100 



Topographical Report o7i the Neilgherries. 



[July 



The Todars are a tall athletic race, having fine open countenances, 

 with aquiline noses, jet black hair, which curls in ringlets, but is not 

 worn long, or at least much longer than by the Europeans. Their 

 heads have no other covering, as they never wear a turban or other 

 protection against the elements. Their only garment is a long wide 

 cloth, with a blue or red edging, which is thrown over the left shoulder, 

 and thence round the body, leaving the right arm free and bare, in the 

 manner of a Roman toga. Men and women are dressed alike, except- 

 ing that th« women have their arms decorated with very heavy brass 

 bangles. They have no ornaments on their heads, or in the ears or 

 noses. There are no marriage ceremonies among them, but they live 

 pretty much as the Nairs of Travancore ; one woman being allotted 

 to several men, which practice is said to owe its origin to female infan- 

 ticide, the cause of which barbarous custom is not by any means ap- 

 parent, as their means of living do not seem to be limited, nor their 

 habits extravagant or expensive. 



The eldest brother of a family applies for a young girl to her mother, 

 and, on consent being obtained, two buffaloes are given by the father 

 of the girl as a provision for her ; the bridegroom also gives her a few 

 buffaloes, according to his circumstances. Afterwards the bridegroom, 

 followed by all his brothers, conducts her home. About the approach 

 of the period of maturity, the brothers take the girl into the woods, 

 w here the marriage is consummated by all of them. Afterwards, some 

 rice is boiled, of which they all partake, when they return home toge- 

 ther, and she lives with them as a wife. Women are allowed promis- 

 cuous intercourse with the caste, receiving a piece of cloth of one and 

 a half rupee value from each. The more presents she receives, the 

 more respect and regard are shown her, and she is highly esteemed in 

 the tribe. 



When a woman is in labour, she is supported by two women to the 

 nearest wood or bush, and after delivery word is sent to one of her gal- 

 lants whom she likes best, who carries the child in his hands, followed 

 by the mother, to the distance of a mile, where a temporary hut is 

 erected, in which they remain for the space of a month. During this 

 time he is in attendance, and cooks sawmay rice (a species of millet) 

 for her. At the expiration of the above period they return home. No 

 medicines are given in case of sickness, the child is bathed every third 

 or fourth day in warm water, and the mother's milk is the only nourish- 

 ment or medicine it receives. 



Buffaloes form the property of the Todars, who all live in little com- 

 munities, not exceeding a dozen persons, and their habitations are 



