars annually, while
which at spring tides there is only they remained in possession of the
nine feet water, and the road where island.
ships of burthen anchor is above two
leagues from the shore. At the
mouth of the river, which is 300
yards wide, there was a small brick
fort, but it is now in ruins. Both
shores are muddy, swampy, and co-
vered with jungle. Seven miles fur-
ther up the river is AUistar, where
In 1802 a new arrangement was
entered into between the same par-
tics ; by the conditions of which
Yeng de perTuan, King of Quedah,
agreed to make over to the East In-
dia Company all that part of the sea
coast of his dominions between
Qualla Karriean and the river side
the king resides, to which place all of Qualla Mo:^dah, and measuring
vessels can ascend, whose draught inland from the sea 60 orlongs;
of water permits to pass the bar. which tract of country the Company
The river here is narrow, but deep, engaged to protect from all enemies,
the country level and cultivated; robbers, and pirates. The king
but a little way above Allistar the agreed to permit the free exporta-
ground rises, the river becomes more tiou of provisions, and other articles,
rapid, and navigable only for prows, to Prince of Wales' Island, and en-
2 Y
(390
RAHDUNPOOJR.
gaged not to permit any European
to settle ia his dominions. Tlie
treaty also stipulated for the appre-
hension and delivery of insurgents,
felons, debtors, and slaves ; and, in
consideration of the benefits accru-
ing to the Company from these ar-
rangements, they agreed to pay his
Majesty of Queda 10,000 dollars an-
nually, so long as they possessed
Prince of Wales' Island and the
coast above described. {Dalrymple,
Treaties, Elmore, Johnson, Haensel,
SfC. ^c.)
QuiNHONE, (or Chincheu Bay). —
An excellent harbour in Cochin
Ciiina, where vessels arc sheltered
fiom eveiy wind, llie entrance is
Barrow, and the want of a sufficient
depth of water obliges vessels of
gieat burthen to wait until high
water to so in. Lat. 13°. 52'. N.
R.
R.4BNABAD TsLE, {Ravana abad).
— ^A low, muddy island iu the Bay
of Bengal, formed by the sediment
deposited by the Rabnabad River,
one of the branches of tlie Ganges,
and separated from the main land by
a very narrow strait. At ncep tides
it is scarcely above water, and at
high spring tides is nearly sulnnerged.
It is, notwithstanding, covered witli
jungle, and swarms with deer, tigers,
and alligators. Ijj length it may be
estimated at 15 miles, by five miles
the average breadth.
Rachouty. — A town in the Ba-
laghaut ceded territories, district
of Gurrumcundah, 125 miles N.W.
from Madras. Lat. 14°. 2'. liOng.
78°. 4i>'. E.
Rafin. — A town in the Maharatta
leiTitories, iu Ihe pro\ince of Aruu-
gabad, 43 miles S. S. E. from Ali-
mednuggUr. Lat. 18°. 2G'. N. Lonsr.
75°. 20'. E.
Lat. 25°. 32'. N. Long.
tcrpoor.
80°. E.
Rahdunpoou. — A town in the
province of Gupat, district of Wer-
rear. Lat. 24°. N. Long. 71°. 45' E.
This is an extensive place, sur-
rounded by an ancient wall, in the
curtain and towers of which there
are nnraerons breaches. It has an
inner fort or castle, a town wall and
another wall, the whole surrounded
with a dry ditch about 20 feet deep.
In some particular parts there is a
double ditch.
The town of Rahdunpoor is said
to contain above 6000 houses, 1400
of which are inhabited by Banyans,
Shrofls (money changers), some oi
whom are men of property and ex-
tensive commerce. From its geo-
graphical situation this place is a
kind of emporium for the trade of
Marwar and Cutch, but the road
has, of late years, been little fre-
quented, being greatly infested by
the plundering Coolies. Formerly
caravans of merchandize travelled
from Joudpoor and the province of
Ajmeer, by the route of Pauli, Sa-
chore (or Sanjore), and Mandavie
Bunder ; but at present the escort re-
quired is so great as to engross the
whole profit. The direct and safest
road from Marwar, or Joudpoor, to
Gujrat, is by Palhanpoor.
'Phe staple commodities furnished
by this city for foreign markets are
ghee, wheat, and hides. The gheo
is sent to Cutch, and the two latter
to Bownagnr, in the Gulf of Cam-
bay, whence it is re-exported. No
manufactures of any consequence
are earned on here, except one ot
very coarse (;loth for the Coolees.
The inhabitants are mostly emploj'ed
in agricultural pursuits, by which
they have brought the vicinity of the
town into a higli state of cultivation,
^\ iieat is usually sold for a rupee
per niaund, for which sum only
tbree-fourths of a maund of bajcrce
are obtained.
The Rahdunpoor principality was
fotinded by a Baloochy chief, named
Rah AT. — A town in the province
of Allahabad, district of Bundel-
cuud, 40 miles N. N. E. from Chat- I^hduii Khan, who came from Par
RAJAINIUNDRY.
GDI
kiir; and Khan Jelian Imilt (he wall,
and ropresst'd the incursions ot tiie
Coolcfs. When Danuiajee (jui-
cowar compelled Kumnianl nd Dccn
Banbi (the father of the present Na-
bob of Rahdunpoor) to resi^fn his
claims (o Pattan (or Neliiwallah),
and its nine <lependant per;;unualis,
he was permitted to retain Rahdun-
poor, Manjcpoor, and Sonunee,
wJiich wore part of the original pos-
sessions of the family. A mes-
senger from hence to Joudpoor can
go and retnrn in about 16 dajs.
Mannnrdo, ^-c.)
Rahny, {Ruhani). — A town in the
province of Bengal, district of Di-
iiaircpoor. Lat. 2o°. 53'. N. Long.
78°. 5'. E.
Rahoon, {or Rahti). — A town in
tlie Seik territories, in tlic province
of Lahore, 115 miles S. Jv trom the
city of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 5'. N.
Long, 75°. 35'. E. 'I'liis place is but
a few miles distant from tlie Sutu-
lege, which in the month of April
has here the appearance of a canal
running in two chainiels ; the tirst
fordable, and in breadth about 100
yards; the second is 350 yards
across, the water deep, but not ra-
pid. During Iheheiglit of the rains,
the river hero is above one mile and
a half broad. From Rahoon baftas
and j>iece goods are canied to the
fair at Hurdwar. (lU/i liegistei;
Rnpei-, ir.)
Raisskf.n". — A district tributary to
the Maharattas, in the province of
Malwah, situated between the 23d
and 24th degrees of north latitude,
and bounded on the south by the
Vindhaya Mountains. It is men-
tioned by Abul Fazel, in 1.582, as -
containing 32 mahnls. 'l"he chief
towns are Raisseen, Rilsah, and
Clioonpoor. The lietwah is the
]>rincipal river, and has its source in
this district, but attains no magni-
tude until it quits it.
RArssEEN. — A town in the pro-
vince of Malwah, the capital of a
district of the same name, 12G miles
cast from Oojain. Lat. 23°. 19'. N.
Long. 7;°. 47'. E.
2 Y 2
Rajah Chohans. — A wild coun-
try in tiie province of (Juudvvan:i,
.situated between (he akl and 24th
degrees of north latitude; the prin-
cipal town of M hicli is Sonehut, tiie
usual residence of llie Corair Rajah.
This tract of territory is extremely
rugged and mount ;tinous, very little
cidtivated, and inhatiiled I>y some
of the wildest tribes in India. 'J'he
«hole country is a sticccssion of
de(?p gullies, ravines, chasms, and
defiles. The inhabitants are named
Chohans, and their rajali is tributary
to the MaliaiMttas, but not remark-
able for the punctuality of his pay-
ment.s.
'J'he land produces a little rice,
Indian corn, and a few otiier smaller
grains peculiar to hilly cotnitrics.
South of Sonelnit the country be-
comes more open, i>ut the villages
continue very poor, generally not
couiiisting of more than lour or five
Inits. There is a great abundance of
game throughout the whole district.
Among the animals of a more fero-
cious nature may be reckoned tho
royal tiger, leopards, tiger cats, and
large black bears. Prior to the Maha-
rattas extending their conquest.s, iu
1790, into these desolate regions, the
Corair Rajahs appear to have lived
in perfect independence. (Blunt,
W. Vc.)
Rajami'xdry, {Rajai7)midiri). — A
district in tiie province of the North-
ern Circars, situated about the 171h
degree of north latitude. To the
north it is bounded by Cicacole; to
the south, by Ellore ; on the east it
has the Bay of Bengal ; and on the
west the Nizam's t'-iritories, in the
province of Hyderai^td.
Part of this district lies to the
south, but the greater proportion to
the north of the Godavcry, which
separates it from Eilore. 'I'his river
divides itself into two gieat branches
35 miles from the sea, within vviiiiih
it tbrms tlie Isjand of Nagur, a tri-
anguUu- space comprehending 500
square miles, but of very great value
in proportion to its extent. From
the Poliveram z^mindary, on tlie
692
vest, the preat range of liills limits
this district, and the small river Set-
tieveram describes its northern bor-
der towards Cicacole. The wiiole
inchides an area of 1700 square miles
of accessible territor}".
The intervening space between
the small rivers Yellerie and Settia-
verani, is subdivided by water courses
to answer the purposes of cultiva-
tion, in the two principal zeminda-
ries of Peddapore and Petlipoor.
The Island of Nagur is enclosed by
the two greater branches of the Go-
davery, and intersected by five lesser
ones. Which render it very produc-
tive ; it being the grand receptacle
of all the slimy mould carried down
11AJA3IUNDRY.
cane, and manufacturing the sugar,
by the natives, in this district, is,
like all their other works, extremely
simple. The whole apparatus, a few
pair of bullocks excepted, does not
amount to more than six or eight
pounds sterling. One acre of sugar,
in a tolerable season, yields about
10 candy of sugar, each candy weigh-
ing about 500 pounds, and is worth
on the spot per candy from 16 to 24
rupees. Here on an average six
pounds of juice yield one pound of
sugar from good canes. The reliise
is given to cattle, or carried away by
the labourers, there being no distil-
lation of rnm.
The principal towns of this di.s-
by one of the greatest rivers in the trict are Rajamandry, Ingeram, Co-
Deccan. The forests of Rajamun- riiiga, Bundermalanca, Peddapoor,
dry, from the commencement of the and Pettipoor ; but there is little ex-
hills along the banks of the Goda- port trade carried on at any port ex-
very to Poloonshah, on the frontiers cept Coringa. It was ceded to the
of Coramamet, produce abundance
of teak trees ; this being the only
country on the east side of the Bay
of Bengal which furnishes this va-
luable species of timber.
The cultivation of sugar is carried
on to a considerable extent in the
French, in 1753, by Salabut Jung,
the Soubahdar of the Deccan; and
acquired to the British, by Lord
Clive, in 1765. Since the first esta-
blishment of European government,
Rajamundry has acquired many ad-
ditional territorial dependencies by
Peddapore and Pettipoor zcminda- conquest and by policy. It now con-
ries, along the banks of the Elyse- stitutes one of the five districts into
ram River, which, though small, which the Northern Circars were snb-
has a constant flow of water in it divided, on the introduction of the
the whole year, sufficiently large not Bengal revenue and judicial system
only to water the sugar plantations in 1803. {J. Grant, Roxbm-gh, Orme,
diu-jng the driest seasons, but also a ^r. Sfc.)
gicat variety of other productions,
such as paddy, ginger, turmeric,
yams, and chillies. The stream of
w.ater, during the driest season, ren-
ders the lands adjoining more fertile
than almost any other in India, and
Rajamundry. — A town in the
Northern Circars, the capital of a
district of the same name, and si-
tuated on the east bank of the Go-
davery, 40 miles tiom the sea. Lat.
16°. 59'. N. Long. 81°. 54'. E. In
particularly fit for the growth of the the middle of the town, and near the
river, there formerly stood a large
fort,with mud walls of little defence.
The rajahs of Rajamundry are
mentioned by Ferishta as independ-
ent princes when the Deccan was
invaded by Allah ud Deen, A. D.
1295, and it was subjected by the
Bhamenee sovereigns ot' the Dec-
can, A. D. 1471.
Travelling distance from Hyder-
sugar cane. A considerable quan-
tity of sugar also is raised in the
Delta of the Godavery, and the cul-
tivation might be; increased to any
amount. From the same spot they
do not attempt to raise a second crop
oftener than every third or fourtli
year, but dining the intermediate
time plants of the leguminous tribe
are cultivated.
Tlie method of cultivating th« abad, 237 miles ; from Madras, 365 ;
RAJEMAL.
693
and from Calcutta, 665 miles. {Onne,
Hennel, <Sc )
Rajanagl'R. — A town ill thr pro-
Aiiu'c of l.ciijjal, disliiot of J)a<ca
J<'laI|)Oor, situated on tlic cast side
of tlic (iaiiijes, 23 miles S. b} W.
fnun Datcar Lat. 23° 22'. N. J^oiig.
03°. 14'. Jv
KAJtoiiR, (Rajaghnr). — A town
in the Maliaiatia toriitorics, in tlie
pioviiKc of Alalwali, situated on the
west side of tiie Sopra Kiver, 67
miles N. E. from Oojaiii. J^at. 23°.
66'. N. Long. 76°. 27'. E.
Rajeguk. — A town in the pro-
vince of Allahabad, situated on the
west side of the MiverCane, 18 miles
S. K. from Chalterpoor. Lat. 24°.
44'. N. Long. 8U°. 5'. E.
IIajlgir Hills. — A range of hills
in the district of Baliar, province of
iiahar.
Kajemal, (Raja mahal). — A dis-
trict in the province of Bengal, si-
tuated about the 25th degree of north
latitude. To the north it is bounded
by Purneah and Dinagepoor ; on the
south by Raujeshy ; to tlie east it
lias Dinagepoor and Raujeshy ; and
on the we«t Monghir and Purneah.
This district, also called Acber
Nnggur from its capital, and Cank-
jole on the revenue records, as being
the chief military division, is princi-
pally situated on the western bank
of the Ganges. It was formerly an
important military government on
the conlincs of Bengal towards Ba-
har, commanding some of the moun-
tainous pa.sses into either country,
particularly the famous pass of Ter-
riagully, the possession of which was
deemed of so much consequence in
times of the hostile iiide[)endence of
the two soubahs. In 1784 Rajemal
and Boglipoor contained, according
to Major Rennel's mensuration,
10,487 square miles, of >\ Inch 5435
were waste. Thcrcvenue of this great
tract was then only 547,600 rupees.
The soil in the neighbourhood of
Rajemal tow n is said to contain a
mixture of granite rock, which is
not to be found lower down the
river. The plains iu the neighbour-
hood are cultivated with wheat and
barley, and the villages abound with
mango trees of a good quality, plant-
ed in regular squan-s. Ihe Indian
corn, doll, kelai, and mustard, make
part of the crops, as well as the
more common articles of rice, the
mulberry tree, andindigo pbnt. The
lields are diversific't with the castor
oil plant, or ricinus palma Christi,
the quantity raised far exceeding
what is necessary tor medical pur-
poses. The jungle grass rises to the
height of from eight to 10 feet, and
is topped with a beautiful white
down, resembling a swan's feathers.
At Siclygully jsone of the villages
formed in the wilds by government,
by granting lands to the sepoy in-
valids, on condition ol their resi-
dence and cultivation. Beyond this
station, to the west, the province of
Bengal finishes, and that of Bahar
commences ; and in the neighbour-
hood is a fine cascade. At 'i'erria-
gully, on the borders of the district,
is a celel)rated pass into the moun-
tains up a narrow winding road,
Avhere there is a ruined gatew ay and
fort. The roads are but iiulitiereut,
owing to the force of the torrents
during the rains, which tear up the
bridges, and carry devastation
throughout the country. 'l"he ze-
mindars have an allowance for re-
pairs, but do not execute any.
In this district there is a great ex-
tent of waste and mountainous ter-
ritory, inhabited by a wild race of
people extremely ditferent tiom those
of the plains, and apparently of an
aboriginal stock. They are mostly
low in stature, but stout and weil
l)roportioned. There are many un-
der four feet ten inches, and more
under five feet three than above that
standard, with tlat noses, and lips
thicker than the inhabitants of the
plains. Their chief articles of ira/fic
are common Hindostany bedsteads,
wood, planks.charcoal, cotton, honey,
plantains, and sweet potatoes; which
they barter for salt, tobacco, rice,
cloth, iron heads for arrows, hatchets,
crooks, and iron instruments.
(394
RAJOORAH.
Their domestic animals are hogs,
goats, and fowls, besides cats and
dosjs; the wild animals are in gmc-
lal the same among the hills as on
the plains, except a species of large
deer, and another remarkably srjiall.
The bow and arrow arc the oiiiy
weapons peculiar to these nioinitain-
eers ; some few have s\^ ords, and
still fewer matchlocks, 'i'hey pro-
fess no veneration for the cow, and
have no knowledge of letters, or of
any sort of character. Indian corn
is the most productive of their grain,
and their chief subsistence. 1'ho
greatest sliare of the labour falls on
the « ouKn ; and a man is rich in
proportion to the ininiberof his wives,
w ho are so many labourers. 'Jhcse
mountaineers arc descrihed as hav-
ing an uncommon regard to truth,
and an utter abiiorr' ncc to lying — a
description which, if just, forms the
greatest contrast to their neighiioms
in the plains yet mentioned. They
had long infested and dcAastated all
the adjacent country ; but about the
year 17B0 they were completely con-
ciliated, and a permanent settlement
arranged with them by Augustus
CIe\ eland, Esq. the judge and ma-
gistrate of ti;e di.-trict. 'I'his gentle-
man died in 1784, at the premature
age of 2y years. To commemorate
his exemplary conduct, a uionument,
ia the form of a pagoda, was erected
by the zrnindars, find another at the
expense of governmesit.
The prin-ipal towns in this district
are itajemal and Maulda, and the
chief river the Ganges ; but, like the
rest of Eengal, it is intersected (ex-
cept in the hiiiy parts) by smaller
streams in ail directions. In the re-
cent topograjdiical arrangement of
districts by the Bengal goverinnent,
Kajemal has citlier lost its name, or
beei^ absorbed into the adjacent di-
visions; but, until a new map is ex-
ecuted, exiiihiting the exact modern
limits (which is much wantetl), it is
necessary in most cases to adhere to
the old geographical delineation of
the districts. (./. Crant, S/tar, Lord
Valentia, Tcmiant, .yt'.)
Rajemal. — A town hi the province
of Bengal, the capital of a district of
the same name, situated on the S.W.
side of the River Ganges, 70 miles
N. N.W. from JNIoorshedabad. Lat.
25°. 2'. N. Long. 87°. 43'. E. This
town at present consists of a street of
mud cottages. Prior to 1638 it was
the residence of Sultan Sujah, Au-
rengzebe's brother ; but few vestiges
of its ancient magnificence now re-
main. The ruins of his spacious
palace are still standing, but have
been much injured by the encroach-
ments of the Ganges. Its empty
halls, marble parlour, and half-de-
cayed vaults, still present images of
its former grandeur.
During the reign of Acber, about
1591, l^ajah jMause Singh, on his
return from the conquest of the Af-
ghans of Orissa, fixed upon the city
of Agmahal for the capital of Bengal,
the name of which he changed to
Rajamahal; but by the Mahommed-
ans it is occasionally designated by
the name cf^iebeinagur. 'I'he rajah
erected a palace, and surrounded
the town with a rampart of brick
and other fortifications. In 1608 the
seat of government was removed
from hence to Dacca by Islam Khan;
but in 1G39 Sultan Shujah brought
it back, and strengthened the fortifi-
cations; of which, however, but few
traces are now to be seen. The
Ganges, which for a long time had
been gradually changing its bed,
about this time wholly quitted the
vicinity of Gour, aisd approached
the locky bank of Rajemal, where it
still holds its course. {Stewart, Lord
Valentia, Vc)
Rajoor, (Rajavara). — A town in
the province of Eerar, situated on
the south side of the River Wurda,
which here makes a considerable
curve to the east, 10 miles S. E. from
Chandah. Lat. 19° 56'. N. Long.
80°. E.
Bajoorah, (Rajavara). — A town
in the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Aurungabad, 40 miles S.W.
IVojn Nandf^re. Lat. 18°. 38'. N.
Long. 77°. 15'. E.
RAMGUR.
695
Ra JPOOR, {Rajafnira).—X town in
the tcnitoiics of the Maharatla
Peshwa, in tlie province of Beja-
poor, situated on tho sea-coast of llie
Concan district. Lat. l(i°. 48'. N.
Long:. 73°. 3'. E.
Rajpootana, {Itajpntrana). — See
Ajmf.er.
Rajpoor. — A small village in the
province of Gujrat, near its western
boundary, and about five miles north
from Therah.
In this neii;hboHrhood are a rans;c
of elevated sand hills, coveicd with
an impervious jungle of baiil)Ool and
other bushes. 'J'he surrounding coun-
try is also an inunense expanse of
jungle, with a few wretched \illages,
distinguishable by the smoke, the
dens of predatory thieves scattere«l
amongst it. From hence the moun-
tains of Jassore in Marwar are vi-
sible. {Maanurdo, S,c.)
Rakau Rivek. — A river in the
Island of Sumatra, to the northward
of Siak, atjd much the largest in the
island, if it should not ratlua- be con-
sidered as an inlet of the sea. It
takes its rise in the Ran country, and
is na\igable for sloops to a great
distance from 1 he coast; but vessels
are deterred from entering it by the
rapidity of the current, or more pro-
bably tliQ reflux of the sea. {Mars-
den, Ve.)
Ramagirt, {Ramagfiiri). — A small
town in tiie Mysore Rajah's territo-
ries, 50 miles N. E. from Seringa-
patam. Lat. 12°. 44'. N. Long.
77° 33'. E.
lliis place is dreadfully infested
by tigers, especially the fort, which
occupies a large rocky hill, capable
of a very tedious defence even with-
out any assistancf; from art. Seve-
ral Brahmins reside on the summit,
Avhich is reputed holy, but kept in a
"very slovenly state. It is plentifully
supplied with v»ater from several
large cavities or chasms in the rock,
which receive the rain, and by their
coolness prevent a rapid evaporation.
Lac is produced on several of the
neighbouring hills upon the tree
called jala, but cattle is the principal
object of the people around this
place. In all diseases of the ox kind
the grand remedy is actual cauterj',
fancifully applic(l in different places.
Although the killing of an animal of
this kind is considered by the Hin-
doos as actual mindei, there is no
animal whose sull'crings exceed those
of the labouring cattle in lliiidostan.
The usual price here of a middling
ox five years old, some years back,
used to be 16s. yd. sterling.
In this hilly tract there is a wild
race of men, called by the other na-
tives Cad' Eligani, but ^vho call
themselves Cat Cheusu. 'I'hey sub-
sist on game, wild roots, herbs, and
fruits, and a little grain purchased
from the farmers in the plains, which
they are enabled to do by collecting
some drugs, honey, and wax. Their
language is a dialect of the 'J'anuil,
with occasionally a few Karnata or
Telinga words intermixed. {F. Bu-
chanan, ^-c.)
Ramekgh. — A town in the Ni-
zam's tenitories, in the province of
Hyderabad, 55 miles N. W. from
Worangol. Lat. 18°. 31'. N. Long.
79°. 32'. E.
Ramghaut, {Ramaghata, the Ford
of Rama). — A town in the province
of Delhi, district of Alighur, situated
on the west bank of the Ganges,
which is here fordable, SO miles S. \',.
from the city of Delhi. Lat. 28°
12'. N. Long. 78°. 22'. V..
Ramgunge. — A town in the Na-
bob of Oude's territories, district of
Lucknow, 25 miles S. W . from the
city of Lucknow. Lat. 26°. 37'. N.
Long. 80°. 35'. E.
Ramgur, {Ramaghar). — A hilly
district in tlse province of Baliar, si-
tuated about the 24th degree of nortli
latitude. T-o the north it is bounded
by the district of Bahar Proper- ; on
the south by Nagpoor and Pachete;
to the cast it has Monghir and Pa-
chete; and on the west Palamow.
The modern district of Ramgur com-
prehends a much greater space, and
part of it may be considered as be-
longing to the ancient Hindoo pro-
vince of Gundwana.
6^6
RAMISSERAM ISLE.
This higbland dmsion of Baliar is,
from its situation, rocky and unpro-
fitable, and can never be brought
into a populous or cultivated slate,
unless great encouragement to new
inhabitants be held out — great part of
its territory being mountainous, and
overrun witii impenetrable woods.
All the hills in this quarter of the
Bahar province abound with iron,
which is fused for sale by the natives
in large quantifies. The chief rivers
arc th(^ Dummoodah and the Bur-
rahkur; and the principal towns,
Ramgur, Chittra, and Muckund-
gunge. The country is but thinly
inhabited, and a very great propor-
tion of the population Hindoos of
the Brahniinical persuasion ; but ac-
curate returns of these particulars
have not been yet published. {Lord
Teifrnmoiith, J. Grant, ^c.)
Ramgur. — A town in the province
of Bahar, distiict of Ramgur. and
situated on the north bank of the
Dummoodah River, 190 miles N.W.
from Calcutta. Lat. 23°. 38'. N.
Long. 85°. 43'. E.
Ramgur. — A town possessed by
independent zemindars, in the pro-
vince of Orissa, situated on the south
side of the Mahanuddy River, 102
miles west from Cuttack. Lat. 20°.
38'. N. Long. 84°. 35'. E.
Ramgurry. — A hill fort in the
Mysore Rajah's territories, distant
20 miles frojn Chitteldroog, which is
in sight bearing north east. While
possessed byTippoo the eastern .side
was the only part up Avhich it was
possible to climb, and every access-
ible spot was strongly fortified. The
passage up admits but of three or
lour persons at a time, and winds
through several gates and walls. It
requires a considerable time to reach
the top, where there is a town and
reservoir ih: v. ;,fcr, but it is neither
good nor plentiful. Jhere is a square
petfah of no great o>.tent at the bof-
lom, on the eastern side enclosed by
a. wall.
I'hat the natural sfrength of this
couutry is very ^reat may be con-
ceived from the fact, that six other
hill forts are in sight from the tower
on the top of Ramgurry, viz. Chittel-
droog, Hunraandroog, Rangundroog,
Oochinadroog, and Chandgheny.
{Moor, ^e.)
Ramisseram Isle, {Rameswaram,
the Pillar of Rama). — An island si-
tuated in the straits, between the
Island of Ceylon and the continent,
separated from the latter by a nar-
row strait. In length it may be es-
timated at 1 1 miles by six the aver-
age breadth, and is low, sandy, and
uncultivated. Lat. 9°. 17'. N. Long.
79°. 21'. E.
Ramisseram is an island of great
sanctity, and possesses a celebrated
pagoda, the entrance to which is
through a lofty gateway, about 100
feet high, covered with carved work
to the summit. The door is about
40 feot high, and composed of single
stones, placed perpendicularly with
others crossing over — the massive-
ness of tlie workmanship resembling
the Egj'ptian style of architecture.
The square of the 'whole is about 600
feet, and it is probably one of the fi-
nest pieces of arcliitccture in India.
Into the inner temples none are per-
mitted to enter but the attendant
Brahmins, who live in the town, and
have their share of the offerings.
When the Rajah of Tanjore used
formerly to visit this place of pil-
grimage, his expenses exceeded
60,000 pagodas. The deity uses no
other water but what is brought by
devotees the whole way from the
Ganges, which is poured over him
every morning, and then sold to the
devout — thus bringing a considera-
ble additional revenue to the temple.
The guardianship of this sacred
isle is in family of devotees, the chief
of which is named the Pandaram,
and doomed to perpetual celibacy,
the succession being carried on by
the sisters, or by the collateral branch,
'i'he greater part of the income is ap-
propriated to his use, and to that of
his relations, who have possessed the
supreme power above 90 years.
When Lord Valentia visited this
island, in 1803, the Pandaram re-
RAMNODE.
697
quested his lordship's protection for
their doity.
Panbaii, the captal of thft island,
is distant about nine miles from the
great temple, the road from which
has been paved the whole waj- by
the contributions of tlic pious ; and
nearly cvciy 100 yards is a choultry,
with its attendant Krahinins. The
strait here is about a mile wide, but
not passable, except for very small
vessels. The bed is rocky, and the
entrance ftom tho north only 100
fuet wide, between two rocks ; and
as another directly faces it, and the
cinrent is extremely rapid, niucli
caution is required to jtass in safety.
In the year 1310 the Mahommedans,
under Mallck Naib, invaded tlie Car-
natic, and pushed the depredations
as far as this place, where they erect-
ed a mosque. {Lord Valentia, Mac-
kenzie, Scott, ^-c.)
Ramissuk, {Rameswai-am). — A
town in the Maharatta territories, in
the province of Khandesli, situated
at the junction of the Ghirah River
with the Tuptee, 66 miles ^A . S. W.
from Boorhanpoor. Lat. 21°. 4'. E.
Loner. 750. 21'. E.
R A M K E \v R A , ( Ra macumnra). — A
town belonging to the Feslnva of the
Maharattas, in the province of Be-
japoor, 27 miles N. E. from Poonah.
Lat. 18°. 41'. N. Long. 74°. 20'. E,
Ramnad. {Ramanatlia). — A town
in the Southern Carnatic, in the dis-
trict of Marawas, 130 miles N. 1'.
from Cajie Coniorin. Lat. t)°. 24'.
N. Long. 78°. 4i>'. E.
The Ramiiad pollam, or zcmin-
dary, was giar.tcd to the ancestors
of the present family with the title
of SeUieputtis, for the defence of the
road and protection o.f the pilgrims
resorting to tlic sacred pagoda at
Ramisseram. Wcw is a fort, com-
menced many years ago by the Ran-
ny's ancestors, but never comjileted.
The palace adjoins to it, and is a
gloomy building, with lolty walls,
and no window on the o-t'side. Near
to it are the tomb of the J-tanny's de-
ceased husband, and a Protestant
church of very neat architecture.
The walls are externally completed,
and are of massive stones, with loop
holes at the top. It is .still in good
repair, but has no cannon mounted,
as there is no rampart within.
This town and district art- govern-
ed by the Ranny, who pays the Com-
pany two-tliirds of the clear revenue,
amoiuiting to 90,000 i)agodas per
annum. There remains ior herself
45,000 pagodas per anmnn, which is
a large revenue in so cheap a coun-
try. Tliis old lady's title is llanny
Soodoopnddy, IMunglasoovary Nat-
chiar. The lirst is a title, the second
points out her power over Ramis-
seram, the third is her name, and the
fourth denotes her as eldest daugh-
ter.
The imports of Ramnad are cliiefly
contined to supplies of betel nut from
Ceylon, and red silk cloths from
Bengal; and to those places res|)ect-
ively piece goods, cotton, and cliank.
shells, are exported. The total va-
lue of the imports trom places beyond
the territories of Madras, between
the 1st May, 1811, and the 30th
April, 1 812, was Arcot rupees 30,990,
\iz.
Erom Calcutta - - - - 2,661
Ceylon 18.334
Various places - - - - 9,995
Arcot rupees 30,990
The total value of the exports
during the above period was Arcot
rupees 95,706, viz.
To Calcutta ----- 31,772
Ceylon 63,994
Arcot rupees 95,766
Between the dates above specified
107 vessels and craft, measuring
1792 tons, arrived; and 119 ditto,
measuring 2952 tons, departed. —
{Lord Valentia, Parliamctitari/ Re-
ports, Hodson, (St.)
Ramnodk, (Ramanatha). — A town
in the Maharatta territories, in the.
province of Malwah, 40 miles S.S. V..
from Narwar. Lat. 25°. 6'. Nr
Long. 78°. 5'. E.
698
RANGAMATTY.
Rampoor, (Ramapura). — A town
in the Maharatta lenitories, in the
province of Malwah, 13 miles east
from Bopal. Lat. 23°. 15'. N. Long.
77°.42'. E.
Rampoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Bareily,
sitnatcd on the banks of the Cosilla
River, 40 miles N. N. W. from Ba-
reiiy; 110 east from Delhi. Lat.
2fc°. .50'. N. liong-. 78°. 58'. E.
Tills town and district, at the peace
of Lalidong, in 1774, were seemed
to Eyzoola Khan, a Bohillah chief,
at which time tlie revenue was va-
lued at .30 lacks of rupees per an-
num. During the life time of Fy-
zoola Khan, K am poor was very pros-
perous ; and, at his death, compre-
hended a space four miles in circum-
ference, surrounded by a thick bam-
boo hedge, within which w crc mud
fortifications, and containing above
100,000 inhabitants. It has suice
been greatly reduced both in size
and population, and probably now
does not contain a fifth part of the
above number.
On the death of Fyzoolah Khan,
in August, 171(4, his eldest son, Ma-
hommed Ali, succeeded; but was
^oon afterwards assassinated by his
second son, Gliolaiim Mahommed,
uho seized the throne. A British
force, under Sir Bobert Abercrom-
bie, was marched to expel the usvnp-
er, which was attacked by the Ro-
hillah army a few miles in advance
of Bareily ; but they weie repulsed
after a severe action, in which the
British lost GOO men and 14 officers.
Ghoiaum Mahommed surrendered
to the British soon after; and the
accumulated treasures of Fyzoola
Khan, amounting to three lacks and
22,000 gold mohurs (640,0001.) were
delivered up to the Nabob of Oude,
Asoj)h ud Dowlah, wiio presented
the British army with 11 lacks of
rupees. Possession was also taken
A' the Bampoor district for the go-
vernment of Onde; but a jaghire
("estate) was reserved for Ahmed Ali
Khan, a minor, the grandson of Fy-
zoolah Khan, of which the town of
Rampoor was part, and the revenue
10 lacks of rupees per annum.
The flourishing and highly culti-
vated state of this district, during the
life of Fyzoola Khan, exhibited a
great contrast lo the condition of the
Oude dominions by which it was
surrounded, and proves how rapidly
a country, under a good native go-
vernment, attains to prosperity. I'he
quickness of its decay, and its de-
plorable condition when ceded to the
British in 1801, prove how speedily
a bad one operates the reverse.
{Franklin, Rennel, 4c-)
Rampoora. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, district of Chala-
wara, eight miles N. W. from Sylah.
This place belongs to Wudwau, and
formerly had a respectable fort, which
was destroyed in 1805.
In the neighbourhood of Bampoora
are a gn at many pallias, which are
stones erected to the memory of any
person vv lio has fallen by a weapon,
and more particularly in defending
his village. In this j)art of Gujrat
an attacking enemy will estimate the
degree of resistance by the number
of pallias in the vicinity, it being dis-
graceful for a Bajpoot to shun the
battle, whose family inherits many of
these monuments of valour. Pallias
are also erected to commemorate fe-
males who have burned with their
husbands, and are here so frequent,
that in one field adjacent to Bam-
poora, not exceeding a square acre
in extent, the re are from 60 to 70 of
these monuments of i)osthumous fi-
delity. {Macmurdo, cSc)
Bandiur. — A town in the province
of Gujrat, district of Broach, situ-
ated op])osite to Sural on the north
side of the Tuptee River. Lat. 21°.
16'. N. Long. 73° 3'. E. Abu I
I'azel, in 1582, asserts, that in aiv-
( lent tunes it was a large city.
Rangamatty, (Rmigamaii, Red
Clay). — A district in ihe north-east
extremity of Bengal, situated about
the 26th degree of north latitude.
On the north it is bounded b)' Boo-
tan ; on the south by the GaiTow
J lills ; lo the cast it luks Assam ; and
RANGOON-
699
on the west Cooch Baliar and Ruiif^-
poor. Dining the Mogul govoni-
mcnt this (cnitory was oouipre-
hcndcd witliin tlie jniisdicliou of
Kungpooi-,in which it still conlinncs.
It sticfchcs on both sides of the
Brahni;([)()t)tia easterly to the con-
lines of Assam, throughout a wild
and uncultivated region of 2029
square niiles, many parts of which
are capable of being rendered ex-
tremely productive ; but at jiresent
jield little to the sovereign, except
a jew elei)haHts, annually caught in
the interior and neighbouring forests.
'J'he chief river is the Brahmapootra,
which nearly divides the district,
and the principal towns Kagamatty
and Goalpaiah. (J. Grant, St.)
Rangamattv. — A town in the
province of Bengal, the caj)ital of a
ilistrict of the same name. Lat. 26°.
{/. N. Long. 90'. E.
Rangoon, {or Yanghong). — The
principal sea-port town in the Kir-
man empire, in the province of Pe-
gu. Lat. 10°. 47'. N. Long, 96°.
9'. E. The entrance of the river
below Rangoon resembles that of
the Ganges, but the navigation is
more connnodious;the channel being
bold, and from six to eight fathoms
tleep, without shoals. Twelve miles
below Rangoon it is about tinee
quarters of a mile wide. The mouth
of the Syriam, or Pegu River, is
about three miles below the town,
when it joins that of Rangoon. The
country above is a level plain, with
clumps of trees at distant intervals,
and much depopulated by the fre-
quent v\ ars of the Birmans and Pe-
guers.
The town of Rangoon stretches
along the banks of the river about
a mile, and is not more than the
third of a mile in breadth. The
city, or mieou, is a square sur-
rounded by a high stockade ; and
on the north side is further strength-
ened by an indifferent fosse, across
vvhicli a wooden briilge is thrown.
In this face there are two gates, ia
each of the others only ouc. Wooden
stages arc erected within the stock-
ade for musketeers to stand o» in
case of attack. A battery of 12
pieces of cannon, six and nine pound-
ers, raised on tlie hanks, connnands
the river ; but tiie guns and car-
riages are so bad they could do little
execution.
The streets of the town are nar-
row, and much inferior to those of
Pegu, but clean and mcII paved.
There are numerous (hannels to
cany oft" the rain, over which strong
planks are laid. The houses are
raised on {)osts from tlie ground ; the
smaller sujiported by bamboos, and
the larger l)y stout timbers. All tlic
officers of governinei't, the most
opulent merchants, and persons of
consideration, live within the fort;
shij>wrights and people of ini'erior
rank inijabit the swl)iirl)S; ami one
entire .street, called 'i'aekally, is ex-
clusively assigned to connnon pros-
titutes, Aviio are not })rrmittcd to
dwell within the precincts of the
fortifications. Swnie, which do not
belong to any particular ov. ner, are
suflered to roam at laige, a ml act as
common scavengers, devouring the
filth under the houses.
The population of this place is
considerable. There are 5000 re-
gistered, taxable houses iu the
city and suburbs, wiiich, at six
l)ersons per iioiisc, will amount to
30,000. There is here a congiega-
tion, consisting of former Portu-
guese colonists, who arc numerous,
but in general very poor. They have
erected a neat cha|)cl, and support
their pastor by voluntary contri-
butions. The Parsees, Aunenians,
and a small proportion of Mahom-
medans, engross tiic largest share (»r
the Rangoon trade, and indi^iduals,
from their number, arc frequently
selected by government to fill em-
ployments of trust, that relate to
trade and transactions with foreign-
ers. There is a wooden wharf here
for the delivery of ships' cargoes,
and a custom-house built of brick
and mortar, and covered with tile,
which is the only I)uilding in the
town not constructed of wood. On
700
RANNY BEDNORE.
the opposite side of the river is a
town, called ]\]aindee, composed of
one long" street.
Rangoon having long been the
asylum of insolvent debtors from the
different settlements of India, is
crowded with foreigners of desperate
fortunes, who meet with a friendly
reception from the Birmans, and for
tlie most part support themselves by
canying on a petty traffic. Here
are to be met fugitives from all
countries of the East, and of all
complexioiis. Malabars, Moguls,
Persians, Parsees, Armenians, Por-
tuguese, French, and English — all
mingle here on the exchange. The
members of this discordant multi-
tude enjoy the utmost toleration
from the Birmans, who have no de-
sire to make proselytes, and never
discuss the religious opinions, or
disturb the ceremonies of any other
sect, provided they do not break the
peace, or meddle with their own di-
vinity Gaudma.
The River of Rangoon is ex-
tremely commodious for the con-
struction of ships. The spring tides
rise 20 feet perpendicular, the banks
soft, and so tlat, that there is need
of little labour for the formation of
docks, and vessels of any burthen
may be built. The Birinan ship-
wrights are athletic men, and pos-
sess in an eminent degree that vi-
gour which distinguishes Einopeans
from the natives of the East. Ma-
dras is supplied from Rangoon Avith
timber for all common purposes of
domestic use. It is supposed, ships
can be built at Rangoon for one-
third less than at Calcutta, and for
nearly half less than what they cost
at Bomhay ; but the Pegue built
ships are not so constructed, and are
generally deficient in the iron work.
The imports from the British settle-
ments consist chiefly of coarse piece
goods, glass, hardware, and broad
cloth. 'Phe returns arc made almost
wholly in timber. A few small com-
modities are carried from Pegu to
the coast of Pedir in Sumatra, and
the Prince of Wales' Island, for
the China market. In 1800, the
cost of shipbuilding at Rangoon was
131. per ton, coppered and equipped
in the European style.
1^'rom Rangoon there are 10 or 12
boats fitted out annually, and alK)ut
30 more from various towns on the
Irawaddy River, which proceed by
the way of the Bassien River, though
the channels which divide the Great
Negrais from the continent, along
the coast of Aracan to Luckipore,
Dacca, Calcutta, Bogwangola, and
even to Patna and Benares. They
are in general boats caiTying from
1000 to 1500 maunds (of 80 libs
each), with a crew of from 20 to 25
men. Every boat is supposed to
contain, on an average, the value of
4000 rupees, chiefly in bullion ; the
remainder consists of sheathing
boards, sticks of copper from China,
stick lac, cutcli, ivory, and wax.
Two and a half miles north of
Rangoon is the temple of Shoeda-
gon, or Dagoung, which is a very
giand building, but not so high by
25 or 30 feet as that of Sboemadoo,
at the city of Pegu. From the
many convents in the neighbour-
hood of Rangoon, the number of
rhahaans (priests) and phongies (an
inferior order of priests, vulgarly
called tallapoins) must be consider-
able, probably exceeding 1500. They
go barefooted, and have their heads
close shaven, on w hich they never
wear any covering.
The foundation of Rangoon was
laid by the victorious Alompra, the
first of the present Birman dynasty ;
and it is also named Dzatigoon,
which signifies victory atchieved.
Here stood, in former days, a large
and populous city, called, in the Pali,
or sacred language, Singoonterra,
the site of which Alompra explored,
and raised on its ruins the present
flourishing sea-port. In January,
1810, this place was almost totally
destroyed by fire ; but in a country
of forests a wooden town is soon re-
built. {Sifmes, Cox, ffc.)
Ranny Bednore, {Rani Bednur).
— A port and town lit the Balaghaut
RAVEY RIVER.
701
<»;ded territories, 60 miles N. E. from
Cliitteidroog:. Lat.l4° 33'.N. Long.
75°42'. E/
Rannypoor. — A town in tlie Ma-
haratta territories, in tiie province of
Malwah, 44 miles N.W. from Ciiat-
terpoor. Lat. 2b°. 13'. N. Long.
•7\P. 16^. E.
Rantampoor, (Ranotam piira). —
A city in the province of Ajnieer, in
the centre of the Arrabarre Mills.
Lat. 2G°. 2'. N. Lon^. 76"^. 2.5'. E.
This fortress was built by Rajah
Ameer Singh, in the reign of the
Emperor Alia ud Dcen, and is es-
teemed one of the stiongest and
lajgest in India. As no European
has yet approached it, the nature of
its strength is not known. The na-
tives repre:^nt it as being situated
on seven hills, the sides of which
are all completely scarped, and ac-
cessible only by one path. The city
of Madhoopoor, or Neyashehr, is at
the distance of two or three miles
from Rantampoor, and is second in
size and consequence only to Jyc-
nagur. The approaches to it are,
however, guarded with as much jea-
lousy as those of Rantampoor.
Travelling distance 120 miles S.W.
from Agra ; from Oojain, 260 miles.
( BroxigtitOH, Remiel, Sfc.)
Rarek. — A town situated on the
sea coast of the province of Beja-
poor, 17 miles N. by W. from Goa.
Eat. 15° 50'. N. Long. 73°. 30'. E.
This place and Vengorla belong to
tlie Colapoor Rajah and to the Dcssi
Warre.
Rattolaw, {Rai/atula). — A sea
port in the province of Gujrat, situ-
ated in the vicinity of a navigable
river on the Gulf of Cambray, 44
miles S. W. from the city of Cam-
bay. Lat. 22°. 3'. N. Long. 72°.
15'. E. This place was ceded to the
Compatjy by the Guicowar Maha-
ratta chief in 1803.
Raujeshv, {Rajshahi). — A cen-
trical district in the province of Ren-
gal, situated principally between the
24th and 25th degrees of north lati-
tude. To the north it is bounded
by Dinajepoor and Mymunsinjh;
on the sotith by Rirbhoom and Kish-
enagur; to the east it has Dacca
Jelalpoor and Mymunsing; and ou
the west Monghir. and liirbhoom.
This is the most extensive and
unwieldy zcmindary in Rengal, and
in 1784 comprehended, ateordiiig
to INIajor IJenuel's mensuration,
12,909 square miles, yiclditig a re-
venue of 24 hicks of rupees. It is
intersected in its whole length by
the Gauges, or lesser branches, uifh
many navigable rivers and fertilizing
waters. Within its limits are pro-
duced four-fifths of all the silk, raw
or manufactured, used in or e\p<trted
from Hindostan ; and it contains
the commercial and populous towns
of Moorslicdabad, Cossimbazar, Ban-
leah, Rogw angola, Conmicrcolly, &c.
and has many other provincial cities
and mainiiaeturing towns in its
ncighbourhootl. In 1725 tliis ze-
mindajy was confened on Ram Jc-
von, a Brahmin, the founder of the
the present familj . In times of re-
mote Hindoo antiquity, a p;ut of this
district, subject to annual iiuuida-
tion, was named the region of Va-
rendra.
In 1801, by the directions of the
Marquis Wellesley, then Governor
General, the board of revenue in
Bengal circulatetl various questions,
on statistical subjects, to the col-
lectors of the dillerent districts. The
result of their replies proved, that
Raujesliy contained 1,500,000 inha-
bitants, in the proportion of three
Mahommcdans to five liitidoos ; and
that, since the permanent settlement
of the revenue, the produce of this
district has greatly increased. (J,
Grant, Colehroohc, Vc.)
Ravey River, (Iravati). — ^This
is the third river of the Punjab, and
the Hydroatcs of Alexander's histo-
rians. It rises in Uie eastern hills of
Cashmere, near a famous place of
Hindoo worship, and not far lioni
the sources of the SutuUje, the Chi-
naub, and the Beyah rivers. Its
direction is atterwardssoutli westerly,
and it enters the plains near Shah-
poor (or Rajcpoor), from whence the
702
RAYSINGPOOR.
eanal of Shahiichr "vvas drawn to
Lahore, about 80 miles iu length.
This canal was inteiideil to supply
the city of" Lahore witli water dniing
the dry season, when all the Indian
riveis are fiom 20 to 30 feet below
tlie level of tlieir banks. The space
between the Ravey and Chinanb, at
their entry into the ])laius, is about
60 geographical miles, and they gra-
dually approach each other during a
course of 170 miles.
fVftcr entering the plains, the
course of the Ravey continues S. W.
until it passes the city of Lahore, 60
miles above which it is 120 yards
broad, and extremely rapid, yet na-
vigable, during the rains, for boats
of a considerable size. It continues
to flow in the same direction after
passing Lahore, and about 28 miles
above the city ofMooltan is joined
by theJhylumaud Chinaub, forming
a stream of unecjual breadth, scarce-
ly inferior to tlie Indus itself. Its
rapidity and breadth, after their
junction, are particularly remarked
by the historians of Alexander and
'I'imour. Immediately after their
junction, tiie distance from bank to
bank is one mile, one furlong, and
H;j yards. In the month of January,
but a little way lower down, the
breadth of the stream contracts to
less than 350 yards. Twenty miles
below Mooltan, this river fails into
tlie Indus, after having perl'oj med a
course, including tlie windings, of
above 500 miles. {Kennel, Wil-
ford, ic.)
Ravree, {Rari). — A town among
the Western Ghants,in the pravince
of Bejapoor, 45 miles S. S. W. from
I'oouah. Lat. 18°. 2'. N. Long.
7.)°. 32'. E.
This was the fast strong hold
seized on by Sevajee, the founder
of the Maharatta power, who made
it his capital. In 1688, after the
death of Sevajee, it was taken by
Aurengzebe, along with the family
and treasure of Sambajee Rajah, the
second Maharatta sovereign, whose
power was in consequence reduced
to a very low ebb. {Scott, Brucey^c.)
Raw A AD. — A small town in tire
Seik territories, in the province of
Lahore, 120 miles N. W. from the
city of Lahore. Lat. 33°, 5'. N.
Long. 72°. 12.' E.
Rawak Isle. — A small island,
which forms a harbour on the N. E.
coast of Wageeoo. The channel is
here a mile broad, with good mud
soundings from 10 to 15 fathoms.
Sago, made up m cakes, may
here be purchased in large quanti-
ties : fish and turtle arc also plentj'.
The Malays and the natives cut the
latter into small pieces, and stew it
iu green bamboos. Goats and fowls
are not to be had. (Forrest, Sfc.)
RaYbaugh, {Rni Bagk, the Ray's
Garden). — A district in the Maha-
ratta territories, in the province of
Bejapoor, situated between the 16th
and 17th degrees of north latitude.
This is a fertile and productive ter-
ritory, being watered by the Krish-
na, Gutpurba, and several smaller
streams. The principal towns are
Raybaugh and Badar.
Rayhai'gh. — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the province of
Bejapoor, 15 miles south from Mer-
ritch. Lat. 16°. 46'. N. Long. 75°
E. This place is enclosed by a bad
wall, having entrances on the north
and west sides. It is not populous
or extensive, nor does its appearance
indicate that it ever was a place of
consequence. Near to the northern
gate are some Maliommedan tombs.
{Moor, ■$■€.)
Raypoor. — A town in the Seik
territories, in the province of Lahore,
district of Bhatti, situated on the
bunks of the Beyah and Hyphasis.
In the 15th century this place was
called 'J ulwundy, and was the birth-
place of Nanac Shall, the founder of
the sect oi' Sciks.
Raysingpoor. — A small village in
tlie Gnjiat Peninsula, near the Gulf
of Cutch, and belonging to the Jam
of Noanagur. This place stands on
the banks of the Phooljce River, and
has a considerable luimber of gar-
dens in the vicinity, in some of which
cardamous are raised.
RETPOORAU.
703
RuDliYuOODl'M, (Retighiirinn, a
saud fort). — Atuwiiiii tlie Nuithi'iii
Ciitius, district ofCoinlnpillv. Lat.
10°. 5:5'. N. Lull-;-, 80^. 41'. l',.
Iki.HKii.— A siiiiill tlisliict ill tlie
province of Delhi, .sitiialid belwciMi
the 2Hth and 291h degrees of iioiili
latitude, and formerly comprehended
ill tlie tenitorv of Koliileuiid. It is
bounded on the north b} the Sewii-
lic and Kc^inaoon mountains; on the
south by Jiaieily ; to the east it has
the Keniaoon hills and Kiljioory ;
and on tlic west the Gauges, in the
arrangement of the Acbcr it be-
longed to tlic division of Sunibhul-
poor. The Ganges is the principal
river ; but many small streams tlow
from the adjacent mountains. 'JIic
chief towns arc llelier, Najibabad,
and Daiaiiagur. 'Jhis district was
ceded to tlie British iluring the ad-
ministration of JVIarcpiis VVelKsley,
by the treaty concluded wilhtheNa-
bol) of Uude, the lUth November,
1801, at which period it was in a
very desolate state, but lias since
niucli recovered.
Kehf.r. — A town in the province
of Delhi, 80 miles N. N. \V. from
Bareily, and the capital of a district
of the samo' name. Lat. 2'J°. 2o'. N,
Long. 78°. 41'. E.
Rehio, or Uio, (Riifu). — A Malay
town, situated on t!ic islaml of Bin-
tang, at the S. E. extii'iiiity of the
peninsula of Malacca. Lat. 67°. N.
Long. 104°. 35'. E.
In 1783 this place was the r(;sort
of smugglers and pirates, and was
attacked and taken by the Dutch
Commodore, ^ an Biaam, but ap-
pears soon to have nscovcrcd, as, in
1784, llajee Bajuli, the chief of Re-
hio, was killed at Malacca, of which
jilace he had undertaken the siege.
{Forresl, Cyc.)
Rkj \NG. — A country in the island
of Sumatra, divided on the north
west from the state of Aiiak Sniigei,
(of which iMocomoeo is the ca[iilal),
by the small river L'li, iioar that of
Kuttaun, which last, with the dis-
trict of Laboonou its banks, bounds
it ou the uortb, or iuiaiid, side. The
couiiliy of INIusI, wliere the Palein-
bangHivCr takes its rise, forms its li-
mits to the eastw ard. Bciieooleu
River confines it on the south east.
The principal rixcrs, besides those
already mentioned, are, the Laye,
the Pally, and the SuiigeiJamo, on
I'll of which the English had fac-
tories.
The Rejangs arc divided into
tribes, of which there are four prin-
cipal ones. 'J'hey live in villages,
each under the government of a
head, or magistrate, styleil Duj)ati,
and seldom exceed in number 100.
These Diipatis meet in a judicial ca-
pacity, when thfi Pangeran (a Ja-
vanese title), or feudal chief of tho
country, presides over the whole,
but has little or no coercive power.
'J'hough the rank of Dupati is not
strictly hereditary, the son, when of
age and ca|)able, generally succeeds
liis father ; if too young, the father's
brother, or such of the family as ap-
pear best qualified.
I'he system of letters of the peo-
ple of Rejang has tho same artificial
order with the Devanagari ; but, in
every series, one letter is omitted,
because it is never to be found in tiie
languages of the eastern islanders.
The lU'jaug dialect is formed by a
mixture of the Batta and Malaya.
{Alfirsch'ii, Jonas, Leijden., oT.)
HcMBANG.^ — A Dutch residency,
on the north-eastern coast of Java,
jirnducing salt and timber fur ship
biiililing. Lat. 0°. 40'. S. Long,
111°. 16'. E. A ship of 500 tons
burthen, and three (tr four smaller
vessels, used annually to be built
here for the Dutch East India Com
pany. {Stavorinus, St.)
HenaI'oor, (lienc(pnra). — A town
in the Ni/am's territories, in thi*
province of Aurungabad, 71 miles
N. W. from iceder. Lat. 10° 2u'.
N. Long. 70°. 66'. E.
Resoui.abad, {t/ic Abode of lite
Prophet). — A town in the proviuceof
Agra, district of Etaweh, 72 miles
W. by S. from liUcknow. Lat. 20°.
38'. N. Long. 79°. 47'. E.
Rbtpookah, (Hctipura). — A towii
704
RHOTAS.
in the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
\incc of licrar, 17 miles S. E. from
Elhihpoor. Lat. 21°. 19'. N. Long.
78°. 21'. E.
Rewah, (Reva). — A io\\u in the
pro\iiicc of Giindwana, district of
Boghela or Bogalicund, of Avliicli
it is tlie capital. Lat. 24°. 37'. N.
Long. 81°. 25'. E. This town and
district composed a fourth part of
the ancient Circar of Callinjer, and
•with Sohagepoor was dismembered
fiom Bliatta by Aurengzebe, and
nominally annexed to Allahabad. It
then included in all 9000 square
miles.
The suburbs of Rewah are large.
Under the fort runs the Bichanaddy,
which has its source 20 miles to the
eastward. The rajah's house is in
the fort, which is of stone, and A'cry
large. The country from Hew ah to
Baypoor is well cultivated, with
many fine tanks. The latter is a
place of considerable size. Tra-
velling distance from Benares, 126
miles S. W. from Nagpoor, 304
miles. (J. (trant, Leckie, Ken-
nel, ?fC.)
Bewarv, (Revari.) — A town in
the province of Delhi, district of Nar-
noul, 40 miles S. W. liom the
city of Dellii. Lat. 28°. 13'. N.
Long. 76°. 42'. E. In the time of
Acber, it was the capital of a dis-
tinct district, which is described bj'
AltuI Fazel as foIloMs: —
" Sircar Rewary, containing 12
mahafs, measurement 4,155,011 bee-
galis, revenue sejurghal,
739,268 dams. This sircar furnishes
2,175 cavalry, and 14,000 infantry."
It is now possessed by native
chiefs, in alliance with, or under the
influence of, the British govern-
ment.
KiioTAs. — A district in the pro-
vince of Bahar, situated lor the most
pyrt between the 24th and 25th de-
grees of north latitude. I'o the
north it is bounded by Shahabad ; on
the south by the independent district
of Billounjah anJ Palamovv ; to the
east it has the district of Bahar ; and
to the west Clmnar. In 1784 thi.s
district contained 3680 square miles,
of which about 2000 square miles
were plain arable ground. By Abul
1 azel, in 1582, it is described as fol-
lows :
" Sircar Rotas, containing 18 ma-
hals, measurement 473,340 beegahs,
revenue 40,819,4t>3 dams. This sir-
car furnishes 4550 cavalrj', and
162,000 infantry."
This is the most westerly of the
Bahar province, and lies chiefly be-
tween the rivers Soane and Caram-
nassa. The southern part is hilly,
and much covered with jungle ; but
the northern is flat, well watered,
and extremely fertile. The princi-
pal towns aie Bhotas, Saseram, Bog-
wanpoor, and Serris. (J. Grant, Abul
Fazel, Si'c.)
R HOT AS, {Rahatas). — A fortress in
the province of Bahar, district of
Rhotas, 81 miles travelling distance
S. E. from Benares. Lat. 24°. 38'. N.
Long. 83°. 58'. E.
This j)lace stands on the level top
of an extensive mountain. The oidy
entrance to it is a very narrow road
through a steep ascent of two miles,
from the bottom of the hill to the
gates, which are three in number,
one above the other, defended by
guns, and large stones ready to be
rolled dowii. The square contents
of the fortified table land on the top
of the mountain is more than 10
miles, in which space are contained
towns, villages, and corn fields, wa-
ter being found Avithin a \,'cw feet of
the suri'acc. On one .side runs the
River Soane under an immense pre-
cipice ; another river in the same
manner passes close to the other
side ; and both meeting a short way
below, form the hill into a triangu-
lar peninsula. On the third .side
there is a very deep valley covered
with impervious wo(;ds, which spread
all over the mountain, and render
the fortre.ss almost inaccessible.
A.D, 1.542 Shcrc Sliah, the Af-
ghan, took this fortress, then deemed
impregnable, b} a very shallow .sti a-
tagem, from Rajah Chintannin, the
last of a long dynasty of Hindoo
ROHILCUND.
705
sovpreigiis, 'who Iiatl for many cen-
turies ruled this part of Hindostan ;
and tliere Sliere Shah deposited iiis
family and treasure. It appears,
however, to have soon reverted to
the Hindoos; as, in 1575, it was
again taken liom a rajah of that
faith by tiie Emperor Achcr. Since
it came into the possession^ of tlie
Uritish, the necessity for them no
longer existing, the fortifications
have been allowed to crumble into
ruins. {Stewart, J. Grant, Rennel,
Rho TAS. — A very small, hilly dis-
trict in the province of Lahore, in
the Scik lerritories, and situated
about the 33d degree of north lati-
tude.
RiiAiR RiVF.R. — A small river is-
suing from the Rajah Chohan Hills,
in the province of Guudwana, which,
after a short course of not more than
80 miles, fails into the Soane, in the
district of Rhotas, in Rahar. For
above 20 miles before its junction
with the Soane it is above 100 yards
•wide, and four feet deep.
RiAO IsLK. — A small island in the
Eastern Seas, about 30 miles in cir-
cumference, situated in the channel
between Gilolo and the Island of
Morty. Lat. 2° 30'. N. Long.
128°. E.
Rio. See Rehio.
ROGONATGUNGE, (Rdgkimat/ta
Gaiij). — A town in the province of
Bengal, district of Pachetc, 136 miles
W.N.W. from Calcutta. Lut. 23°,
15'. N. Long. 80°. 20'. I-;.
RoGONATPOoR. — A town in the
province of Bengal, district of Pa-
cheti; 130 miles N.W. from Cal-
cutta. Lat. 23°. 32', N. Long. 8G°
41'. E.
RoHlLCiJND, {Raldlkhand). — This
territory, named in sansr rit Knttair,
comprehended that tract of Hindo.s-
tan situated east of the (Janges, be-
tween the 28th and 3()th degices of
north latitude, and from 78°. to 80°.
cast longitude. Connncncing in the
vicinity of the Lolldoiig Pass, at the
foot of the Kemaoon Hills, it v.i-
tended south-eastward to the town
2 z
of Pillibect. On the north it war,
bounded by the Sev\alic and Ke-
maoon Hills, and on the south by
the dominions of ( lude, the princi-
pal rivers being the Ganges and
Ramgunga : the latter traverses
Rohilcund nearly in its whole ex-
tent, and joins the Ganges at Ka-
noge.
On the eastern side the Dewah,
or Goggra, issues from the Kemaoon
INIountains, and runs past the town
of Pillibect, where, during the height
of the rains, saul and sissoo timbers,
the produce of the adjacent forests,
are embarked for Patna, Calcutta,
and other large towns to the south.
I'here arc many smaller streams in-
tersect the country, and contribute
to its fertility, being distributed by
means of canals and reservoirs ; wa-
ter is also found by digging a few
feet under ground. AVith all these
advantages Rohilcund is calculated
to be one of the richest countries in
the East ; and the greatness of its
productive powers were exemplified
in a small portion of it, during the
government of Fyzoolah Khan at
Ranipoor; it was, notwithstanding,
vvhen ceded to the British by the
Nabob of Oude in 1801, one of the
most desolate regions in Hindostan.
'i'he chief articles raised by the cul-
tivators arc grain of all sorts, sugar-
cane, indigo, cotton, and tobacco.
In the early periods of the INIogul
empire Rohilcund w as a very flou-
rishing country, and of great poli-
tical importance. It then contained
the cities of Shahabad, Shahjehan-
poor, Bareily, Bissowlee, Budayoon,
Owlali, Moradabad, and Sumbul ;
which last communicated its name to
a great part of the district. During
the reign of the Patau dynasty in Hin-
dostan, many princes of the royal
family kept their court, for a series
of years, in the city of Budayoon,
where, as in many other parts of
Rohilcund, are still to be seen the
remains of magnificent edifices, pa-
laces, gardens, mosques, ct lieges,
and niausoJeums.
The Rohillas were oiijiually an
70G ROUNDA.
Afghan or Patau nice, who ciiii-
cjraU'd tVom tin- province uf Cabul
alxmt the bcjiiimitij;- oftlic IHtli cen-
fiiiV- 'I lic.V ll'cii consisted ol seve-
ral iiuh'pendent tribes, who, on
pressing e\ii;encies, acted in con-
cert, and were clistingnished for tlic
steady liatred which subsisted bc-
t\vc(^n th(un and tlic jAIaharutias,
Tliev are a courageous, liardy race,
and one of the lew j\IaIionimedan
tiibcs who exercise the profession of
hnsbanilry, as \\cil as that of arms.
Their high spiiit and ferocions, un-
cultivatcii dispositions, render them
diiliculi to govern or discipline ; and,
in counnon with the other Afglian
races, they have the reputation of
being crai'ly, treacherous, and san-
guinary.
About tlie year 1720 the Afglian
chiefs, Bisharut Khaa and Daood
Khan, acconi])anied by a band of
their neciiy and adventurous coun-
trymen, came to Hindostan in quest
of miiilary service. They were tirst
entertained by ]\Iadhoo Sail, the Ze-
inindar of Serow ly, who, by robbery
and predatory incursion, maintained
a large party of banditti. While
plundering an adjacent village, J3a-
ood Khan captured a youth of the
.hint tribe, whom he converted to the
Alahoinmedan religion, named Ali
?\laliommed, and adopted to the pro
indiee of his own childrcii. Daood
Mian was succeeded as principal
leader of tlie llohillahs by Ali JVla-
honnned, who, in consecpieuce of
the distracted state of liindostan,
SI ion established his power over the
tenilory since nani('<l I'olnieutld, al-
Ihougli repeat<'dly brought 1o a low
el»b by ihe Mogul armiis fnmi Delhi.
Ali Vhdioinmed died in 1748, and
lel'l si\ sons; but was succeeded in
the chiefl;'.ii!>hip by I !afe/ l{ehniut,
wiiose autlinrily, however, was eon-
stantly disputed by other leaders.
Jn 1774 the combined forces of the
J\(.liillahs wre totally defeated by
till- i>rilish armv at tiie battle of
Cutterah, when; Hafez Mehmiit was
slain, aiid with this event lermijiated
llic I'oliillah swav in Hindostan.
At the period when the conqacst
of ]{oliilcund was completed, tho
country was in a very ilourishing
state, and the revenue computed to
exceed one million sterling per aii-
iium ; but afterw ards it declined
with incredible rapidity, and iu
1795 yielded only 36 lacks of ru-
pees. In 1801 nearly the whole of
ancient Kohilcund was ceded to the
Jliitish by the Nabob of Oude, during
the administration of Marquis Wel-
lesley, and is now, for the most pait,
comprehended in the province of
Eareily ; under which head further
topographical details will be found.
{Franhlin, Forster, ^^c.)
KoLi'AH. — A small district iu
northern Hindostan, situated be-
tween the 29th and 30th degrees of
north latitude, and tributary to the
Ghoorkhali Rajah of Nepaul. Al-
though little more than 60 miles
from the British territories in the
pro\iuce of Onde, tliis district has
never been visited by any European,
and remains almost wholly unknown.
I'he surface is irregularly mountain-
ous, and much covered with jungle,
and the country little cultivated, and
thinly inhabited.
RoLHAH. — A town in Northern
Hindostan, the capital of a district
of the same name, tributaiy to tlie
Nepaul Rajah. Lat. 29°. 22'. N.
Long. 82"^. 5'. E.
Roma Isle. — A small island in
the Eastern Seas, about 40 miles in
circumference. Lat. 7°. 35'. N.
Long. 127°. 20'. E.
RooDi'.RPOoR, {Roodrapm-(i). ~ A
town of consideral)Ie extent in the
j)rovince of Delhi, district of Mora-
dabad, 42 miles N. I)V E. from Ba-
rcily. Lat. 29°. 1'. xN. Long. 79°.
29'. 11.
RopooR. — A town in the Seik ter-
ritories, in the province of Delia,
situated in the S. M. bank of the
Sutuleje, 130 miles S. E. from the
city of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 7'. N.
Long. 75°. 50'. E.
RoL'NDA. — A town in the Maha-
ralta territories, in the province of
Khandesh ; situated on tJie east .side
4
RUNGPOOR.
■07
«f the fJhirali River, 46 miles S.W.
lioin Bo(>riiaii|joor. Lat. 2u°. 54'. N.
l.oiij,^ 76°. 47'. E.
KoY E\KEILY. — A lowii ill the
Nabul) of Glide's territories, situ-
ated oil tlio north side n'i \\iv S\c
River, 45 miles S. E. bv S. lioiii
I.iickiiow. Lat. 20°. 16'. N. Loiii;.
bl° 12'. E.
HuANELi.i. — A valley in tl'<' is-
land of Ce> Ion, called by the Can-
dians, in whose territory it is situ-
ated, the valley of pieeions stones.
V\) to this place the river is navi<:;a-
l)le for boats; but, from hence to
Candy, it is shallow and roeky.
From hence to Columbo, the capital
of the British part of Ceylon, the
distance by water isabontOO miles;
yet so iaj)id is the current, that the
passas^e is made in abont eiu^ht
hours, bnt, in returning,', oeenpies
nine and 10 day.s.
Several kinds of precious stones
and metallic substances arc found
iu the environs of Ruanelli, a-
monj? the sand and gravel of the
river. On the opposite side of the
river preeious stones were formerly
found in abundance ; bnt the king
of Candy docs not iio« ])ermit them
to be dug or searched for. (Pir-
cimJ, ^'c. i)-c.)
Ri DRAPKAYAGA. — A Hiiidooplacc
of pilgiimage in the j)roviuee of Se-
rinagur, where the Alacanaiu'.a Ri-
ver joins tlic Caliganga — a large
stream, which rises in the mountains
of Kedar, and is, in the Siiastras,
denominated the Alandaeiiii. 'J'he
continence of these rivers rt this
place is one of the live principal
prayagas, or holy places, mentioned
in the sacred books of the Mindoos.
Lat. 'M°. 11/. N. 1-ong. 7iP. 2'. ]■;.
RuiB JsLK. — A small island in tho
Eastern Seas, situated oil" the north-
western extremity oi' W ageoo, and
surronnded by a mnliitnde of small-
er islands, with very deep waters
between them. Lat. U°. N. Long.
1-21)°. 55'. E.
RuMBo. — A Malay kingdom in
the peninsula, situated about GO
miles inland from the cjtv of .\ta!a<-
2 z 2
ca. The sultan, and all tlio ])rinci'
pal oflif rrs of this state, ln)ld their
autliorit} itiiinediately from Alenang-
cabow ill Sumatra, and have eom-
missions for their respective offices.
This proves the extent of the IVTc-
nangcabow po\v<r even now, re-
duced as it is in common with that
of the Malay people. The U.imbo
jieoplc have a peenliardialeet, called
by the inhabitants of Malacca the
Itiuguage of Menaiigcabou'. {It'if-
fics. eye. ir.)
Ri'N. — A ver>' extensive salt mo-
rass, which bounds the western
frontiers of the (injrat pro\ince,
eoinmunieates with the (!ulf of
Ciiteli, and exhiliilsa great variety
of apj.earances. Jn some j)Iaees it
is p w iuely expanded sheet of shal-
low w atcr, only a few inches deep ;
in others, an impassable salt swamp ;
and, in others, merely a dry unpro-
ductive bank of sand — but, in all
jiarts, strongly impregnated with
saline particles, ad\erse to vegeta-
tion.
Including the windings it ex-
tends many hundred miles, and
sweeps round the north of Cutch.
It appears, at some remote jieriod,
to have been covered with the wa-
ters of the ocean, winch have since
subsided, asid are even still imper-
ceptibly draining of]". A satisfactory
description of this extraordinary mo-
rass is much wanted.
RuNALAH, ( Raualin/ri, tit;; Place
of Battle).— A town in the Maha-
ratta territories, in tlie province of
Kandesh, 84 miles E. from Siirat.
Lat. '21°. 17'. N. Long. 71°. 20'. E.
Ri'NCiPOOR, ( Raiig-apiira). — A dis-
trict in the north-eastern extremity
of the province of iscngal, :'.itiiated
abont tiie 20iii degree of north lati-
tude. It is bounded on the nortii by
the Bootan lliils; on tlie south by
JMymnnsing; to the east it has tho
Brahmapootra ; and, on the west,
Dinagepoor. Erom Coocli Bahar
it is separated by the River Durlali.
Under the Mogul government
this was a military frontier station,
towards the Morn!i< and Coocli Ba-
708
RUSSOOA.
liar. It was first partially wrested
from the rajah of the latter district,
diniii;? the roigu of Shah Jciiuii,
when it m as fonncd into a circar ;
but it was coiiipk'tcly conqncicd, by
the f;euerals of Aurenczcbe, in
1060-1, M'hen it received the name
of FakeroooiKly. This territory,
with f!'.e pergUDiiahof Koondy, con-
stitute the iiiodern district of Run<;-
poor. comprcheiuling a territory of
2,679 scjuare iHilcs, distributed into
several zemindaries, and producing
the valuaiile articles of raw silk,
opium, tobacco, suii,ar, besides su-
pera!)nndance of grain and other ar-
ticles wiiich .ire exported.
Within the jurisdiction of Rung-
poor may be included the extensive
district of Rangamatty, and the ad-
joining raiahshij) of Cooch Bahar —
comprising, in all its dimensions of
financial divisions, 6610 square miles.
'I'he face ol the country is open,
level, and well watered, and inferior
to no part of Bengal in point of fer-
lilit}'. The rice cultivalion is very
extensive ; and of tliis grain, in good
land, it sometimes yields two crops
in the year, besides an intermediate
one of mustard seed. There is some
indigo grown, and a great deal of
tobacco of a good quality, and re-
markably cheap — a great proportion
of the tobacco consumed by the na-
tives, in the southern and eastern
districts of Bengal, being supplied
froui Rungpoor. The principal ri-
vers arc thcTcesta, the Dnrlah, and
the Brahmapootra; and the chief
towns, Rungpoor, Mungulhaut, and
Guzgotla.
IS'otwitlistanding the productive
powers of this district its population
does not amount to so great a num-
ber as might have been expected.
Ill 1801 the Iioard of revenue in
Bengal, in consequence of instruc-
tions from Marquis Welleslcy, then
governoi-gencral, circulated various
inquiries to the collectors of the dif-
ferent districts. The result of their
replies proved, that Rungpoor and
Cooch Bahar coalain only 400,000
souls.
The glandular .<;\^ellings in the
throat are so prevalent in this dis-
trict, that it is supposed one person
in six is afiected with them; yet
t!ie town of Rungpoor is 100 miles
from the foot of the Bootan Hills,
and still furtiier off ficm any snow.
(J. Gratit, Tunicr, Saiuulers, lVc.)
Rungpoor.— A t(nvn in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Runa:-
poor. Lat. 2iP. 47'. N, Long. 8i>°
6'. E. 'I'his place is 260 miles tra-
velling distance from Calcutta, the
road ind flercnt, and interscftcd by
an amazing number of rivers and
rivulets, which must be crossed in
boats; ypt, in a palanquin, this dist-
ance is with ease gone over in four
days.
Rungpoor. — This town is fre-
quently n.amed the cajjital of Assam ;
but it is only the military station to
the real capital, Gcrgonge. A con-
siderable number of towns form a
circle round the Bungpoor division,
which is 12 miles in length by 10 in
breadth.
To the west of Rungpoor is a
bridge, built in the reign of Roodra
Singh, by workmen irom Bengal,
which may be deemed the western
gate of the military forticss of Rung-
poor; which is accessible from the
westward only through this port, as
the river in this quarter is seldom
fordable. It is protected on the
south by an immense causeway, or
line of fortiiication, which extends
irom Namdaugh to the Dhekow.
( Wade, ^-c. ^-c.)
RupNAGUK, ( Rapanagara, the
handsome City). — A town belonging
to Dow let Row Sindia, in the pro-
vince of Ajmecr, district ofAjmcer,
13 miles N. E. from the city of Aj-
meer. Lat. 26°. 43'. N. Long. 74°,
o8'. E.
RussooLPOOR, {Basidpura, the
Projyhel's Town). — A town belong-
ing to the Nabob of Onde, in the
province of Allahabad, district of
Manicpoor, 40 miles N. V,. froni
tlie citv and fortress of Allahabad,
Lat. 25°. 57'. N. Long. 81°. 25'. £.
RussooA. — A village in Tibet ts
RYACOTfA.
709
Iho north of the Ilininlaya nioiiu-
taiiis, vliiclj marks the limits of the
]S(|»uiiI (loininioiis in tliis iliiec;i(iii,
and under uhitii Hows aiivnht i>ear-
injj; the sjinie name. Lat. 2b°. o'. >i.
Loiij;-. 85°. 40'. E.
Jii/TL AMcit'R. — A town in the
jMaliaraita Icnitoiieh', in the jro-
>inee of .Malwah, 47 miles N.N.U.
fromOojain. Lat. 23°. 46'. N. Long'.
75°. 20'." E.
KuTXAGiRl, {Ratnaghiri, Dia-
vimid Mountain). — A town in tiie
31aliaiatta teiiitoiies, in the piovineo
ofiJejajtoor, on t!ie sea roast of the
Coiuan distriet. Lat. IV °. 1'. N,
Loni,^ 73°. 3'. J-:.
KuTTUNPouR Dlstrict. — Scc
Choteksghur.
Ri'TTrxpooKi {Rattiapitra, Dia-
mond Town). — A town in the teiri-
tories of the Na{!,poor Maliarattas,
in the jjiovincc of Gnndwaua, dis-
trict of Chotees^nr, of which it is the
capital. Lat. 22°, 16'. N. Long. 82°.
35'. J:!.
Althongli this 1)C the capital of au
extensive and fertile distriet, yet it
is only a large straggling village,
consisting of about 1001) huts, many
of M hich are uiiinhahited. 'I'he sur-
rounding country is remarkably jjio-
ducti\e and well cultivated, com-
pared « ilh the rest of this desolate
province. By the nearest travelling
road Huttunpoor is 296 miles
from Chuiiar. Its chief is frequently
.styled the Rajah of Chotecs Ghur,
or 36 fortresses.
>iear to Kuttunpoor is an idol,
made of blue granite, about niue
feet in height, rubbed over witii
red paint, and adorned with flow-
ers. In the neighbourhood are a
great many pools and tanks, aud
also a lake, the euibarkraent of
■whicjj is nearly two miles in length.
There are many riiinsin the vicinity,
indicative of a former slate of pro-
•sperity superior to what at present
exists.
In the year 1760, Avhen ]\Ir. Law
■\\ as made prisoner, a jiarty of 120
Trench, who had been under his
cqiumand, cudeavoured to cflect a
retreat from Rahitr, through the
country, into tiie Deecan. They
halted here; uhen Bimbajee, the
Maharatta sovereign, entertained
them for a few days — but, at the end
of that time, put them all treach-
erously to death,
Tra\ elling distance from Calcutta,
by Chuta Niagpoor, 403 miles ; from
Nagpoor, 220 miles; tiom Delhi,
633 ; from I'oonah, 706 miles,
{Blnnt, LecJiie, \st Eeg. Kennel,
^c. tSr.)
Ryacotta, {Raya Cotatj). — A
town added to the BarralJiahal pro-
vince, at the peace grani'.d bj ]\iar-
quis Coruwallis to 'j nipco, aiid the
last place in the Kari;ala Desam, 98
miles Iv bv N. from Seringapntam.
Lat. 12°. 33'. N. Long. i8°. 1/'. E.
, Thi-< i)lace being the eh:cf kc} to
Kan;ata, (the Upper Carnatic, or
iMvscjre,) pains have been tal^rn to
strengthen the works, which col.si^t
of a high fortilied rock, and a fort
at the bottom. The air of R^a<•uttall
is so very temperate, on account of
its elevation, that, even in the hot
season, the thermometer scarcely
ever rises higher than 82° of Fah-
renheit, and cherry-trees lloniis.h re-
markably well. The jx'ople of Ry-
acotta, being on the frontier, speak
a mivture of the languages of Ivar-
nata, of the Taumls, and of the Te-
lingas.
When Ryacottali was besieged
by Major (Jov\ die, in 1791, i! was
known to be too strong I13 nature to
be reduced, if the garrison made a
resolute defence ; but the governor
was so intiuiidated b\ tlie sjnrited
attacks of his detachment, and by a
movement of the grand army to-
wards the place, tiiat he capitulated,
and retired into the Carnatic below
the Ghauts. After its sinrender it
was found to be ampiv . upi)lied with
guns, ammunition, aad provision for
its defence; and, although Kisfnag-
herry be the principal fort, Hvcdliuh,
from its situation, may be considered
the chief key to the Mysore domi-
nions. (/'. Buchanan, Dirom, Salt,
^■c. &c.)
710 RYEPOOR.
Ryagudd. — A town possessed hy
indopoudcnt zemindars, in the pm-
vincc of Orissa, 60 miles N. W. from
Cicacole. Lat. 19°. 1'. N. Lou-.
83°. 27'. E.
Rycmoor, (Rfichnr). — A disfiiel
in the Nizam's territories, in tlie pro-
vince of Bejapoor, extending: aloujj
tlic north bank of the Toomhiiddra
River, between tiie l.jtii and 16ih
de,2:rccs of north hi<itnde.
Kychoor. — A town in the Ni-
zam's territories, in the province of
Bejapoor, the capital of a district
of the same name, 130 miles S. W.
from Hyderabad. Lat. 15°. rji)'. N.
Long-. 77° 17'. E.
This is an irregnlarly bnilt town,
being an old fort Avitli some new
works, commanded by a hill, and
by some rising gronnds near it. In
point of rank it was the seeoiid town
in the jaghirc of Eazalet Jnng, son
to Nizam nl Mnlk, and brother to
the la(e Nizam nd Dowlah. Adoni
was his capital, and cOi dinned after
his death to !)C that of his son Dara
Jah, until Ti])poo look it from him,
and nearly destroyed it, wlien he re-
moved to l^ychoor, which had the
advantage of being more distant
from so formidable a neighbonr.
Here, however, he sniiered nearly
tis nnich from his uncle, the IS'izam,
who imposed so high a tribute on
him, as reduced hi'n to the condition
of a mere renter. {3JSS. Ac.)
