Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/152

108 "(1) Those who reside in the hills on the Western frontier, (2) those whose principal possessions are in the plains, between the highlands and the sea.

"The former, the Hill Zemindars, secure in the woody and unwholesome heights they inhabit, and encouraged by the hope of an eventual asylum in the dominions of the Nizam or the Rajah of Berar, are rather tributary Princes than Subjects, and often furnish examples of successful depredation or unfinished revolt.

"Surrounded like the chieftains of the Feudal times by Military tenants, whose lands are held on under stipulations of personal service (Kurupam Zemindari contains 17 villages of this class), and whose ardour is often increased by the bond of family attachment and the strong enthusiasm of clanship, they are always prepared for the excursions of predatory war.

"Of humbler lineage than the chieftains of the hills, the greatest of the lowland Zemindars are descended from those officers and revenue agents of the Sovereigns of Orissa, who were employed by the Mussulman conquerors in the management of their new acquisitions, and in the collection of taxes they imposed. Hence they are considered by the inhabitants of the hills as traitors to their ancient lords, and usurpers of their rights.

"Of such Hill Zemindaries situated in the Vizagapatam District, Jej^pore, as stated above, is the first, and next comes Kurupam."

The family records go to prove, and it is also traditionally believed that the Kurupam Zemindari was obtained by one Vairicherla Agniveerudu in recognition of his valour and military service rendered to some chief. The