an old Hindu shrine. It is locally supposed that the pillars came from the Kuntimádhava temple. There are some inscriptions on the pillars.
One of the largest cattle markets in the district takes place in the town every Saturday. The sale of the right to collect the fees at this fetches over Rs. 3,000 annually. The excellent bell-metal work done in the place is referred to in Chapter VI. About fifty households of Dévángas weave plain but fine cloths and about the same number of Sénápatis make coarser stuffs.
Ponnáda: Lies near the sea coast eight miles east by north of Pithápuram. Population 2,927. Its ancient importance is attested by the fact that three spots in Pithápuram town, namely, one of the fort gates, a well, and a cattle-stand, bear its name. A building erected round a banyan tree in the village is held sacred both by the Muhammadans and the Hindus of the locality. The legend says that long ago a Muhammadan widow wished to be buried with her husband, was prevented, but was permitted to live in this building, which was erected over his tomb. After her death the entrances to the building were closed.
Uppáda: Seven miles east-south-east of Pithápuram; population 3,912. Contains a police-station. The travellers' bungalow recently collapsed owing to the encroachments of the sea. It is noted for its muslins, which are known throughout a large part of the Presidency. They are referred to in Chapter VI. About 200 Dévángas are engaged in this industry.
The village gives its name to a small zamindari estate with an income of Rs. 2,700 and a peshkash of Rs. 660. This was given by the late Rája of Pithápuram to his sister.
The erosion of the coast and the existence of a submerged town here have been referred to in Chapter I.
