Page:Vizagapatam.djvu/146

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ViZAGAPATAM.

of the excavation together (the work being usually done by contract), and the former is then hand-picked and sent by rail to Vizagapatam (the Kódúr ore goes from Garividi station), whence it is shipped to America, Middles borough. Dunkirk and other places for use in the manufacture of steel and in chlorination processes such as those adopted at gold mines. Between 1000 and 1904 the output seriously declined owing to competition from newly opened mines in Russia, Brazil and elsewhere; and in 1904 the company was unable to pay any dividend. Since then,however, matters have taken a turn for the better, and the company is flourishing once more.

Bangles of the 'glass' made by melting down alkaline earths (some of which is imported from Nellore district) are made by Gázula Balijas in several villages round about Anakápalle, Yellamanchili and Chípurupalle; at Paidipálem, nine miles east of Narasapatam; and on a smaller scale at other places. The process of manufacture is the same as elsewhere, but sometimes the glass is coated outside with yellow lac, in which, while it is still hot, little bits of looking-glass are inserted. Somewhat similar bangles are made by the Sonkaris of Naurangpur. These yellow lac bangles and the imported kind made of moulded blue glass are characteristic adornments of the women of the south of the district.

Round Singapur in the Jeypore country neat little snuff-boxes, about two inches long and shaped like an almond, are made from finegrained red and white stones which are found in those parts.

At Pedda Gummalúru in Sarvasiddhi taluk a Kamsáli makes little images of Ráma, Párvati, Hanumán, and other deities from sálagrámams. These are cased in gold or silver and worn round the neck as amulets.

The work in gold and silver is usually done by this Kamsáli caste. At Rázám (and to a less extent at Párvatípur and Bobbili)these people make cups, rose-water sprinklers, small boxes and the like in silver, and their work is neatly finished. At Peddapenki in Bobbili taluk are manufactured waist-strings of twisted silver and gold which are called góvatádu and are known all over the district. The silver waist-belts and armlets made of a series of little chased plaques hinged together, which are also characteristic of this district, often exhibit excellent work. The best gold jewellery to be seen is that worn by the Gavara Kómati women. Their jewelled nose-studs and necklets are especially well chased.

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