496 Horse gram per bag of 112 measures could be obtained for 64 rupees and two goats could be purchased for 1 chakram. The cost of 100 plantaino fruits; was 3 rupee. 1000 bricks could be purchased for 1 chakram : 100 coconuts for Rs. 1-14-0; a cow between Rs 4 and 8. -** The cost of one hat was 4 pagodas but that of a turban was 6nly . 2 chakrams. - - . . One veli of land was sold at Rs. 280 in 1787 and later on at Rs. 125 also. The Tanjore District Manual says that the average price of wet land per veli during 1828-29 was Rs. 165. Silver bar weighing one seer could be purchased for 6 chakrams and 4 fanams and nine " Mattu " of gold weighing 1 pagoda could be got for 2 chakrams and 8; fanams. 28. Occupations or employment
- Building of boats or ferries to cross the rivers and building of ships for the conveyance of passengers or merchandise were some of the occupations which offered opportunities for empioyment. The state-owned ships were also let out for a fixed sum allowing a certain amount for periodical repairs. The cost of transport in the ship was 5% of the value of the cargo sent. The salary for the captain of the ship was 53 chakrams per month.
Gilding articles with gold or silver was a flourishing trade and ornament making for the nobility was very popular, sericulture was also encouraged and it involved cultivation of mulberry trees and protection of silk worm from the egg stage to the completion of CoCOOn. Construction of stately and majestic buildings provided scope for various phases of employment. Temple building was also another source for providing employment for the masses. Paper making became a flourishing industry and there were factories in 6 places in the Thanjavur Raj. This organisation was manned by 21 share holders and the shares were saleable or transferable only among the shareholders. It seems they held the sole monopoly for this trade, Some earned their livelihood by handicrafts. Some knew the art of making musical instruments. Printing press also gave job opportunities for a fêW. - Employment in some way or other in the Palace was a coveted thing and hundreds of people were taken in the palace service, -
