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SECTION II.— THE CONDITION OF THE PRESIDENCY 

 AT THE END OF THE 18th CENTURY WHEN MOST 

 OF THE PROVINCES OF SOUTHERN INDIA WERE 

 ACQUIRED BY THE BRITISH. 



(A.) — Extracts from official reports showing the condition of the several 

 districts at the time they came under British administration. 



Northern Circars — Ganjam, Vizagapatam, Goddvari {acquired from 

 the Nizam in 1766), Kistna {acquired from the Nizam in 1759 and 1768), 

 Palnad {acquired from the Nabob of Carnatic in 1801).— The zemindari 

 lands are situated in the hill country of the. western frontier, and in 

 the plains between the hills and the sea. The hill zemindars, secure 

 in the woody and unwholesome heights which they inhabited, and 

 encouraged by the hope of an eventual asylum in the dominions of 

 the Nizam or of the Rajah of Berar, had often furnished examples of 

 successful depredation and unpunished revolt. They were surrounded 

 by military tenants, whose lands were held on stipulations of -personal 

 service, and whose attachment to their chiefs was increased by the 

 bond of family connection. These zemindars consisted of three classes r 

 First, the Velmas of Tellinga origin, who were driven from the Carna- 

 tic in the year 1652 by the Muhammadan arms, and who established 

 themselves on the borders of the Kistna. Second, the Rachewars, of 

 the race of ancient sovereigns of Orissa, who were also compelled by ■ 

 the Muhammadans to relinquish the plains of the Circars, and retired 

 to the highland woods that formed their western frontier. Their pos- 

 sessions are principally situated to the north of the Coddvari. Third, 

 the Wooriars being petty chieftains of the military tribe, who, after 

 the overthrow of the empire of Orissa by the Muhammadans, were 

 enabled, from their local situation, to acquire an independent jurisdic- 

 tion. Their possessions are chiefly situated in the highlands in the 

 northern division of Chicacole. 



The zemindars in the plains could boast of no higher extraction 

 than being descended from the officers and revenue agents of the 

 sovereigns of Orissa, who were employed by the Musalmdn conquerors 

 in the management of their new acquisitions, and who appear to have 

 first acquired lands and influence, after the conquest of Aurangzeb, 

 and during the distracted administration of his children. 



The military force of the zemindars, like that maintained by the 

 Poligars in the modern possessions under the Madras Oovernment, con- 

 sisted of three descriptions. First, the Common peons, who were paid 

 in money and whose constant attendance was expected. Secondly, 

 the Mocassa peons, who were paid by grants of land, subject to a quit- 

 rent only. Thirdly, the Mannoverty peons, who consisted of military 

 tenants of a higher order, and who were bound to bring tl^eir adherents 



