366 
POLYGARS. 
continued to entertain such a jealousy of the British, that they 
would not come in with their tribute, and hostihties were the 
consequence. 
The brothers were too weak to resist. They fled from their fort, 
and tried to conceal themselves in a jungle, where they were dis- 
covered and taken. The eldest was executed ; the youngest, being 
deaf and dumb, had his life spared, but was confined in a British 
fort, from which he escaped, and fled to his own, which he repaired, 
and defended against Major Macauley with eight hundred men, 
repulsing him in an attempt to storm. At length Major Agnew came 
up with reinforcements, when another attack was made, which suc- 
ceeded. The place was destroyed, and the young Rajah was left 
amongst the dead, covered with wounds. In the night he was con- 
veyed away by his friends, and carefully concealed, till, in the 
beginning of the year 1801, he was able to fly to the Murdoos, 
acting chiefs of Shevagunga. 
This country was originally ruled by a female, till about twenty- 
five years ago, when the two brothers of the name of Murdoo, who 
were of a low cast, and had even been menial servants in the palace, 
usurped the government, under the title of Dewans to the sovereign 
her husband. On his death they obliged the Rannie to marry a man 
of their own cast, in order to secure their power. She did not live 
long : and they seem then to have thought all concealment un- 
necessary, for they took the title of Pandeen Rajahs, or ancient kings 
of the country, of whom at present there is not any trace, except by 
tradition. The Nawaub of Arcot, on hearing of this, dispossessed 
them of their territories, by the assistance of the Company's troops 
tirlder General Stewart ; but for a bribe, reinstated them, and they 
