British Beginnings in Andhra Desa

British Beginnings in

Andhra Desa

The good ship Globe, commanded by Captain Hippon, first visited Masulipatam in January 1611, under instructions from the Directors of the East India Company to negotiate with the Sultan of Golconda for commercial facilities.¹ Thus was the first settlement of the British on the East Coast established under the grant of Sultan Kutub Shah Abdulla, as a subordinate establishment, sometimes to Bantam and sometimes to Surat.² The rival Dutch East India Company, also with its headquarters at Bantam, established factories at Masulipatam and Pulicat lying 160 miles southwards to it. The English, hampered by the exactions of the Kings of Golconda, amalgamated for sometime with their rival factory at Pulicat in the year 1621. But in 1625, another establishment at Armagam, near Nellore, was brought into being and later on abandoned as of little importance.³ Farmans and Cowles were obtained from the Sultans of Golconda from time to time, at once confirmatory and additional, in the interests of the British trade. In 1633-4 the first Farman (No.1 below) was granted to Captain Joyce. Captain Cogan reached Golconda on July 19, 1638 and a confirmation of it was obtained.⁴ On October 25, 1639, the factors at Masulipatam wrote to the Directors of the Hon'ble Company at Home that it was not fit to be a chief factory on the East Coast.⁵ About this time, Francis Day obtained a grant from the Raja of Vijayanagaram for the erection of a fort on a small plot of ground near Mahilapuram, the present Mylapore of Madras, and in the year 1653 Fort St. George became the presidency town with two factors and ten soldiers.⁶

Such was the early history of the English on the East Coast. But, until a very late period, the Northern Circars, which form the main districts of the Andhra Desa, played an important part in determining the course of the vicissitudes in the fortunes of the British in India.

The progress of the British in the Andhra Desa is determined by Farmans and Cowles, a selection of which is printed below. With the authorisation of the above, the so-called subordinate settlements were established at different places on the coast line between Pulicat and Ganjam. The first settlement at Vizagapatam dates to 1682.⁷ Madhavayapalem or Madopollam (1678), Injaram (1708), and Bendamurlanka (1751) in the Godavari District were likewise settled. The Coringa of the present day in the same district was ‘built’ in 1759.⁸ Again, settlements were established at different times at Jagannadhapuram, now part of Cocanada, Ganjam and other places, even though trading facilities were secured much earlier, as can be seen from the Farmans of the Nawabs of Golconda. Incidentally it is to be noted that during his Deccan campaign in the year 1689, Aurangzeb not only conquered Golconda but also seized the English factory at Vizagapatam.⁹ But, an Imperial Farman was obtained for the same on the 23rd April 1690, renewed again on 28th December of the same year.¹⁰

To complicate the peaceful career of the E.I.C., a new Company was formed on the basis of a charter from King William III of England, whose government, faced with severe financial embarrassments, was only too eager to make something out of paper and pen and ink. Thus was the ‘New English East India Company trading to the East Indies’ established on the 5th September 1698, with the proviso that the old or ‘London’ E.I.C. was to continue its operations all the same till the year 1701. Sir William Norris and Andrew Cogan were sent out as "the New Company's Ambassador and Consul" respectively. There was an evident quarrel between Thomas Pitt, Esq, President-Governor of Madras on behalf of the old E.I.C. and the new officers. It was resolved by the former to resettle the Northern Circars, and accordingly eight civil servants and a detachment of troops were sent to accomplish this. News reached Madras on the 6th May 1703 of the union of the two companies with Thomas Pitt as the Governor-President.¹¹

The English now entered upon an era when recourse was had to arms. Early in the Farmans, mention was made of assistance being required of them by the Sultans of Golconda in cases of necessity. But it was not until 1747 that the English had direct access to the Nizam, as there were constant intrigues between the servants of the East India Company and those of the French who enjoyed a monopoly of influence at Hyderabad.¹² In the year 1757, the finest flower of Andhra Chivalry perished behind the walls of Bobbili in defending their honour against the hordes of M. Bussey and the henchmen of the Nizam. Orme's vivid description of this event from contemporary sources is a classic in historical literature.¹³ Then began the decline of the French power. In fact, Bobbili is the beginning of the end, however successful their arms might have been there. The English just then began to test their strength in the open field. Clive ought to have taken the field. But an able general in the person of Colonel Forde won the day at the battle of Kondur in 1758, not a mean achievement for the Andhras who fought under the banner of the Raja of Vijayanagaram against the combined forces of the French and the Nizam.¹⁴ Forde followed up the victory with a general's eye, and Masulipatam fell into the hands of the English in 1759 after a protracted siege.¹⁵