Rydroog^ {Rfijadiu-o-ii). — A small
district iu the Balaghaut cede>l tei-
ritories, sitnated princii)ally between
the 14th and 15lii degrees of north
latitude. The iioggry is the chief
river, and the j)riiicipal towns Ry-
droog and Mulivamarroor.
Tiic family of the Kydroog poly-
gar is descended from the l>a!a\^ai
of I'iiauagur, who, on the dissolu-
tion of that govcrnnK'Sit, seized on
Peimaconda and Condrippy. lender
Aurcngzebe he obtained, or seized,
additional villages. In 176G the dis-
trict was subdued by lijdcr; and,
iu 1788, tiie polygar was seized by
Tippoo. and sent to Seriiiga;)atam,
where he died a violent dt'ath, IJis
son and successor, Vincatup]>y Naic,
was killed in 1791, while attempting
to escape from Bangaloor. At the
])t>aee of 1792 this district was trans-
ferred to the Nizam-; and, in 1799,
Gopaul Naic, a descendant by the
female line, attempting to raise dis-
tnrl)ances, was sent prisoner to Hy-
derabad.
In 1809, in consequence of ar-
rangements with the Nizam, this
district was ceded to the Company,
from whom the jjolygar's family re-
ceive a pension, and tiie country is
now comprehended in the collector-
ship of Bellary. {Mimro, §t.)
Rydkoog. — A town in the Bala-
ghaut ceded territories, 170 miles
N. by E. from Seringapatam, and
the capital of a district of the same
name. Lat. 11°. 49'. N. Long. 77°.
2'. E. This place stands about 40
miles N. E. from Chitteldroog, the
conntry between them being fertile,
with very few hills of magnitude,
and no river of considerable bulk.
Al)out 1790 tiie Maharattas obtained
possession of it, by a bribe of 60,000
ruj)ees to the governor on Tippoo's
part.
Travelling distance from Hyder-
abad '2.52 miles. {Moor, Reiinel, ^■c,')
Rynabad, (Ghainabad). — A small
village in the ]jrovince of Bengal,
district of JesBore, 80 miles E. by
N. from Calcutta. Lat. 22° 42'. N.
Long. 89°. 44'. E. For many years
after the Biitish obtained possession
of Bengal, rumours were current
that extensive ruins of magnificent
citii's existed among the jungles of
the Simderbumis, and particularly
in tlic vicinity of t^ynabad ; but after
repeated investigations none have
yet been discovered, nor is it pro-
bable tliat any very ancient ruins
should be found iu a territory, which
is its(^lf of recent formation, and
destitute of fresh water.
Byki'ook. — A town in the pro-
vince of {iundwana, district of Cho-
tcv^'sgur, 69 miles south from Rut-
tniipoor. Lat. 21° 17'. N. Long.
82°. 26'. E.
TIjis town, from its population aritl
SAGOR ISLAND.
11
cnnuiicrcr, might be ranknl tlio first
ill the Cliotccsgur dislricl, and sc-
roiul ill the N:i<?|)oor territories. Jt
contains about 3000 lints ; and there
is a stone fort on the N. l'). side of
the town, th(! walls of which are de-
cayed, but the ditch is deep and
wide.
The soil in this neij^hbourhood is a
rich black mould, no where unm'
than three le<t in depth, undcrwhieh
is found the solid rock, as is per-
ce])tible in all tiu; beds of rivers,
and in the sides of tanks and wells.
'I'lie only road from Cultack to Nag-
poor ])asses tiirougii this town. —
{n/uitt, .St.)
S.\nRAO Isle. — An island in the
Llasteru S<!as, separated from that
of Floris by the Straits of l''loris,
and situated between the eighth and
innth degrees of south latitude. In
length it may be estimated at 40
miles, by 18 miles the average
breadth.
Sadras. — A town on tlie sea coast
of the Ciu-natic, 47 miles south from
Madras. Lat. 12°. 27'. N. Long.
80°. 16'. E.
This town is now in a state of de-
cay. 'I'here ^^as formerly a small
fort surrounded by a brick wall, 1.5
feet high, and close to the sea; which
was .seized on by JM. Lally during
the siege of Madras, in violation of
the Diitcli iicntralilv. 'J'lie iiouses
at present are r:i|)idiy decaying, and
t!ie inhabitants retiring to more |)ros-
perous situations. In the time of
the Dutch, who frc<|uented it .so
early as 1(>47, it was a populous
pla(-e, where gingams ol' a superior
<juality were maniifaclnied. In 1795,
in consecpience t)f the war ^\illi the
l^iiteh, |)osscssi(Mi «as taken of Sa-
dras, and it is now comprehcndc d in
the Chinglepiit collcctorship. (Lord
ValeHtid, Fra Paolo, dt/i liepovt, Sc.)
SafI-inaff 1slu.s. — A cluster of
very small rocky islands in the i;;i<t-
crii Seas, situated between the fifth
and sixth degree s of south latitude.
and about the ll.Sili of cast longi-
tude.
Saganeuh. — \ town in tli(' pro-
vince of (Jundwana. betonging fo
the Nagpoor iiajali, 10 miles Si. N.
W. from the town of Naupuor. Lat.
21°. .34'. N. Long. 7tj". Is'. 11.
Saganekr. — A Hajpoof town in
the j)rovince of Ajnicer, district of
Jycnagiir, eight mih>s S. {•,. from the
city of .lv<-iiagur. Lat. 20°. 49'. N'.
Long. 7.'>°. .'>0'. i;.
Sagor Isi, vm), {or Gang-asao-nr,
the Coufluoice of the (iaiii>es with the
Ocean.) — An island Ix'longingto the
]novince of JJengal, situated on the
east side of the llooghly, orCalcutfa
River, which sei)arales it from an-
other island, here formed by the iiii-
merous outlets of the dangcis. Tlijs
station is not found so destriu-tive to
the crews of ships as those finliier
up the llooghly ; and it is proved i-.y
experience that the fiirtlier down the
river the less sickness prevMils, and
that Sagor is the healthiest anchor-
age in the Hooglily. On account of
the great expansion of the river,
ships have the advantage of l3ing at
a great distance from the shore, en-
joy consecpiently a relieshing circu-
lation of sea air, and escape tJie
offensive exbalalions from the nnid
banks a1 Culpee and Diamond.- Har-
bour.
Sagor Island is a celebrated place
of pilgrimage among the Hindoos,
on account of its great sanc1it>,
wlii( h arises liom its silnalitin at tli(;
.junction of the holiest brancii oCllie
(iaiiges \\i(li the oicaii. Alatiy of
tile pilgrims tiirmerly made voiuiitaiy
sacrifices of tliemselves, and some-
times otfcr<'d their children, fo the
sharks and alligators iniiaiiilieg lln^
surrounding Maters. It is said, that
in 1801, 2.3 persons were e\i)(»sed or
drowned here in the course of one
month ; but, in 1S02, flic practice
w as abolislied by Mar<piis \\ cllesley.
On shore the jungles swarm with
tigers of the hugcst and most tiro-
71-2
S'l'. BARBES' ISLE.
cious sort, so that both elements are
equally dangerous. {Johnson, C. Bu-
chanan, SiT.)
Sahabad. — A Rajpoot town, tri-
biilary to the Maharattas, in the pro-
vince of Ajnieer, 85 miles E. by N.
from Kotah. Lat. 26°. 26'. N. Long.
77°. 10'. E.
Sahranpoor, (Saharuvpnra). — A
district in the province of Delhi, si-
tuated about the 31st degree of north
latitude, and principally in the doab
of the Ganges and Jumna. To the
nortli it is bounded by the Sewalic
Mountains and the province of Se-
rinagur, now tributary to the Ghoor-
khali Rajah of Nepaul. By Abul
Fazel, in 1582, this district is de-
.scribcd as follows :
" Sircar Saharunpoor, containing
36 mahals, measurement 3,530,370
beegahs ; revenue 87,839,359 dams.
Seyurghal 4,991,485 dams. This sir-
car farnishes3956 cavalry, and 22,280
infantry."
The soil of this district is extremely
fertile when under proper cultiva-
tion, producing grain of all sorts,
sugar, indigo, cotton, and tobacco.
For the greater part of the jear the
climate is temperate, and during
some of tlie winter months exces-
sively cold ; but in the height of
summer the heat is intense, and the
country almost burned up.
Although placed betwixt two large
rivers,, the Ganges and the Jumna,
which here run nearly parallel to
each other at the distance of about
65 miles, this district is not subject
to the periodical inundation which
prevails in Bengal and the more
sontliern provinces. The surface of
the country is a (;ontinued flat to the
bottom of the hills, when they rise
abruptly, marking the northern limits
of the immense valley throngli which
the Ganges (lows to the sea. The
priuf ipal town is Saharunpoor.
The territory originally possessed
by Mijib ud Dowlah, an Afghan
chief, appointed prime minister to
Shah Allum by Ahmed Abdallali,
the sovereign of Cabul, con)pre-
Lcuded the district of Saharuiipoor,
that of Sirhind, and some tracts of
country round Delhi. He was suc-
ceeded by his son, Zabeta Khan,
who, dying in 1785, was succeeded
by the execrable Gholaum Cawdir
Khan, who, in 1788, put out the
eyes of the unfortunate Emperor,
Shah Allum, with a dagger ; and tor-
tured, starved, to death, and mas-
sacred, many of the royal family. A
few months subsequent he was him-
self put to death with tortures by
Madhajee Siudia, who conquered
the greater part of his dominions.
In 1803, Saharunpoor, with all the
other Maharatta possessions in the
doab of the Ganges and Jumna,
were acquired by the British go-
vernment ; and, in 1804, it was se-
parated into two divisions, the north-
ern and tlie southern, with a civil
establishment to each ; but at a more
recent period this arrangement was
modified, and great part of the .south-
ern division annexed to the district
of Merat. Until the ravages it sus-
tained under the turbulent reigns of
Aurengzebe's successors, Saharun-
poor was esteemed one of the most
productive territories in the empire ;
but from that monarch's death, in
1707, until its acquisition by the
British in 1803, it scarcely had an
interval of rest from ext( rnal inva-
sion or internal dissension. {Scott,
Franklin, Ahul Fazel, ^c.)
Saharunpoor. — A town in the
province of Delhi, the capital of a
district of the same name, 105 miles
N. by E. from Delhi. Lat. 30°. 15'.
N. Long. 77°. 23'. E.
Sahranpoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Saharun-
poor, 90 miles N. by W. from Delhi.
Lat. 30°. N. Long. 77°.' 16'. E.
Saibgunge, {Sahab^anj). — A town
in the province of Bcrigal, district
of Rnngpoor. 38 miles N. N- W.
from llie town of Rungpoor. Lat.
26°. 15'. N. Long. 88°. 48'. E.
St. Barbes* Isle. — A small is-
land in the Eastern Seas, situated
under die equinoctial line. Lat. 107°.
40'. E. In making this island from
tlie N , W. it looks like two islands.
SAKKAR.
713
the extremes bciiiR" liislicr tliiin the
contre. It is about tliiee leagues ia
circuniforeuce. 'i'liere is anchoia;;e
where wood and water may be had
on the S. E. side of this island, in
*2i> fathoms water. {E''>H(frc\ yc)
St. Bf.knardino (Striitsof). —
Tiicse straits separate the islands of
Luzon and Jiamar in the Philippines,
and have a small island in the centre
of the same name; the whole beini;-
greatly infested by tlie piratical
prows, whleli plunder and enslave
the inhabitants.
St. Julian Islf. — A very small
island iu the Eastern Seas, about
18 leagues distant from Victoire
Isle. Lat. 0°. 40'. S. Long. 10G°.
50'. E.
St. INIatthew's Isles. — A clus-
ter of very small islands, situated
about '25 leagues east from the
Island of Bootan, between tiic fifth
and sixth degrees ot south latitude,
and the 124th and 125th of east lon-
gitude.
St. Thome. — A small town in the
Carnatic, near to Madras, named
bv the natives JVIailapuram, or the
City of I'eaeocks. Lat. 13°. 1'. N.
Long. 80°. 22'. E.
This place is situated close to tlie
sea, which forms here a kind of bay
or small haven. It stands in a fine
plain, abounding with cocoa nut
trees, wliich retain their verdure
througliout the whole year. The in-
Jiabitants consist of flindoos, j\!a-
hommedans, and Roman Catholic
Christians ; the latter being a bastard
race, a mixture of the rortugiiesc
and natives, and of a very dark com-
plexion.
AN hen the Portuguese commander,
Guma, took tlie town of Meliapoor
(St. Thome's), he found a great many
iwhabitants who professed the Christ-
ian religion, of the Nestorian or
Chaldean persuasion. He clianged
the name of the place to St. Thome
in honour of the apostle, which it
still retains among Europeans. In
July, 1GT2, a French licet from Trin-
comale, under the command of M.
de ia Haye, unexpectedly landed
300 men and some puns, and took
St. Thome's by storm. Tiicy a'.tcr-
wajds successfully resisted ihe nu-
merous forces which ti.e natives
bronglit against them : but, in l(J74,
were compelled to surrcndc r it to the
Dutch, vlio gave it tip to the King
of Golconda.
In I74y this town was taken pos-
session of by Admiral I'oscawen, as
he found the Roman Catholic inlia-
bitants and priests conveyetl iiitelh-
gence to the Erench in rondicheny.
I'or many years the tou n belonged
to the Nahobs of Arcot; but, atter
the death of Anwar ud Deen, seemed
to belong to iiobod\; for there were
no officers, cith( r civil or military,
acting with authority in tlic place.
In the Carnatic wars it was taken
possession of by the government of
Madras, and has remained subject
to that presidency ever since. {Orme,
Fra Paolo, Jintce, ^c.)
SAirooR, \S/ia/iipura). — A town
t>ossesscd b) independent zemindars,
in the province of Gundwana, district
of Singhrowla, situated on tiie N.
W. side of tlio Ehair River, 15 miles
fiom the southern frontier of tl^o
Rhotas district, in Reii::^ Lat. 21°
2'. N. Long. 82°. 50'. E-
Sakkar. — A district in the Mi-
zanj's territories, in the province of
Ecjapoor, named hy the Mahom-
meda.is Xnsserilabad, and situated
ahout the 17th degree of north lati-
tude. This is a \ery fertile, weil-
watcred district, being principallv
situated between tlie Rivers Krish-
na and Bee mah, and partly inter-
sected by the latter; but its produce
or population by no means equal
what it might attain under a better
form of government. The portion
of the district to the north of the
Beemah is hilly, but not mountain-
ous. The principal towns are Sak-
kar and Nnsseritabad.
Sakkar. — A town in the province
of Bejajioor, situated on the noith
side of the Beemah River, 6o miles
E. from the city of Bcjapoor, and
the capital of a district in the Ni-
zam's dominions of the same name.
14
SALIBABO Isles.
Lat. 17°. 4'. N. Long. 76°. 38'.
E.
Sai.ayr Isle. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, situated oiFthe south-
ern extierwitj of Celebes, about the
6th desjree of south latitude. In
length it may be estimated at 40
n)iles', by eii!,ht the avera-jx- breadth.
Thrrc! are many smaller islands,
which lie round and nearSalayr, and
belong- to it ; but of these only two
are inhabited, IJonarautte and Ca-
lawe.
This island ifi mountainous and
voody, yet better cultivated and
peoitlrd JHost of the eastern isles,
tlie inhal)ilaii1s also appearing to
ha\e attained to a superior stage of
civilization. The piineipal jjroducc
is millet, vvhieh is the chief subsist-
ence of the 'natives, and cultivated
advantageously, each piece of ground
being fenced in. Cotton is also
raised in the sanie manner, from
v.hicli coarse bine and white striped
cloths are manufactured ihr internal
consumption and cxjiortalion. The
houses of the inhabitants are good,
and the richer classes, in travelling,
.'■•.e carried in bamboo chairs over
the hills, horses being used only in
(he level country. By Captain For-
rest, in 177.5, the inhabitants were
coinpnled at 60,000.
The ]\lacassars, who had t)btained
possession of this island, made a
session of it to the King of Ter-
natc, from whom it was wrested by
the Dutch East Imlia Company. In
1775 Salayr was governed l)y 14 na-
tive regents, who resorted once a
year, in the month of (October, to
I'ort Rotterdam, in Celebes, to per-
form the customarv duties of vassal-
age to the Dutch, on wlicse part a
junior merchant rc^sided on Salavr,
in a pallisadocd Ibit. {Sldvonnia;
J^orrrst, ('r/ptaiii Hunter, c^t.)
S.\LKN(;oRK, (S(ifn)ig-ay).' — A dis-
trict in the ^lalay Peninsula, ex-
tending along the Straits of Malacca,
iiiid governed by a Mahotmnedan
chief, who bears tluf title of Hajah.
The trade of this place chiefly
centres in Prjucc oi' M ales' Island,
which is at no great distance ; but,
after the ships for China have left
that island, there is some trade to
be collected. The Buggess prows
import to Salangore pepper, cloves,
wild nutmegs, wax, nutmeg oil, rat-
tans, dammer, wood oil, Sec. From
a large river near to Salengore,
named Burnam, great quantities of
long rattans are brought. As, in
most other IMalay principalities, the
prince, or sovereign, is the chief
merchant, and monopolizes the trade,
shij^s lying here in the river aie se-
cure from the attacks of pirates;
but, in the roads, it is necessary to
be on the alert against straggling
prows, Avhich are always roving
about, and ready to take advantage
of any inattention.
The Buggesses of Celebes have
still a small settlement here, and,
with a great majority of the inha-
bitants, profess the Mahommedan
religion. Salengore being a genuine
Malay state, the Malaya language
is here spoken in its greatest purity.
{Elmore, Marsden, Leijden, ^-c.)
Salibabo Isles. — A cluster of
islands in the Eastern Seas, situated
about the fourth degree of north la-
titude, and between the 126th and
127th of east longitude. The names
of the principal islamls are Tulour
(or Kercolang), Salibabo, and Ka-
bruang — the first being much the
largest. The Island of Salibabo lies
to the south ofTidour, from which
it is divided by a narrow strait about
one mile in the breadth, the circum-
ference of the island being about 15
miles.
All these islands are well culti-
vated and populous, having plenty
of provisions, such as calavanses,
potatoes, rice, goats, hogs,&:c.'J'he in-
habitants are of the Malay colour,
v.ith long hair, and have for arms
lances, swords, targets, and dag-
gers. 'I'hey are nuich oppressed by
their kolanos, or chiefs, and sold as
slaves for trilling oftences. The in-
habitants of Salibabo Island are very
frequently at war with those of Ka-
bruang, distant five or six miles.
SALSETTE ISLE.
15
They barter pro\isions with such
ships as puss for coarse calicoes, red
handkerchiefs, coarse cutlery, &:c.
{Forrest, Sr.)
Sallawatty. — One of the Pa-
puan or oriental Neg^ro Isles, situ-
ated ahoiit tlie 131st dej;:ree of east
h)ngitnde, and sejiarated from the
Island of Papua, or New Guinea,
by a narrow strait. In length it
may he estimated at 30 miles, hy
2o the averau,e breadth. This island
produces a f^reat deal of sago of an
excellent (lualitA'.
In 1770 a fleet of Papuan boats
sailed up the Straits of Patientia,
which separate 15atchian from Gi-
lolo, on a phinderinaj expedition ;
but the Dutch took the Raj;di of
Salwatty prisoner, and banished him
to the ('ape of Good Hope.
Saltan a h , (Sal/iemu). — A town
in Northern Hindostan, tributary to
theGoorkhali Kajahof Nepaul. Lat.
29°. 2'. N. Lon^'. 81°. 37'. E.
Sallkk, (Snli). — A town in the
province of Gujrat, situated on the
north side of the Mahy River, 38
miles E. by N. IVum ("ambav. Lat.
22°. 2/'. N. Lono:. 73°. 20'." E,
Saloon, {Salaian). — A town in
the Nabob's territories, in the pro-
vince of Oude, 65 miles S. S. E. from
Lucknow. Lat. 26°. 2', N. Long.
81°. 24'. E.
Saloor. — A tow n in the Northern
Cirears. 53 miles N. W. from A'iza-
gapalam. Lat. 18°. 26'. N. Long.
83°. 19'. E.
Salsettb Islk. — An island on the
vest coast of India, in the province
of Aurungabad, and formerly sepa-
laled from Bombay by a narrow
strait, about 200 yards ai-ross, oppo-
site to the fort of Tamiali. In length
it may br estimated at 18 miles, by
14 the average breadth.
The soil of this island is well
adapted for the culti\ation of indigo,
sugar, cotton, flax, and hem]) ; but
it most unaccountably remains in a
desolate uncultivated state, and al-
most wholly covered with juMgle,
altiiough in the vicinity of so rich a
market ;us lioinbay. This tirCum-
stance, however, has not the same
tendency to promote improvement
in India that it has in Europe, the
most savage pari of Hengal being
within 20 miles of ("alcntla, and
■wholly uninhabited. The Island of
Salsette is consequently still more un-
healthy than Bombay, the jungle
being thicker, and the vallies more
shut in. At present it scarcely })ro-
duoes the 100th ])ar1 of what it might
supply, and is in proportion thinly
inhabited.
The most substantial improvement
that has yet taken place with respect
to this island, is the causeway which
connects it with Bombay, completed
by Mr. Duncan in 1805, although it
is said to have had a prejudicial elfcct
on the harboiir of Bombay. A guard
is constantly kept at the causeway,
to prevent the introdoetion of con-
traband articles ; for Salsette, al-
though under the British goverii-
ment, is still subject to the Alalia-
ratta regulations, as far as regards
taxes. The acquisition of this island
w as expected to have ]»roved a much
greater advantage to Bombay than
it has turned out; and, on account
of the slow progress of its iinprovc-
mcnt, it has been proposed to colo-
nize it with Chinese.
Notw ifhstanding its present deso-
late condition, Salsette is remarkably
rich in mUhological anticjuilies, and
the remains of tanks, terraces, and
flights of stci)s around them, inclicato
a former state of prosperity, and the
collection of a consideralilc jiopula-
tion. At Kcnneri, on this island,
there arc several very extriiordinaiy
caverns excavated: the largest re-
sembles that at Carii, but is inferior
in size and elegance. Us j)ceuliar
ornaments are two gigantic figures
of iiiuidha, nearly 20 feit iiigh, and
each filling one side of t»," veslibule.
Theyare exactly alike,audarcinper-
fei't jii-oservation, in consequence of
their leaving been adopted and red
painted by 111*' Portuguese, whotrans-
formed the temple of Buddha into a
Christian elnnch. On the sea coast,
above high Avatcr mark, e.\teiisj\u
716
SAMAR ISLE.
enclosures are levelled, and divided
into |)!u(itiona of about 20 loet
scjnarc, which are filled b\ the over-
flow Jiig of the sea, and contain six
or eight iiiehes-of water. Before tlic
next spriiif? tide, nil the tluidity is
exhaled by tht; heat of the sun, aii<l
the salt is <:;athered from Ihc bottom
of the enclosure, and aflerv\aids
further retined. A little salt of a
.superor kind is procured at the time
of the exhalaliun, by fixing a jag^^ed
piece of stick in the water, when lirst
let into the reservoirs, to which, as
the water evaporates, saline particles
adhere, to the weight of three or four
ounces. The finest kind of salt, used
in the west of India fur the table,
comes from Aral)ia, in pieces not
unlike a cheese ,in shape, and
sparkling in appearance like a sugar-
loaf.
This island, named by Europeans
SalSette, is by the natives called
Jhalta, or Shaster, the derivation of
■uhich is uncertain. It was long pos-
sessed by the Portuguese, but was
■wrested from them by the Maharat-
tas, about 1750. In 1773, during a
rupture with that nation, tlie Com-
pany's troops obtained possession of
it, and it w as formally ceded by the
Maharatlas, at the treaty of Poor-
bunder, in 1776, subsequently con-
firmed at the peace of 1782-3, when
all the small islands in the gulf
formed by Bombay and Salsette were
also ceded. {Lord Valeutia, Mal-
colm, Moor, H. Graham, Rennel, §o.)
Samavan. — A town possessed by
native chiefs in alliance with the
British, 122 miles N.W. from Delhi.
La\. 30°. 2'. N. Long. 75°. 4b' E.
Samand. — A town in the Afgan
territories, in the province of Moul-
tan, district of Backar, situated on
the east side of tlie Indus. Lat.
28° 11'.Nh» Long. 19°. 57. E.
Samanap. — A L)u1eh residency in
the island of Aiadura, principally lor
the purpose of inspection, as almost
no trade is carried on. Lat. 7°. 5'.
S. Long. 1 14°. 1-;.
.Sauianap is a consi<lerable village,
inhabited by one third Chiiicse ai;d
t« o thirds Malays, the latter having
mosques, and the former temples and
attetidant priests. {Tumbe, ^c.)
Samar isL! .— (Jue oi the Philip-
pines, situated south east Irou) th*
large island of Luzon, from w hich it
is separated by a strait about five
leagues in breadth. In length it may
be estimated at 140 miles, by 60 the
average breadth.
The soil of this island is extremely
fertile, and cultixated with little
trouble. Besides other grain, the
native Bisayans raise a c(»nsiderable
quantity of rice, which is wholly
a]>propriated to the use of the paro-
chial clergy, or of the settlement at
Manilla. The food of the natives
consists clnefly of a species of pota-
toe, yams, and a root named gaby.
The sugar-cane, cabbages, garlic,
onions, melons, the china orange,
lemons, vegetables, and several fruits
not common in India, are cultivated
here, particularly figs, of which tiiere
are many different species. Pepper,
honey, and wax are found in the
woods, which swarm w ith birds, and
among others the domestic fowl. In
these woods, also, there are many
kinds of monkeys, some of them re-
markably large, deer, wild buffaloes,
and other quadrupeds. The iron
tree, ebony, an<! dying woods, grow
in every part of the island, and gold-
dust is foinid in the interior.
The natives of Samar are Bisay-
ans ; such as reside on the sea-coast
were formerly Mahommedans, but
have been converted by the mis-
sionary Jesuits to the religion and
allegiance of Spain. Their houses
are constructed of bamboos, and
raised a few feet from the ground, to
admit of a circulation of air under
neath, and the natives generally aro
lodged, fed, and clothed, with very
litlie trouble or expense. The streams
are eveiy where shaded by the bam-
boo, and the woods contain creeping
plants and rattans, which supply the
place of nails in a Bisayan's dwel-
ling. Cotton and the fibres of the
banyan fig-tree furnish materials for
the scanty apparel he reciuires. TU* \
SAMAPANG.
71'
pviesls exercise ovcrtlioni apaliiarcli-
al antliorit y, uliicli is in gt'Doral cliccr-
idily siibniilted to. Advice and ad-
niouitioii on Ihcir part is always ac-
conipaniod with some small pioscnt
of wine, medicines, liqnor, or animal
food, which influences (lie Indian to
au indnstry lie would not otlieiwiso
exert. A\ hen punisiimont is neces-
sary it is jjromplly inllicted, which
the priest is enahlcd to do by acting
in a military as well as sacijrdolal
capacity. In his own |)arish it is
competent to each missionary to is-
sue orders for buildin«: or repairing
the fort, for providinp; it with cannon
and annuunition, ;'.iid lor the con-
struction of war canoes, which he fre-
quently commands in person. 'Hie
instrument mostly used, l)Otli for the
purposes of war and indnslry, is a
species of creese souiew hat diU'crcnt
from tliat of the Malays. 'Ihe gal-
leon always touches here on the
passage from Acapulco to Manilla,
Avhioh attracts the Indians from the
neighbouring islands. (Z« Poge,
4t.>c.)
Samarang. — A fortified town on
the north cast coast of Java, the ca-
pital of a large district, and ranking
in importance next to Batavia. Lat.
6°. 54'. S. Long. 1 10°. 38'. E.
'I'he sea coast ceded to the Dutch
East India Company, and attached
to the government of Samarang, ex-
tended from C)eloj)ampang to 'I'agal
in the west; the breadth inland is va-
rious, penetraling further up the
country at one place than another.
The whole was divided into nine
residences; viz. Oelopampang, Sou-
rabhaya, Grcssee, Sainanajt (on the
Island of Madura), Kenil)ang Joana,
Japara, Samarang, Pucaionga, and
Tagal.
'i'he town of Samarang is only GO
miles distant from the residence of
the Emperor of Mataram, and 105
fnmi that of the Sultan of Joucki,
the two greatest potentates in the
island. It is intersected by a river;
hut the shoalness of the coast is such
that ships of burthen caimot anchor
fiearer to tiio shore than one and a
half leagues, nor can the river be
entered af all before half Hood ; and
here, as along the north coast of Java
generally, tlie tide rises but once
in 24 horns. One mile east of Sa-
marang River is that of Caligawa;
both of them being iia\igablc for
small boats a short distance up the
country, and having their sources
among the Mataram mountains. On
the banks of these rivers numerous
cainpongs of Chinese ajid Javanese
are scattered.
Samarang is sunounded hy a wall
and ditch, i)osscsses a good hospital
and a public seiiool, ciiicfly for the
teaching of the niathcmatics, and
there is also a theatre here. I'he
houses occupied by Europeans are
mostly built of smal! stones. The sur-
lounding countiy being extremely
Icrtile provisions are remarkably
cheap, and generally of a good qua-
lity. At this place resides the go-
vernor of Java (as distinguished from
llatavia), his authority extending
from Chcribon to the eastern extre-
mity of the island, I!e is aitpointed
by the high regency, and is subor-
dimite to the governor-general at
Batavia; but the establishment is
one of the most important in Java.
All the communications with the
empires of Mataram and Joucki, be-
sides other Javanese kingdoms and
principalities, centre here ; and it is
likewise the general depot of this
quarter of the island, which produces
large quantities of rice, sugar, coll'co,
and {)epper. A great proportion of
the vessels that fill the magazine at
Batavia touch here. The govern-
ment of Samarang is in conscciucnct
one of the most lucrative uncler the
Dutch East India Company, surpass-
ed oidy by that of governor-^-eneral.
The appointment is gencrallv chang-
ed every year, and is resemeil for the
counsellors of India, who are not
rich, or who have lost their ()!<>pcrty,
to enable them to nalize a foitune.
On a steep rock, three quarters of
a mile behind Bodijon, from a bam-
boo obseivatory, all the adjacent
coast, mouiilain^ aad rivers, are per-
718
SAMBOANGAN.
ceplible; and, on the same lieisrlit,
at a slioi t distance from the observa-
tory, are several tombs of deceased
.lavaiuse princes, snrrounded by
walls built of small stones. {Tomle,
Stnvorinns, Bligh, <Sc.)
Samhah, (Sambhu). — A town in
llie Seik teiritories, in the province
of Lahore, situated on the cast side
of the small River Deeg-, 55 miles
N. N. E. from the city of Lahore.
Lat. 32°. 34'. N. Long. 74°. 8'. E.
Sambass. — A town on the west
coast of the Island of Borneo, and
an excellent market for oi)ium, the
consumption being above 500 chests
per annum. Lat. 1°, 3'. N. Long-.
109°. 25'. E.
On account of the piracies com-
mitted by the inhabitants, this place
was attacked by the British in 1812 ;
but they were repulsed w ith consi-
derable loss, and suftercd still more
by the pestilential elfects of fbe cli
mate. li> 1813 a second expedition
Wfis fitted out against it, which
proved completely successful. {El-
more, S)-c.)
Sambur, {Samhhara, a Store). — A
Rajpoot town in the province of Aj-
meer, 20 miles west from tlie city of
Jyenagur. J^at. 26°. 55'. N. Long.
75°. 20'. E. Near to this town is a
salt lake, about 13 miles long, by
two broad, from whence grea.t part
of Hindostan is still supplied Avith
salt, and from whence, dming tlie
Mogul govenmient, it was carried as
far as Benares and Bahar. {J. Grant,
&-C. Si-c.)
Samboangan. — A Spanish settle-
ment on tlie S. W. extremity of the
Island of Magiudanao. Lai". 6°. 45'.
N. Long. 122°. 10'. E. The town
ol" Samboangan is situated on the
banks of a small rivulet which ilows
into the sea. The number of inha-
bitants are about 1000; among which
are includtjd the olficers, soldiers, and
their respective families. In its cn-
vinins are s<;veral small look-out
houses, erected on i)Osts 12 feet high,
in all of which a constant guard is
kept against the hostilities of the na-
ijvos, w ith whom the Spaniards are
in a state of perpetual hostility. Tlie
fort is very indiiiereiit as a place of
defence, and in a state of rapid de-
cay, 'i'lie houses are erected on
posts, built of bamboos, and covered
with mats; and the Spanish inhabit-
ants, in place of attempting to im-
prove the natives in the arts and
conveniencies of life, are insensibly
sinking into the manners and cus-
toms of tlie very people whom they
alfect to despise. The only edifice
of note is the churcii, which in a
Spanisli settlement is always good ;
it is built of stone.
The military force at Samboangan
consists of from 150 to 200 soldiers,
natives of Manilla, and are generally
as defective in discipline as the fort
is in strength. This place is the
Botany Bay of the Philippines, par-
ticular crimes being punished by ba-
nishment to this place ; the conduct
of the inhabitants is, however, much
better than this circumstance would
indicate, which is in a great measure
owing to the exertions of the priests
settled among them. The naviga-
tors who have accidentiy called here
have been surprised to find the in-
habitants, both of Spanish cxti actiorx
and natives, so well acquainted with
European music, jiarticulaily Han-
del's and country dances, whicli are
here performed on violins, bassoons,
and flutes, the orchestra being com-
posed of natives of tlie island. For
this they are also indebted to the
priests, who have likewise taught
them to dance — a species of agility
extremely repugnant to iUi Asiatic
disposition.
The country adjacent to Samboan-
gan is fertile, aiid the cattle have
multiplied so greatly as to he of little
value. At this place the Sjiaiiiards
stop the Chinese junks bound to the
eastward. The anchorage belbre
the tort is foul and rocky, but abreast
of the town it is better. I'he Spa-
niards and their subjects here are
much inferted by piratical prows,
Avhich plunder and cut olf vessels
richly laden while lying in the har-
boui', and frequently make descents
SANDY DESERT.
closo fo the fori, and faiiy oil" llu'
iiiliabitiiiits, wliom tlic} sell into
slavery-
About tlio year 1756 this fortress
was nearly captured by the Sooloos
bv the follow iiij!; strata^eai : One of
tiuir sultans. Ameer iil Mouienin,
came with a numerous retinue to
Samboauf^an under pretenee of beiiia,'
converted ; but the plot was disco-
vered, and tlie sidtan with his family
sent prisoners to Alauilla, where they
remained until the eaptine of that
place by the British in 1702, wlien
they were liberated. {Mtars, For-
rest, Sonnerat, S;c-)
Samgaum, {Si/amagrama). — A town
in the Northern Carnatic, situated
on the north side of the Pennar Ri-
ver, 17 miles W. N. W. from Nel-
loor. Lat. 14°. 33'. N. Long. 70°
44'. E.
Samrongur, {Semroan and Ghur-
semrour). — An ancient and extensive
city a few miles south of Bharch, iu
the Terriani of Ncpaul, of which the
ruins only now remain. Lat. 26°.
45'. N. Long. 85°. 3U'. E. In this
district are also the ruins of a very
larsje tank, named Bundar Pokrali,
which, although useless and neglect-
ed, indicates that this part of the
country, at present overgrown witli
forest trees, was formerly better po-
pulated, and in a more nourishing
condition. The ruins of Sennoun
are situated between the Bukkia and
the Jumna River. {Kirkpatrick, ^-c.)
Sancot. — A village tributary to
tlie Ghoorkhali Rajah of Nepa\d, in
the province of Serinagur, consisting
of from 40 to 50 houses. Lat. 30°.
10'. N. Ijong. 7!:°. 33'. E. Tlu;
lands in the vicinity of this place arc
well cultivated, and were always
noted for their fertility. J'ormerly a
trade subsisted with tlie Bootaners,
who purchased grain and left wool
in exchange. In the surrounding
forests are oak, atis, and pangar
trees. Many of the inhabitants are
afleeted with large tunnnns in tlse
neck. ( Raper, ^c.)
Sandakan. — A bay and harbour
in the Island of Borneo, distiiul of
719
Rlangeedara. This place abounds
with baat, and <ipposite to it there is
an assemblage of islands, tin; most
easterly of which is remarkable lor
the great plenty of green turtle. The
tortoise-shell is also found here.
{Da/ri/mple, (St.)
SiNDA. — A town in the jirovinctt
of Siude, situated on the south bank
of the Goonee River, on tli" route
from Hyderabad, the capital ofSinde,
(o Lnckput Bui;der, and afterwards
to Manda\ee, ou the (Julf of Cutcb.
Lat. 25°. 6'. N.
'I'his is a large and populous tow a,
and the country near it is well cul-
tivated. 'J'he (ioonee is here, in the
month of August, 100 yards broad,
and one and a half deep.
Sandelwood Isle. — A large island
iu the Eastern Seas, situated to the
south of the Island of Eloris, about
the 10th degree of north latitude.
In lengtii it may be estimated at 100
miles, by 30 the average breadth ;
but it has never been explored, and
nothing is known respecting it, nor
how it acquired its present name.
Sandy. — A town belonging to the
Nai)ob of Chide, diitrict of Khyra-
bad, 25 miles S. E. ihmi r'nauck.-i-
bad. Lat. 2/°. 18°. N. Long. 79°.
5y'. E.
The country immediately to tlie
north of this place is extremely bar-
ren and sandy, there being tracts of
it without a tree or shrul> to shade
the :iritl soil. The land is covered
with dust by the m ind, which in tlio
cold season generally blows from 10
to 12 every day. 'She surrounding
country has a bleak, dreary, and de-
solate apjicarance. The troops, whiltf
marehitig through it, sink deep in
the light sand every footstrp, and
are blinded by elouils of dust. In
the vicinity of this [dace is a large
lake, which in most seasons of the
year is coveicd with water-fowl.
{TeiiMint, ifc.)
Sandy DiisURT. — An extensive
tract of country ihus named in the
mai)S, having the province of C'ut<h
to the south ; (Jujrat to the east;
Siude to the w est ; and Ajmeer to the
720
SANDY DESERT.
nortli. This region has not been re-
cently explored by any European;
biit from the tcstinioiiics of the na-
tives collected on the eastern border,
there is reason to believe it is by no
means a completely barren wilder-
ness like the deserts of Arabia, On
the contrary, althongli the country in
g-eneral consists of an ari<l, unpro-
ductive sand, 5'et it coulains many
cultivated spots, and is interspersed
with petty chiefships and stationary
tribes.
The most powerful of these are the
Balioochec Kosahs, who settled in
the country about 27 years ago, and
arc named Siryes by the aborigines
of the country. They are a race of
sanguinary thieves, who infest the
v\holc of the Parkur district, and ex-
tend their ravages into the Joudpour
territories. I'hey ^re armed with
swords, and in general well mounted,
'i'hey move in numbers from 100 to
600, wliich force i» sufficient to over-
come any that the country can col-
lect at a short notice, and by some
achievements of desperate \aIour
they have inspired the natives with
great terror.
Their dress and manner resemble
those of the Sindcans. They never
cut their hair; but, having let it grow
to a great length, tie it in a kiiot on
the top of their heads. There are
12,000 Baloochees scattered over
Dliat, Parkur, and Neyer, or that
tract of land marked as a desert in
the maps. They acknowledge no
superior, and subsist by their horses
and swords, entering into the service
of the diflerent predatory cliieffains.
Iking origuialiy from Sinde tliey re-
tain a great affection for their native
country, and when one of them dies
his remains are conveyed for inter-
ment to that province.
'I'he River Loonee, wliieh comes
from Marwar, runs through the
(•urrah district, and is said to fall
into the Hun, which bounds Cuteh
to the north. It is represented as a
small stream, dry in the cold season
of the year, with very low banks.
I'lio route across this tract of coun-
try from Rahdunpoor has been de-
scribed as follows :
Coss.
ToBheelote - 3
l"o Sonete __---- 4
To IMorrwarra ----- 4
To Soseegan ------ 5
'I'o the bank of the Run - - 2
To the opposite bank - _ - 16
To Bherraniia ----- 2
To Weerawow ----- 8
To Nuggur Parkur - - - - 6
60
The road is said to be good the
whole way. Tlie Run in this quar-
t< r is re|«; esented to be a waste san-
dy fract,"destitute of fresh water and
vegetation; and, in the journey across
it, there is no halting place for the
whole 16 cos:^, on account of the to-
tal want of drinkable water. Brack-
ish water is found on a tract al)out
six coss in circumference, called
Nurrah, situated on the Run, and
covered with jungle, which serves as
an asylum for thieves. This space
is uninhabited and uncultivated, the
soil being the same as that of the
Run ; yet the water, such as it is, is
found very near the surface. Sooee-
gaum stands near the linn, Avhich
comes from Arrisur in Wagur, and
takes a sweep round Cutch. On
crossing tlie Run the district of Par-
kur commences.
From Parreenuggur, 30 coss west,
is situated lslamnagur,in which dist-
ance the traveller experiences much
difficulty from the sand hills, heat,
glare, and want of water, the wells
being eight or 10 coss distant from
each other, and very deep ; their ap-
pearance indicates a considerable
duration. Between the two towns
above mentioned there are no regu-
lar villages, but the Wandyas and
Myras are to be met with in the
vicinity of the wells. There are two
migratory hordes, who ]iasture flocks
of goats, cows, and camels, as the
season suits, and are by caste Soda
Rajpoots, but are of late much mix-
ed with Siudean Mahommcdans. All
SANGAMSERE.
721
over tliis sandy tract, scattered jun-
f;lc and coarse ve2,"efalioii of diU'crent
sorts suj)))!}' the cattle witli food.
Bajereo and Mooiig- arc the only
grains produ(;ed, and tliesc oi;ly in
spots uiiere liie sandy soil is a little
mixed with clay. Gliec, the produce
of their numerous lloeks, liiids a rea-
dy market throTj^hont the v.liole of
Cutch, and principally at Luckput
Bunder. The natives eat goat's
flesh, and have vej;etablos of v:uious
kinds. Water-melons of an excel-
lent kind are produced throughout
this i)arched and arid region, and
furnish a most grateful relieshment.
Islairmao^ur is dest-ribed as a strong
fort, situated in the desert, and des-
titute of water w illumt the m alls. It
is ujihcld by the Sindean chief, Meer
Gholanin All, as part of a chain of
communication across the desert.
Twelve coss, in a north-westward
direction from Islamnagur, is the
fort of JMcittah, and 14 coss further
that of Kherpoor — both resembling
Islamnagur, and the last only 35
coss from Hyderabad, the capital of
Sinde.
The country north from Parkur,
towards Amercote, is called Dhat,
and was originally subject to the
Soda Bajah of Amercote. Accord-
ing to the report of the natives, the
distance from Coss.
Parkur to Weerawow, N.W. is 7
Rajora, N. - - - 22
Koana, N.W. - - 8
Guddra, N. W. - - 20
Neelwa, N. - - - 8
Amercote, N.W. - 15
80
Between Weerawow and Rajoora
there is said to be one well, hills of
sand, and jungle. At Koanna a
well, and at Guddra a tank ; the lat-
ter being the proj)crty of a Soda Raj-
poot originally fiom Anurcote. Re-
twcen Koana and Guddra there arc
two or three wells; and from Gud-
dra to Neehva sand hills and one
well. Neelwa belongs half to the
Soda, and lialf to the Rhatore Raj-
3 A
poots. There are three forts in this
tract, Kudha, liulliarce, and Meitu,
which lie to the westward of the
above route, and are garrisoned by
Sindean detachments. This part of
the country exhibits little or no cul-
tivation; the inhabitants subsisting
on the produce of their tuimcrous
Hocks of cattle and camels, which
are purchased at a low price, and ex-
ported to Gujrat.
The district of Dhat includes a
subdivision named Raree Rawar, si-
tuated immediately on the west bor-
der of Marwar, and inhabited solely
by Rhatore Rajpoots. The natives
of Dhat arc described as pacifically
inclined, possessing few horses, and
armed with swords only. They are
in consequence compelled to support
the Sindean detachments, to pre-
serve them from the depredations of
the Kosahs and other Sindean plun-
derers, who devastate the country.
{Macmurdoy ^'c.)
Sanding Isles, {Pulo Sanding). —
Two small islands situated off the
S. W. coast of Sumatia, near the
south-eastern extremity of the Nas-
sau or Poggy Isles, in which group
they are sometimes included. They
arc both inhabited, and their only re-
markable production is the long nut-
meg, which grows wild on them; and
some good timber, particularly of the
kind known by the name ofmarbaw.
An officer and a few men were land-
ed here in 1769, with a view to the
establishment of a settlement, and
remained a few months, during whicli
time it rained without cessation. The
scheme was subsequently abandoned
as ludikely to answer any useful
purpose. {Mttrsden, ^-c.)
Saxgamsere, {Sangamasara, the
Covfnence). — A small town in the
province of Bejapoor, district of Con-
can, situated on the banks of the
Zyghur or Jaigur River. Lat. 17°.
11'. N. Long. 73°. 15'. E. Hero
the troops from Bombay, intended
to ascend to the Upper Carnatic by
the Ambah Pass, are usually landed
from boats, which can come nearly
up to the town.
722
SAPAROUA ISLE.
Sangara, (Sancnra). — A small
town iji the Nizam's terrifories, in
the j)iovince of Nandcre, situated at
the jnnctioii of tlie Manzora with
the River Godavei y, 43 miles S. E.
from the town of Nandere. Lat.
18°. 49'. ¥,. Lon<?. 78°. 12'. R.
Sangar. — A town in the ]\faha-
ratta teiritoiios, in the province of
JMalwali, situated in a plain sur-
rounded by a ranp;e of low hills. Lat.
23°.50'. N. Long.7S° .50'. E. The
country to tlie west is hilly, hut J he
altitude is not great, covered with
low jungle, and hut 'little cultivated.
Sangir Jsle. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, situated between the
third and fourth degrees of north la-
titude, and 125th and 126th of east
longitude. In length it may be es-
timated at 30 miles, by 10 miles the
average breadth; and it is surround-
ed by 4(j smaller islands of various
dimensions. From the sea the land
appears high and well wooded ; and
the coast has better harbours, and is
less dangerous from hidden rocks
and shoals than most of the Eastern
Islands. The country is well inha-
bited, and adbrds refreshments of va-
rious kinds, such as bullocks, hogs,
goats, and poultry ; and cocoa nuts
are in such plenty, that an oil is ex-
pressed from them and exported.
Spices are also procured, with which
a trade is carried on to Magindanao.
About the middle of the west coast
of the island is the town, bay, and
harbour of Taroona ; opposite to
which, on the east coast, is also a
town and harbour called 'J'abookang,
the harbour of which is sheltered by
two islands. There arc many other
harboms towards the so\ith end of
this island, along the middle of which
runs a ridge of high mounlains, ter-
minated to the northward by a lofty
volcano, from which there was a
great cniplion in 1711.
This island was formerly under
tlie inlluence of the Dutch, who had
a small garrison here. They made
many converts to Christianity by
the exertions of missionaries, who
preached- in the Malay tongue, and
had subordinate black preaclicrs,
who also spoke the dialects of the
country. 'I'he islands of Salibabo,
Kabruang, and Nanusau, were form-
erly .subject to Sangir, and after-
wards came with it under the influ-
ence of the Dutch ; but that nation
kept no European garrisoji at Sali-
babo, or Lerou. {Forrest, Mears,
Sangbarah, (Sambhara). — A town
tributui-j' to the JNIaharattas, in the
province of Gujrat, 112 miles N. W.
from Ahmedab'ad. Lat. 23°. 37'. N.
Long. 74°. 13'. E.
Sangiir, {Sav^^/inr). — A town in
the province of Allahabad, district
of Bundclcund, 100 miles S.W. from
Chatterpoor, Iributarv to the Maha-
raltas. Lat. 23°. 60'. N. Long.
78°. 50'. E.
Sanjork, {Sanjara). — A Rajpoot
town in the province of Ajnieer, dis-
ti ict of Sarowy, situated on tiie east
side of the River Rah, 115 miles
W. S.W. from Odevpoor. Lat. 25°
3'. N. Long. 72°.16'. E.
The road betwixt this town and
Theraud, on the north-western fron-
tier of the Gujrat Province, is infest-
ed by predatory Baloochee banditti
of the Kosah tribe, who render the
road impassable without a large es-
cort. This tract of country is under
no general controul or government,
every viUage having an independent
chief, who plunders wherever he
hopes to meet with impunity.
Sanjore is at present suiyect to the
Rajah of Joudpoor, who keeps a
garrison stationed in it. This place
is also named Sachore.
Sanore, {Sivanur). — See Sha-
NOOR.
Sanpoo River. — See Brahma-
POOTRl.
S a n y a s h yg ott a , {Sani/asighat). —
A town in the province of Rengal,
tlistiict of Kungpoor, situated on the
east side of the Mahanada River, 78
miles ]N. W. from the town of Rung-
poor. Lat. 26°. 33'. N. Long. 88°.
l.V. E.
Saparoua Isle. — One of tlie small
Amboyna Isles, about 20 miles in
circiimfprotice. Lat. 3°. 40'. S.
Lona,-. 28°. 40'. E. Tliis island, with
that of Noussa Laut, forincrly jicld-
ed to (he Outch East India Company
one halt" of the whole cloves e\|)ort-
*d from the Anihoyna government.
Sai'ata Islk, {Pulu Sapata). — A
small elevated barren island in the
Eastern Seas, so named by the I'or-
tnf'ue.se from lis resemblance to a
shoe, which in tiieir language Sa[)ata
means, joined with the Malay word
Pulo, which signifies an island. In
appearance from the sea it is nearly
perpendicular, and white like the
clilis of Dover, with immmcrable
flocks of sea-fowl hovering and
screaming over it. Lat. 10°. 4'. N.
liong. 109°. 10'. E.
Sarangur, {Saraiiagliar, the As)/-
lum). — A town possessed by indt;-
pendent Goand chiefs, in the pro-
vince of Gnndwana, 14 miles S. \V.
from Bustar. Lat. 19°. 40'. N.
Long. 82°. 26'. E.
Sarangpoor, {Suran^'apnra), — A
district in the Maharatla territo-
ries, in the province of Maiwaii, si-
tuated about the 24th degree of north
latitude. Like the rest of the pro-
vince this district is elevated and
hilly ; but, being intersected by nu-
merous branches of the Sojira and
Gilly Sindc rivers, is fertile and jiro-
ductive, when under proper cultiva-
tion and a trancpiil government. The
chief towns are Sarangpoor, Kajegia-,
and Slier.
Sarangpoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of jMal«ah, the capital of a
district of tiie same name, and situ-
ated on the north side of the Hi\er
Sopra, Ho miles N. li. from Oojain.
Lat. 23° 38'. N. Long. 70°. 3(/. 1':.
Sarapilly, {Sdrnpal/i). — A town
in the Carnatic, 13 miles sinitli from
the town of \elloor. Lat. 14°. 14'.
N. Long. 79°. Ob'. K
SARHAUr, {Srihaitt, an affluent
Mart). — A town in the proxinceof
Bengal, district of 15irbhooni, 85
miles west from jNIoorshedabad.
Lat. 24°. 14'. N. Long. 86°. 51'. E.
Sarjew KivtR, {iiareyu). — See
GOGORAH.
3a 2
SARUN. 723
Sarmatta Isle.— a small island
in the Eastern Seas, about 30 miles
in circumference, situated in Lat.
8°. 10'. S. Long. 129°. 15'. K
Sarowy, (Sdnti). — A large dis-
trict in the province of Ajmeer, si-
tuated principally between the 25tli
and 26th degrees of north latitude.
By Abul Fazel, in 1582, this district
is described as follows:
" Sircar Sirowhy, containing six
mahals; revenue, 42,077,437 dams.
This sircar furnislies 8000 cavalry,
and 38,000 infantry."
Sarowy is possessed by difl'ercnt
Bajpoot chiefs, tributary to the Ra-
jah of Joudpoor, w ho has greatly ex-
tended his conquests in this quarter.
'J'he eastern quarter is hilly, but more
productive than the western, which
joins the desert, and is almost desti-
tute of water, which can only be pro-
cured tiom Aery deep wells. 'I'his
circumstance, added to the internal
dissentious of the native chiefs, and
the incursions of the wild predatory
hordes in the vicinity, keep the coun-
try in a very inferior state of culti-
vation, and prevent the increase of
tin; population, which is but thinly
scattered over an extensive tract of
country. From Abul Fazel's de-
scription, it would appear to liave
Ibrmerly existed in a more flourish-
ing state than it at |)resent exhibits.
'J he chief rivers are the Bab and Ba-
nass, neither of which reach the .sea ;
and the principal towns, Sarowy and
Sanjore.
Sarowy. — A town in the Bajpoot
territories, in the province of Aj-
meer, 44 miles west from Odeypoor,
and the capital of a district of the
same name. Lat. 25°. 32'. N. Long.
78°. 2(/. E.
Sarun, (Saraua, Asi/lum). — .'\ dis-
trict ill the iiro\inee of Bahar, si-
tuated about the 26th degree of north
latitude. To the north it is bounded
by Goracpoor and Bettiah, and on
the south l)y the Ganges; to the ea.st
it has Betlinh and llajypoor, and on
the west the Dcwah, or Goggrah
River. In 1784, according to Major
Reimel's mensuration, Saruu and
724
SATARAH.
JBettiah contained 6106 square miles, maiisolcntn, built in the middle of a
the reveniie of which was 1,312,721 great reservoir of water. The mo-
nipees. Of the above extent the iminent rises from the centre of the
district of Saran sepatately conipro- tank, which is about a mile in cir-
hended 2560 square miles. cumference, and bounded on each
This dislrict is one of tlie most side by masonry ; the descent to the
prosperous for its dimensions of any Avater being by a flight of steps now
in the Company's dominions. The iu ruins. 'Jhe dome and the rest of
land is well sujjplied with water
from two large rivers, the Gauges
and the Gnuduck, besides numerous
smaller strean)s ; and the soil when
cultivated yields abundantly all the
richest productions of the east. The
breed of cattle in this district arc
excellent, and the bullocks equal to
the government standard for the ord-
nance department, in which respect
they are only rivalled by those of
purueah. It is remarkable that the
natives, in the districts immediately
adjacent, should never have altempt-
the buiiding is of a tine grey stone,
at present greatly discoloured by age
and neglect. {Hodg-es, S'c.)
Sasnfe, (Sasani, Rule). — A town
and fort in the province of Agra, 38
miles N. N. E. from the citvof xVgra.
Lat. 27°. 45'. N. Long. 78°. 4'. E.
The zemindar, being refractory, was
expelled from this place in March^
1803, by the British forces, after a
desperate resistance.
Satanagur, (Satnagar)- — A town
in the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Hyderabad, 55 miles N. by
ed to improve their own breed of E. from the city of Hyderabad. Lat
cattle to the same degree of excel-
lence. The saltpetre exported to
Europe, and used by the inhabitants
of Bengal and the south, is princi-
pally manufactured in this district,
and in that of Hajj^ioor
17°. 56'. N. Long. 78°. 16'. E.
Satarah. — A strong hill fort and
town in the ^laharatta territories, in
the province of Bejapoor, 47 miles
south from Poonah. Lat. 17°. 50'.
N. Long. 74°. 3'. E. T'he name
In 1801, in consequence of in- signifies seventeen, being the num-
stiuetions from the Marquis Welles- ber of walls, towers, and gates, it
ley, then governor-general, the board was supjiossed to possess
of revenue in Bengal circulated va
rious questions on statistical sub-
jects to the collectors of the various
districts. The result of their re-
plies proved that Sarun contained
1,204,000 inhabitaats, in the propor-
tion of one iMahommcdan to four
Hindoos. By Abul Fazel, in 1582,
this district is described as follows:
"Sircar Sarun, containing 17 ma-
hals ; measurement 229,052 beegahs;
revenue 16,172,004 dauis. This sir-
carfurnishes 1000 cavalry, and 50,000
infantry." (Cofciroo/ic, J. Grant, Abul
Fazel, 4f.;
Saseram, (Sisurarmi). — A town in
This place is situated about mid-
way between the Krishna and the
Toura, or Tourna Ghaut, and stands
on the westernmost point of a hill,
rising from a base of from seven to
eight miles in length from east to
west. The fortress is on the highest
part of the hill, and has a narrow
passage up to it, admitting only one
person at a time.
Satarah was taken from the sove-
reign of Bejapoor, in 1651, by Se-
vajee, the founder of the Maharatta
empire ; and here his descendants
continue to be imprisoned by their
nominal deputies the Feshwas. At
the province of Bahar, district of present the representative of the Sc-
Bhotas, 34 miles south from Buxar,
Lat. 25°. Long. 84°. 5'. E.
Shere Khan, the Afghan, who ex-
l)elled the Emperor llumayoon (the
father of Acher) from Hiudostan,
vajec family is better known by the
title of the Satarah Rajah, who, al-
though possessed of no real power,
has some occasional attentions paid
him. The Peshwa, on succeeding
was bmied here in a magnificent to that office, receives the khelaut,
3
SAUTGUR.
725
or di-ess of iirvcstniont, from his
liaml ; aiul when he lakes the field
he mnsl <;() 1hroiiu,h Uic lbnn:i!ity of
having; aii aiidiejice, to lake leave of
the iSafaiali Rajah. The eoiiiitiy
oireiimjaeciit to this foilross eujoys
an exemption fiom Maharatta niiii-
tar}' depredations of all kinds; and
■whenever any cliiel" enters the dis-
triet attached to it. all ensigns oi'
royalty are laid aside, and the na-
gara, or great dium of the empire,
ceases to heat. Snch are the marks
of attention paid to tlr; nominal head
of this empire, who is, in other re-
spects, a close prisoner on a very
moderate allowance.
The present rajah was, a few years
back, a j»ri\ate silladar, or com-
mandant of horse ; hut, being unfbr-
lunately of the blood of Sevajee, on
the demise of liis j)redecessor he
was exalted from a sfate of happy
obscurity to the splendid misei^y of a
throne and prison.
Travelling distance from Bombay
146 miles. (7 w;/e, Moor, I'ennel, ^c.)
Satgoxg, {Satgrama, the Seven
Villag-es). — This town is now an in-
considerable village on a small creek
«f the l^ivcr Hooghly, about four
miles to the N. W. of the town of
Hooghly in Bengal. In 1566, and
probably later, it was a large trading
city, in which the Kuropean mer-
chants had their factories for procur-
ing the productions of Bengal, and
at which period of time the Satgong
River was capable of bearing small
vessels. {Renucl, S^r.)
SATiMANCiALUM. — A town in the
northern district of the Coimbetoor
province, situated on the Bhawani
River. Lat. 10° 2b'. N. Long. 7;°
20' E.
The fort at this \)\dce is large, and
constructed of uncut stone, and has
a garrison, but contains few houses.
The pettah, or town, is scatt<>rcd
over the |)lain at some distance from
the fort; and, in ilydcr's time, con-
tained 80t) houses, which are Jiow
reduced to 600. in the town and
lieighbouihood coarse cotton goods
aie raauufaclured, from the cotton
raised in the surrounding country.
Here is a temple of considerable re-
pute, dedicated to Vishnu.
The fort of Sattiniaiigalum is said
to have been built about 200 yc^ars
ago by Trimula Nayaka, a relation
of the iMaduia raialis, who govern-
ed this part of the country on behalf
of his ki.isman. About .50 years af-
terwards it became sniijcct to Can-
tciava Xarsa, tlie Rajah of Aljsoie.
{F Buchanan, Sfc.)
Sattkkam, {Sitarama). — A iowu
in the jMysore Raiah's territories, si-
tuated 20 miles south from Scringa-
patani. Lat. 12°. 9'. i\. Long. 7o°-
53'. E.
Sl'ttiavuram. — A town on the
sea-coast of the Northern Circars,
66 miles S. W. from Vizagapatam.
Lat. 17°. 15'. N. Long. 82°. 45'. E.
SA[JTGVR,{orSatg'hadam). — A town
in tlie province of Bairaliiuahal,
among the Eastern Gliau's, 30 miles
west from 1 ellore. Lat. 12°. 58'. N.
Long. 7b°. 54'. E.
The situation of this place is pic-
turesque, being surrounded with
rocks covered, in part, w ith brush-
wood, 'i'he Nabob of the Carnatic
has a garden here, which is con-
sidered the best in the country, and
is let out to some Armenians at Ma-
dras. Like most eastern gaidens, it
is totally destitute of beauly. 'Jhe
trees are planted regularly, and water
is coiiducted in small channels to the
root of each. In this ncigliboiniiood
the agave Americana gro« s in great
profusion. The surrounding hills are
covered with large stones, among
which grow many small trees and
.shrubs, and also a few tamarind and
banyan trees of great age and size.
The pass or gliant bevond this
place, approaching the Mysore, has
been widened and levelled since the
conquest of that coumry by the Brit-
ish, and artillery can at ])rescnt as-
cend wilh little dillicuKy; but the
tranquillity of the w hole south of In-
dia, now under (he INiadra.'i i^rcsi-
dency, has rendered this road prin-
cipally important for commercial pur-
poses. {Lord Vakntia, $c,)
■26
^EE BEEROO ISLE.
Savenore. — See Shanoor.
Savendroog, {Savarnadni-gUy the
Golden Fortress). — A stiouf!^ hill fort
in the Mysore Rajah's territories, 54
miles N. E. from Serin{]fapatain. Lat,
12°. 56'. N. Long. 77°. 29'. E.
This fortress is smrounded by a
forest of natural wood, or jungle,
several miles in depth, thickened
with elunips of planted bamboos, to
render it asinipenelrabie as possible.
It is impossible to invest or blockade
JSavondroog closely, the rock forming
a base of eight or 10 miles in cir-
cumference, which, with the jungle
and lesser bills that surround it, in-
cludes a circle of 20 miles. From
this base it is reckoned to rise above
half a mile in perpendicular height.
The huge mountain has further the
advantage of being divided above
by a chasm, which separates the up-
per part into two hills, each with
their defences forming two citadels,
and capable of being maintained in-
dependent of the lower works. This
stupendous fortress, so difficult to
approach, is no less famed for its
noxious atmosphere, occasioned by
the surrounding hills and woods,
than for its wonderful size and
strength.
Savendroog was besieged during
the first war with Tippoo, in 1791, by
the British troops, when,, after breach-
ing the outer wall, the troojis ad-
vanced to the storm. Lord Corn-
wallis in person superintending the
attack. On the appearance of the
Europeans advancing, the garrison
were seized Avith an unaccountable
panic, and lied, and the breach was
carried without meeting or even over-
taking the enemy. 'I'he nvaui body
of the garrison endeavoured to gain
the western hill, which had they ef-
fected, tiie siege must have recom-
menced ; but a small party of the
62d and 71st pressed so hard upon
them, that they entered the diflcrent
barriers along wi'h them, and gained
possession of the top of tlie monn-
. tain. Above 100 of the enemy Mcie
killed on the western hill, and many
lull down the precipices in attempt-
ing to escape from the assailants.
I'hus in less than an hour, in open '■
day, this fortress, hitherto deemed
impregnable, was stormed without
the loss of a man, only one private
soldier having been wounded in the
assault. {Dirom, &;c.)
Saymbrumbacum, (Sicai/ambrah-
ma). — A small town in the Carnatic,
17 miles west from Madras. Lat.
13°. 2'. N. Long. 80°. 6'. E.
At this place is a remarkably large
tank, about eight miles in length,
by three in broadth, which has not
been formed by excavation, like
those in Bengal ; but by shutting up
with an artificial bank an opening
between two natural ridges of grou nd.
In the dry season the Avater is let
out in small streams for cultivation,
and it is said to be sufficient to sup-
ply the lands of 32 villages (should
the rains fail), in which 5000 persons
are employed in agricultural pur-
suits.
Seadouly Fort, (SaduUa). — A
fort in Northern Hindostan, in the
territories of the Nepaul Rajah, dis-
trict of Mocwanpoor, Lat. 27°. 13'.
N. Long. 86°. 5'. E. 'llie British
forces j)enetrated thus far north in
1767, and took this fortress; but were
soon obliged to evacuate it and re-
treat, by the pestilential effects of
the climate.
Sealkote. — A small town in the
Seik territories, in the province of
Lahore, 65 miles north from the city
of Lahore. Lat. 32°. 44'. N. Long.
73°. 58'. E.
See Beeroo Isle. — An island off
the west coast of Sumatra, situated
principally between the first and se-
cond degree of south latitude, and
the 98th and 99th of east longitude.
In length it may be estimated at
70 miles, by 10 miles the average
breadth.
This island is inhabited by the
Mania vvey race, and the inhabitants
both of Si Pora and the Poggy IsU s
consider it as their parent country ;
but they arc, notwithstanding, gene-
rally in a state of hostility, 'i'he in-
habitants are distinguished only by
SEERDHUNA.
7-27
some variety of the patterns, in
/which their skins are tattooed. Tliis
island is rendered conspicuous frouj
a distance by a volcano mountain.
{Marsdeu, ^-c.)
SrcvuvHA, {Alexandria). — A town
in the province of Acjra, district (jf
Furruckabad, 44 miles N. E. from
Apra. Lat. 27°. 45'. N. Long. 78°
21'. E.
Secundu A, (Alexaiidi-ia). — A town
in the province of Delhi, district of
Mer.at. 28 miles S. F,. from the city
of Delhi. Lat. 28° .38'. N. Long.
77°. 34'. E.
iiiiCV\'DH.\,(Sennidara,Alexand7'ia).
— A town in the pro\inee of Ajjra,
district of Etaweh, .situated on the
east side of the .Tuunia, 47 miles
S. E. from the town of Etaweh.
Lat. 26°. 23'. N. Lonir. 79°. 35'.
E.
Sedhout, {Siddhavat), — A district
in the Balaghaut ceded territories,
situated principally betwer n the 14th
and 15th dep;rees of north latitude,
and iumiediately within the Eastern
Ghauts. Its surface is rocky aud
mountainous, and biit indiflerently
cultivated, although many of the
vallies are fertile. 'J'he eastern quar-
ter continues much covered with
jungle. It is intersected by the Pen-
nar, which is the chief river; the
principal town is Odeghcrrv.
About A. D. 16.50, the strong fort-
resseti of Sedhout and Gunjicotta
were taken by INIeer Jumla, mIio
>vas then in the service of Sultau
Abdullah, of the Kuttub Shahee dy-
nasty of Cioleonda, or Hyderabad.
At this era Sedhout, and tlw. dis-
tricts adjacent, were famous for the
diamond miues, theu ver\ productive,
but which in modern times have
ceased to be so.
Sei:assi.l Isle. — A small island
in the Eastern Seas, one of the Soo-
loo Archipelago. It is a high island
well wooded, but cleared in mauy
places and inhabitrd, and supplied
with water. It yields many cowries
and small baat, named Seeassee.
Seekah, {Siva\ — A small, hilly,
and woody district in the Seik ter-
ritories, in the province of Lahfire,
situated between the 31st and 32d
degree of north latitude.
Seekah. — A town in the province
of Lahore, situated on the blink of
a rivulet anil fortified, 100 miles E.
bv S. from the city of Lahore. Lat.
31°. 89'. N. Long. 7.5°. 34'. E.
Seebgunge, (SivairnNJ). — A town
in the province of Bengal, district
of Dinagepoor, 84 miles N. N. E.
from Moorshedaba»l. Lat. 25°. 3'.
N. Long. 89°. 12'. E.
Seeok, (Sehoi-e). — A town in the
IMaharalta territories, in the pro\ince
of lAIalw ah, 22 miles W. by S. from
Eopal. Lat. 2;i° 12'.N. Long. 77°.
10'. E.
I'his place is situated on the banks
of the little River Kootah Secin, aud
is surrounded by a large grove of
mango and otiier trees, 'rhe soil
adjacent is a black mould, but not
much cultivated. Here is a con-
siderable manufactory of striped and
checkered muslins. (Huutrr, iSr.)
Seerdhuna. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Merat, .37
miles N.\.E. from the cilv of Delhi.
Lat. 29°. 11'. N. Long. 77°. 28'. E.
Tliis place was lormerly the resi-
dence of Somroo Begum, and the
capital of a small principality under
her gov( rinnent, about 20 miles long,
by 12 in breadth, which, with the
town, were assigned by Niijili khan
to Somroo; and, on his deatii in
1776, w-re delivered over to his
widow, the Begum Somroo, on eon-
ditiou of her keeping up a force of
three battailous of inftititry. 'I'liis
small district produces grain of all
kiutis, cotton, sugar, and tobacco ;
and (luring the wiuter season the air
is cooled by breezes from the north-
ern mountains, which are visible froui
hence. While it existed as an in-
<kpendent state there were here a
good arsenal and foundry for can-
non, but they arc long gone to dw-
cay.
Somroo's real name was "\N alter
Reinihard, born of obscure pirents
in the JUectorate ofTre\es, from
whence he entered eaily into the
728
SEOUNY.
French service, taking the name of
Summer, Avliich the natives of Hiu-
dostan pronounced Soraroo. He
came afterwards to Bengal, and en-
tered a Swiss corps in Calcutta, from
which, in 18 days, he deserted to
the French at Clianderiiagore. He
agjain deserted and fled to the upper
provinces, and served some lime as a
private trooper in the cavali} of Sef-
dar Jung, the father of .Sujah ud
Dowlah. Tliis service he quitted;
and, after wandexing about for some
time, at length entered the service
of Gregory, an Armenian, then high
in favour with Cossim Ali,the Nabob
of Bengal.
In this station, in 1763, lie mas-
sacred the English captives at Patna.
He afterwards deserted Cossim AU,
and successively served Sujah ud
Dowlah, tlie Jaut Rajah Jowahir
Singh, the Rajah of Jyenagur, and
again the Jaut Rajah, whom he
quitted once more for Nujiff Kiian,
in whose senice he died in 1776.
His corps of infantry was contiinied
after his deatii, in llie name of his
son and a favourite concubine, named
Zeb ul Nissa Begum, but better
known in Hindostan by that of
Somroo Begum.
In 1798 this lady was about 45
years of age, of small stature, and
fair complexion. She frequently ad-
mitted to her table the higher ranks
of her European officers, where they
were waited on by female attend-
ants, mostly Christians. In other
respects she always exacted from
her subjects and attendants the most
rigid attention to the customs of
Hindostan, and never herself ap-
peared in public.
In 1807 this lady resided at Delhi,
under the protection of the British
government,havingiavested her pro-
perty, wliich is still consideralde, in
the East India Company's funds at
Calcutta. {Scott, Franldin, 6ic.)
Sekrpoor, {Sirapiira). — A town
in the province of Bengal, district of
Ran jeshy, 74 miles N.E. from Moor-
shcdabad. Lat. 24°. 38'. N. Long.
89°. 20'. E.
Seetacoon, (Sitacun, the Pool of
Sita). — A town in the province of
Bengal, district of Chittagong, 17
miles N. from Islamabad. Lat. 22°.
37'. N. Long. 91°. 3>j'. E. At tliis
place there is a remarkable hot well,
described in the Asiitic Researches.
Segwin, {or Seccum). — A small
territory in Northern lUndostan, si-
tuated between Nepaul and Bool an,
about the 28th degree of north lati-
tude, and extending along tlie banks
of the River Teesta, which bounds
it to the west.
In 1792, when tlie Cliinese in-
vaded Nepaul, the Rajah of Segwin,
who had long been vexed by the
hostilities of the Nepaulese, volun-
tarily submitted to become a subject
of China. A station v\as then esta-
blished by the Chinese, and a guard
left in charge of it, \\ lio were thus
put in possession of a military post
immediately adjoining the dominions
of the East India Company in Ben-
gal. {Turner, ^x.)
Seiks. — See Lahore.
Severndroog, {Suvarnadurga). —
See Savendroog.
Selang Isle. — A very small
island, lying oft" the south coast of
the Island of Batchian, one of t!ie
Moluccas, with which it forms a
good harbour. Lat. 0°. 48'. S. Long.
127°. 40'. E.
Semao Isle. — A small Island in
the Eastern Seas, situated ofl' the
S. W. extremity of Timor, from
which it is separated by a narrow
strait. In length it may be esti-
mated at 25 miles, by 10 the average
breadth.
Sendwah. — A town in the Maha-
ratta territories, in tlie province of
Ivhandesh, 82 miles from Boorhan-
poor. Lat. 21°. 48'. N. Long. 75°.
8'. E.
Senrae.— A town in the province
of Allahabad, district of Callinjer,
situated on the east side of the Cane
River, 24 miles N. from the town of
Caliinjer. Lat. 25°. 18'. N. Long.
80°. 25'. E.
Seouny. — A town belonging to
the Nagpoor Rajah, in the province
SERAMPOOE.
729
of Gniidwana, 68 miles N. by E.
from the city of Nagpoor. Lat. 22°.
4'. N. Long. 80°. 3'. E.
Seounv. — A town in the Maha-
ratta territuri'^s, in the province of
Khainiesh, 73 miles N. by W. from
Ellichpoor. Lat. 22°. 21'. i\. Long.
77°. 1'. E.
Sera, {Sim). — A town in the Ra-
jah of Mysore's temtories, 84 miles
N. from Soriiioapatam. Lat. 13°.
37'. N. Long. 76°. 55'. E.
The ehmate in this district is sueh,
Ihat there seldom ialls as much lain
as is reqnired to raise a lull crop.
In iiivourable years the greater part
of the Avatercd land is sown with
rice ; bnt, in dry seasons, a little
only of this grain is raised, and the
cnliivation chiefly consists of trans-
planted raggy, wheat, jola, and na-
vony, which articles require less wa-
ter. The merciiants of Sera trade
with the Nizam's conntiy, the j\iaha-
rattas, and to Eednore, Seringapa-
tam, and Bangaloor. The grand
aificle for exportation here is copra,
or dried kernel of the cocoa luit.
This place was first concpiered by
the Brjapoor Mahommedan govern-
ment in 1644, and was afterwards,
for a short time, the seat of an ind(>-
pendent principality, wliich ruled a
considerable extent of country, and
was, at its greatest prosperity, under
Dilawar Khan, immediately before
it was conquered by Ilydor, at wiiich
time the natives assert it to have
contained 50,000 houses. Since that
period it has sutfered many cala-
mities liom Tippoo and the Maha-
rattas, and now scarcely contains
3000 houses, biit is fast reviving.
In the vicinity of Sera all the vil-
lages were strongly fortified, when it
>vas conquered by the British. Prior
to tliis event, the district experienced
frequent famines, during w Inch the
inhabitants were in the practice of
plundering each other to support
life. In war also they found these
fortifications, however feeble against
ordnance, sufficiently strong to re-
pulse the iiregular depredatory ca-
vahy, who seldom carried tiic *rms.
In their defence of these villages,
tlie inhabitants employed few wea-
pons, except stones, whi<h both
men and women throw with great
force, boldness, and dexterity. {F.
Jincluoian, Moor, \-e.)
Serampoor, (Sriramapura). — A
Danish settlement in the province of
Bengal, situated on the west side of
the Ilooghly River, about 12 miles
above Calcutta. Lat. 22°. 45'. N.
Long. 8»°. 26'. E.
The appearance of Seram])Oor has
a pleasing efl'ect viewed from the
river, the houses being tolerably well
built, and whilened, like those of
Calcutta, with dmnani. It extends
above a mile along the banks of the
Hooghly, but the breadth is very
small, and the whole is environed
by the British teriitories. The town
is without fortifications, and has only
a small battery for saluting; yet it
has been a very profitable settlement
to the subjects of liis Danish Ma-
jesty, principally on account of the
facilities it afforded to the Calcutta
merchants of carrying on a trade
during w ar, under the cover of the
Danish flag. Ships of burthen can-
not come close up to the town, on
account of a shoal lower down ; but
labour in this province is so cheap,
that the additional expense of con-
veying the goods by boats adds little
to (he prime cost. Herealso,until hos-
tilities (commenced with Denmark,
insolvent debtors from Calcutta found
an asylum, from whence they could
set their creditors at defiance.
This settlement is the head-quar-
ters of the missionaries, delegated
from Europe, tor the purpose of con-
verting the natives of Hindostan to
the Christian religion; and here they
have established a printing press,
where the scriptures ha^c been
translated into a variety of dialects.
The proficiency attained by these
worthy men in the eastern languages
is truly wonderful ; they have mas-
tered even the Chinese, hitherto the
opprobrium of linguists. {Lord Va-
lentia, §-c.)
Serampoor. — A town in the pro-
730
SERINAGUR.
viiice of BfTi^al, district of Birb-
hooni, 107 miles west from Moor-
shodabad. Lat. 24°. 6'. N. Loii^.
86°. 24'. E.
Sfrangani Isles. — A cluster of
small islands in the Tiasterii Seas,
situated about ti%'e leapjues from the
southern extremity of Alagindanao,
and between tlie fifth and sixth de-
p,iees of north latitude. Tiie largest,
named Hummock Isle, is about 30
miles, and tiie next in size about 25
miles in circnnifercncc ; and there is
another of inferior dimensions, the
principnl islands being three in num-
ber.
Ifummock Isle, on which the ra-
jah resides, is very iertile, and pro-
duces most of the tropical fruits,
and also rice, suo;ar canes, pine ap-
ples, nianj2;oes, soar orani^cs, limes,
jacks, plantains, cocoa nuts, sago,
sweet potatoes, tobacco, Indian corn,
and honey. Ships passing these isles
carry on a l)risk trade with the inha-
bitants for poultry, goats, and other
refreslnnetits, which arc. to be had
in abundance. The principal article
of trade is bees' wax.
The articles most in request
among the natives are white or
printed cottons, such as loose gowns
or jackets, coloured handkerchiefs,
clasp knives, razors, and bar iron.
IVIetal buttons are also much in de-
»nand, and a coat is soon stripped.
The inhabitants speak the same lan-
guage, and arc of the same descrip-
tion as those on the sea-coast of
Magindanao, being complete Ma-
lays, both in appearance and dispo-
sition. They have canoes, and also
larger boats, armed with small brass
cannon, and, like the other natives
of the East(>rn Isles, are much ad-
dicted to piracy. 'J'heir prows are
covered with an awning of split
bamboos, and can contain and con-
ceal a great many men. The Dutch
East India Company claimed a so-
vereignty over these islands, but do
not api ear to have exercised any of
its functions, or established any set-
tlement on them. {Captain Hunter,
Forrtut, yc.)
SpRiNAfiUR, (Srhw^ar, the City of
Abuudance). — A province in North-
ern Hindostan, situated principally
between the 30th and 31st degrees
of north latitude.
'J'he modern limits of this pro-
vince are marked by the Coadwara
Ghaut on the south, computed 80
miles from the town of Serinagnr.
On the south-east it terminates at
the village of Chiring, Lat. 30°. G'.
N. liong. 79°. 40'. E. one half of it
being in the Kemaoon, and the other
in the Serinagnr district; on the
noiHi by Bhadrinalh ; and on the
west by Besbaw. To the north
lies the mountainous and miexplored
province of Badryeazram ; on the
south, the British territories iu
Oude and Delhi ; on the east is the
Goggrah and a ridge of high moun-
tains; and on the west the River
Junuia. In length it may be esti-
mated at 140 miles, by 50 the aver-
age breadth.
The whole face of this country is
an assemblage of hills jmnbled to-
gether, in many forms and directions;
sometimes in chains, lying parallel
to each other, but of no great ex-
tent, and often connected at their
termination by narrow ridges, run-
ning across the \ allies at right an-
gles. The summits of all are usu-
ally naiTow, and of various shapes,
and the distance betwixt each range
short; the vallies, in consequence,
are so confined, that, in many parts,
it would be difficult to find a spot
large enough to accommodate a
corps of 1000 men. Some of these
ranges are covered with trees, and
always green; others are naked and
stony, affording shelter for neither
birds nor beasts. On the eastern
borders of this province, among the
lower ranges of mountains, are ex-
tensive forests of oak, holly, horse
chcsnut, and fir; and in this quar-
ter beds of strawberries are seen,
equalling in flavour those of Eu-
rope. I'rom Lolldong to the Ganges
the country forms, w ith little inter-
ruption, a continued chain of woody
hills. From the Ganares to the Juni-
SERINAGUR.
731
iia, the road lies through an exten-
sive valley of good soil, but thinly
inhabited, and much interspersed
v,it\i wttod.
Ill these forests the elephant
abounds, but greatly inferior in size
and quality to the Chitlagong ele-
phant, on whieh aecoiuit it is not
domesticated. On the eastern lior-
ders there are hill pheasants among
the mountains, but they keep near
the summit, and seldom venture into
the vallies, unh>ss when compelled
by heavy falls of snow. Hut a small
part of this extensive district is
either cultivated or populated, tiie
vild animals being left in undis-
turbed possession <if much the larger
portion. The lood of the inhabitants
is vvheaten bread and peas. In
1796, while Seriuagur existed as an
independent principality, the reve-
cies, but their wool attains a much
greater length, and is used in the
maiujfactnre of coarse blankets.
