Page:The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago.djvu/81

Rh the palanquin, the umbrella, the Vaduca drum, the trumpet, the sandals for the feet, ornamental arches, awnings and presents carried on poles balanced on the shoulders, along with the 72 privileges of a nobleman.

We have exempted him from paying the land tax and water rate; and we have enacted with this copper deed that when the other inhabitants pay taxes to the Palace he shall not have to pay, when they receive (presents) he shall also receive.

Given to Joseph Rabban Lord of Anjuvannam and to his posterity, sons and daughters and nephews and sons-in-law as a heriditary grant. Prosperity! Thus do I know Gôvardhana Mârthândan,
 * Lord of Vênâdu.

Thus do I know Kotai Sri-Kandan,
 * Lord of Vênavali.

Thus do I know Mâna Vêpala Mâna Viyan,
 * Lord of Erâla-Nâdu.

Thus do I know Rayâran Châttan,
 * Lord of Vslluvanâdu.

Thus do I know Kothai-Ravi,
 * Lord of Nedum-Purayur.

Thus do I know Mûrkhan Chattan,
 * Commander of the Eastern Army.

Kandan of Great Thalacheri Kilway,
 * the Mountain Splitter.

The writing of Kelappa.”

From this deed we learn that about the close of the 2nd century, the Tamil Settlements on the Malabar Coast extended beyond Thalaicheri (modern Tellicherry) in the north, and up to the foot of the ghauts in the east. The Chera Kingdom was divided into six or more provinces, the rulers of which aspired to the dignity of kings, and the Chera Monarch assumed the title of King of Kings or Emperor. The chieftains of the Provinces formed a sort of council to the King, and it was with their assent that any grant was made, or privileges conferred under royal sanction. It appears that a land tax and water cess were levied by the king throughout his dominions except in those parts where the landholders had been specially exempted. Tribute from local Chiefs to the Lord of each province was paid in money or in kind. It is curious to note that foreigners could use sandals or umbrellas or ride in