With the fall of Masulipatam, English power in the Circars may be said to have been set on a secure foundation.¹⁶ Rajamahendravaram was captured by Henry Cosby (later, General Sir Henry Cosby, Kt.) in 1769.¹⁷

But the English never claimed the Circars as a matter of conquest. Theirs was essentially a claim by grant. This was effected by the famous ‘Request’ of Col. Forde to Salabat Jung in 1759 which was agreed to.¹⁸ More than this, a Farman was obtained from the defunct Mughal Emperor in the year 1766, and this seems to be the ostensible source of British claims to the Circars.¹⁹ But still the tribute to the Nizam was agreed to as due and just, though generally accumulated into arrears. It was on September 18, 1788 that the Nizam handed over to Captain Kennaway an instrument for the surrender of the Guntur Circar, after a series of shameful negotiations clearly condemned by Sir Thomas Munro in one of his minutes. Hence forwards, the English may be said to be the regular masters of the Northern Circars even though troubles beset their administration until comparatively recent times. Curiously enough, at one time Warren Hastings nearly ceded them to the Nizam for a consideration, but Lord Macartney, the newly appointed Governor of Madras of the day, fought tooth and nail with the Governor-General at Calcutta on the one hand and the Court of Directors in England on the other, to retain possession of them.²⁰

The following Farmans and Cowles are self-explanatory. I print them as I found them in the archives of the Library of the India Office, London, with a few notes, wherever necessary, to help the reader, as almost all the place-names contained therein are familiar to the Andhras whatever their spelling and transliteration.

FARMANS

I

The Translation of the Phyrmaund for Metchlepatam called ye Golden Phyrmaund. A Cowle Phyrmaund i.e. a Grant with a Command. Sultan Obdula Cuttop Shaw, King. A Cowle Phyrmaund never to be altered.

Of my great love to ye valiant Hon'ble Capt. Joyce and all ye English I doe freely give this, that under the shadow of me the king, they shall selt downe at rest and in safety.

For as much as the English have declared that when they shall selt downe quietly under my shadow and their business shall pass free and well, that then they will serve the king.

That in Metchlepatam, Nesampatam, Izapatam. Bimlapatam, and all other his sea port Townes, they will bring horses from Persia and other places, and all other goods of the best sort and of what they bring paying for them shall have what they please.

It is agreed that ye Baucksall²¹ customes and all other dutyes both of the Towne and Custome House which is paid by other Merchants, the English shall be free from and that neither the Governor nor any of our Servants shall come near ye English goods, and that in their selling their Goods they shall not molest them, but they may sell their goods to whom they please, and when the king shall send any of his people with an order for any of the goods the English shall deliver the goods to whom the king So appoint.

Upon which the Kings Orders and Commands the Governors and their successors of Metchlepa and Pettapolly and all other places that they shall not take Junckan²² or other duties of them, or any of their people, and all such customs or duties that other people pay, the English are to be free from and shall not pay duties for any commodities they bring: and that when the horses, goods, or good things shall come they shall send a list that the King may choose what liketh him, which shall be delivered to such as ye King appoint to receive the same, paying the full value of them as they shall be at that time worth, and ye Kings people shall offer no force upon the price but shall pay the full price according to ye market price, and if the King have no occasion for the good things then they may sell them to whom they please, but that which ye King shall have occasion for ye use of his Court shall not be sold to any others; And that what presents shall be sent to the King they must not write to any

other Governor about the same but write their Letters and send their present directly to ye King.

That if any other people should rise up against the Governor ye English must help his Governor.

