Page:The Imperial Gazetteer of India - Volume 10 (2nd edition).pdf/545



PAL-PALAKOLLU. 533 takes place. well adjoining the shrine is pierced by a narrow opening, known as “the Gate of Paradise;' and whoever can force his way through this aperture during the prescribed hours is assured of a free entrance into heaven. The crush is naturally excessive, and often results in severe injuries to the faithful. The lineal descendants of the saint enjoy the revenues of the shrine, and possess a high reputation for sanctity. Pakpattan town is picturesquely situated on a slight elevation overlooking the plain, but disappoints the visitor's expectations upon closer acquaintance. The streets, however, are well paved, and although many of them are crooked and narrow the drainage and sanitary arrangements are excellent. Population (1881) 5993, namely, Muhammadans, 3610; Hindus, 2329; and Sikhs, 57. Number of houses, 1378. Pákpattan is a town of considerable commercial importance, collecting wheat and pulses from the surrounding villages, gúr and refined sugar from Hushiarpur and Jalandhar, piece-goods from Calcutta and Bombay, and fruits from Afghánistán. The exports consist principally of silk lungís and lacquered-work, for which the town has a local reputation. Municipal income (1883–84), £520, or an average of is. Id. per head. Besides the ordinary Sub-divisional courts and offices, the public buildings consist of a police station, distillery, post office, town school, girls' school, and sardi. Pal. — Petty State within the British Political Agency of Mahi Kántha, Gujarat, Bombay B'residency.—See Pol. Pál. - Petty State in the Hallir division of Kathiáwár, Bombay Presidency. Area, 21 square miles, containing 5 villages, with i proprietor. Estimated revenue, £1000; tribute of £,125, 6s. is paid to the Gáekwár of Baroda, and £39, Ss. to the Nawab of Junagarh. The estate lies 7 miles south-west of Rájkot, the Agency head-quarters. Population (1881) of the State 1214, and of Pál village 587. The tlukdír is a Járejá Rájput, with fifth-class jurisdiction. Pálakollu (Palkole).—Town in Varsápur túluk, Godávari District, Madras Presidency; situated in lat. 16° 31' N., and long. 81° 46' 6" E., 5 miles north of Narsápur town. Population (1881) 7510; number of houses, 1112. Hindus number 7246; Muhammadans, 99; and Christians, 165. Pálakollu was the first settlement of the Dutch on this part of the coast. They opened a factory here in 1652, and for a long time it was their head-quarters. In the churchyard, Dutch inscriptions as old as 1662 are still legible. The Dutch founded indigo factories, ironworks, and extensive weaving industries, and planted large orange and shaddock gardens. The town is still noted for its orchards. Pálakollu fell to the English by the treaty of Versailles in 1783, but the Dutch remained in possession, paying a small quit-rent till 1804. On 31st March 1818 it was formally restored to Holland agreeably to the