PARAGUAR

city, southern Paraguay. It lies on the southern slopes of the forested extension of the Brazilian Highlands, including the Cordillera de los Altos, a mountainous chain that reaches westward to Asuncin. Originally a Jesuit mission, the city was formally organized in 1775. In 1811, when Paraguay stood aside from the Argentine colonies in their revolt against Spain, Paraguar was the scene of an important battle in which the Argentines were repulsed and Paraguay's independence was secured. Paraguar is now the commercial and manufacturing centre of a fertile and active agricultural hinterland. Cotton, tobacco, sugarcane, oranges, rice, corn (maize), hides, and petitgrain (a base for perfume made from bitter orange leaves) are among its products. Ceramic works, tanneries, and food-processing plants are located in the area. The city is also the headquarters of Paraguay's artillery regiment and school. Santo Toms grottoes, on a nearby hill, are noted for their hieroglyphic inscriptions, presumably the work of early indigenous peoples. One long cavern is the object of a Good Friday pilgrimage. Paraguar is accessible by railway or highway from Asuncin, Villarrica, and Encarnacin. Pop. (1992 prelim.) 7,279.