That they must not own any strangers goods which if they do he will take Junckan²³ from them as he doth from other people.

That where as the English used to pay 5.0 600 pags²⁴ yearly, the which that ye Governor do not expect anything of: the King doth deduct out of the Governors rent 800 Pags old yearly, and if the Governor should pretend to the King that ye custom of the English Goods amount to more than 800 Pagodas old yearly. That upon the Governors information they shall write to the King and give an account, but the Governor must not molest them there-

You must remain here and doe your business.

You must rest satisfied and be confident, it shall be according to this Phyrmaund.

You must rejoice in the King's prosperity.

Granted November 1632.

The King's
Great Seal
impressed upon

a Leaf of Gold.

II

Copy of a Phyrmaund granted by the King of Golconda to the English in Metchelpatam. January 1675/6.

By the Grace of God

Sultan Abdula Hossein-

The Royal Phyrmaund or Command of our Majesty that shines like the Sun. We have thought fit and convenient and do hereby require and command all our Ministers of State, Governors, sub-Governors, Juncanees as well for the time being as to some of Metchlepatam, Pettapolle, Nassapore, Madapollam, Coranga, Wattara, Conara, Viziagapatam, Bimlepatam and throughout all our dominions and Kingdome of Golconda to know and take notice.–That our well beloved friends of the English nation and Mr. Mainwaring the English Companies Chief have been in our Royal presence and have found grace from us. We will and command that whatsoever quantities and qualities of goods and merchandize, Gold and silver, they bring in by sea to Metchlepa., that it be free from all manner of customes and impositions whatsoever, and that they have free liberty to export the same or send on, dispose of it in any part of our Dominions, accordingly as it stands with our own conveniency, rice, paddy, and all other merchandize which they bring from abroad either by land or by sea for their own use or to sell, and all other sort of goods whatsoever they buy or sell, to be free from all manner of customs, and impositions at Bankshall the scall Gate and all other places for receipt of custom and agreeable to this our new Phyrmaund and Command, and the liberty we have herein granted, to the Servants, Brookers, Merchants, and all depending and employed by the English nation and Company, Workmen, Tradesmen and Mechanics, that they be not molested or hindered, and we give them liberty to imprison and confine their Debtors or those upon whom they have any demands in their factory without any protection from our Governor and officers till they have recovered full satisfaction, and all Governors and other Officers are hereby required to assist the English nation and Company in all their business and negotiations, and if they send any goods or merchandize to Golconda to pay but 4 pags. New P. Candy for the Oxehire. The English nation and Company being much in our esteem and favour; This being our new Phyrmaund and Command, we will and require a punctual observance upon pain of our high displeasure.

In the month of January 1675/6 by and with the advice of Madou Banjee our Great Minister of State and Counselor.

III

"The most powerful Coule and gracious Firmaun given and granted unto the courageous fortuna . . .worthy Mr. Thomas Joyce, Captain of the English, and. . .Company of that Nation;–whom, of Our Royal Grace, and sp . . favour, being confident, may hereby understand; that, whereas they, out of great hopes, repaired to Our High Court;- and made request unto us;–that, if it should seem expedient, in the eyes of Our Royal Majesty, God's Deputy, of the time to be gracious. . .favourable in their negotiation; that so their designed. . . may be the better effected;–and their request according. . .and, consequently, they be animated to demonstrate. . . service, and best respect, on all occasion whatsoever.

"Plentiful increase of the trade of Our several Ports; vizt. . . . Mesu . . . Nezam-puttaun, Ishauk-Pattann, Bimley-Pattann, and . . . of India &c in general: –to which benefit of Trade and . . . they will yearly bring, from Bander-abbasse (or Gumbaroom, in the Gulph of Persia,) certain ships and Vessels laden with rich Goods, and excellent Horses; –such as have not yet come thence: –Upon which Design their ships may set sail for the Ports of Hindistaun unto the said Bander-abbasse; and thence to proceed to Our Ports, to augment the . . . and Dominions.