The principal places m here gold
is said to be found are, Carnapra-
yaga, Paeenkoonda, Devapia^aga,
Rickercase, and fiakhengliaiit. At
Nagpoor and Dhunpoor, tu the N.
and N. E. of the town of Serinagur,
are two copper mines, the ore of
A\ liicli is said to produce 50 per cent.
At Dessoidy, a considerable distance
to the east, tiiere is a lead mine, and
iron is produied in many parts of the
country. Near .larochi Jhaut, in
the ea.stern quarter of the province,
there is a quarry of very fine marl)lc.
'I'lie ancient uauic of tliis province
wasGcrwal; and,whilc indei^eiidcnt.
the iaj:ih"« forces were estimated at
5000 men, armed with matchlocks,
bows and arrows, and swords and
inies were estimated at five lacks of shields, but without discipline. At
rupees, which auiount comprehended
the duties on imports and e\|)orts,
the produce of grain, &c. working
tfie mines and washing for gold.
The other sources ofrcvcmie arose
from the importation of rock salt and
borax from liootan, j.'Uisk in pods,
ehowries, hawks, male and female,
from the coiiutries bordering on Bha-
drinath. From the t)ude province
all kinds of cotton cloths are im-
ported ; and from Lahore coiisider-
^jble quantities of salt. In the niouu-
tainous part of this province both
sheep and goats are employed as
beasts of burthen. 'J'iiese animals
are saddled with small bags, con-
taining 12 pounds of grain, and are
dispatched in flocks of 150 to 200,
under the charge of two or three
sliepherds, with their dogs. A steady
old ram, furnished Mitli a bell, is
tixed ou lor the leader. In the trallic
to Hootan, where grain forms one
of the principal articles of commerce,
these creatures are found very .ser-
viceable for carnage; and on their
return they i»ring back salt. 'Ilie
species of goat principally employed
ill this service is rather small, .scarce-
ly exceeding in size that of bengal.
'J'lie sheep are of ihc couuuou spc-
the court of Nejiaul a plan had long
been in agitation to invade the Se-
riuagur territories, and to evteiid the
(jhoorkhali pos.sessions to Cashmere.
In 1791, afier the reduction of Ke-
maoon and its dependencies, the
Nepaulese made an attempt to sub-
due the country of Gerwal ; but the
opposition they wet with at the fort
of Sangar, before which they were
unsuccessfully detained 12 months,
and the invasion of NepanI b\ the
Chinese Tartars, obliged thein to
[lostpone their project to a later pe-
riod. I'rom this date, however, the
Seriuagur Rajah became triltirfary
to the Ghoorkhali dynasty; the sum
at the connnencenuMit was only 3000
rupees, but gradually quadrupit d.
In 1803 an army of 10,0(M) men
marched from Nepaiil to couq-lcte
this conquest, and about h'.lfa mile
to the north of the village of (luriid-
wara, the battle was Tought which
decided the contest between the Se-
riuagur and Nepaul rajahs. 'J'hc
former was killed by a musket ball
during the engagement, and his
dciifli spread general constcrualiou
throughthe country — the inhaliilants
of M-hieh, forsaking tlieir villages, (led
to the mountains. 'I'he xilla-re of
732
SERINAGUR.
Guiudwara was then pillaged, and
the sunoundino; country remained
uncidtivated until next year, v,h<n
Har Sewai Ram, the present me-
haut, was reinstated in his posses-
sions, and through his iutliiencc the
peasantry were iiidueed to return.
Tlie territories, which formerly be-
longed to the Rajah of Serinagur,
are now divided into 84 perguiniahs,
comprehended in tliree divisions,
over each of which a military go-
vernor is appointed. The coininon
mode of punisiunent is by levying;
a line upon a pergunnah, village, or
individual ; and, in default of pay-
ment, the j)eison, property, or family
of the ofilender are seized.
The n;»tives of Serinagur profess
the Hindoo IJrahminical religion, in
the exercise of which they do not
materially differ from the lower parti
of Hindostan. {Raper, Hardwicke,
J^oster, ^T.)
Serinagur. — A toAvn in the pro-
vince of Serinagur, or Gerwal, of
which it is the capital. Lat. 30°, 11'.
N. Long. 79°. 15'. E.
The valley of Serinagur extends a
mile and a half to the eastward, and
the same distance to the westward
of the town. The River Alaca-
nanda enters the vallej' near a vil-
lage called Seerkote. Its course
here is nearly from east to west,
and the breadth of the channel, from
bank to bank, about 250 yards ; but
in the dry season it does not exceed
80 or 100 yards. At the western
extremity of the valley the current
strikes with violence against the
rocky base of the mountain, near to
■which it is crossed on a rope bridge,
called a joolah, suspended across the
river, here 80 yards broad, from
posts erected on c aeh side. I'rom
the appearance of the river, it is j)ro-
hablc, that canoes or floats of tim-
ber might pass down at all seasons
of the year. The aspect of the sur-
rounding mountains is very barren,
cxhiiiiting a rocky, sterile soil, where
the little vegetation that is produced
is soon parched aiid dried up.
The town of Serinagur occupies
nearly the centre of the valley, and
is in length about three quarters of
a mile, hut n)uch less in breadth,
its form being elliptic. The houses
are of stone, roughly and irregularly
put together witli common earth,
generally raised to a second floor,
and all covered with slate. 1 hey
are so crowded together, as to leave
little more space for tlie street than
is sufficient for two persons to pass.
The house of tlie former rajaiis is iu
the middle of the town, and is the
largest, being raised to a ourth
story, and built of a coarse granite.
The floors of the houses are oc cupied
for shops, and the upper stoics tor
the acccnnmodation of i'amilies.
This town is now reduced to a
very low state of poverty and insig-
nifi('ance. The encroachments an-
nually made by the Alaeananda, the
earthquake of 180.3, and the Nepau-
Jese invasion at the end of the same
year, all combined to hasten its
ruin; nor under its Ghoorkhali rulers
is it likely to revive horn its forlorn
condition. The inhabitants consist
chiefly of the descendants of emi-
grants from the Doab and province
of (Jude. The greater portion of
them aie Hindoos ; the number of
Mahommedan families not exceed-
ing 60 or 70, most of whom are petty
shopkeepers. The leading persons
are the agents of the great banking
houses at Nujibabad and in the
Doab, who are employed in the sale
and exchange of merchandize and
coins. Ihese persons reside here
only eight months of the year, quit-
ting the hills and returning to their
houses at the commencement of the
rainy season. The trallic in silver
and specie forms one of the most
profitable branches of commerce, and
is cairied on to a considerable
amount.
The other articles of mercantile
speculation are the produce of the
hills, and the imports from Bootan.
I'he former are a coarse hempen
cloth, hemp, lead, copper, drugs,
gums, wool, and a sort of flannel
made of the wool. From Bootan
SERINGAPATAINI.
733
are received cliaiirs, or cow tails,
iimsk ill pods, salVrou, borax, salt,
drugs ol" (lifl'erciit kinds, and a iivv
shawls, wliicli come by that circuit-
ous route from Caslnncre. Among
the drugs is tlic curcuma ziMloaria.
Hawks are also Inougiit down lioni
the hills. In exchau're for these
commodities, the following articles
are supplied liom tiie low countries,
viz. coarse cotton and >> oolleji cloths,
silk, spices, Lahore salt, sugar, and
tobacco. On all these goods a duty
is levied at Serinagur equal to eight
per cent. The wliole trade, how-
ever, of this capital is insignificant,
as most of the above articles find an
easier channel through the hills to
the east, and by the town of AI mora.
On the Oj)posite side of the river,
at the village of Ranihaut, is a tem-
ple sacred to Rajah Ish«ara, whieh
is principally iiiliabited by dancing
women. The initiation into this so-
ciety is performed by anointing the
head with oil taken from the lamp
placed before the altar ; by whicli
act they make a formal abjuration
of their parents and kindred, devot-
ing tJieir future lives to prostitution.
Four-fifths of the inliabitants appear
to suffer from the venereal disease ;
and the calamity is aggravated by
their ignorance of the proper method
of treating the distemper. {Raper,
Hardicicke, ^-c.)
Seuingapatam, {Sri Ranga Pa-
tana). — A city in the province of
Mysore, of whicli it is the capital.
Lat. 12°. 2G'. N. Long. 76°. 51'. E.
This city is placed at the upper
end of an island surrounded by the
Cavery, whit h is liero a large and
rapid river, having a very extensive
channel, impeded l)y rocks and frag-
ments of granite. Tiie Island of
Seringaj)atani has |)een found, by
actual survey, to be about four miles
in length, by one and a half in
breadtli across the middle part of it,
where the ground is also highest,
and from thence slopes especially to
the north.
The country in the vicinity rises
jfiadually on both sides of tiie river ;
and, for some distance from the town,
is finely watered by exeelhut caiial.s,
which, having been taken from the
river, follow the windings of tho
hills; and, as they advance horizon-
tally to the eastward, send off
branches to water tlie intermediate
.si)ace. Tiie water is forced into the
sources of these canals by dams
thrown across tho river, and formed
of large blocks of granite ; t!ie w hole
being of prodigious strength, and
executed at a vast expense.
'I'he grounds in the neighbour-
hood (jf Seringapatam are of three
sorts: viz. 1st. Wet land, or tiiat
watered artificially, and producing
what are called wet crops, or grains.
2. Dry lield, or that which receives
no arfilieial supply of water, and
which produces dry crops, or grains.
3. (iardens, or orchards. 'I'he wa-
tered giounds are formed into small
terraces quite level, and surrounded
by little raised banks for retaining
the water when flooded. The farms
in extent are generally two or three
ploughs of land. AMth live ploughs
a man can cultiv ate about 121 acres
of watered land, and 2.5 acres of dry
field. For the watered land he pays
government at the rate of 23 rupees
per acre, besides other ehaiges for
the gods, 6cc.; tiie government being
bound to keep the tanks and canals
in repair. The hire of farm labour-
ers near' Seringapatam is 6 rupees
per month ; in the country parts it
is much cheaper.
In the Mysore province Seringa-
patam is commonly called Pataiia,
or the city; but the namebywiiich
it is designated in tlie maps is a cor-
ruption of Sii Raiiga Patana, or the
City of Sri Ranga, an epitiiet of
Vishnu, the preserving power. Tlie
fort occupies about a mile at the
west end of the island, and is an
immense, unfinished, injudicious
mass of building. In fortifjing this
town Tippoo retained the long
straight walls and square bastions
of the Hindoos; and his glaeis Mas
in many parts so higli and steep a*
to shelter the assailants. Tlic pel-
734
SERINGAPATAM.
tall, or suburbs, is built on tlie mid-
dle and hit;:hcstpart ofthe island, and
is about half a mile square.
TIv<lcr's palace, named the Laul
Bauuli, occupies the cast end of the
island ; and, althou};h built of mud,
displays considerable elegance, and
is a very handsome native building.
Adjoining is the mausoleum of Hj-
der, where )-ests all that was roj al of
this jNIahommedan dynasty, consist-
ing of Hydcr Jiimself, his wile, and
Ti|)poo, who lie under tombs of
black marble, elevated about 18
inches from the ground. These
tombs arc covered with rich cloths,
at tlic expense of the British govern-
ment, and the establishment of
priests to ofi'er up prayers, and of
musicians to perform the nobut, is
kept up as formerly. The palace in
the city is a very large building, sur-
rounded by a massy and lolly wall
of stone and mud, and outwardly of
a mean appearance — a description
applicable to every public edi-
fice at Seringapatain. 'I'hey are
now greatly degraded from their for-
mer dignity, ilyder's palace is the
residence of a surgeon ; his seraglio
a European hospital. Tippoo's se-
raglio is a barrack for artillery ; his
private apartments are occupied by
the resident, and his public by the
European troops. All these build-
ings have a very heavy appearance
externally from the want of win-
dows ; and although considered ex-
cellent acconunodation by the Ma-
hommedan chiefs, are ill suited to
Europcaus, being close shut up and
inconvenient. 'J'he streets also are
very narrow and confused.
In 1800, according to the register
of houses, the fort or city contained
41G3 houses, and ^499 families ; and
the suburbs 2216 houses, and 333r)
families. At live inhabitants to each
house we may eslimate the poptila-
tion of the city to be 20,810, and of
the suburbs 11,080; in all ,') 1,89-5
persons ; indei)endent of a strong
garrison and its numerous lollowers.
It is probable that, in Tippoo's reign,
tlie Island of Seringapatam coutaiu-
ed 150,000 inhabitants; but many
have been attracted to the rajah's
residence at the city of jNlysore, and
many Maliommedans, who originally
came from the Lower Carnatic, since
the destruction of Hyder's dynasty,
have returned there. 'J'he manufac-
tures of Seriiigapatam and its vicinity
were never considerable, principally
military stores and cam)> equipage.
Timber is here very dear, being prin-
cipally brought by land carriage li om
the Western Ghauts. Excellent
meat and good vegetables are to be
}iad here in abundance ; but bread
being dear, the European soldiers
arc obliged to cat jice.
On the night ofthe 61h Feb. 1792,
Lord C'ornwallis attacked Tippoo's
fortified camp under the walls of Se-
ringapatam, within a bound hedge
strengthened by redoubts, and a-
mounting to 40,000 infantry, besides
a large body of cavalry. I'or this
attaek he selected 2800 Europeans,
and 5900 native infantry, but with-
out artillery. The attack was com-
pletely successful, and 80 guns were
taken. The British loss was 535
men killc<l and wounded. I'he sul-
tan's loss in the battle is said to have
been 4000, but the desertion was so
great after the overthrow, that his
army was reduced in number at
hast 20,000. On the 24th February
preliminaries of peace v. ere settled
with Tippoo, who relinquished half
his dominions, and paid three crores
and 30 lacks of rupees (about three
and a half millions sterling) in bul-
lion. Lord Cornwallis gave up to
the troops his whole share of piize
money, amounting to 47,2441. and
General Mcdows (the next in com-
mand) his, amounting to 14,9971.
sterling.
On tliis occasion the force brought
against the iMvsore sovereign was
one of the most formidable ever seen
in riindostan. On the 16th March,
1792, the British army above the
Ghauts amounted in all to 11,000
Europeans, 31,600 natives, and 190
pieces of cannon. 'I'he Maharattas,
tiio>iizuais, the Rajah ofTravancor,
SERINGilAM.
735
njul the CooJjjKa.iali'fi forces, aiiKiuiit-
td to aljout 4(M'1'0 iiK'ii, of ^^holn
3(),0()0 were cavalry. 'J'owanls the
concliisioii of the sicu;o in ITtfi, al-
lowiiii;- lour cauij) fulluwers lo each
sohlier, tlie total miniljcr of persons
atia<he(l to the camps of the eoa-
fcflerates exceeded 400,000.
Tlie l)iillocks attached to the army,
and employed in hriii^injj sup|)lies,
amounted to lialf a million, recpiir-
ing one man for every three hnllocks.
Tliere were several Innulred ele-
phants, and many thousand camels
with their attendants. Every horse
in the cavalry and in the army, be-
sides the trooper, or ridt.T, has two
attendants, one who cleans and takes
care of him, and tlic other the grass
cutter. Mho provides his forage. The
palanquin and litter carriers tor tlie
sick were a numerous class, j i<ld
oilicers, including the people who
carry or have charge i>f .ht ir bag-
gage, camiot have less than 40, ca[)-
laius20, and subalterns 10 servants.
The soldiers have a cook to each
m(!ss, and the sepoys, most of w lioni
are married, have many of them, as
well as their followers, their I'amilies
in camp. 'Ihc bazar people, or mer-
chants, their servants, and adven-
turers who follow the army for the
chance of plunder, are a great many.
Early in the war some of the sepoys
were prevailed on to send back their
families, and arrangements were
made to reduce the immbcr of fol-
lowers ; but these measures tendtd
to create desertion, and increase dis-
tress. While marching there are no
towns to be dependt d on for sup-
plies, and an army in India not only
carries with it most of the means of
subsistencre for several months, !)ut
many articles of men^hanilizi^ ; the
scene altogether resembling more
the migration of a nation guarded
by troops, tliau the advance of an
army to subdue an enemy.
In 1791), war being again de-
clared, Seringapatam was .stormed
on the 4th of Alay, about two o'clock
in the ;dternoon, by the army under
General Harris, the gairisou tlien
amonnfing to about 80o0 men, of
whom a great proportion were slain.
Til)poo was killed n;idcr a gateway,
})robal)ly by a party of the I'ith re-
giment o! foot ; but this important
event was not actually known until
some time after it had ]in|)|)ened.
No individual ever appciucd to claim
the liunour of having slain the sul-
tan, nor was it ever discovered who
had obtained possession of his va-
luable; necklace of |)earls. This so-
vereign had certainly considerable
talents, but he wanted the prudence
and connnon sense of his father,
ilvder. ile succeeded best in at-
taehiiig to him the lower classes of
Mahonnnedans, and h<; possessed all
the cant, bigolry, and zeal neces-
.sary to eti'cet this purpose. None of
his Mahonnnedan soldiers entered
the Biilish service, altiiough many
suHered extreme poverty ; and tiicy
still revere his memor}, considering-
him as a iniirt\r fallen in tlie defence
of their religioii. Among the ar-
rangements conseipient to the cap-
ture of Scringapatam, the British
acquired peimanent possession of the
island, which now lorms one of the
coHectorships under the Madra^ Pre-
sidency.
Travelling distance from Madras,
290 miles; tiuni Hyderabad, 406;
from Poonali, 525 ; from Bombay,
C22; from Nagpoor, 727; from Cal-
cutta, 1170; and liom Delhi, 1321
miles. [F. Buclmnaii, Doom, Lord
Valentia, Rennel, btk Rrport, c^c.)
Sf.ringuam, (Srimngam). — Oppo-
site to Trichinopoly, ni the Carna-
tie, the Cavery separates into two
bianciies, and tbrms tiie Island of
Seiingham. About 13 miles to the
c^istward of the point of separation
the branciies again api)roaeh, but
the northern one is at this place 20
feet lower than the southern. The
nortiiern branch is permitted to run
w aste to the sea, and is named the
Coleroon; but the soi.thern, which
retains the name of tiie Caveiy, is
led into a variety of ciianuels to irri-
gate the province of Tanjon'. Near
the east end of the Island of Scriug-
736
SERWEL.
ham is formed an immense nioiind,
fo piovcnt the waters of the Cavery
iVom descendiiic; into the Colei'oon.
Tlif vSeringhaiti pagoda is situated
about a mile iVom the wcslcrn cx-
tieniity of the island, at a small dist-
ance from the bank of Ihe Coleroon,
It is composed of seven square en-
closures, one within the othei', the
walls of which are 25 feet high and
fonr thick. Tliese enclosures are
350 feet dislant from one another,
and each has four laige gates with a
high tower, which are placed in the
middle of each side of the enclosure,
and opposite to the four cardinal
points. The oulward wall is nearly
four miles in circumference ; and its
gateway to the south is ornamented
with pillars, seveial of >^hieh are
single stones 33 feet long, and nearly
five in diameter. Those winch form
the roof are still larger. In the in-
nermost enclosures are the chapels.
About half a mile to the cast of
Seringliam, and nearer to the Caverj",
is another large pagoda, named Jeni-
hikisma, but tliis has only one en-
closure. Pilgiims from all parts of
Hindostan resort to Seringham for
absolution, and none come without
an offering of money. Here, as in
all the great pagodas, the Bralunins
live in a subordination that knows
no resistance, and slumber ui volup-
tuousness that feels no want. This
repose does not appear to have been
disturbed until the siege of Trichi-
nopolj', which began about 1751, at
which period the besiegers took pos-
session of the island and pagoda of
Seringham ; but they never attempt-
ed to violate the iinier enclosures of
the temple, or to expose thisliindoo
sanctuary to greater pollutions than
were absolutely nccessarJ^
I'he French army here, in 1752,
was compelled 1o surrender to Ma-
jor LawTence ; at which time it con-
sisted of 35 commissioned officers,
725 battalion men bearing arms, be-
sides (50 sick and wounded in the
hospital, and 2000 sepoys. Their
artillery was four TJ-inch mortars,
eight ooehorus, two petards, 31
pieces of cannon, besides a great
quantit}' of ammunition and stores.
{Orme, Wilhs, ^c.)
Seronge. — A town in the Maha-
ratta lerrifcries, in the province of
aiahvah, 13(>miles S. AV. from Chat-
terpoor. Lat. 24°. 8'. N. Long.
78°. E.
Tins is a large open town, the ap-
pearance of which indicates a former
state of prosperity and greater popu-
lation than it at present contains.
It is situated in a tine open country,
well cultivated. The bazars are very
strong, and are built of ptone, on au
elevation of fourfeet above the sti'cet.
A large caravanserai still remains,
having a double row of pillars, and
Availed all round. In 1809 the Bri-
tish army, wjxen in pursuit of Ameer
Khan, took possession of Seronge,
but only proceeded iive miles fur-
ther north, it being impossible to
overtake him.
The coxintry for many miles to the
souili of Seronge is an open plain ;
but the vailages are mostly in niiiis,
from the frequent incursions of the
piudaries (plunderers). 'I'he town
and surrounding district were given
by Hoikar to Ameer Khan; and,
about the jear 1804, vielded him
five lacks of rupees annually.
Tiavelling distance from Oojain,
165 miles N. E. ; from Agra, 253 ;
fro)n Benares, 389; from Bombay,
595; from Calcutta, by Benares,
849; and from Nagpoor, 295 miles.
(12^/i Ii€[riste7\ Rennel, S)-c.)
Serpoor, {Sarapura, the Town of
the Lake). — A town in the Nizam's
tenitories, in the province of Berar,
104 miles south from Nag|wor. Lat
19°. 41'. N. Long. 80°. 2'. E.
Seruis. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Kotas, 80 miles
S. W. by S. from Patna. Lat, 21°.
50'. N. Long. 84°. 18'. E.
Serwel. — A small district in the
province of Cabul, situated between
tiie 341h and 35th degrees of north
latitude. To the north it is bounded
by Caifrislan ; on tlie south by Se-
Avad ; and to the west by Guznoor-
gul. It is intersected bv the River
SEWAD.
737
Piiijckonil), Imt lililc is known ic-
spi'ctins; it, this part of Cabiil ncvor
havin:^ beou explored by any Eii-
ro])('an.
SkVEN Islands. — -A cluster of very
small isles, extendiiiiv alouf^- tlie
north coast of tlio Island of lianca,
l'roi7i \vlii('li they are separated by a
navi;?able cliannel, Lai. 1° 10'/ S.
Lonj;-, 106°. 20'. K
SKVKRNDnooG, {Sitcarnadiirga, tJic
golden Fortress). — A small rocky
isle on tiie Concan coast, within can-
non shot of the continent, and 80
miles south from liombav. Lat, 17°.
47'. N. Long. 72°. 53'. R
Dining the reign of Sahoo Rajah,
the Maharatta sovereign, Conajee
Angria, the pirate, revolted; and
having seduced one-half of the fliet
1o follow his fortune, Mith it he took
and destroyed the remainder. He
afterwards established his head-
cpiarters at this i)lace, m here he and
his posterity governed >nitil 1750,
when it was taken by Commodore
James in the Protector frigate, with
scarcely any assistance from the Ma-
haratta besiegmg army. {Orine, ^-c.)
Sewad. — An Afghan district in
the province of Cabul, situated about
the 3-ith degree of north latitmle,
and in part bounded by the Indus.
By Abul i'azel, in 1582, this district
is described as follows;
" Sircar Sewad comprises three
tenitories, viz. Bembher, Sewad, and
Bijore. The Sewad division mea-
sures in length 40, and in breadth*
from five to 15 coss. On the cast
lies Bembher; on the norlii Kinore
and Cashgur; on the south Beck-
ram ; and on the m est Bijore. In
the mountains of tiiis country are se-
veral passes. The summer and win-
ter are temperate. The mountains
are covered with snow, but in the
plains it melts in three or four days
after the fall. Here are spring, au-
tumn, and periodical rains as in Hin-
dostan. Both the spring and au-
tumn liarvests are ploritifid. Here
are ail the tlowers of Tartary and
Hindostan; violets, nareissusses, and
a variety of fruits grow wild. The
3 b
whole of this sircar consists of hills
and wilds, and is inhabited by the
tribe of Yusefzei."
The Yusetiici arc the bravest and
most powerfid of all th» Afghan
tribes, and occupy the greater part
of the extensive mountainous dis-
tricts of Sewad, Bajawer (Bijore),
Balhcri, Dudcr, and C'hociili llaza-
reh. 'I'hese countries are all of great
natural strength, and consist of
ranges of lofty mountains dividend by
vallies, which an- watered by moun-
tain streams, and occasionally inter-
sected by abrupt precipices. Sewad
is about 70 nnles in length, and 40
in breadth, and contains 25 vallies,
each watered by its own stream.
Punjkora contains six vallies or
glens, each of which is about 20
miles in length ; and the district is
roughly estimated at 50 miles in
length, and not much less in breadth.
Dnder is about 40 miles in length,
and not much less in breadth.
The original seat of the Yusefzei
tribe was between Cabul and Ghiz-
ni; but, deserting this district about
the lime of Mirza Ulugh Beg, they
conquered their present possessions
from the native princes or sultans,
who boasted a descent from Secun-
der Zulkarnein — as many persons in
the country still do, and produce in
confirmation their genealogical ta-
bles. These persons form a sepa-
rate tribe, named Secunderi; but,
nevertheless, aflect to be of Arabic
origin. The countries possessed by
the Yusetizei are in general well cul-
tivated, and the tribe is very nume-
rous. They never yielded more than
a nominal obedience to any sove-
reign ; but, being divided into a
number of distinct clans, without any
general head, they are much less for-
mitlable to their neighbours than
they would otherwise be. They were
chastised, on account of their depre-
dations, by Acber; in 1670, by Au-
rengzebe; and by Nadir Shah in 173y,
during his return from Hindostan.
Sewad and Bijore arc extremely
mountainous, and ab«)und with dilli-
cult passes and strong situations, so
738
SHAHJEHANPOOR.
that the inhabilants have not only
lu-ld thcinselvts independent of the
Moi^nl sovereigns, but have occa-
sionally made inroads into their ter-
ritories. {Ltyden, Abul Fazel, Ren-
nel, ^r.)
8e\valic Mountains, {Sivaliea).
— A chain of nioimlains of eonsider-
abl altitude, that separate the pro-
vince of Delhi from that of Serina-
}?ur in Northern Hindostan, and
marks the termination of the vast
plain through which the Ganges
ilows to the sea. The elevation is
small compaied with that of the
gn at Himalaya ridge.
At the village of Coadwara, a few
miles from the Lolldong Pass, these
hills rise with a moderate tliough un-
equal slope from the plains below,
and are skirted by deep forests. The
soil of these forests varies from a fat
black earth, where the trees and
sill libs attain a great size, to a firm
reddish clay, and mixtures of gravel
and loose stone. Elephants abound
in these forests, but they are greatly
inferior in size and value to those
caught nearer the sea. They seldom
exceed seven feet in height, and are
sold when first caught for two and
300 rupees each ; but they are fre-
quent ly merely caught for their teeth.
{Ilardwiche, liaper, S,-c.)
Sew AN. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Sarun, 66 miles
N.W. from Patna. Lat. 26°. 1 1'. N.
Long. 84°. 2.5'. E. In this vicinity
an inferior sort of crockcrj' is made ui
imitalion of SlaH'ordshirc ware, from
a .^lecies of black potter's marie.
Skwke, (Sivi). — A district in the
province of Baloochistan, situated
about the 31st degree of north lati-
tude, and bounded on the east by a
mountainous ridge of hard black
stone. In modern times it has not
been CNpIored; but Abul i'azei, in
L''82, relates, that "near to Sewee
there is a lake two days' jiHirney in
length, called Munjoor; upon the
SIM face of which tishernien have form-
ed artificial iloating islands, vyhere
they reside and carry on their occu-
pations."
Sewistan, (Sivastan). — - A large
district, or ratlier province, in Baloo-
chistan, of which it appears to com-
prehend the whole eastern quarter.
It consists of a stupendous range of
mountains, extending southwards
from Candahar, and accessible only
by passes of extreme difficulty. It
is divided into the districts of Jhala-
v< an to the southward, and Sahara-
vvau to the northward, which in-
cludes Noosky in the desert, and
Moostung and Shal to tlie north-
ward. Each of these districts is
subdivided into nineTuks or Zillahs,
furnishing quotas of troops for ser-
vice, but paying no tribute. The
climate of Sewistan is dry, and from
its great elevation excessively cold
in winter. By Abul Fazel, in 1582,
it is described as follows: " Sircar
Sewistan, containing nine mahals;
revenue, 15,546,803 dams." {Chris-
tie, Kinneir, ^c.)
Seysumah. — A town in the Ma-
haratta tenitories, in the province of
Malwah, district of Mundessor, situ-
ated on the east side of the Chum-
bul, 20 miles S.W. iVom Kotah. Lat.
24°. 55'. N. Long. 75°. 37'. E.
Shadowrah. — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the province of
Malwah, district of Chandree, 40
miles IS. by W. from Seronge. Lat.
24°. 20'. N. Long. 77°. 47'. E.
Sh AHABAD, {the King's Residence).
— A town possessed by the Seiks, in
the province of Delhi, 105 miles N.
•by ^\. from Delhi. Lat. 30°. 12'.
N. Long. 76°. 28'. E.
Shahabad. — A town in the Na-
bob of Oude's territories, district of
KluTabad, situated on the east side
of the G urrah River. Lat. 27 ° 39'.
N. Long. 79°. 55'. E.
This was once a large town, but it
is now more than two-thirds in ruins,
Avhich appear in the form of .small
hills and broken swells crumbling to
dust. The fields in the neighbour-
hood are tolerably well cultivated,
the principal crops being badey,
wheat, tobacco, and some peas of a
small khid. {Tennant, Sfc.)
Shaiuehanpoor. — A town in the
4
SHAHNOOR.
739
IVTaJiaratta teiritones, in the pro-
^ilwc of Malwah, 40 iniles N. N. E.
tiomOojaiu. Lat. 23°.2&', N. Long.
76°. lb'. E.
This is a ronsiderablc town, and
tlu; head of a pergunnah, sitiiatrd
on the banks of the Saafunnuffy Ki-
ver. About half a mile to the west-
ward is a conical liill, conspicuous at
;i considerable distance. {Hunter,
6)-c. Si-c.)
Sii AHJKH ANPooR. — A towu iu the
province of Delhi, district of Ba-
reily, situated on the east side of
the Dooah, or Gurrah Jliver, 95
miles N. E. from Lncknow. Lat.
27°. 51'. N. Long:. 79°. 53'. E.
In the scliools here each boy is
provided with a black board like a
slate, upon which he writes the let-
ters with a ehalk pencil. Wliile
he writes the characters, lie at the
same time acepiires their names, and
the power of each when joined in
syllables ; and thus reading and
v\ritina; are attaizied by one opera-
tion. {Temiant, Sfc.)
Shairghi'u. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of J3areily,
26 miles N. from the town of IJa-
reily. Lat. 28°. 40'. N. Lonjr. 79°.
21 . E.
Shamly, {Syamalmja). — A town
in the province of Delhi, district of
Saharunpoor, CO miles N. by E. by
the city of Delhi. Lat. 29°." 33 . N.
Lons--. 77° 10'. E.
This is a |)lace about two miles in
circumferf lice, and contains many
handsouK' houses, with a large ba-
zar, and the remains of a mint,
where monej- v\ as formerly coined.
The streets intersect each other at
right angles, and have separate gates
at their entrances, which are shut at
night for the security of the inha-
bitants. {G. Thomas, \c.)
Shanavaz. — A town in the Af-
ghan territories, in tin; jirovince of
Mooltan. 78 miles E. lioiii the city
ofMooltan. Lat. 30°. 41'. N. Long.
72°. .39'. E.
Shandorah.' — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, district of Saharun-
poor, 120 miles N. from the city of
3 b 2
Dellii. Lat. 30° 26*. N. Long. 77°.
E.
Shahnoor, {Sivanur). — A town
and district in the Maharatta terri-
tories, in the province of Bf japoor,
50 miles S. S. E. from Darwar. Lat.
15°. I'. N. Long. 75°. 22'. E.
The city of Shahnoor is neither
extensive nor well built, ha\ing few
buildhigs of any elegance, except
the palaces, and these are in ruins.
It is enclosed by a wall and ditch ;
but is, notwitlistanding, a i)la(;e of
no strengtli. On the outside of the
city wall, to the northward, are seve-
ral long streets of houses, for the
most ])art uninhabited ; and to the
southward is a lake of water. From
theToombmldratoShaiinoor the land
is fertile, but indifferently cultivated ;
the whole territory is comprehended
in the fork of the Krishna and Toom-
buddra rivers.
This place was conquered from
the Hindoos by the Bhamenee sove-
reigns so early as A. D. 1397; but
at a later period became the capital
of a small Patau state, giving the
title of nabob to its hereditary pos-
sessor. Abdul Hakeem Khan, the
seventh lineal des^endant,who reign-
ed in 1792, was tribiitan' to Tippoo
until 1784, when he abjured his al-
legiane(%and accxpted the protection
of the Maharattas. After this event.
Tij)poo's army, during a predatory
incursion, destroyed the palaces and
l)ublic buildings, blew up and razed
the strong fortress of Baneapoor,
and devastated the whole country,
of which he retained possession un-
til 1792, when it was wrested from
him, ;u»d restored to the nabob, un-
der the supeiiiitendance of the Ma-
harattas.
'J'liis district 'is now under the
Peshwa's government, being part of
the territory received in exchange
from the British government for an
ecpiivalent in Buiulelcund. About
tiie time when Goklah, one of the
Peshwa's Jaghiredars obtained pos-
session of Shahnoor, there was a
very general disturbance and usurp-
ation (called by tlic natives Kaat-
740
SHEEKOOITA.
kaee) throughout Ihe country, and
every man helped himself to what-
ever places he had troops enough to
fake.
The family of the Shalmoor Na-
bob had an allowance out of Ihe
revenues from the Peshwa; but it
was so extrremely ill paid, lliat in
1804 they were reduced to a state
of the utmost wretchedness, were
nearly naked or covered with rags,
and compelled to subsist on the
plants they plucked up in tlic fields,
A remonstrance was in consequence
presented by jMr. Strachey, the Bri-
tish agent, for ananging the posses-
sions of the Southern Jaghircdars,
to the court of Pornah, which would
probably have the eflect of insuring
greater punctuahty in the future dis-
charge of their miserable pittance.
(Moor, MSS. Ferisfita, .^t.)
Shapoor. — A town in the Seik
territories, in the jnovince of La-
hore, situated on the S. E. side of
the Ravey River, 60 miles N. E.
from the city of Lahore. Lat. 32°.
19'. N. Long. 74°. 45'. E.
Shahpoor. — A town in the Nag-
poor Rajah's territories, in the? pro-
vince of Bcrar, 70 miles N. by W.
from Ellichpoor. Lat. 22°. 19'. N.
Long. 78°. 23'. E,
Shapoor. — A town in the Nizam's
territories, in the province of Berar,
65 miles N. E. from Jaluapoor. Lat.
19°. 49'. N. Long. 78°. 1'. E.
Sh A POOR A H , {ShaJijiKra). — A town
in the province of Ajmtcr, district
of II;;«owty, 65 miles S. by E. from
the city of A jmeer. Lat. 25°. 43'. N.
Long. 75°. 9'. E.
Tills is a large, well-built town,
surrounded by a strong wall of
stone, and a ditch. The adjacent
country b(>longs to the rajah, who is
only nominally a tributary to the
Rana of Odc^ypoor, having been for
many years suHiciently strong to
maintain himself in a state of inde-
pendence. (Brniig/iton, Vc.)
Shawabad, {S/iah(ihad).—-A dis-
trict in the province of Baliar, situ-
ated principally between the 25th
and 26th degrees of north latitude.
To the north it is bounded by the
Ganges ; on the south by Rotas and
Bahar ; to the east it has the district
of Bahar ; and to the w est Chunar
and Rhotas. L\ 1784 the original
sircar of Shahabad contained only
1869 square miles ; but it has been
greatly augmented by junctions from
the adjacent territories.
This district is extremely fertile,
and very poj)ulous, particularly iu
the northern quarter near to the
Ganges and Soane. In 1801, iu
consequence of instructions from the
jNIarquis WcUesley, then governor-
general, the board of re\enue in
Bengal circulated various queries on
statistical subjects, to the collectors
of the dili'erent districts uiider the
Presidency. The result of their re-
plies tended to establish the fact, that
the Shahabad district contained tw o
millions of inhabitants, in the pro-
portion of one Mahomnudan to 20
Hindoos; and that the zemindars
profits generally A\as much above
10 per cent, on the amount of the
revenue they were lialjle for to go-
vernment. The princii)al tow ns are,
Buxar, Boujepoor, aiul Arrah ; and
the chief rivers, the Ganges, Soane,
and Caramnassa.
Shawpoor, {Shahpura). — A town
possessed by independent zemin-
dars, in the i)rovince of Gundwana,
district of Singrowla, of which it is
the capital. Lat. 23°. 34'. N. Long.
83°. 23'. E.
This place is situated in a fine
yilain, amidst lofty ranges of hills,
and consists of a large, straggling
to-\\ n, w ith a little fort built of ruble
stone and mud. The Rhair, a con-
siderable river, runs by the south
side of the town, with a stream
about 100 yards broad and four feet
deep, w Inch daslu'S with great rapid-
ity over a bed of rocks, which pre-
vent its being navigable for large
boats. The plain surrounding Shaw-
poor is tolerably fertile. {Blvnt,
Sheergotta, {SJtir Ghat, the Lion
Ford). — A town iu the province of
Bahar, district of Bahar, 80 miles
SIIERIBON.
7^1
S. by W. from Pa ilia. Lat. 24°. 32'. tinguislted by tlio name of Great
N. Loiig-. 84°. 56'. E. Sln?llam. 1. at. 11° 31)'. N. Long.
Huv.iKVooR, (S/inikpin-a).^^ A io-wo. 78°. 33'. l).
in tlie province of Ealiar, distiicl of
lialiar, 50 iriiles S. E. from Pa(ua.
l.:>t. 2;3°. 8'. N. Lon--. 85°. 51'. J'].
Shkkaki'Oor, , (Siutvnrpnm, the
Hunting Toint). — A (own in tlio pro-
Shklu'M. — A lown in the Cai-
nalie pio\incc, C5 miles west from
Madras. Lat. 13°. 8'. N. Lon-^^
7!>°. 27'. E.
Shepoory. — A town in llie Mn-
vincf of Sewi.stan, on the west side liaratta territories, in tlie province of
of the Jndns. Lat. 28°. 47'. N. Agra, 35 miles N.W. from Narwar.
Lon<f. Q^j^. 4i/. E. Lat. 25°. 25'. N. Long. 77°. }0'. I'l.
'I'his place has never been visited To the south of this place tlie eoun-
by Enroi)eans; but the natives de- tiT is level and to!eral)ly well culti-
seribe it as a larj:!;<^ lown widi seven vated ; but to the north-west it is
jyates, and at })resent fvoverned by extremely rugged and covered wilii
Mahonnned Reza Khan, wlio was jnngie. Nix miles (o the west is a
formerly a merchant. The Hindoos, })lain surrounded by low hills co-
who, for commercial purposes, \isit vered M'ilh jungle. The town is
Ijaloochistan, and other unci\ilizcd nearly a collection of ruins.
jNIahonnnedan ])rovinces to the west Sheu. — A town in tlic Maharatta
of the Lidns, leave their wives and tcnitories, in the jirovinee of JMal-
femaie relations her(^ for security. Mali, 90 miles N. E, from Ooojain,
Mickarpoor and the sHiToniiding dis- Lat. 23°. 58'. N. Long. 76°. 55', E.
trict are tributary to the Cabul go- Sheregur. — A town in the Seik
government and Ameers of Sinde. territories, in the jnovince of Mool-
^\iv.KO\'&\v>,{Shachoahad, the Abode tan, 70 miles S. S. W. from Lahore.
cf Magnificence). — A to\Mi in the Lat. 30°. 55'. N. Long. 73°. 24'. E.
))rovince of Agra, district of Eta« <'li, Sherihon, {or Cherihon). — A town
35 miles E. S. E. from the city of in the Island of Java, the capital of
Agra. Lat. 27°. 6'. N. Long. 78°. a distri(-t of the same name, and
32'. E.
This town takes its name from
Dara Sheko, the eldest and most un-
fortunate son of the Emperor Sliah
situated about 150 miles E. from
Batavia. Lat. G°. 43'. S. Long.
108°. 35'. E.
^ Tlic surrounding country, like tlie
.lehan, who, in the contest for em- rest of Java, is remarkably fertile,
pirc with Aurengzebe, his younger and produces the finest co/lee raised
lirother, was defeated, hunted down oa the island, Mliich is j)articularly
like a wild beast, and at last mm- noted for the smalluess of the grain.
Its other productions aie timber,
cotton, yam, arcca, indigo, sugar.
dered.
Shellam. — A town in the Car-
iiatic province, GO miles W. N.W.
from Pondicheny. Lat. 1 1°. 40'. N.
Long. 79°. E.
iSiir.Li.AM, {or Salem). — A district
in the south of India, situated in the
Upper Carnalic, between the 11 th
aiul 12th degrees of north latitude.
and some pepper. The horses of
this district aie reckoned the best in
Java, and in th(! contiguous woods
and mountains the iliinoceros is
sometimes discovered.
'I'he roadstcd at Cherihon is open,
and only sheltered to the west by a
Willi Kisinagherry it now forms one large sand bank, with four and a half
of the collectorships under the J\la- and five fathoms water, two leagues
dras Presidency. In this district the from the shore, at w Inch distance
wet cultivation is only about six per ships of burthen are obliged to an-
ceut. of the total cultivation. chor. Smaller vessels run along the
SnTiLLAM. — A town in the south bank to wiliiin three-fourths of a
of India, the capital of a district of league from the land. In order to
t)ie siiuie name, and generally dis- cater the river; country craft, diaw-
742
SHOLAVANDEN.
ing from four to six feet, are obliijed
to wait lor Ihe liigh tides, on account
of the small bank at the mouth.
TJie appearance of Cheribon re-
sembles a large village more than a
the Rajah of Ramnad being the great
Marawar. It ^\'as ruled by females
until about 50 years ago, when two
brothers, named Murdoo, of low
caste, usurped the government un-
towii. It is at present the capital of der the title of Dewans ; and, sub-
a principality, divided between tv, o sequently on the death of tlie Raimy,
princes of the same family, each of having mounted the throne, assumed
whom takes the title of suKau, and the ancient title of the Pandian ra-
residcs in it ; but the exterior of their jahs. They were expelled by the
palace exhibits little of Asiatic pomp Nabob of Arcot, \vith the assistance
and grandeur, being built of plank of the British troops, but lie after-
and bamboos. On the right bank of
the river is a small brick fort sur-
rounded by a ditch, over which is a
bridge protected by a redoubt. This
fortress is of little strength, its em-
brasure parapet being only 18 inches
thick, with only four small guns,
kept more for liie purpose of making
signals than for defence. The mole
and battei-y arc in a state of tlie
greatest decay, and the garrison only
15 Maduran soldiers, commanded
by a European serjeant and tAvo cor-
pora's ; the whole scarcely sufficient
to resist the attacks of tlic roving
Malay pirates, who infest the ad-
jacent seas. The European inhabit-
ants of the town are the resident,
secretary, book-kcefter, surgeon-ma-
jor, and three subalterns; the rest
are natives, wlio compose two-thirds
of the population, and Chinese, em-
ployed in the retail trade and agri-^
culture.
This small statt> put itself under
the protection of the Dutch East In-
dia Conjpany, in 1680, since when
justice and injustice have been ad-
ministered by the princes of the
tovmtry, in conjunction with the re-
sident on the part of the Company.
These chiefs are under an obligation
to deliver to the Dutch East India
Company exclusively, the produce
of their respective territories at fixed
prices. {Tombc, Stavotiuus, <Vc.)
Shevac. UNO A, (Simgaiiga). — A po-
lygar town and district in the South-
ern Carnatic, 23 miles E. by N. from
Madura. Lat. 9*?. 54'. N.- Long. 78°.
30'. E.
'I'he territory of Shevagunga was
formerly termed the Little Marawar,
wards reinstated them. Continuing
refractory they were attacked by a
British detachment, and detended
theuLselves in the fortress of Callar-
coil for five months. It was, at
length, taken by storm, when the
Mnrdoos escaped into the jungles,
A\hich, for seven miles, surrounded
the fortress, but they Avere soon after
taken and hanged. Of the old She-
vagunga family there existed no fe-
male heir ; the country Avas, there-
fore, given to a relation of the late
Rannys,^ and the tribute continued
at the former sum of 50,000 pagodas,
{Lord Valentia, ^c.)
S H E V j\ G u RRy ,{Sivaghiri). — A tovAH
in the province of Tinnevclly, 100
miles north from Cape Comorin.
Lat. 9°. 23'. N. Long. 77°. 32'.
E.
Shevelpatore. — A tovATi in the
province of Tinnevelly, 110 miles
north from Cape Comorin. Lat. 9°.
31'. N. Long. 77°. 43'. E. This was
a place of considerable consccpience
during the Carnatic vAars of the 18th
century, but is now of little import-
ance.
Sholapoor, {Salapoor). — A dis-
trict in the province of Bejapoor, si-
tuated partly in the territories of the
INizani, and partly in those of the
Maharattas, and about the 18th de-
gree of north latitude.
Sholapoor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, the capital of a
district of the same name, 125 miles
S. E. from Poonah. Lat. 17°. 43'.
N. Long. 759. 40'. E.
Sholavanden. — A toAvn in the
Southern Carnatic, district of Ma-
dura, 10 miles N. \^ . from the town
SUM. 743
Lat. 9°. 59'. N. Lonff. of Wales' Island or Malacca ; iu re-
of MaHiira.
78°. 10'. E.
Shujawulpoor, (Suzawelpur). — A
town in tin; iSIaharatta territories, in
tlie province of Maiwah, 65 miles
E. N. E. from Oojain. Lut. 23°. 24'.
N. Long. 76°. 45'. E.
This is a iarf!;e town, situated on
the N. E. bank of the River Jum-
inarj-. It contains a fort or walled
town, on the outside of which is a
Rood bazar, where there are many
w ell-built houses. Opium, of a to-
lerably good quality, is cu[ti^atcd to
some extent in the vicuiity ; and the
town is a considerable market for
striped nuislins, doputtalis,&c. {Hun-
ter, ^T.)
Shumsabad. — A small town in the
Seik territories, in the province of
Lahore, situated on the east side of
the Jhyiuni River, 100 miles N. W.
bv W. from the city of Laliore. Lat.
32°. IC. N. Long. 72°. 15'. E,
Shundrabandy, {SHndrivanadeJi).
— A town in the Southern Carnatic,
district of Timievellv, 40 miles S. W.
from Madura. Lat."9°.35'. N. Long.
77°. 45'. E.
SiAK. — A large district in the Is-
land of Sumatra, extending about
450 miles along the N. E. coast
The great river of Siak has its
source in the mountains of the Mc.-
nancabow country, and empties it-
self nearly opposite to Malacca.
From the place where it joins the
sea, in the Straits of Kamper or Bcn-
calis, to the town of Siak, is about
65 geographical miles, and from
thence to a place named Pakan
Bharu, about 100 more. The width
of the river is generally from threc-
fovuths to half a mile ; up at the town
the tides rise about 11 feet. 'l"he
shores are Hat to a considenilde dist-
ance up the countrj', and the w hole
oi" the soil is jtrobabiy alluvial, but
about 125 miles up the river Ihtrc is
the appearance of high land.
The trade is carried on by vessels
from the Coast of Coromaudel, who
supply cargoes of piece goods, and
also raw silk, opium, and other ar-
ticles, which they provide at Prince
turn for these they receive gold, wax,
sago, salted fish and fish roes, ele-
phants' teeth, gamliir, caniphire, rat-
tans, and otlier canes. According
to the information of the natives, the
river is navigable for sloops eight
tlays sail up the river, with the as-
sistance of the tide. iTom Siak the
Dutch East India Company import-
ed annually, for the use of Ratafia,
several rafts of spare and masts, and
large supi)lies of frame timber may
also be procured.
The maritime power of tlie king-
dom of Siak has always been con-
siderable, and ]MaIacc4t, .Tohore, and
other towns, have, in former times,
been attacked by llcets from Siak
ports. {Marsden, ^r.)
SIAM, {Sijama, Black).
A kingdom of India beyond the
Ganges, situated principally between
the 10th and 15th degrees of north
latitude. I'o the north its bomida-
ries are unknown, on the south it
Las the sea and the Malay Peninsida;
on the east are the countries now
comprehended in the Cochin Chi-
Jiese empire ; and the west the do-
minions of the Rinnans. Bclbre its
extent was so much contracted by
the victories of the latter nation, its
length was estimated at 360 miles,
by 300 the average breadth ; but
tiiese must have been the extreme
dimensions, and liable to annual
llMCiuatiou. The proper seat of the
T'Ir.iy, or Siamese race, is along the
banks of the great River IVIenam ;
but their sovercignt}^ and language
hav(>, in prosperous periods, had a
nnieh wider range.
The Siam country may be desci ib-
cd as a vast plain intersected by the
Menam, on the banks of wliieli all
the principal towiis are situated, and
separated from the Cirman and Co-
chin Chinese empires by two long
ridges of m<ntntains. In addition to
this it possesses a great extent of sea
coa;?t along the Gulf of Siam, m hich
744
SIAM.
is,however, but thinly inhabited, tlie
Siamese having an aversion to settle
on the maiffin of the sea, probably
Ihrongh ilread of the Malay pirates.
Like the provinces of Bengal, it is
subject to annual inundations, which
begin in July, and when at their
height overflow tlie couiitiT, except
the artificial sites of the villages and
the trees. The stalks of rice rise
with the flood, and keep on tire sur-
face until it subsides. Near the
shores of the Menani, the only part
of the country to which Europeans
have recently had access, the land is
ilat, and the soil alluvial, on which
account, after the rainy season is
ovei-, many extensive morasses re-
main, and render the climate ex-
tremely pestilential to European con-
stitutions, causing fluxes, dysente-
ries, and acute fevers. In the more
elevated tracts remote from the river,
the country is parched and dried
up.
To the overflowing of the river the
land in its vicinity owes its fertility,
and is very productive of rice and
other plants that require a redundant
supply of moisture. Wheat is also
raised on the higher grounds, but in
very small quantities; the Emopeans
fe.vmerly settled here having been
obliged to import what they required
for their own use. T?esides these the
soil is capable of raising all the rich-
est of the productions for which Ben-
gal is celebrated, but little compa-
ratively is cultivated, owing to the
miserable government by which the
pcasanUy are oppressed and harass-
ed. Here are many medicinal plants
and giuns, also oil of jessamine, ben-
zoin, lack, ciystal, emery, antimony,
cotton, wood, oil, wax, lac, varnish,
wild cinnamon, cassia buds, aud iron
wood, the last of which is much used
by tlic natives, Malays, and Chinese,
as anchors for their vessels. Betel
nut is produced aud exported in con-
•siderable (|uaMtities by the Portu-
guese ships and CImucsc junks. Most
of the fruits of Hindostan thrive in
Siani, and there are in addition the
durian and maugostcen.
• The domesticated quadrupeds are
horses, cows, buflaloes, sheep, goats,
and elephants ; and, in the jungles,
tigers, rhinoceroses, deer, and hares,
are found. There is great abund-
ance of common poultry ; besides
which there are peacocks, pigeons,
partridges, snipes, pairots, and other
birds. The cows give but little milk,
■which is mostly supplied by the fe-
male buflaloes, but the natives have
not the art of converting it into but-
ter. The horses are of a very in-
ferior race, the best being imported
from Batavia. The inserts and ver-
min arc the same as in other parts of
India, and the sea and rivers yield
excellent fish, upon which a great
propoi"lion of the lower classes sub-
.sist. In addition to these there are
fine lobsters, turtle of a good qua-
lity, oysters, and the mnngo fish, so
much esteemed in Calcutta. The
mountains in the interior yield dia-
monds, but little inferior to those of
Hindostan, sapphires, rubies, and
agates. Among the mounlains and
rivulets gold is also collected, and
probably in considerable quantities,
as nnich is used in Siam for the gild-
ing of idols, temples, and other ])ub-
lic edifices, and there is none known
to be imported by sea. In the in-
terior iron, tin, lead, and copper, are
procured — the latter of a good qua-
lity, but scarce.
The Siamese have never been in
the habit of carrvdng on foreign com-
merce in their own vessels, the ton-
nage being principally supplied by
the Portuguese, Chinese, and Cochin
Chinese, comparatively little inter-
course subsisting with Hindostan.
The Menam, by which ships enter,
discharges itself into the Gulf of
Siam ; but has a bar at its mouth, to
cross Avliich the assistance of a pilot
is required. The southerly monsoon
is the best season for sJiips to visit
Siam, and the northerly for returning
to Hindostan through the Straits of
Malncca. Bancok, or Bancasay, si-
tuated on the river near die bay^ is
the principal place of trade, and the
king is the chief merchant. No pri-
SIAM.
745
Talp mcicliaut hero dnic to trade in called, cousisfs of hvo races, tlie
till, tiitenaj; iC, elephants' leetli, lead, Thay, and the'I'hay Jhay. Of tiiecse
or sapaii wood, willioiit perniissioii the latter are the most ancient, and
from his majesty, vho monopulises were lorinerly famous for tiieir learn-
thesr articles, and receives them fiom ing aiul the power of tin ir empire.
liis subierts in lieu of revenue. The of whieii many monunieiKS are said
excellent sauce, named ballachonjj, still to exist. The 'I'hay Jhay iii-
is hcst procured here, where it is hahit the country belween the Mc-
eomposed of dried shrimps, pepper, nam and the INIekan, or i^ivcr of
salt, and sea weed, l>eaten together
to the consistence of a tou^h paste,
and then packed in jars lor sale.
Vessels bound for Siam, by takinp^
Cambodia ; but the 'I'hay, for tiio
most part, inhabit en the west of the
Menam or Siam Hiver, or betwfcn
that and ihe frontiers of the Tinnavv
out a fresh port clearance at Ma- (Temiasseiim), ]\ion (Pej^'u), and
laeea, escape a nuini)er of charges. Barma (Jlinnan) nations. V>y the
I nlikc the Malays, allliongh so near Birmanstiiv'>y arc denonnuatcd Syan,
to them, the Sianu sc have the ut-
most aversion to quit iheir own
homes, and have consequently made
no maritime excursions, and planted
no colonies.
The constitution of the Siam go-
vernment is desj)oti<-. and tliere arc
no hereditary nobility. All (he in-
habitants are liable to be called on
for military services, and ve.y few
from whence the Portuguese seem
to have borrowed their Siam and
Siaom, and from whom the other
European nations ha\e adopted the
term. 'J'lie former caj)ital of Siam
was named Yiuiia, or Yoodra; from
which circumstance the Siamese are
frequently, by the IJirmans, called
Yoodias.
In their manners and cu.stoms thev
standing troops arc maintained. Their greatly resemble the Birmans and
arms are maUhlccks, alv ;iys in a Pcguers. The females here are ob-
bad condition, spears,. ar.U creeses, liged to drudge in all the laborious
They make their own gmipowder, employments, by them the woods
but it is of so very in'\'rior quality, arc cleared, the earth cultivated, and
that considerable quantifies are im- the harvest reaped. Both males and
ported. Their fortificatiens are stock- females take as much pahis to blacken
ades of trees and posts encircled by their teeth as the Europeans do to
a ditch, but the real defence of Siam preserve tJiem white. The men era-
consists in the natural obstacles pre- dicate their beards, but allow their
sen.ed to invaders by the jungles, nails to lengthen like the Chinese,
morasses, ana numerous branches of 'I'hey are extremely gross feeders, in
rivers; to v\hicli may be added the which they resemble the other na-
unhealthincss of the climate, which tions east of the Canges. Among
soon ihuis the ranks of an army. As their edibles arc rats, lizards, gras.s-
in the iMalay states, the heir api)a- hopj)ers, and other insects, disgust-
rent to tlu. throne possesses a legiti- ing to the natives of liindostan.
mate uuthorily almost eijual to that I'heir houses are raised on posts, and
of tlic reigning H;unarch. A small are ascended to by a ladder on the
part of the taxes aie levied in money, outside. Like all the semi-barbarous
but mueli the greater part of the re- nations in this tpiarler of the globe,
venue is received in kind, and real- their artists in gold are remarkably
ized by sale to foreign traders. In expert, and their lillagree work siii-
1750 the population was comput- gularly beautiful. 'I'hey excel also
cd, by the French mi.'sionaries, at in beating out gold leaf, of which a
1,900,000, but apparently without great deal is cxpi-nded in adorning
any proper foundation for the esti- tlieir temples and idols. The Chi-
niate. nese practitioners, who arc their
The Siamese nation, propcrlv so chief physicians, have long been ao
3
746
SIAM.
customed to the use of the bath in
levers and other distempers, and if
they are not successful in the cure,
they receive no pay. The Siamese
generally are so addicted to sir^giug
on all occasions, that the missionaries
found tiie best Avay of imprinting
their precepts on the mcunorics of
this people, was to form thcni into
short Latin songs adapted to popular
tunes. They have a variety of mu-
sical instruiiienls, but all disagree-
able to a European ear; of the Eu-
ropean inslrurnents they prefer the
organ, on account of the loudness
of its melody, and were much at-
tracted by it to tiie Roman Catliolic
churches. Time is still measured by
vessels having a small hole perforated
and placed in a tub of water, the
construction of clocks being beyond
their mechanical powers.
The Thay language is that which
is used by the Siamese, who in their
own tongue assume this name as
their national appellation. It ap-
pears to be in a great measure ori-
ginal, and is purely monosyllabic,
and more powerfully accented than
any of the other Indo-Chiatse lan-
guages. The Siamese contains a
great variety of compositions ; tlieir
poems and songs are very numerous,
as are their Cheritras, or historical
and mythological fables. Many of
the Siamese princes have been cele-
brated for their poetic powers, and
several of their historical and moral
compositions arc still preserved. The
Siamese Cheritras, or romantic fic-
tions, are very numerous; and the
personages introduced, with the ex-
ception of Rama, and the heroes of
the Ramayuna, have sekhjui nmch
.similarity to those of tlic Brahmins.
On the eastern coast of the Penin-
sula, the Siamese language extends
as far soutii as Patani, where it meets
the Malay dialect.
Besides the natives there are many
colonies of foreigners establislicd in
tiiara, jjarticularly Cliinese, Portu-
giiese, Malays, Macassars, and Bug-
gesses. At an early period the iuig-
lish, Dutch, and I'rcnch, had also
settlements, but none of them con-
tinued permanetit. 'I'he commerce
of the country is, at present, almost
entirely conducted by the Chinese
and native Portuguese ; the latter of
whom have now scarcely any thing
of the European but the name.
The national religion of Siam is
that of Buddha, or Sammonacodom,
and entirely resembles that of the
Birmans deseiibed under the article
Ava, but ail sects are tolerated. The
doctiines of the Siamese faitli are
singularly severe, and admit of no
indulgcncies whatever ; but the bulk
of the nation are persuaded, that
rigid virtue and perfection are not
prescribed to them, but only to their
priests; and trust to their mortifica-
tions and aus'crilies as expiations
for the faults of the whole. As
among the Hindoos suicide is re-
garded favourably, but is by no means
so generally i)ractised. I'he first
French missionaries reached Siam in
A. D. 1662, after a most painful and
arduous journey over land to the Bay
of Bengal, where they embarked ;
but prior to this the Christian reli-
gion had made some progress so early
as 1621, through the medium of the
Portuguese. I'he French mission
was subsequently prosecuted with
great zeal for more than a century,
and was occasionally assisted by po-
litical emergencies, but no essential
progress was ever made towards ef-
fecting the benevolent intentions of
the missionaries.
The Siamese histories of the Thay
dynasty are said to detail, with nmch
mimiteness and great exaggeration,
the events that have occuiTcd in
Siam, and the adjacent states and
countries, during the last 1000 years,
and also the events of 400 jears
prior to that period, from the build-
ing of tlie city Maha Nakkon, but
with !"'ss precision. The records of
the other dynast>^ the Thay Jhay,
are supposed still to exist. Not-
withstanding these documents, the
Siamese nation was w holly unknown
in Euroi)e, until the discovery of the
route to India by the Cape of Good
SIAMPA.
747
ITope. The fust traces of tlioir aii-
tlifntic history bei^in about A. D.
1550, atnl were acquired throuj;!!
theiuodiuuioi' tlie Fortujruesc, who
froqucntly acted as auxiliaries to the
tactions contcndiuj!; for tl)e "overu-
itient. From the records of the East
India Company it appears that, in
IfWt, they sustaiiieLl considerable
losses by a Mr. Coustantine I'aidcon
(a Cephalonian tireek) (»uc of their
inferior servants, who ran away in
their debt, and obtained |)osse,ssion
of their property, by makiui^ pre-
sents to the King of Siam, whose
prime minister lie afterwards be-
came.
In 1684 ambassadors were sent
from Siara to Louis XIV. on board
of an English vessel ; and, in con-
scrpjenee, INIessrs. Ceberet and La
Loubere were dispatched as amijas-
sadors to Siam, w here they arrived
the 27th Sept. 1787, and inmiediately
solicited the king- to embrace the
Roman Catholic religion. In this
request they were the more urgent
from learning, that an envoy had
arrived from the court of Persia to
convert him to the Mahommedan
faith. The Siamese monarch declined
the conversion proposed, but entered
into a strict alliance w ith the French,
•whom he allowed to garrison Ban-
cok and JNIergui, the two most im-
portant havensin his dominions. This
intimacy was, however, of short du-
ration ; as, in 1688, by a sudden re-
volution, the king was dethroned and
murdered, Faulcon executed, and
the French expelled.
From this period Siam experienc-
ed much internal discord, and many
sanguinary massacres ; but remained
exempt from external annoyance un-
til 1754, when, in consequence of
thr conquest of Pegu, the liirman
dominions came in contact with
those of Siam. War immediately
ensued, and has continued, with the
exception of a few short intervals,
ever since ; and, greally to the detri-
ment of the Siamese, who were re-
peatedly defeated with vast slaugh-
ter, had their capital sacked in 17G6,
and lost all their maritime posses-
sions on the Bay of Bengal, and
along the west coast of the Malay
peninsula. But although, by the
chance of war, the SiiMn<'se have
been subjected to many vicissitudes,
and brought frequently to the brink of
destruction, ihey have never <;cased
to exist as a distinct and independ-
ent nation, for which thej' are pro-
bably indebted to the domestic dis-
sensions of the liirjnans, and (h{^
natural strength of their country.
{Turpiii, Elmore, Let/deti, Sipnes, Sfc.)
Siam. — A city in the kingdom of
Siam, of which it is the capital. Lat.
14°. 5'. N. Long. 100°. 25'. E.
This place is situated on an island
formed by the Menam, or Siaiu
River, intersected by several canals,
and has several other islands adja-
cent. Although of great extent, it
is now very thinly jjopulated. The
palace ofthe kirtg is a large irregular
confused building, covering a great
space of ground, and sinrounded by
high walls, which include also seve-
ral lenqjles. In this town tiiere are
many casts of statues and cannon,
the latter of a prodigious calibre,
which indicate a greater perfection
in the arts at some former era, than
is now fomid among the Siamese.
In 1766 tliis place was captured by
the Birmans after a long blockade.
By the ]>irmans the town of Siam
is frequently named Dwarawnddy,
but by the natives it is called See-y-
thaa. Most places of consequem-c
are here distinguished by two app(>i-
lations, one in the vulgar tongue.
and the other in the I'ali or learned
language. {E more, Turpiii, Sijmcs,
SiAMPA, (Chnnqya). — A province
in the Cochin Chinese enquire, situ-
ated principally between ihe 10th
and nth degrees of north latitude.
To the north its i)oundaries are un-
defnied ; on the south it ii;u-« the s( a
of China; on the east Cochin China
and the sea; and on the west Cam-
bodia.
This is a small mountainous ter-
ritory, separated into three divisioits,
748
SILHET.
The ea?lcrn is a desert coimlr}', com-
posed of monntaius, sonic of which
advance to llie sea, and but thinly
iiihahited ; the centre division is
better cultivated and peopled: nest-
«'rn iSianipa is a uild. jnngiy coun-
try, occnjiied by small erratic tribes.
Viewed from the sea, Siamjia is
more elevated than Canibodia, and
presents to tlie eye, lioni on board
ship, the appearance of a fine and
well cnlti\ ated country ; but, on
close inspcclioii, this ])leasing' and
luxuriant appearance vanishes, leav-
ing" in its room immense tracts of
pale and yellowish sand ; the smooth
surfaces of which are intenupted
by ledges of dark rocks, which rise
to a considerable licight. The sea-
water near them is unconmionly
bright and clear.
We have very little information
respecting tiie interior of this pro-
vince ; and what we have is but of
dubious authonticity, having been
collected by the missionaries settled
in Tunqiiin and Cochin China, who,
it does not appear, ever personally
visited the country; but derived
their inteiligcnce from Chinese trad-
ers, aud from the natives.
According to their description, the
inhabitants of Siainpa remain in a
very wild state, without towns or
even large villages, having some
, small hamlets scattered over a great
extent of space, near to which they
pasture their immerous flocks of bui-
faloes. 'J'liese are the more sta-
tionarj' tribes ; but a great proportion
of the population still continue in
tlie migratory stage of civilization,
without cultivation or manufac-
tures, subsisting on their flocks and
llic spontaneous produce of the
earth. {De JJissachere, Stnuntou,
SiAO Isle. — An island about 35
miles in circumference, situated off
the north-eastern extremity of the
Island of Celebes. Lat. 2°. 48'. N.
Long. 12r)°. 5'. E. On this island
there is a v(»lcaiio, which, during its
crui)tions, covers (he neighbouring
islands with cindcis. Tlie land is
Jiigh but fruitful, and proAisions arc
cheap. 'J'he Dutch had forn-.f-riy a
.small garrison h8r<^. which has been
long withdrawn. {Sonnerat, Forrest,
Src. Sfc.)
SiENiBAS, (Sivanimsa). — A small
tmvn in the province of Bengal, dis-
trict of Nuddea, 64 mJies N. N. E.
from Calcutta liat. 23°. 25'. N.
Long. 88°. 49'. E. During the rainy
season there is a short passage for
boats past this place, from the south-
cast part of Bengal, which bi'Comc.«
quite dry when the waters drain off
towards the winter.
SiBiiYAN IsLK. — A small island,
one of the Philippines, from 30 to
40 miles in circumference, and situ-
ated due south of Luzon. Lat. 12°.
30'. N. Long. 122°. .30'. E.
Sic.vcoLK, — See Cicacole.
SiCLYGULLY, {SaucriguH, the Nar-
row Pass). — A celebrated pass in the
province of Bengal, about eight miles
N. by W. from Rajemal, which
marks the boundaries of the pro-
vinces of Bengal and Bahar. Lat.
25°. 12'. N. Long. 87°. 40'. E.
This pass, during tln' Hindoo and
Mahommedan government, was the
commanding entrance from Bahar
into the kingdom of Bengal, and
was fortified with a strong wall,
which does not appear, however, to
liave been of any real service, as in
1742, a IVTahaiatta army of cavalry
jjassed into Bengal to the S.W. of
this pass, through the hills above
Colgong.
SiKAR. — A town in the Rajpoot's
territories, in the province of A. jmcer,
53 miles N. N. W. from Jvenagur.
Lat. 27 °. 32' N. Long. 75°. 5'. E.
SiLHET, {Sri/iatd, a rich Market).
— A district in the province of Ben-
gal, situated principally between the
24th and 25tii degrees of north lati-
tude. To the north and east it is
bounded by a lofty ridge of moun-
tains iidiabited by many ^vild tribes ;
on the south by Tippcrali and My-
munsingh; and it h;is Mymunsingh
to the west. In 1784 it contained
2861 square miles, and the revenue
was only 233,924 rupees. By Abul
Vazcl, in 1682, this disliict is de-
scribed as follows :
" Sireiir Sillict, contHiniug eifrht
nialuds, revcmie 6,681,()-2l dams.
This sin.ar furnishes 1100 cavahy,
190 elei)Iiaiits, ^and 42,920 iniaiitry.
Sircar Silliet is very JUDiiiitaiiioii.';.
It fiuuislies many cmiiich slaves I'ur
the seraglio."
'I'his is the most easterly of the
Company's possessions in Hindos-
tan, bein;? witliin 350 miles of tlic
province of Yunan in Ciiiiia. AI-
tiiou;i;h so near lo tliis riili empire,
no sort of intercourse subsists be-
twixt them ; the internie<liate coun-
ti"y bcin^ a confuscil mass of moun-
tains <overed \\illi jungle, and in-
habited by some of tiie most unci-
vilized tribes in Asia. This region
has been examined only a very short
way from the frontiers of SilJiet; but,
from tlic most consistent accounts
suj)piicd by the natives, there is
weaso)! to believe the intervening-
space is destitute of navigable rivers,
without towns or villages, and wholly
trackless. Thest; diliiculties, how-
ever, are not insurmountable, audit
is to be hoped the IJengai go\ern-
ment will not leave it nmch longer
unexplored.
Under the ISIogul government Sil-
bet was foruicd into a foujedarry, or
SILHET. 749
and cast lofty mountains rise ab-
ruptly like a wall, to tin; height of
several thousand feet, ami appear
as if they had, at sonic remote pe-
riod, withstood the surge of the
ocean.
During tlie rains the greater pro-
portion of the laud is laid under
water, by the oversowing of the
Soormah and other rivers, by wliicli
it is intersected, and t!u; passage
tioni Dacca is performcil for nearly
the wlioh- w ay over rice and pasture
fields, A\lii(li, in the cold season, are
jierfectly drv. Over this tract, when
tJic Hoods are at their height, there
is above 10 feet (jf water; the ele-
vated sites of the villages appear
like islands; the masts of the vessels
are entangled with the branches of
trees, while their progress is im-
peded by the thickness and adhe-
sion of the jiaddy stalks. When the
inundation drains oil", the land is
left in an cxeelUnt condition for rice
cultivation; food of all sorts is con-
secjuenlly remarkably cheap — the
average price of ri( c per rupee be-
ing four or live maunds (of 80 pounds
each), and coarser grains still eiicap-
er. In addition to this supply every
stream and puddle swarms with lish,
which are caught, with scarcely any
trouble, with a small hand net, or
military station, more oi» account of even a piece of a mat. As mav be
its remote and secluded situation
beyon«l the Brahmapootra and Soor-
mah, than from any reasonable ap-
prehensions of foreign invasion, i)rtt-
tected as it is by inaccessible hills,
orimpeni'trable jungles. Its actual
dimensions since the dismember-
ment of several i)ergmmahs, are
comi)Uted at 2861 miles, divide<l into
146 small i)ergumiahs, held by about
tljc same number of zemindars.
Near to the town of Silhct the coun-
try presents a novel api)carance to
an eye long habituated to the (lat
surface of the lower districts of Ik-n-
gal. it is comjKjsed of a number of
irregularl) insulated hills, jjlaeed at
a short distance from each other, and
covered with tre( s and verdure to
their sunnnits; while to the nortli
supposed, v\agi<s arc extremely low,
being fiom half a rupee to one ru-
pee and a quarter per mouth; but
the labourers being naturally averse
to exertion, and never v\ orking but
wlien stimulated by hunger. th»-
country is on the whole very inchf-
ferently culti\at'ed.
The necessaries of life being sa
very cheap, tluTe is little occasion
for gold and silver coins — a more
minute subdivision of value being
required; the whole rents are con-
sequently paid in cowries, which are
the medium also of eonmiercial
transactions. lormcrly large boats
were built here for the royal fkti
stationed at Dacca, and square-rig-
ged vessels have also been occasion-
ally constructed. The chief export
750
SIMOGA.
from Silhcf is chiiuam or lime,
which is ibiiiid in inexhaustible quan-
tities; and from hence Calcutta, and
the most remote stations in Eeng^al,
are furnished with that article. An-
other principal export is cargoes of
oranges — a considerable iraet of
country consisting almost entirely of
orange plantations, the fruir of which
sells on the spot at 1000 for a ru-
pee. The other productions are
aguru or fragrant aloe wood, and a
manufactme of wild silk, named
muggadooties. Great numbers of
elephants arc also caught in this
district, but their cpiality are infe-
rior to those caught near the sea
coast. Silliet and Azmcrigunge arc
the chief to\\ns, and the Soormah
and Megna the principal rivers. In
1801, when an investigation respect-
ing the popidation of Bengal took
j)lace, this district was found to con-
tain 492,495 inhabitants, in the pro-
portion of two Mahomniedans to
three Hindoos. {J.Graiit, Heimel, ^x.)
SiLHET. — A town in the province
of Eengal, the capital of a district
of the same name. Lat. 24°. 55'. N.
Long. 91°. 40'. E. The travelling
distance from Calcutta to Silhet is
325 miles, but the direct distance
only 260.
SiLLAH-MEW. — A large town in
the Birman empire, situated on tlie
east side of the Inawaddy. Lat.
20°. 50'. N. Long. 94°. 30'. i'].
This is a large town, and remark-
able for its mam)factures of silk, the
raw material for which is procured
ftom the province of Yunan in Chi-
na. 'I'hc colours are bright and
beautiful, but do not appear durable ;
the texture is close and strong. It
is said to wear much longer than
any China or Hindostany fabric ; but
the price is proportionally high.
Sillah-mew is a handsome town,
shaded by wide-spreading trees, and
embellished with several temples.
The soil is in general poor ; but some
of the fields arc regularly fenced,
and there are luimerous herds of
cattle in the neighbourhood. {Sijnies,
SiLLEE. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Clmta Nagpoor,
70 miles W.N.W. from Calcutta.
Lat. 23°. 20'. N. Long. 85°. 55'. E.
SiMLASORE. — A town ill the Ra-
jah of Nagpoor's territories, in the
province of Gundwana, 87 miles S.E,
from the citv of Nagjioor. Lat. 20°.
29'. N. Long. 80°. 55'. E.
SiMOGA, {Siva Mogaif). — A town
in the Mysore Kajah's territories,
122 miles N. W. from Seringapatam.
Lat. 13°. 51'. N. Long. 75°. 35'. E.
The fortifications of this place are
not strong. The Kiver Tunga in the
rains washes the eastern wall, in
which iace there is no ditch. Each
angle of the fort has a cavalier tow-
er, and there are three small tow'crs
in each face of tlie curtain, where a
luimber of jinjals and swivels are
mounted; but the rampart is too
narrow for large guns. In this neigFi-
boTirhood the manufacture of cotton
cloth begins; for there is none fa-
bricated to tlie M estv^ ard. The wet
lands here are generally of a light
soil, and, at the entrance into the
open country, the latcrite seems to
terminate. The breed of cattle in
this vicinity begins to improve, when
compaied with that to the west.
During Hyder's reign he brought
carpenters to Simoga, from IManga-
lore, and built a number of lighters
about eight tons burthen; but they
proved of no soit of use.
In 1790, on the plain near to this
place, a battle was fought between
Purseram Bhow and Mahommed
Reza, usually called the Binky Na-
bob, or burning lord ; being, on ac-
count of his activity, generally em-
ployed by the sultan to lay waste
the country. In this action the Ma-
harattas had scarcely any thing to
do — the Mhole brunt of the engage-
ment falling on the Bombay detach-
ment under Captain Little, which,
at the commencement of the battle,
only mustered 760 men. The ene-
my's force never was actually ascer-
tained, but probably approached
10,000 men.
At tlus time Simoga contained
SINDE.
75 r
G,000 houses, flu; whole of which
were destroyed by the Maharattas ;
tlie women wore lavisheil, and llie
handsomest carried away. Such of
the men as fell into the hands of the
Maharattas were killed, and oftliose
who escaped the sword a larj^e pro-
portion perished by htinger. Th(\se
rnffiaiis did not even spare the ku-
♦lali S\\ ami, who is the 2:ooroo (hip;!!
jmest) of all the IVIaharatta IJrah-
mins of the Sinartal sect, and by
tliem considered as an actnal in-
carnation of the deity. They plun-
dered and burned his matam or col-
lege, which so enrairf^d the ])ontiff
that he threatened them with ex-
communication, an»l A\as only pa-
cified by a present from the Peshwa
of 400,000 rupees; half of which
Tippoo extorted from him and paid
to Lord Cornwallis, on account of
the fine imposed at the treaty of
Seringapatam. This unfortunate city
was again completely plundered in
1798 ; but, having since enjoyed a
respite from the ravages of war, it
has recovered considerably its wealth
and population. ( F. Buchanan,
Mom; <^-c. .Vc.)
SiNCAPooR, {Sbigapura). — A town
situated on a sn)all island, at the
southern extremity of the Malay
peninsula. Lat. 1°. 24'. N. Long,
104°. E.
The straits of Sincapoor are form-
ed by a cluster of iniunnerablc little
islands, which are co\cred with
wood, have a great variety in their
sha^)es, and are indented on all sides
witli little bays and sandy coacs,
where abundance ot the finest turtle
resort. The passage between these
islands is in some pai ts \ ery narrow,
yet the water is clear ajid deep. The
apj)earance of a fleet of ships, w hilc
winding through this romantic group
of islets, lias a very picturesque cl-
fect, while the small boats of the na-
tives are l)Iyiug backwards and for-
wards with refreshments, particularly
of turtle, one of which, weighing
three or 400 pounds, may be pur-
chased for a couple of dollars. At
<he eastern mouth of the straits of
Sincapoor lies a rock, named by the
Portitguese I'edrabranca,on account
of its being covered witli the white
excr«'ment of birds. Here the China
Seas commence; and sliips general-
ly take a departures from this rock,
or from Point Komania, when pro-
ceeding on to Canton.
The town and j)rin.'ip;dity of Sin-
capoor wi-re founded by :ulventurers,
who originally migrated from tlie
Island of Sumatra. {Jo/insun, 3/ars-
den, St.)
^l>iDE.—{Sin(lhu.)
A large province of Hindostan,
formerly included in that of I\lool-
tan, and situated on both sides of
the Indus, between the 23d and
28th degrees of north latitude. The
general boundaries of this pro\ineey
including Tatla, are jVIooltan and
Afghanistan on the north; Culchand
the sea to the south; on the east it
has Ajmeer, the Sandy Deser^ and
Cutch ; and on tlie west the se;i, and
the mountains of Halooehistan. Jti
lengtli it may be estimated at 300
miles, by 80 miles the average
breacltii, and it is intersected in a
diagonal line throughout its wliole
extent by the river Indus, which
afi'ords moisture to the husbandman,
and to the merchant an excellent
inland navigation, only excelled by
that of Bengal.
. t)n the north Sinde adjoins the
country of Hehawal Khan, and the
fort of Sulizul. Proceeding lioni
thence; south, the country is piis-
sess(^d by an infinite number of petty
chiefs, who are in general tributai-y
to the Ameers of Sinde. The names
of the princij)al districts on the east-
ern bank, proceeding fiom the
norlli to the south, ;ire Ehoongbaree.
Durelee, Loheree, Khvrpour, and
Puhhuicc. 'J'lie boundaries ot thest;
districts are, the Sandy Desert and
the country of .lesselmere to the east.
Eurther south are the tort of
Deenghnr, 40 miles fnim KInrpoor,
tilt districts uf Kooudceyainy, \ous-
75-2
SINDE.
hehrce reroze, Punooclic, and Su-
tlaya, Nonuhuiya Kohinco, Klioo-
jnr, Juneojeo, Lakal, Shadapoor,
Halakuiidy, Novejanee, Kakabcga-
rco (tl))ony;li wliich Hows li branch
of the Indus), Nussurua, jRopa, and
Nusscrpoor, and the I'andec of lUa-
hyar Khan, tioni which Jesselmere
is distant about IGO miles <o the
eastward. Of tliPse disUicts the
Sandy Dcseit forms tiie eastern
bomidaries.
At the Tandec of Iliahyar Khan,
tlie branch of the Indus, named the
Fuhdec conmieiices, and lions in a
S. W. direction loSeidpoor, when it
rejoins tiio main stream, after I'orni-
ing the insular district of Killec,
named also the Doabch, the hills of
Jaree and Canja, the fort of Hjdcr-
abad, with Seidpoor and some other
viila<;cs. On the eastern bank of
the J'ulalee is situated the district of
Chuckurhalec.
