406 Analysis of the Mackenzie Manuscripts. [May, 



cured of his leprosy. He built a temple there, to commemorate his 

 cure. The tank was called by him Vishagatirtham. The Chola raja 

 built many other sacred edifices in this place ; and he himself Jived 

 there for a considerable time. The St'hnla mahatmya of this place 

 is connected with the St'hala mahatmya of Madura. 



Remark. As the Madura Purdnnm contains a reference to the 

 northern Madura, it is well to know the precise locality thereby desig- 

 nated. The reference to Nala raja is an allusion to an episode in the 

 Mahdbhdrata. 

 Section 10. — An account of the ruins of a fort ivith seven walls 



(one within the other), at Avidu tdngi, ivrittenfrom verbal accounts 



given by Brahmans of Pira-desam. 



In the Arcot district, not far from Pira-desam*, are the extensive 

 remains of a very ancient fort of seven enclosures. It is now concealed 

 by brushwood, and lies waste. Gold cash, and other coins, have been 

 found there. Hyder Ally is said to have examined it, and taken 

 thence treasure. It was built, many years after Tondaman Chakra- 

 verti, by Vira Narasimha raja. He appointed a very stupid Man- 

 tiri (or minister). There was no investigation of affairs ; and this minis- 

 ter buried the treasures, arising from the public revenues, and stultified 

 the king. A certain man named Viral-vennan, was wounded on the 

 head by a neighbour ; and, going to make a complaint at the king's 

 gate, could get no hearing. He thereupon went about the town beating 

 all he met ; and, as there was no inquiry, he managed to get some 

 money, and to raise a small band of troops, with whom he took post 

 near a burning ground, and exacted tribute from all who came to per- 

 form funeral obsequies. By this means he became rich. After some 

 time the king went out in disguise to ascertain the state of the town> 

 and heard a poor woman complain of having no money to pay the 

 tribute. He inquired into the tax ; and then went to the Mantiri to 

 ask why it was imposed, who could give no account of it. The king 

 sent for Viral Vennan, who refused to come; whereupon some troops 

 were sent against him : these were worsted, and then Viral Vennan 

 came, sword in hand, of his own accord, and falling down before the 

 king narrated all his circumstances : whereupon the king had his minis- 

 ter beheaded, and put Viral Vennan in his stead. There is no other 

 tradition at Pira-desam; but possibly by going to Avidu-tangi some- 

 thing further might be learnt. 



The end of book No. 14. 



* This Pira-desam is probably the Pida which is coupled with Choda (or 

 Chola) in the enumeration of countries in the second edict at Girnar. — Ed. 



