1834.] Memoir of the Survey of Travancore. S2 



which they shared in common with lower classes of the community 

 to a respectable rank in it. Of the other portion of the inhabitants 

 who profess Christianity, it is superfluous to speak, they belong to 

 the very lower orders, and present no peculiarities to discriminate 

 them. 



Shogamars — The Shogamars, or Eleevars, are not of the Shuder 

 tribe. To the south this class is known asShanars, to the north as 

 Teeans : denominations carrying with them but slight shades of dis* 

 tinction, all may be considered as applicable to the same race ; they 

 are found throughout the country but in large numbers along the 

 coast, performing in fact the chief horticultural labours of the cocoa- 

 nut plantations, and employed in the various manufacture of the 

 preducts. Always engaged in the more active operations of rural 

 economy, they never hold oiHce except of the lowest kind, in fact are 

 rarely seen in any character than ryots of some description or other^ 

 martyrs to the distinction of casts, the higher order treat them with su- 

 percilious scorn. Too poor to invite their rapacity, they hold them ia 

 bondage, at least their domineering temper awes them into a servitude 

 mitigated to be sure when contrasted to that of the Prcedial Slaves. 

 During late years this class has been raised in some measure from 

 the state of degradation in which they were held, the repeal of an 

 oppressive poll tax from which the lowest poverty could not exempt, 

 the abrogation of the Ooloogoo or forced labour, and many vexa- 

 tious inhibitions and restraints, may have taught them their own 

 rights and given them confidence to claim them. There is of course 

 considerable variety in their condition and character, towards the 

 south, they draw their subsistance from the palmyra, and enjoy 

 some local advantages. The Shanars, bear a resemblance to the 

 people of the other coast, and are not distinguished by that passive 

 ductility of temper, that marks the character of those belonging to 

 the more northern part. In so large a body some will possess con- 

 siderable property, but the numbers of even the moderately affluent 

 are exceedingly limited. All are allowed to hold lands and gardens, 

 but they labour not, possession constituting the principal share of the 

 under tenantry, paying a rent that allows but little profit. In fact 

 their soil rarely ensures them more than a hut, affording an insuffi- 

 cient shelter, and permits them to subsist or rather starve, through- 

 out the year on cocoanut and fish. They are not remarkable as 

 wanting intelligence, are indolent, harmless, tractable, and if deserv- 

 ing the charge of a timid pusillanimity, it must be ascribed to the 

 state of vassalage in which they have been so long held. There are some 

 distinctions of rank, each village has a Tundan, or principal of its 



