Page:Gódávari.djvu/302

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276
GODAVARI.

which the new sanads were distributed. With four exceptions, the settlement was made with the muttadár actually in undisputed possession or, where the mutta had been annexed by the mansabdar, with the heir of the former muttadar. In arranging the terms of the tenure of each mutta, the loyalty or disloyalty of its owner in the recent disturbances was considered and the quit-rent was raised or reduced in accordance therewith. Generally, however, the muttas were granted on the same terms as in 1848. The sanads contained two conditions; firstly, that a stipulated annual quit-rent, including an abkári tax and a local fund cess, should be paid annually to Government; and, secondly, that the muttadar should conduct himself loyally and peaceably, and should give every assistance to the Government in maintaining quiet and order. A warning was added that if the muttadar failed in his duties his mutta was liable to be resumed. The decision of Government as to the rights of the muttadars over the forests will be found in Chapter V.

The Rampa mutta had always been in the personal enjoyment of the mansabdar, and was resumed by Government. It had formerly consisted of thirteen villages. Ten of these, with the title of muttadar of Rampai were given to the munsif of Chódavaram, who had given the greatest assistance to Government throughout the outbreak, had been their channel of communication with the muttadars, had obtained information regarding the movements of the rebels, and had got together a body of armed men to co-operate with the police and the troops. The grant was made free of quit-rent, and was conditional on the grantee's being of good behaviour, paying the local fund cess, and presenting to the Collector every year, in token of his allegiance, a bow and three arrows. The other three villages of the Rampa mutta were given to the muttadar of Marriváda, who had also shown his loyalty during the rebellion.

Sirigindalapádu: One mile south-east of Chódavaram. Population 75. The village used to belong to the Bandapalli mutta; but at the settlement of 1879 it was given at the request of the muttadar to a relative of his, who was going to assist him in the management of the mutta, and who had shown himself loyal in the recent rebellion. It pays no quitrent.

Tádapélli: Fourteen miles north-west by north of Chódavaram. Population 466. Chief village of a hill mutta containing nine villages. The quit-rent fixed in 1848 was Rs. 40, but it was illegally raised by the mansabdar to Rs. 100 in 1862. The muttadar did not take part in the insurrection of 1879