Indian Antiquary Vol 60

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 297

MAY, 1931)
THE SCATTERGOODS AND THE EAST INDIA COMPANY
93
her supercargo's business success at Bombay and Surat, it has been thought best to insert the two isolated descriptions at this point.
[26.) A DESCRIPTION OF DEWY (TAKEN PARTLY FROM THE NATIVES) OF METCHLEPATAN
AND THE MOORS GOVERNMENT WITH SOME OBSERVATIONS IN THE MEDICAL ART. 1
Dewy is a Gentowe word signifying an island. When there is several that lye together they are distinguisht by adding some other word, as Gutten Dewy, an island near Ingeram.
Dewy is a flat island but not without riseing ground in several places, and higher land then the adjacent Continent, as appeared when the sea broke over its boundarys, laying Metch lepotan under water and carrying several vessells many miles up the country, when little damage was don upon Dewy, which appears at sea to be of a round shape or figure, and two thirds of it to be surrounded by it [the sea), and as near as can be judged (without surveying), a hundred English miles in circumference. That part which is divided from the Continent by the River Kisney, (Kistna) is about forty miles, that is to say, from Chiplear to Metchlepotan, according to the opinion of an English gentleman that travelled it overland. This River Kisney breaks in upon the Island in several places, branching out, and embraceing a good number of islands, three of which are said to be considerable ones, but are all comprehended under the name of Dewry [Divi]. The greater rivers cutt their way through the Island and runn eastward into the sea, whilst the lesser ones, flowing more slowly, are lost in winding streams.?
The fertility of the Island has long since invited the Dutch to get it into their possession. They well perceiving that the land will abundantly recompence the tillers care, they have had an eve upon the excellent pastorage, flowry meadows and such fine grass where the cattle feed, that they looked upon it as Fatherland, and the yallow butter to be as good as that of Holland, which alone, with the help of cabbage and scapes, from which they are no starters, makes a Dutch man fat at Metohlepotan as soon as in Amsterdam.
Whilst the pleased spectator views the green livery of the fields and open country, there appears to his sight wildernesses and woods, one of which is said to be of a larg extent, where wild bulls, horses and most sorts of wild beasts shelter themselves. There the tyger, that ravenous animal, and others of the savage host, range without controulment, kil manki..d without distinction. The tusky boar and all fall & prey alike to 'em. The spotted deer creeps amongst the bushes, whilst the nimble antilopes [sic] soours the plains where the hunts man does not frequent, and fears not his near approach. They give him the conveniency of standing at what distance he pleases to shoot amongst their harmless flocks.
Of all fower footed beasts, the hunting the hare gives the most delight, especially to ladys who love to pursue the harmonious noise of a pack of beagles noe bigger then lap dogs. Inter quadrupides, gloria prima Lepus (Martial). This sport upon Dewy is hardly practicable. The watchfull puss will not run for it but suffers her self to be knockt in the head with a stick or a stone, and are in such plenty that they may be found sitting in towns as well as in the fields.
The rivers are full of excellent fish, and hardly a tree which is not adorned with the peacooks train. Here the English Chiefs used to divert themselfs in the month of February, 10 pitching their tents under a banian tree, remarkable for the large extent of ground it covers.
This Inland, so fit for agriculture and merchandizeing, has but few inhabitants upon it, which is oocasioned by a constant tyranical government, formerly of the Moors and now of the Rajowe that has it in possession, 11 the annual revenues of the King not amounting to above 7 or 8 thousand pagodas, which is raised from the produce of grain, oyl, seeds and salt, an inconsiderable summ to what they may amount to after the English have it for some years in their possession, especially when the whole Island is inhabited with merchants and