The branch of the Inilalee, named
the Goonce, takes its rise near the
village of Seidpoor; to the eastward
of it is situated the district of Chach-
gam, which yielded, when possessed
by the Calories, a revenue of four
lacks of rupees, which is now re-
duced to two. Also the district of
Koodara, villages of fiuhna, Sayek-
poor, Dholee, and the district of
Pulujar, and the islands of AVah and
Alibukeer. These arc bounded on
the east by the Sandy Desert.
The district of Khyrpoor is si-
taated on a branch of the Goonee;
the fort of lllyabad is 10 miles dist-
ant, and Futtyghar 40 miles dist-
ant from Khyrpoor. The fort of
Parkin-, situated on the borders of
the Joudpoor temtories, is 110 miles
to the eastward of Hyderabad, Is-
lauipoor 50 miles from Khjipoor,
Alighnr 40 miles from Khyrjtoor,
and Shahgur 80 miles from Khyr-
poor. Amercote, now belonging to
Joudpoor; the districts of JMajur
.lamee and Kitec, a fort on the bor-
ders of the Sandy Desert; the dis-
tricts of Doka, Behrampoor, Ameer-
poor, and Bhoondea.
On the west bank of the Indus,
Sinde is bounded to the north by the
Shekarpoor district, of wlxi* h a con-
siderable portion of the southern
quarter is held iiy the Sinde chiefs.
Proceeding from thence south are the
districts of Noushelira, Eerkapoor,
Khanua, Ladgoonee, Kumburgun-
dee, iVIeil, Nalookyhaiipoor,Nalume-
du, Chandye, formerly included in
the pro\ ince of Ciiandookee ; wiiich
province, during the government of
the Calnries, is said to have yielded a
revenue of IG lacks of rupees, now
redaccd to four. 'Ihe villages of
Jicsau and Ploojrce, the small dis-
trict of Jance Duny, and an ishmd
formed by the Naree, a branch of
the main stream, containing the dis-
tricts of Nuggcn Bhagban, Khoda-
bad, Wu( hoolee. Jamtauee, and
Kurreempoor.
The districts situated to the west-
ward of liic Naiee are Kaclia, Bhoo-
bak, Juiigar, Bazar ; a hill, 100 miles
from Corachie, besides nmnerous
small tillages, occupied by Ba-
loochees, ana other migratory tribes,
'i'iie district of 'i'harn, from which
Corachie is said to be 60 miles dist-
ant, is j)Ossessed by the Nomurdies,
wiio have also half the district of
Shal. Pile districts of Jurukhee,
Sonda, and many smaller ones, are
adjacent to Tatta. The Sita and its
streams, and the Nusscrpoor and Na-
ree branches of the Indus, are said
to be now dried up.
A great part of this province, lying
to tlie westward of the coniines
v\'here the monsoon ceases, is a bar-
ren sterile soil, and totally unpro-
ductive, from tiie absence of mois-
ture. Easterly from the meridian
of 67°. 40'. the land near to the Indus
appears capable of the highest de-
gree of iinproveiaeut; but to tho
northward ot Tatta, and a small dist-
ance to the westward of that river,
the country is mountainous, rocky,
barren, and tliinly inhabia'd. lu
the montJis of June ar.d July the
thermometer ranges from 90°. to 100°.
but die air in the northern parts of
Sindee is so pure, and so much
reheshcd by tiic cooiuig breezes ■
SINQK.
753
from llie woslward, lli'ht Ihc heftt is
not excessive. About Hydeiiibud
the eliniate is healthy, and the air,
in tlie month ot'Auj^iist, r«markably
clear, tlie tliU'erence of refraction in
astrononiieal^obsQrvations beinjj; then
•scarcely pc'iitejttible.
The Imhis^from the city of Tat < a
to a branfh called tlic Toiicly, has
from t\v:c».-to two and a half fathoms
of water'; ofl'I'atta it has thn?e, fonr,
and more frequently five fathoms,
V;ith a muddy bottom. The banks
ift the pro^ ince about Hyderabad are
in g'cueral well culti\a1ed, except
^' where the Ameers ha^ c made cnclo-
y.y sures to confine <;anie ; but these arc
so numerous and extensive as to oc-
cupy many of the most valuable spots
of land. In the mouth of August it
lias generally tMo and three fathoms
of water, but during tJie fair season
it is dried up. Tlie Goonee is much
the same as the Folickly, with re-
spect to inhabitants and cultivation,
J)ut has less water on an average,
being only from one and a half to two
fathoms. It is also much narrower,
contracting in many places to 30
yards, and can only be termed navi-
gable ill the month of August.
I'he cultivation of Siude depends
on the periodical rains, and the pro-
cess of irrigation by mean.s of canals
and water-courses. During the swell-
ing of the river grain and other seeds
are raised ; the remainder of the year
is employed in the production of in-
digo, sngar-eanes, huldee, ike. <kc.
Every beegah of land, watered by a
canal or wheel, pays a revenue of
from one and a (piarter to three and
a half rupees to the government:
one wheel is capable of v atering 16
beegahs. A duty of one rupee is also
levied on each khun\var(l"iO pounds)
of grain reaped by the farmer.
Garden land producing fruit trees
pays two and a half rup«'es per bee-
gah to g()\ ernment, and the .spring
crop of tobacco yields a revenue of
four and a half rupees per beegah.
The land revenue on raw sugar is
collected in kind, and is rated at four
and a half rupees per beegah. These
3 c
ex'actionsMo not end Iiere"; for on all
the productions of the earth duties
are subsequently collected at the
markets, and articles pajing duty in
one district are not thereby exempt-
ed from fresh extortions if transport-
ed to another. It generally happens
that the sum total of tlie duties and
customs levied by the officers of go-
vernment greatly exceeds the ori-
ginal prime c«st of the articles. When
boats arrive at Tatta a tax is exacted
proportionate to the sum expended
on their constniction.
The principal articles of home pro-
duce exported from Sinde arc rice,
ghee, hides, shark tins, pot-ash, salt-
petre, assafoetida, b'dellium, madda,
liankinccnsc, Tatta cloths, horses, in-
digo, oleaginous, and other seeds.
AJIum, musk, and horses, are im-
ported from Moollan and the coun-
tries to the nortliward for re-export-
ation. The other imports into Sindo
are tin, iron, lead, steel, ivory, Eu-
ropean manufactures, sandal and
other scented woods, from the south
of India; swords and carpels from
Khorasan and Candahar; silk and
other articles from the Persian Gulf.
The Mooltany merchants settled iit
Sinde arc the principal traders, and
the wealthiest part of the connnu-
nity.
The exports from Sinde to Bom-
bay arc shark fins and flesh, b'del-
lium, ghee, pot-ash, saltpetre, hides,
oil of sesame, wheat, assafoetida, mu-
jeet, sirshif oil, raisins, almonds, co-
louring plants, pistachio flowers and
nuts, shawls, cloths, mustard, A\i!d
saflron, black cummin seed from
Kerman, white cummin seed, chintz-
es both from Sinde and Khorasan.
The imports to Sinde from Bombay
are white sugar, sugar-candy, steel,
iron, tin, tutenague, lead, cochineal,
betel nut, black pej)per, dried cocoa
nuts, Vermillion, red lead, quicksil-
ver, Bengal and China silks aud
cloths, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves,
nutmeg, sandal wood, ginger, china-
Avare, pearls, aloes, and aniuttas.
To Muscat are exported dressed
leather, rice, wheat, sirshif oil, ghee.
754
SINDE.
li'dcilinm, cliinlzns, and other cloths.
The imports from Muscat lo Sindc
arc dates, limes, roses, Ghilaun silk,
elephants' teeth, pearls, almonds,
preserved fruit, cowries, slaves, arse-
nic, senna from Mecca, quince seeds,
and gum. 'J'he imports to Sinde
^iom Cuteh are cotton, sinitf, un-
wronght iron found in Cutch, and
<Iic small Arabian aloe. The inter-
coTuse between this j>rovince and the
covmtries to the northward is chietly
carried on by means of the Indus,
which is navii;ahle lor small vessels
to a great distance from the sea.
There are no established land cara-
vans from Sinde to Mooltan and Ca-
bul, but an intercourse is carried on
by merchants and travellers. The
East India Company had formerly
a faj7tory, and carried on a consider-
able trade in the province of Sinde ;
but it was withdrawn, probably
owing to the disorderly state and
poverty of the country. An unsuc-
cessful attempt was recently made
by the Company from Bombay to
renew the connnereial intercourse.
Commerce and agriculture of all
deRcrij)tions have rajndly declined
since the accession of the present ra-
pacious rulers of Sinde. 'llie duties
levied on foreign and domestic trade
are estimated at two-thirds of the ca-
pital of the merchant and mechanic;
and the cultivator is compelled to
sell his grain at a low price to go-
vernment, by which it is monopo-
lized, and subsequently resold at an
c\or]ntant profit. In aildition to
this extensive tracts of the best land
on the banks of the Indus are set
apart and converted tt> desolate
wastes and jungles for the preserva-
iion of game, the Ameers being un-
fortunately most passionately addict-
ed to hunting. I'he British embassy,
in 1809, saw scarcely any thing de-
.scrving the iiameof cultivadon fn)m
Corachie to ilelliah, on llic road lo
Hyderabad, a distance of ni-arly 150
Diih'S.
The internal government of Sinde
is a niliitary despotism, the suprcnic
authority bejns vested in three bro-
thers of the Talpoony family, whose
names areMeer Gholaum Ali, Meer
Kurreem Ali, and Meer jNIurad Ali.
The eldest brother, I\Ieer Gholaum
Ali, has the title of hakim, or ruler
of Sinde, and is considered as the
head of the government. There are
two brothers of the reigning family,
Meer Sohrab and Meer Thara, who,
although not ostensibly partakers of
the supreme authority, possess large
tracts of territory, and exercise every
iunction of sovereignty within their
respective limits.
'i'iiese Ameers belong to the Ma-
hommedan sect of Sheeas, but they
are remarkably tolerant, both to the
Soonees and to the followers of the
Bralnninical doctrines. The Ma-
hommedan inhabitat)ts compose tJie
military strengtii of the country ;
and, during the intervals of peace,
arc employed as husbandmen, arti-
ficers, and menial servants — the inter-
nal commerce of the country being
almost exclusively carried on by the
Hindoo part of the population. Al-
though Sinde is now but scantily
peopled, it appears, at some former
period, to have been much more
thickly settled and inhabited; and
the extraordinary number of tombs
and burial grounds scattered over
the country, where no population is
at present seen, is quite remarkable,
IVom Tatta to near Hyderabad the
country' is almost destitute of human
beings, tJiere being only one village
on the whole route.
The armies of Sinde are collected
frotn the various tribes who hold
lands by a military teiuire from the
Ameeis, at whose summons they are
obliged to bring their quotas into the
field. These tribes are reckoned 42
in lunnber; many of whom have re-
tained their distinctive appellations
since the first Mahommedan inva-
sion, and consisted principally of ad-
venturers, who descended from the
lofty mountains of Baloochistan into
the plains of Sindc, with the excep-
tion of tJic Jokia and Jhut tribes,
which are both of Sindean origin.
The Ameers of Sinde, collectively,
SINDE.
755
can bring into tlic field an army of
36,000 men, composed of irregular
cavahy, armed witJi matcliloeks,
swords, and shields, and intended
to act as infantry whenever circnm-
staiices require it. It is not unusual
for the M hole army of Sinde to dis-
mount and fight on foot. The Ua-
loochees are reckoned good marks-
men, but not susceptible of disci-
pline. The pay of a common soldier
in the field is fixe pice per day, in-
cluding his provisions ; during peace
he receives an allowance of about
one and a half pounds of rice per
diem. The Sindean cavalry are but
indiflferently mounted; and, although
stouter, are not such good swords-
men as the natives of Hindostan.
The infantry resemble the Persian
and Arabs, and, like most Hindos-
tany soldiers, are overloaded with
arms; besides a sword, shield, and
dagger, the cavalry carry match-
locks.
The revenues of Sinde, during the
Calorie government, were estimated
at 80 lacks of rupees per annum, but
are now reduced, in consequence of
the rapacity and ignorance of the
present rulers, to 42 lacks;" from
which should be deducted the Cabui
tribute of 12 lacks, which is liable to
be enforced should that state reco-
ver from the eflects of its internal
discord.
After the death of Meer Futteh
Ali his surviving three brothers di-
vided the territorial possessions and
revenues; the eldest, Meer Gholaum
Ali, receiving one half as the osten-
sible head of tlu! government, and
being bound to defiay the perma-
nent, civil, and military expenses of
the state. These charges, however,
arc inconsiderable, as, during a ces-
sion of external hostilities, very few
soldiers are retained ; as in many
other of the eastern principalities the
hoarding of treasure is a favourite
maxim of state policy, the amount
of specie deposited in the different
forts throughout the country is con-
sequently supposed to be very great,
a small proportion of what is re-
3c 2
ceived being ever permitted again to
circulate.
The districts subject to the autho-
rity of Meer Solirab are situated in
the north-east quarter of Sinde, and
yield a revenue of about five and a
half lacks of rupees per annum. His
government is described as milder,
and more favourable to agriculture
and commerce, than that of the prin-
cipal Ameers. His troops are com-
puted at four or 5000 men.
The authority' of Meer Thara ex-
tends over the districts on the east-
ern banks of the Indus; his revenue
does not exceed thiee lacks of ru-
pees, but his country is improving,
and his troops amount to GOOO men.
He was some years ago defeated
and taken prisoner by Meer Gho-
laum Ali ; but, at the solicitation of
the otlier Ameers, released, and his
tenitories restored;
The customs and revenues of Sinde
are farmed to private persons ; and
the Ameers, Mith the view of crea-
ting competition generally, remove
the farmers annually, and they, hav-
ing consequently no interest in the
improvement of the country, di-
rect their attention to the realizing
the greatest possible profit within
the period of their contract. In
effecting this object they are guilty
of many extortions, of wliieli the
Ameers subsequently avail them-
selves, as a pretext for confiscating
whatever property they may have ac-
cunudated.
Aujong the local customs, in some
degiee peculiar to Sinde, the follo\v-
ing may be mentioned : If a person
finding a thief in his house use force
to drive him away, and in the con-
test eitlier is killed, no inquiry is
made. It often happens that vil-
lages are attacked by tliieves ; if iu
the conflict any are killed, no inqui-
ries are made ; but if they :ue taken
prisoners, and then put to death, the
parties are subjected to trial. Thieves
taken in a contest of this kind are
brought before a magistrate, who ex-
amines the transaction, and compels
them to restore the property, or im-
756 SINDE.
poses a heavy fine, whicli, if they are
unable to pay, they sulFer death.
One fourth of all property recovered
belongs to the government. If ei-
ther a denizen or a foreigner die,
leaving a son or brother, his proper-
ty devolves to them. If he leaves a
wife with child, and the child prove
a son, he succeeds to tiie property,
otherwise it is seized fur the state.
A daughter only receives a certain
allowance from her fatiier's property;
and a widow is merely entitled to
her jewels, &:c. or to a pecuniary
compensation of 100 rupees.
The men of Sinde are generally
of a middle size, well made, and
more robust than the more southern
natives of India. 'I'heir complexions
are very tawny, with dark eyes and
eye-brows, and inieommonly good
teeth; hke the Seiks, they allow
their hair to grow. The Mahom-
medans are all Soonees, and most of
them of the sect of Haneefee ; but
they have few religions prejudices,
nor do their females suffer any strict
seclusion. The dancing girls in
Sinde are, in figure, maimers, and
appearance, superior to those com-
monly seen in Hindostan.
The Sinde province generally
swarms with mendicants in a state
of the utmost misery; but here also,
as in other Mahommedan countries,
. are seen a class of sturdy beggars
pretending to be Seids, or descend-
ants of the prophet, who demand
charity in the most insolent and ar-
rogant manner. They frequently go
about solicifing alms in ])arties of
seven or eight on horseback, well
dressed, armed, and mounted, and
Iiaving a green flag carried before
them. When their demands are not
gratified they bestow abusive lan-
guage with the most liberal profu-
sion.
The province of Sinde was the first
conquest in Hindostan efleeted by
the Maliommedans, w hich long pre-
ceded their invasions by the route of
Attock and Lahore. The Khali f
A\\ sent a general, who effected some
uitling conquests on the borders of
Sinde. Moavyeh sent twice his ge-
neral Amir or llamir ; but, after long
and bloody conflicts, he was forced to
desist. Under the Khalif Walid the
conquest was at last effected by Ma-
hommed Casim, in the year of the
Hijera 99; but, on account of the
distance and the natural strength of
the country, it did not long remain
attached to the Khaliphat. Subse-
quently to this there appears to have
existed two contemporaneous au-
thorities iu Sinde; the one a Rajpoot
family, and the other a jMahom-
medan ; the latter probably converted
from the Hindoo faith, both of which
assumed the title of Jam. The Lom-
ra, a Rajpoot race, are said to have
retained possession for the long pe-
riod of 500 years ; after which it was
successively occupied by different
cliiefs; one of whom,MirzaEesau,of
the Turkannee tribe, having called
in the Portuguese to his assistance
against the soubahdar of Mooltan,
they plundered the city of Tatta,
which was then the seat of goveni-
meiit.
Sinde remained with the Turkan-
iiees until the reign of Acber, who
dispatched an army by the w-ay of
Sewistan, which succeeded in effect-
ing its conquest ; and from that era
it became tributary to the Delhi em-
perors, who conducted the admini-
stration through the medium of sou-
bahdars resident at Mooltan and
Tatta. About A.D, 173T, during
the alarm excited by the threatened
invasion of Hindostan, Mahommed
Abassee Caloree, of Sewee, availed
himself of the apprehensions of the
soubahdar of Sinde, and influenced
him to resign the government into
his hands for three lacks of rupees,
which he promised him, but never
paid. In 1739 Nadir Shah defeated
the Caloree chiefs, and obliged them
to take refuge in the fortress of
Ameicote on the borders of the de-
sert, but he afterwards permitted
them to retain the government as
tributaries.
Mahommed Abassee Caloree died
iu 1771, and was succeeded by sevc-
SINDKERA.
757
ral piinocs of the same family milil
1783, uIk'u llioy Mere exjielled by
the 'I'alpooipe IiHjc, and the piosnit
reitiniiij;- family established on the
throne. 'J'he survixin^ rej)rescnta-
tive of the Caiorces had recourse to
Timoiir Shah of Cabul, who, under
prelenee of reinslutinjj him, com-
menced a \v;ir against the Tulporec
Ameers ; but afterwards desisted for
an annntd tribute of 12 laei<s of ru-
pees, which was rcjfidarly paid until
the death of that sovereii^ii in 1792.
On tliis event it w as reduced to se-
ven lacks of rupees, and subsequent-
ly during the internal dissensions of
his successors wilhiield altogether.
The Ameers of Ninde, being thus re-
lieved from all fears on the side of
Cabid, began to encroach on their
iieighboius, wrested Corachic fiom
the chief of lialoochistan, and ex-
tended their frontiers on the side of
Shekarpoor and Ajmeer,
The neighbouring chiefs with
whom the Ameers maintain a poli-
tical intercourse are, the Kajah of
Joudpoor; the Nabob of Behawul-
poor ; Mahmood Khan, the chief of
Baloochistan; the Jenmiadar of
Cutch ; and Aleer Khan Lais, the
chief of the petty state of Soonneaiiy,
in IMekran. I'he territories of the
last-mentioned chief, who is tribu-
tary to Baloochistan and inimical to
Sindc, occupy the sea-coast 1o the
north west of Coracliic. In 1809 an
envoy from Jeswunt Row Holkar
arrived at Kitce, the; residence of
INlecr Thara, tor the purpose of pro-
posing a union between his master,
the sovereign of Persia, and the
I'rcneh, against liie JJritish; but (he
pro|)osal A\ as not favourably recei\ ed.
'J'he natiual resources of Sindc are
considerable, and would, under an
improved system of government,
render its chiefs extremely po^\ erful
and dangerous to their neighbours
to the north and w est ; but this pro-
\ince, although properly belonging
to Hindostan, is so detached from it
by the great Sandy Desert which
b(mnds it to the east, that it takes
110 part in its poUtics. No change,
liowcvcr, for the better is to be ex-
pected ^^ bile the country continues
under Ihe sm ay of its present igno-
rant and rapacious rul- rs. {Smif/i,
Max field, Jiennd, Abiil Fazcl, \-c.)
Si'ndk Fiver, {Sindliu). — This ri-
ver has its source iu the high table
land ofthe Malwah proviiue, to Ihe
west of Seronge; and, after a wind-
ing course, falls iuio the Jumna,
ah(mt six miles to the north of
Calpee.
SiXDE Sagor. — A district in the
Seik territories, in the pro\iuce of
Lahore, situated principally between
the 31st and 32d degiees of north
latitude. It is bounded on Ihre*;
sides — by the Indus, tiie Ravey, and
theJhylum; and, on the north, by
the mountains of Joud. IJy', Abul
Fazel, in 1582, it is described as
follow s :
" Sircar Sindh Sagor, containg 42
mahals; measurement, 1,409,979 bee*
gahs; revenue, 51,912,201 danjs.
Seyurghal 4,680 dams. 'I'his sircar
furnishes 8,553 cavalry, and 09,700
infantry."
Sinde Singh is the term by which
tjie inhabitants of the districts un-
der the Seiks, bordering on Ihe In-
dus, are known; and Nakai Singh
is the name given fo the Seiks who
reside in the province of Mooltan.
Wilh the leaders of the Seiks of
these provinces, the extent of their
posses.':ious, or the climate and ])ro-
duetious of the country under tneir
rule, we are little acquainted. Those
in jVIooltan, as well as tho.se settled
along the banks of the Jhylum, are
said to be constantly engaged in i)re-
datory warfari", either with tiie of-
ficers of the Afghan goveiument, or
other Mahonnnedan chiefs, who
have jaghires in this neighbourhood.
{Sir J. Malcolm, Abul Fazel, ifc.)
SiNDiA. — See Ooj.MN.
SiNDooKV. — A town in the terri-
tories of the Nagpoor Rajah, in the
province of Gundwana, 11 miles S.
i)V E. from Ruttanpoor. Lat. 22°.
7'. X. Long. 82°. 40'. L.
SiNDKF.RA. — A town in the Maha-
ratta territories, iu the province of
758
SINKEL.
Khandesh, 107 miles west from
Boorhanpoor. Lat 21°. 11'. N.
Long. 74°. 40'. E.
SiNGBOOlst, fSingha-hhima, the
Land of Lions). — A district in the
province of Orissa, situated between
the 22d and 23d degrees of north
latitude, and bounded on three sides
by tlie districts of Chula Nagpoor,
Miduapoor, and Mohurbunge ; and,
on the south, by tliat of Kunjenr.
The zemindars in this and other
districts tributary to the Mafiarattas
on the frontiers of Midnapoor, and
beyond the Company's territories,
are many of them robbers by pro-
fession, and keep robbers in their
pay. They are imder no controul,
being themselves magistrates vvitli
unlimited powers. They used for-
merly to make depredatory incur-
sions into the British tenitories.
SiNGBooM. — A town in the pro-
vince of Orissa, district of Sing-
boom, possessed by zemindars, who
occasionally pay tribute <o the Nag-
poor Mahaiattas. Lat. 22°. 37'. N.
Long. 85°. 55'. E.
SiNGEPooRUM. — A town possessed
by independent chiefs, in the pro-
vince of Orissa, 50 miles E. by S.
from Bustar. Lat. 19°. 35'. N. Long.
83°. 24'. E.
Sing HE A. — A town in the province
of Bahar, district of Hajypoor, si-
tuated on the east side of Uie River
Gunduck. Lat. 26°. 62', N. Long.
86°. 15'. E.
Near to Singhea is the site of an
ancient city, where a remarkable
pillar stands ; and, two days' jour-
ney up the Gunduck River, near a
place called Kesserah, is a remark-
able edifice, which appears to have
been originally a cylinder placed on
the frustrum of a cone, for the pur-
pose of being seen at a distance. Both
the cone and cylinder are of bricks,
and appear solid througiiout. The
folloviing are the dimensions :
Feet.
Diameterof tiie cylindrical part C4
Height of the cylinder - - - 65
Height of conic frustnim on ^ ^^
Khich the cylinder is placed - J
Diameter of the cone at the ) __-
base r^e
For what purpose these extraordin-
aiy columns were originally intend-
ed, it is impossible now to tell.
(Burrow, ^c.)
SlNGHERICONDA. — A towTi in the
Northern Camatic, 20 miles south
from Ongole. Lat. 15°. 14'. Long.
80°. 2'. E.
SiNGRowLA. — A district in the
provirkce of Gundwana, situated
about the 24th degree of north lati-
tude, and bounded on the east by
the distiict of Palamow in Bahar.
The Singrowla Rajah's territory
begins on the N.W. at a naiTOW de-
file on the Bickei7 Hills, called Bul-
ghaut. In this district, between the
hills, are extensive vallies, but wild
and uncultivated, and frequently
covered with forests. A few small
villages are scattered over the fac*^
of the country, in the vicinity of
which some cultivation is seen — ^but
the land generally is very desolate.
Iron is found in abundance, the price
being from one and a halftotwoand
a half rupees per 80 pounds, accord-
ing to the quality. In this miserable
region several Hindoo mythological
excavations and images have been
discovered ; but of very inferior ex-
ecution, when compared with those
of the Deccan or south of India.
Singhrowla is still possessed by va-
rious petty independent native chiefs,
the principal of whom is the Rajah
of Slla^^'poor. (Blunt, Sf-c.)
SiNGiJMNERE. — A district belong-
ing to the Mahai-atta Peshwa, in the
province of Aurungabad, situated
about the 20th degree of north lati-
tude, and estimated to yield a re-
venue of 10 lacks of nipees per an-
num. It is a hilly, but fertile dis-
trict. The chief towns are Singiim-
nere, Battowal, and Bejapoor.
SiNGUMNERE. — A town in the Ma-
haratta territories, in the province of
Aunmgabad, district of Singumnere,
of which it is the capital. Lat. 19°.
46'. N. Long. 74°. 40'. E.
Sink EL. — A town situated near
SIRHIND.
759
tlie mouth of the Sinkcl River, on the district of Palaniow in T5ali;ir,
Ihc west coast ofSiunutra. Lat. 2°. notwitlislaiidiiig which proximity hut
16'. N. Lon<;. 98°. 2'. E. little is known rcspecliiig it. Sir-
The principal a«ticles of export goojah is iiitorscctcd hy ihv. Hatsoo,
from hence are camphor, benzoin, whicli is the princijjal river, and )>os-
wax, and j^old. Tiie benzoin catty sessed by many petty native chiefs.
here weighs 5G onnccs avoirdnpois,
and the camphor catty 5G ounces
troy weight. The imi)orts aru iron
in tlat bars, opium, swivel guns,
muskets, giuipowder, slick la(;, ionj
overwhom the Nagpoor Hajah claims
a superiority, and from whom lie oc-
casionally exacts a tribute.
SiKGooJAH. — A town iu the pro-
vince of Cundwana, district of Sir-
clotli, white and blue, salampores gtK)jah, of which it is the c.i))i1a!.
ditto, small looking glasses with gilt
frames, kinkobs, carpenters' tools,
red and yellow tafl'aties, gurrias, and
Eandana hundkcrchiefs.
Vessels trading here sliould be
constantly on their guard, and pre-
pared to repel an attack. The head
and situated about 12 miles from tlio
southern frontier of Palamuw. Lat.
23°. 5'. N. Long. 8:5°. 50'. L.
SiRHiNi), {Sci-hiiul). — A large dis-
trict in the province of Delhi, of
which it occuj)ics the north-western
quarter, and situatetl between the
merchants oi>l)"should be suflered to 3Uth and 31st degrees of nortli lati-
come on board, and all armed per-
sons carefully excluded, {Elmore,
SiNTALSHEERoo. — A towu in the
Northern Carnatic, 50 miles W. N.
W. from Ougole. Lat. 16°. 44'. N.
Long. 79°. 18'. E.
Sign. — A small to\vn and fort in
the Island of Bombay, about nine
tude. By Abul Fazel, in 1582, it is
described as follows :
•' Sircar Sirbind, containing 33
mahals, measurement 7,729,4G6 bee-
gahs; revenue 100,790,591 dams,
Seyurghal 11,697,330 dams. Thi^
sircar furnishes 9226 cavalry, and
55,700 infantry."
The portion of this district which
miles from the Presidency, at the oj)- borders on Hansy Hissar and Cai-
posite extremity of the island. naul is extremely barren, being co-
Fort Sion is placed on the top of a vcred with low wood, and in many
small conical hill, where it commands places almost destitute of water,
the ])a,ssage from Bombay to the About A. D. 1357, Feroze IlL cut
neigiibouring Island of Salsctte, and several canals from the Jumna and
was of importance while the Maha- the Sutnleje, in order tofertilii^e this
rattas possessed tliat island. At the naturally aridcoun1ry;and afterwards
liK)t of the little hill of Sion is ihe
causeway, or vellard, built by Mr.
Duncan, across a small arm of the
sea which sepaiiitod the two islands.
It is well constructed of stone, and
lias a drawbridge in the centre. It
is too narrow for carriages to pass in
bad weather, but it is of great ad-
built a fort at Sirhind, but both the
fort and canals have long bwn in
rnins. The city of Siriiind was for-
meily the capital ol" this territory,
but it is now a scene of desolation,
and has probably never recovered
the drcacii'ul ravages of the Seik
Bairaggee Bauda about 1707, wlio
vantage to the gardeners and farmers is stated not only to have destroyed
who carry the daily supplies of pro- the mos<pies, but to have levelled
visions ta Bombay. This causeway its palaces and publli- buildings to
was begun in 1797, and tinishcd in the ground. Paliala is now the
1805, at an expense of 50,575 ru- largest and most nourishing town in
pecs. (M. Graham, ^t.) this province, and next to it is Tah-
SlROooJAH. — A district in the i)ro- nesir (Thanesur). whiih iss'.ill held
vince of Gnudwana, situated about in high religious \cneratiuu by the
the 23d degree of north latitude, aiid iliudo(»s, as is also the Kiver Scr->;R-
fct the eastern extremity adjoining wati, which flows through the country.
760
SIVANA SAMUDRA.
At present the gTeatest part of this
district is possessed by the Malawa
Singh class of Seiks. lii INIarcli,
1809, Rajah Ranjeet Singh, the Seik
chief of Lahore, gave up the torts
he had occupied on tlie left bank of
the Sutuleje to the British govern-
ment, which restored them to their
former owiiers. (Sir J. Malcolm,
nth Register, ^c.)
SiRHiND. — A town in tlie province
of Delhi, the capital of a district of
the same name, and 155 miles N. N.
W. from Delhi city. Lat. 30°. 40'.
N. Long. 75°. 55'. E.
This place was very flourishing in
the lime of Abul Fazel. who de-
scribes it as a famous city, contain-
ing the delightful gardens of Hafez
Rehneh, but it now exhibits only a
shapeless mass of extensive ruins.
In tlie neighbonrhood are numerous
mango groves, and also some excel-
lent tanks of water. Between this
place and Delhi aie extensive plains
containing the towns of Panniput
and Carnaul, and renowned as the
scene of great battles, both in au-
^■ient and modern times. WJicther
Delhi, Agra, or Kanoge, were the
capita*!, this was the route from Per-
sia and Tartary, by which the con-
querors of Hindostan advanced. Sir-
hind, at present, belongs to a Seik
chief, named Bingh Singh. {lUh
Register, Rcunel, ^-c.)
SiRiNAGUU, (Srinagara). — A town
in the province of Allahabad, district
of Bnndclcund, 12 miles N. N. E.
from Chatterpoor. Lat. 25° 6'. N.
Long. 79°. 55'. E.
SiRSEY, (Siras). — A small town
iu the province of Bahar, district of
Baliar, 25 miles E. S. E. from Patna.
Lat. 25°. 22'. N. Long. 85°. 35'. E.
SiriiVACCA, (or Situaqiie). — A
small town in the Island of Ceylon,
and loted for being the chief theatre
of intercourse, both friendly and
hostile, between the Candians and
their European neighbours. Lat.
7°. 2'. N. Long. 80°. 13'. E.
Sitivacca is the last station be-
longing to the British in this quar-
tei-, and is separated from the King
of Candy's country only by a large
branch of the Malivaddy River,
which winds around here, and is
joined by a branch of the Maliva-
gonga, a little way further down.
On the summit of a hill stood a large
range of buildings defended by an
entrenchment, formerly occupied by
the Dutch, but now in ruins. To-
wards the interior are liigh hills, co-
vered with thick forests and jungle.
(Percivat, tVc.)
SiVANA Samudra. — An island form-
ed by the River Cavery, in the pro-
vince of North Coimbetoor, about
nine miles in length, by one in
breadth, and remarkable for an un-
commonly grand cataract.
There is here the ruins of a bridge
across the Cavery, communicating
with the island, which is formed of
large columns of black granite, each
about two feet iu diameter, and 20
feet in length. This magnificent
work was formerly 300 yards in
length, but is now nearly destroyed.
Directly opposite was the southern
gate of a wall that surrounded the
city, to which there was a flight of
steps. The interior is now a jungle
of lojig grass, with many banyan
trees of great size, and the principal
street may still be traced, extending
from north to south about one mile
in length. There are also the ruins
of many Hindoo temples, great and
small, and much sculpture of various
sorts. In one apartment there i« a
statue of Vishnu, seven feet long, in
the best style of Indian carving. The
figure is thick, with a pyramidical
cap, the eyes closed, and seven co-
bra capella snakes forming a canopy
over his head. The apartments are
small and dark, and must be exa-
mined with torches, the principal
statue being in the remotest cham-
ber.
The nearest station to the cataract
is distant about a mile from the
northern gateway. The fall is about
150 feet ; but unless in the rainy sea-
son the body of water is not suffi-
cient to make it impressive, and the
descent is interrupted by numerous
3
SOIMMEE.
76!
projecting: rocks; durin* the hright
of the rains it must be an iniposiiiic
spectacle. The surrounding scoticiy
is wild, Jiad the vicinity cxliibits
marks of impetuosity of the torrent.
The island is in general rockj', and
the land, altlionEfh fit for dry grains,
is but little cultivated. Three miles
from the upper end of the island, at
Birra Chuki, is another watorlall.
{Salt, F. Buchanan, iiT.)
SoAGHiJN. — A town in the IMaha-
ratta tenitories, in the province of
IMahvah, 60 miles west from Oojaiii.
Lat. 23°. 12'. N. Long. 74°. 60'. li.
SoANK RivKR, {Sona, Golden). —
The rivers Soane and Nerbudda have
their sources in the tabic land of
Omercuutuc, in the province of
Cundwana. Lat. 22°. 53'. N. Long.
82°. 15'. E. The Soane rises on the
cast side, and flows through Finda-
rah, where, being Joined by nume-
rous otiier streams from the N. E.
side of this mountainous territory, it
proceeds in a northerly direction
tliroijgh Sohagepoor and Bogalc-
cund, whence turning to the east-
ward pursues its course to the Gan-
ges, wltich it joins in the province
of Bahar, after having performed a
winding course of about 500 miles.
Near its origin this ri\ er is said to
be designated by the natives the So-
nabudda, to distingiiish it from the
Nerbuddah, by v\hich, conjointly
with the Ganges, the southern part
of Hindostan is insulated. {Blunt,
Rennel, ifc.)
SoANK, {Sanllft, S/ielli/). — This
small river has its source in the pro-
vince of Bahai', district of CJinta
ISagpoor, iiom whence it flows in a
southerly direction, and is after-
wards joined by the small Kiver
Borkee, w hen their united streams
receive the name of the Braminy
Nuddy River.
Sod F, RAH. — A town in the Seik
territories, in the province of La-
hore, situated on the east side of the
Chinaub, 48 miles N. N. W. from
the city of Lahore. Lat. 32°. 27'.
N. Lojig. 73°. 30'. E.
Sohagepoor. — A small district in
the province of Gundwana, situated
princiT)ally between the 23d and
24th d« grees of north latitude.
In ancient times this territoi^
composed part of the Hindoo state
of Gurrali, but durirg the reign of
Aurengzebe it was formally annexed
to the soubah of Allahaliad, although
but nominally subjected to the Mo-
gul empire. It is a barren, moun-
tainous, unproductive eountiy, and
possessed by a vaiiufy of savage na-
tive chiefs, from v\hom the Rajah of
Nagpoor occasionally extorts a tri-
bute.
SoHAGEPooR.^-A town in the pro-
vince of Gundwana, district of So-
hagepoor, of which it is tlie capital,
situated 80 miles S. by E. from Re-
wah. Lat. 23°. 2t/. N. Long. 81°.
45'. E.
SoHAUL. — A town in the province
of Allahabad, district of Bundel-
cund, 35 miles S. E. from Callinger.
Lat. 24°. 40'. N. Long. 80°. 52'. E.
SoHNPooR. — A town possessed by
independent native chiefs, in the
province of Gundwana, situated oa
the south side of the Maliauuddy
River. 127 miles S. E. from Ruttun-
poor. Lat. 20°. 47'. N. Long. 83°.
45'. E.
SoLoR Isle. — An i.slaud in the
Eastern Seas, separated from the
Island of Floris, or Ende, by the
Straits of I'loris. In length it may
be estimated at 30 miles, by 15 the
average breadth.
SoMALPET. — A town in the Ni-
zam's territories, in the pro\inceof
Nandere, 52 miles N. N. E. from
the town of Nandere. Lat. 19°. 49'.
N. Long. 78°. E.
SoMMEE. — A town in the province
of Gujrat, district of ^Verrear, si-
tuated to the S. E. of Rahdunpoor.
'i'his is a large place surrounded
l)y a wall, which is, in many parts,
falling to pieces. In the interior,
although the houses con.Mst generally
of an upi)er floor, they make a very
wretched appearance. Sonnnee
stands in a swamp, is surrounded
by numerous puddles, and in the
rainy season is almost (luder w ater.
702
SOOLOO ISLES.
To the N. W. is a plain, destitute of
wood, but partly cultivated* and
abounding with antelopes.
Tfiis town belongs to the Nabob
of Rahdxmpoor, named Ghazi ud
Deen Khan, who, in 1809, was 70
years of age. He usually keeps his
court at this place, his eldest sou re-
siding at Rahdunpoor. (Macmurdo,
SoMPRE. — A town in tJie province
of Cashmere, situated on the east
side of the Jliylum River. Lat. 34°.
17'. N. Long. 73°. 26'. E.i
SoNEHUT. — A small town and
mud fort in the province of Gund-
wana. Lat. 23°. 33'. N. Long. 82°.
33'. E. This is the capital of the
Corair Rajah, whose teiritory in tlic
maps is called the country of the
Rajah Chohaus.
SoNGHUR, {So7iagliar). — A village
in the Gujrat Peninsula, situated in
a wild country about 25 miles N. W.
from Wankaneer.
On a hill adjacent to this place is
ati ancient Hindoo temple, dedicat-
^ ed to the sun, on the cornices and
sides of which are representations of
battles carved on marble slabs, in a
style -much superior to modern Hin-
doo sculpture. The hill on which it
stands appears to have been formerly
fortified, and the remains of houses
executed in the same style are still
visible.
The entrance of this temple leads
up a flight of steps to a veranda six
IVet wide, which encompasses the
whole building, and contains also
marble slabs and images. Over
tliese steps is a lofty portico, which
apparently has been designed for an
orchestra. Over the body of the
pagoda are two beautiful domes, and
a third covers tiio sacred spot, or
jilacc of worship. In this sanctum
there is a male figure about three
feet high, with uplifted hands, each
holding an image of the sun. The
forehead is elevated, and the hair
fancifully dressed ; and, on diflerent
siiies, are two smaller idols of the
same kind.
A cojiliguons building encloses a
figure of Bhavahi standing o» an
animal resembling a tortoise, and
encircled by female attendants, the
whole having the appearance of con-
siderable antiquity ; but there is no
inscription to lead to a knowledge of
the date or history of this edifice,
which is, however, mentioned in the
Hindoo records of the Gujrat Pe-
ninsula, so remote as the time of
Ray Laka, Avlio reigned above 900
j'cars back. The pallias, or funeral
monuments, in the vicinity, are nmch
defaced, some of them are legible
so far back as 165 years ago. The
situation of this pagoda is retired
and romantic, and it is distinguished
in the country by the name of Soorjee
Dewul, or the temple of the sun.
{Macmurclo, Sfc.)
SooLoo Isles, (Sulu). — A chain of
islands, above 60 in number, ex-
tending from the north-eastern ex-
tremity of Borneo to the western
extremity of Magindanao, and com-
prehended between the fourth and
seventh degrees of north latitude.
'J'he Island of Sooloo, from which
the Archipelago is named, is situated
about latitude 6°. N. Long. 121°. E.
and may be estimated at 40 miles in
length, by seven the average breadth.
Viewed from the sea it presents a
fine prospect, superior to the gene-
rality of Malay countries. The hills
not being very high do not stop the
clouds ; it has not, therefore, any
regular rainy season like the larger
islands, hut most rain falls during
the S. W. nionsoo.'. Much rain also
falls at the ciiange of the monsoons,
especially the autumnal; but there
arc no storms during these changes,
and very seldom at any other time.
There a,ie several good harbours
among these islands, particularly at
Bewabewa, Tavitave, Tapjiool, Se-
cassee, between Boobooan and Tap-
peantana, south of Basselan. The
harbour before Bywan, the Sooloo
capital, is not good, except during
the S. W. monsoon.
The Island of Sooloo being small
and populous, considerable attention
is paid to agriculture. The in^ia-
SOOLOO ISLES.
763
bitauts plant rice, but llic crop is
not to be dei)cudc(l upon, on ac-
count of the unccitainty of rain ; for
wliich reason tliey also cultivate
many roots, such as the Spanish and
sweet potatoe, the St. Helena 3'ani,
und the China yam, both red and
white. The rice consiuned is mostly
imported from Alagindanao. There
are a great variety of line tropical
fruits, such as oranges, jacks, duri-
ans, custard apples, mangoes, man-
gosteens, ranibosleens, and many
others. The Souloos haviag nmeh
intercourse with China, and many
Chinese settled among them, they
have learned the art of engrafting
and improving their fruits.
The breed of horses is tolerably
good, and Captain Forrest asserts,
wild elephants are found in the in-
terior, wiiich appears extraordinary,
considering that the island is both
small and populous. Spotted deer,
goats, and blaclc cattle, are plenty ;
but the natives seldom milk the
cows, They have few sheep, and
what they have are imported; but
wild hogs abound, and do much
mischief. From the nature of ifs
situation, beyond the violence of the
monsoons, this island enjoys a per-
petual summer ; but the interior is
cool, especially under the shade of
the teak trees, which are here nu-
merous.
In remote times, on accouiit ef
its situation between Magindanao
and Borneo, Sooloo was tlie great
mart of all the Mahommedan slates
in this quarter of the Eastern Sea.
'I'he Portuguese do not appear ever
to have colonized or conquered these
islands, but they visited them fre-
quently. While the trade with Ja-
pan was open, two or three ships
came from thence annnaily, bringing
silver, amber, silks, chests, cabinets,
and other curiosities made of fra-
grant woods, besides great quan-
tities of silks and jjoreelain from
China. Sooloo was then also visited
by vessels from Java, Sumatra, Cey-
lon, and the Coast of Coromandel,
with valua))le cargoes.
At present, two Chi nose junk*
usually arrive annually from Amoy.
loaded with brass salvers, iron in
small pieces, sugarcandy, raw silk,
black nankin, white, strong lijicn,
kangans, iron pans, china ware,
flowered silks, tea, cutlery, hard-
ware, brass wire, gongs, beads, and
lireworks. In return they export
principally to China, biche de mar,
black and white, wax, pearl oyster
shells, bird-nests, and tortoise-shell.
Besides tiiese, they take a sea-weed
named agal agal, used as a gum or
glue, car(»()aHgo;l, clove bark, black-
wood, rattans, sago, various barks
for dying, cassia, pepper, native
cam|)hor, sandal wood, curious
shells for grottos, pearls, and spices.
1'he jK'arl fishery is both a source
of wealth to tiie inhabitants of Soo-
loo, and a nursery for mariners to
(Mpiip their prows when wanted.
Their drudges for tlie pearl oyster
are generally made of bamboo very
light, and are sunk with a stone.
The nobles claim the large peurls,
Avhich are afterwards purcliased by _
the Chinese. The Sooloos get most
of their sago, and many other ar-
ticles, which they dispose of to the
Chinese, iiom the Tedong people on
the north-east coast of Borneo, such
as biche de mar, couries, tortoise-
shell, &e. and in order wholly to en-
gross the profit, they endeavour to
prevent the Tedong peojile from
trading with any nation but their
bwn. With Magindanao a consi-
dera))le trade is carried on, from
whence the Sooloos receive rice
cleaned and in the husk, for which
they usually jjay with Chinese goods.
At this island arc also seen many
Boadjoo fislicrmen, who speak a lan-
guage diflerent from that of the Soo-
loos. The Buggesses also trade
with these islands, and chiolly bring
cotton manufactures from Celebes.
The Sultanof Sooloo, like other Ma-
lay chiets, is the principal merchant
in his dominions.
The sovereignty of Sooloo Isle is
hereditary, and the government a
mixture of tlie feudal and ahsto-
04
SOOLOO ISLES.
-cratical ; Ihe power of the sultan
being; much coiitrouled, and tVc-
queiilly couiitLipoised by tliat of Ihe
nobles. I'he chief offices arc also
hereditary. Tiic Bajah Laut (lord
of the sea) is high admiral. Tlie
datoos, or nobles, are described as
exercising a most oppressive au-
thoiity over the people. Tlure are
many towns on the sea coast ; in the
interior they are chiefly straggling
huts, but there are no horaforas, or
aborigines. There is a law both at
Magindanao and Sooloo, that no
Chinese can be made a slave ; but
slaves of all other classes are ex-
tremely lunnerous. The Sooloos
seldom go in their own vessels to
foreign parts, except on predatory
excursions to make slaves among
the Philippines. They are not much
accustomed to the use of fire-arms,
but depend on the lance, sword, and
dagger, at the use of which they
are very dexterous ; and, being of a
martial disposition, at an early pe-
riod they had subdued not only all
the adjacent small isles, but a great
part of the coast of Borneo. They
have the character of being san-
guinary and treacherous, on which
account their alliance has frequently
proved much more dangerous tlian
their open hostility.
I'he Sooloos have reached a more
advanced stage of civilization than
the Magindanese have yet attained.
'J hey are fond of music, and have
Philippine slaves who play on the
violin. Tn 1773 Captain Fonest
saw the sultan dance a ininuet v\ith
his niece, and the dattoos, or no-
bles go down a country dance; but
the latter he thought ])crformed
very ill, on account of their heavy
shppers. 'Jhe men generally go
dressed in white waistcoats buttoned
down to the waist, and white
breeches. The ladies wear a line
Avhite waistcoat fitted close, and a
petticoat over drawers whicli reach
ii) the knee. They are not kept
strictly confined here as in most
IVIahommedan countries, but al-
lowed to go abroad as in Europe.
In their families are many Philippine
and some Spanish slaves, whom they
purchase from the Illanos and Ma-
gindanese cruisers, and frequently
use extremely cruelly, having com-
plete power of life and death.
Among this people murder for the
most frivolous disjmte is scarcely
held a crime. The only vir u" they
boast of is courage, and to tin--, '.aeir
claim appears more than don i.tlrl ;
honesty, ind»;shy, or hospitaiit\ , are
qualities oniireiy ibreign to iheir
nature.
'l.he Sooloo langnag*' is a very
mixed dialect, but is (lerived n'ostly
from the Malay, the Ja\anese, and
the Tagala. They have adopted the
Malay character, and have a few
books in that language, with which
they are chietly supplied by the Bug-
gesses. There are some who have
a smattering of Arabic; but a great
proportion of even the highest in
rank cannot write. I'liey pretend to
have records regarding the discovery
of the magnet and the art of manu-
facturing gunpowder ; but they are
probably indebted for both to the
Chinese : they are, however, very
good practical navigators. The Soo-
loos are of the Soonee Mahommedaa
sect ; but their zeal for that faith, or
attention to its ordinances, are feeble
and capricious. Their places of wor-
ship are mean, and destitute of all
decoration, internal or external.
'J 'hey very rarely perform the pil-
grimage to Mecca ; but they retain
an inveterate hatied to the Spani-
ards, and to their religion. Although
tlie JMahonimedan persuasion be
that of the government, the most
numerous portion of its subjects arc
aborigines, known by the designa-
tions of horaforas, or idaan, the
nature of whose religion is still un-
known, In 1773 the calipha, or
high priest of Sooloo, was a Turk,
who had travelled much in Europe.
I'he Sooloos have a tradition, that
their island once formed part of an
ancient Bornean enqnre, founded by
the Chinese ; but the Magindanese
assert, tliat the Sooloos wcr« for-
SOON DA.
765
tticrly subject to them. From the
time tlic Spanish colonies were
planted in tlie Philippines, to tlie
fjresent day, an unceasing warfare
las subsisted with the Sooloos, in
which the latter have had generally
the advantage, although they occa-
sionally sustained reverses. Prior
to 1746 the Sjianiards attacked them
with a powertui lleet of 30 ships, and
obtained possession of IJewan, the
capital of Sooioo, where the remains
of Spanish buildings are still to be
seen ; but the Spaniards were ulti-
mately compelled to withdraw their
troops. In 1775 the Sooloos attacked
a settlement formed by the East In-
dia Company on the Island of Ba-
lainbangau at a great expense, and
diovc the settlers on board their
vessels. In that year the reigning
sultan's name was Israel, the son of
Sultan Ameer id Momeneen. This
monarch had received his education
at jNIanilla, where he and his father
were long held in captivity, until re-
leased at the capture of that city by
the British in 17G2. The sultans of
Sooloo have more than once sent an
ambassador to Pekin. In 1800 the
Sooloos treacherously assassinated
the captain of a country ship and
his boat's crew ; after which they
attempted to carry the ship by
boarding, but were repulsed. In the
course of the same year they were
repeatedly visited by other trading
vessels ; such accidents, among the
jNIalay states, not being considered
as in the slightest degree disturbing
the harmony of commercial rela-
tions. {Forrest, Dalrymph, Leyden,
Asiatic Registers, Vc-;
SooNDA, (or Sndha). — A small dis-
trict in the south of India, situated
above the Western Ghauts, but com-
prehended in the British division of
North Canara. The town of Soonda,
or rather its ruins, are in Lat. 14°.34''
N. Long. 74°. 5b'. E.
In the western part of this district
tlic garden cultivation is the chief
object of the farinei-s, and they raise
promiscuously betel nut, black pep-
per, betel leaf, cardumouis, and
plantains. The gurdcn peppei-s of
Soonda and Bednore are equal in
value, and are bettor than what
grows spoutancously in the propor-
tion of ten to nin(.-. Towards the
east side of Soonda the great object
of agriculture is rice. 'I'he rains in
this (jnarter are not so heavy as fur-
ther west; but they are sullieient to
ripen a crop of rice that r((piir«'s tiyi
months for that purpose. Sugar-
canes in small <piantities are alsi>
raised on the rice grounds. 'I'he
cattle of Soonda are of a larger
breed than those of Concan or 1 laiga ;
but they are greatly inCerior to th«
breed found further to the eastward.
Throughout the forests tigers and
wild butlaloes are very numerous,
but there are no elephants.
During the sway of its native ra-
jahs the country is said to have been
cultivated, and the town of Soonda
large, comprehending, according to
native accouiit.s, three miles within
the walls t'aeh way, and fully occu-
pied by houses. The oountiy having
been repeatedly the seat of war be-
tween Uyder and the ]Maharatta^,
has been greatly devastated, and the
houses in the town reduced to less
than 100. When Hyder acquired
possession of it, it was said to con-
tain 10,000. The outermost wall of
Soonda was estimated by Uie natives
to have been 48 miles in ciicu in-
ference ; and there were formerly
three lines of fortitications round the
town. Within the two spaces sur-
rounded by the outer lines, the
houses were scattered in small
clumps, with gardens between thenii
but the whole cou'itry is now very
thinly inhabited.
All the arable land in Soonda is
considered tlie property of govern-
ment ; but the value i>f an estate is
lixed, and so long as i* tenant payji
his rent, it is not customary tu turn
him or his heirs out of their f)os-
sessions. All the tillages exteuding
along the jMuharatta frontier belong
to governnunt; but they are in a
very desolate condition. Imody Sc-
dasiva l\.;ijah. the last prince ot
^QQ SOOSOO.
Soonda, was expelled bj' Hjdcr in
1763, when he took refuge at Goa,
where he surrendered to the Portu-
guese the Avhole of his tenitory be-
low the Ghauts for a stipulated pen-
sion. In 1799 the Soonda distriet
was transferred to the East India
Company, and with them it remains.
(F. Buchanan, Wilks, 5th Report,
Src. ^-c.)
SooNDiA. — A toAvn in the pro-
"vince of Siude, situated on the
banks of the Indus, on the route
from Tatta to Hyderabad. Lat. 24°.
68'. N.
The banks of tlie river are here
low and swampy, and the depth of
water is about four fathoms. One
mile N. N.E. from Soonda, the Coo-
perah Hills approach the western
bank of the Indus, which winds with
a serpentine course, and washes
their bases for about two miles in ex-'
tent. {Maxjield, ^-c.)
SooNGUR. — A town in the pro-
vince of Gujrat, 39 miles E. by S.
from Surat. Lat. 21°. 8'. N. Long.
73°. 38'. E.
SooNERGONG, (Swenia gratnn). —
A town in the province of Bengal,
situated on one of the branches of
the Brahmapootra, about 13 miles to
the S. E. of Dacca, Lat. 23° 39'.
N. Long. 90°. 43'. E.
This was once a large city, the
provincial capital of the eastern di-
vision of Bengal, before Dncca m as
in existence, but it is now dwindled
to a village. The name appears to
have been anciently that of a re-
gion. Abul Fazel describes it as
famous for the manufacture of a
beautifiil cloth, called cassah (eos-
saes), and the fabrics it still produces
justify its ancient renown.
A. D. 1279, the Emperor Ealin,
when in pursuit of Toghril, the re-
bel governor of Bengal, ani\ed at
this place, where he was compli-
mented by Dhing Raj, the chief of
the surrounding country. Fakhcr
ud Deen, the first indep(>ndcnt mo-
narch of Bengal, fixed his residence
at Soonergoong, A. D. 1340. {Ren-
nel, Stewart, Abul Fazel, ^c-)
SoONEL. — A town in tJie Malia-
ratta territories, in the province of
Malwah, 60 miles S. by E. from
Kootah. Lat 24°. 21', N. Long.
76°. 5'. E.
This is a place of considerable ex-
tent, and of a square form, having
two broad streets that cross each
other at right angles in the middle of
the town. {Hunter, ^-c.)
SooNPUT, (Sanapat). — A small
town in the province of Delhi, 26
miles N. W. from the city of Delhi.
Lat. 29°. N. Long. 76°. 53'. E.
The country adjacent to this town
formerly derived great benefit from
the canal diig by Ali Merdan Khan,
but it is now in a barren and deso-
late state. Nortli of this city is a
mausoleum erected by KhizzerKhan,
a Patan nobleman, descended from
the family of Shcre Shah. {G. Tho'
mas, ^c.)
SoopooR. — A town in the Rajpoot
territories, in the province of Aj-
meer, 6.5 miles N. E. from Kotah.
Lat. 25°. 43'. N. Long. 76°. 45'. E.
This is the capital of a small prin-
cipality subject to Jyenagur, and
now possessed by a relation of the
Jyenagur Rajah's.
SooRoPooK, {Snrapnra). — A town
in the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, situated on the
north side of the KrisJma River, 130
miles S. W. from Hyderabad. Lat.
16°. 15'. N. Long. 77°. E.
SooUY. — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of Birbliooni, 50
miles S. W. from ]Moorshedabad.
Lat. 23°. 54'. N. Long. 87°. 32'. E.
SooRooToo Isle. — A small island
in the Eastern Seas, about 15 miles
in circumference, situated oil" the
west coast of Borneo. Lat. 1°. 45'-
S. Long. 108°. 40'. E.
This island lies W. S. W. frSm
Carimatia, and between them there
is a sufficioit passage which a ship
might run through, if compelled by
necessity. \'^'ood and water are to
be had on the west side of Soorootoo,
and also plenty of stock, such as
fowls and buffaloes. {Elmore, S)-c.)
Soosoo. — A small town on the
SOOT^'
7(57
•\Tcst coast of Sumatra. Lat. 3°. 45.
N. Lonp:. 97°. 10'. E. At <liis phue
poppt-r is sometimes to be had in
exchange lor gold dust, the Achcen
gohl dust being reckoned tin; best.
In Soosoo Bay there is mucii foul
ground, with a rorky botloju.
SoosNEER. — A town of consider-
able size in the province of Mahvah,
i'>7 miles N. N. E. from Oojain. Lat.
23°. 5o'. N. Long. 76°. 10'. E. In
this neighbourhood the soil is of a
rusty i "n colour, and but little cul-
tivated.
SoosooHOONAN, (Sitsuhunang). —
A distjict in the Island of Java, the
ruler of which is dignilied by the
Dutch, who were always remark-
ably liberal in bestowing titles, with
the aj)pellation of Emperor of .lava ;
among his own subjects he is nanieil
Rata Agong and Susuhunang. Kir-
ripun, or Soerecarfa (Suryakarta),
lus capital, is situated tw o days in-
land from Samarang, and in the ad-
jacent country- are forests of teak,
and other valuable wood.
'I'he era of Javanese history, of
■which the chronology is tolerably
well ascertained, goes js ftir as GOO
years back. The present Soosoo-
hoonan, who passes for the lineal
descendant of the first monarch, is
the 5Gth human birth who has sat on
the throne. Prior to the reign of
this dynasty was that of their deva-
ta«, or demigods, among whom are
reckoned the patriarch Adam and
his son Seth ; in the same list with
whom are found the Hijidoo triad
Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahadeva.
Following these are certain iiensoiis
whoA we may conjecture to have
been deities worshipped by the Ja-
vanese, before the iutroduction of
either the Hindoo or Mahommedan
religions.
Previous to the ])ropagation of the
Mahommedan religion, this p(0})|c
were brave and enterpri-sing ; and,
about tin; year 1400, besides jjos-
sessing a great portion of Java, their
power was supreme in the Eastern
Seas, and their conquests c.vlended
to Sumatra, Borneo, and even as
far as the Mohiccas. TJicy heeamft
known to Europeans only in tiin de-
cline of their power, and sulfercd
greatly by the enrroachments of the
Dutch. About the middle of the
17th centiny, in consequence of the,
rebellion of iManco Boeni, a prince
of the blood, the susuhunang found
himself so much embarrassed, that
he made a cession of his country to
the Dutch East India Company,
who restored half to him as their
vassal, and bestowed the otiier half
on Manco Boeni, the per.son who
had rebelled against hiu), on the
like condition. Prior to 1740 this
sovereign was still proprietor of all
the territory to the east of Cheribon;
but his donjjnions, in eonserpienee
of a war with the Dutch, were again
further ciutailed. The dynasty, how-
ever, still continues to exist and
•reign, as, in December, 1813, So-
erecarta, iiis capital, was visited by
j\]r. Baffles, the British governor of
Java, who met with a most graciou.<
reception; the description of which,
and of the subsequent entertain-
ments, indicate a more considerable
degree of (;ivilizati(m than could
have been expected in the centre of
.fava, and a great adoption of Eu-
ropean maimers and customs. (Sta-
vorinits, Edinburgh Review, Lerjden,
l>fc. Is-c.)
Sooty. — A town in tlie province
of Bengal, district of Kaiijeshy.
Lat. 24°. 26'. N. Long. 88°. 2'. E.
in 1757, Mhen Seraje ud Dowiali
apprehended an attack froin \hf
Jsnglish, and believing that their
shi|).s of war could proce<;d up the
tastern branch of the Gauges to the
northern point of the Cossinibazar
Island, and from thence down tlic
Bhagirathi to Moorsliedabud, lie
commanded immense piles to be
driven into tlic; river at S(joty, by
which it has been rendered not na-
vigable ISr any construction larger
than boats, and even for these dur-
ing only a part of the year. Here
an action was fought in 1763, be-
tween the British troops and those
of .Mtfcr Cossim. in which the latter
768
SOURABHAYA.
was defeated. (Stewa7't, Seid Gho~
lauin Hossein, lSt.)
^ovwG, {Sojin). — A principality in
Celebes, anciently one of the most
powerful on the island- It exteiuls
partly along the western shore of (he
hays of Boni and Tolo ; to the north
it is bounded by a great lake, and
on the south it borders on Lamoeroe.
Its chief production is rice, and,
like most of the states of Celebes, it
appears to be as frequently subject
to female as to male sovereigns,
■which is remarkable in a country
professing io follow the Mahommed-
an faith. The natives of Soping
are reckoned very brave in war, and
the policy of the Dutch, which is to
sow dissension among the petty
states, occasions tlieir having a
great deal of practice. In 1775 So-
ping is described as an independent
state in alliance with the Dutch, but
governed by its own king. {Stavo-
rinns, Sec)
SoPRA River, (Sipi-a). — This ri-
ver has its source among the Vind-
Lya mountains in the province of
Malwah, from Avhencc it flows in a
northerly direction, until it joins the
Gilly Sinde River. Their united
streams afterwards fall into the
Chumbul.
SouuT. — A district in the Gujrat
Peninsula, situated about the 22d
degree of north latitude. By Abul
Fazel, in 1582, it is described as
follows :
" Sircar Sorct, containing 73 ma-
Lals, out of which number 13 arc on
account of port duties; revenue
63,437,366 dams." . .^ ,
When the Ayeen Acborry vv?^
compiled, Sorut appears to hav^
comprehended a great proportion o
the Gujrat Peninsula, the prior name
of which was Cottiwar, or Cattivad.
Souraehaya. — A Dutch settle-
ment on the north-eastern coast of
Java, and the capital of a govern-
iHcnt subordinate to that of Java.
Lat. 7°. 11'. S.
This place is situated on the banks
of a river one and a half miles from
the sea shore. It is navigable up to
the town for vessels of 100 Ions bur-
then, and one side of the bank is
made convenient for tracking. The
environs and the banks of the river
contain many vilhtges, inhabited by
two-thirds Javanese and ]\Ialays, and
the remainder Chinese. The coun-
try around Sourabhaya is very fertile,
and shaded by thickets of bamboos,
bananas, and other shrubs. The
land is Hat, and the soil so light, that
it can be ploughed with a single buf-
faloe ; and there is here a breed of
horses, which, though small, are
strong and handsome. The Dutch
garrison is quartered in a brick fort,
containing a small arsenal on the
rigiit bank of the river, on which
side dwell the governor and most of
the oilicers. This place is the depo|
for the qiiotas of troops whicli tliQ
chiefs of JVIadura and Samanap are
obliged to furnish tothepiutch East
Company. ,,,,.'.
i There are hew several, building
yards for vessels not drawing more
than 10 or 12 feet water, wliicii are
afterwards sold to the petty princes
on Borneo and Bally, and for trans-
porting the rice raised in the neigh-
bourhood. The mountains in the
vicinity contain a hard stone, in co-
lour and veins resembling box-wood,
which is worked with a wheel by the
natives very tastefully into candle-
sticks, plates, and goblets. They
also manufacture many other little
articles, such as combs and brushes
of buffaloe's horns. A league and a
half distant from Sourabhaya, upon
a hiU^hat extends along t^ie River
" ' ran, is a saltpetre boiuM|4ti(>
tfji I^^'ui^- ijrocurtd IVjni tj^Q^pj-th,
JU^ intermixed «'ith tlie dung of
a^, which are very numerous ia
the neighbourhood.
Ships from Batavia bound to China,
or the Philippines, generally touch for
refreshments at this place, especially
during the season of the north west-
ers. The adjacentcountryis remarka-
bly populous, and the natives are go-
verned by two Tomogons, one of
whom is allied to theli^mperor of Java.
Witliin a circumference of 13 miles
SOUTH O? INDIA.
769
tlie campongs or villages of the Ja- tlwusand arrcs of aralilc and waste
vancse, Malays, and Chinese, are so land, llie boundaries of which, a-
many. that they appear to be only midst ])oli<ical revolutions and con-
tho eontiiuiationof the town. {Tombi; vulsions, have scarcely ever been al-
Ji/ii>h, S,-c.) tercd. 'J'lie conslifntion of the vil-
SoiJiitKA. — A town in the North- lagcs resembles a little republic, or
i^rn Circars, ^(J miles W. N.W. from rather eor|)onilion, having its hert;-
Carjani. Lat. 19°. 63'. N. Long, ditary nnuiicipal oflicers and arti-
84°.37'. E.
SOUTH OF INDIA,
This division of Jlindostan has the
figure of a triangle, of which the
course of the Ri\er Krishna forms
the base, and the coasts of Malabar respective distiicts
fleers.
l''ormcrly all ihc. governments in
the South of India were little nioro
than an assemblage of polygarships,
under a superior chief, who, though
he had a general controul over the
whole, exercised very little authority
in the interior manasoment of their
Hvdcr was the
and Coromandel the sides. Its ex- only Indian sovereign in this quarter
tent from the Krishna to Cape (!o- who ever subdued all his petty feu-
nioiin, which forms the ape.v of the datories, and was really, according
triungle, is ai)Out 000 I»iitisli miles, to European ideas, master of his
and its breadth in the widest part is country.
about 550, tiom whence it tapers to 'I'his fertile region has evidently
a point at Cape Comoriii. The great undergone a gradual decay since the
geographical feature of this region is tirst intrusion of the Mahommedans,
a central table land, elevated from and its decline apjiears to have been
3000 to 5000 feet above the level of accelerated since theconnneneement
the sea, separated by wild, abrujit, of the Jiritish influence, so lojig as it
and mountainous declivitits from Mas exerted through the medium of
the low flat countries to the east and the native chiefs, whose oppressive
west, v\ hich form a belt of small but mode of collectius; the revenue eon-
unequal breadth between the hills
and the sea. This central eminence
is usually termed Kalaghaut (above
tiie ghauts), and the lower belt the
Payeenghaut (below the ghauts).
tributed more to ruin the country
than all the wars and tumults that
had occurred. Many provinces have
continued in high culture, although
exposed to constant wars, while
In this geographical division of others have become deserts in the
India the niassof thepoi)uIation con- midst of peace. The oj)en violence
sists of Hindoos, the Mahommedans of armies has proba!)ly done less in-
being comparatively very few ; the jury than the tines, fees, exactions,
inimilive Ilindoo manners and ens- and contributions, Mhicli have been
toms arc consequently j)reserved in imposed by the tyranny, or peiniit-
a state of great purity, particularly te»l by the weaknet-s of the state,
in Tinncvelly and the adjacent (lis- The buildings, tanks, channels, and
tricts. In this (piarter the lapse of even ridges, thai separated former
20 centuries has apparently made no fields, the ruined villages, general
cljange in the habits and peeuiiari- tradition, books, aeeoiuits, sunnnds,
tics of the Hindoo, or in his civil and inserij)tious, all combine to give
condition and reliijion. Jlis diet is a hi^rh idea of the former cultivation
frugal and simple ; his hut is com-
posed of nnid, the leaves of the co-
<()a nut tree, and a i'vw bamboos;
and a small strip of cloth is his gar-
ment. The country is subdivided
into villages compreheudin
and opulence of India south of the
Krishna, l^xcept Madras there are
not now any great cities in this divi-
.^ion of Hindostan. The ancient
great Hindoo princes did not, in
some fact, want a great revenue ; tlM?y had
770
SRAVAXA BELGULA.
no expensive establishments to keep named India Betta, is a temple of
np, and the simplicity of their man- the kind named Busty, and a hig]»
nets required but httle. Keligioiis place Avith a colossal statue of Go-
ceremonies were probablj' the chief mutaEaya; the height being 70 feet
expense of the state, the soldiers and three inches. The Duke of
being supported by grants of land. Wellington, who visited this place.
The earliest INJahommcdan army was of opinion, that the rock had
that crossed the Krishna was led in been cut down until nothing but the
1310 by Kafoor against Dlioor Sum- image remained,
niooder, the capital city of Belal Deo, The Jains constitute a sect of
the sovereign of Karnata, Jfindoos, differing in some import-
Altliougii the Brahminrcal religion ant tenets from tlie Brahminical, but
was probably Ihe most general in the following in other respects a similar
South of India, other systems had at practice. The essential character
certain periods an extensive sway, of Hindoo institutions is the distri-
1st. The Jains, who reject lire an- bution of the people into four great
thority of the Vedas and Purans, of tribes. The Jainas admit the same
which profession the sovereigns of division into four tribes. Brahmins,
Karnata appear to have been until Khetris, Taisyas, and Sudras ; and
the I'ith century of the Christian era.
2dly. The Bhauddha, who had tem-
ples. .3dly. The Mahommedan re-
ligion, which was introduced through
perform like ceremonies from the
liirth of a male to his marriage.
They observe similar fasts, and prac-
tice still more strictly the received
the medium of the commercial inter- maxims for refraining from injury to
course between Arabia and Malabar, any sentient being. They appear
4thly. A numerous colony of Jews, to recognize as subordinate deities
settled at Cochin and in other parts some, if not all the gods of the pre-
of Malabar. .5thly. A knowledge of vailing sects ; but do not worship in
the true religion had made .some pro- particular the hve principal gods of
gress at an early period, but the Nes- those sects, nor address prayers, nor
torian doctrines were those pro- pertbrm sacrifices to the sun or fire,
fessed. They differ also from the Brahmini-
Thc tenitories comprehended in cal Hindoos in assigning the highest
this division of Hindostan are, a place to certain deified saints, who,
small portion of the Bejapoor Pro- according to their creed, have suc-
vince ; theBalaghaut ceded districts ; cessivcly become superior gods. An-
the CarJiatic, northern, central, and other doctrine in which tlicy matc-
.southern ; Mysore, Canara, Malabar,
BaiTamahal, Coimbetoor, Dindigul,
Salem and Kistnaglierry, Cochin and
Travancor; under which heads re-
spectively further topographical de-
tails will be found. {Thacherjj, WiUiS,
rially disagree with the orthodox
Hindoos is the rejection of the Ve-
das, the divine authority of which
they deny.
In this particular the Jainas agree
with the Bhuddists or Sangatas, who
Lushingtoii, Edinburgh Rtiieir, Ren- etjually deny tin- divine authority of
7iel, 6th Report, ^c.)
Sravana Belgula. — A village in
the territories of the jMysore Rajah,
.'^6 miles N. bv W. from Seringapa-
tam. Lat. l'i°. 45'. N. Long. 76°.
43'. E.
This place is celebrated as bcing^
tlie principal seat of the Jain wor-
ship, once so ])revalcnt over the
South of India. Near to the village
SFre two rockv hills, on one of whi;li.
4
the Vedas, and who in a similar man-
ner worship certain pre-eminent
saints, admitting likewise as subor-
dinate deities the whole pantheon of
the orthodox Hindoos. 'J'hese two
sects (the Jains ;uid Buddhists) dif-
fer in regard to Ibn history of the
personages whom they have deified;
and it may be hence concluded that
they had <listinct founders, but the
ori'jriual notion seems to have becu
SITBBULGUR.
771
tho same. All three agree in the be-
lief of transmigiatioii. Jaiiia priests
Usually woar a broom, adapted to
sweep iuseets out of the waj', lest
llu'} should trend on the niiuutest
beiiisi;. In Hindustan the Jaiiias are
usually called Syauras; but dislin-
giiish themselves into sravacas and
yatis, or laity and clerj^y.
I'arswa or Farswanatha, the 23d
deified saint of the Jaiiias, and who
was perhaps the founder ot the sect,
was born in the suburbs of Benares,
and died, at the age of 100 years, on
Mount Samet at Parsonauth, anioni?
the hills between Eahar and Bengal.
Some of the oilier sanctified places
of the .lains are Fapapuii, near Ra-
jahg-riha, in Bahar; Chanipapnri,
i>ear Boglipoor; Chandravati, dist-
ant 10 miles from Benares and the
ancient city of iJastinapoor, in the
Delhi Pro\inre; also .Satruiija^a.
.said to be situated in the west of
India.
The mythology of the orthodox or
Brahniinical Hindoos, their present
chronology adapted to astioiiQuiieal
periods, their legendary tales, and
their mystical allegories, are abund-
antly absurd; but the Jainas and
Buddhists greatly surpass them in
monstrous exaggerations of the same
kind.
This village is wholly inhabited by
Jainas, who diil'er considerably from
those of Tulava(Canara). They a.s-
.sert that the bunts of Tulava are
\'ai.syas, and will not acknowledge
that any Sudras belong to their sect.
(_)n the Bengal siide of India the
Jains are mostly of the A aisya caste,
and in the My.sorc they are wholly
addicted to trade and nieichaiidize.
I'hey are now tliiuly scattered all
over India, being no where nuine-
roiLs, except in Canara. {Cohbrouki-,
F. Huclunian, Machenzir, Vc)
Ski Pf.kmaturu. — A small lown
in the Carnatie, 28 miles from Ma-
dras. Lat. 12°. .59'. N. Long. 80'.
2'. N.
Thi.s town is celebrated as the
birth-place of Rama Anuja Achai-ja,
tilt* great Brahmin saflit and re-
3d 2
former, and the founder of a sect.
His birth is supposed to have hap-
pened in A.D. 1016. Before the
appearance of Rama Anuja, the most
prevalent sects in this neighbour-
hood were the followers of I'uddha
and the Charvaca, both of which are
now extinct in this part of the coun-
try.
SaiMUTTRA. — A town in the pro-
vince of Agra, the residence of a
petty rajah, who is tributary to ihc
Ranah of Dhoolpoor. Lat.'26°. 41'.
N. Long. 77°. 20'. E.
This is a town of considerable
size, built on a naked rock of red
stone, of which material ail the
houses aie constrneted ; but they
are of a mean appearance, and the
streets very narrow. Working the
red stone into slabs furnislits em-
ployment for the greater part of the
inhabitants. {Bronghton, ^-c.)
SuAN. — A small town in the pro-
vince of Bahar, district of Rotas, 25
miles S. E. from Patna. Lat. 25°.
15'. N. Long. 80°. 25'. E. Here
an action was fought in 1761.
SuBBi'LGiJK. — xi town in tiie Ma-
haratta territories, in the province of
Agra, situated 05 miles S. W. from
the city of Agra. Lat. 26°. 22'. N.
Long. 75°. 25'. E.
I'his place is surrounded by a high
stone wall, in good repair, with a
number of bastions ; but the artil-
lery is very insnilicient for their de-
fence. One side of the fort stands
<m the edge of a deep precipice.
Between Subbulghur and Bejighur,
to the south, the countij is tolerably
well cultivated, and the vilhigcs nu-
merous. (HISS. :W.)
SuBBi'LGi'R. — A town in the pro-
vince of Delhi, situated on the (ast
side of the Riv.r (Jaiisfes, 12 miles
south from Hurdw ar. Lat. 2<)°. 48'.
N. Long. 78°. 10'. E.
There is here a very extensive
line of fortilication enclosing the
town, both of which exhibit little
more than naked walls falling to de-
cay. Much of the ground withia
the fort is under cultivation. {Hard-
uicke, -Vc)
77-2
SULTANPOOR.
SuBROY. — A small town in the
provinoo of Catch, on tlu; road IVom
Luckjint Builder (o Ptiandavie, on
the Gulf of Cntch, from whicli place
it is distant 23 miles to the nortli-
ward. This place stands on a rising-
gronnd, and is defended by a small
castle. It appears popnlous, and the
snrrounding country is tolerably well
cuilivated.
SuiuiNREF.KA lliVER, (Siivariiare-
ka, 7iHf./i Gulden Sands). — This river
has its source in the province of Ba-
har, «!istri(;t of Chuta Nagpoor, from
whence it flows in a south-easterly
direction, nntil, after a winding
course of about 250 miles, it falls
into the Bay of Bengal. Before the
acquisition ofCntlack, in 1803, this
river formed tlie boundary of the
Bengal presidency, toward* the ter-
ritories of the Nagpoor Maharattas,
in the Orissa Province.
Si'CCADANA. — A town on the west
coast of the Island of Borneo, and
a considerable mart lor the sale of
opium. It is a custom here, as at
all the eastern ports, to give a pre-
sent at the first audience, in pro-
portion to the rank of the person vi-
sited. The king's present here is
al>out 50 dollars, the rajah's about
30, and the shahbunder and agent
aliout 20 each. The rajah and his
family commonly nmnopolizc the
sale (d" opium, in 1786 the price of
tin here was 16| Spanish dollars per
pecul of 133f pounds. The Chinese
junks always keep up the price of
opium w Idle they remain here, which
is tiom January to August. {El-
more, (.St.)
SucKur. — A town and small dis-
trict in the province of Lahore, in-
tersected by the Bey ah River, and
possessed by pettv Seik chiefs. Lat.
32°. 41'. N. Long. 75° 45'. E.
SuGUD Bayan Bay. — A bay in
the Island of Magindanao, vvlvere
there is a good harbour, near to
which the indigo plant grows spon-
taneously; and in the vicinity are
wild horses, cattle, and deer, 'i'hc
CMtrance ijito tliis bay is only live
miles widr^. {Fvrrest, ^c)
SUGOULY. — A town in the pra-
\ince of Bahar, district of Bettiah.
Lat. 26°. 43'. N. Long. 85°. 5'. E.
This town stands on the south
bank of the Boori Gunduek Kiver,
which has its source in the neigh-
bourhood of Somaisir, and is navi-
gable during the greater part of the
year for boats of considerable bur-
then, as high up as Sugouly. Its
course, which is a very winding
one, is through the districts of Bet-
tiah, Chaniparun, and Ilajypoor.
The appellation of Boori Gunduek
is ehietly applied to it in the lower
part of its course, where it joins the
Bhagnuitty. In a commercial point
of view, tile Boori Giniduck is en-
titled to particular notice ; the great
extent of its course, its dcjdh, and
comnjuincation with various other
streams that issue from the adjacent
hills, and intersect the forests, all
lit it admirably for internal navi-
gation.
The common boundary of the
British and Nepaul, territories on
this side, may be described by a line
drawn about midway between Ec-
dowra and UUown. {Kirhpatriek,
fyc. ,Vc.)
iShujahabad. — A fortress in the
province of Mooltan, situated about
18 miles distant from the city of
Mooltan.
SuLTANGUNGE. — A small town in
the Nabob of Oude's tcriitories, 42
miles N. W. from Lucknow. — Lat.
26°. 59'. N. Long. 8l.°. 15'. E.
SuLTANPooR. — A town in the Na-
l)ob of Oude's territoiies, 78 miles
S. E. from Lucknow. Lat. 26°. 18',
IN. Long. 82°. 3'. E.
Sultanpoor. — A town in the Af-
ghan territories, iiv the ])rovincc of
Mooltan, 20 nnles V.. from the city
of Mooltan. Lat. 30°. 38'^ N. Long.
71°. 40'. ¥..
Si'LTANPo/iR. — A town in the
Seik ten) lories, in tiie j)rovince of
Lahore, 67 miles S. L. from the city
of Lahore. Lat. 31°. 1«'. N. Long.
74°. 45'. E. Tills is one of the prin-
cipal towns in the Doabeh Jalliudcr
district.
SUMATRA.
773
Stn,T ANPOon. — A town in tlic
Maharatta tcnitorios, in tlic pro-
vince of Kliandfsh, sitnalcd on the
n«)rth side uf the Tnptee liivcr, 90
miles E. bv N.tVoni Surat. Lat.21°.
36'. N. Lonn-. 74° 22'. E.
SI' MATH A.
A Iarp;e island in Ihe Eastern
Seas, divided ubliqnely by liie equa-
tor into almost otiual parts, and
marilimo lands, uliere tlie air is
cool, and tlie euiintry well cleared
and iniiabited. In tlie intermedialo
spaces between the ranges ot hills
arc also many lar>;e and btiautilnl
lakes, that extend, at intervals,
thron^h the heart of the country,
and facilitate the eonnjinnication;
but their sitnation, direelidn, or di-
mensions, are very little known.
The western coast of Siunalra is
e\tr(;ineiy well supplied with water.
S|)rin<;s arc found every where, and
situated the most to the west of the rivers are unmerons; but thev
the Snnda chain of islands. Its
northern jtoint stretches into the Bay
of r.eng-dl ; its S. ^^. coast is cx-
j)osed to the j;freat Indian Ocean;
towards the S. E. it is separated by
the Straits of Sundu from tiie Island
of Java; on the east by the China
and Ivistern Seas from JJornco and
otiier islands; and on the N, E. by
tlie Stniits of Malacca from the Ma-
lay Peninsnia. In len;;Hi it may be
estimated at 1050 miles, by 165
•miles the average breadth. Among
the eastern people generally, and
the better informed of tlie natives,
this island is known by the names
o{ Pnlo I'uriclm and indalas ; the
origin of the term Sumatra is un-
certain. By Marco Polo it is called
Java INfiiWH'.
