34^ 
RAMISERAM. 
both sides, through the medium of my interpreter. I was not a 
little amused with their requesting my protection for their deity. 
I now took my leave with great professions of regard, and dismis- 
sing the tom-toms, trumpets, and nautch-girls, wandered back along 
the sea shore to our choultry. The rocks are of the stone with 
which the temple is built. . 
I regretted much that my ignorance of the language prevented 
my learning perfectly the constitution of the place, which seems 
singular. The Aumildar, who spoke English and French, was a very 
intelligent man, and informed me that the island belongs to the 
Rannie of Ramnad ; that the priests hold a part of it under her, 
for which they pay only twelve hundred pagodas per annum, 
having a profit on this of at least five thousand. They also pay no 
duties, and have several other privileges both here and in Ceylon. 
The concourse of pilgrims is very great, and brings in very large 
sums, as each pays according to his rank. The Rajah of Tanjore 
was expected here last year, but he could not afford it, as his pre- 
sents, and other expenses, would amount to the enormous sum of sixty 
thousand pagodas *, since he would be bound in duty to bring all 
his family with him on so holy a pilgrimage. The deity uses no 
water but what is brought by faquirs, the whole way from the 
Ganges : it is poured over him every morning, and is then sold to 
the devout; thus bringing in a considerable addition of revenue. The 
greater part of their income is appropriated to the Pandaram, and 
his relations, who have possessed the supreme power about seventy 
years. Ramnada is the name of the boy who now reigns: he 
succeeded his uncle ; and, as he is not permitted to marry, will be 
succeeded, in his turn, by his nearest male relation. They plead 
