MA:NUAL of the NiLAGIRI DISTRICT. 321 



per acre. This area will probably be very largely increased when CIIAp. xill, 

 the survey is complete. When the Government sanctioned the PART i. 

 new rates, which were only to apply to the 29,912 acres of putta Rj-^^vk 

 lands, and consequently not to interfere with the Waste Land Kules History. 

 just passed, the concession was thought ample compensation for 

 the loss of the " shifting " privilege ; but the Badaga thought 

 otherwise, for in fact the 29,912 acres was a fictitious number, 

 and he continued to cultivate any lands lying within his village 

 ayacut without scruple, and will continue to do so until the survey 

 and settlement is complete and the subordinate revenue officials 

 can be relied on to detect and report unauthorized cultivation. 



The determination of Grovernment was reported to the Secre- Approved h.v 

 tary of State for approval, and was sanctioned by Sir Charles Secretary uf 

 Wood in a despatch dated 24th April 1863, who expressed a 

 hope that the measures adopted would lead to the improvement 

 of the condition of the Badagas ; and that so far from the intro- 

 duction of European capital being likely to injure the prospects of 

 these people, he trusted that they would gain thereby in a better 

 method of cultivation and many useful acquisitions of civilized 

 life in addition to profitable employment of sorts. 



Mr. Grant, who had succeeded Mr. Thomas as Collector of Settlement 

 Coimbatore, was entrusted with the carrying of the settlement into ^^'^■°^"'^^*^- 

 effect. This he did in Fasli 1272 (1862-63), and reported in May 

 1864 not only that the Badagas had been informed that the 

 " shifting " system had ceased for ever, but he adds graphically : 

 " It has ceased, and the people now regard it as a by-gone system ; 

 it is never alluded to." The Hindu is not wont thus readily to 

 abandon his privileges and the institutions of his ancestors. 

 He said " yes," but went on ploughing and planting as heretofore, 

 until an accurate survey revealed the true position. In fact, each 

 year has the area of cultivation and permanent occupation been 

 extending with the growth in numbers of the hill-tribes, the 

 increase of wealth among them, and the great extension of 

 plantations. Meanwhile, possession or occupation has been the 

 only test of ownership applied in the process of the demarcation 

 that has been proceeding, and the only evidence available to 

 support the truth of a claim was that of the claimants and of 

 their kith and kin. 



Mr. Grant pointed out that 29,912 acres shown in Mr. Thomas' Settlemcui 

 statement included lands in ten villages or arrondissements, pia^eau oniy.^ 

 whilst virtually the Badagas only held lands in three arro7idisse- 

 wfiHis or parishes as he termed them— the Todandd, the Mekanad 

 and the Peranganad. He limited his settlement to these three 

 villages. The aggregate extent of land held by the Badagas then, 

 viz., in Fasli 1272, was 23,585 acres, pajdng Rupees 11,099 as 

 revenue. The new rates produced a loss of Rupees 2,254 on this 



41 