A chain of mountains runs through
the whole extent of Sumatra, (he
ranges being, in many jr.irts, double
and treble; but, in general, situ-
ated nuich nearer to the western
than to the opposite coast. 'Vhv
height of these uionntains, although
very great, is not sullicient to occa-
sion their being covered with snow
during any season of the year.
Mount Ophir, situated iu)mediately
under the equinoctial line, is sup-
posed to be the highest visible fnjin
the sea, above which level its sum-
mit is ele\ated 1:3,842 feet. The
name was applied to the moun-
tain by Jluropean lunigafnrs, is
wholly unknown to the natives.
IJctwecn these ridges ol niotintains
are extensive plains, considerably
eJevaled above the suifaec of the
are, m general, too small andrajiid
for th-e j)urposes of navigation. On
the eastern coast, tlitr mountains
being at a greater distance from the
sea, the rivers are of greater mag-
nitude. The largest, on the western
coast, are the Kalaun, ihe Indra-
pura, tiie Taliayong, -and the Sin-
kel ; which are inferior to the Pa-
hnnbang, the Jambee, the indra-
giri, and the Siak, of the eastern
coast.
The chain of islands lying parallel
to the west coast of Sumatra, j)ro-
bably at some remote period, formed
a part of the main, as the whole
coast exhibits marks of the progress
of iusulatiou. This probability is
eoii-uborated by th(! direction ol' the
islands, the simiJaritj' of lock, soil,
and productions, and the regularity
of soundings between them and the
main, while beyond them the dejdh
is unfathomable. The sea appears
to encroach on the northern coast,
while it restores the land on the
southern. The production of islands
on this coa.st, by the rapid inereaue
of the coral, is a remarkable oj)era-
tion of nature, experience having
ascertained the formation of islands
from this cause. Numerous clus-
ters of islands on tlie J'>asteru Seas
are supported o!i bases of coral, and
sinrounded by shoals enjergiiigfroni
the sintaee. On tlic west coast of
this island the tides are estimated to
rise no more than foiu" tcot, owing
to its open, uncoulined situation,
which prevents an aecumulatiou of
the tides, us happens in narrow sea.s.
774
SUMATRA.
The whole soxith-east exfreniity
of Sumatra is little more than a
forest of mangroves growing oat of
a morass. This tree extends its
roots, in a curved direction, into the
water from dilferent parts of the
trunk, fonning arches to some dis-
tance until they reach the bottom,
covered by the sea. To these roots,
or inverted branches, oysters and
other small sh^ll fish are found to
adhere; and this circumstance has
given rise to the assertion sometimes
hazarded, of oysters growing upon
trees. On tills coast pieces of the
land, torn from the shore by the
\ioiencc of the river floods, with
their shrubs and plants growing on
them, are seen driving about with
the wind and current, the roots
being so closely matted and inter-
woven together, as to retain a quan-
tity of earth.
On the west coast of Snmaha,
southward of the equinoctial, the
S. E. monsoon, or dry season, begins
about May, and slackens in Sep-
tember. 'Fhe N. W. monsoon be-
gins about November, and the hard
rains cease about Mareli. The mon-
soons tliere, for the most part, com-
mence and leave off gradually; the
months of April and May, October
and November, generally affording
variable weather and winds. On
tliis island, as well as other tropical
countries of considerable extent, the
wind uniformly blows from the sea
to the land for a certain number of
liours in the 21, and then changes,
and blows for about as many froin
the laud to the sea. The air is, in
general, more temperate than in
many regions beyond the tropics.
The ihermometcr is seldom known
to rise higher in the shade than 85°.
ajid at sunrise is usually so low as
70°. Inland, among the liills, the
thermometer has been known so low
as 40°. the cold felt being much
greater than that number of degrees
usually indicates. Frost and snow
are xinknown to the inhabitauts ;
but fogs arc very prevalent, and sur-
prisingly dense.
In Sumatra there are a number
of volcano mountains, named, in
the Malay language, Goonong-api.
Lava has been seen to flow from a
considerable one near Priaman, but
without causing any otlier damage
than burning tlie woods. Earth-
quakes are frequent, but in general
very slight. No connexion betwixt
them and the volcanoes has ever
been discovered. The water-spout
often occurs along tlie coast, and
frequently makes its appearance on
land. Thunder and lightning are so
frequent, as scarcely to attract at-
tention ; few instances of damage,
or loss of lives, are ever experi-
enced.
The soil on the western coast of
Sumatra is generally a stiff, reddish
clay, covered with a layer of black
mould of no considerable depth.
I'rom this spi ings a strong and per-
petual verdiue of rank grass, brush
wood, or timber trees, so that a
great proportion of the island, espe-
cially to the southward, is an im-
pervious finest. Along the west
coast the low country is rendered
very uneven by swamps.
The earth in Sumatra is rich in
minerals, and other fossil pro-
ductions ; and the island has, in all
ages, been famous for gold, which
still continues to be procured in con-
siderable quantities, and might be
greatly increased if the gatherers
had a comi)etent knowledge of mi-
neralogy. There are also mines of
copper, iron, and tin. Sulphur is col-
lected in large (iuantities among the
mmierous volcauoc*. The natives ex-
tract saltpetre from the impregnated
earth, which is chiefly found in ex-
tensive eaves that have been long
frc(iuented by birds and bats, from
whose dung the soil is formed, and
acquires its nitrons properties. Coal,
mostly washed down by ti)e floods,
is procured in many parts, particu-
larly at Kuttaun, Ayer, Rann, and
Rencoolen ; but it is light, and not
considered of a good quality. Mi-
neral and hot springs, in taste re-
sembling those of Ilarrowgate, are
I
SUMATRA.
775
fonnd m many districts. Earth oil,
used cliiefly as a preservative against
tlie destnicUve ravages of the white
ant, is collected at Ipw and els«^
where. There is scarcely any spe-
cies of hard rock lo be met with ia
the low parts of the island, near the
sea-shore, in the cliffs along- which
various petrifactions and sea-shcUs
arc discovered.
Copper is found on the hiJls of
Mucky, near the sea, between Anala-
boo and Soosoo, to tlie lUHth of the
English settlement at 'J'appanooly.
Tiie space affording tlie ore is cxinsi-
dorable, extending above a degree iu
length, and farther east into the
country than has been yet ascer-
tained. A considerable quantity of
rich copper ore is found on tiie sur-
face of the hills, to which the na-
tives at present limit their researches.
On anaiyzation it is found to con-
tain a considerable portion of gold.
Rice is the most important article
of cultivation in Sumatra. In the
husk it is called Paddy by the Ma-
lays, from whose language the word
seems to have foxmd its way to the
maritime parts in Inditt. The kinds
of rice are very numerous, but may
be divided into two comprehensive
classes — the upland, or dry vice,
and the lowland, or marshy rice.
The natives generally prefer the
small grained rice, when at the
same time it is white, and in some
degree transparent. In some parts
of the island vegetation is so strong,
that spots wliicli have lieen per-
fectly chared fbr cultivation will,
upon being neglected for a single
season, atibrd shelter to the beasts
of the forest. The nominal time al-
lowed, from the sowing to th(> reap-
ing of the crop of the uj)land rice,
is five lunar months and 10 days;
but from this it nmst necessrnily
vary with the circumstances of the
season. The innumerable springs
and rivulets with which tiie country
abounds, render unnecessary the la-
borious processes by which water is
supplied on the continent of India,
where the soil is sandy.
In the connti7 of Manna, south
from Bencoolen, superior attoiu-
ments in agrieulture are discovered,
fneces of land, from five to 15 acres,
being there seen enclosed, and re-
gularly ploughed and ha)iowed. Un-
der very faAOurable circumstances,
the rate of produce is said to rise as
high as 140 ; but the connnon pro-
duce is only 30 for one. The grains
of paddy are rubbed out with th*
feet, which is a very painful and
aukward mode of clearing the rice
from the ear. The upland rice does
not keep more than 12 montlus, and
the lowland licc shews signs of de-
cay in six months ; but, in the husk,
botli will keep nmch longer. The
northern part of the coast, under
the Achcen goveinment, produce
large quantities of rice.
The next important object is the
cocoa nut tree, which, with the be-
tel nut and bambOo, require little
cultivation. There is also the sago
tree, and a great variety of palms.
The sugar cane is very generally
cultivated, but not in large quan-
tities, aiKl more frequently for the
purpose of chewing the juicy reed,
than for the manufacture of sugar,
which is usually impm ted from Java.
Maize, chilly pepjjer, turmeric, gin-
ger, coriander and cumin seed, are
raised in the gardens of the natives.
Hemp is extensively cultivated, not
for the purpose of making ropes,
but an intoxicating preparatiou,
called bang, wliieh they snK»ke \\ iih
tobacco. Small plantations of the
latter plant are every where met
witli.
It is impossible to enumerate,
within moderate boimds, all the
plants and sinuVis this luxuriant
island produces; the following are
tiie most remarkable : — a dwarf spe-
cies of nmlbeny is planted for silk
worms, which arc; reared, but not
to any great extent, and tiie raw
article produced is of an inferior
quality. The castor oil plant grows
wild in abundance, especially near
the sea-shore ; and the elastic gum
vine, or caoutchouc is also found.
776
SUMATRA,
From the indigo plant the dye is t'x-
tracted, and jj^encrally tised in a
liquid state, Brazil wood is com-
mon in Malay countries, as is also
iibar, a red wood resembling log-
wood in its properties.
The mangosteen (garcinia man-
gostana), called by the natives man-
gista, exclusively belongs to these
countries, and has, by general con-
sent, obtained, in the opinion of
Europeans, the pre-eniiiicnee among
Indian fruits. Its characteristic qua-
lity is extreme delicacy of flavour,
without being rich or luscious. Se-
veral species of the bread fruit tree,
the jack, mango, plantains, pineap-
ples (which the natives cat with salt),
oranges, guavas, custard apples, pa-
])aws, tamarinds, cashew apples,
pomegranates, and a multitude of
other fruits without European names,
are produced on this island. Grapes
are raised by Europeans, but not
cultivated by tlie natives ; and there
is a great profusion of flowers of a
strong fragrance, and odoriferous
shrubs. The camphor tree grows
principally on the N. W. side of Su-
matra, from the line to 3°. N. nearly,
and is not found to the soutli of the
equator. It is highly probable that,
in the course of time, the price of
<amphor will rise enormously, as not
one tree in 300 is found to contain
famphor, and when found is immc-
«liately cut down. The wood is use-
t'ld for domeslic purposes, being soft,
and easily worked.
The puhu upas, or poison irec,
about wiiieh so many extraordinary
talcs have been told, is found in the
woods, 'i'he poison is certainly dele-
terious, but not so potent as has
been represented. The tree itself
does no manner of harm to those
around it; and persons may sit un-
der its shade, or birds liglit on it,
without sustaining the slightest in-
jury.
The quadrupeds of this island are
generally such as are foiuid else-
where in the east. The buffaloe sup-
plies milk, butter, and beef, and is
the only animal employed in do-
mestic labour. Wliile working, it
is extremely slow, but steady; the
work it performs, however, falls
short of wiiat might liaA e been ex-
pected, from its size and apparent
strength. They are not found in a
wild state, being too much exposed
to the attacks of the tiger ; but only
the weaker sort and females fall a
prey to this savage, as the sturdy
male buffaloe can withstand the first
vigorous blow from the tiger's paw,
on M'liich the issue of the battle
usually turns. The Sumatran tiger
is of a very large size ; some have
been known to measure 18 inches
across the forehead. Their chief
subsistence is, probably, the unfor-
tunate moidvcys, M'ith which the
woods abound.
The cow, called Sapi and Jawi, is
obviously a stranger to tlie country,
and docs not appear to be yet na-
turalized. The breed of horses is
small, well made, and hardy, and
are luought down by the country
])eople nearly in a wild state. In the
Batta country they are eaten, which
is a custom also in Celebes. The
sheep are a small breed, probably
imported from Bengal ; the other
animals are the goat and hog, both
domestic and wild, the otter, the
cat, the rat, and the dog. Of the
latter, those brought from F.uro{)e
degenerate, iu the course of tinje,
to curs, ^\ ith erect ears.
The elej)hants in the forests are
numerous, but excepting a few kept
for state by the King of Acheen,
the) are not domesticated in any
part of the country ; rhinoceroses,
single and double horneil, are also
found. The horn is esteemed an
antidote against poison by the na-
tives, and on that account made
into drinking cups. The hippopota-
m>is is found in Sumatra, and also
the bear, which is small and black,
and climbs the cocoa nut trees in
order to devour the tender part or
cabbage. There are many sjiecies
of the deer kind, and the varieties
of the monkey tribes are innumera-
ble; hero are also sloths, squirrels,
SUINIATRA.
777
telcggos, or stinkards, civet cats,
t%er cats, porcupines, hedge lio2,s,
paiij^olins, bats of all kinds, al!)<;;i-
tors, guanos, camoleons, flying liz-
;«ards, tortoises, and turtle. 'Ilie
liouse lizzards are in length tVoni lour
inches d<)^vn to one, and are tlie
hng;cst reptiles that can walk in an
inverted ])osition ; (Uie ol'these larf!,e
cnoupjh to devour a cockroach, runs
alonj^ the ceiling; of a room, and in
that situation seizes its pre}'. The
tail of these reptiles when broken oil'
renews itself.
^^'ilh aninsals of the fro?: kind the
swamps every when- teem, and tlicir
noise on the approach of rain is tre-
iiumdous. They ftuiiish food to llu;
snakes, which are of all sizes, and
a 2:rcat proportion of them harmless.
These reptiles will swallow animals
twice or tinicc their own a|)|iarent
circumference, having intheirthroats
a compressive force that gradually
reduces tlie i)rey to convenient di-
mensions. 'J'he shores supply cray
fish, prawns, shrimps, crabs, the
kima, or gigantic cockle, an inferior
species of oyster, uiuscles, sea eggs,
&c. &c. Among the fish are the
duyong, a large s<'a animal of the
niamalia ord<-r, with two strong pec-
toral fins serving for the purposes of
feet, the grampus whale, violiers, so
called from the peculiarity of its dor-
sal tin resembling a sail, sharks,
skates, the nuuania, gymnotus, rock
cod, pomfret, ninllet, the fl}iMg fish,
and many others.
The variety of birds is consider-
able, aiul consists of the Kiuualian
plicasant, peacocks, eagles and vul-
tiues, kites and crows, jackdaws,
king's Ushers, the biiceios, storks,
the conuuon fowl, domestic and wild,
the snipe, coot, jdover, jiigcons,
<piails, starlings, swallows, niiuas,
parrots and parioquets. geese, ducks,
teal, &.C. The bird of i-an»dise is
not found here, and the cassowary
is brought from Java. The loory is
brought from the islands still further
cast.
The whole island swarms with in-
sects, amongst which are coch-
roaches, crickets, bees, flies of all
sorts, inos(iuitoes, scorpions, centi-
pedes, and water and land leeches.
'J'he fire tly is larger than the com-
mon fly, and emits light as if by
respiration, which is so great, that
words on paper may be distinguished
by holding one in the hand. Ants
exist in immense numbers and va-
rities, which differ in taste tiom each
other when put into the mouth.
Some are hot and acrid, some bitter,
and some sour. The large red ant
bites severely, and usually leaves its
head, as the bee its sting, in the
wuiiiul. The Chinese dainty, named
indiscriminately biche de mar, swal-
lo, tripan, or sea s!;ig (hoiothurion)
is collectc d irom the rocks, and dried
in the son for the China market.
Of the productions of Sumatra
which are regarded as articles of
commerce, the most abundant, and
formerly tiieino.st iin[)ortant, is pep-
I»er, of which the East India Com-
pany used to exjiort large ipiantities,
but it is now reduced to one solitary
cargo amuially of the value of about.
15,0001. 'J'he pepper vine is a hardy
])lant, growing readily fiom cuttings
or layers, rising in several small
knotted stems, and twining rouiul
any neighbouring suppoit. If siifl'er-
cd to run along the ground its fibres
become roots, in which case, iike
the ivy, it would never exhibit any
marks of fructification. It begins to
bear in its third, and attains its
prime in its .seventh year,;ifler which
it declines. The white pepper is
made by bleaching the grains of the
common sort, by wliiih it is de-
prived of its extciior pellicle. This
article takes little damage by sub-
mersion in sea water.
On the capture of the ^Moluccas,
in 1796, the imtmeg and clove plants
were introduced, and have since ra-
pidly increased, |)articularly the for-
mer, 'j'here are now above '^.),000
nutmeg trees in full bearing, capable
of yielding annually 200,000 pounds,
and 56,000 pounds of mace. Among
the most valuable j)roductions of the
island is camphor, for wliich Suma-
778
SUMATRA.
tia and Bonipo have been crlebratr
cd from llie earliest times. The fn e
is souielimes 15 feet in circnmicr-
eiicc, llic camphor bcii)K found in a
<;olKMete slate in the natural fissures
and crevices of the wood. The na-
live.s cut down a gT(;at many trees at
random iKtbre they find one that
contains a sufficient quantity to re-
pay their iaijour, although always
assisted in their research by a pro-
fessional conjurer, whose skill nnist
be chiefly cnsployed in concealing or
accomitinj;: for his own mistakes.
The whole (juanlity brought for sale
rarely excecds50[)eculs(133f pounds
cacli). The trade is chiefly in the
hands of the Acheenese, who buy
the article from the Batta people,
and dispose of it to the Europeans
and Chinese. The Japan camphor
is of a very inferior quality.
Benzoin, or benjamin, is found al-
most exclusively in the Batla coun-
try. The best sort is sent to Eisrope,
and the inferior sort is exported to
Arabia, Fert;ia, and souje i)avfs of
Hindostan, where it is burned to
perfume their temples and private
Jiouses. I'rom iMif^laud it is re-ex-
ported to the Ivonian Catholic and
IVIahommedau countries, to be used
as incense. It is also employed in
medicine as a styptic, and consti-
tutes the basis of Turlington's drops.
Cassia is also produced and export-
ed, and rattans furnish annually
many cargoes. The annual and the
shnib cotton are cultivated by the
natives, but only in sufficient quan-
tities to supply their own wants. The
silk cotton is a most beautiful raw
material, but owing to the shortness
and brittleness of tJic .sta|)le is unfit
for the reel and the loom, and is
only applied to the unworthy pur-
poses of stuffing pillows and ma-
trasses. The coflce tree is universally
planted, but the berry is not of a
good quality, probably ov.ing to tl^
want of skill in tiie management.
Among the other art icies of com-
merce are dammer, a species of tur-
pentine or resin ; dragons' blood, a
drug obtained from a hirge species
of rattan ; gambir, a juice extracted
from the leaves of a plant of the
same name. Lignum aloes, or agila
wood, liighly prized in the east for-
its fragrant scent while burning.
The forests contain an inexhausti-
ble store and endless variety of tim-
ber trees, many sorts of which are
capable of being applied to ship
building; but the teak does not ap-
pear to be indigenous to the island,
although it flourishes io the north-
ward and southward, in Pegu and
Java. The other remarkable tn'cs
are the poon, so named from a Ma-
lay word, which signifies wood in
general, and is preferred for masts
and spars. The camphor wood is
used for carpenters' purposes. I'he
iron wood, so named on account of
its hardness. The marbau, used as
beams for sliips and houses. The
pinaga, a aluabie as crooked timber
from frames and knees. The ebony ;
the kayu gadis, a wood possessing
the flavour and qualities of sasgahits;
the rangi, supposed to be the man-
chineel tree of the West Indies, has
a resemblance to mahogany. ( )f the
various sorts of trees producing dam-
mei, some are also valuable as tim-
ber, and lure also is found the
spreading banyan tree of Hindostan,
Gold is procured in the central
parts of the island, and Menanca-
bow has always been esteemed the
richest in this metal. In the dis-
tricts inland from Padang, which is
the principal mart, it is collected
from mines, and from the channels
of rivers ; pieces of gold have also
occasionally been found, weighing
nine oxmces and u]>a\ ards. Probably
only one half of all the gold procur-
ed reaches the hands of Europeans ;
yet it is asserted, on good authority,
that from 10 to 12,000 ounces have
been amuially received at Padang
alone, at Na'iaboo 2000, at Natai
SOO, and at Mocomoco 600. The
merchants carry the gold from the
interior to the sea coast, where they
barter it for iron and iron working
tools, opium, and the fine piece
goods of Madras and Bengal. When
SUMATRA.
77'J
l)0ii2;ht at thr spttlcninils, it ust-cl
formerly to be purchased at the rate
o( 31. 5s. per ounce, but al'terwanls
rose to 31. 18s. uhich would yield no
profit oil exportation to Europe. lu
many parts of tlie country it is em-
ployed instead of coin, every man
carrying a small pair of scales about
■with him. At Aclieon small thin
sold coins were formerly struck, but
the coinai?e lias been abandonctl in
modern times, Siher is not known
as a production of Sumatra.
Till is a very considerable article
of trade, the mini's of « hieh arc si-
tuated on the Island of Eaiica. Iron
ore is dug on Sumatra, but not in
large quantities, the consumption of
the natives bein^ supplied with Kng:-
lish and Swedish bar iron. Sulphur
is procured from the volcanoes, and
yellow arsenic is an article of trafiie.
Jn the country of Kuttaun arc ex-
tensive caves, from the soil of which
saltpetre is extracted ; and from si-
milar caverns the edible l)ird nests
are procured for the China market,
w here also the biehc do mar is sent,
and is there employed as a season-
ing. At Batavia the last article sells
for 45 dollars per pecul of 13.3|
pounds. The otlier exports are bees'
wax, gum lac, and ivori. Elephants
v\ ere lormerly exported from Aciiecn
to the Coromandel Coast, in vessels
built on purpose, but this trade has
long dediiied,
'I'he most general articles of im-
port are the following. From the
Coast of Coromandel various cotton
goods, such as long cloth, blue and
white chintzes, coloured handker-
chiefs, and also salt. I'roiii Bengal
muslins, striped and plain ; and se-
veral kinds of cotton goods, as baf-
taes, cossaes, hummums, &:e. taiTetas
and some other silks, and o])iiim in
considerable quantities. Eroni the
western Coast of India viirious cot-
ton goods, mostly of a coarse fabric.
From China coarse porcelain, iron
pans in sets of ditlcrent sizes, to-
bacco shred very tine, gold thread.-',
fans, and a number of small articles.
i'roin Celebes (known here by the
name of its chief provinces, INJa-
cassar, Buggess, and Mandar), Java,
Bally, Ceram, and other eastern is-
lands, the rough striped cotton cloth,
commonly called Buggess cloutiug*
the miiversal body dress of the na-
tives ; creeses, and other weapons ;
silken creese belts, tudongs, or hats,
small pieces of ordnance, commonly
of brass, called rantaka, spices, salt
of a large grain, and sometimes rice,
cliiofly from Bali. iMom Europe arc
imported silver, iron, steel, lead, cut-
lery, various sorts ofhardware, brass
wire, and broad cloths, especially
scarlet.
The beautiful gold and* silver fila-
gree work of Sumatra has long been
celebrated aud admired, and is a
matter of still greater curiosity from
the extreme coarseness of the tools
employed in tlit- mauufacturc. Emm
a piece of old iron hoop the wire
drawing instrument is made, a ham-
mer head stuck in a block sei-ves for
an anvil ; aud a pair of compasses is
seen composed of two old nails tied
together at one end. The gold is
fused in a piece of a rice pot; in
general they use no bellows, but
blow the lire with their mouths
through a joint of bamboo. If tiie
quantity of gold to be melted be
considerable, three or four pers<jns
sit around their furnace, which is an
old iron pot, aud blow altogether.
But little skill is shewn by the na-
tives in forging iron. They make
nails, ahhough seldom used in build-
ing. - They are ignorant of the use
of the saw, except where it has been
introduced by the Europeans. Paint-
ing and drawing they are strangers
to; ill carving they are lanci'.iil, and
their designs grotesque, and ahva\s
out of nature. Silk and cotton cloths
manufactured by themselves are
worn by the natives in all parts of
the country. Their looms and weav-
ing api)aratus are extremely defect-
ive. They manufacture diflerent
kinds of earthenware of a coarse
fabric ; and extract the cocoa nut
oil, which is in general use. Gun-
powder is mauulactured in various
780
SUMATRA.
parls of the islantl, but less in the
sonllieni provincos tJian among- llio
people of Mcnancabovv, the Baltas,
and the Acliecnese, Avhos<' frequent
Avars (lemand large supplies. 'J'he
powder is very iinpcrfeetly graiin-
l;!led, beinp; otleu liaslily pr(>pared
iti siiiall (piantitios fur imniediato
use. Salt is mostly supplied by car-
goes imported, but llicy also manu-
iactnre it themselves by a very te-
dious proeess.
Anionjj; the modern pulili'^al «livi-
sioiis of th; island, the princii>al aie
the empire ol' MenancaboM- and the
IMalays; in Iho next ])laee, the
Aelieenese; then the Battas, the
• Bt'jaiiss; and next to them tiie peo-
ple of I^aniponi^. The chain of is-
lands whieh extends in a lim nearly
j)aralicl to the western coast, at the
distance of little more than a <le-
grec, are inhtdjited l)y a laee, or
races of people, apparently from llie
same original stock, as Ihose of the
inlerier of Snmatra. Tlieii gomiine-
iiess of characler has been pieserved
to a remarkable degree, whilst tlie
islands on the eastern side are uni-
formly peopled wilh Malays, lentil
about 100 years ago the southern
<>oas1 of Sumatra, as far as tlie Urei
liiver, was dependant on the Kijig
of Bantam in Java, wljose lieutenant
came yearly to Beneoolen, or Sillc-
bar, to collect iiepper, and till up
the Aacaucies.
Almost ail the forms of govern-
ment throughout Sumatra are a mis-
Inre of the feudal and patriiiiclral ;
but the system ofgovermucnt among
the people near the sea coast is
much influenced by the power of the
Europeans, who exercise, in fact,
the functions of sovereignty, and
with great advantage to their ssib-
je<!ts. The districts over wliidi the
East India (,'ompauy's inthiciue ex-
tends arc preserved in a state of uu-
internipted peace, and were it not
for this cocicion. every village would
be in a stale of perpetual hostility
with its neighbour. 'Jhc form of
government among the Kcjangs ap-
[ilje.s geuerally to Ihe Orang ulu, or
inhabitants of tlie interior. Among
the hills and woods property in land
depends upon occupancy, unless
where fruit trees have been planted ;
and as tliere is seldom any determin-
ed boiuidary between neighbouring
villages, such marks are rarely dis-
turbed.
TIic laws of tlie Sumatrans are
properly a set of long established
customs handed dow n to them from
their ancestors, the authority for
which is founded in usage and ge-
neral consent. The law which ren-
ders ail the members of a family re-
ciprocally bound for each others
debts, forms a strong connexion
among them. AVhen a n)aii dies,
his effects descend to his children in
equal shares. 'J'he Sumatraii code
admits of a pecuniary compensation
for murder, on which accoiuit their
law.s take uo cognizance of the dis-
tinction betw een a wilful murder and
what we term manslaiJghter. Cor-
poreal punishnientofany kindisrare.
'I'he place of the greatest solem-
nity for administering an oath, is the
burying ground of their ancestors ;
and they have certain rcliipies, or
swearing apparatus, which they pro-
duce, on important occasions. These
generally consist of an old broken
creese, a broken gun barrel, some
copper bullets, or any thing else to
w Inch chance or caprice has annex-
ed the idea of extraordinary virtue.
These Ihey generally dip in water,
Avhich the person who swears drinks
ofi', after pionouncing a form of
Avords. At Manna the rclique most
venerated is a gun barrel, which,
when produced to be sworn on, is
earned to the spot Avrapt up in silk,
asid under :in umbrella. The Su-
matra a impressed Avith the idea of
invisible powers, but not of his oAvn
innnortality, regards A\ith awe the
.supposed iu.strnmeuts of their agen-
cy, and swears on creeses, bullets,
and gun barrels, Aveapous of personal
destruction.
'J'he right of slavery is established
in this island, as it is universally
tbroughout the east; but few in-
su:matra.
7ai
$tancfs orrtir of tlic coiintrv pro|il<'
actiiiilly ha\in£;- sliivcs, altlioii;;li llicy
aio common ill Ww Malayan or sea
jK>if towns. \t Boiit'oolcn llu- l",ast
India Coni])aiiy have a lioily of ncuro
slaves. 'J'lit'se hold the nalivos of
1h(.' island in fjirat contempt, have
an aniipalliy tu thcni. and enjoy any
occasion of doiii^ them iniscliici ;
the Siiniatrans, on the other Iiand,
consider the negroes merely as devils
half hnmanized.
Tlie inliabitants of Sinnatra aio
rather below the middle size, tlieir
limbs are, for the must part, slij;ht,
bnt well shaped, and are jjurticnlaily
yinall ar the wrists and ancles. 'Ilic
women tbllow the prepostoron.s (•I1^-
tom of tlattenins;; the noses and coni-
pressing the skulls of children newly
born, and also pull out the ears of
the infants to make them stand at an
an?;le with the head. The males
destroy their beards, and keep their
chins remarkably snKtoth, Their
comjtlexion is properly yellow, want-
ini;: the red tin;;e that constitutes a
Utwny or copper colour. Tlie fe-
males of the npper classes not ex-
lio.scd to the rays of the snn, ap-
proach to a degree of fairness. Per-
sons tif superior rank encf)ura';e the
p,rowlh of their hand nails to an ex-
traordinary length; the hands of the
natives generally, and even those of
tlie half breed, are always cold. 'Jhe
inland natives are snj)erior in size
and strength to the Slalays on the
coast, and jiosscss also fairer com-
plexions. Among- the hills the in-
habitants are snbject to monstrons
wens, or goitres on th<: throat.
]{oth sexes liave the extraordinary
cnstom of lilin;; and disfignring their
teeth, whi(^h are naturally very white
and beanliful, from the simplicity of
their food. Many, i<articnlarly the
women of the Lainpong country,
have their teeth nibbed down even
with their gums; others have them
formed into points, while some tile
oO" no more than the outer extremi-
ties, and then blacken them with
the empyrcumatic oil of the cocoa
\iut shell. The jfreat meu set their
teeth in gold, by casing with a plate,
of tJiat metal the under row; vvhieii
ornament, contrasted witli the black
dye, has by candle light a very spUin-
did cll'eet. It is someliiiies indented
to the shape of their teelh, but more
usnally is cpiite plain, and it is not
removed either to slei;p or eat. Tlie
original clothing of (he Snmaliansis
the same with that fouad by navi-
gators among the South Sm Inlands,
and in l^urope geueially called Ota-
heitean «loth. It is still used among
the H(>jangs as their working dress,
but the country people now, in a
great measure, «'oiiforni to the cos-
tume of the ISlalays.
The dnsiins, or villages of the
Snniatrans, for the inhabitants are
so few that they are not entitled Ut
the name of town.s, are always si-
tuated on the banks of a river or
lake, for the convenience of bath-
ing, and of transporting goo<ls. 'I'hcii
buildings arc of wood and bamboos,
eovered with palm leaves. 'Ihe
frames of the houses rest on stout
wooden pillars, aiiout six or eight
feet in height, and are ascended to
by a jiiecc of stout bamboo cut into
notche.s. Detached buildings in the
country are raised 10 or 12 feet tioin
the ground, as security against ti-
gers. 'I'he furniture is extremely
simple, and neither knives nor torks
are required, as in eating they take
uj) the rice and other victuals be-
tween the thumb and lingers, and
throw it into the mouth by the ac-
tion of the thumb.
'Jhe art of medicine among the
Sumatrans con.-.ists almost entirely
in the application of siimiiles. ICveiy
old man and woman is a physician,
and their rewards depend on tlitir
.success, bnt they generally procure
a small sum in advance, under tlu;
pretext of purchasing cliarms. In
fevers during the paroxysm, they
pour over the patient a quantity of
very cold water, which aftervvanis
brings on a copious perspiration. 'I'lio
venereal disease, although commoji
in the Malay bazars, is little knowu
in the interior.
782
SUMATRA.
On the sea coast tlic Malay lan-
guage is intermixed with the Batta,
and other original languages, Tlie
Malays fix the length of the year at
S54 days, or 12 lunar months of 29|
days e.ich ; the original Sumatrans
count their years from the number of
their crops of grain. They are fond
of music, and have many instru-
ments, mostly borrowed from the
Chinese. The Malays of Sumatra
nse the Arabic character, and Inive
incorporated a great many Arabic,
and also Portuguese wmrds, in their
language. The other principal lan-
guages of Sumatra are the Balta,
the Rejang, and the Lampong; the
difference between them being chiefly
marked by their being expressed in
distinct written characters. They
write on the inner bark of a tree,
and on bamboos, and form their
lines from the left hand towards the
right.
The native Sumatran of the in-
terior differs in some respects from
the Malay of the coast, being mild,
peaceable, and forbearing, unless
when roused by violent provocation.
He is temperate and sober, his diet
being mostly vegetable, and his only
beverage w ater. 'I'heir hos[)itality is
very peat with very simi)le man-
ners ; and they are, in general, ex-
cept among the chiefs, <]cvoid of tl)e
Malay cunning and chicane. On
the other hand^lhey are litigieus, in-
dolent, addicted to gaming, dishonest
in their dealings with strangers,
which they considci as no moral de-
fect, regardless of truth, mean, ser-
vile; and though cleanly in their
persons, filthy in their apparel, which
they never wash. They arc careless
and improvident of the future, and
make no advances in improving their
condition. The Macassars and Bug-
gess<?s who come animally from Ce-
lebes in their prows to trade at Su-
matra, are looked up to by tlie Su-
matrans and Malays as their supe-
riors in manners. They also derive
part of the respect paid to them
from the richne.ss of their cargoes,
and the spirit with wliich they .spend
the produce in g-aming, cock fight-
ing, and smoking npii3m.
Through every rank of the people
there prevails a strong propensity to
gaming, and to cock tighting they
are still more passionately addicted.
I'he artificial spur used resembles
the blade of a scimitar, and proves
a more destructive weapon tha« the
European spur. 'J'he Malay breed
of cocks are nnich esteemed by con-
noisseins who have had an oppor-
tunity of trying them. In some
places they match (piails in the man-
ner of cocks, which fight with great
inveferacy, aiid endeavour to seize
each other by the tongue.
The Sumatrans generally, but
more particularly the Malays, are
much addicted to the custom of
smoking opiun). The poppy which
produces it not growing on the is-
land, it is annually imported from
Bengal in considerable quantifies,
in chests of 140 pounds each, and
on the west coast about 20,000
pounds are used annually. It is
nuxed up with tobacco into the form
of pills about fhe size of a pea,
which fjiiantity is consumed at one
whiff. 'I'he smoke is never emitted
by the mouth, but usually receives
vent through the nostrils, and some-
times by adepts through the pas-
sages of the ears and eyes. Although
so much opium is smoked in this is-
land, the practice of running a muck
(called by the natives nicngamok) is
by no means frequent. It is remark-
able that at Batavia, where the oi-
minals when taken alive are broken
on the wheel wiih every aggravation
of cruelty, mucks often occur; while
at Bencoolcn, where they are exe-
cuted in the easiest manner, the of-
fence is extremely rare. On the
west coiist the Malays have been so
long aecustonied to the mild govern-
ment of the British, that their man-
ners and habits are considerably im-
proved ; while on the east coast they
cojifinue ferocious, sanguinary, and
treacherous.
'1 he original Sumatran vessel for
boiling rice, and which is still used
SriNTATHA.
783
for that purpose is a joint of s'fcn beyond them. If by relij^ion is
bamboo, liy the time the viee is meant a public or private i'orm of
dresseil, the utensil is nearly destroy- uorshsp of any kind, and of pray-
ed by tlie lire ; but it resists tlie flame ers, proeessions, ineetin;fs ; olferinj;R,
.so long, as there is no moisture \\ ith- images, or priests, are all or any of
in. vVltliongli the nalives subsist in them necessai^ to eonstitute it; the
a great measure on vegetable food, Rejangs are totally -without roli-
tliey are not restrained by any pre- gion, and cannot with propriety be
judice of easte from other aliments; even termed pagans, if that phrase is
and accordingly, at their cnltntain- ujiderslood to convey the idea of
ments, the flesli of the bnllaloe, tlie mistaken worship. They neither
goat, and fowls, are served uj). Their worship God, devil, nor idol. They
dishes are almost all dressed as cur- are not, however, without snpersti-
ries, and tlieir flesh meiit is cooked tious beliefs of many kinds ; and
iunnediatdly after it is killed, which liave a confused notion, though per-
is s'lill warm. Sago, although com- haps derived from their intercours*
nion, is not in such general use as with other people, of some superior
among the more eastern islands, beings who have the power of ren-
w here it is employed as a substitute dering tiiemselves visible and invi-
for rice. When these arti<les of sible at pleasure. These they call
subsistence fail, the Sumatran finds ©rang alus, tine or impalpable beings,
oth<Ms in the woods ; hence famines and regard them as possessing the
in the island are never attended with faculty of doing them good or evil,
any veiy destructive consequences. They also call them maleikat and
The natives of Sumatra are in ge- jin, which are the angels and evil
neral good speakers, the gift of ora- spirits of the Arabians, and the idea
tory being natural to them. A Su- was probabJy bonowcd at the same
niatrau ever scrupulously aijstains time with the name. They have no
from pronouncing his own name, not word in their language to express
from any uiotive of superstition, but the person of Cod except the " Al-
inerely as a punctilio in manners; lah tala" of the Malays, corrupted
and it occasions him infinite embar- by them to " Llah talo." The Su-
rassment when a stranger, uuac- n»atrans, where nntiuetured with
quainted with their customs,re(iuires Mahommedanism, do not appear to
it of him. As soon as he recovers have any notion of a future state,
from his confusion he solicits the in- The superstition Vv'hieh has the
terjiosition of his neighbour. They strongest inllueuce on their minds,
can seldom give an acexnate account and which approaciics the nearest to
of their age ; but, so far as can be a species of religion, is that which
inferred from oliservation, not a great leads them to venerate, almost to the
pro]>or(it)n of tlu; men attain the age point of vvorsbipjjiiig, the tonsbs and
of 6t>, and 60 is accounted a long manes of their deceased ancestors,
life. \N here jVIahonunedanism pre- They have an impcrlect notion of a
vails, boys are circunicised between nietemsychosis, but not in any dc-
the .sixth and lOtli years. gree systematic, nor considered as
'J'he ancient gcnisine religion of an article of religions faith. They
the Hejangs,(the Sumatran race with seem tothiid; in general that tigeis
which we are best acquainted) if in are actuatid by the spirits of'de-
fact they ever had any, is now scarce- ceased men, and speak of them with u
ly to be traced; and what adds to degree of awe. They relate stories
the diibculty of procuring iulbrma- alsoof a place in the interior country,
tion is, that those who h;ive not been where the tigens have a court, and
initiated in the Mahummedan doc- m;(in1ain a regular form of govern-
trines regard those who have, as per- nunt, and have their houses thatch-
sons advanced a step ia knowledge ed v\ith women's hair. Tho Suma-
784
SUMBHAWA.
Irans are also firmly persuaded, that
various particular persous are wliat
IIk'v term betuah (sacred, impassive,
iuvulneral)le, and not liable to acci-
dent); and this quality they extend
to tiiinos inanimate, such as ships
and boats.
No attempts have ever been made
by missionaries, or otheis, to convert
the inhabitants of this island to
Christianity. Of the many thou-
sands baptized in the Eastern Isles
by the eelebiated Francis Xavier,
in the 16th century, not one of their
descendants are now found to retain
a ray of the liu^ht imparted to them.
As it was novelty only, and not con-
viction, that induced the orii;iiial
converts to embrace a new faith, the
impression lasted no longer than the
sentiment which recommended it,
and disappeared as rapidly as the
missionary. Under the inlluence,
however, of Uie Spanish <rovernment
at Manilla, and of tlx; Dutch at Ea-
tavia, there are many native Christ-
ians educated as such from their
chiidiiood. I'he ncfjlect of missions
to Sumaira is one of the causes that
the interior of the country is so little
known to the civilized world.
Lejijal (!isj)utes arc extremely com-
mon in Sumatra, and by far the
greater number originate in the in-
tricacy of the maniaj::e contracts, the
difficulties of which, both precedent
and subseqticnt, are iucreased by the
Siunatrans to a degree unknown in
the most rclined states. A Avife is
obtained by various modes of pur-
chase, and when the full sum is paid
the female l)eeomes to all intents
and purposes the slave of the hus-
band, who may at any time sell her,
makiiifj oidy tlie first offer to her re-
lations. 'J'he debts due lor these
sales constitute in fact the chief part
of tlieir riches; and a person is reck-
oned in good circumstances who has
several due to him for his daug'hters,
sisters,, aunts, and great aunts. Pros-
titution is imknown in the interior,
being confined to (he more j)olite
bazars on the sea-coast, where there
iii iLsually a concourse of sailors and
other strangers. Adultery is puni-ish*
able by fine, but the crime is rare,
and law-suits on the subject still less
frequent. The husband, it is pro-
bable, cither conceals his shame, or
revenges it with his o^^^l hand. The
customs of the Siunatrans permit
their having as many wives as they
can purchase, or afibrd to maintain;
but it is only among their chiefs that
instances occur of their having more
than one.
lYom various sources of informa-
tion, sulficiently distinct from each
other, the conclusion may be drawn,
that tlie Mahommedan religion had
not made any considerable progress
in the interior of Sumatra earlier than
the 14th century. The province of
]\lenancab()W, although situated in-
land, is by far the most completely
converted, the inhabitants being
wholly JVlahommcdiuis. Perliaps it
is less .surprising that tiiis one king-
dom should have been completely
C(mverted, than that so many dis-
tricts should remain to this day with-
out any n'ligion whatever. Every
thing conspires to induce the Suma-
tran to embrace a system of belief,
and scheme of instruction, in which
there; is nothing repugnant to preju-
dices already imbibed ; he relin-
quishes no favourite ancient worship
to adopt a new, and is manifestly a
gainer by the exchange. {Marsden,
SuMAUN. — A town in the province
of Agia, district of EtaAveh, 28 nfiles
N. N. E. from the town of Etaweh.
Lat. 2'° 0'. N. Long. 79°. 5'. E.
StiMBHAWA. — A larg<; ishuid in the
Eastern Seas, situated between the
eighth and ninth degrees of south la-
titude, and sepaiated from Lorn))-
hook by the Straits of Allass; in
length it may be estimated at 180
miles, by 40 the average breadth.
Near the middle it is deeply indent-
ed by an extensive bay, which al-
most divides it into two portions.
The petty statCvS on this island are
Einia, Dompo, Tambora, Sangar,
Papikat, and Sumbhawa. TJieir
chiefs were all either the allies of,
SUMBHULPOOR.
785
or under the protection of the Dutcli
Ea t India Company ; and were all
sulTicienfly obedient, except tlie last-
mentioned slate, which was refrac-
tory, being instigated thereto by the
Macassars and W adjorese of Ce-
lebes, who resort in great numbers
to this island, especially the latter.
Country ships here procure articles
of trade for tiie China market; and,
in 1778, sapan wood to the amount
of 580,000 pounds weight was ex-
ported from this island, and sold in
Holland. The Dutch trade toSum-
bhawa Mas under the superintcnd-
ance of the Macassar residency.
Bima lies at the east end of Sum-
bhawa, and comprehends under its
jurisdiction the Slraits of Sapy, the
whole of Manjeray, and the Island
of (joonong A pi. The Bima lan-
guage extends over the east part
of Sumbhawa, and the western por-
tion of the Island of Ende, denomi-
nated rioris by the early Portuguese
navigators. The dialect of Sum-
bhawa, whicli prevails in the districts
not subject to the Sultan of Bima, is
of a more mixed character than tliat
of Bima. Neither the latter, nor the
Sumbhawa, have any peculiar cha-
racter, but use indillerentiy the Bug-
gess or Malay characters. (Stavo-
rinvs and Notes, Leijden, Elmore, ^c.)
SuMBHOONAUTH, {Samhfiunat/ia, a
Name of Mahadeva). — A town and
temple in the Ghoorkhali territories,
in Ncnaul. Lat. 27°. 33'. N, Long.
85° 38'. E.
The temple of Sumbhoonauth is a
very ancient edifice, having been
erected when ?«epaul was subject to
a Tibetian race, who, having been
subsequently expelled by the Ne-
wars, obtained the name of Khat
Bhooteas (or B':ooteas of Catman-
doo), wiiieh they still preserve. At
present they occupy the Kutchar
mountains. The possession of the
temple has always been claimed by
the Delai Lama (the sovereign pon-
tift"of Lehassa), as a dependency on
his spirituality from the earliest
times. Upon the rupture which took
place some vears ago between the
3 E
Tibetians and tlie people of Nepaul,
the lamas vicar was obliged to eva-
cuate the sanctuary, which w as af-
terwards held on the pari of the Deb
Rajah of Bootan.
The t(>mple principally visited by
the Bootias and Bahauras, is on the
terrace of a hill, and is distinguished
at a great distance by its spires or
tunels, covered with plates of cop-
per, and highly gilt. Sumbhoonauth
is chiefly celebrated for its perpetual
fire, the priests asserting, that the
flame of the two largest lamp wicks
have been preserved from time im-
memorial. {Kirltpatrick, Src)
SuMBHULPOOR, {Sumbhalpura). —
A district in the province of Gund-
wana, situated between the 21st and
22d parallels of north latitude. This
territory takes its name from the ca-
pital, but the rajah is styled Rajah
Aularaghur, or the Rajah of 18
Forts. It is bounded on the west
by the district of Ruttunpoor and
Boora Shumbur ; to the east by Bim-
bera, Landaeoli, and Boad; to the
south by Patna and Coondon ; and
on the north by Gangpoor and Sir-
goo j ah.
The air of Sumljhulpoor is very
unwholesome, owing to the quan-
tity of jungle, and the vicissitudes
of heat and cold. The soil in the
vallies is a rich loam, in which grain,
or pulse, thrive well ; and in the
mountains gold and diamonds are
found. The natives wash the sand
of tlie rills that tlescend from them,
and procure considerable quantities
of gold. The diamonds are found
about 13 miles beyond Sumbhul-
poor, near the junction of the River
Hebe with the Mahanuddy, At this
place, after the rains, the natives
search in the River Hebe for red
earth, washed down from the niourj-
tains, in which earth the diamonds
are discovered. The matrix con-
taining the diamonds is a clay, which
appeaiy» burned red, nearly to the
degree bricks usually are. The na-
tives in this part of Gundwana are
miserablygoverned, and are described
as being lazy, treacherous, and cruel.
786'
SUNDA, (STRAITS OF)
The district ol' Siiiiibliiflpoor was
anciciillv conipniicmlcd in the IJiii-
di)() ^li^isi()ll of Ctnidwaiia, iuid
coiiiposed yiiut of the state ol" (iiir-
rah; hut, (hiriiij;- tlie iti.!;u of Aii-
iciigzehe, it Mas formally aiincxed
to the souhali of Allahabad, al-
though its snhjnu-aliou to the -Mogul
•XoNrnnneiit was Ittlle more than no-
iuinal. It aftcrwaids fell ""dcr the
s'way of the Nagpoor ^lahaiattas ;
and, dnrius the ^ar which took
place, hi 1803, between tiieni and
the Hiitish, possession wais taken of
it l)v the latter, as also tiie adjacent
district of Patna, eertaiii treaties
beiii!; entered into witii the feuda-
tories, who held thnn under the
Kafah of Naj^poor. ( )u the 24th of
Auu;ust, 180G, adverting to tlie
iiieiidly rela-ions th<?n subsisting
with the Nas;i)oor state, the British
g;..\ eminent agreed to restore to the
rajah all the territories of Sunibhiil-
po(naiid Patna, with the execptiou
of the country occupied l>y Rajah
.loiijar Singh, which vvas to conlinne
incorporated with the Rritisli domi-
nions. The pergnunahs thus re-
stored ' ere Suinbhuli>oor, Sohn-
]i(nn\ Saurungur, linrgur, Saktee,
Scrakole, I'ciiria. Ronee, Kautick-
poor, Patna, Klu«s Patna, \awa-
gur, Ciharcelanao, Tonageer, and
l{()iasanibrc.
In 1807 the iniexpecteci rcsistiince
uiade bv tlie wiiiindars of Sunibiinl-
poor and Patna 1o the rc-infrodne-
liuii of the \iaharatta power, in-
duced the Nag|)Oor ;-ta(e to solicit
ihc assistance of tlie British govern-
ment, being unable, owing to the
e\tia\agrtnce of the ^agpl>or Ka-
jah, fo "rtdse funds to c(iiii|> a suf-
ficient force. iMr. Elphinstoiie, the
British aiubassa(!or, was, in eonse-
t|nence. direet<Hl to interpose with
the zeiniudars, and to endeavour to
aecoiai>lish the jieaceable restoration
of the .Ataharata anliiority. In this
district is the tomb of Mr. illliot,
whose unlimely death is lamented in
Mr. Hastings' "eelclirated ode. (Ut
Reg. Trcatu's, Hii>.S'. J. Crunt, L<:c-
SiJMifHULPooR, — A town hi Ifie
pro\inee of Gnndwana, the capital
of a thstriet of tlie sanu; name, and
situated on the east side of the IVla-
hanuddv Rixer. Lat. 21°. 33'. N.
Long. 83°. 47'. Iv
SuMiujL. — A town in the ]>rovince
of Delhi, district of ]Jareily, 62
miles \\. N. W. from the town of
Bareilv. Lnt. 28°. 38'. N. Long.
78°. 32'. E.
Su.vimjL HivKU. — See Chumuul.
SuMisHORi:, (Soiiieswaia). — A
town in tlicprovin<-e of Btdiar. district
of Bcttiah, 46 miles N. N. ^^ . from
the town of Bcttiah. Lat. 27°. 19'.
N. Long. 84°. lo. E.
S I' M N A IJT, (Somanatha). — See PtiT-
T.VN St'MXAHT.
Si'NDA. (Srit \1TS or). — ^Tlie arm
of the sea which separates the hu'ge
islands of Sumatra and Java is
known to Europeans by this name ;
by the i\ialays it is termed Sunda
Kalapa. The length of this chan-
nel, taken from the flat point to
\ arkens, or Hog Point, is about 7t)
miles, and on the o|)posite coast,
from Java Head to Bantam Point,
about 90.
lii the moutli of tlie straits lies
Prince's Island, by the situation of
which two passages are formed; one
between 'Prince's Island and Java,
which is made use of; for the most
l»art, by sliijts which have to pn-ss tliw
straits during the south east mon-
soon, in order that, sailing close h\
Avith the Java shore, they may soon
get within anchoring depth, and
escape all danger of being driven to
sea with tli<^ currents, which at that
time of the year set strongly out of
the straits to the westv^ard. "I'he
other passage, whieJi is called by
s(;ameii the Great Channel, some-
times also serves as an eulrance to
the straits during tiie south-east
monsoon, but it is with the great-
est dillieiilty; and, after continual
struggling with the south-easterly
winds, and the current, that this
can be ellected.
In the narrowest part of tlie straits,
and opposite to Hog's Point, on Su-
SUNDERBUNDS.
787
matra, lies ait island, liiat, on ac-
count of its situation, has hecn called
I'hwart the Way, or Middle Isle.
A strouf:; cuilent runs throu<:;h the
passag'c t>n both sides of this island
durins," the whole year, setting with
the prevailing easterly or westerly
winds, either to Ihc nortli-east or
south-west.
The chief islands in the Straits of
Sundii are Prince's Isle, Krakatitu,
Tli\vart the Way, and Pulo Kaby.
'J'he others arc vc^y small and insig-
nificant, mostly level, founded ou
beds of coral, and covered with trees.
A few have steeps naked sides, and
at a little distance resemble old cas-
tles, mouldcriug into ruins ; but, on
a nearer view, appear to be of vol-
canic origin. The Dutch East In-
dia Company claim art absolute so-
vereignty over the Straits of Siuida,
but it never has been, in any respect,
enforced. These pretensions ori-
ginate from the circumstance of their
superiority over tiie land on each
side ; Eantam on the Java shore,
and Lampoug on that of Sumatra.
(^Sfaroriuus and Notes, SjT.)
SUNUECLA. — A town in the Nabob
of Oude's territories, 30 miles N. W.
from Lucknow. I^at. 27°. o'. N.
Long. 80°. 30'. E.
SuNDF.Ei* Isle, (Somadwipn, Isle
of the Moon). — An island in the juo-
vince of liengal, district of Chitta-
gong, which may be estimated at IG
njilcs in length, by eight the average
breadth. J I ere tliere is a govern-
ment establi.shment for the maim-
facture of salt, subordinate to the
Kuhvaand Chittagong agency.
Towards the conclusion of the
16th century, a nund)er of Portu-
guese settled on the c(»asts of Chitta-
gong and Arracan, many of whom
bad entered into the service of the
nativ(! i»rinees, and ublained com-
mands and grants oi' land. These
adxcidnrcrs were extirpated, or ex-
pelled, from Arracan about A. 1).
1G07, the few who escaped taking
refuge among the islands, where
they continued to practice piracy.
Futteh Khun, the Mogrd Governor
3e 2
of Suudeep, having attempted to
suppress them, was hiniself defeated
and killed, and his ^^hole fleet cap-
tured. On this event the pirates
elected for their chief a coumion
sailor, named Sebastian Gonzales,
and in 1609 gained possession of
Suudeep, after massacreing the gar-
rison.
Sebastian, after this success, esta-
blished an independent principality,
his Ibrcc amounting to 1000 Portu-
guese, 2000 native troops, 200 ca-
valry, and 80 vessels of different
sizes, well supplied with cannon,
with which he soon al'tcT added the
adjacent Island of Shahabaspoor.and
some others, to his dominions. AVilh
a little commoii prudence bis power
might have attained a great height,
and been permanent, but he soon
afterwards disgusted his OAvn sub-
jects, by the brutal tyranny of his
govenunent, and rendered tjie Mo-
guls and Arracaners hostile by the
p(ilidy of his cinuluct, and the mer-
ciless cruelty of his ra\ages. Aftei'
many vicissitudes he was aban-
doned by the greater part of his fol-
lowers, and in 1616 was defeat<dby
tlie Ixajah of Arracan, mIio con-
quered Suudeep and the other islands,
from whence, under the name of
Mnglis, the Arracaners infested and
desolated tin; lo\v( r district of J>cn-
gal, carrying off the inhabitants into
sla\ery.
'J'his island ( oiitinued in posses-
sion of these barbarians until A. D.
1666, when Shai.-(ta Klinu. the i\Io-
gul Governor of IJengal, ha\ing
fitted out a strong fleet at Dacca,
dispatched it down the jNfegna to
attack Sundeep, \\ii<-rc the ]\[ngh.s
had erccte<l blockaded fortilications,
■which they dcrciided witii great re-
solution lor a eoiisiderable time, but
weic at length all taken or destroyed.
Since that period it remained at- ,
tachcd to the ]Mogul goAiMiuiieiit of
IJengal, and dexohcd, along with
that province, to the liast India
Company. {Stewart, S,r.)
St'M)KUi!i;M)s, (Sinidari vana, a
Mood of Svondrii Trees], — A woody
788
SUNDERBUNDS.
tract of country on the sea-coast of
Bengal, being part of the Delta of
tlie Caiiges, and c.>teiiding along
the Bay of Bengal about 180 miles.
Tliis dreary region is composed of a
labyiiuth of riAcrs and creeks, all of
vhich are salt, except those that
communicate immediately a^ ith the
piincipal arm of the Ganges; these
iHimerous natural canals being so
disposed as to form a compietc in-
land navigation. In tracing the sea-
coast of this Delta, liicrc arc eight
openings found, eacli of which ap-
pears to be the principal mouth of
the Ganges.
As a strong presumptive proof of
tlie wandering of that river from one
side of the Delta to the other, it
may be observed, that there is no
appearance of virgin earth between
the Tipperah Hills on tJie east, and
the district, of Eurdwan, on the
west; nor below Dacca and Bau-
leah to the north. In all the sections
of the numerous creeks and rivers
of the Delta, nothhig appears but
sand and black mould in regular
strata, until the clay is reached that
forms the lower part of their beds ;
nor is there any substance so coaise
as gravel, either in the Delta, or
nearer the sea than 400 miles (by
the course of the Ganges) at Ouda-
nulla, where a rocky point, part of
the base of the neighbouring hills,
projecis into the river.
The navigation through the Sun-
derbunds is effected chiefly by means
of the tides, there being two distinct
passages; the one named tiie South-
ern or Sunderland Passage, and tlic
other the Balliaghaut l^assage. The
hrst is the furthest about, and leads
through tlie widest and deepest ri-
vers, and opens into tlie Hooghly or
Calcutta Kiver, about 65 miles be-
low the town. The Balliaghaut Pas-
sage opens into a lake on the east
side of Calcutta. The navigation
by these passages extends more than
200 miles through a thick forest, di-
vided into nuinberhiss islands by a
jnultitude of channels, so various in
point of V idtli, that a vessel has at
one time her mxists ejitaugled amonj
the branches of trees, and at other
times sails on a broadly-expanded
river, beautifully skirted with woods.
The water is every where salt, antl
the whole forest abandoned to the
wild beasts, except here and thcro
a solitary liikeer. During the dry
season the lower shores of these ri-
vers are visited by the salt-makers
and woodcutters, who exercise their
trade at the constant hazard of their
lives ; for tigers of the most enor-
mous size not only appear on the
margin, but frequently .s^im ofl" to
the boats that lie at anchor in the
rivers. In addition to tliesc the w a-
ters swarm with alligators. These
passages are open thnnighout tlie
year; and, during the season, when
the stream of the Ganges is low,
the whole trade of Bengal (the
western districts excepted) passes
either by Channel Creek, or by
Balliaghaut ; but cliieily by the for-
mer.
It is not practicable to bring into
culture these salt marshy lands, for
the most part overflov/ed by the tide ;
nor is it desirable, while so much
good land, in more healthy situa-
tions, remains imperfectly occupied.
The existence of this forest also has
always been considered of import-
ance ill a ])olitical view, as it pre-
sents a strong natural barrier along
the southern frontier &i Bengal.
Great quantities of excellent salt are
here manufactured, and esteemed of
peculiar sanctity, as being extracted
on the banks of the Ganges. The
woods also present an inexhaustible
supply of timber ibr fuel, boat-build-
ing, and other purposes.
Various derivations have been as-
signed to the name. By some it has
been traced from Sundeiy, a species
of tree ; and also from the words,
Soonder, beautiful, and Bon, a forest;
by others the name is asserted to be
Clumderbund, because the tract is
still comprehended in the ancient
zemiudary of Chunderdeep. In 1784
the Suuderbunds, Cooch Baliar, and
Kangamatty, all nearly waste, ac-
SURAT. 789
fording fo jMnjor RcnncI, contained tiieuisclves suJijcct to Jambee.
37,5-iy s(|uarc miles. {Rcnnel, J. {Dare, Vc.)
Grant, Culchrvohe, S;c.) Sunta Bedsore. — A small town
SuNDRAiibM. — A small state I3 iiig" enclosed witli a gurry wail and bound
within the bounds of Macassar ou hedge, in the pnnincc of Mysore,
the Island oi" Celebes. 'I1ic city 25 miles W. fiom Chilteldroos:. J-^at.
stands a little inland on the banks of
a river, \\ Iience its uainc origi.!at<;s.
{Stavoriniis, ^c.)
Sung EI 'jenaxg. — A countrv in
14°. 8'. N. Long. 76°. T)'. E. In
1792 it was plundered and burned
bv Mahiirattas.
SuuAJEGHUR. — A town in tlic pro-
the interior of Snmatra, situated \iuce of Eahar, district of iMongliir,
between the 2d and 3d degrees of
south latitude. The access to tliis
territory is extremely diificult, on ac-
count of the dilferent ranges of high
mountains covered with forest trees
and thick jungle that intervene. It
6'8 miles E. S. E. irom Patna. Lat.
25°. 14'. N. Long. 80° 15'. E.
SuRAJEi'ooR. — A small town in
tiie province of Allahabad, 51 miles
S. W. by S. from Lucknow. I^at.
26°. 10'. N. Long. 80°. 37'. E. This
is houndid on the N.W. by Korinchi place is pleasantly sitiuited on the
and Serampei; on the W. and S.W. west side of the Ganges, on the
by the Anak Sungei, or Mocomoco margin of which many Hindoo tem-
and Ypu district ; on the S. by La- l>les and ghauts (landing places) arc
boon, and on tiie E. by Batang Asei seen, some in ruins, while others arc
and Pakalang-jambn. building.
The general produce of this conn- .Surat, {Surashtra). — A Jarge and
try is maize, paddy, sweet potatoes, pojuilous city in the province of
common potatoes, tobacco, and su- tiujrat, situated on the south side
gar-cane; and the valleys are, on of the Tuptee Kiver, about 20 miles
the whole, well cultivated. The above its junction witii the sea. Lat.
principal part of the clothing is pro- 21°. 13'. N. Long. 73°. 3'. E. By
cured from the eastern side of the Abul Eazel, in 1582, it is described
island. The inhabitants arc a thick, as follows :
stout, dark race of people, some- " liircar Sooret, containing 31
thing resembling the Acheenese, and mahals, measurement 1,312,315 bee-
in general addicted to tlie smoking gahs, revenue 19,035,177 dams. Se-
ct opimn. They usually carry charms yurgiial 182,270 dams. This sircar
about their persons to preserve them fmnishes 2000 cavalry, and 5500 in-
from accident, some of Avhich are fantry." — Ranier, which is situated
printed at Batavia, or Samarang, in on the opposite side of the Tuptee,
Java, in Dutch, Portuguese, and is a port dependent on Surat. The
French. In addition to the i)re- followers of Zcrdasht (Zoroaster),
servation part, this document cau- when they lied from Persia, settled
tions purchaseis against charms iit Surat, where they practise the
printed in London, as the English doctrines inculcated by the Zend,
would endeavour to counterfeit and its commentary the Pazcnd.
them, and impose on the buyers, From the liberality of its majesty's
being all cheats. (Acber) disposition, every sect ex-
Every village has a t()A\n-hall ercises its particular mode of wor-
about 120 feet long, and broad in ship, without suilering tlie least mo-
proportion ; the woodwoi k of which lestation. 'I'hrough the negligence
is neatly carved. The dwelling- of soobuhdars and their oiliccrs, se-
houses contain live, six, or seven fa- veral ports of tiiis sircar are pes-
milics each, and tlie country is po- sessed by tiie Europeans, among
pulous. 'J'he inhabitants, both of which number are IJamaun, Sin-
Sungei 'J'euang and Sermpei, are jaun, Tarapoor, Malum, and Bas-
Mahommcdans, and ackjiowlcdgc .seen, all cities and emporiums,"
790
SURAT.
At present Snrat is one of the
largest, if not the very largest city
of Hindostan, although its trade has
unavoidably sujfered by the proxi-
mity of Bombay, to which place a
considerable portion lias been <raiis-
ferrcd. In 1796 one estimate raised
tiie population of Surat so high as
800,000 souls ; but another reduced
it to 600,000, wliich probably ex-
ceeds the actual number. In 1807
this city contained 1200 parsees of
the mobid or sacerdotal class, and
about 12,000 of the behdeen, or laity
parsees,
Large sliips cannot aspend the ri-
ver, but cast anchor about 20 miles
below the town. The harbour, on
the whole, is not commodious ; it is,
however, one of the best on this
coast during the prevalence of the
N. E. and N. W. winds. 'I'he an^
cliorage is dangerous with winds
from the s<juth and west, A large
quantity of cotton was formerly ex-
ported from Surat direct to China;
but much the greater portion is now
sent by the way of Bombay. The
cotton trade from this part of India
to China is of a recent date, and did
not commence earlier than 1775, at
which era there was a greater nuni-
I»er of ships belonging to Surat
than there js now to Bombay. The
imjiort and export trade which it
.still retains, is much engrossed by
the Arabian an4 Boras merchants.
Abstract Statement of the Value of
external Commerce, itnpnrted and
exported from Snrat, from the 1st
Mail, 1811, to the 30th April,
18 12.
Rupees.
Imports from Bassein, ar-
ticles ot food, soft sugar,
cocoa nuts, and sundries 00,307
Imports fro)n Brazil
Sundries 7,731
Treasure 749,374
7.'i7,105
Malabar and Ca-
nara, piece goods, sapan
wood, and sundries - - 58,273
Imports Persian Gulf.grain,
and sundries - 27,825
Treasure 133,849
Kupecs.
161,674
Imports from Arn-
bianGulf,articles
of food, raw ma-
terials, and sun-
dries - - - 38,546
Treasure 610,650
649,195
Mozambi-
que, raw mate-
rials, and sun-
dries - - - - 150,185
Treasure 20^478
170,663
Prince of Wales'
Island, sundries - , - 3,455
Cutch and Sinde 5,243
1,895,916
Imports from Bomhay.
Grain and other ar-
ticles of food - 5,103
ditto, through
the collectors'
department - 15,192
Articles for the use
of the native in-
habitants - - 352,267
Sundries to Euro-
peans - - - 133,926
Sundries for manu-
factures - - - 751,983
ditto, through
the col lectors' de-
partment - - 800
ditto, for re-
exportation - 163,558
Sundry articles - 6,562
Piece goods - - 234,540
Treasure - - - 40,099
1,704,039
Imports from the Tsorthern
Parts of Gnjrat.
Grain and other ar-
ticles of food - 1 ,042
Canicd forward
1,042
I
SURAT.
791
Rup
ices.
Rupees.
T^nni^lit foiwfin! - 1,012
Bronglit forward
101,994
(Jraiii aiuIollitTar-
Sundries •
- 15,430
licles of lood,
117,424
tlimut^Ii the col-
To Arabian (lulf,
locfors' depait-
Snrat nianufac-
iiiotit - - -422,610
t»yes - - - -
307,470
Aiiicles for the use
Produce ot
oftheimlivos - 30,462
(injnrt -
237,7-21
Suiidiics ff)r Eiiro-
Smulrics -
1,343
jjcans - - - 409
540,534
ditto for ma-
ToPrinceof Wales'
nufacturers - - 57,543
Island, Suratma-
ditto for cx-
iinfactnr(>s - -
21,409
l)ort-dtio» - - 9,003
iVodnce of
fsniidry articles - 177
(Jujrat -
28,008
Piece goods - - 751 ,745
Sniidrics -
S.04()
Treasure - - - 1,453
58,050
1,281,404
To Eeno-al, sniidri<'s
17,520
Total imports— Rupees 4.881,410
JE.r]wrts from the \st May,
1811, to the 30th Apr'il,^
1812.
To Bassein, Sinat manu-
I'aetures and sundries - 25,079
To Brazil, Surat
manufactures 412,390
Produce of
Gujrat 1,200,011
Sundries 3,255
1,615,655
To IVIalabar and
Canara, Surat
inanufaetures - 17,317
Sundries - 442
Treasure 39,375
To ]\T<idras, tin - - - -
To Persian Gulf,
Surat inanufae-
tures - - - -200,452
Produce of
Gujrat - 72,907
Sundries - 1 ,753
')7.134
3,710
To Alozanibique,
Surat manufac-
tures - -
Produce of
Gujrat -
- 01,043
40,951
275,172
To lionihav, Surat
manufactures - 257,896
Produce of
Gujrat 295,478
Do. of Cash-
mere - 35,488
Sundries - 53,854
To the northern
jiorts of Gnjrat,
Surat nianufac-
tiues - - - . 287,419
Produeeof Afo-
zamhique - 102,103
of Europe 39.343
Treasure - - 28,007
Sundiies - - 148,590
042,71«
005,522
Total exports -Rupees 3,9{)4,523
Statement of Shipx anrJ Toitnitfre nr-
rived at, mid dipartvd from Sural,
betwixt the 1st .Ifai/, 1811, ami the
[Hit h April, 1812.
Tons.
Arrived under English colours
9 vessels, measuring - HOG
Porluguese do.
4 ditto, measuring' - - 2300
Araliian ditto,
19 ditto, measuring - - 198.S
Carried forward 101,094
32 vessels, measurini!
5394
792
SURAT.
Tons.
Departed under British colours
9 vessels, measuring - 1030
Portuguese do.
4 ditto, measuring - - 2300
Arabian ditto,
19 ditto, measuring - - 1988
23 vessels, measuring
5318
Surat is one of the most ancient
cities in India, being mentioned in
the iamajHiia, a Hindoo poem of
great antiquity. After the discovery
of the passage to the East by the
Cape of Good Hope, it was much
froqiiented by vessels belonging to
all European nations, who exported
from hence pearls, diamonds, amber-
grise. civet, musk, gold, silks, and
cottons of every description, spices,
fragrant woods, indigo, saltpetre,
and all other objects of Indian traf-
fic. From hence also great multi-
tudes of pilgrims embarked for Ara-
bia ; on w hich account Surat was
always considered by the Mahom-
medans of Hindostan as one of the
gates of Mecca. In 1612, Captain
Best received ])ermission to settle
an English factory at Surat, where
he left ten persons with a stock of
40001. to purcliasc goods. The
Dutch did not visit Surat until 1617.
The French carried on a considera-
ble but losing trade with Surat dur-
ing the first years of the 18th cen-
tury ; and having contracted debts
to the natives, deserted it altogether.
Some time aftei wards, in 1714, a
company m as formed at St. Maloes,
which dispatched ships to the East
Indies ; but these were seized and
sequestered at Surat, to liquidate
the debts of the former company,
with \\ Inch the St. Maloes assccia-
lioii had no concern.
In January, 1664, the Maharatta
army, under Sevajee, made a sud-
den attack on Surat, when the go-
vernor shut himself up in his castle,
and the inhabitants fled to the ad-
joining country. In this emergency
Sir George Oxinden, the chief, and
the rest of the Company's seiTants,
shut themselves up in the factory
with the Company's property, valued
at 80,0001. and having fortified it
as well as the shortness of the time
would allow, called in the ships' crews
to assist in its defence. Vi hen attacked,
they made so brave and vigorous a
resistance, that they not only pre-
served the factory, but the greatest
part of the town, from destruction,
lor which they afterwards received
the thanks of the Mogul commander.
Surat was attacked, and partially
pillaged, by the Maharattas in 1670,
and afterwards in 1702. In April,
1707, it was again invested by these
freebooters; but, having no cannon,
and few fire arms, they were unable
to make any {)rogress.
Moyen ud Deen, the ancestor of
the present Nabob of Surat, was an
adventurer, who, in 1748, possessed
himself of the castle of Surat. His
successors were Cuttub ud Deen, in
1763 ; Nizam ud Deen, in 1792 ; and
Nassir ud Deen, in 1800 ; all in-
vested by the East India Con)pany.
The existing system of internal go-
vennnent having been foinid inade-
quate to the protection of the per-
sons and property of the inhabitants,
on the 13th of May, 1 800, a treaty
was concluded with Nassir ud Deen,
the reigning Nabob of Surat, by
which he agreed, that the manage-
ment of the city and district of Su-
rat, and the administration of civil
and crimiiial justice, should be ex-
clusively vest; d in the British go-
vernment. 'I'he latter engaged to
pay the nabob and his heirs oi:e lack
of rupees annually, and also a pro-
portion of one-fifth of the sur-
l)lus annual rexenue, deducting all
charges ; for satil'action in which re-
spect, a vakeel on the part of the
nabob to have liberty to examine
the accounts. The residue of the
revenue to be at the disposal of tlie
British government. By the treaty
of 1803, the Maharattas were com-
pelled to abandon all their vexatious
claims on this city. Prior to the en-
tire administration being vested in
SWALLY.
793
the British, the surroimding country
was much infested b\ bands of armed
thieves, who comuiilled depreda-
tions close to the walls, and some-
times even in the streets of Suiat.
'JVaveUiiig distance from Kotnbay,
177 miles; lium Poonah, 243 ; from
Oojaiu. 309; from Delhi, 756; and
fiom Calcutta, by Naopoor, 1238
miles. {Parliamentavn Reports,
Snice, Treaties, Sonnerat, A)iqiwtil,
Asiatic Regnter, &,-€.)
SURiAGo. — A small fort and town
belonging to the Spaniards, situated
at the northern extremity of the
Island of Magindanao, on the banks
of a river, which flows from a lake
inland. I'he roadsted here is good
during botli monsoons, but in the
oflitig, where the passage is narrow,
the tides are said to run with great
strength. {Forrest, ^-c.)
SuROUT. — A large village, pos-
sessed by independent native chiefs,
in the province of Agra, 55 miles
S. W. from the city of Agra. Lat.
26°. 51'. N. Long. 77°. 8'. E. This
place is suironnded w ith a mud wall,
and has within a square nnid fort,
with a double wall and ditch.
iSuRROOL. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Birb-
hoom, 53 miles S. W. by S. from
Moorshedabad. Lat. 23°. 39'. IS,
Long. 87°. 42*. E.
SUKSUTY River, (Saraswati) —
This river has its source in the hills,
which bound the north-cast extre-
mity of the province of Delhi, from
vvhence it liows in a south-west di-
rection towards the province of Aj-
meer, where its stream is lost among
the sands of that arid region. Sa-
raswati is also the name of many
smaller rivers all over Hiiidoslan.
SuRSury, (Sai-asu-ati). — A town,
belonging to native (;luefs, in the
province of Dellji, situated on the
west side of a river of the same
name, 108 miles N. \Y. from the
city of P'elhi, Lat. 29°. 13'. N.
Long. 75°. 27'. E.
SusEDooN. — A small town, pos-
.sessed by independent native chiefs,
in the province of Delhi, situated
near the ancient canal of Sultan IV
roze, 60 miles N. W. from the city
of Delhi. Lat. 29°. 20'. N. Long.
76°. 30'. E.
SuTAU'RY. — A town in the pro-
vince of Bengal, district of Backer-
gunge, 108 miles E. from Calcutta.
Lat. 22°. 38'. N, Long. 90°. 10'. E.
SuTCHANA. — A town in the Guj-
rat Heninsula, situated to tiie east of
Noanagur, to the Jam of which city
it belongs. An extensive fishery is
cariied on along this part of the
Gulf of Cutch, and the dried fish
are transported to the interior on
camels and bullocks. The pcail
oyster is also I'ound here, and is
made a source of revenue. {Mac-
murdo, <Sc.)
SUTHLEJF, {Satadiii, tcith an hun-
dred Bellies, or Clianneh). — This
river has its source in the lofty Hi-
malaya ridge of mountains, from
w hence it flows in a southerly di-
rection, bounding the province of
Lahore to the east. At Bellaspoor,
where it enters Hindostan, the
stream is 100 yards broad when the
waters are at the lowest. About
the middle of its course it is joined
by the Beyah, when the united vo-
lume takes the name of Kirah; after
which th<'y do not mix their waters
with the other rivers of the Punjab,
but fall into the Indus, about 80
miles below Moultan. Tiie Sutu-
Icje, after its junction with the
Beyah, is the Hyphasis of Alexan-
der, and is navigable 200 miles
above its conflux with the Indus,
The length of its course, including
the windings, may be estimated at
600 miles. By Abul 1 azel, in 1582,
it is described as follows :
" The Sutuleje, foruierly called
Shelooder, whose source is in the
mountains of Ghahloic. Roopcr,
Malcliwarch, and LudchaTuieh, aie
situated on its banks. After having
passed these places, it runs to Bowh
Ferry, where it unites with the river
Beyah, anciently called Beypasha.''
{liennel, Abul Fazel, Wilford, S^-c.)
SwALLY, {Sivalaya, the Abode of
Siva). — A town in the province of
'04
TAIINESIR.
CJujrat, situated at the mouth of the
'r»i|it( c I^iver, 20 miles W. by S.
from Smat. Lat.21° 5'. N. Luu^.
7-1°. 50'. i^;.
SYDABAn. — A small town in tlie
proviiiec of Ap:ra, 20 miles N. In E.
i'nim the city of A^Ta, Lat. 27°. 30'.
TV. r.f)iio-. 77°. 57'. E.
Syd M'ORUM. — A town in the Car-
nalie, 90 miles N. N. ^\ . from Ma-
dras. Lat. 14°. 11'. N. Long. 79°
45'. i:.
Sylaii. — A larjje fortified town in
the province of Gujrat, distriet of
Chalawani. The south of this town
marks th(! boundary of Cottiwar,
and here CJujrat Peninsula may bo
fonsidend as terminating. This
place is larger than Wankanecr, but
not so well fortified. It belongs to
a Rajpoot chieftain, but, like all
others in this neighbourhood, pays a
tribute to the Guicowar. A very
large sheet of water covers the south
lace of the tow. {3IacmHr(Io, yc.)
Syriam. — A town in the Birman
nnpirc and province of Pegu. Lat.
1G°. 49'. N. Long. 96°. 17'. E. In
the year 1744 the British factory at
this place was destroyed by the con-
tending parties, during the wars of
the Birnians and Pegucrs, Avhich
were carried on with the most sa-
vage ferocity.
T.
TAiiABiai.AH. — A toAvn in the
Maharatta territories, in the pro-
viucc of Malwah, ;52 miles W. iionr
Oojaiii. Lat. 23°. IG'. N. Long. 76°.
20'. E.
Tabi.as Islk. — One of the Phi-
lip])incs, situated tlue south of JiU-
zon, and of a very irregular shape.
In length it may be estimated at 30
miles, by three the average breadth.
Tacoai.um. — A town jn the Car-
natic, 40 miles W. from Madras.
Lat. 13°. 4'. N. Long. 79°. 50'. i;.
Taoal. — A Dnteh establishment
on the north coast wf Jav}v, where
there is a resident to receive the con-
tributions furnished by the chief, and
to deposit them in the Comp.any's
warehouses, Lat. 6°. 44'. S, Long.
108°. 55'. E.
'I'his is a large village, built at
the bottom of a mountain, on Aihich
there is a volcano, and inhabited
ecpially by Javanese and Chinese.
The mountain is a remarkable ob-
ject viewed from the sea, having,
oAving to the eruptions, the appear-
ance of a high tower, with an in-
clination to one side. {Tombe, ^-c.)
Tagolanda. — A small island,
about 20 miles in circumference, si-
tuated oil" the north-eastern extremity
of Celebes. Lat. 2°. 10'. N. Long.
125°. 5'. E.
This island is populous, and plen-
tifully supplied with provisions, three
chopping knives being the price of a
bullock, and one will purchase 1000
cocoa nuts. The Dutch formerly
kept a few soldiers here, and a
schoolmaster to convert the inha-
bitants, who are described as pork-
eating Pagans, which is a grand dis-
tinction among the Malay islands.
{Forrest, Sf-c.)
Tahej. — A town in the province
of Cuteh, of which it was the ca-
pital when Abul Fazel wrote, A. D.
1582. Lat. 23° 17'. N. Long. 70°.
27'. E.
Tahmoor. — A town in the Nabob
of Oude's territories, 62 miles N. by
E. from Lucknow. Lat. 27°. 41'. N.
Long. 81°. 10'. E.
Tahnesir, {T'hamisar). — An an-
cient town in the Seik territories, in
the province of Delhi, 90 n)iles N.
bv W. from the city of Delhi. Lat.
30°. N. Long. 76°. 30'. E. By Abul
Eazel, in 1582, it is described as fol-
lows :
" Tahnesir is held sacred by th«
Hindoos. The Ri\er Sursuty, to
vliicli the Hindoos pay great ador.i-
tioii, runs past it. In the vicinity is
a lake called Khoorkhet, to which
jiilgiinis come from far to worship
and bestow charity.
" This was the scene of the war of
the JMahabhaiat, Out of the iin»
TAMBEIIKAN.
795
mouse Hiultitiulo of forors on tlio one
side, ami Ww troops ofJucHiisliter on
the other, only 12 persons survived
the slanf;hter, olwhieh number lour
were of the army of Doorjodhen,
viz. Kecraeharij, a Urahniiii, who
had been preeu|)lor to the Coi>roos
andPandoos. 2d. Ashotoman, who
Iiad exercised the same olliec. .'}d.
Kecrut IJirman, ofthe Jndowii tribe.
4. Sujey, who drove the ehariot oi"
Driterashter. Tlie other eip;ht sur-
vivors were of the Pandoo army, viz.
the five J^andoo brothers: Saliek, ot"
the Jadow n tribe ; II u jtash, who w as
Doorjodhen's brother b> another mo-
ther ; and Krishna, w hose tame is so
universal as to render any aeeonnt
othim unnecessary. Near this plaee
stood the ancient city of Hustuu-
poor."
When taken by Mahmood of Ghiz-
i)i in A.D. 1011, Tahnessir was still
the capital of a powerful kingdom.
