1834.] Memoir of the Survey of Travancore, 56 



ment in the system of education is necessary ; ethics at present 

 forms no part of their studies, which rarely advance beyond the first 

 elements of knowledge, and such Hmited accomplishments only be- 

 long to the superior classes, who however are susceptible of higher 

 attainments, particularly the Nairs, who have a quick apprehension, 

 are admirable accountants, and perform the operation of writing 

 (leaves every where being substituted for paper) with a rapidity and 

 adroitness quite peculiar to themselves. The language spoken dif- 

 fers in the southern parts where it is largely intermixed with the 

 Tamool, but we do not here observe that mixture of tongues so 

 common on the other coast. The inhabitants of this, never speak 

 any but their own, nor does even their intercourse with Europeans 

 tempt them to acquire their language. Circar schools, two in each 

 district, have been established for the benefit of the community at 

 large, but it would infinitely improve their efficiency were the num- 

 ber as well as the plan (tho' it must be confessed the natives are 

 little disposed to excursive knowledge) on a more enlarged scale. 

 The inferior ranks are wholly untaught, but an alleviation of their 

 physical wants must precede any mental improvement. 



They bear a general resemblance to the people of the other coast, 

 but have a greater symmetry of person, a fairer complexion, more 

 mild and agreeable features ; nor do we ever see amongst them that 

 shrewd over reaching cast of countenance, so common there; natural 

 deformity is rarely met with, but some diversity of exterior is ob- 

 servable ; allowing however for the difference, that coarser fare, 

 greater exposure and severer labour will produce, a great family 

 likeness is perceptible throughout, they have (particularly among 

 the higher orders) an expressive, pleasing though not always fine 

 physiognomy, generally a delicate formation of person, which is 

 rather perhaps below than above the ordinary standard. The sta- 

 ture of the women is inferior to that of their neighbours, but their 

 attractions rather condensed, than diminished, give them claim to 

 a more than equal measure of perfection, particularly those of the 

 Nairs, who have a soft fulness of form, and elegant but fragile con- 

 tour, while a carriage singularly graceful, lends additional and 

 dangerous allurements to their dusky charms. To their precosity 

 must be ascribed their early decay, with them their is no interme- 

 diate space between the freshness of youth, and decrepitude of 

 old age. Rank and cast experience here a degree of homage that 

 in other parts of the Peninsula would neither be required nor given. 

 In the presence of a superior, and each exacts the same observance 



