71 Memoir of the Survey of Travancore. [Januakv 



proached. Held by so loose a tenure, it miglit be supposed their 

 frailties would not create much domestic contusion, but jealousy is 

 by no means unknown, that amiable passion producing even here 

 tragical events, although it must be allowed they do not often per- 

 mit it to trouble their harmony. Chastity not necessary to reputa- 

 tion is but Hghtly valued ; its infraction is regarded more as a failing 

 than a fault, and only as a crime, when the intercourse has been 

 beyond the pale of their own particular cast, both sexes, must con- 

 fine their amours within this limit, the severest penalties being an- 

 nounced against its infringements ; except as has been seen in instan- 

 ces of the higher classes, who on this occasion readily sacrifice their 

 scruples ; cast sanctifies every immorality. The bramins of all des- 

 criptions are courted with a caressing homage, the most obdurate 

 virtue could scarcely resist, nor do previous engagements oppose 

 any barriers to their success, as the Nair compelled to resign his 

 mistress to more holy embraces, retires on their approach, not ven- 

 turing however, strong his claim, or forcible his attachment, to inter- 

 pose between their enjoyments. 



This system though more particularly belonging to the manners 

 of the Nairs, serves as a precedent in some measure to most of the 

 other classes, at least marriage in the ordinary acceptation of the 

 term, is nearly unknown amongst them ; their union is regulated by 

 the inclination of the parties, and a mistaken choice soon rectified, 

 leaves Hymen here no scope for the exercise of his malice. Amongst 

 some of the classes of Shewans it is not uncommon for the female, to 

 confine her favors to the brothers of a family ; this practice which 

 is regarded as strengthening the ties of fraternity, is also common 

 amongst the cast of Artisans, in the southern parts it is however 

 decryed, by the superior orders, whose practice it may have been 

 observed, is of a still more reprehensible, complexion, indeed they, 

 but particularly the bramins, are represented as displaying an in- 

 genuity of hcentiousness difficult to relate, or amplify, the lower 

 classes, cooled by poverty into comparative continence, are in some 

 measure shielded from the contagion of their profligate example, 

 but the intercourse amongst all ranks, is too promiscuous, and the 

 feeling that leads to it (here more an appetite than a passion) less 

 restrained than in the neighbouring countries is productive of great 

 irregularities, but it is at least a decorous vice, that never obtrudes 

 itself on the observation, and is by no means accompanied by any 

 corresponding corruption of manners, however repugnant to our 

 ideas of propriety there are not wanting circumstances of extenuation, 



