1834.] 



History of the Ramoossies, 



220 



he could never have intended to let them have lands to such an ex- 

 tent, and that, in consequence, a much smaller quantity (about five 

 chours of a hundred cind twenty begahs each) was allotted to them ; 

 remarking, at the same time, that there was a great deal of grass 

 and firewood on the hills which they could cut and sell : about this 

 time, seventy five thousand rupees had been sanctioned for the an- 

 nual expenses of the fort ; and the Ramoossies were informed, that 

 their pay was included in that sum, and that it should be issued to 

 them monthly. 



About the year 1730, of the Christian era, the Ramoossies be- 

 came extremely troublesome in the Poorundur district and around 

 Poona, assembling in large bodies, and plundering in all directions. 

 The intercourse, «even between the chief towns in the district was 

 partly interrupted, and travelling along the roads, that led through 

 the hills, v;as quite unsafe. The Satara Rajah (at this time a com- 

 plete pageant,) at the instance of the Peshwah, nominated 

 Pillajee Jadoo Row, to be Sir Naik of the Ramoossies, a man who 

 had on many occasions distinguished himself ; having been chiefly 

 instrumental in rescuing the Peshwah, and the Poorundury chief, 

 the Peshwah's staunch friend, from the hand of the plunderer 

 Dhumajee. Poorundury to save the Peshwah from being tortured, 

 told Dhumajee that his master (the Peshwah) was not to blame, 

 and that w^hat had taken place (an expedition against Dhumajee) 

 had been at his instigation. The consequence was, that Poorun- 

 dury was repeatedly made to stand bare footed on heated iron, 

 (that is always used fer baking cakes of bread,) and obliged to submit 

 to be pinched all over the body with heated pincers. This led to 

 the Poorundury becoming a sworn brother of Ballajees, and obtain- 

 ing the rank of the Peshwah's deputy. The new Sir Naik received 

 strict injunctions to act with the greatest vigour in restoring the 

 country to order ; and inflict summary punishment upon such of 

 the Ramoossies as merited it. 



Pillajee resided in a small village at the top of the Devy Ghaut 

 four miles north of the fort of Poorundur. He was well acquaint- 

 ed with the localities of the country, and with the habits of the 

 Ramoossies. He seized a number of them, and had them executed 

 forthwith. It is said he used to kill many of them himself, by be- 

 heading them with his own sword, the Ramoossies having been 

 placed in a row for the purpose and it is further stated, that the 

 Rajah presented Sumbajee, a younger brother of Pillajees, with a 

 sword, telling him at the same time, that he had his free permission 



