The province of _Marava_ is bounded on the east and south by the sea, on the north by _Tanjaur_, and on the west by _Madura_. It is intersected by the _Veyarru_, that is, the great river, which flows down from the _Gauts_, divides the kingdom of _Madura_ or _Pandi_ into two parts, and, running past the ancient city of _Madura_, spreads itself through the province of _Marava_ into several branches. By means of this river vessels can be navigated to the sea through both the before-mentioned provinces, in a direction from west to east; but it is exceedingly difficult and laborious to return. While the flood, called by the Indians _Velli_, continues, there is no impediment, as it each time drives the vessel three or four miles up the country; but when it is over, the troublesome part of the navigation commences, because the sailors must then row against the stream with all their strength. The case is the same, in general, on the coasts of _Ciòlamandala_ and _Malabar_, with all the rivers which flow down from the _Gauts_, and which for the most part have their sources in that ridge of mountains. But with whatever difficulties this return may be attended, the advantages procured by these rivers to the inhabitants of the surrounding districts are of the utmost importance. They facilitate inland as well as foreign trade, render the soil fruitful, purify and cool the air; in a word, it is to be ascribed to them alone that the country is habitable by human beings; which certainly would have been impossible, had not Providence placed in this part of the torrid zone that immense ridge, and supplied it so abundantly with water. The principal cities in the province of _Marava_ are: _Elluvancotta_, _Ciangucotta_, _Tiruvananganur_, _Ciòlaburam_, _Kavaricotta_, and _Ràmanàthapuram_, of which I have already spoken. The country is covered with forests, underwood, and shrubs. The inhabitants are rude and uncultivated. The men, though of low stature, are strongly built and excellent warriors. I saw several of them, who had behaved with great gallantry in the war which _Rama Varmer_, the king of _Travancor_, carried on against the nabob _Tippoo Sultan Babader_. Each wore around his head a turban of blue cotton cloth; had a white jacket which descended to his thighs, a sabre by his side; in his right hand a lance, and in his left a shield. These people march, however, in bodies without any certain order, and perform their evolutions by the sound of a horn. They let their beards grow; have coarse hands and faces; go bare-footed; and wear a blue girdle around the body. They are much braver than the _Tamulians_, who can never be accustomed to the fatigues of a military life.