In the contract, a copy of which, written on an _ola_, or palm leaf, is kept by each person, it is said: “I let a _Parra_ of _Candam_, lying in such a place, under such conditions, and for such a length of time.” A _Parra_ contains eight _Dangaszi_; one _Dangaszi_ makes four _Nali_, and a _Nali_ is equal to a bushel of rice. _Candam_ is a field: a _Parra_ of _Candam_ is, therefore, a piece of land of such an extent that a _Parra_ of rice can be sown in it. All lands, whether let on lease or not, must bring to the king the _Muppara_, that is, three _Parra_ per cent. They are subject also to another tax called _Nilavari_, which must be paid every ten years for the first evaluation and measuring of them. The ground and soil, cultivated by the people, belong every where to the king. But the pagodas or temples have around them certain districts, their peculiar property, which belonged to them before this feudal system was introduced. The nobility alone can possess rice-fields or palm gardens; but this is applicable only to the Pagans. The rents must be paid _in natura_; and amount to a fourth part of the income which remains after all the taxes and imposts have been deducted. It is unfortunately too true, that there are ministers who exercise the severest and most cruel oppression; by which means sovereigns are rendered odious or contemptible to their subjects, and whole countries and kingdoms brought to ruin. That this is sometimes the case on the coast of Malabar will appear from what follows:--_Ceramperumal_, who reigned in the tenth century, had a great many sons and grandsons, among whom he divided his dominions at his death. Each of them acquired a particular portion of land, or at least fief[98]. This was a great violation of the maxims of political prudence. It is well known how soon the conquests of Alexander the Great were lost after they had been divided among his generals. It was impossible for so many princes to unite in one common object, because each had his own private interest, and none of them placed confidence in another. The consequence of their weakness was, that they became contemptible to their subjects, and seldom or never were able to carry any measure into execution. _Samuri_, who by the Europeans is very improperly called _Samorin_, endeavoured to acquire a superiority over the neighbouring princes, by entering into an alliance with the Arabs of Calicut, who had established themselves in his dominions. He might, however, have foreseen, that these Arabs would one day become his most implacable enemies. He was so fortunate as to defeat the king of Cochin in several battles; and the latter found himself at length obliged to solicit the assistance, first of the Portuguese, and then of the Dutch: but neither of these nations could be sincere in their engagements to this prince; for, being foreigners, their views were directed merely to their own interest. By their help he was able to reduce his opponent _Samuri_