"and for Toafa, or Rarities; with other fine and rich . . . such as we have desired to be brought Us, (such as they . . . far and near,) shall be accordingly brought to Our . . . also; in anything else, which may conduce to our Honour, and their endeavors will not be wanting to pleasure . . . (as promised) conditionally, that such Goods and Horses as the English shall bring for their Company's account; the custom and other Duties; and charge of Weigher and Porter with other Office . . . of the Custom House; and whatsoever accustomed Demands . . . Mesulaputam and Nezan-Pattaunn and the Places the . . . the which are usually paid by other Merchants both in buying . . . selling; these customs, Duties, and charges, &c. We have . . . gracious favour remitted unto them: –that so any . . . intermeddle with the Goods &c. of the English upon any . . . or demand whatsoever; neither that they may be urged for . . . sell their Goods to any private Men; –limiting a certain quantity to one man, and so much to another only; –if Our service require any their commodity, &c.–Our Officers giving notice thereof unto them, they will afford them principally for Our service.

"And, for that Our will and Command is, out of Our Princely care, for the general good and benefit of Our countries and People;–We do ordain, therefore, that Our present and future Governors of Our happy Ports, Mesulaputam and Nezur- Puttann, do not molest the English for such customs, Incomes and Duties, as other Merchants pay: the which, out of Our grace, and especial favour, We do remit unto them:–therefore, no person shall trouble and molest them, concerning the same, any-way at all:–because Our subjects have commerce with the 'forementioned Captain of the English nation;–out of Our Royal Grace and favour, We have remitted unto the English, as afore is said.

"Now; –for such Horses as they shall bring to Our Ports. –We will, that particular notice be given to Us; that such of them as are requisite for Our service, order shall be given for their delivery to Our substitutes: who shall not prejudice the English in their price; –but perform with them according to their demands; –so as price be made as at that time current: -but, if We have no need of them, they may sell them, where they please.

"This Article, concerning Horses, let it be duly observed. Our meaning is; –that where Our service requires them, they be not otherwise disposed of; unless they be Presents, and committed only to trust and custody, whereas the Officers’ claim of them may seem void; –yet, howsoever, We will and command, that particular advertisement be given to Our Court, that Our pleasure herein may be duly known and performed.

"These favors and privileges premised are granted, on condition, that, on all occasions, the English have reference and correspondence to and with Our deputy Officers; that, if other persons (the Inhabitants of the Port) shall prejudice or controversy with them, the said Officers may Compose and decide the same.

"Concerning Persian Merchants, &c. that shall come in the English ships; the said Merchants, peradventure, will (for their own profitable ends) endeavour to have their Goods colored under name of the English; that so they may pass without paying of Duties, which they are liable unto; the which the English shall not protect; nor father or mingle any Goods at all (to the worth of a Penny) with their own Company's Goods; –colouring them by name or pretence: –which if, at any time, shall be discovered, all the ‘forementioned favors and privileges shall be void, and of none effect; and they shall pay all Duties, to the utter most, as, generally, all other merchants. –and whereas, hitherto, the Customs, Duties, and Charges, which the English have yearly paid hath not exceeded above 500 or 600 Padgodas per annum; therefore, in favour and behalf of the Farmers of the Customs, &c. they shall be allowed, in account, the sum of 800 Pagodas, for the said customs and Duties of the English. – But if, hereafter, the said Duties shall exceed the sum of 800 Pagodas, by a new proceeding, it shall not concern the Revenues of the Port. –But;–these officers being doubtful;–or suspecting . . . concerning the mentioned allowance; they shall acquaint our Cou. . . . and Prime Officers at Court therewith: that they themselves . . . decide the difference: –so that the King's Deputies and Officers . . . not molest or lay claim to the English at all; whom . . . fully to proceed with courage and content ;–and to seem . . . grace and favour themward daily to increase ;–and to give to this Our Coule and Firmaune: and, in all Occurrents, touching Our Wealth and honour to be diligent in their service.

"Dated, on Wednesday, the 8th

of the blessed Mo. . . Remzaunne,

in the Year of Mahamett 104 [4]."

IV

(Firman granted by the King of Golconda to Andrew Cogan–confirming all former privileges, & for free Trade Generally)

"God is Merciful and Great.
Yahamud Yalee.

