Trade and Commerce of the English (In 3 Volumes)

The focus of the first volume with 23 sections is on the Fort St. George that Xcontinuous to be the seat of administration (tamiladu at present) ever since its foundation. Located on a stretch of sand at the mouth of three river Cooum, it was surrounded by scenic wet and marshy lands and numerous small streams draining the nearby hillocks and passing out of the lakes and tanks. The coastal strip was leased out through a cowle by the Rajah of Chandrarigi to the English East India Company whose chaters had periodically been renewed by their Kings in England. Its administrative machinery was headed by the Governor-in=Council assisted by the Company and /native’ servants. Being guarded by a strong garri-son, the fort was strengthened and its internal structures were extended and conveniently modified. Customs and coinage added to the income of the EIC whose servants along with other merchant had luxurious life styles. Important institutions, the Courts (1678), the Corporation (1687) and the Post-office (1688) were established to serve the needs of the Company as well as the ‘natives’ in general of Madras.