Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/185

Rh Though he was liberal-minded and generous to a fault, yet he was able to effect a large saving. He built a palace on modern style at a cost of two lakhs of Rupees, and this has added much to the picturesqueness of the town. During his time education made great progress in his estate through the establishment of endowed schools. The Zemindar acquired a wide reputation for munificence and nobility of heart, and after a brief illness he passed away in May, 189O, amidst the universal regret of his friends, relations and ryots.

The present Zemindar, Sri Rajah Jagavira Rama Venkateswara Ettappa Nayakar Bahadur was born in 1878. Till 1890, proper arrangements were made for his education, and he applied himself with industry and zeal to the acquirement of knowledge. Soon after his father's death, the Court of Wards undertook the management of the estate, and sent the young Zemindar to Madras for education. He was trained by educationists of much experience and moral worth such as Messrs. Potts, Ellison, Morrison, Payne, and Rai Bahadur K. Jagannadha Chettiar. While under the care of Mr. Morrison he travelled with him to almost all the places of importance in the Madras and Bengal presidencies, and Colombo, by land and by sea, and learnt the manners and customs prevailing in those places. Under the care of his veteran instructors he devoted himself to study and a preparation for his after life. At the same time, he did not neglect the accomplishments of a well-born Zemindar, and became a keen sportsman and a good rider.

In December 1899, the Rajah attained his majority, and the Government of Madras installed him on the guddi of his ancestors. The ceremony took place on a