Firman, or Our Letter of Credence, To all the subjects of My Dominions: so far as the sun exceeds all smaller lights; –so glorious am I above other Kings: –to whom all Kings are united in friendship: –a King not subject to fortune; –from the beginning great, and hitherto continued. –To all Governors, Substitutes, Officers, Freeholders, or else, whom it may concern, in these Our Royalties and Dominions. –Know you;that the glory of a King consists in the welfare of his subjects; and their welfare and benefit, immediately under God, accrues by Commerce. –To which purpose; –We, in Our Royal Favour, have granted to all Nations free egress and regress to Our Ports and Dominions; that they may pray for the Life of Our Royal Majesty. –But, in especial, the thrice-valiant and worthy English Captain, Andrew Cogan²⁵ repairing to Our Highness's Court; –and made petition,–that, if it should seem expedient, in Our gracious favour, to Confirm the ancient privileges conferred on that Nation; –which, upon his Petition, and Our Royal Goodness, We have granted; –in treating him with all love and respect, have given him leave to depart Our Royal Court, with free leave, and full power, to negotiate his Designs.

"What Money, Treasures, Goods, or what else, he shall deliver to Weavers, Painters or other; that his work be punctually performed and Debts cleared. and further; –the Governors (or by what other name called,) they shall not only suffer his quiet; but, also, do their best to assist him; –suffering neither Goods, nor Money, to be Remains, without his special leave.

"and that neither Goods, Persons, or servants, be detained, upon any pretence; but, in all passages, you rather help them; –for, of Our Gracious goodness, We have freed them of all Imposts, Customs, Duties, or by what other name you may call them.

"By all means molest them not; –but entreat them kindly,as you tender My high displeasure; that they may enjoy quietness, and pray for Our prosperity. . . . Given at Our Court of Gulconda, the Month of Rabesan, san 1049; and in the Month August 1639.

V

"God is Merciful and Great.
Yahamud Yalee.

Firmane, or Our Letter of Credence, To all the subjects of My Dominions: So far as sun exceeds all smaller lights: so glorious am I above other kings; to whom all kings are united in friendship: a king not subject to fortune; from the beginning great, and hitherto continued :–To all Governors, substitutes, Officers, or else, whom it may concern, in Our Royalties of Ellore, Mahamed-sha-nagar (alias Rajemhandre). The thrice worthy English Captain, Andrew Cogan, having repaired to Our Royal Court; and desired a free Trade and commerce, according as in our former times; have granted, and, by this, do grant him, and his nation subjected to him, or his command, all former privileges. Wherefore; We will and command you, and every of you, upon Our Royal Indignation; that whatsoever Title or name their Goods be of, you pretend no Junckans, Imposts, Customs, or Duties, neither to them, servants, nor Goods; but rather entreat them friendly. In all other services disturb them not; but suffer them without any further disturbance, to enjoy my Royal Grant. Nay, not only so; but you shall, to the best of your endeavors, aid and assist them.

Given at our Court of Golconda, the Month of Rabesan san 1049, in the month of August 1639.

VI

A Translate of a Copy Aballa Hassum late King of Golcohda's Phirmaund granted to the English Nation trading to and residing in any of His Dominions in the Month of March in the year 1675.