At present it is the next town of im-
})ortance to Pattialah, in the Sirhiud
district, and is still held in high reli-
gious veneratiitn by the Hindoos.
The inhabitants of the surrounding-
country are eliielly Jauts, many of
whom liJive become Seiks; and there
are also a few Uajpoots of low caste.
{Abul Fazel, Sir J. Malcolm, G. Tho-
mas, iVc.)
'1'ahnooN. — A district in Northern
ITindostan, tributary to the Clhoor-
khali Kajah of Xepaul, and forming
part of the country of the 21 Ivajahs.
■J'o the south it is bounded by the
British Terriani, belonging to the
district of IJettiah iti Baliar ; but
the interior has n("v<!r been explored.
Like the rest of Northern llindostan
it exhibits an irregularly mountain-
ous surl'aee, and it is known to be
but lliiidy inhabited.
'J'aux'lm. — A town in Northern
llindostan. belonging tothetJIioor-
kliaii Rajaii of NepanI, situated about
2.3 miles N. W . liom (joieah, the an-
i'ient capital of the reigning dynasty.
J.at. 28^. 41'. N. Long. 8 1°. 10'. L.
Tahkau. — A town and fortress in
the province of Cuteh, situated about
^0 niiies S. E. from liuckput Biui-
der, on the road from tli.it place to
Mandavee, a seaM)ort in the Culf of
Cuteh.
The fortress is an irregular build-
ing, defended by round towns, flank-
ed by a large tank on each side ; the
town on the south, and tli(> suburbs
on the west. The inhabitants ar«
numerous, and principally Hindoos.
The surrounding country is well cul-
tivated, and the soil a heavy sandy
loam. {Maxjield, ^c.)
Tajg Ai'w. — A town in the Maha-
ratla territories, in the pro\ince of
Kejai)Oor, 17 miles N. by W. from
Menitch. Lat. 16°. 47'. N. Long.
7.3°. 5.5'. E. 'Ibis plaee was fortified
by Purseram Jihow ; and, in 1792,
wa;s coii.sidered as the capital of his
territories, being at that period the
residence of his family.
TALMiRK. — A town in the Malia-
ratta territories, in the province of
Khandesh, situated on the north
l)ank of theTuptcc River, 92 nnles
west liom IJoorhanpoor. Lat. 21°.
11'. N. f.nng. 74°. 55'. E. Abul
Fazel describes it as the capital of
Add Shah, the first independent
sovereign of Khandesh, A.D. 1400'.
Tamauacherry. — A small inland
tow n in the province of Malabar, 23
miles N. E. from Calicut. Lat. H°
21'. N. Long. 76°. 3'. E.
From the district aroiuid tliis
place from two to 300 teak trees may
be procured annually, and an equal
number of the viti or bhu'k wood.
Altliongh tliis be an inland counti-y,
and eonsecpiently not .so favourable
for the production of cocoa nut
palms, y(;t trees of that descriplioii
occupy by far the greater part of the
high lands. {F. Buchanan, Vc.)
'J'ambah. — A town in the Malia-
ratta territories, in the province of
Bejapoor, 70 miles south licnn Poo-
naii. Lat. 17°. 28'. N. Long. 73°.
35'. Fu
'1'amcf.hkan. — A small village in
Northern Jlindostan, belonging (o
the Choorkhali Rajah of Nepaul.
liat. 27°. 2.3'. N. Loiig. 85°. 30'. V,.
The mines of copper in (he vici-
nity of this place are nearly exhaust-
7^6
TANJORE.
ed; but otiier veins have been dis-
covered, and are worked at no ortat
dislancc from hence. The miners,
^vho are of the Ajrye caste, move
about IVom y/iacc to place as their
discovciies of the metal offer occa-
sion. (Kirkpafrick, 4"f.)
Tamul. — This is the proper na-
tional appellation of the Sudras of
all the eastern side of Ihe south of
India, ; and the Piacril ]>hasham, or
vulgar dialect of the counlrj, is there-
fore called the iano-nage of the i'a-
muls. It is principailv spoken in the
tract from <hc south of 'I'clinj^ana as
far as Cajie Coniorin, and from the
Coast of Coromandel to the great
range of hills, including- the greater
j)art of the Ran amahal, Salem, and
the country now called Coimbeloor,
along which line it is bounded to
the west by the province of ilalabar.
Eoth language anil jieople aie, by
those of Karnata, called Arabi and
Tigular; and the Tamul Brahmins
designated Dravida Brahmins. By
Europeans this language is miscalled
Malabars. {Wilhs, F. Buchanan, 6i'c.)
7\\NAH. — A town in tlic jirovince
of Gujrat, 41 miles E. by N. from the
city of Snrat. Lai 21° 21'. N.
Long. 73°. 41'. E.
Tanakekr Isle. — A small island
about 12 miles in circumference,
surrounded by a cluster of smaller
ones, and situated ofl' the S.AV. ex-
tremity of Celebes. Lat. 5°. 30'. S.
Long. 19°. 10'. E.
This island was formerly given up
by the Dutch to the jNIaliiys in their
service; many of the smaller aie un-
inhabited, and others peopled by the
Buggesses. (^Sidvorirms, '^-c.)
1'andah, {orTanah). — A town in
the province of Bengal, adjacent to
the ruins of the ancieiit city of Gour.
Lat. 24°. 49'. N. Long. 88°. 1.5'. E.
In A.D. l.'>64, 8olinian ^sliah, one
oflho Bengal tsovereignsof the Shere
Shah dynasty, made this place his
capital, esteeming the situation more
heailhy than that of Gour. In 1660
Sultan Shuj;'.ii was defeated near to
this by Mecr Jumla, the general of
)iis brother Aurcngzobe. There is
Utile remaining of this place, except
the rampart; and, owing to the sur-
rounding swamps, it has never been
considered healthy by Europeans.
Dimities and cloth?, resembling dia-
per and damask luien, are made in
this neighbourhood. {Steicart, Ren-
nel, ^-c.)
Tanete. — ^A town and small prin-
cipalily, situated half way b.,4ween
I'ort Rotterdam and the Bay of So-
rian. Lat. 4°. 14'. S. Long. 119°
3ry. E. In 1775 this petty stale was
tiibulary to the Dtitcii, and governed
b}' a female. {Stavorimts, ^r.)
Tanjore. — A district in IheSoutli-
crn Carnatic, situated between the
10th and 12th degrees of north lati-
tude. To the north it is bounded
by the River Cauvery ; on the south
by the sea; to the east it has also
the sea ; and on the west Trichino-
poly and the polygar's territory.
This little principality is entitled
to the second rank among all the
provinces of Hindostan for agricul-
ture and valued rent, the first being
assigned to the district of Burdwaii
in Bengal. I'or the purposes of ir-
rigation prodigious mounds have
been raised at Coilady to prevent
the waters of the Cavcry from rejoin-
ing those of the Coleroon after they
ha^'e separated near Trichinopoly.
From this southern branch of the
river canals are conducted in all di-
rections, which, by means of em-
bankments and reservoirs, are di-
verted inlo every field, and fertilize
a tract of country from Devicotta to
Point Calymere, which would other-
wise remain a barien sand. The in-
habitants of this district are uncom-
monly industrious and expert in hus-
bandry ; there is consequently but a
very small proi)ortion of waste land
compared with what is seen in some
of the neighboming territories. The
dry and wet cultivation are nearly
equal, being about 50 per cent. each.
i'rom a report on the affairs of
Tanjore, in 1807, it appears the pro-
vince then consisted of 5873 town-
ships. Of this number there arc
1807 townships, in which one indi-
TANJORE.
797
vidiial lioltls Uie whole imdividcd
lands; 2202 of" which the property is
held bj' several persons having their
distinct and separate estates; and
1774 the landed property, in m iiich
is held in comniou by ail tlic Mc^e-
rassJars, or proprietors of the village,
who contribute labour and receive a
share of the crop in the proportion
of their respective properties. The
same report states, that the unniber
of Meerassdars, who are IJrahiuins,
arc ------- 17,149
Of Sudras, including native
Christimis - - - - 42,442
Mahommcdans - - - 1,457
Total 62,048
The Mahommedans here stated
are all Lublties, descended from in-
dividuals of that faith, who emigrated
t'roni Arabia in the early part of the
eighth century, during the tyrannical
reign of Ilijaj ben Yusef.
The principal articles exported
from the ports of this district to j\Ta-
dras, are iudigo, cocoa mils, rice,
grain, paddy, lamp oil, with some
piece goods. The remaining articles,
from their description, appear to
liave been iirst received from the
eastward, Ceylon, or the Malabar
Coast, and attersvards sent to Ma-
dras. 'I'hcse consist of betel mit,
tin,pepper, tortoise shell,besijanun,ar-
rack,TrincomaIe wood, and hing. The
im])orts into this province from Ma-
dras are small in quantity and value,
and are composed chiefly of articles
for the European troops and resi-
dents, with some iron hoops, cam-
phor, raw silk, silk jni'ce goods, an-
chors, iron of various sorts, gunnies,
planks, and long pepper roots. 'J"he
sea ports of most conunerce are Trau-
quebar, Nagore, Negaputam, Cari-
cal, and Devicotta.
The Mahommedans having never
actually occupied this territory, or
cfTccted any permanent establish-
ments in it, the Hindoo religion has
been preserved in considerable splen-
dour, and their ancient places of
V orsliip, with their vast endowments.
remain nntonched. In almost every
village there is a pagoda \vi;h a lolly
gateway of massive, but not incio-
gant architecture, where a great
number of IJrahminsare maintained,
cither by the revemics formerly at-
tached to tliem, or by an allowance
from government. On all the great
roads leading to these sacred places
are choultries, built for tiie accom-
modation of pilgrims. 'M;e Erali-
niins are here the chief holders of
land, and perform almost every ofIic«
of husbandry, except holding the
plough. They are all cxtremeiy loyal
to the British for the protection they
receive, and also for an allowance
granted by the government of40,U0O
pagodas annually, which is distri-
buted lor the support of the poorer
temples.
In tlie remote times of Hindoo
antiquity, Tanjore v, as distinguisliod
geographically by the name of Cholu
Dcsa, irom whence originated by
several corruptions the word Coro-
mandel, and in native manuscript$
its so\ereign is still designated the
Cholia Rajah. The present race are;
descended from Eccojce, a Maha-
ratta chief, (the brother of Scvajee),
who, in A. D. 1675, conquered the
city and province, Avliich have been
retained by the same dynasty ever
since ; tlie ^Maharatta being the pro-
per language of the Tanjore court.
The expedition of the British troops
into Tanjore, in 1749, was the lirsJ
warfare in which th(!y were engaged
against the forces of a native prince ;
and it proved unsuccessful as to its
main object, the restoration of a de-
posed Rajah of Tanjore, who had
applied for assistance to the governur
of Fort St. David.
Sersajee, the present rajah, is the
adopted son of Tuljajee, who died
in A. D. 1786, He was ciirefuily
educated under a most respectable
Dauisli missionary, Mr. Scihwaris,
and among Christians, yet iie con-
tinued a staunch adherent to the
Bralnninical doctrines and supersti-
tions. In every other respect he is
a man of liberal sentiments, and par-
3
798
TANNA.
licularly indulgent 1o the Danish
missionaries wlio live in his country,
whose conduct does honour to the
Ciuistian name. While yet an in-
dept'udeut jirince he protected their
schools, which were fostered by his
old tutor. Mv. Schwarts ; and ex-
tended his kindness to the Kojnan
Catholics also, who, in 1785, were
estimated at 10,000 persons. Even
the Brahmins in this proviiice ap-
])ear to have relaxed a little, as they
have procured a j)riiiting, press, which
tliey dedicate to the glory of their
gods.
In 1799 a comnnitationof suhsidy
was cflected, and the territory of
'J'anjore subjected to tlie British au-
thoritj'. On this event the rajah re-
served to himself several palaces,
the TraiKjuebar tribute of 2000
chuckrums, a clear allowance of one
lack of rupees annually, and onc-
iitth of the surplus revenues after
payment of the civil and military
disbursements, which amounts to
nearly twice as much more. As a
particular favour he was allowed to
retain the two forts of 'raHJore,which
he keeps in excellent repair, and
garrisoned with 1500 men. The pro-
vince now forms one of the districts
under the JMadras Presidency, and
the anangement has proved equally
advantageous to the iidiabitants and
to th(^ British. {Lord Valentia, Willis,
Parlinmcntani lieports, Heiiiiel, J.
(iraiit, Fra Paolo, St. Vc.)
Tanjork. — A city in the Southern
Carnatic, the capital of a district of
the same name. I.at. 10°. 45'. N.
Long. 79°. 12'. E.
Tljis city comprehends two for-
tresses, both of which ;uc given up
to the- rajah ; but on the exigf-nccof
war, the British have a right by
treaty to re-o(xupy them. Tlie small
fort is a mile in ciicumfcrencc, very
strong, and in good repair. The
walls are lofty, and built of large
stones, and on the corners of tlie
ramparts are cavaliers. The ditch,
which is broad and deep, is cut out
of the solid rock, and lias a Avell
formed glacis. It joins on one side
to the large fort where the rajah t-e->
.sides, which is fortified in a similar
manner.
The small fort cojitains the cele-
brated pagoda, the chief building of
w Inch is the finest specimens of the
pyraniidieal temple in Hindostan.
^Vithin is a bull carved from a block
of black granite, an excellent ex-
ample of Hindoo sculpture. From
one of the ca\ aliers there is a beau-
tiful view. 'J'hc pagoda forms the
foieground, theii appears the large
foit with the rajah's palace and tem-
ples, behind Avhich a ricii country is
seen covered with rice fields and
chimps of trees, and beyond all a
chain of lofty mountains. The River
Cavery here is at the highest when
the periodical rains prevail in My-
sore.
In remote ages this was the great
seat of learinng in the South of In-
dia, and here the almanacs were
farmed, according to vaIucIi the year
1800 of the Christian era corres-
ponds with the year 1722 of Saliva-
hanam, and the 4901 of the Call
Yug ; which reckoning dificrs one
year in th(^ former era, and seven in
the latter from that used in Karnata.
The British were repulsed from be-
fore 'J'anjore in A. D. 1749, and it
was besieged v ithout success by M.
Lally in 1758.
'1 rftvelling distance from Madras,
205 miles ; from Seringapatam, 237 ;
and from Calcutta, 1235 miles. (Lord
VaJeutia, F. Buchanan, Kennel, Vc.)
Tanksal. — A town in the Seik
territories, on the north-eastern iron-
tier of the province of Delhi, 1.50
miles north from the citv of Delhi.
Eat. 30°. 51'. N. Long. 76°. 53'. E.
Tanoui;:, (Tama-). — A town on
the sea (;oast of Malabar, 30 miles
S. by l'^. from Calicut. La). 1<,°. 55'.
N. hoiv.
.55'. E. Tliis was for-
merly a i)lace of considerable note,
but is now reduced to the condition
of a poor village.
Tanna, (Thana). — A town and for-
tress on tlie Island of Salsctte, which
command the passage (here 200 yards
broad) between the island and the
TASSISUDON.
799
llHaliaratla tniilorios in tlic ])iovin("e
of Aiiiiiiii-al»:i(l, Lai. lt>°. lO'. N.
Loiij>-. 73°. 6'. E.
The fort is small, but well hiiilt,
ami altiioii*;!! not complete is a stroii};'
foi(iti(;a(i<m, and alw ays kept in the
liigliest order. It is usually gar-
li.soued by a battalion of sepoys, and
a comj»any of Kiuopean artillery from
Bombay. The town is stra;i:i;liii;j,\
but not large, :uid lias several Por-
tng^ueso chiirehes, with a number of
Christian inhabitauLs. {Jloor, .yc.
Tapanooly. — A Uritish settle-
ment in Sumatra, situated on a small
island at the hotloiu of the J>ay of
Tapanooly, on the N. ^^ . shore, ♦list-
ant about two and a half or three
miles. Ships that have ear£,()es to
dispose of j::o round and anelior to
the eastward, in eijrht I'atliouis wa-
t«»r, and have a ropt; from the shon^
to swinsr by. Lat. 1°. 4U'. \. Long'.
'.)6°. ouC E.
The Bin of Tapanooly, with the
Island of Alaiisalar, forms one oftlie
tine.st ports in the world ; composed
«»f sueb a eomplieation of harbours
within each other, that it is asserted
a larn'e sliip niiy;ht lie so hid amojii^
them, as not to be discovered with-
out a lab(»riuus research. This inlet
.stretches into tlx- heart of the Hattas
country, with whom a <-oiif-iilerable
truflie is carried on, antl finil.cr for
ma-sts and spars is to be pmcurcd in
tlie \ariou.s creeks; but not htinic in
the "general tract lor British vessels,
this liarbour has been little frequent-
id for naval purposes.
The large kinia cockle (ehania
gigas) abounds in this bay, one of
which that was carritd (o i;n<;luiul
measiued three feet three inches in
its loni;cst diameter, and two I'cet
one inch across. The substance of
the shell is, in <;enerai, perfectly
white, and several inches thick. 'Ihe
loe of this cockle will sometimes
weigh six pounds, and the lish al-
logellier, when cleared of the sliill,
liom 20 to 30 pounds. One method
of taking- them in deep water is by
tlirusting a bamboo between tiie
valves as they lie open, which is
made liist by the innnediate closure
of the shell. In this bay are also
found most beautiful corallines and
madripose*.
In 17G(> Tapanooly was taken by
a squadnni of I'Vench ships under
the Compte d'Jlstaing; and, in f)ct.
lSOf>, being nearly def(n<eless, it
was again taken by a I'rench scpia-
dron, and plundered with every cir-
cumstanee of atrocity and brutality,
(lUtirsdoi, Elmore, Sx;)
Tapooi..— A small island, one of
the Sooloo Archipelago, situated duo
south from the jirineipal Sooloo Isle,
This is a small island with plenty of
fresh water, and abounding v\ilh
small cattle, goats, and jams, being
(•ultivated to the top, {Dalrymple,
S-c. S-c.)
'J"AUAii\t).— A town in the Maha-
ratta territories, in the province of
Anvungabad, fM miles S, E, from
Snrat. Lat. 20°. 38'. N, Long. 74°
20'. E.
Tauhar.— A small district in tho
province of Allahabad, situated be-
tween the 25th an<l 2()lh degrees of
north latitude, and bounded or» the
north by the .lumna, near its c(m-
lluene<- with the danges. 'J'his dis-
trict was lormetl during the reign of
Aurengyebe, of jiortions of land dis-
m( inendjered from the adjoining di-
^isions,
Taukahi'oou, — A town in thu
pro\inee of Bahar, !)0 miles E. S. I'..
trom J'atna, Lat. 2r>°. 7'. .\. Lon--.
8(i°. 40'. E.
'J ' I s s 1 s U Do K, (or Ti! di:isoo Jcnng).
— A city in Northern 1 lindoslan, in
the province of liootan, of w hich it
is the capital, and the residence of
the J)eb Hajah. J. at. 27^. ;3u'. N.
Long. 8y° 3(>'. i;.
Tlii.s town stands in u highly cul-
ti\al(>d valley, about tliiee miles in
Ivngtii, by one in bn adth ; intt r-
sccted by the'leiiintchieu Biver, the
banks of whicli are lined with wil-
lows. On the surrounding moiui-
tains are some timber trees, inter-
mixed with lir and pine, and a great
variety of lloweriiig shrubs. The
800
TATTA.
cUriiate generally is described ae
being rc-inarkiibSy saiubiions.
The castle or palace of Tassisudou
is situated near the centre of the
valley, and is a building of stone of
a (juadrangular form. The walls are
30 feel higii, and arc pierced below
Avitli very small windows, apparently
more for the purpose of aihnitiing
air than light. The citadel is a very
lofty building, consisting of seven
Ftorics, eachfroni 15 to 20 feet high.
From the centre of these rise a square
piece of masonry, which supports a
canopy of copper richly gilt, sup-
posed to be immediately over the
idol Maha Moonce. I'he Deb Ra-
jah of Bootan dwells in the citadel,
on tiie fourth story irom the ground.
Near to this city are a long line of
sheds, where the workmen are em-
ployed forging brazen gods, and va-
rious other ornaments disposed about
tlieir rehgions edifices. There is here
also a considerable manufacture of
paper, made from the bark of a tree
named deah, which grows in great
abundance near to I'assisudon, but
is not produced adjacent to Bengal.
It is very strong, and capable of
being woven, when gilt by way of
ornament, into the texture of silks
and satins. {Turner, ^-c.)
Tatta, {Tuttah). — A dishict for-
merly contained in tlie great soubah
of Mooltan, but in modern times
transferred to that of Sinde, and its
dimensions much circumscribed. To
the north it is bounded by Sinde ; on
the south by the sea ; to the east it
has Cutch and the Sandy Desert ;
and on the west the sea and Baloo-
chistan. Its limits at present coni-
prihend merely the Delta of the
Indus, which may be estimated at
150 miles in length, by 50 the ave-
rage breadth. By Abul Tazel, in
1682, it is described as follows :
" Formerly .sircar Tatta Mas an
independent territory, but now it
forms part of the empire. The lengUi
from Behkur to Cutch and Mekran
is 257 cuss, and the breadtii, from the
town of Budeyan to Bunder Lahry,
fueasures 100 coss; and agaiu tiie
breadth from Cknnder of Behkur to
Beykancer, is 60 coss. On the east
lies Gujrat ; on tlie north Beyknr and
Sewee ; on the south the sea, and on
the west Cutch (Gnndava) and Mek-
ran. Alore is now called I'atla and
Debifl. Here the northern moun-
tains form several branches, one of
which runs to Caudahar. Another
brancli commences on the sea coast,
goes to the town of Koul^har, where
it is called Ramgur, and from diencc
proceeds to Sewistan, Avhere it is
called Lucky. Here are a consi-
derable tribe of Baloochees called
Kulmany. They are 20,000 families,
and can raise 10,000 choice cavalry.
Camels arc bred here. Another chain
of mountains runs fiom Sehwan to
Seewce, where it is called Khutler.
Here dwell a tribe iianud Nomurdy.
" In Tatta the winter is so mode-
rate that there is no occasion for
iurs, and in summer, excepting in
Sewistan, the heat is not excessive.
I'he inhabitants travel chiefly by
water, and ])ossess not less than
40,000 boats. Here are iron mines
and salt pits. Rice is fine and iu
abundance. At the distance of 12
miles from Tatta is a quarry of yel-
low stone, whicli is cut (o any size,
and used for building. The Ibod of
the inhabitants is chiefly tish and
rice. They dry fish in the sun, and
also extract oil tiom thejn, which
they use in boat building.
" Tatta is now (in 1582) the fourth
sircar of the soubah of Mooltan.
From tlic northern borders of Tatta
to Utch is a range of mountains of
hard black stones, inhabited by va-
rious tribes of Baloochces; and on
the south from Utch to Gujrat arc
sandy mountains, the residence of
the Ashambchty and other tribes.
The country from Bchkoor to Nus-
serpoor and Ameri.ote is peopled
by the .Sowrah and Jareecheh, and
other tribes. Sircar Tatta, contain-
ing 18 mahals, revenue 25,999,991
dams. Tatta became subject to the
IMahommedans in the year of the
Hijcra 99 (A. D. 721) doling the
Caiiphat of Waiid."
TATTA.
801
Since Abul Fazel wrote this dis-
trict has experienced a gradual de-
cay, which has of hite years been so
ninch accelerated, that the coiiiitry
is in danger of becoming a banen
desert. Altliongh resombliiig, in
many of their geographical features,
the Delta of the Indus presents, in
other respects, a remarkable con-
trast to that of the Ganges. From
the sea-coast to the city of I'atta
scarcely any thing is to be seen
but an arid sandy country, covered
in diU'erent places with the milk
bush, and other shrubs pecidiar to
sterile lands, and almost destitute of
fresh water, which must be procured
from an immense depth underground.
Here and there low ranges of bare
scraggy hills are seen, but scarcelj'
a vestige of population or cultiva-
tion for many miles from the sea.
Between Tatta and Corachie are
many tombs and ruins, which would
indicate a state of former prosperity,
very different from its present mi-
serable condition. The wells, and
other remains of the ancient city of
Bambarah, are still discernible, but
now covered with bauljool and other
wild shrubs, and inhabited only by
a few Hindoo devotees. Between
Tatta and Corachie there is an in-
land lake of considerable extent,
and na\igable for small boats, but
the water of it is brackish. Dining
the freshes of the Indus, when at
its highest, pan of the low country
is inundated. As the city of 1'atla
is approached from the sea, the soil
and aspect of the country improve ;
but still without trees, and almost
destitute of inhabitants. Camels are
bred in this part of the country, the
tender parts of the brushwood serv-
ing them for forage.
Tlie natives of India, from Sinde
to Goa, use the word JCanta (a fork)
to signify also borders on the sea-
coast ; and know the Delta of the
Indus under the appellation of Sind-
hoo Kanta, M'hich approaches nearly
to the term pres« rved in some Lalin
maps of Canthi Sindi.
I'or about 30 years past this dis-
3 F
trict lias been under tlie government
of tlie Ameers of Sinde, and sub-
jected to every speci<;s of extortion
and oppr(>ssion. The city and dis-
trict of Tatta arc said to yield a re-
venue of 145,000 rupees per annum ;
the district of Sunkree 80,000 ; Co-
rachie Bunder, 110,000; and Dha-
raja, 80,000. The district of Kuk-
ralee is asserted to have produced a
revenue of six lacks of rupees dm ing
the government of the Calories,
which is now reduced to 190,000 ru-
pees. The territory situated betwen
the salt and fresh water brandies of
the river is said to yield 91 ,000 ru-
pees per annum. The whole district
coidains only one town, which is
Tatta.
This countiy was invaded by the
Maliommedans at a very early pe-
riod after the promulgation of that
religion. Caliph tJmar dispatched
Moghaireh Abul Aas, who, setting
oft' from Bahrein by sea, attacked the
western [.'arts of the Delta of the In-
dus ; but, meeting with unexpected
resistance, he was defeated, and lost
his life. As Omar died in A.D. 641,
this expedition must have taken
place about 639 or 640. Othnian,
ills successor, attempted an invasion
by land ; but, having sent people to
survey the roads, he M'as deterred by
their report. It does not appear to
have been actually subdued by the
Emperor Acbcr unlil 1590, allhougli
long prior to thai period included in
the list of his dominions; Since the
fall of the Mogul dynasty it has fol-
lowed the fate of Sinde, and still
continues subject to the Ameers of
that evfensivc provuiee. (A hid Fa-
zel, Smith, Maxfield, Wilford, Drum-
rnoitd, (Jt.)
Tatta. — A town belonging to the
Ameers of Sinde, the capital of a dis-
trict of the same name, and situated
near the banks of the Indus, about
130 miles, by the course of the river,
from the sea. Lat. 24°. 44'. N.
Long. 68°. 17'. E.
This town stands in a valley,
formed by a range of low rocky hills,
Avhich; diuins the freshes of the In-
802
TATTA.
dus, is iimntlatcd; but, being placed
on an eminence, apparently fomied
by ancient ruins, during the heiglit
of the rains it has the semblance of
an island, 'i'he streets arc very nar-
row and dirty; but the houses, al-
tlioiigh irregularly built of mud,
eh(ii)ped straw, and wood, are supe-
rior to the low huts commonly seen
in native to« ns. Tlie better sort of
houses are built of brick and lime.
'i'he old English factory, purchased
by the Company in 1751, still re-
mains, and may he reckoned the best
house, not only in Tatta, but in the
wliole pro\ince of Sinde. All the
rooms of this house have ventilators,
rescmbliiig the funnels of chimneys,
which connuunicate with the roof;
and are intended to promote a circu-
lation of air during the hot winds,
%vhen all the windows are shut to ex-
clude the dust. To the southward
of the factory within the town are
the remains of the old fort, which
must have been a stiong position
against assailants ignorant of artil-
lery tactics. At present there is no
fort, nor is tliere any military force
stationed in the toAvn, which is go-
venied by a nabob, or deputy, from
the Ameers of Siude.
Tatta was originally defended by
a strong brick wall, Avith round tow-
ers; but now tiicsc are a heap of
ruins, and the mosques and pagodas
that remain exhibit symptoms of ra-
pid decay. I'he circumference of
the town is from fonr to five miles,
and thenumber of inhabitants about
15,000. It was once famous for its
commerce and cloth manufactories,
besides an extensive trade in lic.e,
wheat, hides, &c. but all this is great-
ly diminished. The chief exports
are ghee, gugal or b'dellium, potash,
oil, raisins, saltpetre, aniseed, shai-
kuu, musk, chintzes, sliawls from
Shckarpoor, carpets, and a variety
of drugs. The imports arc cocoa
nuts, pe[)per, cardamoms, betel nut,
ntitmegSjCiunanuin, silk, raw and ma-
nufactured, cochineal, broad cloth,
boglipores, kincobs, purpets, quick-
silver^ tin, iron, stcci, copper, lead,
black wood, sandal wood, and san-
dal wood oil.
The Indus is iti general shoal op-
posite to Tatta ; on which account
boats trading to that city lie off a
small village named Begurah, dist-
ant five miles S. E. by S. where the
d<;ejK>st water is lour fathoms, but
for tht most part only two ; and the
river about one mile in breadth. The
strcjigth of the current is hcj e broken
by tlie small Island of Begurah,
which is 200 yards from the western
bank of the river. 'J'he boats used ou
the Indus are flat bottomed, squar©
head and stern, low forward, high
aba It, and drawing only a few inches
of water. Oars are seldom used, the
boats being usually either tracked,
or pushed along with poles; and,
wlicn the wind is fair, recourse is
had to sails. Their form is broad,
and very commodioii-- for the pur-
poses of travelling. From Tatta to
Hyderabad there arc four routes;
two by land and two by w ater, the
shortest of which n)ay bo estimated
at 53 miles. At this place the mon-
soon prevails with considerable vio-
lence hetween jMay and October,
attended with hard squalls of thun-
der, lightning, wind, and rain.
The country around Tatta is a
fine rich soil, watered by canals from
the Indus, and partly overflowed
during the freshes, but susceptible of
the highest cultivation, Ou the hill
of Muckaiec,a mile to the west of
Tatta, are an amazing number of
graves and mausoleums — the habita-
tions of tlic dead greatly exceeding
in inimber tiiose of the living. Th«
tomb of Mirza Ecsau is uncommoivly
inagiiiriccnt and well executed; and
is su}iposed to have been erected
abotit A. D. 102'^. It consists of a
large square stone building, two sto-
ries high, having a great dome sup-
ported by nvimerons pillars, which,
as well as the body of the building,
are covered with sentences extracted
from tlie Koran. Some of tlie in-
.scriptions on the otl/r iondjs appear
iiesli isnd quite legible, aithougii en-
graved l<jOyeaj"s ago. Ou the banks
taweetaavee.
803
of the tndus, seven miles above Tat-
ta. is aucllicr hill, covered with white
mosques and tombs of deceased Ma-
hommcdans, some of the latter of
coiisideraitle size. Near to one of
the smallest, which is held in ojreat
veneration bolli by Mahomnieduns
and Hindoos, is a larj^e bone stnck
upiight in tlie earth, about 18 feet
louj;:, one tliiek, and two broad,
whieli tl)e natives assert was pro-
cured from a fish. The liill on which
these graves are placed, if fortified,
would command the passa;i;c of the
river.
Dr. Robertson is of opinion, that
Tatta is the Patlala of the ancients ;
but this name more probably referred
to the city of Brahminabad, which
appears to have been the capital in
the remote ages of Hindoo antiquity.
By Abul Fazel it is described as fol-
lows:
" The ancient capital was Brah-
minabad, V hich was then a very po-
pulous city. 'I'lie fort had 1400 bas-
tions, a tenab distant from each
other; and to this day there aiH.^ con-
siderable vestiges of tiiis fortifica-
tion."
The modern city of Tatta is said
to have been founded by Jam Mun-
d( I, the 14th of (he Someah dynasty,
A.D. 1485. It was taken and plun-
dered by the Portuguese in 1555;
but continued in the 17th century an
extensive and populous city, of great
commerce, and possessing manufac-
tures of silk, Caramania wool, and
cotton; it was also famous for its
cabinet m are. Most of the Sindean
cloths exported to Hindostan, Pcr-
.sia, and Khorasan, are still manufac-
tured here, the miserable remains of
its once flourishing commerce, w hich
is not likely to revive under its pre-
sent barbarous and rapac ions rulers.
Travelling dislancc from Bombay,
741 miles; from Calcutta, IGO'2 miles.
{Smith, Ma.rfidd, licnne!, -St.)
Taujei'Oor. — A town in the pro-
vin(;e of Bengal, district of Purneali,
36 miles E. bv N. from the town of
Purneaii. Lat. 25°. 45'. N. Long.
8b°15'. E.
3 F 2
Talllah MiioKEE. — A small vil-
lage in the province of Lahore, situ-
ated eight or nine miles to the north-
ward of Nailone, the ]inncipal town
in the Kaungrah country. Lat. 32^^.
5'. N. Long. 75°. 45'. 11.
At this place a small vokanie fire
issues from the side of a mountain,
wliere tlie Hindoos have raised a
temple, which has long been of cele-
brity, and the favourite resort of pil-
grims from the Punjabi {Foste}\^-c.)
Taunda. — A town in llie Naliob
ofOutle's territories, situated on the
south side of the Goggrah Kiver, 35
miles S. E. from E vzah:.d. liat.26°
33'. N. Long. 82°. 3b'. E. Cloths
of a simiKir quality to Bengal cos-
sacs, and iiaving the same name, are
fabricated in the neighbourhood of
this town.
Tauree. — A town in the province
of Bengal, district of Monghir, 92
miles W. N.AA^ from Moors'iedabad.
Lat. 24°. 31'. N. Long. 86°. 50'. E.
Tavoy. — A town and district in
the Birman empire, which so late as
1753 was the seat of an hidejiendent
principality, the existence of which
was probably proloiiged by the dis-
sensions of the greater pow ers. Lat.
14°. 48'. N. Long. 9S°. 15'. E. In
1790 it was betrayed to the Siamese,
and next year the Birnians were re-
pulsed in an attempt to recapture it.
A short time afterwards during the
same year they regained it by trea-
chery, and put the garrison, consist-
ing of 3000 Siamese troops, to the
sword. {Si/mes, ^-c.)
■ Tavvally Isle. — One of the Gi-
lolo islands, situated within the first
degree of south latittide. In length
it uuiy be estimated at 35 miles, by-
six the average breadth.
Taweetawek. — xV cluster of is-
lands, above 56 in number, in the
Easti-rn Seas, forming part of the
Sooloo Archipelago. Some are of
considerable extent, others are high,
some low, and not a few are mere
rocks. The chain of islands 1o the
S. E. of I'aweetawee are all low,
with an inlinile number of shoals bc-
twecij thcni, w hich abound with fish,
SOi
TELIJCHEKY.
and are also the site nf pearl fisherj-.
The Island orTaweetawee has plen-
ty of excoUeiil waters, but \ery few
inhal)ii;mts ,' the names of many of
tJiese small islands in the Malay lan-
^•n;if;e are so indecent, that they do
not admit of bein;;: hanslated. {Dal-
rijinple, At.)
' T \s \ H\.v,,(PiihT«ya).—A small
island in the liaslern Seas, situated
of}' the ea^t eoast of iSnmHtra. Lat.
0°. 4b'. N. Ivong. 105'^. 5'. E.
In this neighbourhood there arc
many very small isljinds sealtered,
amoue: wliich from 50 to 100 ehests
of opium may be disposed of; for
whieii pep])er, ^old, tin, and laftans,
are the returns. The inhabitants
beuis: all [)ira<es, it is necessary that
tradinp,- ressels be well armed^ and
eoustantly on their guard. {Eimor&,
Teary. — A large -village, with a
fort on an adjoining hill, in the pro-
vince of Malwah, Lab 24". 46'. N,
Long. 79°. 3'. I'j. This place is with-
in the district of the Ouneha Kajah,
and is reckoned 25 miles from Chat-
terpoor, and 32 from Chandree.
(Hunter, ke.)
'J'eest A River, {Tishtha, standing
still).- — This river has its source in
the Himalaya viilge of mountains,
from whence it flows in a sootherlj
direction through the Nepanl terri-
tories, and enters Bengal in the dis-
trict of Rungpoor; proceeding on
towards the south until it joins the
tianges. in Nepaiil it is named the
Yo Sanpoo; and, like other eastern
streams, has different names at dif-
ferent parts of its course.
Teetgaum. — A town in the dis-'
trict of NeycF, situated abont 12
miles S. W. from Therand. This
place has a very large tank, with se-
veral wells ; and the appearance of
the tf>wn is superior to most others
in this miserable district. To the
south there is little or no coltivation,
and tnttch jungle. Teetgaam ac-
knowledges the authority of the 'J'he-
raud chief; but, being occupied by
R!i.j})oot zemindars, pays hioi little
revenue.
Tehinchien River.— a river of
Bootan, which runs past Ta^sisudon,
the capital; and, being swelled by
the united streams of the Hatchieir,
and by the Patchicu, which takes its
course near I'aro, finds a passage
through the moinitains, from whence
it is precipitated in tremendous ca-
taracts ; and, nisbing with rapidity
between the high elifls and vast
stones that oppose its progress, de-
scends into a Talley, a few miles east
from Buxedwar, and finally joins the
Brahmapootra. {Turner, cVe.)
Telingana. — In the Institutes of
Acber this region is named Berar^
bnt was only in jrart posse.ssed by
that .sovereign. Telinga is at one*
the luime of a nation, of its language,
and of the character in which it
is written. The IVIinga language,
formerly called the Kalinga, occu-
pied the space to the eastward of th»
Maharatta, from near Cicacole its
northern, to within a few miles of
Pnllicut its soirthern boundary, with
the intervention of a stripe of terri-
tory where the Goand tongue was
Hsed. This tract was divided into
the Andray and Kalinga countricfj,
the former to the south, and the lat-
ter to the north of the Godavery.
At the period of the Mahomt»edan
conquest i\w greater part of tlics*
united provinces seems to have been
known to that people by the general
name of Telingana, and Worangole
as the capital of the whole. 'I'hB
Telingas foijn a distinct race, and
still occupy a considerable portion
of the Deccan. By the Jinglish and
other Europeans they were formerly
d<^signated Gentoos, a name un-
known to any Indian dialect. ( Wiih9,
Colehrooke, Kennel, St.)
Teli.icheky, {T<i!i Chari). — A
town on the sea coast of the IMala-
bar Province, 126 miles travelling
distance from Seringapatam. Lat.
11°. 44'. N. Long. 75°. 36'. E.
This place was long the chief set-
tlement of the I^nglish on the coast
of Malabar; but, m 1800, tli<; East
India Company's connnerce having
bccu trausfcrfcd to Mulie,^ it has d&~
TENASSERIM.
805
clincd considerably. The richest
natives still reside licre, and the iii-
habilauts are far more eiviiized Ihaji
in the other parts of the province.
I'lie gruvnids witiiin tlie okl English
lines are highly cnJtivuled, imkI the
thriving; stale of the jilantalioiis on
the sunJy land near the sea shews
that liie whole is capable of iir-
proveincnt. 'I'his town is the mart
lor the best sandal wood brougiit
from above the Western (jhaiits,
and th(^ cardamoms Wynaad, which
are mostly exported from hence, are
jnoslJj reckoned tlie best on the
coa-st.
In the year ISOOTellichery, jNIidiC,
and Darinapatam, tbnned a circle,
containing- 4481 Jiouses, ocenpicd as
follows: — By Portug;uesc, 438; by
INIahonnnedans, 868 ; Nambnries
(T}rahmins),9 ; Puttar, Krahmins, 16;
llajahs, 2; Nairs,27G; 'i'iars, 1888;
Mneuas, 258 ; natiAcs of Carnata,
119; male siavx^s, 91; and female
slaves, 70.
In A. D. 1683 the presideiKjy of
Snrat established a factory here tbr
the purchase of pepper and carda-
moms ; and in 1708 the East India
Company ^tbtaiued a grant of the
fort of Tcllicherry from Uie eolastry,
or cherical rajah. Dnrin<^ tlie reign
of Tippoo, in consequence of his
hostile policy, tliis settlcjnent was
su|)|)orted at so great an expense,
und partook so little of tJie com-
merce of the country, that the Bom-
bay govennnent had it in contem-
plation to recommend its being re-
linquished, as an unnecessary and
ujiprolitable factory. {F. Bitchaium,
Dirom, Duncan, i'c.)
Tkllo. — A town in Celebes, and
formerly the capital of .hi independ-
ent principality. Lat 5°. 5' S. Long.
119°. 30'. E.
In 1667 the state of Tello was
boundeil <iu the north by the Coe-
rces, two islands situ :;ted to the south
of the Hiver Maros, and to the south
it reached as far as I'ort Rotterdam.
The princes cd' Goak and Tcllo arc
both called Kings of iMacassar, al-
iJiough cych is a sej)arate state, dc-
rivino^ their names from their capi-
tals ; but both principalities have
long been under the power (»f tlif
Dutch.
The ninth king of Tello, Abd al
Kureem, died in 17U8, and was siic-
c<;eded by his son, jAlapjja Orang.-i,
who was elected King of Coak in
1712, and rided over both states un-
til 1724, when he gave up that of
Tello to his son JMan iJiijah, or Ha-
jah Mooda, 'Jb hiiu succeeded
Cmin Tello, who, in 1759, was a
most inveterate enemy to the Dutch.
The queen who reigJied in 1775 was
his daughter, (Js'tavoriuus and Notes,
Tenassf.rim, (Tanengxfn-i). — A
district in the Eirman enq)ire, ex-
tending along the sea coast iVom the
11th to the ]4lh degrees of north
latitude. The west coast of this
territory is protected from the south-
west monsoon, b}' a connected bar-
rier of islands, extending 135 luiies
i'rom north to south, with a strait be-
tween them atid the main land, liom
15 to 30 miles broad. The language
of the inhabitants of this district,
denominatedTiimaw by theSiamese,
dilfers considerably from the com-
mon Birmau, and has many pecu-
liaritiesi.
The natives of tins province are
uamed by the Birmans Dawayza
and Byeitza, fiom the two govern-
ments of which their country con-
sists. They have most frequent I v
been subject to Siam and Pegu ; but
at present they are under the sway
of the Birmans. (Forrest, Leijden,
F. JJiichanau, -^-.c.)
TiiNASSKRiM, — A town in the Bir-
mau empire, the capital of a pro-
vince of the same name. l^at. 11°
42'. N. Long. 98°. 50'. E.
In 1688 the Court of Directors of
th«! East India Company ordered
their servants at i\[a(has to endea-
vour to obtain po.>isession of this
place from the Kiiig of Siatn, and
afterwards to fortify it. In 1759 it
Avas takf'u from the Siamese by
Alompra, the Birmaii monarch, after
a feeble resistance. It was then
eo6
TERRIANI,
large and populous, but is now al-
most a heap of ruins. {Sj/mes,
Bruce, ^-c.)
Ternate Isle. — One of the small
Mohiccas, aliout 25 miles in circum-
ference, situated on the west coast
of Giloio. Lat. 50'. N. Long. 127°.
20'. E.
While ujider the Dutch govern-
ment t!)e jirovinee of I'eniate in-
cluded the islands of Tidore, Motir,
Macliian, and Ealbbiau, which are
properly tlie Itloiiiceas, being the
original places of growth of the finer
spices. Larger nutmegs arc still
found in the woods of Ternate than
any produced at Banda. Although
all the efficient authority has long
been possessed by tlie olliccrs of the
Dutch establishment, a native sove-
reign, the 8ultan of Ternate, has
<;ontin'.!ed to exercise certain func-
tions of sovereignty over the natives
of the island, and of some of the
adjacent isles. In 1774 his domi-
nions comprehended the greatest
part of the north of Gilokt, and
also a great part of the north-east
quarter of Celebes, Avhcre are the
Dnich settlements of Blantido and
Goruntold. Sangir also belonged
to him and the neighbouiing islands
of Kiao, Karakita, Tagulanda, IJan-
ka, and Teliusyani.
On this island there arc three
mosques tor the IMahommedaiis, and
one chiireh -or the Dutch, but none
for the I'ur'.iiguese, who are become
as black as the natives. The coun-
try is o.ividt'd into five districts, over
which there are live syngees, or
ciuels ; and i.!so a captain laut, or
high admiral, who commands the
.sullait's prows. Besides, <h!?re is a
gogo, an officer who superintends
the police. The Dutch settlers re-
side at tort (jrange, and consist of
a governor and council, a shalih'.in-
der, and fiscal. In 1777 the Duteii
establishment, civil and military,
comprehended 847 persons, and liy
<li(;m trade was in a great measure
mono|>olized ; the Chinese, however,
filways enjoyed considerable privi-
leges. JN'o Chinese junk was al-
lowed to come to Ternate direct
from China ; but they were permitted
to resort to Macassar, which may be
considered as t!ic western frontier
of the Moluccas. On this island
there is a lofty peak, which some-
times discharges flames.
The first Mahommedan sovereign
of Ternate is said to have reigned
from A.D. 1166 to 1486. In 1521
it was visited by the Portuguese,
who took formal possession; but
tliey were expelled in 1530. In 1579
it was touched at bj Sir Fraticis
Drake, who, according to the fashion
of the day, took possession of it in
the name of Queen Elizabeth.
Along with the kingdom of Portugal
it devolved to the Spaniards, who
lost Ternate in 1006 ; but retained a
footing in the Moluccas so late as
1663, when ti<ey abandoned their
settlement at Gammalama. In 1680
the Dutch compelled the Sultan of
Ternate to become tributary to them,
and the princes of the other Moluc-
cas were so thoroughly subdued,
that in the year 1778 the kings of
'i'idore and Eatehian were deposed,
and exiled to Batavia. With the
Dutch it remained until the revolu-
tionary war, when it was twice
captured by the British ; the last
time on the 28th August, 1810.
{Sittcorinus ami Notes, Forrest,
§-c. ^T.)
Teiuuani, {Tnrifani). — A district
situated about the 27th degree of
north latitude, partly comprehended
iu the Britisli dominions, and partly
in those of Nepaul, To the south
it is bounded by Goracpoor, Bettiah,
and 'J'yrhoot.
The Turyani of Nei)atil, confined
between the (innduek and the
Teesta, is divided into five so^ibahs,
or governments, viz. Subtuni, Moh-
tuni, Rnhtnt, Bhareh, and Persa.
i'lxt.nsive as this territory is, the
Kajah of Nepaul does not draw any
cosisidetable revenue from it, owing
to niismunugcmcnt and the low
state of its population. WestTur-
rye remits ordy two lacks of rupees
to Catmandoo, and East Turrye, al-
TESIIOO LOO:\TBOO.
807
though it is more forlile, only a lack Toshoo I.oomboo, or Ltibron;?, is
and a half. properly a large monastery, eoj; •.»•!-
'J'he Western Turryc contains in- ing ot" three or 400 houses, the halii-
- exhaustible forests of most excellent tations of the g-\ longs, besides (e)n-
timber. Tlw. pines of Bechiacori, pies, mausoleums, and ihe palace of
and the saul trees both of that and the sovereign pontilV. Its l»niidinp,s
of the Jhurjoory forest, are not sur-
passed anywhere for straightness or
durability, and might be floated
south on the IJoora Gunduek. Kota,
or pure turpentine of the Sulla pine,
might also be procured. The word
Turyani properly signifies marshy
land, and is sometimes applied to
the flats lying below the hills in the
interior of NepanI, as well as to
the low tract bordering on the Com-
pany's northern frontier. IIetto^^ ra,
although standing very little below
the C'lieriaghati top, is nevertheless
comprehended in the Tiurye, or
Turyani of Nepaul, as indeed is the
whole country situated to the south
of Cheesapany.
The principal rivers of this district
are (heBhagmutty, the Bukkia, and
the Jumnc, besides many nullahs
and inferior streams. Thin as is
the population, it is rather surprising,
considering its vicinity to the Com-
pany's domiiiions, that this dreary
tract should have any inhabitants at
all. {Kirkpntrick, ^c)
Tkrhoweh. — A town and fortress
in the province of Allahabad, district
of Bundelcund, which was taken and
plundered by Gopaul Singh in 1810.
Tervengary, {Teruvanvav.a An-
gadi/). — A sn)all Alopkiy (Mahome-
dan) town in the province of Ma-
labar, 23 miles S. by E. from Cali-
cut. Lat. 11°. 2'. N. Eong. 76°. E.
This place is situated on the bunks
of a river which conies from Irnada,
and in the rainy season is navigable
32 miles aljovc for canoes. Near to
this, in 1720, a decisive victory was
gained by Colonel Hartley's army
over Tippoo's forces
are all of stone, none less than tuo
stories high, flat roofed, and crown-
ed with a parapet rising consider-^
ably a)>ove the roof, composed of
heath and brushwood. The fortress
of Shiggatzee ^fiing stands on a
prominent ridge of rock, and com-
mands the pass. Irom hence are
roads to Bo(^tan and Bengal, to Eali-
daek and Cashmere ; to the mines of
lead, coppei', cinnabar, and gold ; by
Tingri Meidaun to Nepaul; to Lassa
and'China. The distance from hence
to Catmandoo, th.e capital of Ne-
panI, by the niarching road, is esti-
mated at 400 miles. In 1780 the
journey of the deceased lamas at-
tendants, from I'ekin to 'J'eshoo
Loomboo, occupied seven monlhs
and eight days. On the north is
situated the territory of Tarunath
Lama, bordering upon Russia and
Siberia, and whose influence mure
esjjecially extends o\er the Kil-
niauks, or hordes of Calmuc Tar-
tars.
The plain of Teshoo Loomboo.
which is perfectly level, is encom-
passed on all sides by rocky hills.
Its direction is north and south, and
its extreme length 15 miles; its
southern extremity in breadtli, from
east to west, is about five or six
miles. The Biver Painoinchieu in-
tersects it, and at a small distance
joins the Brahmapoolia. Tlie hills
are of a rocky nature, of the colour
of rusty iron, and are easily shivered
bv the effect of the wealher into
little cubical pieces, small enough
to lie moved about by the force of
strong \^ inds.
Tiuv rock of Teshoo Loomboo is
Tr. siioo LooMCoo, (or Shig-gatzce by far the loftiest of all that are in its
Jemig). — The seat of the Teshoo neighbourhood. From the smmmt
Lama, and the capital of all that the eye eooimands a very exlensive
part of Tihet immediately subject lo prospect, but no striking traces of
liis authority. Lat. 2li°. 4'. N. " liOng. population are to be discovered, the
8&°. 7'. p;. natives crowding into the hollow re-
808 THERAUD.
cesses. From the north side the ce- Therah, (or Turrah). — A town
Icbrated River Brahmapootra, stilcd n the province of Gujrat, situated
in the lanpriiage of Tibet Erechoom- about half way between Rahdun-
boo, is visible. It here flows in a poor and Theraud. Lat. 24°. 20'.
widely-extended bed through many N. Long. 71°. 57'. E.
channels, forming a multitude of This is an open town, containing
islands. Its principal channel is de- about 2500 houses, 1500 of which
scribed as being narrow, deep, and are tlie property of Coolees ; the
never fordable. other inhabitants being Rajpoots,
In 1783 there were reckoned on Koonbees, Banyans, &c. To the
the estabhshment of the monastery north of Therah, which may be con-
at Teshoo Loomboo, no less than siderod as the present capital of the
3700 gylongs for tffe performance of Kakreze, the country is cultivated,
daily prayer in the goomba, or tern- but interspersed with bushy jungle,
pic. Four lamas, chosen from among and very deficient in water, which
them, superintend and direct their is procured from wells 40 yards deep,
religious ceremonies. Their stated some of which are brackish. The
periods of devotions are the rising of present chiefs of Therah are Tezab-
tlie sun, noon, and sunset. Youth hoy and Jalim Singh, who divide
intended for the scnice of the mo-
nastery are received into it at the
age of eight or 10 years. On ad-
mission they are enjoined sobriety,
forego the society of women, and
confine themselves to the austere
practices of the cloiffter. There are
also a considerable number of nun-
neries, the regulations of which are
equally strict,
between them a revenue from 10
villages, amounting to about 35,000
rupees per anrmni. {Macmvrdo, Src)
Theraud. — A town and district
on the N. W. frontier of the pro-
vince of Gujrat. Lat. 24°. 37'. N.
Long. 71° 58'. E.
Tlie pergunnah of I'heraud is
bounded on the north by Marwar,
iSanjore being 30 miles N. N. E.
At this place there is an extensive from the town. On the west it is
establishment under the direction of bounded closely by Wow, which is
the monastery, for the manufacture only distant 12 miles. To the south
of images, in which they excel the it has Babere, 30 miles distant ; and
Chinese. The annual consumption on the east the district of Deesa, in
of tea in the territory of Teshoo which direction its territory extends
Loomboo amounts to the value of 40 miles. Within these boundaries
70,000 pounds. At the capital 300
Hindoos, Gosains, and Snnyasses,
are daily fed by the boimty of the
lama. 'I'he whole system exhibits
a hierarchy of long duration, and
it is said to contain 33 villages, yield-
ing a revenue to Hirbumjee, the
chief, of 20,000, while his expenses
exceed 60,000 rupees, the difference
being made up by plundering his
attended w ith considerable practical neighbours. In this whole district
benefit. The g\ longs, or monks, there is not a river, and few of the
having devoted themselves to the villages are supplied with a tank. At
duties of religion, obtain a large por- Theraud water is found about 60
tion of respect from their country- yards below the surface, but it is not
men, who follow worldly avocations, always of a good quality, and the
Being attached by a common bond m ells, from which the villages are
of union, the oye portion to labour, supplied, are frequently brackish,
and the other to pray, they enjoy in The scarcity of water entirely pre-
peace and harmony the bounties of vents the cultivation of vegetables,
nature ; and find it unnecessary to of which, with the exception of
employ a single man in arras, cither onions brought from Rahdiuipoor,
to defend their territory, or maintain I'heraud is destitute.
UmnipiU. {Turner. Kirftpatrich,S,c.) The inhabitants of the country^
TIBET,
809
subsist chiefly on bajeree, all classes
being too poor to purchase wheat.
Their other articles of loud are the
milk of cows and camels, and the
llesh of goats and sheep. Tlie The-
raud district furnishes excellent ca-
mels and go(jd horses ; many of the
latter are also imported from Bhau-
dra, situated to the w estward, w here
the breed is sfill superior. Tlje cul-
tivators are tolerably well treated by
their chiefs, who are rcslraiiicd from
extreme oppression by the threat of
deserting and retiring to an adjacent
\illage, probably the domain of an
enemy or rival. The govermnent
share of the produce is one-lburth.
Money is scarcely ever seen.
The town of Theraud contains
about 2700 houses, 300 of which arc
inhabited by Banyans ; the remain-
der by Coolees, Kajpoots, and Sin-
deans. It is surrounded by a wall
and ditch, tlie latter about 30 feet
deep, but botit in a very bad state of
repair. By the natives of the sur-
rounding country it is esteemed a
place of great strength, and it is so
against predatory troo})s, in a coun-
try williout artillery. With the ex-
ception Of the court house and the
Parishath temples, it contains few
good buildings. Most of the wells
are brackish, and the simouniling
jungle comes close up to the walls.
'I'his place is situated so near to
the borders of Sinde, that constant
inroads are made by parties of ma-
rauding cavalry, from the tract be-
twixt Theraud and the Indus. ^I'he
'J'heraud chief can muster 1300 ca-
valry well mounted, 300 of whom
are his family horsemen, or troojjs
related to him by niarri;ige or caste,
and who reside in the durbar, or
comt house. The others are Sin-
deans, and arc a species of local mi-
litia. Both town and pergunnah
have long been tributary to the Joud-
poor Rajah, who is always obliged
to send a very large force wlien he
^\ishes to levy the tribute. {Mac-
murdo, ^-c.)
TiiiiRWAKA, — A town in the pro-
vince of Gnjrat, situated about 30
miles N. W. from Eahdunpoor. This
place belongs nominrdiy to Kumaul
Khan, a Baloochec chief, but is a
den of Coolee thieves, who neither
pay tribute, nor acknowledge tlie
Khan's authority.
Thiaour. — A town in the Car-
natic, bli miles W. by S. from Pon-
dielierrv. Lat. IP*. 45', N. Long.
79°. \i'. E.
During the Carnatic wars of tlie
last coitury this was a place of con-
siderable strength, and sustained se-
veral sieges. It then consisted of
two fortifications on a high moun-
tain, one above, but communicatitig
with the other; and a pettah on a
plain to the eastward, with a mud
wall, and surrounded at a small
distance by an imp(;netrablc bound
hedge. After the capture of Pondi-
cherry, in 1761, this important for-
tress surrendered to a detachment
under Major Preston, having been
blockaded and bombarded 65 days.
(Orme, ^c.)
TIBET, {Tihhct).
This vast region may be consider-
ed as comprehending all the space
from the soinces of the Indus to the
borders of China, and from Hin-
doslan to the great desart of Cobi.
Its length from cast to west may be
csnmated at 1600 miles, its breadth
is great but une(|ual. The country
of 'I'ibet is called by the inhabitants
Pue. or Puekoaehim ; a term which
is said to be derived from Pue, north-
ern, and Koacliim, snow; or the
snowy land to the north. It is also
kiiown both here and in Bengal l)y
the name of Tibbet, pronounced
with a double b. In Nepaul, Lower
Tibet is fre«picntly distinguished by
the ajjpellation of Kutchar, and in
Ilindostan by that of Pot^id.
'I'his is a territory of great alti-
tude, being part of that elevated
tract which gives rise not only to the
great rivers of India and China, but
also to those of Siberia and Tartary.
The ,' «<mooiuing Momitains, part of
the great Himalaya cliain, about tlie
^10 TIBET.
28tli decree of north latitude, mark
the boiiiidan of Tibet inid Eoolnu ;
and the fiiimmit of Clnmmiaree, pro-
haljly, constitutes the !ii;j:hcst land
in what is called Little Tibet. The
rivers from hence run north, and fall
inlo the Brahmapootra at a short
distaiiee beyond Tcsiioo Loor.iboo.
In the temperalrire of the S( asons
a remarkable nniturniity prevails in
Tibet, both in their periodical dura-
tion and return. The .same division
of them takes place as in Eeni^al.
The spring is fronrTvIarch to May,
wiih a variable atmosphere, and
heat, thunder storms, and occasional
showers. From June to Sepleinbcr,
is the .season of humidity, when
heavy and continued rains swell the
rivers. I'rom Octo!)er to March a
clear and uniform sky succeeds, sel-
dom obscured eitl:er by fog^s or
clouds. For three months of this
season .-i degree of cold is felt far
greater probably than is experienced
in Europe. Its extreme seventy is
more particularly confined to the
southern boundary of Tibet, near
the ehnaled range of mountauis
wMch separate it from Nepaul, Boo-
tan, and Assam. The sunmiits of
these are covered at all seasons of
the year with snow, and their vici-
nity is remarkable at all times for
the dryness of the winds. Here
meat and tish are preserved during
winter in a frozen state. At Tuena,
in Tibet, on tho 16th Sept. 17S3, at
six in the mornins:, the thermometer
stood below the freezing point. The
dryness of the atmosphere also in
Tibet is very rrmarkable, and ope-
rates an effect similar to fli;tt of the
scorching winds tiiat previsil over the
arid soil of Hindostan. > egetation
is frequently dried to brittlencss. and
every plant irr,iy be rubbed between
the fnigers into dust.
When fust viewed Tibet strikes
the traveller as one of the least fa-
voured countries under heaven, and
aj)pears, in a great mca.sure, inca-
pable of cultivation, exhibiting only
low rocky hills, v^ithout aiiv-visib!e
vegetation, or extensive barren plain?.
On account of the severity of th*
climate, the inhabitants arc obliged
to seek for shelter in the vallies and
hollows. From Phari to Nainee, iA
'J'ibet, a distance of nearly 50 miles,
the country is very little removed in
aspect, population, or culture, from
a })erfict desart. The hills are bare,
and composed of a .stiff, dry, moul-
deling rock, which splits and shivers
A\ ith the frost.*
On account of the high Avinds,
sandy soil, and glare from the re-
flection of the .sun from the snovT
and ground, the natives axe much
subject to blindness and sore eyes.
The .soil of Tibet is for the greater
part unimprovable by cultivation,
but under siiound it abounds with
minerals, and in this elevated region
the production of nitre is abimdant
and spontaneous. It is the practice
of the cultivators in Tibet, to flood
the low lands on the approach of
winter with water, which freezes
and covers their surface with a sheet
of ice, and thus prevents their being
strij)ped of their scanty soil by vio-
lent winds. The usual croj)s are
wheat, peas, and barley • rice being
the production of a more southern
soil. In some parts they pluck up
the corn by the root, and afterwards
place it in small bundles to dry.
In Tibet a great superabundance
of animal life is, found, which is
scarce iii Bootan. The variety and
quantity of wild fowl, game, beasts
of prey, flock, droves, and herds,
are a.stonislung. In Bootan, on the
contrary, except domesticated quad-
rupeds, there are no otiiers, and al-
most no game besides pheasants.
Among (he most remarkable ani-
mals of this country is the Yak of
Tariary, named also theSooraGoy,
or bushy failed bull of Tibet. lu
size they resemble the English cat-
tle, and arc covered all over Avith a
thick coat of loiig hair. The tail is
composed of a i»rodigious quantity
of long, flov\ ing, glossy hair. There
is a great variety of colour among
then), but white and ()lack are the
most prevalent. Although not large
TIBET.
SU
bonrd, from the profuse qtianlity of
hair iibout them, they seem to be of
peat bulk. These cattle are pastur-
ed in the coldest parts of Tibet,
ujjou tlie short herb!i<.":e peculiar 1o
the tops of iiKiiintaiiis and bleak,
plains. The lofty cliain of monii-
tains whieh di\ ides Til>et from Boo-
tan are their favourile liaimls. 'i'hey
are never employed in apieullnre,
bnt are useful as beasts of burthen.
From their hair tents and ropes are
manufactured. Their tails are in
great repute throngliout llindostan
as chowries, which are in universal
use for diivini;: away flies and mus-
quitoes ; they are, like-\\ ise, em-
iiloyed as ornamental furniture upon
lorses and elepluuils. 'J'hey fnniish
ftu abundant quantity of rich milk,
from wliieh excellent butter is j)ro-
cured. "W h.en uneasy they make a
low grunting- noise.
Another native of Tibet is the
musk deer, which is obss-rved (o de-
li<;ht in intense cold. This animal is
about the heij^ht of a moderate sized
ho^r. which il resembles in the figure
of the body. I< has a small licad, a
thick and roimd hind quarter, no
scut, and extremely delicate limbs.
From the upper jaw two long curved
tusks proceed, directed dowu^vilrds.
It is covered with a prodigious quan-
tity of hair, between two and three
inches long, which grows erect over
the body, and seems to partake
more of the nature of feathers, or
porcupine's quills. The musk is a
secretion formed in a little Img or
tumour, resembling a wen, situated
at the navel, and is only found in
the male. This animal is here
reckoned the property of tJie state,
and can only be hunted by jerniis-
sion of the government.
A third peculiar production of
Tibet is the celebrated shawl goat.
'J'hese cn'atures are of various co-
lours, black, white, a faint bluish
tinge, and of a shade somewhat
lighter than a fawn. They Ih'ne
straight horns, and are of a lower
stature than the smallest sheep in
England. The material used for
the manufacture of shawls is of a
light fine texture, and grows next
the skin. A coarse covering of lonq:
han* grov\ s above this, and preserves
the softness of the infeiior coat.
After repeated trials it has been
found Injpossible to rear this species
of goat in any other countiy.
In Tii>et goods arc carried by the
chowry tailed cattle, horses, mules,
ami asses; the customs differing, iu
this respect, from those of Bootan,
where they are carried by the inha-
bitants, and mostly by women. The
horses are principally geldings,
brought from I'lastern Tartaiy, and
are seldom above 14 hands high.
The sheep of Tibet are also occa-
sionally used as beasts of burthen.
Numerous flocks are here seen in
motion laden Viith grain and salt,
e;Kli carrying from 12 to 20 pounds.
'J'hc skins of lambs are cured with
the wool on, and constitute a valu-
able article of traffic. In order to
obtain the skin in the highest degree
of excellence, the dam is sometimes
killed before her time of yeaning,
wiiich secures a silky softness to the
fleece. It serves particularly lor lin-
ing vests, and is in high estimation
ail ovr-r Tartary and China. These
sheep appear a peculiar species in-
digenous to the climate, with black
heads and legs.
Gold is the principal article of ex-
port from Tibet ; those next in im-
portance arc musk, tinea!, goats*
hair, and rock salt. The tineal is
found in the bed of a lake, about 15
days' jiMjrney from Teshoo Loomboo.
The hair of the goats is carried to
Cashmi-e, and is of that superior
sort from wiiich shawls are manu-
faetnn-d. The salt is exported to
Nepaii! and i>ootan, and there arc
also mines of lead and cojiper. A
very small f|uantity of specie is cur-
rent in Tibet, and that of a base
.standard, being the silver coin of
Nepanl, here termed inderinillee.
The commerce between Tibet and
China is carried on, for the most
part, at a garrison town, on the
western lionticr of China, named
812
TIBET.
SJIline;, or Sinninj^. The exports
ii) China arc j;oId dust, precious
«t<)[;os, iHusk, and woolleu rlolhs.
'The. imports are ir<4d and silver bio-
cad»\s, silks, teas, to'oaceo, qnick-
ailver, <'iiiiia ■ware, liirs, and some
silver Imllioii. To Uciigal ihc ox-
])orts are "^old dust, musk, tincal ;
tlie imports from tlicnee arc broad
clotli, trinkets, spiees, i>articulariy
cloves, pearls, eoral, auiher, kin-
eobs, Maulda elotlis, Kiingpoor lea-
ther, tohaeeo, and indigo, ^^'ith
Assam there is jio intereourse. It
is said that British woollens, both
line and ordinary, are bought up in
'I'ibet with great eagerness. v\hen
carried there by travelling mer-
chants. 'J'he cold in 'i'ibet is so ex-
treme, that the inhabitants, for want
of woollens of a ])roi)er kind, are
obligetl to encumber themselves with
a heavy load of their own sort of
clothing.
Gold is found in Tibet in very
large quantities, and often uncom-
monly pure. In the foim of gold
dust it is ])rocurcd in the beds of
rivers, attached to small pieces of
stone, and sometimes it is foiuid in
large masses, lumps, an<l irregidar
veins. Cinnabar, containing a large
portion of quicksilver, is a produc-
tion of Tibet, and might be advan-
tageously extracted by distillation,
if fuel were n)orc plentiful ; but it
is remarkably scarce, the only sub-
stitute for lirewood lieing the dried
dung of animals. Thus situated,
in so rigid a climate, the most va-
luable discovery for the inhabitants
of Tibet would be that oi" a coal
mine. In some parts of Chi.ia, bor-
dering on this country, coal is found,
and used as fuel. Both in Tibet
and Bootan, the first member of the
sta1<' is the chief jm'rchant ; he is,
consequently, invested with privi-
leges above the common adventurer,
who cannot enter into a competi-
tion with him.
'j'he natives of Tibet are accus-
tomed to very warm clothing, the
dress of the lower classes iii sum-
mer being woollens of an inferior
kind; and in winter sheep or foxes'
.skins cured with the wool and fur
on. The highest classes use silks
and furs. 'I'lie Tibetians, always
travelling on level ground, carry a
weight of clothing that bid defiance
to the most piercing winds ; besides
vviiich, they wear very thick boots.
The great men of Tibet, as well as
in ]]ootan, arc peculiarly accus-
tomed to travel in the dark. The
liouses of the peasantry are of a
mean construction, and resemble
brick kilns. 'J'hey are built of rough
stones, heaped on each other, with
three or four apertures to admit light.
The roof is a flat terrace, surround-
ed vv ith a parapet wall two or three
feet high. In their repasts, the Ti^
betians give a uniform preference to
undressed crude meat. Of this de-
scription mutton is almost their only
food ; and at their feasts the table is
seen spread with raw joints of fresh
nnitton, as well as boiled ; the first
being the most esteemed. The Ti-
betians generally are a \ei-y kind
and humane people.
The smallpox is a disorder as
much dreaded among them as thfr
plague is in other parts of Asia.
When it is known to exist in a vil-
lage, the liealthy hasten to desert it,
and leave the infected to chance,
and the natural course of the distem-
per. The use of mercury for the
venereal disease ap[)ears to have
been early introduced, and is admi-
nistered Avith tolerable skill. The
great scarci y of timber in Tibet not
permitting them to have boarded
floors, they are much troubled with
cramps and rheumatic pains.
A while scarf is an offering inva-
riably attendant on every intercourse
of ceremony, both in Tibet and Boo-
tan. A similar piece of silk is al-
ways transmitted under cover with
the letters, which in England would
be an expensive operation. This
manufacture is of a thin texture, rt;-
sembling that sort of Chinese stuff
called pelong, and is remarkable for
the purity of its glossy whiteness.
Tliey are coniraojdy damasked, and
tlio sacred words, " Ooni ntaimce
paimee oom," are usiinlly near liotli
ends, which tcnuinalo iti a IVinj^o.
The moaiiiiig', or origin, of this mode
of iiitercoiirso has never been asetn-
tained; it is of sueh moment, how-
ever, tiiat the Uajidi of Hootan once
returned a letter to tlie resident at
Kungpoor, whieh he had tiansmitted
from the governor general, merely
because it eame unattended with
this bulky incumbrance to testify its
authenticity.
It is a general belief in Tibet, that
tJie arts and sciences had their origin
in the holy city of Benares, whieh
the inhabitants ha\ e been tanght to
esteem as the source both of learn-
ing and religion; Bengal is conse-
quently held in high estimation. The
Gangetic provinces are called to this
day Amikhenk, or Anonkhenk, and
Enacac by the Tartars. This ap-
pellation they have extended to all
India. It is asserted, that the art
of printing lias, from a very remole
age, been practised in 'i'ibet, al-
though limited in its use by the in-
fluence of superstition. Cojhcs of
religions works are multiplied, not
by moveable types, but by means of
set forms, which they impress on
thin slips of paper of their own fa-
brication. The letters run from left
to right. The printed and written
character, appropriated to a\ orks of
learning and religion, is sf \led, in
the language of Tibet, the Ueliin;
that of business and correspondence
Umin. 'J'heir alphabet and charac-
ters they acknowledge to be derived
from the Sanscrit. When visited by
Captain Turner, in 1 "b3, they were
found acquainted wiih the existence
of the satellites of Jupiter, and the
ring of Saturn. He also found them
accustomed to the game of chess,
and the rules and movements similar
to those adopted in England. As in
Western 'I'artary, the cycle here
used is that of 12 years.
According to tradition, the an-
cient teachers of the failh professed
by the inhabitants of Tibet, pro-
ceeded itoru Benares ; smd,
TIBET. 813
having advanced towards <he cast
over the empire of Ciiina, are said
to have directed their conrse towanis
Euroj)e. 'I'lio funeral ceremonies
performed )>y the Calmucks, near
the River AVolga, in Russia, on the
decease of their chief lama, are
nearly the same with those desi rihed
as takhig place at the funeral of a
gylong (priest) in Bootaii, on the
borders of Bengal, whieh shews the
amazing extent of the lama reli-
gion, and of the Hindoo system.
'I'heir own instruction in science and
religion, (lie Tibetians refer to a pe-
riod long prior to tiie existojiee of
either in Europe ; but Sir A\ illiaiu
Jones considered them as Hindoos,
who engrafted the heresies of Budd-
ha on their own mythological reli-
gion.
'I'he principal idol in the temples
of Tibet is j\ialiamoonee, the; Budd-
ha of Hindosfaii, who is worshipped
throughout the great extent of 'I'ar-
tary, and among all the nations to
the eastward of the Bralnnapootra,
by an intinile variety of names.
Durga, Call, Ganesa with his ele-
phant head, Cartikeya the Hindoo
Mars, with many other Hindoo
Brahminical deities, have also a
place ill the Tibet pantheon. Tlie
same p!a(-es of popular esteem, or
religious resort, are Cipially re-
spected in Tibet and Bengal ; Alla-
habad, Benares, Durjodeen, Gaya,
Saugor, and Juggernauth, being ol)-
jects of devout ]iiigrimage. 'Hie re-
generation of tlieir lama is said to
have taken place in times of remote
antiquity, near the site of the an-
cient city of Gour. Saugor, which
is an uninhabited i.>lain!, co\ered
with jungle, ut the mouth of the
Calcutta Hiver, and Juggernauih, in
Orissa, are deemed placcrj of ])ecu-
liar sanctity. Those wlut are unable
to perforin the pilgriiuage in person,
acquire a nmsiu-jraljle degree of
merit by having it performed by
proxy.
About the 28th degree of north
latitude are the (Ihumulanee Moiin
tains, on some of w Lich tijc snow
after
814
TIBET.
remains the whole year. The high-
est peak, named Chumulaiee, is
hifithly veueiateii by the Iliudoos,
who resort Isere as votaries to yiiiy
tlieir adorations to its snow-clad
summit. No satisractory cxplaiia-
tion has ever been obtained of tiie
pavticidar sanctity ascribed to this
mountain, but it may be observed,
in general, that every singular phe-
nomenon in nature becomes an ob-
ject of worship to tiic Hindoos;
Avhetiier it be a snowy mountain, a
hot well, tlic source or conilux of a
river, a lake, or ^ olcano.
The ritual, or ceremonial worship
of Tibet, appears to diiler niaterially
from that of the Bra!miiuica! i Jiu-
doos, and irom many of their pre-
judices, especially such as relate to
the perpicxiug distinction of castes,
the Tibetians are almost exempt.
Witli the latter religion is all sys-
tem and order. A sovereign lama,
immaculate, immortal, omnipresent,
and omniscient, is i>laced at the
summit of their fabric ; the Hin-
doos, on the contrarj, acknowledge
no individiial supreme authority.
This lama is esteemed the vicege-
rent of the only God, the mediator
between mortals and the deity. He
is also the centre of a civil govern-
ment, which derives tiom his au-
thority all its iniluence and power.
A regular gradation is obser^ ed from
the lama through tlie whole order of
gylongs, or monks, to tlie youngest
noviciate. The president of a mo-
nastery is always stjied Lama. Their
religious nsonastcries and edifices are
all adorned at each angle with the
head of a lion, having belis hanging
from his lower jaw ; and the same
liguro is equally common at every
projection of the palace wnlls; yet
the animal is not a native of the
country.
In Tibet, as in Eootan, the na-
tion appears to be divided into two
distinct and separate classes ; those
who carry on the business of the
world, and 1hor,e who iiold inter-
course with heaven. No interference
of the laity ever intenupts tlie rcgai-
lated duties of the clergy. There
are two sects of priests, distinguished
by their dress ; the red or the yellow
cap. The latter is reckoned the
most orthodox, and has, among his
votaries, the Emperor of China.
Dalai lama, "J'eslioo lama, and Ta-
narath lama, preside over the yel-
low, Wiio have their residencies at
Pootalaii, Teshoo Loomboo, and
Kharka. Tiiis sect prevails over
great part of 'i'ibet, and a division
of tiic same is said to be established
in the Deccan, in a district named
Si'xnra, or Serroia, In like manner
tinee lamas presidt^ o\er the red
sect, \'iz. I^.un Kembocliay, Lam
SoLroo Nawangmamghi, and Lam
Ghassatoo. 'lliese have their resi-
dence ill Bootan, in separate monas-
teries ; the principal of the red class
in Tibet has liis residence at Sakia. .
It is a custom in 'I'ibet to preserve
entire the mortal reniauis of the so-
vereign lamas only, every other
corpse being either consumed by lire,
or, as among the Parsees, exposed
iu the open air. As soon as hie has
left a chief lama, the body is placed
uprii';ht, in an attitude of devotion,
his legs being folded under him,
with each thigh resting on the in-
step, and the soles of the feet turned
uj>wards. In this posture they are
deposited in shrines ; the inferior
lamas are usually burned, and their
ashes deposited in little metallic idols;
but co!!imon .subjects are treated
vvitli less ceremony. Some are car-
ried to lofty eminences, where, alter
having been disjointed, and the
limbs divided, they are left a prey
to ravens, kites, and other carni-
vorous birds. In the more populous
parts of the country, the dogs also
come in for their share.
The dress of the religious orders
in this portion of Asia is tlie regular
habit of eveiy attendant at court,
consisting of a vest of woollen cloth,
A'i ith sleeves of a d^ep garnet colour,
and a large mantle, either of the
same, or of a thiimer texture, re-
sembling a shawl. A sort of phil-
hbegand huge boots of bulgai' hides,
TIDORE ISLE.
815
fined either \\\\h fur or cloth, com-
plete their equipage.
With respect to the union of the
Bcxes, a custom prevails in I'ibet,
at once dilierent tiom tlie modes of
lEuropc, Avliere one Itinak^ heenmes
the j\ile of one male; ami the oppo-
site practice prevalent over the great-
er part of Asia, where one male ex-
The affairs of Tibet cojitinucd in
a llourisliing and proj-p-prous state
until 1702, when the Nepanlese,
without provocation, commenced
hostilities, the first experienced for
niany years, and invaded Tibet.
Their proj^.css was rapid and mi-
foreseen, and thoy appear* d so sud-?
deuiy before I'c^Iioo Locnnboo, us
ercises an inicontronied despotism scarcely to allow tiie hwx and his
over numy females. Here a custom g> longs time to efl'eet tiieir escape,
still more preposterous is found — which they did with great diilieiiltv
that of polyandria, one female asso- across the Brahmapootra. 'i'he
elating- witii ail tlio brothers of tiie Nepanlese army, havin<j |)lunder-
family, without any restriction of ed 'j'eshoo Luomhoo of the accu-
aj>c or numbers; tiic choice of the mnlated coutribntions of ages, and
wife being the exclusive privilege of tlic tombs of their most valuable or-
the elder brother. This arrange- naments, withdrew to tlieir own
ment dift'crs considerably from tlie country, where they were pursued
Nair customs on the Coast of Mala- by the Chinese, defeated in several
bar; but a similar practice is said to actions, and forced to sue for peace
be followed by the bearer caste in on most igno'iiiiiious terms, being
tlie province of Orissa ; yet, when compelled to restore all the plunder
compared with their neighbours, the captured at Teshoo Loomboo, and
women of Tibet enjoy an elevated to pay an annual tribute,
station in society. In the ceremony Since this period the lamas have
of marriage the priests of Tibet enjoyed profound peace, but their
have no .share whatever, it being ra- intluence Ikw been much weakened,
tilled and completed without their or iather overpowered by liiat of
interference. 'I'he oihcers of state, their terrestiiai protectors, the £m-
as well as those who asj)ire to such perors of China. These keep ofli-
distinctions, deem it a businc^^s ill cers stationed at the comt of Lassa,^
suited with their dignities and du- styled umbas. who are iuACsted with
ties to attend to the propagation of all tlie real autuority, and keep up
the species, w Inch they entirely an intercourse w ith Pekin by nieans
9,bandon to mere plebeians. of jasoos, or connnunieators of in-^
The geograpliical knowledge of teliigence. {Turner , Bogle, Reiinel,
the Tibet ians is very limited, nor Wilford, Saundrrs, 4-f.)
has any accurate information been TiCAO Isle, {or St. Iliacyntho). —
yet procured of the ancient extent A sniall island, one oi the Pi:iiip-
uf the kingdom, or the age of their pines, .situated due south of tlie
religious institutions. About A. D, large Island of Luzon. Lat. 12°.
1720 the lim|)eror of Ciiina acquired 30'. N. Long. 123°. 4(>'. E. In length
the sovereignty of Tibet, by inter- it may be estimt'tcd at 2b miles, by
fcring in tlie quarrels of two coji- seven the average brcudth. Here
tending parlies. On t!;e 5th of July, the galleon used to take in water
1780, Teshoo Lama died in China and provisions bclbre her tinal de-
of the .small pox, in the 47th year parturc for Acapiileo.
of his age. In December, 1783, his
successor, althoug'i otdy 18 months
old, and unalde to .speak, when vi-
sited l>y the British ambassador, con- 58'. N. Lo
ducted himself wilh.astoni.shing dig-
nity and decorum; such were the
eliects of^cailv discipline.
4
'I'icK.'iRY. — A town in the pro-'
vince of Bahar, district of Bahar, 60
miles S. b\ W.from Tutna. Lat. 24°.
84°. 5;V.
E.
TiDORE iM.z. — One of the Mo-
luccas, .about 21 miles in circum-
ference, .situated on the west coa it
816
TIMOR, (EAST),
of Gilolo, three leagues soutli from
'I'eniatc. l.at. 0°. 45'. N. Loiij?.
