61 Memoir of the Survey of Travancore, [January 



On the whole though we cannot attach any great value to the 

 standard of their improvement, or characterize the people as deserv- 

 ing the reputation of great industry or pure morals, yet they are 

 superior to their neighbours in many things that exalt one class 

 above another ; it must nevertheless be allowed that the relative 

 condition of master and servants is here more unfavorably con- 

 trasted, and that with equal or greater resources than them, the 

 condition of the lower classes is generally inferior to the correspond- 

 ing ranks of the neighbouring countries, and their indigence is 

 rendered more striking by the comparative affluence of the higher 

 orders, who agreeable to their measure of it, have a considerable 

 share of enjoyment, their distinction might perhaps be partly traced 

 to an apathetical disposition, that renders them indiiFerent to hi(^her 

 enjoyments, but perhaps there -would be more justice in ascribing it 

 to the tyranny of cast, an indellible line here separates the different 

 ranks, in no part of India are those unnatural divisions so strongly 

 marked, so anxiously regarded, or their degrading or enobling 

 association in such activity.* The enumeration of fifty two casts 

 shews the divided character of the population, but the scale of 

 precedency is still more minutely graduated, each cast being split 

 into various subdivisions, which though serving to divide, as well 

 as distinguish it would be difficult to follow through all their intri- 

 cacies. It is however observed that the feelings they involve, have 

 been somewhat assuaged. The bramin less deified, permits the 

 Nair to approach him, while he in turn amongst other concessions, 

 submits to the christian being seated in his presence, nor dare he 

 now sacrifice the Polayen to his caprice, or indignation, but the 

 implacability of those prejudices must be infinitely more relaxed, 

 before the lower classes, the most valuable part of the population, 

 and on whom depends the whole productive industry of the country, 

 can rise above their present state of debasement. Their condition 

 (though improved and improving) excites our pity, often our disgust, 

 but above all the situation of the Proedial slaves most deserves 

 commisseration, as at once amongst the most useful, suffering a 

 wretchedness scarcely susceptible of aggravation. 



Bramins — Though divided by cast the population have a great 

 similarity of manners, but formed of such a medley, an outhne 

 of its component parts may be desirable. The Bramins to the 

 south of Quilon are called Poties,t in the more northern parts 



* The number of paces to which each may approach the other, is minutely 

 defined, a step beyond entails pollution and punishment, 

 t They will be spoken of generally under the latter denomination. 



