38$ 
A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH 
CHAPTER 
Gaudas and 
renters. 
Manner of 
dividing the 
wet crops. 
1 
! 
Ragy , it pays from 20 to 25 Fanams for a Colaga- land, or from Q to 
1 1 shillings an acre. The same soil, in situations answering for kit- 
chen gardens, pays from 40 to 70 Fanams a Colaga , or nearly from 
186'. to 31 s. for an acre and a half. None of the rents, however, are 
fixed, either to the person who rents the village from the govern” 
ment, or to the cultivators, except those on rice lands and betel - 
nut gardens. The cultivator is nevertheless considered as having 
a claim to certain lands; and, even if he have been absent for a 
number of years, he may return, and reclaim the lands formerly 
occupied by his family ; and has a right to them, on paying the 
same rent which others offer. If a new man, however, has made 
any improvements, such as digging a well, or planting a garden, 
he must be paid for his trouble before the former occupant can 
resume his possession. 
To each village there is an hereditary Gauda , who at any rate 
gets a share of the wet crops on their division, and performs the 
village sacrifices, which are here made to the Cumba (pillar), the 
image of the village god. The renter performs the other duties ; 
and he agrees to give so much to the government, and makes as 
much as he can, consistently with the rules of the village. Each 
year the Amildar lets the village to the highest bidder. The renter 
finds security for his personal appearance when called upon, but not 
for the payment of his rent. 
In dividing a heap of rice, between the cultivator and renter, the 
following is the custom of this place. The heaps contain, upwards, 
from 20 Colagas, or 1920 Seers. 
Seers 6 are first taken for the gods, and are divided among the 
Pujdris of the village temples, and the Panchanga . 
5 are fi v filed between two Jcmgamas, and one DdserL 
1~ is given to the Panchanga 
Seers 1 2T 
: ' .. t . jf 
The heap is then measured, and divided by the following rule s; 
