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42
WARS OF THE RAJAHS.
[Chap. V.

CHAPTER FIFTH.

1. Afterwards this Sivappa [who managed the village of Hirēhālu,] observing the arrival of these two, asked them "Who are you? what is your father's name?" [Sidda Ramaya replied(illegible text)] I am the son of Ramapa Nayu, of Anantapur: my name is Sidda Ramapa: this man is my (bava maridi) brother-in-law; his name is Basavappa: such is our history. [2]

Now as he [the Manager] had heard from many people the whole history of these [two] he felt much (tapatrayam) compassion. [He replied saying z] The afflictions you have hitherto suffered have now passed by: by the grace of God you shall hereafter enjoy better days: be not afflicted: [z] so saying he consoled them. He added "How do you dine? I will send eatables for you to a Balije house."[1]

They replied "We came here just after having taken a meal at the house of the Gaudu [headfarmer] of that village: we are not hungry." Thereupon his honour Sivappa called the servants who made his bed, and ordered them saying, Prepare beds for both [the refugees] in the porch before the house;[2] then, after they have lain down, come to me. He also directed the people who lay in the hall, saying, Be ye watchful over these [strangers]. He gave the tambulam[3] [a solemn sign of security] to them, and said, Go and sleep at your ease.[4] Then he himself went to bed.

2. Accordingly this Sidda Ramapa and Basavappa lay down to sleep in the gate. Next day his honour Sivappa called for them and appointed the house of a Balje-caste man in the fort, [for them to lodge in]: he also gave them a (dalayit) page of his own, to attend them: and ordered his shopkeeper to give the page who might come from them, whatever (veççam) daily supplies were required, and to set it down in his own account. He then sent for a barber, and


  1. Because these two were of the Balije caste.
  2. Hazaram: the chamber or open hall at a town gate or palace gate; the lodge.
  3. The Tambulam, or paun leaf is among the Hindus equivalent to a glass of wine after dinner among Europeans; it is also given in solemn asseverations or promises.
  4. Page 38