CHAPTER XVIII.

CUDDAPAH.

BIJANAGUR-ceded

DISTRICTS-PRODUCTIONS

OF THE SOIL

CUDDAPAH-MR. HOWELL-ASPECT OF THE MISSION-NEW CHAPEL CHRISTIAN VILLAGE-CONSPIRACY-MURDER OF MR. MACDONALD-DELIVERANCE-LETTER - ENQUIRERS-CATHOLIC

BAPTISM-PROTESTANT BAPTISM.

THE Balaghaut ceded districts are divided into two collectorates-those of Cuddapah and Bellary. Balaghaut stands in opposition to Payenghaut—the former signifying the region above, and the other the territory below, the Ghauts. From the Crishna to the southern boundary of the Mysore, the mountains rise, both on the eastern and the western side, like tremendous walls, supporting the table-land, and elevating these terraced plains into an empire of health, beauty, and fertility. Of this immense and lofty region, the ceded districts are that part which the British Government acquired by treaty in 1800. In ancient times, they formed a part of the kingdom of Carnata; and in modern days, a part of the illustrious empire of Bijanagur—whose capital

was once styled the city of science, and then the city of victory. At the height of its power, this kingdom comprehended the whole of the Carnatic both above and below the Ghauts; and the Chola, the Chera, and the Pandian dynasties were obliged to submit to its authority. But the four Mahommedan kings of the Deccan conspired against it, defeated its prince in battle, sacked and plundered its capital, and put an end to the power and the glory of the royal house. It became tributary to the Moguls, was afterwards subdued by Hyder and Tippoo, and then fell into the hands of the British, after the treaty of Mysore.

During the period that war and anarchy raged in the peninsula, these districts were the theatre of rapine, treachery and oppression. Lawless banditti ransacked and plundered the towns and villages, and set all order and government at defiance. At the time when they were ceded to the British, they were in the most deplorable state; the annual revenue was constantly on the decline; an army was always in the field and required the whole of the collection to support it; and the Nizam seems to have handed the territory over to our government, because it was so unmanageable and expensive. But no sooner were the districts placed under the control and management of Colonel Munro, than they began to prosper. Such were the principles on which he conducted the government, that the province was soon reduced to a state of peace and

order; the people were protected and made happy; the revenue increased, though the tax was greatly reduced; and when wolves ceased to prey upon the sheep, the shepherd that watched over their interests, was loved and honoured.

Some parts of the districts, may, from their locality, be dry and unhealthy; but the climate, in general, is salubrious and invigorating. They contain two millions of inhabitants. Their principal towns are Adoni, Bellary, Bijanagur, Ghooty, Cuddapah, Harponhully, and Gurrumcondah.

Sugar and jagerry are manufactured to some extent; large quantities of indigo are grown and exported; but the soil is black, and, like many other parts of India, is admirably suited to the production of cotton. It is reckoned that in these districts alone, there are three million acres of waste lands which were once cultivated and fruitful, and which, instead of being covered with forests and jungle that would require to be cleared, are now fit for the husbandman, for the seed and the harvest. If encouragement were given to the growth of cotton, there is no doubt that it might be imported to England as good in quality, and as large in quantities, as can be brought from America. Why, then, should not the productions of our own territories be patronized? Why prefer the article that is raised by the hands of slaves, and sold for the interest of slave-holders, to the article which can be grown by freemen, and sold by the enemies of slavery? Why not turn

the current of our trade from a channel that is impure, into one that is clear and healthful, and thus compel the Americans to abolish slavery, or seek a new market for their goods?

Cuddapah is the capital of the eastern district, The climate is dry and very hot. Being a civil station, and a large town containing 60,000 inhabitants, and a place of great resort, it had many claims as a field for missionary exertion. Having acted for some time as an assistant missionary at Bellary, and as a superintendent of schools, Mr. Howell was prepared to occupy a distinct sphere of labour, and settled here in December 1822. The Europeans at the station gave him a kind reception. He continued to labour among the heathen, and as his labours were crowned with a promising measure of success, he was ordained at Madras in 1824. Without ordination in India, a missionary occupies no peculiar station in society. He does not take rank among Europeans, where rank is so much attended to; nor do the natives esteem him so highly, since their Gooroos set an inestimable value upon their induction into office, and teach their votaries to do the same. However trifling may be the importance which some attach to this rite, it is expedient that all Europeans who go as missionaries to India, and all who are recognized there as ministers of Christ, should be publicly set apart, and receive the approbation of their brethren.

In 1824. the mission began to assume a new