1834.] Memoir of the Survey of Travancore, 



68 



The character* of the Nair, in some points rises above that of his 

 neighbours, but it is made up ot anomalies, a highmindedness, sen- 

 sibly alive to personal insult, is united to an insidious duplicity, a 

 rapacity difficult to satisfy or satiate, a more than equivocal integri- 

 ty at least when in office, and perhaps only then, as they exhibit 

 no particular distrust to each other, and an ingenuity of falsehood 

 that can affirm or deny with equal facility ; but th«'re are not want- 

 ing qualities to modify and soften many of those darker shades ; in 

 their intercourse with each other they are mild, perhaps amiable, 

 nor are they by any means strangers to domestic or social virtues. 

 They possess a considerable share of intelligence, though probably 

 they have more subtilty than ability in business- To their equals 

 the'; demeanour is courteous, the degradation of the lower orders 

 will account for, and partially extenuate their arrogance towards 

 them, but if haughty, the feeling at least is free from any mixture of 

 cruelty. Though having no sentiments of martial independence, 

 (indeed their virtues as well as vices have a tincture of efteminacy) 

 they have the reputation of being brave, but their courage is of the 

 usual Hindoo kind, rather apathetical than active. Life supported 

 with patience is quitted without regret, and when forfeited to offend- 

 ed laws, is resigned with an unequalled degree of stoicism. Though 

 capable of exertions, they are prone to indolence, a listless disposition 

 satisfied with indigent care, supplying no stimulus for exertion, as 

 in other parts of Malliallum ; they must gradually give way at least 

 in point of property, before the superior industry of some of the in- 

 ferior ranks. All the servants of Government, are taken from this 

 class, they are particularly solicitous of office, and it has been seen 

 how well disposed they are to abuse it, in those cases, the) are more 

 profligate in acquisition, than lavish in consumption, and perhaps 

 may generally deserve the character rather of economy than prodig- 

 ality, except those on such occasions almost all live on their lands, 

 the latter classes have the enjoyment of much leisure. If the busi- 

 ness of agriculture require their attendance, their employment is 

 more of inspection than aid. 



The higher orders of Nairs, are known under the collective term 

 of Maudumby, or Prubbukamars, designations under which are 

 comprised various others ; the most common are Kurtaos, Elluid- 

 dum, Kymulla, Kuiupu, Mainawen, Pulle (the two latter are also 

 used as professional offices) in which there is a nice gradation of 



* It bears except in the particular that requires the fidelity of the men 

 very remarkable resemblance to that given of the Natchiez, a South Ameri- 

 can tribe. 



