79 Mtinoir of the Survey of Travancore, [Januahy 



ductive here of its usual irreg^ularities, and the priesthood have the 

 reputation of indemnifying- thenriselves liberally for the restraint im- 

 posed on them ; they are not however diverted by those pursuits 

 from the regular observance of their religious offices ; but they ad- 

 here more to the minutise than spirit of religion, and hope to atone 

 by the repetition of puerile ceremonies for the sacrifice of important 

 virtues. The Syrian priests better educated, and not so turbulent, are 

 either less dissipated or more prudent, and (though not deserving the 

 praise of any great purity,) enjoy a higher reputation. Their garment 

 a loose white gown or shirt, reaching to the knees ; clerical ton- 

 sure and flowing beard (this only with the Syrians) distinguishes 

 them from the people ; their ceremonial vestments display a good deal 

 of tinselled finery. ^ 



The christians it has been seen, constitute about one eighth* of 

 the population, but they are of so varied a character, that it may 

 be desirable to discriminate the materials of which this body is com- 

 posed. The Syrian 1- share is split into tw^o parts, the PootuncoorJ 

 or Syrians, Piencoor or Romo Syrians, both these classes are found 

 scattered in the tract lying between the northern limits and Quilon, 

 and constitute infinitely the most valuable share of the christian 

 population. That portion of it who chiefly belong to the latin church 

 inhabiting the coast must be ranked greatly below the Syrians ; they 

 consist in a great measure of Moocoos, or fishermen, whose ances- 

 tors, the Portuguese extending their religion with their power, have 

 forced or persuaded into Christianity. Th-e Dutch may have been 

 more judicious in its promotion, they at least have been less violent 

 or less zealous, having made but few converts, and it is only in the 

 district of Agust Eshwur, that we find a large protestant congregati- 

 on : converts from the Shanaurs. They are under the spiritual di- 

 rection of an English Missionary, as also are the few of that parti- 

 cular creed found in the vicinity of Alleepey. 



The Nassarenes (the Syrians claim and deserve the high rank) are 

 -superior to any natives of India who profess Christianity, they are of 

 a mild tractable disposition, ignorant but susceptible of improve- 

 ment, and free from prejudice, might perhaps in time be taught 

 {could such an object be desirable) to adopt our manners, to which 

 however theirs at present does not make the slightest approximation. 



* But with reference to the extent of countiy, in which they are found 

 thev bear a much larger proportion. 



t'Tbey are collectively known by the term Maupulays or Nussarene 

 (Nazarines). 



^ In allusion to some distinction as to the elements used in taking the 

 sacrament. 



