65 Memoir of the Survey of Travancore, [January 



when their numbers were few, their reputation high, the increase of 

 one, has proportionally deteriorated the other, but the influence of 

 superstition still enables them to hold a place in opinion, tliat their 

 own equivocal reputation could never deserve. It is unnecessary to 

 minutely enumerate the various classes of foreign bramins that re- 

 sort here. The Imbrantries from Toolonaad, (Canara) and Putters 

 from the Tirnavelly, Tanjore, Coimbetoor are the most numerous. 

 The latter are collected under Summooi2;hum Muddum which serve 

 as a point of union ; they are seventeen in number, and scattered 

 throughout the country, each individual attaches himself to one 

 thus forming' little communities or corporations, the Muddum has 

 generally some funds of its own, but all belonging to contribute to 

 its support, and the property of any of its members who may idie 

 without heir or intestate devolves to it. Some O'f the foreign bra- 

 mins remain permanently, but their abode in most cases is tempo- 

 rary, as they believe that dying in Malhallum exposes them to the 

 risk of transmigrating in the body of an ass ; a fate averted by a 

 timely retreat. They are chiefly engaged in the pursuits of com- 

 merce, which leads them frequently during their residence to visit 

 the other coast ; they traverse all parts of the interior finding a sub- 

 sistence at every Pagoda, or Ootuperra, and this indulgence they are 

 careful liberally to avail themselves of, the object of all is to accu- 

 mulate a certain property with which to retire to their families by 

 w4iom they are rarely accompanied, they are indefatigable in the 

 pursuit of this end, which their singular perseverance and economy 

 generally enables them to accomplish. Ambitious of office they 

 often attain it, but are generally seen performing some of the minor 

 duties of the temples, often in still meaner occupations, frequently 

 of a secular kind, but nearly half are merchants, trading in cloth 

 (of which they once had the exclusive privilege) and grain. The 

 Imbrantrie has some amiable qualities, and is by no means remark- 

 able for the wily duplicity that distinguishes the Putter, but it is 

 superfluous to draw the character of this class of men ; emigration 

 has not enlarged the sphere of their virtues, and they may be con- 

 sidered as ranking greatly below the Nomboories in every estima- 

 ble quality. 



Kshetries — The introduction of the Kshetries into Malliallum ap- 

 pears to have originated with the dynasty of Sharren Permaul, the 

 most eminent are called Tumbeemars, or Raujah Coomar Tevooma- 

 paud, denotes those of lesser dignity, there is some difference in 

 point of rank and privilege, the Saumunder class though belonging to 

 theKshetrie tribe are of secondary estimation. It is superfluous todetai! 



