400 Analysis of the Mackenzie Manuscripts. [May, 



verbosely told, with much of superfluous fiction and rhetorical orna- 

 ment. 



Section 3. An account of Candava rayen, and Chethu rayen the 

 two sovereigns of the Vannier (forest race, a tribe of low cultivators J 

 who ruled in the fort of Tiruividai Churam, 



This fort was in the district of Chingleput, and this account was 

 taken from the mouth of one named Sahadeven-nattan. 



Anciently the Curumbar ruled in this country ; Adondai Cholan 

 came from Ta'njore, and destroyed them ; and, having- acquired the title 

 of Adondai Chakraverti, he established in their place the Konda'i 

 Katti Vellazhar, (agriculturists who bound up their hair as women do.) 

 In those days the ) nnier 9 or Palli people, by permission of the ruler 

 of the country built this fort for themselves, as their own. But they 

 paid tribute to the sovereigns of the Andhra, Carnata, and Dravida, 

 countries. No written account of their race has been preserved ; but 

 of their posterity Canda-rayen, and Chethd-raybn, came to the 

 government. Being skilful men they built their old fort very strongly. 



The measures of that fort, as now found are from south to north 

 1141 feet ; east to west 1200 feet. The breadth of its outer wall was 

 20 feet. Around it there was a moat thirty feet broad. Besides this 

 outer one, there was an inner fort, and a palace on the top of the hill. 



The upper fort was east to west 250 feet ; south to north 195 feet. 



While ruling with considerable power, they rejected all claims of 

 customary tribute from superior kings. They were both illustrious ; but 

 Candavan-rayen, was the most warlike of the two. He fixed alarm- 

 stations on eminences, at certain distances, around his capital. There 

 was no other king like him. When the rayer came to invade him, as 

 the drums were beaten at different hill-stations, the rayer did not know 

 in which the chief was, and at length the latter, watching his opportu- 

 nity, fell on the rayer's forces, and made great slaughter. The rayer's 

 general, being greatly incensed, came with a greater force ; and, during 

 four months, an uncertain war was carried on ; the chief's place not 

 being known ; while, night and day, he harassed the troops of the 

 invader. The rayer now desisted from open war ; intending to effect 

 his object indirectly. Candavan-rayen then greatly vexed the agri- 

 culturists, that Adondai Chakraverti had placed in the land. The 

 Vellarzar in consequence arose in a body, and went to Krishna 

 rayer, who sent the Wiyaldvar (the people of a Poligar) against 

 Candava. That Poligar being beaten retreated, and sent spies to 

 inspect the fortress, that he might discover how to overcome Candava. 



