0 OT . ma*. 1859-60.] Report on the Laccadive Islands. 265 



47. Formerly they had the exclusive privilege of wearing good 

 cloths, caps and shoes and using umbrella?, but every one now 

 wears what cap and cloth he likes and Malummies use the um- 

 brellas also ; the shoes is the only remaining exclusive privilege 

 of the Malikans. 



48. They live with their families in large low rambling houses 

 within court yards and possess English Quadrants and Compasses, 

 Charts and Telescopes. 



49. The Malummies are the pilots and mates of the vessels ; 

 this is no hereditary title but is conferred by their neighbours for 

 ability : any man in Menakoy may obtain this rank and is not then 

 excluded from the society of the Malikans who will even inter- 

 marry with them, they number about 1 80. 



50. The Klasies (1,107 in number) form the bulk of the popu- 

 lation, and though in general poor are exceedingly independant of 

 the other classes : they possess no sea-going boats or vessels of 

 their own, nothing fit to use far outside the lagoon ; but they work 

 the larger vessels and the Massboats of the Malikans, as it is im- 

 possible for the merchants without their aid to carry on their trade 

 and as the " Klasies" are not landed tenants at will as in the 

 Laccadives but with very few exceptions, small land proprietors 

 themselves and only g ing to sea for regular wages given for work 

 done at the time, they enjoy a very comfortable independant posi- 

 tion an! both on land and at sea yield by no means implicit obedi- 

 ence to either Beebee or Malikans. 



51. Besides those who are employed in the Beebee's and 

 Malikans vessels many of them take service in English ships and 

 are absent for many years together ; during this period they get 

 high wages but usually spend it all before they return to Menakoy; 

 they were formerly more wealthy being generally able to layout 

 a little capital in trade on their own account every voyage, but 

 taking to imitate their superiors, and living and dressing beyond 

 their means, they have of late years become thriftless and poor. 



52. Through these sailors not a little information has found 

 its way into Menakoy regarding Arabia, Africa, Bengal, Malacca, 

 Australia, &c. 



53. Those who follow the occupation of Maylacherries or tree 



