1847.] 



cn Macketizh Ma'miscr>pis. 



139 



an cniimeration of the classes, or castes, into ^Yhich the two lines of Vaish- 

 navas and Saivas became divided, and of the Pariars, and others, who range 

 under the right hand class. These castes on both sides are stated to be 

 ninety-eight. The sub-divisions are those of persons having caste ; that is, 

 not Pariars. 



Hemark.— This book differs from my anticipations concerning tha 

 contents. At Madras and elsewhere, the term right hand caste is mads 

 to apply to the Pariars, and to a few retail dealers in vaiious commodi- 

 ties, -while left hand is applied to all Hindus besides : and between thesa 

 two divisions there h.as alv^-ays existed iiTemediable strife . But the Ma- 

 nuscript under notice only indirectly relates to these. Various traces of 

 hot disputes, on mythological, and other subjects remain: vrith which dis- 

 cussions on banners, and distinctions, would be likely to be mingled. The 

 result has been a separation, amounting to opposition, between the 

 Vaishnavas, and Saic-as, and the formation of a medium class, the Sjiiar^taSf 

 followers of Sa7icardcharya, who, though professing to follow th.e Smritis, 

 or ancient laws, and to reconcile differences in the two extremes, by way of 

 a juste ■milieu, are in reality Pantheists, and almost Atheists. I deem 

 this book rather curious, and could wish, at leisure, to give it a full ti'ans- 

 lation. 



Note. — There is a deficiency towards the end ; but there is no defect in 

 the connexion of the matter as far as it proceeds ; and the condition of the 

 book is tolerably good.' A brief entry occurs in the Des. Cat., Vol. I, 

 p. 203, Art. 31. 



64. Avidmyar-kovil-st-'hals.-pura.nayn^ or legend of the fane at the town 

 of Avidaiyar. 



This is the legend of a fane bearing the same name, with its town 

 or village ; the site of which is a little to the south of Chitamba- 

 ram. The observable points are the occurrence of a dispute, as to right 

 of property, between the Curunibars, and the Vellazhas, to settle which 

 the king of Madura came hither in person ; and the other is the tale of 

 Mdnioavasacar herein reproduced with reference to the making away with 

 6tate-raoney, in building and repairing Saiva fanes — the miraculous sup- 

 ply of horses, and other consequences as heretofore, v.ith sufficient minute- 

 ness, detailed. 



Note. — The manuscript is of recent appearance, complete; and in ner- 

 fect preservation. It is entered in Des. Cat., Vol. 1, p. 171, Art. 24. 



65. Tiru-iitto.ra cosamavga sfhala jyuram (private mark x 14.) 



This is merely a bundle of palm leaves, written on, without covers, 

 labels, or marks, save the one above indicated. It has not the appear- 

 ance of the Mackenzie MSS. ; and does not appear in the Catalogue. It 

 is the production of Vellai oynbaJa Pander ayn of Madura, who meditating;- 

 the Bhai'isKottara Purdni rendered praise to Ganesa, &c. Szc. 