The King to all His Officers and their inferiors as well to those who are or who shall be in office in Bundaree, of Mechlipatam, in Masamp, or Pettipole in Bundaree, Mahumada banda russor, Nassapore, Madapollam, Corang, Wotalla, Viziagapatam or Bimlipatam and all the cities, Towns, Villages, Ports or Places belonging to the officers under the said Governments in the said Kingdom of Golconda greeting. . . . now ye know the friendship showed Us, faithful services done Us, and prosperity which the English Nation in general do wish Us, and Our Kingdoms thereunto moving Us. We have and do order at the special request and earnest applications of Mr. Manwarring a person of worth and courage and Chief of the English Company in Metchlipatam in behalf of the English Nation in general and in their name and at their request and desire and humble applications with which We are well pleased; that all sort of Goods merchandize Provisions of Paddy Rice, &c. Gold and Silver Jewels, &c. shall be exported or imported by any of this nation to or from any of the above mentioned Places or Ports of what growth or product so ever they be whether Europe or any of these Kingdoms or Countries in other parts of the World, or My own shall sell and buy without any manner of molestation, let or hindrance whatsoever for the Land Custom, Bankshall Custom which He has forgiven to them out of His great favour to them according to the New Phirmaund; and do further order no violence, injury, force impediment let or hindrance or stop shall be put upon their Factors, Merchants, attornies, Servants, or Workmen of any kind whatsoever. Further that their Merchants or Debtors shall not be protected by the Country Governments but delivered up upon Demand and left to be sued that payment and satisfaction may be made to the English; and that they be assisted by them in recovery thereof; and further, that their Goods which they shall at any time think fit to send to Golconda or any where else We make the agreement and order them to pay for every candy four Pads. Oxlin²⁶ and no more; and in consideration we have and do receive from the English advantages you must show them favour and kindness according to the new Phirmaund which we will and order and don't you so much as think or act contrary to this Our order; if you do, be't at your peril; for you'll incur Our high displeasure.

By, the King's
Pleasure this Phirmaund
is published and ordered by Madobongee Ma, gamodoree Shahee.

VII

Copy of a Phirmaund granted the Dutch by aurangezebe, the 12 Mohaurum and 33rd Year of the King's Reign being June and the 12, 1689/90.

"To all officers of every degree that are now in place and to their successors in place and to their successors. Especially the Suba of Darull Jahaud or Hidrabaud (meaning Golconda) be it known that I grant this Phirmaund to the Hollanders by the request of Munheir Nees Bejurs, commissary who came to salute Our Throne in a victorious time in behalf of his great masters for a Grant formerly gave them by abdulla and abulla Hussun Kings of Golconda for the Town Eeer Caum and other Towns, Rent Free, and likewise a Trade Custom free for their Factors in Golconda and other places and five Towns included in their old Grant three near Pollicat and two near Matchlipatam; all this I have ordered, and the Suba of Golconda must forward all their affairs according to this Phirmaund and must not expect new Orders every year; but will observe this. The particulars are these which are mentioned according to abdulla and abulla Hussun grant five Towns free three near Pollicat and two near Metchlipatam. Pollicat Towns are Eer Caum, Maucha Warrum, and Warra Waccha. Metchlepatam Towns are Pollicull and Coonfere and according to their former Grant they desire to have their share of the customs of Pollicat and the liberty of a Mint which I have granted them. –Every candy pays 4 pagodas and a 1/8 –The Government is to have 2 pagodas 7/8. the Dutch 11/4, The smaller Customs and equal Dividend after the officers charges are deducted; likewise Bale Goods that amount to 4 Pagodas a bale custom some lesser and some at 11/4 an equal Dividend Bales of Long Ells qt. 20 Ps. that come out of the Country paying 3/4 custom an equal share. What Els is sold in the Town 2 part's custom to the Government; and one to the Dutch; Ground Rent equal shares; likewise the mint and all goods imported and transported and coinage of Silver Gold and copper being 3/4 custom and the same in all Merchants money brought into the mint and what Goods the Merchants bring into Pollicat or buy to carry out equal shares –For Metchlipatam according to their former custom, Inland Trade custom free and Oxhire five pagodas they desire to pay but 4 according to their former Grant; so all this I have gave them according to their request and that they shall only pay their Oxmen as they shall agree with them; and that they shall not be molested by any officers on that account. The Dutch have had the Fort of Pollicat a great while so that the Portuguese have nothing to do with it. If any broils or quarrels should arise in that place I order that it shall be decided by the Dutch and Governor; but if of great consequence to the Suba of Golconda as formerly they used to the King. Golopollam and Coonda Warrum, near Dasheroone they kept Washers here paying for the two places one hundred fifty pagodas yearly and have now desired to pay no more according to the old Grant; which I have consented to, and that no officers whatever shall molest them nor their people; at Nasapore they have a piece of ground and a House upon't for the conveniency of building Ships and a place for their carpenters and Smiths; and if any of the same trade should come and live there they shall not be molested by any officers; all which I grant as by their old custom. The Washermen in Nassapore that used to wash for the Dutch paid three pagodas yearly for their house which they must still pay. There's Mash Warrum near Metchlepatam where are forty houses washermen lived in (till the famine and death drove them away) having now but six left, they paid three Rupees a year, the Rent was in the Dutch power, so none must hinder their washermen; and if at that place they should want water they may go to and wash there and none shall hinder them upon no account. They like wise desire to be free of all customs as by their former Grant which I consent to–For Coolies &c. they must pay as other Merchants, and the Coolies and Lascars that work at the Barr Town or Seaport Towns must be paid same. The Road custom from Bimlepatam, Siccacull, Burrada, Ellore Rajamihendrum, Dasheroone, Pollicull, Naugoole Wuncha. Policat and Metchlipatam for provision I grant them free, and the same for all manner of merchandize imported or transported of what commodity so ever. If they sell any Bullion of Gold or Silver to any of the Merchants they must be allowed the difference of the Mint by them, as if they had coined it themselves; and if they coin it themselves must pay half charged of the 3/4 custom and difference of Policat and Madras Pagodas. I have also that their Merchants, Factors &c. shall free of Guddam, that imposition of taking by force grain at the officers price."

