178 



ON THE CASTES 



families who are of this caste in Malabar. They are known 

 by the names of (1), the Trippapore Svaraupam ; (2), the 

 Perumpatapil Svaraupam; and (3), the Kola Svaraupam. 

 The first represents the royal family of Travancore, the 

 second that of Cochin, and the third that of Cherakel. Some 

 of the descendants of this third house are known by the 

 names of Koil Pandaras, Koil Tampurans, Tampans, 

 Tirumilpadus, &c. 



According to some, there are no Vaisyas in Malabar, while, 

 according to others, there are people of this caste in Wynad. 

 On account of this doubt we don't see the Vaisyas included 

 among the 72 castes given in the J ati Ninnaya. 



It is very necessary not to confound the Malayali 

 Brahmins with the Brahmins of the other parts of India who 

 may be seen in great numbers, at the present day, all over 

 the country. 



The 72 castes are thus divided ; eight classes of Brahmins, 

 two classes of Nuna jatis, twelve classes of Antarala jatis, 

 eighteen classes of Sudras, six classes of artizans, ten classes 

 of Patita jatis, eight classes of Nicha jatis, and eight classes 

 of extra jatis* 9 



The eight classes of Brahmins are : — 



(1) . Tamprakal. (5). Jati Matreyan. 



(2) . Ashta Grahathil Adhian. (6). Sanketiken. 



(3) . Vis'ishta Brahmana. (7). Sapagrasthan. 



(4) . Samanya Brahmana. (8). Papielithan. 



There are sub-divisions among these. As it may be of 

 interest to many of my readers, I shall here give the various 

 sub-divisions and privileges of these classes. 



(9) The extra jatis are not included in the following sloca according to 

 which is the division : — 



Bo^cfo^e/lcns oj rdil on o a oa erf) .aM 3 o^lq^ .ajrouotDCSUcfia c^aolewrwofcS 

 quoted in a Mala work. 



