King _Perumpadapil_, whom the Europeans call king of Cochin, is descended from the celebrated Malabar monarchs, _Ceramperumal_, who were formerly distinguished by the title of _Maharàgia_, that is, emperor, or great emperor; for all the petty Malabar kings were obliged to be obedient to his orders, when he had to defend the country against king _Samuri_, or any other enemy. But when these petty kings were gradually subdued, and deprived of their territories by the commander in chief of the king of Travancor, the celebrated _Màrtandapulla_, and his successor general Eustachius de Lanoy, by birth a Fleming, a treaty was concluded with king _Perumpadapil_, in consequence of which he was left in possession of the few places above mentioned, as the last remains of royal dignity. This happened in the year 1761. Since the king of Travancor laid open the trade at _Alapushe_ and _Puntora_ to foreigners, the revenues of the Dutch East India Company have been considerably lessened[76]. The duties at Cochin brought them formerly every year 30,000 rupees; and they received a like sum from the rents of their palm-groves, gardens, and other lands which they let on lease. In the time of peace they generally maintain a body of 4000 men; but when a war breaks out, they must increase these troops to 10,000. It is, therefore, evident, that the expences of the Company far exceed their income. Formerly they had possession of the excellent fortress of _Cudungalur_, or _Cranganor_, five leagues towards the north of Cochin; but as they clearly foresaw that it would be difficult for them to defend it against the repeated attacks of Tippoo Sultan Bahader, they sold it to the king of Travancor. The latter would gladly have retained it as a valuable acquisition; but in the year 1790 it was taken from him, and dismantled by M. Lally, Tippoo Sultan’s general. The troops of Tippoo were, however, again driven from the country in 1791 and 1792; but I do not with certainty know whether the works were ever rebuilt[77].