DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.2373#0048
fs*59W"arar?" «e_cir: x^mr^^f -
30
A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH
i
CHAPTER structed like those below the Ghats. The rice now on the fields
looks well, but cannot occupy more than a twentieth part of the
arable lands. At present the dry fields look very ill, being quite
parched up ; for the want of water seems to be the predominant
feature of the eastern part of the upper Carnatic. Were it not
that the slovenly cultivation, in use here, leaves a few straggling
bushes in the midst of their fields, the whole would be entirely
bare, and devoid of vegetation. These lands appear, however, to
be perfectly fitted for the English manner of cultivation; and in
order to preserve some moisture in the ground, they ought to be
enclosed with hedges, and planted with hedge-rows. The Euplior-
bium Tirucalli, common in the country, makes a beautiful fence ;
and I think it probable, that the mahogany and chesnut would be
found to answer in hedge-rows, as they are both natives of hilly
countries, and warm climates.
Vencata- Vencataghery was formerly the usual residence of the Pedda
ghery. Naieka Polygar, and the ruins of his fort are still conspicuous. It
is built on a rising ground, and consists of various enclosures, sur-
rounded by walls of mud and stone, flanked by towers and bastion^,
that rise higher and higher as you advance inwards, till you come
to the central enclosure, which contained the Raja's dwelling.
There have been in this place three small temples, two of which
are preserved. The remains of this palace do not indicate that it
ever possessed any grandeur, few of the rooms being more than
seven or eight feet square. The outer enclosures contain much
ground formerly occupied by the town, which is now reduced to
one street of shops. The houses are much inferiour to those in the
Tamul villages. They are built of mud, with thatched roofs; but
do not surround a square court; nor have they any Verandah to
keep off the sun or rain. The inhabitants are almost all Tclingas, or
Gentoos as the English of Madras call this nation.
Minerals. Near Vencataghery also iron is smelted from black sand; and mixed
with the soil of different fields, lime-stone, in form of nodules, is
30
A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH
i
CHAPTER structed like those below the Ghats. The rice now on the fields
looks well, but cannot occupy more than a twentieth part of the
arable lands. At present the dry fields look very ill, being quite
parched up ; for the want of water seems to be the predominant
feature of the eastern part of the upper Carnatic. Were it not
that the slovenly cultivation, in use here, leaves a few straggling
bushes in the midst of their fields, the whole would be entirely
bare, and devoid of vegetation. These lands appear, however, to
be perfectly fitted for the English manner of cultivation; and in
order to preserve some moisture in the ground, they ought to be
enclosed with hedges, and planted with hedge-rows. The Euplior-
bium Tirucalli, common in the country, makes a beautiful fence ;
and I think it probable, that the mahogany and chesnut would be
found to answer in hedge-rows, as they are both natives of hilly
countries, and warm climates.
Vencata- Vencataghery was formerly the usual residence of the Pedda
ghery. Naieka Polygar, and the ruins of his fort are still conspicuous. It
is built on a rising ground, and consists of various enclosures, sur-
rounded by walls of mud and stone, flanked by towers and bastion^,
that rise higher and higher as you advance inwards, till you come
to the central enclosure, which contained the Raja's dwelling.
There have been in this place three small temples, two of which
are preserved. The remains of this palace do not indicate that it
ever possessed any grandeur, few of the rooms being more than
seven or eight feet square. The outer enclosures contain much
ground formerly occupied by the town, which is now reduced to
one street of shops. The houses are much inferiour to those in the
Tamul villages. They are built of mud, with thatched roofs; but
do not surround a square court; nor have they any Verandah to
keep off the sun or rain. The inhabitants are almost all Tclingas, or
Gentoos as the English of Madras call this nation.
Minerals. Near Vencataghery also iron is smelted from black sand; and mixed
with the soil of different fields, lime-stone, in form of nodules, is