THE HUNTING GROUNDS, ETC. 135 



a pettah or native town, fortified by double bas- 

 tioned walls of solid masonry, a deep ditch, (which 

 can be filled from the Cauvery, that flows at a short 

 distance from the northern face,) a covert-way and 

 glacis. This place was the scene of some severe 

 fighting in the year 1753, when the French 

 attempted to assault the place by surprise, without 

 success. Within the walls are the ruins of a hand- 

 some palace, which was formerly the habitation of 

 Ameer al Oomra, also several Mussulman mosques, 

 and Hindoo pagodas, dedicated to divers Sawmies 

 (images) of uncouth appearance and very question- 

 able character, if we axe to believe the history of 

 their lives, which is generally carved on the exterior 

 of their temples. The mainguard, commanded by 

 a European officer, is in one of the principal gate- 

 ways of the fort, which also contains an arsenal, 

 (formerly an old pagoda,) barracks, magazines, 

 storehouses, and a well-stocked bazaar, in which 

 everything may be bought, from a handspike to an 

 elephant. Outside of the wolls are extensive suburbs, 

 and at a short distance is the military cantonment, 

 where are quartered a European regiment of foot, 

 either of Her Majesty's or the East India Company's 

 service ; a regiment of Native Light Cavalry, some 

 Artillery, and three battalions of Native Infantry. 



Trichinopoly is situated on tlie south bank of 

 the river Cauvery, and is considered a holy city by 

 Hindoos, being to the Madras Presidency what 

 Benares is to the Bengal. Almost opposite the town, 