127°. 25'. E. Both of these islands
are re)naikab!y well watered l)y
streams from llieir respective peaks,
which are usually cloud eai)ped. Ti-
dore is populous, and fonnerly con-
tained 25 mosques. Its sultau also
A\ as a potentate of considerable con-
sequence in this part of the world,
as he possessed a great part of Gi-
lolo to the south and east, the chief
towns l>ein2f Maba, Weda, and Pa-
tany; and, besides, claimed sove-
reijvnty over Wagecoo, Mysol, and
Battanta. In point of fact, he was
completely in subjection to the
Dutch, who elevated or deposed
sultans as best suited their connner-
ciai speculations.
On the 8th of Nov. 1521, Juan
Carvallo, one of the sur\ivin«: com-
panions of Magellan, arrived at Ti-
dore, and was well received by its
chief, who granted liim a factory for
the purpose of collectin«f cloves and
other spices. On the 21st of De-
cenjber he loaded two ships with
spices for Spain. Gonzalo Gomez
de Espinoza commanded the Trini-
dad ; and it was his intention to pro-
ceed to Panama, in Mexico, but he
was captured by the Portuguese.
•Sebastian del Cano went in the Vic-
toria, by the way of the Cape of
Good Hope; and, having lost many
of his crew during the voyage, ar-
rived, at St. Lucas on the 7th Sept.
1722, with only 18 men, three years
IVom the date of their departure from
Seville — having thus performed the
first circumnavigation of the globe.
in 152G a second Spanish squa-
dron aiTived at Tidore, where they
found the Portuguese had declaied
war against the chief, on account of
the succour he had atlbrded to the
squadron of Magellan. Hostilities
in consequence commenced in the
Moluccas between these two nations,
and continued with varied success
until 1529. The Spaniards alleged
that these islands were within the
Pope'a line of demarcation, which
was the fact; but the Portuguese
Avere unwilling to relinquish so lu-
crative a trade. About this period
these differences were adjusted, the
Emperor Charles V. renouncing his
right, such as it was, to the Moluc-
cas, for the consideration of 350,000
ducats, advanced to him as a loan
by the King of Portugal.
In 1779 Drake, the famous cir-
cumnavigator, arrived at Tidore, and
began to gather spices without the
permission of the king, who was at
lirst greatly incensed ; but, being af-
terwards by presents conciliated, his
rage abated. {Zwniga, Forrest, ^c.)
TiJiLENKiNG. — A large Malay vil-
lage on the Island of Java, situated
about five leagues east from Batavia.
This place is intersected by a ri-
ver, which unites with the Antijol,
and afterwards falls into a small
shallow bay of six or eight inches
water, on a bottom of oyster shells.
In the middle of the river is a ser-
pentine channel, navigable for ca-
noes and small country boats. The
Chinese here hold a market all the
year for the sale of provisions and
vegetables, and from hence is sent
the greater part of the fresh and salt-
ed fish consumed in Batavia and its
vicinity. Much salt is also made
here. {Tombe, ^-c.)
Tim A AN IsLii. — A very small island
situated oft' the east coast of the Ma-
lay Peninsula. Lat. 2°. 52'. N.
Long. 104°. 5'. E.
This island is high and woody, and
has several others still snjaller lying
olf it to the westward. Vessels
bound to India, through the Straits
of jNlalacca, may go within the islands
of Timaan, Pisang, Aor, and Pulo
I'ingy, and the main. {JEImore, 5*c.)
TiMAPET. — A town in the Nizam's
trrritorics, in the province of Bce-
der, 54 miles S. S. W. from Hydei-
abad. Lat. 16°. 30'. N. Long. 78°
27'. E.
TliHERYCOTTA. — A town and fort-
ress in the Carnatic, district of Pal-
iiaud, 77 miles S. S. E. from Hyder-
abad, Lat. 16°. 17'. N. Long. 79°.
20'. E.
TiMOK, (East). — A large island
TIMOR.
817
in Ihe Easlern Seas, iii<crsec(cd by
the 9t!i deg^ice of south lalitudc, and
extcntliiig- obliqiioly in a north-east
and s()nth-\v«'st direction. In Icnulh
it may be estimated at 250 miles, by
40 tlje averi!ji:e bread h.
In the year 1G30 Die Dntch formed
their seltlfinent at Coii|jang on this
island, from \v hence llieir estabiisli-
ment at Amboyna is still supplied
with live stock and other necessa-
ries. The produce of this island is
chiefly sandal wood and wax ; but
the first ariiele is now become scarce,
the last continuiuf? abundant. The
bees make their nests in bushes and
the boughs of trees, to which the na-
tives cannot approach until they have
.smoked or burned the bees out. The
honey is then put into jars, and the
wax run into blocks three feet in
length, and 12 or 15 inches in thick-
ness. Another article of export is
biche de mar, which is partly pro-
cured near the island, and partly
fished on the coast of New Holland,
and brought here for sale. \\'hen
Capiain Flinders was surveying the
north coast of New Holland, with
the view of exploring the great gulf
of Carpentaria he unex])ectcd!y at
the bottom t)f it fell in with six Ma-
cassar prows fishing for biche de
mar or sea slug. Trom the com-
mander of these vessels he learned
that a numerous fleet sailed annually
from Mac:!S>ar on this expedition,
and afterwards carried their cargoes
to Timor, w here they were n)et by
Chinese traders, who purchased (he
commodity; and, having traiishii)-
ped it to their own junks, carried it
for sale to the so'.ithern poits of Chi-
na. Each prow carried a cresv of
16 or 18 men, for tlie purpose of col-
lecting this sea reptile, which they
afterwards dried w ith tlie smoke of
green wood. The chief aitfcles of
impoi t ai e opium, piece goods, coarse
cutlery, chinaware, and nankins.
The Dutch tiom hence exported
many slaves to their dilli rent settle-
ments, aiid also procui» d a small
quantity of gold annually. Their
civil establishment at Coopang Ibrm-
criy consisted of 70 persons, but
since the conmiencemeiit of the re-
volutionary war it has been greatly
reduced, lly lar fhe greater j)art (if
the traffic is conducted by the Chi-
nese, whoso small defenceless vcs^
sels, of tiom 10 to ,30 tons, are most
imarcountably permitted to navigate
these piratical seas unmolested.
The bread-fruit tree, called by the
INTalays soccoom, grows here in great
luxuriance, and appears to be as
much a native of the i.sland as it is
of Otaheite. A Timor bread fruit
weighs half as much more than one
of equal size at Otaheite; but, not-
withstanding its name, it is here ge-
nerally eaten with milk and sugar.
On thi.s island there is also a bread
liuit that produces seeds not unlike
Windsor beans, and, Avhcu boiled
or roasted, cjpialiy palatable. The
mountain rice is common in Timor,
where, contrary to the practice else-
where, it is cultivated on diy land.
About the year 1790 .some of' it was
procured, and forwarded to his Ma-
jest} 's botanic garden at St. Vin-
cent's, and to other parts of the
\\ est Indies ; but no report of its
.success has ever appeared. The
coast of this island abounds with
most beautiful shells.
Tlu' Dutch controul the north-
west and .souili sides of Timor; but
tile Portuguese still have a settle-
ment at Dliclii, on the north «'oast,
the mi.>-erable relic of their once ex-
tensive po.sscssions in thc^e seas.
'J 'he chief of the natives is by the
Dutch stjled keyser (emperor), and
resides at a place called I»racke-
nassy, four milf^s from Coopang. In
1789 he was baptized by the name
ofBcrnardus, his native appellation
being Eacchu JBamiock. 'J'lie na-
tives on the sea coast are described
a-! very indtlent; those of the inte-
rior as stionu, and active, but from
their want of cleanliness subject to
filthy diseases. Civil wars are fre-
quent aniDiig them, which the Dutch
say are fomented by the Portuguese;
and the Poi1ugue.se say are foment-
ed bv the Dutch. The latter have
818
TINNEVELLY.
been at some paius to establish
Christiiiiiity; but have not gained
much giound, except in the neio^h-
bourhood of Coopang, where prayers
are performed by a Malay clergy-
man, the scriptures liaving been
translated into that dialect.
The Malays of the more eastern
isles adopt so many foreign terms,
and tlie practice is so prevalent, that
the term Basa Timor, or the eastern
language, is applied to any sort of
jargon. In Captain Cooke's first •. oy-
age, a resemblance between the lan-
guage of the people of the South Sea
islands, and the inhabitants of many
parts of the Indian ArchiiKlago, has
l3cen remarked; but the coincidence
is found particularly strong at Ti-
mor, as Avell as in the numerals. lie-
sides the dialect, there are some cus-
toms among the natives of this island
still more striking for their simi-
huity. They practice the Toogc-
tooge of the Friendly islands, which
they callTombook ; and the Roomee
of Otahcite, which they name Ra-
mas. They likewise place on their
graves offerings of baskets, filled
with tobacco and betel. In 1809 a
valuable present of cannon and am-
munition ^^ as sent by the British go-
vernment to the Sultan of Timor,
who then held out against the Dutch.
{Bligh, Stai'oriitn.^ arul Notes, Ley-
den. Asiatic Registers, Vc.)
Timor Laut. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, situated betwixt the
seventh and eighth degrees of south
latitude, and the 132d and 133d of
east longitude. In length it may be
estimated at 70 miles, by 25 the
average breadth. Except iis dimen-
sions and geographical position, no-
thing further is known resjiccting it.
'J'lNNEVKLLY, {IViiiavali, one of
Vishnus Names). — A district in the
South of India, situated principally
between the «'ighth and lOlli degrees
of north latitude, and occupjiug the
.south-eastern extremity of niiat is
miscalled the peninsula. To the
north it has Madura and Marawas ;
on the S. £. it is separated from Cey-
lon by the Gulf of Mauaai-; and on
the west it is boiuided by Travancor.
In length it may be estimated at 150
miles, by 50 the average breadth.
From Travancor this district is
separated by a high ridge of woody
mountains, of extremely difficult ac-
cess, its surface being generally flat
from the sea coast until these hills
are approached. The eountiy for
30 miles to the north of the town of
Tinnevelly is open, and tolerably
well cultivated. This tract, being
situated between tlie eastern and
western polygars, was, during the
early Carnatic wars of the last cen-
tury, the favourite field of their de-
predations. This district contains
no rivers of magnitude, but is w ater-
ed by many streams flowing from the
western mountains, and in favom-
able seasons yields abundant crops
of rice and cotton — the latter is of
an excellent qoalitj-. A very small
proportion, how ever, of the produce
of this district is exported either by
sea or land ; on the contrary, during
unfavourable seasons, rice is some-
times brought from Travancor. The
chief towns are Tinnevelly, Tuteco-
ria, Vypaur, Callacand, Natrada-
cotta, and Coilpatam. Being in its
immediate vicinity the productions
of Ceylon would probably thrive in
this district.
Tlie principal article exported to
jNIadras from the 'linnevelly and
Ramnad districts is cotton, which
is after\\'ards consigned for sale to
China. Iji 1811 there was a great
deficiency in the cotton crop. The
next in value are the various assort-
ment of ]jiece goods, which are ge-
nerally of a coarse description, and
a considerable quantity of jaggory,
with some indigo, dry ginger, and
cocoa nuts. In 1811 chayroot (o the
value of 34,830 rupees, and carda-
moms 2925 rnpecs, were sent trom
hence to Matlras; but the former
was probably the jiroduce of Ceylon,
and Ihe latter of the Malabar coast.
The imports received liom Ma-
dras arc inconsiderable, and consist
of liquors and suj»plies of Europe
and China goods for the stations;
TINNEVELLY.
819
besides which, a few drugs and ar-
ticles of small value in use among
the natives, either medicinally, or
for their numerous ceremonies, are
received. 'I'lie import trade tiom
places beyond the territories of Ma-
dras, is j)rincipally conlined to large
consignments of betel nut from Tra-
vancor and Ceylon. The foreign ex-
port trade consists of piece goods to
Bombay and Ceylon, and of chank
shells to Bengal. The total value of
imports from places beyond the ter-
ritories of the Madras government,
between the 1st May, 181), and the
30fh April, 1812, was 292,113 Arcot
rupees, viz.
From Ceylon - - - - 20,614
Goa ----- 2202
Travaneor - - - 251,898
Various places - - 17,399
Arcot rupees 292,113
The total value of the exports to
places beyond the limits of the Ma-
dras Presidency, during the above
period, was Arcot rupees 189,152,
viz.
To Calcutta - - - - - 31,313
Bombay ----- l],.506
Cevlon 117,709
Various places - - - 28,624
Arcot rupees 189,152
The principal sea-ports of this dis-
trict are Vypaur, Tutacorin, Coil-
paiani, and Colasacarapatam ; at
which harbours, betwei n the 1st
May, 1811, and thc301h April, 1812,
436 vessels and craft, measuring
10,100 tons, arrived; and 336, mea-
suring 8103, dcj)arted.
The Mahoniniedans in this dis-
trict are very lew, and the primitive
Hindoo manners and customs are
scarcely any where seen so jmre and
unmixed. App<irently the lapse of
20 centuries has made no change in
their habits and customs. The col-
leries an>ong the hills on the western
frontier of Tinnevelly, piescnt no-
thing of the ugUness or deformity
which generally characterize the in-
3g 2
habitants of the hills and wilds of
Hhulostun ; on the contrary, they
are tall, well made, and well fea-
tured, and are of a martial disposi-
tion. Before they were thoroughly
reduced to order by the British, their
arms were lances and pikes, bows
and arrows, rockets and matchlocks ;
but whether with or without other
weapons, every man constantly car-
ried a sword and shield.
In tijnes of remote Hindoo an-
tiquity, this district formed part of
the great Pandian empire, the capital
of which was Tanjore. During the
early Carnatic wars, from 1740 to
1760, it swanned with independent
polygars with uncouth names, such
as the Pulitavcr, \ul3bee Khan, Cut-
teck, Catabominague, and I'ania-
lumcrutch, in a state of perpetual
hostility, each having his fort or den,
situated among the woods and fast-
nesses, which then almost covered
three-fourths of the countiy. At
this period, in conjunction with Ma-
dura, I'innevelly was farmed for 11
lacks of rupees of revenue ; and low
as was the assessment, it generally
ruined the farmer, from the difiiculty
of collection. In this disorderly
state it continued until 1792. from
which period the Company collected
the tribute ; but, until very lately,
the polygars of many of the smallest
tracts of coiuitry exercised not oidy
civil but criminal jurisdiciion ; the
services, as well as the lives, of their
subjects, being at their disposal.
A^'heu the war with Tippoo com-
menced in 1799, and the Madras
army was actively employed in his
dominions, a formidable insurrec-
tion broke out among the southern
poliams of Tinnevelly, for the quell-
ing of jvhich a body of troojis was
marched into the country. This oc-
casion was taken for disarming the
polygars, demolishing their forts and
strong holds, and reducing them im-
mediately to the civil authority of
the Company. A temporary arrange-
ment Mas also concluded for the re-
venue, and, in 1801, by treaty with
the Nabob of Arcot, the absolute
820
TXPERAII.
sovereignty of Ihc province w as ac-
quired, in lliis jear a second insur-
rection took place among the south-
eju pollams, whieli Avas consiilcred
to be coiuiceted with another, at
that time existing in the Dindigul
and AJalabar countries, but the
whole were eirectually s\ippiesscd.
'I'lu* strong measures adopted in
tousequcnee of the second rebellion,
having produced the etlcct of ge-
neral obedience to s;ovcrnnrent, they
■were followed up by an extension of
a permanent assessment of the re-
venue, M hi'cii was carried into efl'eet,
ill 1803; and, in 1806, produced
669,315 star pagodas. In this man-
ner, l)y the energy of government,
and tlie extinction of a divided au-
thority, one of the finest districts in
the Carnalic lias been converted
I'rom a state of anarchy and confusion
to one of subordination and pros-
perity. (5f/i Report, Report, on Ex-
ternal Commerce, Orme, Fnllarton,
Lushvigtov, Hodsoyi, Sec.)
TiNNEViaLY. — A town in the
Southern C'arnatic, 60 miles N. by
K fiom Cape Comorin. Lat. 8°.
45'. N. Long. 77°. 50'. E.
TiNOUi. — A town in Tibet, si-
tuated in the Tingri Meidaun, or
^ alley of Tiugri, on the banks of
the River Arun. Lat. 27°. 43'. N.
liong. 86°. 45'. E. From hence to
Teshoo Loomboo the road is level,
and it was by this route the Nepaul
army marched wiien it invaded Ti-
bet, and plundered Te.shoo Loom-
boo, in 1792. At this place the Ne-
j)aulese weie defeated by the Chi-
nese. {Kirlipatricli, bj-c.)
TiPiiRAH, (Tripura). — A large
district in IJengal, situated princi-
pally between the 22d and 24th de-
grees of north latitude. On the north
it is bounded by Silhct and Dae( a ;
on the south by Chittagoiig and the
sea; to the east it is se|.arated by
liills and deep foiests from the Eir-
niau dominions ; and on the west it
has the great Eiver JNIegua, and the
district of Dacca Jelalpoor. ]5y
Abul Eazel, in }5b2, it is described
as follows :
" Bordering upon Ehaliy is a very
extensive country subject to the
chief of Tiperah ; him they style
Yeyah Manick. Whoever is pos-
sessed of the rajahship bear.? the
title of Manick, and all the nobility
are called Narrain. Their military
force consists of 1000 elephants, and
200,000 infantry ; but they have few
or no cavalry."
This district, also named Eoslic-
nabad, is the chief eastern Ihjuu-
<lar> of Bengal, and is of very large
dimensions, in 1784 it was esti-
mated to comprehend 6618 s(piar«
miles, but various iands have since
been added to it, and its eastern
limits are not yet jvccnrately defined.
Tov^ ards this ({uarter the country is
extreineiy wild, and ov ergrovMi with
iujigle, abounding v\ilh elephants:
but that part of it adjacent to the
IMegua is rich, fertile, and commer-
cial. The inhabitants of the moun-
tainous and woody tract on the east-
ern frontier are named Kookies, and
Uve in a state of the most savagw
barbarity. Anjong these forests the
gajal is found in a wild state. That
part of the Tiperah district situated
on the ^legua from Eaoudcauudy to
Luckipoor, is famous for the pro-
duction of excellent betel nut, which
is held in high estimation by the Bir-
mans and Arracaners, «lio come an-
nually and buy it nearly all up, paying
mostly in ready money. Tins tratiie
is so regularly established, that they
contract for the produce of the betel
imt plantations for the succeeding
years. 'I'lie coarse cotton goods of
this country are known all over the
world by the nauKs of baftaes and
cossacs, and are an excellent and
substantial fabric. They form an-
nually a considerable portion of tha
East India Com|)any's investment,
and ate also largely exported by pri-
vate merchants. The chiel towns
of this district are Comillah and
Luckipoor,
The number of elephants annually
caught in Tiperah is very consider-
alde, but they are reckoned inferior
to tho.se of Chiltasromr and Eegu.
TIltOON.
821
The hoiglit of Ibis animal lias, in
{•Tiu'ial, Ik'cii oTcally r\aj;gTrat(fl.
In India llic height of females is
<;omm()nlv from seven to <i<v!it feet,
and that of males from eiivUt to 10
feet, measured at the shoulder, as
horses are. Tiie largest ever known
with certainly belonged to Asoph
lid IJowlah, liie Naitob of Onde, and
was taken in 1796; the peipendicn-
lar heii!,iit at the shoulder was 10
feet six inches. (Jne helon<;;in2; to
the Nnhol) of Dacca measured 10
feet liifih. The heigiit recinired hy
the Jirilish !i,overni!ient in Benj^al
fur the elephants pnreimsod for their
.service, is nine feet.
This distriet ajipears to have been
the setit of an independent Hindoo
principality, jbr many centuries af-
ter the \ilaliomniedans had by eon-
quest ol)tained possession of the rest
of Bengal ; but its limits, probably,
did not then as now approach the
banks of the Brahma])Oo(ia and
IVIrp^na. By Mahomniedan histo-
rians it is termed the country of
.tagenaa^ur. In A. D. 1279 it was
invaded by T()p,iuil, the Fatan "go-
vernor of Bengal, who plundered
the inhabitants, and brought away
100 elephants. In 1343 it was again
Invaded by Ilyas, the second inde-
pendent Bengal sovereign, wluy car-
ried off maijy valuable e;e[)hants.
For many succe(!ding years this
state continued to prv'sev\e its inde-
pendence, which is surprising when
its vicinity to Dacca, so long the
<.'api1al of BenLi,al, is considered. It
was, however, a1 last brought into
subjeeliiJU in 1/33; when a nephew
of the Tipe4-ah rajaiis Ih^d iu Dacca
and reqnesled assistaiK-e, which was
granted under the command of iMcer
Ilubbeeb Oolah. 'J'his ollicer eros.s-
ed the Bra}ima])ootra, and being
conducted by iho nephew, they
reached tlie capital before the rajah
bad time to prepare for an efl'cetual
resistance ; he was, in coiise<pience,
obliged to fly ibr refug<' to the fo-
rests and mountains. The nephew
was put in possession of the govern-
^i3e)ii, on condition of paying a large
annual tribute ; and the whole ex-
tensive tract of country became a
province of tin; Mogul empire, itself
on the ev(? of dissoiution. When
the coiKjiiest was comi)leted, the an-
cient name, aceordinu," to a ftlahoin-
medan jnactice, was changed to that
of Kouslienabad ; and a body of
troops was left under a foujdar to
support the young rajah. Along with
the rest of Bengal it devolved to the
British ; and, in 1801, w as estimat-
ed to contain 750,000 iniiabitants,
in the |)roporlion of three Mahom-
medaus to four Hindoos. {Stenart,
J. Grant, Cox, kc.)
TiKooN, {Tinin). — A district on
the east coast of Borneo, situated
between the third and lonrth degrees
(tf north latitude. Tiie coast here
is all low mangrove land, the moun-
tains being very distant inland, and
inhabited by Idaan, the aborigines
of the island. 'J'he country abonnd.s
with sago trees, which being the
chief su.stenanee of the natives, they
])lant annually in gK;at numbers to
prevent any delieieney, as a con-
.siderable time nmst ela])se before;
they are (it to be cut down. The
l)roduce of the country consists prin-
cipally of sago and bird nes,ts, both
of wiiicli are in great plenty and
))erieetion. It also yields wax, canes,
rattans, mats, honey, biche do mar,
and iti some parts gold. In this dis-
trict there uro many rivers, the laig-
i'st, n:vmed the Barow, or Curan,
from dillerent places near it, has
about three fathoms water at the
mouth ; l>ut there are several shoals,
which render the assi.s1auce of a
j)il<4l necessary.
The tribes known by the names of
Tiioon and Te<long live chieliy on
the N. E. coast of Eorneo, and are
reckoned a .savage and ])iratical race,
addicted to eating the llcsh of their
enemies, 'f heir language is little
known, but is reckoiu.*d jiecnliar,
and the peoi)le are probably a tribe
of the aborigines, named iJoraforas,
Idaan, or Alforeze. {Forrest, Dal-
rymple, l.ciiden, cSc.)
Token Bessey.s. — A cluster of
822
TOOLJAPOOR.
very small isles, situated off <he east
coast of the Island of Booton. Lat.
6° 40'. S. Long-. 123°. 35'. E.
These numerous little islands are
all of them either connected with,
or sunoiuidcd by rocky shoals, be-
tween which very rapid currents set
strongly to the eastward, and render
the iiavigalion hazardous. They are
inhabited. {Siaiiorim(s, Sfc-)
ToLo Bay. — A deep bay that in-
dents the east side of the Island of
Celebes, the coast of wliich has
been but little explored.
TolourIsle. — The largest of the
Salibabo Isles, named by Valentyn
Karlcallang, and by Captain Hunter
Kercolang:, situated between the
fourtii and fifth degrees of north la-
titude, and about 126°. 30'. east
longitude.
'i'his island is from 80 to 100 miles
in circumference, and is, in general
of a good height. The face of the
country is composed of steep hills
and cxtensiAe vallics, every part
being covered with trees and ver-
dure. It is well cultivated and po-
pulous, the inhabitants being mostly
Mahonmiedaus, vv!)o wear turbans,
and are covered with coarse cotton
cloth. Their houses erected on posts
are well built, find neatly thatched,
the whole exhibiting a considerable
degree of civilization.
The Dutch had formerly a flag
here, but, about 1773, the Magin-
danese exercised a sort of j-nisdic-
tion over the island, and exacted a
tribute, which was usually paid in
^!a\es. (Cai'tain Hunter, FoiTest,
S,-c. .§-f.)
ToMiNiE Bav. — A bay which
deeply indents the N. E. quarter of
the Island of Celebes, and abound-
ing Witli small rocky islands and
rocky shoals. It is also named Goo-
nong Telia Bay.
To.vDi. — A town on the sea-coast
of the Southern Carnatic, district of
Marawas. Lat. 9°. 43'. N. Long.
76°. 5'. E.
ToNGHO. — A town, district, and
fortress, in the Birman dominions,
the latter being accounted a place of
uncommon strength, Lat. 18°. 50'.
N. Long. 96°. 40'. E.
The province of Tongho is said
to be rich and populous, and is usu-
ally governed by one of the sons of
the Birman monarcii, who takes his
title from it, being called Tongho
Teekien, or Prince of Tongho. The
inhabitants excel in the manufacture
of cotton cloth, and the land pro-
duces the best betel nut in the em-
pire. In this luxury the Birmans of
all ranks indulge so freely, that it
has become with them almost a ne-
cessary of life. The natives of Ton-
gho are famous for their licentious-
ness and ferocity, and among the
Birmans notorious for their inso-
lence and dishonesty. {Symes, ^-c.)
ToNK Rampoorah- — A Rajpoot
town in the province of Ajmeer, 60
miles S. by E. from Jyenagur. Lat.
26°. 7'. N." Long. 75°. 58'. E.
This fort, with the adjacent dis-
trict, belong to Jeswunt Row Hol-
kar, and were taken by the British
in ] 804, but restored at the ensuing
peace.
ToNOKU, {or Yadavapuri). — A town
in the Mysore, where are still to be
seen the remains of the walls of an
ancient city, which indicate that
they must have once been of great
extent. The reservoir is also a very
great work, and said to have been
formed by Rama Anuja, about the
year 1000 of the Christian era. It
is made by a mound erected be-!-
tween two mountains. Tippoo at-
tempted to destroy it by cutting a
trench through the mound, in the
expectation (it is said) of finding
treasure at the hoi torn. I'lie tank
was rc[)aired after the Mysore con-
quest, and the town is in conse-^
quencc fast recovering. {F. Bucha-
nan, (St.)
TooLJAPOOR, {Tnhjapura). — A
town in the Nizam's territories, in
the province of Auruugabad, 110
miles S. E. from Ahmcdnuggur. I^at.
18°. 7'. N. Long. 76°. 2v'. E. This
place is unfortified, and contains a
number of small pagodas dedicated
to the goddess Bliavaui.
TRANQUEBAR.
823
TOOLOOMBAH. — A fOAVU ill the
Afglian tcnitories, in tlie pnniiico
of ]Mooltan, situated on the south
side of the Kavey Rivi-r, 60 miles
N. E. by E. fiom the eity of Mool-
tan. Lat. 30°. 68'. N. Long. 72°.
13'. E.
TooMBunoRA River, {Tmiga
Bhadra). — Tliis river commences
nrar Hooly ( iuorc, Avhere two i ivers
whose names give it tliis title meet.
TJie Tunga, wliich is the northern
river, takes its rise in the Western
Ghauts, about half a deforce south
of Bednore ; the Bhadra, from a
chain of hills situated to the east-
ward of the Ghauts, nearly opposite
to Mangalore, and known by the
name of the Baba Boodon Hills.
After tlowiug through a jungly coun-
ti-y for nearly a degree, it joins its
name and waters with the Tnnga at
Koorly, a sacred village near Hooly
Onore. From hence taking a s\v eep,
first northerly and westerly, and af-
terwards to the east, it continues a
veiy winding course, until it falls
into the Krishna, marking the north
western frontier of the Britisii do-
minions in this quarter of Hindostan.
{^Moor, F. Buchanan, §r.)
TooMOON. — A small town in the
province of Malwah, 84 miles W.
by N. from Chatterpoor. Lat. 25°.
8'. N. Long. 78°. 35'. E. ByAbul
Fazel, in 1582, it is described as fol-
lows :
'* Toomxir is a town situated on
the banks of the River Butmah, in
which are seen mermaids. Here is
an idolatrous temple, in which if you
beat a drum, it makes no noise."
TooREYooR.^ — A town in tlieCar-
natic, 24 miles north from Trichino-
polv. Lat. 11°. 11'. N. Long. 78°.
48'" E.
ToKEE. — A town in l!ie province
of Bahar, district of iJamghur, 125
miles south from Patna. Lat. 23°.
42'. N. liong. 85°. 2'. E.
ToRoi F, {Taraf). — A town in the
province of Bengal, district of Tipo-
rah, 77 miles N. E. from Dacca. Lat.
24°. 20'. N. Long. 91°. 18'. E.
TouRADJA, {Ta. Rnjja),— An ex-
tensive district in the interior of Ce-
lebes, bordering to the north on the
Alforeze Mountains, Nvhidi separate
it from the Bay of Tominie ; to the
east upon I^oboe and Wad jo ; to the
south upon Seederiring; and to the
west upon the Mandarese INIonn-
tains.
A large proportion of the Ta Rajja
tribe, who inhabit tlie central j)arts
of Celebes, are aborigines, and un-
converted to the jNlahonnnedau faith.
They are said to eat the prisoners
made in war. Another portion live
entirely on the water in their vessels,
continually roving round Celebes,
the Island of Eiide (Flori.s) and
Sumbhawa. These last are frequent-
ly named Boadjoos, and subsist by
tishing for biche de mar, and catch-
ing tortoises for the shell. {Stavori-
nus, Leyden, ^r.)
TouRNAGHAUT. — :A pass ftoni tlie
Concan province, through the west-
ern range of mountains to the inte-
rior, 33 miles east from Dabul. Lat.
17°. 47'. N. Long. 73°. 25'. E.
This pass is considerably more
rugged and steep than that of Am-
bah. First an ascent occurs of up-
wards half a mile, on the summit of
which, for one mile, the road con-
tinues very rocky, when the descent
commences, and is, for a mile and
a half, very steep, rocky, and diffi-
cult. At the bottom of this first
ghaut is a plain of some extent, en-
closed on all sides by jungle, after
which there is another steep to de-
scend, as rugged as the preceding,
and of longer continuance. {Moor,
-^T. St.)
TouRATTEA. — A small state situ-
ated at the sonthcrn extremity of
Celebes, bounded by JNIacassar, Bon-
tain, and the sea, and under the in-
fluence of the Dutch at J'ort Rotter-
dam. Lat. 5°. 7'. S. Long. 119°.
25'. E.
Tr a\q u era R, (Turavgaburi) — A
Danish settlement in the Southern
Carnatic, situated on the sea-coast
of the Tanjore province, 145 miles
S. by W. from JNladras. Lat. 11°.
N. Long. 79°. 55'. E.
824
TRAVANCOR.
A Danish East IiuHa Company raiio:e of lofty hills covered with
>vas established at Copenhagen in jungle. In lenglli it may be esti-
1612, and the first Danish vessel ar- mated at 140 miles, by 40 the ave-
rivcd on the Coast of Coromandel in va^e breadth.
1616, where tliey were kindly re- The face of the country in this
ceivf'd by tlic Rajah ofTanjore, from pntvince, in Ihc vicinity of the moiin-
vvhom 1 hey purchased the \illage of tains, exhibits a varied scene of hill
Tranquebar, with the small territory and dale, and winding; streams. Tiiese
adjacent. Here they erected the waters flow from the hills, and pre-
fort of Dansburgli, the protection of serve the vallies in perpetual ver-
vvliicli, and the correct conduct of dure. Tlie g;randtur of the scene is
the Danish Company's servants, soon much cnhaiiccd by tiie lofty forests
attracted population and commerce, witii which t!ie mountains are co-
The Company however did not pros- vered, producing? pepper, cardamo-
per, as, in 1G24, they suiTeiulered nis, cassia, liankincense, and other
up their charter and properly to aromatic gums. In the woods at the
Kin^ Christian IV. in pajmcnt of a bottoni of the hills i\r<. many elo
debt which they owed liim. Under phants, bntialoes, and timers of the
a frnijal government, the revenues of largest size. Monkies and apes are
the port continued sufficieni to pay very numerous, and herd togelher in
the current expenses, and wjiiie flocks.
Denmark continued neutral her sub- The agriculture and productions
jects realized vast sums by lending of Tiavancor, well rdapted to its
their names to cover I>ritishpro]ierty. more favourable eliniate and supe-
On the unfortunate rupture with that riur soil, difler materially Irom tho
kingdom, in 1807, the Danes \\ere cultivation and crops of the Car-
de[)rived of all tiieir seltlemcnts in
India.
At present, the commercial inter-
course of lliis small settlement ap-
natic. The wet ( ultivation is con-
ducted without the aid of tan\s, the
seasons afl'ording sutllcicnt moisture
for the cultivation of rice on eveiy
appears priacipa'ly to be with the spot fit for that purpose ; and as the
Isle of France, Prince of Wales' utmo;<t degree of industry is cxert-
Island, Ceylon, and Batavia. Its ed, the quantity produced in a coun"
imports are .small, and consist of ar- try like this, where tlie cro[)s never
rack, brandy, copper, and palami- iail, must be very large. The na-
rahs ; the c\i)oits are piece goods, tives assert this to be so consider-
In 1811-12 tlio total value of its ex- able, that the whole of the goveru-
ports were 62,828 Arcot rupees, and ment expenses, civil, militaiy, and
of its imports 38,297 Arcot rupees, religious, are defrayed from the wet
The impmt tonnage v. as only 236 cultivation alone, without infringing
tons, and the export 600. The Ra- on the revenues accruing fiom th^
jah of Tanjr.re cominues to receive dry species of culti\ation. The lat-
the 'IVanquebar tribute amoiuiting ter consists principally of the foliow-
1o 2000 pagodas per annum. {3Jac- ing articles:
pherscn, lieport on E.i-fcrnal Com- Pepper, of which from five to
■merce, &rc.) 10,000 candies may be produced an-
Travancor, {Tiruvancodu) . — A imally, and vahicd at 485,000 rn-
proviuce at the south-wesUrn ex- pees. J or this valisable article tlie
tremity of liindostnn, and situated 'IVavancor government only pay the
between the eighth and 10th degrees cultivator 30 rupees per candy. Be-
of north latitude. To the north it
is bounded by tile territories of the
Cochin Rajah ; on the south and
west by the sea; and on the east it
is separated from TinnevcUy by a
tel mit is also monopolised by go-
vernment, which makes advances to
the cultivator, ajid rcsels it at a great
profit. Cocoa nut trees are very nu-
nicryus, and are assessed according
TKAVANCOR.
82o
to tlieir productive powers, and aro about one lack of rupees ptr au-
usually di\i(k'd into lour classes, the num.
tax upon each progressively ir.ereas- . Besides those above stated, t'lere
ills:. An additional tax on this ar- are various utlicr sources of revcnne
tide, levied by the Dewau ol" Tra- to the '1 lavaiu or ;;over!i!iieut, such
vaucor in 1799, caused ati insurrec- as taxes <;u Thiistian festivals, and
tion, which continued until the tax upon nets aiid fisheinicn ; but the
vas repealed. Ol" the lour sorts of most iniportaut is a eapitalion tax
trees, tlie first are the scarcest, and on all males from 16 to 60, Mith the
it is obsei\od that north of Qniion exception of Nairs, iMuplays, and
(Cculari) cocoa nut trees arc far artificers. 'Jhis operates ;is a tax on
more auundant than sonUi of it.
The ti rber forests of Travancor
are in o;ei!eral farmed, the revenue
to goveniment varying according to
circumstances, but estimated on an
average at one lack of rupees i)cr
animm. Among the other articles
of monopoly are ginger, farmed for
25.000 rupees per annutn ; coir
30,000 mpees; turmeric 10,000 ra-
the soil, and comjiensatcs to the go-
vernmei.'t the liglit asse.-isn^eiif on
the grain produce. The landholder
is bound for all the cultivatcis on
his estaic, and each person is a.sses.--
ed tluee fanatns. The numl^er pay-
ing has been estimated at •i.'H^OOO
persons. The .sum total of all tiiesc
exactions has been conjectured to
anion >it 1o 20 lacks of rupees aii-
pees; and koprah, or dried cocoa inia'ly, which is exclusive of th«
nut kernels, 20,000 lupees jier an-
num. Tobacco for the consumption
of tlie province is generally brought
from Ceylon, tlie average quantity
being 4000 bales, each of which
costs the 'I'ravancor government 60
rupees, and is afterwards resold at
220 rupees per bale : 1500 candies
of cotton are also annually imported
from Surat, upon whicii the govern-
ment levy a duty of 45 rupees per
candy. The Ecovcnuiient receives
wet cuUivatiim as mentioned above,
and from ttie detail lioie presented
some idea may 1)0 formed of the fis-
cal regulat!(nis under a genuine Hin-
doo government.
P« pper. the great staple of Tra-
vancor, has fallen so greatly in value
as to be almost unsaleable; what
formerly brought 220 rupees per
•andy, has gradually fallen to little
above 60 rupees. The Ea.st India
Company have, in conscipiencr.
from the purchase of cardamoms 100 connnuted tlieir subsidy, which used
rupees upon every candy, besides to be paid in pepper, for one in
full reimbursement of all expenses money,
attending tlie original advance to The old subsidy amounted
the cultivator, and the charges of
transportation.
In the interior of the Travancor
duties are exacted on the transit of
all articles, and the payment at one
place scarcely ever exempts the
to ------- .381,4:.G
The new subsidy to - - 40l,6:w
Rupees 7^^.111
The principal sea ports in this
trader from a repetition at another, province are Aujcngo, Coulan, Ai-
passes being unknown except for
some articles that are already farm-
ed. Aiuong other commodities jiro-
duced in the counti-y, and taxed by
the government, are cassia buds,
mace, long nutmegs, wild sallron,
narwallj, coculus indicus, bees' wax,
elephants' teeth, and sandal wootl.
The sea customs of Travancor are
bccca , and Coleshy. Strong cur-
rents run along the coast which fre-
quently carry ships, bound round
Cape Comoiin. a considriable dis-
tance to the westward. The rajah's
usual place of jcsidcnce is 'JVivan-
dajratam.
'j'liis province being one of the
subdivisions of the j\la!abar Coast,
fajmed, and realize on au average the manners and customs greatly rp-
•1
826
TRICHINOPOLY.
scmble those described under <!ic
article Malabar. Tlie Hindoo ]ii£!i-
iiers are preserved in ^reat purity,
this being the only country of Hiu-
dostau never subjected to Maliom-
jnediHi roncjiiest. At a very early
period the Christian religion gaiiied
a looting in Travancor, and its sub-
sequent progress was so great that
this province is now estimated to
contain 90,000 persons professing
the Christian doctrines. In some
parts Christian churches are so nu-
merous, and liifidoo temples so
rare, that the traveller with difficulty
believes hiiuself to be in India. The
most common name given to the
Christians of Malabar l-y the Hin-
do«rs of the country is that of Naza-
ratKC ]\)-apila (Moplay); but very
frequently Surians, and Surianee
Mapila. A great proportion of the
lisliermen on the sea coast of Tra-
vancor and Malabar, generally, are
Cliristians.
The territories of the Travancor
chief, whose proper title is Kerit
l\ani Rajah, were formerly of small
extent, and paid tribute to JNIadura ;
but, from 1740 to 1755, the reigning
king, through a variety of successes,
some of which had been gained
against the Dutcli, added to his do-
minions all the country as far north
as the boundaries of Cochin, and
inland as (ar as the mountains. I'hcsc
conquests were eflected in conse-
quence of t!ie rajah having had his
troops disciplined in the European
manner, by Eustachius de Lanoy, a
Flemish officer. In April, 1790,
TfovancorJ was attacked by Tip-
poo, who having forced the rajah's
fortified lines, penetrated to Vira-
pelly, and but for the interfeience of
liord Cornwallis would have wholly
sub(bied the jnovinee.
On the 17tii of Nov. 1795, a treaty
of alliance was concluded between
the Kajah of Travancor and the Bri-
tish government; by the conditions
of which certain lands taken from
him by Tij)poo were restored, and
he agreed to pay a subsidy equiva-
lent to the expense of three batta-
lions of infantry, to be maintained
for the defence of his dominions, and
in the event of war to assist the Bri-
tish with his own forces.
By a second treaty, concluded on
the i2th Jan. 1805, with Colonel Ma-
caulay on the part of the British go-
vernment, the rajah was released
from the last-mentioned condition
in the former treaty ; in considera-
tion of which he engaged to pay an-
nually a sum equal to the expense of
one regiment of native infantry, in
addition to the sum before payable
for the troops sui^sidizcd by him.
In case of non-payment the British
were authorized to collect the a-
mountby their own agent; free en-
trance being also given during war
to all the rajah's forts and towns.
Provision was made, that the rajah's
income should in no case be less
than two lacks of rnpees per annum,
with ono-tifth of the clear annual re-
venue; and the rajah transferred the
management of all his external poli-
tical relations exclusively to the Bii-
tish.
As frequently happens in native
governments, the dewan, or prime
minister of Travancor, attained an
influence in the province which whol-
ly superseded that of his master. In
1809 his conduct became so refrac-
tory, and hostile to the British inter-
ests, that war ensued ; and his strong-
ly fortified lines, guarded by a nu-
merous army, were forced by a small
detachment of Madras troops, and
tlie whole country in a short time
subdued. (MSS. Treahes, C. Bu-
c/uman, Fra Paolo, Onne, ^c.)
Travancor. — A town in the pro-
vince of Travancor, 47 miles N. W.
Irom Cape Comoiin, and 464 miles
travelling distance from Madras.
Eat. 8°. 30'. N. Long. 77°. 12'. E.
The ancient name of this city was
Malhira. {Jones, Reiniel, S,-c.)
Trrman. — A town in the Carna-
tic, situated on the north bank of
the C()lcroon,20 miles N. N. E. from
'I'lavaiuor. Lat. 11°. 1'. N. Long.
79°. 20'. e;.
TuiCHiNOPOLY, {Tncliinnapali).-^
TRINCOMALE.
827
A fortified town in the Sotithern
Cainatic, situated on the soutli side
of the Caver}, 107 miles S. 1',. t'niin
Pondiclierrv. Lat. 10° 50'. N.
Long. 78°. 50'. E.
Tlie conntiv round Tricliinopolj',
although not so highly cnltivatcd as
Taujore, is rendered productive of
rice by tlie vicinity ofllial branch of
the Cavery named the Coleroon. The
size and situation of the city, the
abundance of subsistence in the
neighbourhood, and the long resi-
dence of Mahommed Ali's second
son, Ameer ul Onnah, rendered Tri-
chinopojy the favourite residence of
the Mahoniniedans in the Southern
Carnatic. On the adjacent Island
of Seringham are two magnificent
pagodas, which have long command-
ed the veneration of the Hindoos.
This city w as the caj)ital of a Hin-
doo principahty unlil 1736, Avhen
Chunda Salieb acquired it by trea-
chery, but lost it to the Maliaraltas
in 1741. From these depredators it
was taken in 17/t.3 by Nizam ul IVIu-
luck, who on his departure to the
Deccan delegated Anwar ud Decn
to administer the affairs of the Car-
natic ; and on his death, in 1749, it
devolved by inheritance to his se-
cond son, the Nabob Mahommed
Ali. It in consequence sustained a
memorable siege by the rrench and
their allies, which lasted from 1751
until 1765, in the course of which
the most ))rilliant exploits were per-
formed on both sides ; but the extra-
ordinary military talents displayed
by Lawrence, Clive, Ki!|)a<rick. Dal-
ton, and other Oilicci-s, and the heroic
valour of the British grmadiers, pre-
served the city, and estaidished the
British candidate on the throne of
the Carnatic.
At present Trichinopoly is the ca-
pital of one of the districts, into
wiiich the territory under the Ma-
dras presidency has been subdi-
vided; but u|) to 1812 had not been
permanently assessed (or the reve-
nue.
Travelling distance from Madras,
268 miles ; from Seriligapatan), 205;
and from Calcutta, 1238 miles. —
{Ormr, ir>th Report, kc)
Tricoloou, {Tricolnr). — A town
in the Carnatic, 44 miles west fiom
Pondiehcrrv. [.at. U°. 69'. N.
Long. 79°. 20'. 1].
'J'rtmapoor. — A town in the
Southern Carnatic, 36 miles S. S.W.
from Taujore. Lat. 10°. 21'. N.
Long. 78°. 55'. E.
'I'uiNCOMALK. — A town, fortrcsn,
and excellent harbour, in llie Islancl
of Ceylon. Lat. 8°. 31'. N. Long.
81« 23'. E.
This place occupies more groutid
than Coluinbo, and is naturally
strong ; i)ut it contains fewer houses,
and is much inferior in population
and appearance. The circumfer-
ence within the v,al!s is about three
miles, which place includes a hill or
rising point immediately over the
sea, and covered with thick jungle.
'J'he fort is strong, and connnands
the principal iiays, and in paiticu-
lar the entrance to the g!an<l har-
bour or iimer bay, which allords se-
curity to shipping in ail seasons and
weathers, being sufiiciently deep and
capacious, and land locked on all
sides. This harbour is overlooked
by Fort Ostenbingh, erected on a
clifl' which projects into the sea.
— This fortress is of considerable
strength, and was originally built
by the Portugiuse from the ruins of
.some celebrated pagodas, which then
occu|)ied the spot. Fort Osten-
burgli cannot l)c attacked by sea un-
til {\u\ fort of 'i'rincomale be first
taken, and the entrance of Wu) har-
bour Ibrced. lii the bay tlie shores
are so bold, and the water so deep,
that it is almost possible to step from
the rocks into the ves.scls moored
alongside. At the extremity of the
rock on wliich the fort stands a strong
balfcry is erected, and there the flag
stall is j)Iaced,
l"hc harbour of Trincomale from
its convenient situation is one of our
most valuable acquisitions in India.
When tlie violent monsoon com-
menees, all vessels on the Coast of
Coiomandel and east side of the
828
TniNGAXO.
Bay of Reiig:al are oblijicd to pu1 to
sea, !uid then Triiicot7)a!c is tlicir
only place ot rel'nse. A vessel fiom
iMiuiras r;::! arrive here in two d;.v<,
and the harhouristo l)c made at any
season. The snnoundiiij!; couiilry
is irionntaiiious andMuody, and liot
so fertile as to attraet seltiirs, the
ciiEiiate being considered one of the
hottest and most unhculthy of the
jslaixi.
There have l)eeu bnt few Eu-
ropean settlers, the society being
composed almost exchisively of the
olhcers of tlie regiments stationed
here. The lower classes are chiefiy
Hindoos Iron! the oj^posite coast, and
a. few gold and silversmiths, who are
native Ce;, lonese. Ey the exertions
of Admiral Drnry, a colony of (Jhi-
nese ha^e I e<"n establisiied here,vvlio
cultivate a large garden, \\hieh pro-
mises in time to repay their industry.
The admiral also iinj)orted cattle
and po'.dtry. which he distributed
amoiij.; the natives to secure, if pos-
sible, a supply i'or the licet. Timber
is plenty and of easy access, and
there ajc many coves, where shi])s
may be hove dov, n with tlie greatest
safety at all seasons ; but the rise of
the tide is not snflicient for docks.
From the barren and unproductive
nature of tlie coiuiiry there is heie
jio export trade whatever. The ad-
jacent woods aboiiiidAvith wild hogs,
buflaloes, and elephants — the latter
being frequently shot within a mile
of the town.
In IG72 M. dc la Haye, the com-
mander of u French squadron, at-
tempted a settlement here; but, be-
ing opposed by tiie Dutch govern-
mcjit of Ceylon, he bore a« ay for the
Coast of Coromandel. In Jan. 1V82,
it surrendered without resistance to
a detachment of troops from Ma-
dras, bnt was shortly after v\ ith equal
ease retaken by Admiral ISnlirein.
In 1795 General Stewart was sent
with an army against Trincomale,
where the lleet anchored to the south
east of the foot, and the Diomede
frigate was unfortunately lost by
striking on a sunken lock. After a
siege of three weeks, a breach hav-
ing been eiTeetcd and preparations
made to slorm, the Dutch governor
capitulated, although the garrison
was superior in numbers to the be-
sieging army. Since this period it
has remained wilh the British, who
have considerably improved the for-
tilicaaons. {Pcrcival, M. Graham,
'J'rin'gano, (Tranganmt). — A JMa-
lay town and principality on the east
.«ide of the peninsnhi of Malacca,
and situated between the 6th and
CJth degrees of north latitude,
A considerable traihc is carried on
here; the king, as in other Malay
states, b( ing the chief merchant,
'i'he article most in demand is opi-
um, of which above 200 chests are
disposed of aniujally. The other
imports are iron, steel, Bengal ])iecc
goods, bine cloth, European coarse,
red, blue, and green cloths, and
coarse cutlery. The commodities
paidinretnrn arc, gold dust, pepper,
and tin; the last article is not the
])roduee of the place, bnt imported
in ?.Ialay and Bnggess prows.
Traders on their arrival here must
fust visit the king's merchant, who
will introduce them to ihe king, and
to ail the male part of the royal fa-
mily, to whom ()resents proimrtioned
to their respective ranks must be
made, 'i lie customs are iive per
cent, and 200 Spanish dollars mn.st
be paid for anchorage, unless a jire-
vions bargain be made. For some
moiiths of the >ear this is a danger-
ous lee shore, and inaccessible to
shipjiing. The gold procured here
is of a very fme tpiality ; bnt inecan-
tions nnist he taken liiat it be mark- •
ed with the kiiig's seal, tliat he may
be responsiide for its quality. Ne;;l'-
ly the whole tiade of this coast at
j>rescnt centres in Prince of Wales's
Island.
'i'his petty principalit}' may be
considered as one of the most ge-
nuine of the modern Malay .states,
and h^re that dialect is s|>oken in its
greatest purity and perfection. I'he
governrMeut has been occasionally
'i'RIPONTARY.
829
obliged to payttil)utc to llie Siamese
njouareh. {Elinorc, Sir (>. J.eil/i,
Leifdan, Sc.)
Trinomaly, {Tiniiunnfili). — A
town ill (lie Ciiiiialic i'lovince, sidi-
ated 30 miles S.S.W. tVoni Cliitta-
pet, and 3()\\<s( from (Jinuec Lat.
12°. 16'. N. Loii<;. 79°. 10'. !•:.
In the Canuiiic wars of llie last
centuiv this phu'c sustained uiany
sieges, and was ol'tfu tai\en and re-
taken; hut anion;;- tlie natises it was
aiw ays more ranious Ibc its sanctity
than its streiigth. A < ra>i:;y moini-
taiii about two miles in einiimtn-
enee, and rising in l!ie niiihlle to a
creat height, has, besides others, on
tile highest roek, a small eiiJijifl,
wiiieh is heUl in extreme vcneiation,
from th(; persnasion, that wlioi'\ir,
exeept tiie apjiomted l»ralnniiis,
shuuld i>resume to enter it, wouUi
immediately be eonsnint-d by a sub-
terranean lire 1 ising tor the (leeasioti.
At this plare, in 17(57, the com-
bined armies of Hy vlcr and tlic Ni-
zam were defeated by tlie British
under ('(doiul Smith, on which oc-
casion the Nizam lost 70 jjieees of
camion; but i!y dcr managed to car-
ry oHhis artillery. A short time af-
terwards the Nizam concluded a
peace, by the conditions of which he
ceded to the fCust India Company
the lialagliaut I'arnatic, the domi-
nions of his late ally, Hjder; [los-
sessiou of which, however, coidd not
be so easily taken. {Orme, cSv.)
Trivatoou. — A large open vil-
lage in the Barraniahal l^iovinec,
120 nnhs S.^^. from Madras. Lat.
12°. 32'. N. Long. 78°. 42'. E.
Here are seen some good houses
roofed with tiles, a species of cover-
ing found no \^ here el^^e in Carnata,
and which have probably been eoii-
structed by workmen from Madras,
where the natives, through long in-
eourse with Europeans, l;ave greatly
improved in all the arts. At this
place an attempt Mas made by Colo-
nel l^ead to introduce .-/dk worms
and the inannfacUire of sugar, both
of which failed. The surrounding
hills here are lengthened into ridges.
and the plains wider than towards
the west.
Tripatoou. — A town in the South-
ern Carnatie, -58 miles S.S.W. from
Taiijore. Lat. 10°. 10'. N. Long.
7b°"40'. E.
Tkipassoor, (7Vj/w5io). — A town
in the Caniatic Province, 30 miles
W. bv N. from Madras. Lat. 13°.
«J'. N.' Long. 78°. 57'. E.
'l'Rii'i:TrY, ( T/vpa^/). — A celebrat-
ed Hindoo temple in the (Jarnatic,
m miles V.\ N. W. from Madras.
Lat. 13°. 31'. N. Long. 79°. 33'. Jv
This |)agoda is situated in an ele-
vated liollow or basin, enclosed by a
circular crest of hills, the sacred pre-
eineis of wliieh, during the successive
revolutions of the country, have ne-
ver been profaned by Christian or
iMalioinmedan feet, nor has even the
exterior of the temple been ever seen
but liy a genuine Hindoo. 'I'he re-
ciprocal interests of the Brahmins,
and the dilterenl rulers under whose
sway it fell, compromised this Idr-
beaianee by the payment of a large
anni to the government, which in
[l.'jH amounted to 30,0001. sterling
{jcr annum. At present it is com-
prehended in the British possessions,
but the revenue deriv(;d from it is
computed not to exceed half the
above sum.
I^il^rimagcs are made to Tripetty
from all parts of India, particularly
tiom Gujrat, many the traders of
which province of the Banyan and
Battia tribes are accustomed to pre-
sent a per centage of their jnofits to
this temple annually, 'i'iie incarna-
tion of Vishnu here worshipped is
named Tripati, but by theMaharat-
tas he is called Ballajee, and his
functions are supposed to have y.
particular reference to commerce.
The temple is described by the na-
tives as being built of stone, and co-
vered with plates of gilt copper, the
manufacture of superior beings. —
{Wilks, Mour,^-c.)
1'ripon TARY. — A town in the ter-
ritories of Cochin, 10 miles from the
port of Cochin. Lut. Jj° 67'. N.
Lonsr. 7ti°. 20'. E.
830
TODURU.
Tliis place stands ou tlie east side
of a hike, wliicli formerly separated
tJie j)ossessioiis of tlie Dutch at Co-
chin from those of the rajah, who
geiicrally makes it his place of re-
sidence.
Tritany. — A town in tlie Car-
natic province, 45 miles W. by N.
from Madras. Lat. 13°. 0'. N. Long.
79°. 4a'. E.
Trivalenoor. — A town in the
Carnatic province, 35 miles W, by
S. from Pondicherry. Lat. 11°. 51'.
N. Long. 7J>°. 30'. E.
Trivandapatam. — A town in tlie
province of Travancor, 60 miles
N. W. from Cape Comorin. Lat.
8°. 27'. N . Long. 76°. 55'. E.
This is the usual summer resi-
dence of the Ra,jah of Travancor,
but the tiastle is extremely ill built ;
the royal palace is large and well
built, after the European taste, and
decorated with a great variety of
paintings, clocks, and other Euro-
pean ornaments. It is not, how-
ever, inhabited by the rajah, who
prefers residing in a mean edifice,
where he is surrounded by Brah-
mins. The town is populous, and
in 1785, in addition to the resident
inhabitants, had a garrison of 400
Patan cavalry, 1000 nairs, and 10,000
sepoys, disciplined after tiie English
manner. {Fra Paolo, tvc.)
Trivatoor. — A town in the Car-
natic province, 60 miles S.W. from
Madras. Lat. 12°. 38'. N. Long.
79°. 40'. E.
Trivicary, (Trinhera). A vil-
lage in the Carnatic province, situ-
ated on the north side of the Ar-
riacoopum, or Villenore River, about
15 miles W. by N. from Pondi-
cherry,
This place at present consists of
a few scattered huts ; but from the
appearance of the pagoda, the in-
teiior of which is built of s(ones,thc
size of the lower over the gateway,
which is eight stories, and a large
stone tank covering several acres of
ground, we may conclude, that in
some foiTner period, Trivicary was
a, place of gieate;' extent and im-
portance. The piincipal streets can
still be traced, and appear to have
been large; but the Sanscrit inscrip-
tions ou the walls are now scarcely
legible. The pagx)da was much in-
jured, and the statues mutilated, by
Hyder's army, as it retreated from
Porto Novo in 1781.
'i'rivicary is now principally re-
markable for the petrifactions that
are seen in its vicinity. Many pe-
trified trees of large dimensions lie
scattered about; some as hard as
flint, and others as soft as to be re-
duced to powder by the slightest
pressure. Une of the petrified trees
is described as being 60 fe t long,
and from two to eight feet in dia-
meter. The petrified root of this
tree is in most places as hard as flint,
strikes fire with steel, and takes a
much finer polish than any part of
the stem. It also presents a more
variegated appearance in its veins
and colours, resembling agate when
polished, and the red, ^^hcIl well
chosen, can scarcely be discrimi-
nated from cornelians. It is manu-
I'ac turned into beads, necklaces,
bracelets, and other ornaments.
The present growth of trees in
the neighbourhood are principally of
the tamarind species, from which
circumstance it may be inferred, that
the petrifactions have the same ori-
gin. Tradition assigns a great an-
tiquity to these petrh'actions. {War'
ren, ^c.)
Trimdy. — A town in the Car-
natic province, 26 miles S.W. from
Pondicherry. J^at. 11°. 44'. N.
Long. 79°. 40'. E. During the
wars of last cenlury, the pagoda at
this place served as a citadel to a
large pettah, by which name the
people in the south of India call
every town contiguous to a fortress.
Trumian. — A town in the south-
ern Carnatic, 44 miles S. S.W. from
Tanjorc. Lat. 10°. 1 1 . N. Long.
78°, 47'. Vu
TuDURU. — A village in the My-
sore Kajah's territories, situated on
the west bank of thoTunga River.
Lat. 13°. 40'. iV. liong. 75°. 25'. E.
TVNQUIN.
831
A few miles to llie nortli-east of
tliis place is ;i forest eontiiiaiiij;- a
great luaiiy very line teak trees,
Mliieli uoukl be of great value, if
the timber eoukl be iloated down
the Tiuiiia to the Krishna, and Irom
Iheiiee to the liay of Bengal. 'J'he
diiliculties arc great, but do not
ajjpear wlsoily insurmountable. Iin-
uiensc forests of teak might be
reared in this neighbourhood, merely
l)y eradicaiing- the trees of less va-
lue. (JP. Biic/iaiian, \c.)
'I'ULGoM {or Tillig-om). — A small
town iii the territories of the iMa-
haratla peshwa, 18 miles N^.W. from
Poonah. Lat. lt>°. 4G'. N. Loiijj;.
73°. 40'. E.
On the south side of this place
tliere is a large tank which supplies
extensive gardens; but in 18().">-G,
the town and neighbourhood were
almost totally de[)opulated by a la-
mine, in wiiich it is said, iu this vi-
cinity alone 80,000 perished. It has
since considerably recovered. In
1778 the Eombay army, when (>n an
expedition against Poonah, ])vuv-
trated as far as Tulgom, wliere an
action was fought A\i1h the Maha-
raltas, after which it marclied back
again. {31- Graham, Moor, l^'c.)
TuMCURU. — A small town in the
territories of the Mysore Rajah, eoa-
tainiug from fiOOtotilK) houses. Lat.
13°. 15'. N. Long. 7/°. 12'. K
The fort here is well built, and at
some distance liom tiie pettah, and
the villages in the \iciiii1y are all
I'ortilicd with a uuad wall and strong
hedges, 'i'he country around is tole-
rably level, and IVee from rocks ; but
few trees are to be seen.
TuMLocK. — A town in the j)ro-
viiice of Bengal, district of llooglilv ;
35 miles S.VV . from Calcutta. Lat.
22°. 17'. N. Long. 88°. 2'. E.
The lands in this neighbourhood
lie extremely low, and are protecled
from inundation by bunds or em-
bankments, which are, however, oc-
casionally broken by the freshes, and
the adjacent country submerged.
Turalock is the head quarters of
an agency, connected with that u\'
Hijellee, for the maniifaetuie of salt
on ateount of the JJengal govern-
ment, 'i'he article is |)rocm-e<l by
fdtraliou l'n)m the mud ioiind on the
margin of the Uoogidy rixer, near
itB junction with IIk; sea, and is of
an excellent quality; in addition to
which, it has a jjceuliar value with
the Hindoos, from its being extract-
ed on the banks of the most sacred
branch of the Ganges.
Major \^ ill'ord is of opiuiou, there
V. ere Ibrmerly kings of Tanualipta,
or Tumlook, in Bengal, one of whom
in A.D. UlOl, sent an embassy to
China, and that he wa-s styled by
tiie C'hinese 'Pammoniclicou. {Sir
H. Stracheij, Wilford, c^c.)
TUNQLIN.
A kingdom of India beyond the
Ganges, formerly independent, but
at present comj)rehended in the Co-
chin Chinese em[)ire, and situated
between the 17th and 23d degrees of
north latitude. To the south it is
beiuided by Coehinehina and Laos ;
to the north by Ihe proxincc of
Quangsee in China ; to the east it
has t!ie Gulf of Tungquin ; and on
the west Laos, l^actho, and part of
the province of Yunan in China.
'I'he country known in Europe by
the denomination of Tunqwia, is
properly named Nuoc Anam, and
tlh- inhabitants, the i)eople of Anam,
which region includes both Cochin
China and Tunquin. Cochin Cliina
is also named Dangtrong, which
signifies the Internal Kingdom, and
Tunkin, Dangnay, or the External
Kingdom.
Our information respecting this
country is mostly derived fiom the
French and other njissionaiies, who
at an early ])eriod ( /tablished them-
selves in this and the adjacent king-
dom of Cociiin China. According
to their narrations, the country of
Tunquin towards China is Mild and
mountainous, and (he boundii.ries
not accurately delined. I'he passes
through the mountaijtis are shut up
832
TUNQUIX.
by vails, one sid<! of v.liich is guard-
ed by Cliiuese suldieis, and the oti^T
by tJiose of 'J'tiiujuin. 'Ihe latter
country is subdivided into ten dis-
tiicts ; four of xviiich, at the extre-
mities, are distinguished by the car-
dinal points of the conipiiss. The
present capilal is Bac-kiiia:, or Kee-
lio, the hvst being' its original name.
Mountains exteiidiiip: from east to
west separate Tunquin into two
divisions, t!ie northern of whieli is
considerably larger tiian the south-
ern. A pro!oiig,<itio;i of these ridges
separates J«iclho from Laos, asid
others separate Tuntpiin ironi Co-
chin Ciiina. These mountains are
high, and many of thorn terminate
in sharp |)eaks.
The seasons, or monsoons, here
are diNided into the wet and the
dry ; v hirli arc not, however, so in-
variable as in some other parts of
India. The rains begin in iNIay and
end in August, and are accompa-
nied by much thunder: the currents
along tiie coast run from noith to
south; tbe tides are very irregular,
and are strongest in November, De-
cember, and January, and weakest
in May, June, and July ; but at all
times tiiey run wilh less force than
on the open coasts of Europe. Tlic
general aj>peara!)ee of tlie 'J'uncpnn
shore indicates a retrogi ession of the
sea, and an advance of the land ; but
there are some places where the re-
verse seems to liave taken place.
There are few countries better
supplied with water tiiau Tunquin
and the lower parts of Cochin Chhia.
In the first there are above 50 rivers
that flow towanls the sea, several
of which, by their uiiiun, form the
large stream v\ hieh passes Backing.
This river has thrown up many
islands, and its mouth is now ob-
structed by a l-.:r of sand, which
prevents the Chinese junks from
ascending the river to that city. It
was navigable 150 \ears a;:'.o, at
which period Dutch vessels ascend-
ed ^he stream to within 15 leagues
of Backing. At i)resent there are
no ports in Tunquin that can be en-
tered by vessels of considerable
dranghi of water; bnt .shelter and
anchorage is found among the islands
that are scattered along the coast.
The soil of t'nis kingdom varies
according- to its locality. In the
plains it is neh, light, and marshy,
ami well adapted for the rice culti-
vation ; among the mountains it is
sandy, gipsous, ferrugineons, and
abounding with stones of difl'erent
kinds. The country, taken alto-
gether, is one of the most fertile in
this quarter of the world, and al-
though populous, dining a season of
tranquillity, can aHord grain for ex-
poriation. The chief article is rice
of various kinds, and an excellent
quality ; maize is also cullivated,
and dilferent species of 3'anis and
leguminous plants. The only Eu-
ropean fruit trees that thrive here
are the peach, the plum, the pome-
granate, citron, ami orange. Vines
have been planted, but the grapes
do not come to maturity. Besides
those above mentioned, Tunquin
produces all the fruits connnon to
tlie tropical countries of India, most
of which are described under the
article Cochin China. The tea plant
of an inferior sort is said to be plen-
tiful, and it is probable, that by at-
tentive cultivation its quality might
be iinproved. INlulbeny trees are
plenliful, and supply food for the
.silkworms. This country also con-
tains n)ueh large timber tit for build-
ing, beautiful cabinet woods, parti-
cularly the species named eagle
wood, of which a considerable quan-
tity is exported, cocoa nut and other
palms, bamboos, and rattans. There
are mines of various metals, and
iron ore is procured in a state of
great purity. It is also asserted,
there are tin mines in the mountain-
ous track towards Ciiina, the work-
ing of which is |)roi)il>ited. Particles
of gold are found in many of the
Tunquin rivers ; but they are more
abundant in the mountain streams
of Lactho and Laos. Salt and salt-
petre are jilcnly, and the first is
reckoned oi' a superior quality.
TUNQUIN.
833
Among the animals of Tnnquin
are found tlie elephant, whicii is tJie
sole property of the iiionarcli, and
tlie buflaloe, which is employed for
agricultural purposes. The horses
are a small contemptible breed.
Goats and hogs are ninncrous, as
are also ducks and poultry, and all
very cheap. The rhinoceros is oc-
casionally discovered, but tigers of
the largest size abound ; there are
some diminutive bears, deer of all
sortsj and monkeys of e\ery de-
scrij)tion. The country generally,
but more especially the mountainous
pars, is much infested l)y rats. In
'I'umpiin there are nejtiier hares,
sheep, asses, nor camels. The coun-
try swarms witli vermin, reptiles,
and insects, venomuus and innocent.
Some snakes of great size are found,
but their bite is not jjoisonous.
Fish are remarkably plentiful, and
furnish the inhabitants « ith a greater
supply of food than the) derive from
the terrestrial animals; the fislier-
men in the maritime parts being fully
as numerous as the cultivatois. In
addition to the common sorts of fish
there are turtle, tortoises, crabs,
shell fish, and moluscas, the sub-
stance of which is gelatinous and
nutritious, and particularly agreea-
ble to the Chinese, although loathed
by Europeans.
The principal articles which con-
stitute the internal commerce of
Tunquin are rice, fish, fruits, fish
oil, areca nuts, arrack, salt, oil, su-
gar, molasses, cassia, bamboos, tim-
ber, and iron, the natural produc-
tions of the country. The manu-
factured articles are cotton and silk,
worked and in thread, writing pa-
per, wax, varnish, and brass and
iron utensil.'. Among the live ani-
mals exposed for sale are eUphants,
bufl'aloes, oxen, swine, and ducks.
At present the external commerce
of the Tunquinese is confined to the
coa.sting trade. In the 17th century
the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Eng-
lish, and the French, had factories
in Tuuquin, but they have long since
been abandoned. At present the
3 H
Chinese are treated with more fa-
vour than any other nation, and are
allowed to ascend the ri^ers ; a pri-
vilege also granted to the Macao
Portuguese ; but neither an per-
mitted to establish factories on
shore.
'J'he chief articles of exportation
from Tunquin are areca, varnish,
ebony, ivory, calamine which is car-
ried to Japan, tortoise-shell, sugar,
and molasses, a cloth made from the
bark of trees, reed and cane mats ;
cotton and silk, raw and raanul'ac-
tured, and fabrics of jnother-ol-peari
very neatly worked. Erom China
are imported refined sugar-candy,
sjjiecs, medicinal plants, drugs,
hemp, flax, silk stufls, mercury,
porcelain, glass work, hardware, and
copper and iron vessels. Through
the medium of the Europeans, fire-
arms and all warlike materials are
procured and monopolized by the
government. Along the sea coast,
in the principal ports, commercial
afi'airs with Europeans are trans-
acted through the medium of a bas-
tard sort of a Portuguese dialect;
and this is also the medium of all
political communications with the
government.
On account of tlie fertility of the
soil, intersected by numerous rivers,
jhc population of Tunquin is much
greater than any other part of the
Cochin Chinese dominions, although
it sullered severely during the long*
and bloody wars that took place
towards the conclusion of the last
ceutury. In this kingdom there
are reckoned 12 principal cities,
^iz. Backing, or Keeho, said to
contain about 40,000 inhabitants;
Hanring, 15 to 20,000 ; Traiihac,
10 to 15,000 ; Causang, 7 to 8000 ;
Yihoang, or town on the river that
passes through Tunquin, up to
which the Chinese junks can
ascend ; Huniiam, a town on the
same river, containing about 5000
inhabitants, and in which the Dutch
had formerly a factory. Besides
these, there are six other towns con-
taining from 6 to 7000 souls.
834
TUNQUIN.
The reigning sovereign lias fixed
Ills rtisidence at Fhuxuan in Cochin
China, and only visits Tunqiiin oc-
casionallj, although it is tiie richest
and most important part of his em-
pire.
Of the ten districts composing the
kingdom of Tnnqnin, tlie central,
named Xunam, is i>y for the most
popnlons : this division consists of a
Aast plain watered by nnnibeiiess
navigable streams, is supposed to
contain half tlie poptiiation of the
country, and in every respect re-
sembles a Chinese province. The
total population of Tunquin has re-
cently been computed by a mission-
ary at 18 milhons ; but this estimate
probably greatly exceeds the reality,
and he fninishes no account of the
facts upon \\hich he grounds his
opinion. It is calculated, that one
tenth of the inhabitants of Lower
Tunquin live constantly on the wa-
ter.
The ancient code of Tunquin laws
possessed great celebrity, and was
highly venerated previous to the last
conquest of the country by Caung
Shnng, the Cochin Chinese emperor.
By the missionary Le Roy it is re-
presented as composed in the most
elevated style of Chinese, and full
of uncommon modes of expression.
At present, by the Tunquinese laws,
punishments arc decreed against all
sorts of crimes with great minute-
ness, but they are badly propor-
tioned, oftenees against manners
and customs being more rigorously
punished than crimes essentially
dangerous to society.
'j'hc Tunquinese, in tlieir shape
and features, greatly resemble the
Chinese ; but having adopted the
practice of blackening their teelh,
their appearance is rendered addi-
tionally hideous. In Tunquin the
ceremony of staining the teeth witii
a composition, takes place when
they attain the age of 16 or 17
years; and it is considered as sin-
gularly ornamental, the natives as-
serting, that white teeth are only fit
lor dogs. Like the Chinese, the
higher classes allow their nails ia
grow to an immoderate length. The
females are marriageable at the age
of 12 and 13 years, and are very pro-
lific. Eoth sexes arc much addicted
to the chewing of betel, an employ-
ment that suits with their habits of
indolence. Only extreme necessity
can rouse them to any exertion of
magnitude ; and when their task is
accomplisiied, they relapse into their
prior state of sloth and repose. In
this respect they difl'er essentially
from their CInnese neighbours, who
are laborious and industrious by na-
ture and habit.
In Tuncpiiii the flesh of many ani-
mals is eaten, which in other conn-
tries is rejected with abhorrence ;
the natives not only eat the rhino-
ceros and particular parts of the ele-
phant, but also grasshoppers, mon-
keys, horses, and dogs; esteeming
the last a particular delicacy : they
also eat the mountain rats, lizards,
some kinds of worms and snakes.
Possessing so great a variety of edi-
bles, the Tunquinese never use the
milk of animals in any shape, hold-
ing it in extreme aversion, a dislike
which also extends to butler and
cheese : they have the same repug-
nance to fresh eggs, preferring those
that are nearly liatched. May bugs
deprived of their heads and intes-
tines, and silkworms fried, are much
sought after. In conformity with
the Chinese custom, they never
drink cold Mater, but prefer it tepid,
or appreaching to the boiling state.
Throughout this kingdom, the
bulk of the people are not permitted
to build their houses of stone, or
several stories high ; the larger edi-
fices, such as temples and palaces,
are generally constructed of wood,
or of wood and brick mixed. The
wall which separates Tunquin from
Cochin China is 15 feet high, and
20 feet thick, and is extremely ill
built of stone and bricks ; the latter,
for the most part, merely baked in
the sun. The roads are commonly
very bad ; but there is one of a su-
perior description from Backing, the
TUNQUIN.
835
capital of Tunqnin, 1o Plnivnaii, tlio
capilal of Cocliiu Cliiiia, a distance
of nearly 500 miles. The manu-
factures of (Ins province are the
same as those ofCodiin Cliii;a, and
it is usual to tind all the inhahitants
of a villa<;e following tlie same
trade. It is dangerous, in this coun-
try, to b( known to excel in any
profession or art ; as the talents of
iJie artificer are immediately put in
requisition to work gratis for the
emperor, for the governor of a pro-
vince, or even for a common man-
darin.
The Tunquincse having origi-
nated from Cliina, their language is
monosyllabic, and a modification of
the Chinese dialect, but so much
changed and corrupted, that the
spoken language is now wholly un-
intelligiliie to a native of China,
while the written character is un-
derstood, being the same in both
countries. Learning is here, as in
China, confined to the class of let-
tered mandarins. Printing is known
in Tunqnin, but little used, there
being only one printing office in the
kingdom, which is at Backing, the
capital. The types are of wood,
and not moveable, every additional
book requiring new plates and cha-
racters; few, however, are printed,
and these have in general a refer-
ence to law or religion. The his-
torical works are inaccurate, and
not to be depended on. There are
a few books on moral subjects,
Avhich arc mostly translations from,
or comment: ries on Chinese books ;
and the sciences here probably re-
main stationary, in the same stage
ti»e\ had reaclxd 1000 years ago.
The religion of the Anam nation
(Tunqnin and Cochin China) is a
modification of the Buddhist system,
nearly resembling that vhich pre-
vails in China ; but blended with
many local and peculiar supersti-
tions. As in Chuia, theTunqninese
have a profound veneration for their
parents and ancestors, considering
them as tutelary divinities, who
watch and protect the families of
3 n 'I
their descendants, and possessing
power in proportion to tin; sanctity
of their lives during their existence
on earth: to them sacrifices are of-
fered four times a year, and every
third aimivcrsary of their death is
celebrated with additional pomp.
The higher classes are described a.s
adherents of Cord'ucius, who submit
to the worship of images and other
ceremonies, through deference to
the public opinion.
Some of the more barbarous tribes
worship the tiger and the dog; to
the first human flesh is offered, and
to the last a still more disgusting
oblation. Traces of this worship
are found among the mountaineers
on tlic borders of India, as well as
in the proper Indo Cliinese nations,
the tiger being also worshipped by
the Jlajin tribe in the vicinity of
Ganow Hills in Bengal. The Quan-
to, an ancient race, who inhabit
Kaubang, or the mountainous range
which divides the Anam countries
from China, regard themselves as
the original inlmbitants of Tunqnin
and Cochin China, and consider the
Anam tribe as a Chinese colony.
The Quan-to have a peculiar lan-
guage, and write with a style on the
leaves of a plant, termed jiwa in the
Anam dialect. The Moi, or Muong,
are also mountaineer races, who
speak a language different from the
Anam ; but it is not known whether
they be original triijes, or only
branches of the Quan-to.
liie Christian religion was first in-
troduced by the Portuguese about
the begininng of the 17th century,
and subsequently, while the French
had commercial establishments, they
endeavoured to communicate the
l)enefits of a religion, which, its most
debased and corrupted state, is in-
finitely stij)crior to the purest of the
Indian doctrines. The English and
Dutch had also settlements, but
never interfered in religious con-
cerns, being who!l\ absorbed in their
commercial pursuits. At an early
period the Jesuits sent missionaries
to ^I'unquin, and had made cousi-
836
TUNQUIN.
deiablc progress, until being sus-
pected of oanjiiig on a secret poli-
tical correspondence with the Co-
chin Chinese, they were expelled.
]\iissionaries were subsequenty ex-
pedited by Louis XIV. under (he
character olcomniercial agents, who
settled a factory, wluch v. as ai;;o in-
tended to promote tiic conversion of
the TM!:qiiinesc. On this event the
Portuguese Jesuits returned, and dis-
putes arising bct^^ i\t tiieiu and the
Trench niissiona: ies, the contest was
referred to the Pope, wlio ordered
the Jesuits to quit the country.
During the l.sth century tlie exer-
cise of the Christian religion was
generally prohibited, sometiuies to-
lerated, and at particular ])eriods
persecuted with the greatest eriielty.
The most noted eras of persecution
were A. D. 1712, 1722, and 1773,
when the Chinese had considerable
influence; but after the civil Mars
commenced, the government lost
sight of religion altogether. The
year 1790 was the time when the
Christian persuasion experienced
the most favourable treatment, mis-
sionaries being permitted to settle
under the denomination of mathe-
maticians.
In Timquin and Cochin China,
the missionaries and their converts
have sufiercd nnich more from tlie
mandarins and infeiior officers of go-
verimient, than from the emperor,
who is disposed to be extremely li-
beral in his religious opinions. He,
notwithstanding, exhibits a repug-
nance to the introduction of all new
modes of belief, as an innovation
dangerous to a state, where customs
have the force of laws, and an al-
teration in the rehgious aliects the
political system.
In addition to tliese, other obsta-
cles present themselves to the pro-
pagation of the Christian religion in
'I'unquin, among which is the obli-
gation imposed on every subject of
contributing to the support and wor-
ship of the national idols, and tt) ap-
pear at certain festivals which have
both a civil and religious character.
The extreme revenues paid to tlie
manes of their departed ancestors,
is also an impediment of consider-
able weight. The Jesuits tolerated
their usages, from which it is not
easy to detach tlie natives, but the
court of Rome disapproved of this
indulgence. Another objection of
great moment with the rich, and
Avith them only, is the renunciation
of polygamy, and the being obliged
after con\ersion to restrict them-
selves to outi wife. In spite of all
these diilieulties the Christian reli-
gion has in this region made great
})rogress, and if the niis.-^ionary state-
ments be correct, in A. D. 1800,
comprehended in Tnr.quin 320,000,
and in Cocliui China GO^OUO persons
professing that faith.
Tunqnin, Coehin China, Cambo-
dia, and Siampa, are recorded to
have anciently formed part of the
Cliinese empiie ; but on the Mogul
invasion of (!hina from Tartary in
the 13th century, the Chinese go-
vernors of the south took the oppor-
tunity of setting up the standard of
indepei'.denee. In this manner se-
veral distinct kingdoms were creat-
ed, the sovereigns of which, how-
ever, continued to acknowledge for
many years after a nominal vassa-
lage to the thione of China. The
Tuuquinese princes gradually as-
sumed a greater degree of independ-
ence, and about A. D. 1553, are as-
serted to liave subdued Cocliin
China.
For some time before and after th«
above era, the sovereigns of Tun-
quin, whose title was Dova, were
kept under by a succession of here-
ditary prime ministers, named Chuas,
similar to the Maharatta Peshwas,
or tlie Mayors of the Palace in
Prance, under the second dynasty.
The subsequent history of this coun-
ti-y is rather confused, nothing being
presented to the mind but a succes-
sion of assassinations and revolts,
and a perpetual fluctuation of boun-
daries. About the year 1774 a re-
volution began, which is described
at some lenartlx imder the article
TURON TJAY.
837
Corhiu China ; and after a sr.'.i-
^iiinaiy warfare of '28 years, ron-
clndfd with leaving l!)e oiiipiru as it
at present exists, 'i'unqiiiii uas
tiiialiy eoncnierod by C'auiij;^ Sliiiii};;,
tlie Cochin Chinese soveroii!,"!!, about
the year 1600, and has ever since
been rnh'd l)y a viceroy delcgat<!d
IVum the seat of government. {De
JbissacIiciT, Lcijden^ Staimtoii, rVr-)
'J'upVKL. — A town in the province
of Delhi, silnated on the east side
of the Jumna, 47 miles S. S. F,. from
the citv of Deilii. Lat. 28° 6'. N.
Long. 7vO. .'?0'. E.
