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Rh "The inhabitants resenting this breach of hospitality were continually in arms, and besides destroying the crops put him to great expense in supporting troops, and in presents to appease their principal leaders. On using his influence, Vijayaramaraju restored the country to Siva Ramaraju, the dispossessed Rajah, who was to pay him Rs. 40,000."

Of the political status of the Zemindars in the Northern Circars in general. Dr. MaClean's Presidency Administration Manual says: "The Rajahs in the Northern Circars were at first treated as Feudatories, and paid tribute, being expected in return to keep the hill tribes in order. In 1802, however, a permanent settlement was introduced and the chiefs became Zemindars, retaining the management of the land revenue of their estates, but being themselves handed over to the judicial power. In Vizagapatam, there are 14 Zemindaries, all of ancient lineage, &c.

"Of these 14 ancient Zemindaries in the Vizagapatam District, Bobbili, Vijayanagaram, and one or two extinct Zemindaries, are situated in the plains while the rest are Hill Zemindaries the largest and the most important of which is Jeypore and next in rank, extent and importance are Kurupam, Madogole, and one or two more."

Of the origin and political status of the Hill Zemindaries, Mr. Beaufoy, in his report on the Northern Circars in 1792, writes as follows:—

"The Zemindars who inhabit the several districts that constitute the Northern Circars may be considered as composed of two different classes.