Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/176

136 retreat. Mr. Lushington, the Collector, who was then at Nagalapuram, wrote to the Etaiyapuram Zemindar, requesting him to make a thorough enquiry and to submit him a full report on the exact position of affairs, which he accordingly did. On receipt of the report, Mr. Lushington, with a small army proceeded to Panjalamcurichy via Etaiyapuram duly intimaljing the fact to the Zemindar in advance to make the necessary arrangements. On arriving at Etaiyapuram, Messrs. Lushington and Cassamajor consulted the Zemindar as to the course they should adopt in carrying out their object, and also demanded assistance from him in the operations against that fort. The Zemindar, as it was his wont under such circumstances, promised them all the aid in his power and requested them to supply him with fire arms and other requisites, as he and the Poligar of Panjalamcurichy were on hostile terms. The necessary arms were forthwith furnished to the Zemindar's men and three hundred additional muskets were subsequently supplied to them. Lieutenants Laughton Lauden and Warren with three companies and some guns were sent to the protection of Etaiyapuram.

Muthu Jagavira Rama Kumara Ettappa Nayakar Aiyan died after ruling 33 years and he was widely known for his piety, generosity and other good qualities.

Jagavirarama Venkateswara Ettappa Nayakar Aiyan, who came next in succession, erected a temple dedicated to Subramanyaswami and allotted two villages yielding annually Rupees 900 for its up-keep and maintenance. He erected a choultry and sank a well at Etaiyapuram. In 1827 the Eight Honorable S. Lushington, Governor of Madras, paid a visit to Etaiyapuram.