1 Journal of Peter William Floris, in Collection of Voyages Vol. I. pp. 443ff.

2 H.D. Love; Vestiges of Old Madras. Vol. I. p. 12.

3 Ibid. p. 14.

4. Ibid. Cf. Bruce's Annals of the East India Company. Vol. I. p. 315.

5 Original Correspondence (India Office Records) No. 1718. Also Love: I 20-21.

6 C. P. Brown: Carnatic Chronology. (1863) pp. 68-69.

7 Vizagapatam District Gazetteer Vol. I. p. 35.

8 Godavari District Gazetteer. Vol. I. p. 211.

9 J.T. Wheeler: Madras in the Olden Time. Vol. I. P.214.

10 Ibid. Vol. I. p. 246.

11 Love: II.3-7. This struggle is best illustrated by most of the Cowles printed below. John Pitt mentioned in them is the 'consul' of the New Company. Sir William Norris's arrival is also mentioned in Cowle No. IX. In this connection, see the interesting articles on ‘Sir William Norris at Masulipatam’ by my friend Mr. Harihara Das, in the Journal of Indian History for October 1923 and August 1926.

12 Briggs: The Nizam. Vol. II, pp. 1-2.

13 Orme: History of the Hindostan. Vol. II, pp. 253ff. Also see account in the Account of the Bobbili Zamindari published by the late Maharaja in 1900.

14 The Historical Record of the First Madras Regiment (London 1843) p. 147, and also a posthumous folio) volume published by the Maharaja ofVijayanagaram, wherein a contemporary picture of the battle of Kondur was reproduced.

15 See Orme's beautiful description. Op. Cit. Also, Cliveis Right-Hand Man, a sketch of the life of Colonel Forde written by a descendant of his and published recently for private circulation.

16 See India Office Records, Home Series, Miscellaneous Vol. 768, pp. 43-101, seven unsigned private letters about the Northern Circars, dated 1773, which contain a mine of information about them, and unused so far by any historian.

17 Aitchison's Treaties Vol. V. p. 7.

18 James Grant: Political Survey of the Northern Circars, as Appendix XIII to the Fifth Report on the Affairs of the East India Company Firminger's Edition. Vol. III. p.28.

19 Home Series, Miscellaneous. Vol. 634, pp. 189-I90.

20 Letter dated Fort William the 2nd July 1781 from the Honorable Warren Hastings to the Honorable Charles Smith, President, and the Select Committee of Madras. Also, letter dated 10th August 1781 from Lord Macartney to the Honorable Warren Hastings. This controversy is admirably treated in these two letters. See, Home Series, Miscellaneous, Vol. 246, pp. 187-207.

21 Marine Duties.

22 Tolls.

23 Sunkam or duty.

24 Pagodas.

25 Later transferred to Madras where he resigned office on 27th August 1643.

26 Oxhire.