'J'uPTEE River. {Tapati). — This
river has its source near the vi!l;ige
of Ratool, among the liijardy IJills,
from whence it pursues a westerly
direction tlnough Die provinces of
Khandesh and Gnjrat, until it joins
the .sea about 20 miles below Surat,
Tlie whole course, which is very
winding, and through a fertile coun-
try producing much of the cotton
exported from Surat and Eonibay,
may be estimated at 500 miles. The
shoals crossing the mouths of the
l'u|)tec and Nerbudda, are known
to the Gujrattees by the names of
Shorut and Dejbharoo.
The first Mabommedan army tJiat
crossed the mountains south of the
Tuptee, wa^. led, A. D. 1293, by
Allah ud Dcen, nephew, and after-
wards the successor of Ferozc, tlie
reigning sovereign of Delhi. {Scott,
Drmnmond, \2th Iteg-ister, ^-c.)
TuRiiAH. — A town in the province
of Baliar, situated at the south-
eastern extremity of the district of
Chuta Nagpoor. Lat. 22°. 32'. N,
Long. 85°.' 5'. E.
TuRlVACARAY, {or Torovocara). —
A town in the Mysor(» rajah^s terri-
tories, 47 miles north from Seiinga-
l>atam. Lat. 1.3° 7'. N. Long. 7G°.
50'. E.
'i'his place consists of an outer
and an inner fort, strongly defended
!)y a ditch and mud wall, with a
suburb at a little distance contain-
ing above 700 houses. It possesses
two small temples said to have been
built by a Sholun Raya, who was
coutcm])oraiy with Sankar Ascharya,
the restorer of the doctrines of the
Vedas.
This prince is famous for having'
erected lenii'les througliout tlie coun-
try south of the Krishna River, all
of them very small, and built en-
tirely of stone. Their stvle of .ir-
chileeture is also very ditrerent froni
that of the great leniplcs, such as
the one at Conjeveram, the upper
l)arts of w hich are alwa^ s formed of
bricks, the most conspicuous part
being tlie gateway. This last men-
tioned system of arcliitecture seems
to have been introduced by Krishna
Raya of IJijanagur, as the Brahmins
assert that the 18 most celebrated
.temples in the Lower Carnatic, were
rebuilt by that prince ; for they do
not allow that any teini)le of cele-
brity was erected during the present
yug, Cir age, although nearly 5000
years of it are passed. (jP. Bucha-
nan, S)C.)
TuRON Bay. — A commodious bay
in Cochin China, named Ilansan by
the natives, and situated at 16°. 7'.
north latitude. The channel into
this harbour is round the north east
end of the Hansan Peninsula, hav-
ing an island to the north. All the
coast is safe to approach, the water
shoaling gradually from 20 to seven
fathoms. The bottom is mud, and
the anchorage safe througliout. A
small island within the harbour is
nearly suiTounded with such deep
water, as to admit of vessels lying
close alongside to heave down or re-
fit. At the southern extremity of
the harbour is the mouth of the river,
which leads to Turon city. It is
about 200 jards wide, with about
two fathoms depth, and its current
into the bay sufficienlly strung to
excavate a channel through the sand
banks. The rise and fall of the
tides is very iniequal, at one time
only six feet, ami at others so high
as 11 or 12 ^a^t. In the neighbour-
hood of Turon, and along the ad-
joining coast, the m inds liavt; been
found variable all the year through,
the periodical winds losing their in-
838
TWENTY-FOUR PERGUNNAHS^
fluence near the shore. Septemhcr, The country to the S. W. of TuroM
October, and November, are the is level and fertile, and the soil most-
seasons of the rains, at which times ly clay mixed with sand. Along the
the rivers inundate the low country, coast are seen many rivers and canals,
The town of Turon stands about withboatsof various sizes, and some
a mile above the mouth of the river, junks of above 100 tons burthen,
and as well as the peninsula, bar- (Staunton, Barrow, St-e.)
hour, and river, is named by the Tuticorin. — A town on the sea-
natives Hansan. The houses it con- coast of the province of Tinntweily,
tains are low, and mostly built of 85 miles N. E. from Cape Comorm.
bamboos, which are covered witii Lat. 8°. 54'. N. Lous. 78°. 23'. E.
reedy grass, or rice straw. The op-
posite side of the river is divided
into fields surrounded by fences, and
cultivated with tobacco, rice, and
sugar canes. The markets in the
town is plentifully supplied with the
vegetable produce of tropical cli-
mates, and large quantities of poul-
try, especially ducks. I'iie bay
At this place there is a pearl
fishery, but the pearls found are
much inferior to those procured in
the Bay of Condatc hy in Ceylon,
being stained with a blue or greenish
tinge. The Dutcli had here formerly
a fort and factory.
TvvE\TV-FOUR Pergunnahs. — A
small district in the province of Ben-
abounds with fish, and in some of gal, situated chielly to the south of
the boats the fishermen reside with Calcutta, on the east side of the
their families all the year round. River Hoogly. In extent it corn-
Great numbers of flying fish are liere prebends about 882 square miles,
taken by letting down into the sea and was first formed into a land-
deep earthen vessels with narrow holder's jurisdiction in Dec. 1757,
necks, and bayted with pork, or the and constituted the zcmindary of the
ofl"als of fish. All the gelatinous Company, and jaghire of Lord Clive.
substance, whether animator vege- ]n 1765, a ten years prolongation of
table, are considered by the natives the jaghire to Lord Clive was ob-
of this coast, generally, as extremely taiiied, after which it reverted to the
nutritious. East India Company.
This port was anciently the chief Since that period, from the quan-
mart for the trade of Cochin China tity of waste land brought into cul-
with the Chinese empire and Japan, tivation, and the number of ghauts
but, prior to 1793, when visited by (landing places), rehgious teniples.
Lord Macartney, the city of I'uron and other buildings constiuctcd, it
had suffered greatly by the civil would appear that this territory has
wars, and was surrounded by ex- progressively improved with respect
tensive masses of ruins. In 1787 to population, cultivation, and com-
the Peninsula of Hansan, or Turon, merce. Within its boundaries there
was ceded to the I rench by the so-
vereign of Cochin China, in return
for assistance promised him; but the
French revolution breaking out, pos-
session was never taken. 'I'he ves-
are 190 seminaries, in which are
taught the Hindoo law, grammar,
and metaphysics. Th( se institutions
are maintained from the produce of
certain charity lands, and by the vo-
sels that resort here at present are luntai'y contributions of opulent Hin-
eitlier junks from diflerent parts of
China, or craft belonging to the Por-
tuguese of Macao, These last carry
on a considerable portion of the fo-
reign trade of this country, where
doos; the amnial expense being es-
timated at 19,500 rupees. There is
but one madrissah, or college, in
which the Mahommedan law is
taught, in the 24 Pergunnahs and
they dispose of the refuse of European districts adjacent to Calcutta. It
goods, which they buy up in the contains no brick or mud forts, but
Canton market, sucli as are extremely old, or in
TYRHOOT.
83.9
mills; antl, althoiigli so close to the
presidency, is gieally infested l>y
ilacoits, or river piral«'s, wlio rob,
torture, and iiiiirdcr.
In the 24 I'erj^iiiiiiahs and eon-
tiiiiions dislricis, tlie Hindoo iiiha-
in the province of Bahar, situated
principally between the '27th ami
28tli dej,nces of nortli latitude. To
the noriii it is iiounded by the dis-
tricts of JMoewanpoor and iNTuck-
wany, wliieh are sul)jeet to Nepaul;
bitants are ret;k.oned in the projior- on the south it lias Ifajypoor and
tion of thne to one iMahominedan ;
and the number of iniiabitants of all
descriptions, taken in the a( tual enu-
meration of the farms, may lie esti-
mated at l,02o,000. If to tiiesebe
added the Inhabitants of Calcutta,
computed by the police nia{!;istrates
at ()00,000; tiie total pojinlation of
the24 Pcrgiinnalis, tlie town of Cal-
cutta, and tiie adjacent districts
within 20 niilcs, will amount to
2,2>5,()U0 persons. {J. Grant, 5th
Iti'/wrt, (5»-c,)
TwENTY-Foi'R Rajahs, {orChotv-
beisia). — \ larj^c district in Northern
Itindostan, situated between the
28th and ;?01h degrees of north lati-
tude, and di^idcd into 24 petty i)rin-
cipalitics, the whole of which are
tributary to the >;overnnient of Ne-
paul. Rcspeetin<>- these states little
is known except tJicir names, which
are as i'ollows : 1. Lam Jung- ; 2. Ka-
ski ; 3. Tuuhoo, or Tnimohoo; 4.
fhilkoat; o. Purbot, or Mullibnm ;
6. Noakole; 7. Pyoo" ; i^- I'"«a-
hoon ; 9. Bhurkotc ; 10. Gurhoon;
1 1. Reesing-; 12. (Jheruig; 13. Dlioar;
14. Pal))ah (the low land of which is
named Butool) ; 1;>. Coolmi (ditto) ;
16. Wigha ; 17. Khanchi ; 18. Dana:;
19. JVIoosikote; 20. Purthana; 21.
Jhilli ; 22. Snlliana ; 23. Uhoorkote ;
24. Ismah. {Kirhpatrick, .Sc.)
'J'wENTY-'J'wo Rajahs, {or Bansi).
— A district in Noithern irlindostan,
tributary to the Ne})aulese, and di-
\idediiito22 petty pnneii)alities, the
following being the names of the
largest.
.lamlah, Jajarkote, Cham, Acham,
Ivooguin, Aloosikote (second), IJoal-
pa, Mullijauta, Ilulhang, JJyIick,
Suliana (second), Bamplii, Jehavi,
Kalagong, Ghooriakote, Gootiim,
<]Injror, and Darimeca. {Kirhpatrick,
TvKJiooT, {Trihula). — A district
Roghpoor ; to the east is the Rengal
district of Purneah ; and on the west
Rettiaii and Tlajypoor. In 1784 Tyr-
hoot was estimated to contain, in all
its dimensions, 5033 .s<|uare miles.
By Abul ]''az(;l, in 1582, it is de-
scribed as follows:
" Sircar Tyrhoot, containing 74
njahals, measurement 266,464 bee-
gahs. Re\enue 19.179,777 dams.
This sircar furnishes 700 cavalry,
and 80,000 infantry."
Altliough not hilly, the surface of
this distri(;t is more elevated, the soil
drier, and the climate generally
healthier than those more to the
south; yet during the summer the
heat is intense. On account of its
natural advantages it Avas selected
by the Company as an eligible sta-
tion for improN ing the breed of horses,
in their provinces, those peculiar to
Bengal being of the most contempti-
ble des(;ription, and some of them
not larger than mastilfs. A low and
moist situation seems uncongenial to
the nature of this valuable animal,
which there degenerates immediate-
ly, while it appears to thri\e in arid
tracts almost destitute of water.
Many horses of the tirst quality have
since ')een reared in this and the ad-
joining district of llajypoor, and
liors(! dealers from Upper ilindostau
attend the fairs to purchase them. A
considerable number arc also ob-
tained for mounting the Kings and
Company's cavalry.
This distri('t throughout is, in ge-
neral, well cultivated, and veiy |)ro-
du<tive of grain, sugar, and indigo.
Towards tiie nortlnrn fr,>iitier there
are extensive forests, but no supj)ly
of timb<r deser\it!g of note can be
procured, for want of depth of water
in the rivers. Could this be reme-
died, large quantities might be ob-
tained. The names of the chi«-f
840
UMMERAPOOR.
rivers arc the little Gitnduck, the
Bhao^mati, and the Gogary.
'^I'iralil)i'cti, corrupted into Tyr-
hoot, was in the remote eras of Hin-
doo antiquity, named Maithila, and
was the scat of a powerful empire, iu
"which a distinct dialect was spoken,
stiii named Maithila, or Trilnitya,
and 'ised in the territory limited by
the Coosy and Gunduck rivers, and
the mountains of Nepaul. During
the wars of the Kamaynna, its sove-
reign was Jana. a, whose daughter,
the far famed Seeta, espoused the
great Rama, whose exploits are nar-
rated in that mythological poem.
TjTlioot appears to have continued
an independent Hindoo principality
until A, D. 1237, wlicn it was in-
vaded by Toghan Khan, the Ma-
hommedan governor of Bengal, who
extorted a large sum of money from
.tlie rajah, bu^ did not retain perma-
nant possession of the territoiy. It
was tinally subdued about A. D.
1325, by the Emperor Allah «d
Deeu, who annexed it to the thione
of Delhi.
Along with the rest of the province
it devolved to the Britisli, and was
permanently assessed for the revenue
about the year 1794; since which
period the ii^i provement of this dis-
trict, with respect to population, cul-
tivation, and eonmieree, has been
very great; large tracts of jungle and
waste land are annually brought into
a productive condition by the zemin-
dars. In 1801, when the population
returns were ordered by the Marcpiis
Wellesley, th<- inhabitants of this
district were estimated at 2,000,000,
in tlie proportion of one Mahomme-
dan to four Hindoos. (J. Grant,
Colebrooke, Stewart, 4"c.)
u.
TJdipu. — A small town in the pro-
vince of South C'ai:ara, situated about
three miles from the sea, near a small
river called the Papanasani, Lat.
13°. 16'. N. Long. 74". 48'. N.
Tiiis place contains between two
and 300 houses, with three temples
and 14 matams, or colleges, belong-
ing to the Sunyassies. The last are
large buildings, and considered as
houses belonging to gemiine Hin-
dooi, are stately edifices. The tem-
ples are roofed with copper, but it is
veryrudely wrought. The rice grounds
reach from Udipu to the sea, but
their extent north and south is not
considerable. {F. Buchanan, ^'c.)
L'mmerapoor, {Amarapura, the
City of the Immortals). — A large
oily of India bejond the Ganges, and
the modern capital of the Birraan
empire. Lat. 21°, 55'. N. Long.
96°. 7'. E.
This metropolis stands on the
banks of a deep and extensive lake,
about seven miles long, by one and
a half broad. WhcnfiUed by the
periodical rains, the lake on the one
side, and the river on the other, form
a dry peninsula, on which the city is
placed. On entering the lake, when
the floods are at the highest, the
number and variety of the boats, the
great expanse of water, with the lofty
.surrounding hills, present an extra-
ordinary sight to a stranger.
The fort of Ummerapoor is an
exact square. There are four prin-
cipal gates, one in each face, and
there is also a smaller gate on each
side of tlie great gate, equidistant
between it and the angle of the fort,
comprising 12 gates iu all. At each
angle of the fcrt there is a large
quadrarigular bastion which projects
considerably, there are also 11 .smaller
ba.stions on each side, including those
over the gateway. Between each of
these bastions is a curtain extending
200 yards in length, from which cal-
culation it results, that a side of the
fort occupies 2400 > ards. The ditch
of the fort is wide, and faced Avith
brick ; the passage across is over a
causeway formed by a mound of
earlh, and defended by retrench-»
ments. The rampart, faced by a
wall of brick, is about 20 feet high,
UaiRUT.
841
exclusive of the parapet, whicli has
embrasures for caniiou and apertures
lor musquetry. The body of the
rampart is composed of earth, sus-
tained witliin and externally by
stronnf walls. Small demy bastions
project at regular distances ; and
tlie gates are massive, and guarded
by cannon. This fortress, considered
as an eastern fortification, is respect-
able, but insiiUicienl to resist the ap-
proaches ot an eHcmy skilled in ar-
tillery tactics. I'rom the height and
solidity of the wall the Birmans con-
sider it impregnable, although a bat-
tery of half a dozen well-served can-
non would breach it in a few hours.
The southern face of the fort is
washed during the rainy season by
the waters of the lake, and the houses
of (he city and suburbs extend along
the bank as lar as the extreme point
of land.
In Ummerajioor there are few
houses of brick and mortar, and
these belong to members of the royal
family. The houses of the chief per-
sons are surrounded by a wooden
enclosure ; and all houses whatever
are covered with tiles, and have on
the ridge of the roof earthen pots fill-
ed with water, in readiness to be
broken should fire occur. The splen-
dour of the religious buildings is
very stiiking, owing to the unbound-
ed expenditine of gilding, which is
applied to the outside of the roofs as
well as within, and must absorb im-
mense sums. The gold leaf used is
exceedingly pure, and bears expo-
sure to the air for a long time with-
out sntlering injury. 7'hese edifices
being generally composed of wood
and other perisliahle mateiials, their
existence is not of any long duration.
Contiguous to the fort is a small
street, entirely occupied by the sliojis
of silversmiths, who exjjose their
ware in the open balcony, and dis-
play a great variety of Birman uten-
sils.
The pudigaut tick, or royal libra-
yy, is situated at the north-west an-
gle of the fort, in the centre of a
court paved with bfoad flags. The
books are kept in wooden chests cu-
riously ornamented, al)out 100 in
number, and well filled — the con-
tents o^ each cliest being written in
gold letters on the lid. The greater
part concern divinity; but history,
music, medicine, piiinling, and ro-
mance, have also their separate vo-
lumes. Across the lake there are
extensive fields of w heat, which is
sold in the city at the rale of one
tackel (nearly 2s. 6d.) for m pounds
weight, and equal in quality to the
finest in l-ngland.
The city of Ummerapoor is di-
vided into four distinct subordinate
jurisdictions, in each of which a May-
w ooii presides. This officer, who in
the piovinces is a vieerov, in the ca-
pifiil has the functions of a mayor,
and holds a civil and criminal court
of justice. In capital eases he trans-
niits the evidence, with his opinion
in writing to the lotoo, or grand
chamber of consultation, where the
council of state assembles. There
are regularly established lawyers,
who conduct causes and plead ; eight
are licensed to plead before the lo-
too, and their usual fee is 16s.
Unmierapoor was founded by the
Birman monarch, Minderajee Praw,
so recently as 1783, about four miles
east from old Ava, the ancient capi-
tal. Buildings in this part of India
are almost wholly composed of wood;
and the river presenting a convenient
water carriage, the present capital
rose most rapidly, and became in a
short time one of the most flourish-
ing and well-built cities of the east.
About A. D. 1800, the population
was estimated by Captain Cox at
175,000 persons, w Inch is probably
within the actual number; and the
nundjer of houses from 20,000 to
25,000. (Si/mef, Cox, ^-c.)
L'mnabao, {Aiiihiahad). — A town
in the pro\ incc of Bejapoor, 39 miles
N. E. from Foonah. Lat. 18°. 51'-
N. Long. 74°. 27'. E.
UiiRV r,{Anmta). — A town in the
province of Aurungabad, 40 miles S.
by E. Irom Surat. Lat. 20°. 40'. N.
Long. 73°. 18'. E.
842
VEHY.
UsTEE. — A <own belonging to the
Nagpoor JMahariltas, in the province
of Berar, 50 miles E. from Ellicii-
poor. Lat.21°. 18'. N. Long, 75°.
52'. E.
V.
Vackaleer, {or WacuIerai/).—A
town in tiie Mysore Rajah's territo-
ries, situated a few miles S. W. from
Colar.
This place contains aboAe 100
houses, and is ioriiticd with a wall
and citadel, Iwtlujf mud. I'hc farm-
ers in this toM n occuj)}' 17 Iionses,
and 22 are inhabited by Bralimins,
Avho live better, and are better lodg-
ed than the others, although, except
two or three ofhccrs of government,
all the rest Brahmins subsist on eha-
lity.
Vadaghery, {or Vadacurray). —
A Moplay town on the sea coast of
Malabar, 24 miles N. by W. from
Calicut. Lat. IP. 35'. N. Long.
75°. 40'. E.
This place stands at the end of a
long inland navigation, running pa-
rallel to the coast, and comnnmi-
cating with the Cotta and some other
rivers. The town is considerable,
and, like otlier Moplay towns in
Malabar, is comparatively well built.
On the hill above it is a small fort
nearly in ruins. {F. Buchanan, Sfc.)
Vadagary. — A town in the South-
eriv Carnatic, district of Tinnevelly,
86 miles N. by W. from Cape Co-
morin. Lat. 9°. 12'. N. Long. 77°
25'. E. During the Carnatic wars,
from 1740 to 1760, this place was
possessed by a tiibutary poIyg;u-,
who gave a great deal of trouble
both to tlie Nabob of the Carnatic,
and to the Company's govermnent.
Valvar. — A town in the province
of Gujrat, situated on the River
Mahy, 20 miles E. S. E. from Cam-
bay. Lat. 22°. 17'. N. Long. 73°.
6'. E.
Vardoopettah. — A town in the
province of Tinnevelly, 23 miles
S. S. W. from Madura. Lat. 9°. 36'.
N. - Long. 78°. i'. £.
Varshah. — A town in the Afgharj
territories, in the province of Lahore,
38 miles east from the Indus. Lat.
31°. 47'. JN. Long. 71°. 40'. E. To
the north of this town the hills a-
bound with fossil salt.
Vaypen. — A small town in the
territories of the Cochin Rajah, ad-
jacent to the town of Cochin. Lat.
9°5S'. N. Long. 7G°. 7'. E.
This j)laee stands upon a narro^T
island of the same name, which ex-
tends along (lie coast 13 miles, and
is only one mile in breadth. The
soil of this insular stripe consists of
sea sand and calcareous matter,
combined with vaiious kinds of earth
and clay, Avhieh during the rainy sea-
son are washed down from the West-
ern Ghaut Mountains. {Fra Paolo,
^■c. Src.)
V A ziRAB AD, (oj-Mbnara). — A town
in the Seik territories, in the province
of Lahore, situated on the east side
of the Chinaub River, 47 miles N.
N. W. from the city of Lahore. Lat.
32°. 25'. N. Long. 73°. 28'. E.
Veergoon.^ — A tow n and fortress
in the proviiice of Cutch, on the
road from Luckput Bunder to the
port of Mandavie on the Gulf of
Cutch, from which last place it is
about 30 miles distant to the north-
ward.
Veergoon is a small populous town,
situated on the S. W. side of a castle,
which is defended by round towers,
and flanked by a tank on the north
east. The road from Tahrah to this
place is a heavy sand ; but in many
spots the country is well cultivated,
and the soil a sandy loam. Tlic road
from hence to Bawat is narrow, but
in general good, except where the tis-
sures being deep have permitted the
water to aceunmlate. {Maxfield,
Vehy. — A small district in the
province of Cashmere, situated be-
tween the 34th and 35th degrees of
north latitude, and intersected by
the Jellum River, named also the
VELORE.
843
Colhumali. By Abul Fazel it is de-
scribed as prodiuing- much saflioii.
'I'hc cliicl'tuwii is Paniprc.
ViiLE Kr.TF.. — A cluster of rocks
in tlie Easlcni Seas, situated to tiic
south of the Island of Formosa,
which may be seen from hence. Lat.
21°. .%'. N. Loner. 1210 30'. ^
The largest of these rocks is about
the height of a small ship's hull out
of the water, and in clear weather
may be discerned at tlic distance of
eight miles. It is surrounded by
inany smaller ones, making a cir-
cumference of about Iwo miles.
(^Mcares, Krusenstirn, Sc.)
Vkll(>re, (Fe/HJ-)- — A small dis-
trict in tlie Carnatic Province, bound-
ed on the west by theEasteriiGhauts,
and at present compreheuded in the
Arcot collectorsliip.
A greater degree of verdure pre-
vails here than is usually seen in the
Carnatic, o\\ ing probably to a sub-
terraneous supply of water. During
the dry season the whole of the rice
land is irrigated by means of canals,
which are either dug across the diy
channel of rivers, below the surface
of which there is always moisture
found, or it is conducted from places
in which subtenancan streams have
been discovered. In some parts of
this district, near the Palar Kiver,
indigo is cultivated.
ViiLORK. — A town and fortress in
the Cai-natic Province, the capital of
a district of the same name. Lat.
12°. 55'. N liong. 79°. 13'. E.
This was formerly a post of great
importance, as it commanded the
main road leading to the Upper Car-
natic, from the valley of Veniam-
bady, which is the most direct route
to and from the Mysore. The walls
of the fort arc built of very large
stones, and have bastions and round
towers at short distances. A fausse
bray lines the wall between them,
and with its embattled ramj)art and
small overhanging square towers pro-
duces a very handsome eH'ect. A
deep and wide diteii, cut chiefly out
of the solid rock, surrounds the whole
iort, except at one entrance, where
there was a causeway according to
the Hindostany system; and, in ad-
dition to the usual defence, the diteli
contains alligators of a very large
size. 'J'his fortress is so completely
commanded from the hills, that a
six-pounder can throw a shot over
it; but the conquest of Mysore has
rendered it now of little comparative
consequence.
The Mahommedan states of Gol-
conda and Bejapoor possesssd them-
selves of Vellore and Ciiandergery
in A.D. 1646. In 1677 Sevajcu
made an unexpected irruption into
the Carnatic, and captured this place
andGingee. In the war of 1782 it
was relieved by Sir Eyre Coote in the
face of J lyder's whole army. After
the conquest of Seringapatam and
destruction of the Mahommedan dy-
nasty, Tippoo's family were for se-
curity removed to this fortress, and
consisted in all of 12 sons and eight
daughters. I'utteh Hyder, the eld-
est but illegitimate son, had 12 or
14 children, 'i'he four elder sons
were allowed .50,000 rupees per an-
num, and the younger 25,000 each.
The females were nearly 800 in num-
ber, and were handsojnely provided
for, their condition being altogether
much betler than it w ould have been
under any successor of Tippoo's.
They had been collected from many
different quarters, and each furnish-
ed her apartment according to the
fashion of her own country.
On the loth July, 1806, a most
atrocious revolt and massacre took
place ; in which, from extensive evi-
dence taken immediately after the
event, it was proved, the family of
Tippoo, particularly the eldest, Moiz
ud Deen, took an open and active
part. The insurgents were subdued,
and mostly put to the sword by Co-
lonel Gillespie and a party of the
19th dragoons; and, to prtnent the
recunence of a similar calamity, the
instigators were removed to Bengal.
Travelling distance from Madras,
88 miles, \V . by S. ; from Seringa-
patam, 202 miles. {Lord Valcntia,
Rennel, Wilks, ^-c.)
844
VINGORLA.
Vf.llum. — A town in the Soulij-
em Caruatic, seven niilts S.W. frum
the city ofTanjoic. Lat. 10°. 40'.
N. Lone;. 79°.'/'. E.
VuNCATiGHERRY, {Vanaheti(ghiii).
■ — A town in tlie Carnalic Province,
82 miles N. W. tiom Madras. Lat.
13°. 56'. N. Long-. 7L»°. 32'. E.
Venpambady. — A village fortified
with a mud wall, in the Earraniahal
Province, 120 miles W. S. W. IVom
Madras. Lat. 12°. 42'. N. Long.
78°. 42'. E.
Tliis place has a very pleasing ap-
pearance, being smronnded wilh
trees, which are scarce in the Barra-
mahal, and situated on a line plain
enclosed by hills. It stands also on
the banks of the Palar, or milk ri-
ver, which i)i Sanscrit is called Cshi-
ra Naddi, and has its .source near
Nnndydroog. During the rainy sea-
son this river iiequently commits
great devastation, and it rises higii-
est when the raius prevail on the
Coast of Coromandei. In Veniam-
bady are two temples of note, one
dedicated to Maluuieva or Siva, and
the otlier to Vishnu. {F. Bitchu-
nan, ^-e.)
Ventivalum. — A town in the
Carnalic Province, 40 miles W. N.
W. from Pondicherry. Lat. 12°
10'. N. Long. 79°. 25'. E.
Veramally. — A town in the
Sonlhern Carnatic, 23 miles .S. W.
from Trichinopoly. Lat. 10°. 26'.
N. Long. 78°. 35'. E.
VicRAVANDY. — A town iu the
Caruatic I'roviuce, 22 miles W.>J.W.
from Pondicherry. Lat. 12°. 5'. N.
Long. 79°. 43'. E.
VicToiRE Isle. — A very small
island in the Eastern Seas, covered
with wood. Lat. 1°. 39'. N. Long.
106°. 30'. E. On the soiitli-west
side of this island is a small bay or
creek ; and S. E. by E. distant three
leagues, lies a small white island.
Victoria Fort. — This is a forti-
fied island on the coast of theConcan,
about 70 miles south from Bombay,
which commands a harbour six miles
to the north of Sevorudroog. Lat.
17°. 56'. N. Long. 72°. 55'.^E.
This place, formerly named Ban-
coot, was taken in 1756 by Commo-
dore James, in concert with the Ma-
haraltas, who ceded it to the East
India Company. At this period in
the adjoining territory the Mahoni-
medans were nunurous, and contri-
buted to supply Bombay with beeves,
which were difficull to be procured
along this coast, on account of the
pre^aience of the Hindoo religion.
{Orme, ^c.)
^'u A N AG R A M , ( Vijayanagardy. — A
town in the Northern Circars, 2S
miles N. by W. froin Vizapatam,
and formeri) the capital of a large
zcmindary. ' Lat. 18°. 4'. N. Long.
83°. 30'. E. This is a town of con-
siderable size, situated under the
northern hills, and having a very
large tank to the south. The sur-
rounding country is well supplied
with watfr. (JJpion, &cc.)
ViNDHYA Mountains. — A chain
of hills which passes through Bahar
and Benares, and continues on thro'
the provinces of Allahabad and Mal-
wah along the north side of the Ner-
budda, almost to the west coast of
Hindostan. They are inhabited by
the Biicels ahd other tribes of preda-
tory thieves.
ViNCATGHERRY. — A town in the
Mvsore Hajah's territories, 120 miles
\V. from i^Jadras. Lat. 13°. 2'. N.
Long. 78°. 38'. E.
This place was formerly the resi-
dence of the Pedda Naika polygar,
and the ruins of his fort are still con-
spicuous. It is bnilt on a rising
ground, and consists of several en-
closures surrcuiided by walls of stone
and nnid, flanked with towers and
bastionSjWhich rise higher and higher
towards the central enclosure, in
which stood the rajah's dwelling.
The inhabitants here are almost all
Telingiis, or Gentoos, as they are
named by the English at, Madras.
The strata here resemble those of the
Eastern Ghaut Mountains, and iron
is procured by smelting a species of
black sand. {F- Buchanan, cSc)
ViNGORLA. — A town belonging to
the Rajah of Colapoor, on the sea-
VIZAGAPvVTAM.
845
coast of flie province of Ecjapoor.
Lai. 15° 64'. iN. Loii-; 7.*J°. 22'. E.
ViRAGDii. — A town and mnd ibit
ill the Nizam's territoiies, in tlie pro-
vince of Aintni^abad, 100 miles
S. E. from Aliui. duiia;gur. Lut. lb°.
11'. N. L<jng. '6°. 15'. K.
YiuANCun'URA. — An open town
in the Canialic jtrovince, district of
Wnore, si(iiat(xl ou the soutli side
of the Paiar River. L-at. 12° 56'.
N. Long- 79°. 5'. E.
This was formerly a large place,
and possessed many public build-
ings, both Hindoo and Maliomme-
<lan, but the whole sutfered ex-
tremely during tJie Avars of last cen-
tury with Hyder. A large temple,
dedicated to Lswara, escaped the
destruclion that l)efel the rest, owing
to its having been suno\iuded by a
\ery strong wall of cut granite,
xvhich excluded irregulars ; and
Hyder took no delight in the demo-
lition of temples, as his sou Tippoo
did. (F. Buchanan, SjT.)
ViRAPELLE, (Varapali). — A town
in the Cochin district on the Mala-
bar Coast, five miles N. from the
town of Cochin. Lat. 10°. N. Long.
76°. 10'. E.
This is the residence of the apos-
tolick vicar of the Roman Catholic
Cinistians who superintends 64
fhurches, exclusive of the 45 go-
verned by the Archbishop of Cra-
ganore, and also of the large dio-
ceses under the bishops of Cochin
and Quilon, whose churches extend
to Cape Conionn, There is here a
seminary, a catechumen house, and
convent of bare-footed Carmelites,
w ho have the care of the missionary
establishment on the Coast of Ma-
labar. The Monastery was founded
in A. D. 1673. (C, Buchanan, Fra
Paolo, (^c.)
A^iRNAUGH. — A village in the pro-
vince of Cashmere, 37 miles S. E.
from the city of Cashmere. Lat.
.34°. N. Long. 74°. 13'. E.
The country in this neighbour-
hood proJiuies apples, pears, peaches,
apricots, cherries, and mulberries,
besides the red and whit« rose, and
an infinite variety of flowering shrubs.
Except the null berry, few of the
fniils or vegetid^lcs of Jiindostan arc
produced here. Near to Virnangh
a torrent of waler bursts from a
mountain, and soon forms a consi-
derable stream. A bason of a square
form has been constructed, it is said,
by Jehangire, to retvive the water,
wliere it resxchcs the plain. {Foster,
Sfc. tVc.)
^ IZAGAI'ATAM. — A towu on the
sea-coast of the Northern Circars,
the capital of a district of the sam«
name. Lat. 17°. 42'. N. Long. 83°.
2b,'- E.
A river coming from the north,
and turning short eastward to the
sea, forms an anu of land one mile
and a half in length, and 600 yards
in breadth, nearly in the middle of
which the fort of A'^izagapatara is
placed. The town is inconsiderable,
tiie Europeans generally residing at
Watloor, a village to the north of
this harbour. During the ebb the
surf is liere veiy considerable ; and,
as European boats, for want of Mas-
sulah craft, are obliged frequently to
go in, they should keep close to a
steep hill, named the Dolphin's Nose,
to escape being upset. The sur-
rounding country «js mountainou.%
and many of the hills wild, and de-
stitute of vegetation. At Senia-
chellum, near to this place, is a
Hindoo temple of great fame and
sanctity.
The principal trading towns of
this district aie Vizagapatam and
Bimlipatam. From Calcutta tlie
imports consist of cumin seeds, long
pepper, wheat, and Madeiia wine ;
and from Ceylon and the Maldives
islands, large supplies of cocoa nuts,
coir, and cowries. AVax, salt, and
coir compose the principal articles
of export to Calcutta, and rice to
the MaldiACS. The consignment*
to London are chiefly of indigo, and
the staples of the port are w ax, salt,
and indigo. The total value of the
imports, from the 1st of May, 1811,
to the 30th of April,1812,was .53,037
Arei;t rupees, of m hich 52,521 was
846
WAGEEOO.
from places beyond the tenilories of
the Madias government, \iz.
From Calcutta - - 20,862
Cejioii - - - 1,104
the Maldives - 20,177
Various places - 10,378
Arcot rupees 52,521
During the above period the to-
tal value of the exports from Yiza-
gapalam Mas 1,348,872 rupees, of
which only 75,773 was to places be-
yond the territories of the Madras
government, viz.
To Calcutta - - - 38,584
Mancepatam - - 1,235
London - - - - 26,497
Maldives - - - 7,719
Various places - 1 ,738
Arcot rupees 75,773
Between the dates above-men-
tioned, 233 vessels and craft, mea-
suring 25,740 tons, arrived; and
305 vessels, measuring 33,847 tons,
departed. A considerable quantity
of cloth is manufactured in the ad-
jacent country, and the inhabitants
of the town are very expert in car\ -
ing curious little boxes of ivory and
bone.
In A. D. 1689, in the reign of
Aureiigzebe, during a rupture be-
tween that monarch and the Eng-
lish, their warehouses here were
seized, and all the residents of that
nation put to death'. In 1757 it was
taken by M. Bussy. Along with the
rest of the province, it was acquired
by tlie British in 1765, luider the
administration of Lord Clive, and it
now forms one of tlie five districts
into which the Northern Circars
were divided in 1803, when the Ben-
gal revenue and judicial system
were introduced.
Travelling distance from Madras,
483 miles ; liom Nagpoor, 394 ; :iom
Hyderabad, 355; and from Cal-
cutta, 557 miles. {Parliamentary
Jieports, Onne, Johnson, Ac)
V 1 z I A N A G u R, ( Vijayanagara.) — A
town in the Norlhern Circars, .37
iniies W. from (janjam. Lat. 19°.
21'. N, Long. 84°. 45'. E.
VoLCONDA. — A town in the Car-
natic pro\ ince, 77 miles S. W. from
Pondieherry. Lat. 11°- 19'. N. Long.
79°. 5'. E. During the Carnatic
wars of the last century this was a
strong post, its principal defence
being a rock 200 feet high, and
about a mile in circumference at the
bottom.
w.
Wad JO, (Wajii). — A slate or con-
federacy in tlie Island of Celebes,
situated to the north of the Buggess
territories, named Boni.
In 1775 this country was governed
by 40 regents, among w hom women
were admitted, as well as men.
From these two chiefs were selected,
one for warlike affairs, styled Patara,
and the other for the ci\ il adminis-
tration, named Padeiirang. In ad-
dition to these was the mattowra,
or elected king, who acted as presi-
dent of the whole, forming alto-
gether a very complex sort of go-
vernment. At that date the Wad-
joos were rich, commercial, and
nearly independent of the influence
of the Dutch, for which they were
in part indebted to the natural
strength of their country. {Stavo-
rinus, §'c.)
Wageeoo. — One of the Papuan
islands, situated about the 131st de-
gree of east longitude, and within
the first degree of south latitude.
In length it may bo estimated at 90
miles, by 22 the average breadth.
On the north coast of this island
is a harbour, formed by the Island of
Rawak, oi: win-, ii grows the aml)ong
tree, the heart of wiiich is an ex-
cellent ca!)bage; and here sago
cakes, baked hard, are to be |>ur-
chas( d in large quantities, as are
also fish and turtle. To the latter
the Malays of the Eastern Isles
WALURU
847
liavc, in jiencial, nn antiiinthy.
'J'hfie arc no t;;oats or fow Is liere.
On (he norlli-west coast of Wao;eeoo
tlicre is anollicr harbour, named
Piapis, silualcd in Lat. 0°. 5'. S.
Long-. 130°. 15'. E. It is Jornied by
two capacious hays, where tlierc is
IVesh water, and plenty ol' tall tim-
ber lit for masts. In l>()th bays there
are good mud soundiiifijs, an<l on a
sinall island, named Sisipa, is a
pond of iresh m ater, with sai;o trees
growing dose to it ; the aiiibong or
cabbajio tree also abounds. Along
tlie northern coast, generally, wa-
ter is to be procmed from rivers,
or stagrnate pools, not far from the
.shore. The gigantic Kima cockle
is found in plenty among the coral
reefs, and makes an excellent stew
V itli the heart of the cabbage tree.
On the west side of AVageeoo is a
deej) bay, before which lie many
small low islands, mostly covered
■with trees. 'J he largest of these is
not above a mile and a half in cir-
cumference, and there are some not
half a mile. These islets produce
the sugar cane, from which the in-
habitants express the juice. The
Mahonnnedans subsist in a great
measure on fish and sago bread, and
also eat the biche de mar, \<hich is
likewise a food of the nati\e Pa-
pnas. This is eaten raw, cut up in
small pieces, and mixed with salt
and lime juice. 'J'he natives say,
that in the centie of the country
there is a large lake, containing
many islands, but it is more pro-
bably a bay, wliich deeply indents
the coast. The hills here are of suf-
ficient height to atiraet the clouds,
and cause the descent of a consi-
derable quantily of rain.
This island is well inhabited ; on
the sea-coast by JMalionnnedans, and
in the interior by the aborigines, who
are mostly mop-headed Papuas. In
all the harbours the Malay tongue is
spoken and understood. A I'Tencli
voyager asserts, that, in 171)2, the
inhabitants of W'ageeoo had i.\v-
clared war against the Dutch, and
joined with the inhabitants of Cc-
ram in an attack on Ambojna. (/"nj-
rest, Lahillarriint; Sfc.)
Wag\a(;uu. — A town possessed
by independent native chiefs on the
sea-coast of the Gujral Peninsula.
Lat. 21°. .3'. \. Long. 71°. 58'. K
Walluik.ir. — A hill fort in the
Maharatta territories, in tiie pro-
vince of IJcjapoor, near Clmekow-
rie, in the Darwar district. This
place was long held under the
Pcsliwa by l^urseram I'liow, and
when he was defeated and slain, it
M as seized by the Colaj)oor Rajah,
in whose possession it remained un-
til 1804, when, by the interposition
of the British, it w as restored to the
Peshwa, and is now iield by one of
his feudatories. {3JSS. S>-c.)
\\'ahi, {or Wt/e). — A town in the
Maharatta territories, in the pro-
vince of Bejapoor, about 50 miles
southward from Poonah.
'ibis is the capital and chief resi-
dence of the rich and powerful
Maharatta Brahmin family, named
Kastia, which is nearly related to
the Peshwa. It is also one of the
towns which enjoy the privilege,
remarkable i)i the jNIaharatta domi-
nions, of killing beef for sale. {Moor,
^■c. <St.)
Waluru. — A toAvn in the Mysore
Rajah's territories, situated in the
neighbourhood of Bangaloor.
This place contains above 500
houses, and is one of the richest
and best built on this frontier abov«
the Ghauts; l)nt it is badly supplied
vitli water. Jt consists of a castle,
of a fort and town, and of a pettah
or suburb. 'J'he chief manufacture
here is cotton cloth, which the inha-
bitants can alford to sell very cheap.
In tlie adjacent country many coarse
blankets are voven, from the wool
which their lloeks produce. The
sheep are shorn twice every year;
once in the cold, and once in the
rainy reason; and 12 sheep furnish
sudicient wool to make a blanket si>i.
cubits long, and three wide. Ifere
also are distilleries of country rum,
in which the bark of the Minosa is
an iugredi<')it. Their mode of con-
848
WANKANEER.
densing the liquor is very rude, and
the liquor, never beir.g rectified by
a second distillation, is execrable.
At the weekly fair, which is held
iiere, the principal articles exposeil
for sale are pro\ isions, coarse cotton
cloths, blankets, and iron work lor
agricultural uses. It is only in the
larger towns of the Mysore that
■weekly fairs are held, and there are
not any of the suksII markets called
hauts in Bengal, where the natives
waste so much time.
The soil of some of the gardens
here is remarkably deep, as, where
■wells have been dug, it exceeds 20
feet in thickness. A gardener is in
this place a separate |)rofcssiou from
that of a farmer, and is considered
of inferior rank. In ploughing both
oxen and butl'aloes aie joked, and
the manner of working resembles
that customary in Bengal. I'he
castle here is occupied by a Rajpoot
and his lamily, whose ancestors were
formerly Jaghiredars of the place
and ntighbouriug villages. By the
Mysore Rajah's government he is
allowed 400 pagoda's annually, with
permission to reside in the castle,
\F. Buchanan, 5t.)
Wandicotta, {or Gandicottd). —
A large district in the Bahtghaiit
ceded territories, situated princi-
pally between the 14th and 161h de-
grees of north latitude, and now
mostly comprehended in tlie Cuda-
pah collectorship. The chief towns
are Wandicotta, Tadimery, and
Anantapooram ; and the principal
river the Pennar.
WANDicoTrA. — A town in the
Balaghaut ceded territories, 50 miles
N. N.W, from Cudapah. Lat. 14°.
44'. N. Long. 78°. 20'. E. This
place was formerly remarkable as a
strong forhess, and for tlie vicinity
of a diamond mine. {Rennell, §t.)
Wandipoor. — A town m the pro-
vince of Bootan, in the territories
of the Deta Rajah. Lat. 27°. 50'. N.
Long. 89°. 50'. E.
This place lies about 24 miles
from Tassisudon in an easterly di-
rection, and is esteemed by the Boo-
teas a place of great strength. It
is .situated on the naiTOW extremity
of a rock between the Matchieu,
the Pateliieu, and the Tehanchieu
livers, w'lose streams unite at its
sharpened point, and form a river of
considerable magnitude, which tajces
the nam«' of Chaautcliieu, and f]ow.s
along tiie flat surrute of the Bijnce
district into the Brahmapootra. At
this ])iace tiiere is a bridge of tur-
pentine fir of 112 feet span, without
the least iron in its conslrueiion, yet
it is said to have lasted 150 years,
without exhibiting any symptoms of
decay. Owing to its situation Wan-
dipoor appears agitated by a per-
petual hurricane. This is one of
the consecrated towns of Bootan,
where a considerable number of Gy-
longs, or monks, are established.
{Turner, S)C.)
Wandiwash A tow^n in the
Carnatic province, 64 niiics S. W.
from Madias. Lat. 12° 29'. N.
Long. 79°. 40'. E.
In September, 1759, the British
troops, in an attack on this place,
were repulsed Anth great slaughter;
but in the November following it
was taken by Colonel Coote with
scarcely any loss. In Januarj',
1760, a decisive battle was here
fought between the Frendi army
under M. Lally, and the British
commanded by Colonel Coote, in
which th'! former were totally de-
feated, and never afler made a stand.
This action was wholly fought by
the Europeans of the two armies,
while the sepoys looked on ; and af-
ter it was over, the sepoy com-
mandants, compimcnting Colonel
Coote on the victory, liankcd him
for the sight of such a battle as they
had never before witnessed. W ith
the surrounding district Wandiwash
is now comprehended in the south-
ern division of the Arcot collector-
ship. (Orme, &-c.)
Wankaneer — A town possessed
by an independent native chief in
the Guirat penir.sula. Lat. 22°. 27'.
N. Long. 70°. 55'. E.
This place stands on an angle
WERAD.
849
formed by the conflnv of the Biver
Muchoo, with aii interior stream
named Patailia. It is long and
narrow, and surrounded by a great
wall with towers and bastions, eom-
prehendihg about 5000 iiouses, w ith
a good bazar. A pious I\Jahomn»e-
dan sheikh h.as here erected an e'e-
gaiit mosque, but unfortunately the
sacred recess for prayer is not due
west (looking towards INIccca), and
the whole is consequrnily usei<:ss.
The town lies so directly under a
range of lofty mountains, that it is
entirely commanded.
During the rains the Patailia in-
undates the town ; but in the dry
season it diminishes to a slender
stream in a low lied, from which cir-
cumstance its name is derived, Pa-
tala signifying the infernal regions.
{^Macmurdo, 4'c.)
War.angol. — An ancient city in
the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
vince of Hydei-abad, 50 miles N. E.
from the city of Hyderaiiad. Lat.
17°. 52'. N. Long. 7&°. 3'. E.
This place was founded about
A. D. 1067, at which period it is
supposed to have been the metro-
polis of A ndray, or Telingana. In
1309 Allah ud Deen, the Deliii sove-
reign, dispatched an army against
it by the route of Bengal, without
success ; hut it was taken from the
Hindoos in ^324 by Aligh Khan.
It however again reverted to tliat
ancient nation, and in 1421 its ra-
jah was. slain in battle, and the place
captured by Khan Azim Khan, tiie
general of Ahmed Shah Bhamenee,
the Sultan of the Dcccan. By dif-
ferent authors this name is written
Woragulia, Warauknl, and Arenkil.
{Scott, Feriihta, Wilks, .St.)
Warrior. — A town in the Car-
natic province, 38 miles N. E. from
Tanjore. Lat. 11°. 15'. N. Long.
79°.' 25'. E.
\V ARVE.^A town in the province
of Gujrat, district of Werrear, 14
miles S.W. fiom Rahdunpoor,
This is an open town, protected
only by a ditch, which, in many
places, is filled up with thorns and
3 I
rubbish ; j'ct it is the residence of
many ol the liead Jhuts, who do not
possess any forts, except that of Am-
rapoor, which stands on die Run, to
the S.V\. of Warye. Tliis place
from its vicinity to the Run and to
Wagar, is in some measure intlu-
eiiced by the events that occur in
Cut eh. In 1 808 Warye was plun-
dered by a Cp.teh army, eoiulucted
across the Run by the zemindars of
A^ agar, on which occasion the Jhuts
were compelled to seek shelter in
Amrapoor and the Mehwas. The
thieves of A\"agar and the Jhuts are
engaged in constant broils, but the
first are the most i)owerful.
The town of A\'ar> e can muster
from 800 to 1000 Jhut horsemen,
well mounted, and principally arm-
ed with spears and sabres. These
carry their plundering excursions
through the greater jiart of Cotti-
war, the whole of the Bunumgaum
pergunnah, and not uufrequcntly into
Cuich. Their subjection to the Na-
bob of Rahdunpoor is merely nomi-
nal, as they obey or decline his sum-
mons according "to the temporary
cunent of their inclination. {Mac-
murdo, l^-c.)
\^ ASS AH. — A town in the province
of Gujrat, 18 miles N. by E. from
Cambay. Lat. 22°. 39'. N. Lojig.
72°. 52'. E.
Waufgorn. — A village in the
Maharatta territoiies, 24 miles north
from Pooniih, from whence the Hol-
car family originated.
AVawul. — A \illage in tlie pro-
vince of Gujrat, district of Werrear,
situated a few miles to the S. E. of
Raiulunpoor.
This place coi^tains about 300
houses, and stands on the banks of
the River Sereswati, a small stream
of suit water, which during the rains
overtlows its banks, but at other sea-
sons is every where fordable.
Week.^ — A small district in the
province of Ca.'^hmere, extending
alot'g the south side of the Jellum or
Colluimah River, which is here about
80 V ards across.
Weuad. — A town in the Maha-
850
WOWA]MIA.
ratta territories, in the province of
Bejapoor, 63 miles S. S. W. from
Pooiiah. Lat. 17°. 39'. N. Long.
73°. 48'. E.
Werrear, (Wnddeifar).-~A dis-
trict on tlie N.W. frontier of the pro-
vince of Gujrat, extending along" the
banks of the Banass Ki>er. The
conntry lying between Kahdunpoor
and Pairee on the Jiorlh and south,
and from Becharjee to the banks of
tlie Run, is called Wuddyar or Wur-
ryar; tor which name the inhabit-
ants say it is indebted to the excel-
lent unality of its grass, it being re-
sorted to by immciise herds of cattle
sent to ])asture on the banks of the
Run. Wuddyar, or Wandvar, in
the Gnjrattce language, signifies a
herdsman, by which class the banks
of the Run were originally inhabited.
Throughout the whole of Werrear
fowls and sheep are cheap and a-
bundant; the price of the former
being five for a rupee, and the latter
half a rupee each; but goats are a
greater rarity. It also produces a
innuber of hmses of a smaller breed
than those of Cottiwar ; but horses
of a good quality being in great de-
nuiud, few are exported, and those
pi ineipally to the Joudpoor territo-
ries.
'I'his district is much infested by
plundering Coolees, the prin('ipal
dens of these robbers being at Wa-
rye,14 miles S.W. from Rahdunpoor ;
Barbere, 24 miles north, (belonging
to the Coolees); and Therwara, 30
miles N. W. from Rahdunpoor; the
latter possessed by the Balooches.
{Mfinmurdo, S^-c.)
V^ETiER Isle. — An island in the
Eastern Seas, situated o(f the north
coast of Timor about the eighth de-
gree of south latitude, the interior of
whiei) has not yet been explored. In
lengtli it may be estimated at 65
miles, by 2t) the average breadth.
WoLAJANAGUR. — A largc towu in
the Carnatic Province, situated on
the north side of the Palar River,
iibout two miles from Arcot. Lat.
l^. 55'. N. Long. 79°. 30'. E.
'i'lijs town was liiiilt by the Nabob
of Arcot, Mahommed Ali Walajah,
and named after himself To people
it the inhabitants w ere removed tioni
Lalpettah and otiicr places, which
with Mahommedan princes in Hin-
doslan is a common practice. It
soon after had the misfortune to fall
iiiO tiie hands of Ilyder, who did
not spare it; but, on the restoration
of ])eaee,it was again fostered by (h«
nabob. At j^resent it has attained a
great size, is regularly built, rich,
and populous, with an ample supply
of provisions, which are cheap and
ahiiiidant. Its fortifications are
mouldering to decaj; but, as the
})lace has not now any enemy to ap-
piehend, the loss is of little conse-
oiience. Almost the whole of tlm
trade between the country above the
Eastern Ghauts and the sea centres
here ; and it is said a larger assort-
ment of goods can be procured at
this place than in any town to the
south of the Krislma, Madras not
excepted. (F. Buchanait, ^-c.)
WoMBiNELLORE. — A town in the
south of India, district of Salem, 102
miles S. E. from Seringapatani. Lat.
11°. 44'. N. Long. 78°. 10'. E.
Wow. — A fortilied town in the
district of Neyer, situated about 10
miles west from Theraud, on the
north-west boundary of the Gujrat
Province.
This town is much more populous
than Theraud, and may be consi-
dered as the capital of Neyer. At
present it contains not fewer than
1000 Rajpoot famihes of rank, and •
merchants of wealth and credit.
Formerly the whole tract of country
as far as I'heraud on the east, Gur-
rah and Rardra on the west, Son-
gaum and the Run on the south, and
Sanjore on the north, were subject
to Ranny of Wow, a Chowah Raj-
jioot. {3Iacmnrdo, 4c.)
WowAMiA. — A small fishing town
in the Gujrat Peninsula, about six
miles distant from the fortress of
Alailia, 'J'his place stands on the
Run, and here there is a ferry esta-
blished for transporting passengers
to the Cutch shore. It forms a small
XULLA ISLES.
851
independency, the estate of a petty
Cottiwar cliief. {Macmurdo, Sfc.)
WunwAN. — A town in tlie pro-
vince of Gnjrat, district of Cliala-
wara. Lat. 22° 20' . N. Long. 71°.
37'. E.
This is a town of considerable ex-
tent and population, being about
the size of Sjlah, and possessing a
fort of considerable strength, almost
new. It belongs to a Rajpoot fa-
mily, celebrated for their skill and
bravery in predatory warfare, and
was in 1805 for two months, without
success, besieged by the Guicowar's
army.
Ghee, hemp, and leather, are
brought to this place from Putten-
wara in waggons, and carried from
lience to Bhowiiagur on the Gulf of
Cambay, from whence tliey are -ex-
ported. I'hcse ciiravans require an es-
cort of from 20 to 50 matchlockraen,
who are paid at the rate of one-fourth
of a rupee for 30 miles distance. It
is customary at the villages in this
quarter to place a man on the top of
a high tree ; and when he perceives
horsemen, he waves aflag and sounds
a large rattle, after which the village
drums beat to arms, and the com-
batants assemble at their respective
posts. {Macmurdo, ^-c.)
WuRDA River, {Varada, granting
P/Y»/er*).— This river has its source
in the Injardy Hills, two miles nortJi
of the Baroolypass, in the province
of Berar, from whence it flows in a
S. E. direction ; and, after a course
of about 200 miles, including the
windiiij;s, falls into the Godavery.
Since the 25th of December, 1803,
its channel marks the boundary
which separates the Nizam's terri-
tories from those of the Nagpoor Ma-
harattas.
Wl'Kgaum. — A village in the pro-
vince of Gnjrat, district of Chala-
wara, situated about five miles N.
N. E. from Dussara.
Tiic surrounding ten itoi-y is a rich,
level country, amply supplied with
tanks of good water, and is remark-
able for the abmidant crops it pro-
duces of wheat and grain. I'he soil
3 I 2
is a rich black earth, yet light and
sandy.
In this quarter of Gnjrat the Hin-
doo i>la(;es of worship are nmch more
mde in their structure than those of
the southward. Many of these, de-
dicated to Mahadeva and Bhavani,
consist merely of a room built of
stone, and five feet square, having a
triangular roof, and covered with a
strong coat of lime. On each face
of the triangle is carved a savage
representation of the human coun-
tenance. {Macmurdo, ^t.)
Wynaad, {Bynadu). — A small
district in the south of India, situ-
ated on the summit of the Western
Ghauts, about the 12th degree of
north latitude, and at present com-
prehended in the Malabar collector-
ship.
Bynadu signifies the open coun-
try, but does not seem quite appli-
cable, as, although situated on the
top of the mountains, it is in many
places overrun with fbrests, and of
diflicult access. This district is also
named Nellcala and Wynatil, and
produces the best cardamoms in In-
dia. Carulu Verma, the present
rajah, is sprung from a younger
branch of the family, and retains
considerable power within his own
limits.
X.
XuLLA Isles. — ^Three islands of
considerable size in the Eastern
Seas, situated to the S. E. of the
Molucca Passage, and as yet but
little explored. 'I'hey are occasion-
ally invaded by the Papuas frojn
New Guhioa, although the distance
is almost 300 miles. About 40 years
ago the Dutch luid a lactory on the
Xulla Bcssey Isle, in a redoubt gar-
risoned by a sergeant and 25 men.
It was prior to that period annexed
to the government of Amboyna, but
was afterwards transferred to that of
Ternate. {Bougainville, ^c.)
852
ZEBU ISLE.
Y.
Yauly. — A town in the province
of Berar, 90 miles S. W. from Nag-
poor. Lat. 2(P. 25'. iN. Long. 79^.
1'. E.
Yaynangheoum.— A town in the
Birman dominions, sitnatcd on the
east side of the Irawaddy. Lat. 20°.
28'. N. Long. 94°. 35'. E.
Five miles east of this place are
the celebrated pelrolenm wells, which
supply the whole of the Birman em-
pire, and many parts of India with
this useful prodnclion. The town
is chiefly inhabited by potters, who
carry on an extensive manufacture
of earthen ware.
I'here are here a great many oil
pits within a small compass, the
aperture being generally about four
feet square, and lined with timber.
The oil is drawn up in an iron pot,
fastened to a rope passed over a
wooden cylinder, which revolves on
an axis supported by two upright
poats. When the pot is filled, two
men take the rope, and run down a
declivity ; the pot is afterwards emp-
tied into a cistern, and the water
drawn off by a hole at the bottom.
The depth of the pits is about 37
fath(juis, so that the quantity they
contain cannot be seen. When a
well is exhausted, they restore tlie
spring by cutting deeper into the
rock, which is extremely hard. The
Birman government farms out the
ground that supplies the oil, audit is
again suljjectto adventurers, who dig
the wells at their own hazard. The
commodity is sold very clicap on the
spot, the principal expense being the
transportation charges, -and the cost
of the earthen pots to hold it. {Si/mes,
^c.^-c.) ,. . .
Yklcundul. — A large district in
the Nizam's territories, in the pro-
viuce of Hyderabad, situated be-
tween the 18tli and i9fh degrees of
north latitude, and bounded on the
north by the Godavery River. The
chief towns are Elgaudel and Ra-
ipergh.
Yellapura. — A smalltown above
the Western Ghaut Mountains, in
the Soonda district, and included in
the collectorship of North Canara.
Lat. 14°. 57'. N. Long. 74°. 55'. E.
This place contains about 100
houses, with a market. In the conn-
try east from this towards Hully-
halla, Sambrang, Madanarn, Mun-
dagodu, and Induru, the woods con-
sist mostly of teak, and almost all
the forests in this neighbourhood
spontaneously produce pepper. Al-
though the rains in this elevated
quarter are not so heavy as below
the Ghauts, yet they are sufficient
to bring one croj) of rice to maturity
on level ground. (F. Buchanan,
^■c. 4-0.)
Yligan. — A small Spanish re-
doubt and garrison, situated on a
bay of the same name, on tlie north
coast of Magindanao.
Yowl Isles. — A cluster of very
small islands lying off the north
coast of the Island of Wageeoo,
sunounded by coral reefs, and situ-
ated about the 131st degree of east
longitude.
YuNSHAN. — An extensive inland
region of India beyond the Ganges,
situated about the 20th degree of
north latitude, and included by the
Birmans in the list of their terri-
tories. It is intersec'ed by many
rivers flowing from the north ; but
it does not appear ever to have
been explored, even by the Bir-
mans.
Zebo Isle. — One of the Phi-
lippines, situated about the 123d
and 124tli degrees of east longitude.
In length it may be estimated at 108
miles by 24 the average breadth.
Magellan arrived at this island
in A. 1). 1521, and was received by
the inliabitants with such kindness,
that their king, Hamabar, his whole
family, with tlie chief of Dimasava
(anotiicr island), and many of his
subjects, were baptized. The chief
ZEBU ISLE.
853
of Maeiaii, a very small island \y\ng
ofl'the lown of Zebu, alone rerosted
the Spaniards, and defied Magel-
lan, who unfortunately accepted the
challensre. I'or the enterprize he
selected 50 Spaniards, who attacked
the Indians in morasses, the water
up to their breasts, and approached
so near, that Magclinn was wound-
ed by an arrow, and died in the field
with six Spaniards ; the rest saved
themselves by flight. On his death
the smvivors chose for their com-
mander Juan Serrano, but he was
soon after decoyed into a snare by
the natives of Zebu, and, with 24
other Spaniards, massacred. His
successor, Juan Carvallo, burned
one of the vessels, and sailed from
Zebu with the Trinidad and Vic-
toria in search of the Moluccas.
(Zuniga, ^-c.)
GLOSSARY.
A RAD — Abode, residcnro
Allah — God, in Arabic and Persian
Uairaggies — TTindoo devotees, vo-
taries of Vishnu
Bala-ghaut — Above the Ghauts,
in contradistinction to Pajeen-
Gliaut, below the Ghauts: the
tonus j^enorally refer to the hig'h
••ential table land in the sotith of
India, and the modern Carnatic
])rovincc
Bazar — Daily markets: in Bena^al
it is not unusual to have in them
a liaut, where a number of petty
venders, besides the establislied
shopkeepers, fie(|ucnt them
Begah — A lanil measure, in Ben-
gal, equal to about the tinrd part
of an acre, but varying in diHcrent
provinces : the common Ryoty
hegah in Bengal contains only
1600 square yards
BowRiii — A well tiiat has steps to
descend ; those v\ ithout steps are
named Kooah
BiCHE DE jNIar, {Holothiirion) —
Named also swallo, sea slug, or tri-
pang ; a sea reptile, very nnich re-
sembling the garden slug in ap-
pearance, but considerably larger,
some of them weighing half a
pound : it is a great article of trade
iiom the eastern islands to China,
where it is used to season their
soups and other dishes, being es-
teemed highly nutritious and invi-
gorating
Brahmin — The sacerdotal caste
among the Hindoos
Bungalow — A connnodious dwell-
ing erected by Europeans in Jien-
gal, and txtremely well suited to
the climate ; it is entirely com-
posed of wood, bamboos, mats,
and thatch, and may be completed
in a very short time, and at a mo-
derate expense
Candy — ^Thc Bombay candy weighs
5G0 pounds
Catty — A Chinese weight of 1^
pounds avoirdupois
Chout — A fourth part (f)f the clear
revenue) a tribute formerly le\ ied
on certain states by the Maliarat-
tas, on condition of their abstain-
ing from plundering
Chunam — Ijime: the Madras Chu-
uam, made of calcined shells, is
considered the best in India
Choultry, in the native language
Chauvadi — A place of accom-
modation for travellers: the Ma-
hommedans name them serai, and
tliey are also called durrumsallas
CiRCAR, or SntKAR — In Hindostan
a certain inimber of \illages form
a pergunnah ; a certain nninber
of pergunnahs, comprehending a
tract of eounti7 equal (o a mode-
rate-sized linglisii county, is de-
nominated a chuckla ; of t!iesc a
certain numljcr and extent form
a circar, and a few circars fv^nn a
grand division, province, or son-
bah. Tiiis word occasionally
means the government, and also
a head servant
Chowky — A whisk to keep oil' flies;
they are made either of ihs^ 'I'ibet
cow's tail, peacocks' feathers, or
ivory shavings, set in a handle two
feet long
Coss — (karoh, or krossah)a corrupt
term used by Europeans to de-
856
GLOSSARY.
note a road measure of about two
miles, but varying in different parts
of India; jViajor Rennel values
the coss at 190 statute miles to
100 cosses
Coir— The fibresofthecocoanuthusk
Crore — Ten millions
CuTCHERRY — A court of justice
Dam, or Daum — A copper coin, the
25tl) part of a pisa, or, according
to some, the 40th part of a rnpee.
During the reign of Aurengzebe
48 dams made one rupee
Deccan — From a Sanscrit word, li-
terally meaning the south, but
applied by the Mahommedan his-
torians 1o the tract of country be-
tween the Nerbudda and Krishna
rivers
Dewan — Theliead officer of finance
and revenue, almost always a
Hindoo. Also a prime minister
Dewanny — The East India Com-
pany acquired the Dewanny of
Bengal in A. D. 1765 ; the Bengal
year 1 171
Durbar — A court or place, in which
a sovereign, or viceroy, gives au-
dience
DoAB — Any tract of country in-
cluded between two rivers
Fakeer — A Mahommedan religious
mendicant, or devotee
FoujDAR — A military superintend-
aat, or commander
FuRsuNG — Throughout Afghanistan
and the Persian dominions, the
fursung, or parasang, may be com-
puted at four English miles
Gentoo — A name derived from the
Portuguese Avord gentio, which
signifies gentile in the scriptural
sense. At Madras this term is
used to designate the language
and people of Tclingana
Ghaut — A pass (hrough a moun-
tain, but generally applied to any
extensive chain of hills
Ghee — Butter clarified by boiling
GooMTY — Winding; the name of
rnany rivers in Hindostan
GooRoo — A spiritual guide among
the Hindoos
GoDowN — A corruption of the Ma-
lay word gadong, a warehouse
Gunge — In Guiiges the chief com-
modities sold are grain and the
necessaries of life, and generally
by wholesale : they often include
bazars and hai.ts where the ar-
ticles are sold by retail, and in
great variety. It is a very com-
mon termination of the names of
towns 1 Bengal, and some of the
adjacent provinces, and generally
applied to a place where there is
water carriage
Gurry — A name given in tlie
]Vlysoie to a wall flanked with
towers
GosAiN, (Goswami) — Hindoo devo-
tees. They are also named Suny-
assies
Haut — A market which, in Bengal,
is held on certain days only, and
resorted to by petty venders and
traders. They are established in
open plains, where a flag is erected
on the day and at the place of pur-
chase and sale
Jaghire — An assignment of the go-
vernment share of the produce of
a portion of land to an individual,
either personal, or for the support
of a public establishment, parti-
cularly of a military nature
Jeel — A shallow lake or morass
JoGiES — Hindoo devotees
Jungle — Land covered with forest
trees, thick impenetrable brush-
wood, creeping plants, and coarse
rank vegetation
Junk — A Chinese ship, from the
IMalay word Ajong
Kangan — A piece of coarse Chinese
cloth, thinly wove,i9 inches broad,
and six yards long, in value about
2s 6d
Khetri, {Cshata-iya) — The second or
military caste of the Hindoos
Lack — One hundred thousand
GLOSSARY.
857
Lascak — Piopeilj' a cainp follower,
hut more lrt'()nentlv applioil to na-
tive sailors and artilleiynien
LooTY — A plunderer
Ma HA— Great
oMahal — A territorial subdivision
IVIaund — A mcisure of weijjht in
India. At Madias it weighs 25
pounds ; at Eonibay, 28 ; at Su-
rat, 40 ; and a pucka, or double
one, 80. In Eciigal the factory
niauiid may be estimated at 80
pounds
Nagur, Nagorf, or Nuggur — A
town or city, the termination of
many names
Nullah — A natural canal, or small
branch of a river; also a stream-
let, river, or w atercourse
NuDDY — A river, the termination of
many names
Pagoda — This name is applied by
Europeans to Hitidoo temples an^
places of worship, but not by the
Hindoos themselves, who have no
such appellation. It is the name
also of a gold coin, principally in
the Dcccan and South of India,
\alued at 8s. sterling; called Va-
raha b}- the Hindoos, and boon
by the Wahommedans
Patan — A name in Hindostau gene-
rally a[)i)Iied to the Afghan tribes,
the derivation of which has never
been satisfactojily ascertained
Pkshwa, (a Leader) — The sovereign
of the Poonah Alaharattas
Pf.ttah — A town or suburbs adjoin-
ing a fort
Peer — A Mahommedan saint
I'ecul — A Chinese weight of l;33|
pounds
Pergunnah — See Circar
PoLiGARs — Small tri!)utary land-
holders in the South of India, who
were never thoroughly subdued by
the Mahommedaus
Pice — A small copper coiu
Poor, (pnra) — A town, place, or re-
sidence, the tei miuHtion of many
names in Bengal, and the adjacent
provinces
PuLo— The ]\Talay term for an is-
land
Rajpoots (the qffspiing of rajahs) —
A name assumed by the higher
classes of the Khctri, or military
tribe of Hindoos
Kanny — A female sovereign
IxVVKE, {silver) — The name of a silver
coin of comparatively modern cur-
rency ; for it is rcinarkable, that
there do not exist any specimens
in that metal struck anterior to
the establishment of the Mahom-
medan power in India, while a
great many in gold have been pre-
served of far higher antiquity. The
East India Company's accounts
are kept at tlie following fixed
rates of exchange, viz. 2s. the cur-
rent rupee; 2s. 3d. the liombay
rupee ; 5s. the Spanish dollar ; 6s.
8d. the Chinese tacl ; and 8s. the
pagoda
Ryot — Peasant, cultivator
Sayer — Variable imposts, such as
customs, duties, tolls, &c.
Seer — A \vcight which varies all
over India. In Bengal there arc
40 to a mannd
Serai — A place of accommodation
for travellers, so named by the
Mahomraedans ; the Hindoos call
it choultry and durumsalla
Seyurghal — A jaghire assignment
usually for life, on certain lands
for the whole, or part, of the as-
sessed revenue
Seyurghal Jaghires — Charitable
or religious jaghires of the Ma^
hommedans
Singh, (a lian) — A distinctive ap-
pellation oftheKhetries, or military
caste
Sirdar — A chief officer
Sirkar — See Circar
Shroff — A native banker, or money
changer
SuNYASSiES — See Gosain
Soubah — Sec Circar
Soubahdar — A viceroy, or gover-
nor, of a pro\ince
Sudra — The fourth caste among the
Hindoos, comprehending media-
858
nics, nrtizans, and labourers. The
subdivisions of this tjibe are in-
numerable
SvvALLo — See Biche de mar
Tank — Pond, reservoir
Tael, or Tale — A Chinese measure
of vaUie, estimated in Ihe East
India Company's accounts at 6s.
Sd
GLOSSARY.
Tooman-
-Small district, horde
-Ambassador, agent, or at-
Vakeel-
torney
Vaisya, (pronovnced Bhyce) — ^The
third caste among the Hindoos,
comprehending the merchants,
traders, and cultivators. The sub-
divisions of this tribe are iimume-
rablo
LIST OF AUTHORITIES.
Abul Fazel, author of the Ayeen
Acberry, translated by Francis
Ijiiadwiii, Esq. — Asiatic Annual
Jiegisters
John Barrow, Esq. — Voyage to Co-
chin Chiiut, and Travels in China
Lord William Kentinck. — Appendix
to the bth Riport
Voyage de Fraiifois Bernicr
De Bissachere's Account of Tiiu-
quiii
Captain Bligh's Narrative
Captain I. B. Blunt, of the Bengal
Engineers — Asiatic Researches
George Bogle, Esq. — Asiatic An-
nual Registers
Bougainville's Voyage round the
World
Hugh Boyd, Esq. — Asiatic Annual
Registers
Captain E. Bronghton, of the Ben-
gal Establishment — Journal of a
Residence in a Maliaratta Camp
J. T. Brown, Esq. — Appendix to the
bth Report
John Bruce, Esq. — Annals of the
East India Company
The Reverend Claudius Buchanan
— Christian Researches in Asia
Francis Buchanan, Esq. of the Ben-
gal Medical Establishment — Tra-
vels in Mysore — Asiatic Researches
Reuben Burrow, Esq. — Asiatic Re-
searches
Rev. Dr. Cai-ey — Asiatic Researches
William Chambers, Esq. — Asiatic
Researches
Captain Charles Christie, of the
Bombay Establishment — Un/mb-
lished Manuscript Journal, commu-
nicated by Sir John Malcolm
Henry Thomas Colebrooke, Esq. Pre-
3
sidentofthe Asiatic Society, and
Member of the Supreme Council
in Bengal — Asiatic Researches —
Agriculture of Bengal
Colonel Colebrooke, of the Bengal
Vif>i-d.h\i^\in\ei\\~ Asiatic Researches
Captain Hiram Cox, Envoy to Ava
— Notes on the Rirman Empire
The Marquis Cornwaliis — Appendix
to the bth Report
John Crisp, Esq. of the Bencoolen
^siVLh\i¥,\\viienX— Asiatic Researches
Alexander Dalrymple, Esq. — Ori-
ental Repertory
Lieutenant Hastings Dare — 31ars-
den's Sumatra
A. Davidson, Esq. of the Madras
Establishment — Asiatic Reseaixhes
Samuel Davis, Esq. a Director of
the East India Company — Asiatic
Researches
Major-General Dirom — Narrative of
Campaigns in Mysore
Major Dow, <if the Madras Establish-
ment — Appendix to the bth Re-
port
Robert Drummond, Esq. of the
Bombay Medical Establishment
— Chijrattee Vocabulary
Jonathan Duncan, Esq. Governor
of Bombay — Asiatic Researches
John Elliott, Esq. of the Bengal Ci-
vil Service — Asiatic Researches
Captain H. M. Elmore — Navigation
of the Indian and Chinese Seas
Evidence before Parliament, 1813
Ferishta's History of Hindostan, and
of the Deccan
N. Fontana, Esq. of the Bengal Me-
dical Establislmient — Asiatic Re-
searches
860
LIST OF AUTHORITIES.
Foster's Journey from Bengal to
England
Captain Thomas Forrest — Voyage to
Ne?r Ginnea. mid of the Mergui Isles
Major Franklin, of the Bengal Esla-
blishment — HistGrij of Shah Al-
lam, Asiatic Researches, and'Jracts
on the Rajpoot States
Fra Faolo Bartolonieo — Voyage to
the East Indies
Colonel 1* uUarton — Campaigns in
hidia
Francis Gladwin, Esq. of the Ben-
gal Ci^il Service — Translation of
the Ayeen A cherry
Father Ginseppe's' Account of Ne-
panl — Asiatic Researches
J. Goldinghani, Esq. — Asiatic Re-
searches
Maiia Graham — Journal of a Resi-
dence in India
James Grant, Esq. — Appendix to the
oth Report
Robert Grant, Esq. — The Expedi-
ency maintained of continniug the
Restrictions on the Trade to India
Gavin Hamilton, Esq. — Asiatic Re-
searches
Haensel's Account of the Nicobar
Isles
Captain T. Hardwicke, of the Ben-
gal Establishment — Asiatic Re-
searches
John Herbert Hanington, Esq. of
the Bengal Civil Service — Asiatic
Researches
Hodges' Travels in India
John Hodson, Esq. of the Madras Ci-
vil Service — Appendix to the 5th
Report
J. Flowison, Esq. — Malay Gram-
mar
William Hunter, Esq. of the Ben-
gal Medical Establishment — Asia-
tie Researches
Captain John Hmiter — Voyage to
JBotany Bay
J. Hurdis, Esq. of the Madras Ci-
vil Service — Appendix to the 5th
Report
Ives' Journal of a Voyage to India
Coiooel Ironside, of the Bengal
Establishment — Asiatic Annual
Registers
Johnson's Oriental Voyager
Captain King — Cookers last Voyage
Geneial Kirkpatrick — Embassy to
Nepaul
Keate's Account of the Peloo Islands
Major Macdouald Kinneirs — Survey
of Persia
Knox's Account of Ceylon
Krnsenstern's Voyage to Japan
General Alexander Kyd — Evidence
hefore Parliament
Labillardiere's Vayage in Seaich of
La Pcrouse
Antony Lambert, Esq. — Asiatic An-
nual Registers
J. Leckie, Esq. of the Bengal Civil
Service — Journal of the Route to
Nagpoor
John Leyden, Esq. of the Bengal
Medical Establishment — Asiatic
Researches
S. R. L\ishington, Esq. of the Ma-
dras Civil Service — Appendix to
the 5th Report
Sir George Leitli's Account of Prince
of "\^/ ales' Island — Asiatic Annual
Registers
Colonel Mackenzie, of the Madras
Engineers — A siatic Researches
Captain James Macnundo, of the
Bombay Establishment — Unpub-
lished manuscript Journal, Com-
municated by Sir John Malcolm
Macphcrson's Flistory of the Trade
to India
J. Macrae, Esq. of the Bengal Me-
dical Establishment — Asiatic Re-
searches
Sir John Ma.\co]m— Political His-
torij of India — Asiatic Researches
Sir Charles Ware Malet's Evidence
before Parliament — Asiatic Re-
searches
Rev. T. Maurice — History of Hin-
dostan
Captain W. Maxfield, of the Bom-
bay IMarine — Unpublished manu-
script Journal. Conmiunicated by
Sir John Malcolm
Wm. Marsden, Esq. — Account ef
LIST OF AUTHORITIES.
861
Sumatra, Malay Dictionary and
Grammar
Ocucval Claude INIaitine — Asiatic
Kesearches
Captain Meares — Voyage to Nootka
Sound
W. Milbunie, Esq. — Oriental Com-
merce
Major Moor, of the Bombay Es-
tablisliineiit — Narrative of Cam-
paigns with Captain Little's De-
tachnwnt. Hindoo Pantheon
Colonel 'J'homas IMiinro, of tlie
]\J adias Establislinicat — Appendix
to the 5th Report
Misce/laneons Manuscripts — coninm-
nicated by Sir John Malcolm
Ornic's History of Military Ti'ansac-
tions in India
La Page's Voyage Round the World
J, D. Paterson, Esq. of the Bengal
Civil Service — Asiatic Researches
Captain Percival's Accouut of Cey-
lon
Anqiietil du Perron — View of the
Commerce and Politics of India
La Perouse's Voyage
Ramajnma, tianslated by the Mis-
sionaries at Serampoor
Captain F. V. Raper, of the Bengal
Estaljlishment — AsiaticResearclics
J. G. Ravenshaw, Esq. of the Ma-
dras Civil Service — Appendix to
tlie bth Report
5th Report on the Affairs of the East
India Company, and Appendix
Report on th6 External Commerce
of India for 1811-12
Major Kennel's Memoir of a Map
of Hindostan
Edinburgh Review
Quarterly Review
Dr. Robertson's Disquisition on India
W. Roxburgh, Esq. of the Bengal
Medical i^^stablishment — Asiatic
Researches
H. Salt, Esq.— Lore? Valentin s Travels
J. Saunders, Esq. of the Bengal Me-
dical Establishment
J. Scott, J'ysq. — Translation of Fe-
rishtd's History of the Deccan, and
4
of the Memoirs of Eradnt Khan,
nith Notes
Captain Shaw of tlio Bengal Esta-
blishment — Asiatic Resea?-c!ies
Seid (Jiiulaum Hossein — The Seirtd
Mntakherein
Seid Mustapha, Envoy fromTippoo
to Zemaun Shah — Acconnt of' a
Journey to Candahar and Cabnl in
1798 — Communicated by Sir
John ]Ma!coIm
Sonnerat — Voyages anx Indes el a la
Chine
N. H. Smith, Esq. Ambassador from
the British Government to the
Ameer!", of Sinde — Unpublished
Manuscript Journal — Communi-
cated by Sir John Malcolm
Sir George Staunton — Embassy to
Pehin nith Lord Macartney
Stavorinus' Voyages, with Notes, by
Mr. Wilcocke
jMajor Charles Stewart, of the East
India College at Hayleybun —
History of Bengal
Sir Henry Strachey, of the Bengal
Civil Service — Appendix to the bth
Report
Thomas Sydenham, Esq. — Evidence
bef'rrre Parliament
Colonel Michael Symes, of the 76th
Regiment — Embassy to Ava
Lord Teignmouth — Appendix to the
bth Report
W. Thackeray, Esq. of the iMadras
Civil Service — Appendix to the oik
Report
The liev. W. Tenuant— //jf/Zan Re-
creations
E. Tliompson, Esq. of the Bengal
Civil Service — Appendix to the bth
Report
George Thomas, History of, by Ma-
jor Franklin
G. F. Tombe — Observations in Java.
Edited by Soniui
Captain Towers, of t!ie Bengal Esta-
blisliineiU — Asiatic Resiorches
Captain Tumor's Embassy to Tibet
Treaties, CoUfction of
Turi>in's Histoire du Royaume de
Siam
Tone's Account of the Mabarat-
tas
862
LIST OF AUTHORITIES.
Colonel Upton of the Bengal Esta-
blislimcnt — Asiatic Annual Re-
gisters
Lord Valentia's Travels
H. Vcrelst, Esq. Governor of Ben-
gal — Review of the Government of
Sengal
Lieutenant John Wanen — Asiatic
Researches
I. Wade, Esq. of the Bengal IMe-
dical Establishment — Asiatic An-
nual Registers
Lieutenant Webb, of the Bengal
Establislnnent— yl.f/a?/c Researches
The Marquis Welleslev — Public
Letters and Documents
Major Wilfoid, of the Bengal En-
gineers — A sitttie Researches
Charles Wilkins, Esq. of the Ben-
gal Civil Service — Asiatic Re-
searches
Colonel Mark Wilks, of the Madras
Establishment — History of the
South of India
Captain Thomas Wilhamson, of the
Bengal Establishment — East In-
dia Vade Blecum
C. N. White, Esq. of the Madras
Civil Service — Appendix to the 5th
Report
Zuniga's History of the Philip-
pines, translated by W. Mavor,
Esq.
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