OF BHARATAVAESA OR INDIA. 
169 
Though it is difficult as yet to decide definitively the 
ethnological status of the Todas, I believe I have been 
successful in assigning them to the Gaudian branch of the 
Grauda-Dravidian race. 
The Kotas. 
Next to the "Kurumbas and Todas the Kotas are the 
most ancient inhabitants of the Nilagiri range. According 
to Toda tradition Koten introduced them to these hills. 
Though they are regarded as the Pariah element among the 
hill-tribes, it is possible that they were originally more 
nearly related to the Todas, whom they call their annata- 
malu, i.e., brothers. They have many customs in common with 
the Todas, e.g., that which constitutes the youngest brother 
as heir of the house, a practice which seems also to prevail 
among the Kurumbas. They recognize no caste distinctions, 
but are sub-divided into Keris or streets. They are a very 
industrious tribe and devote themselves to agriculture and to 
various sorts of handicrafts. They excel as carpenters, smiths, 
tanners, basket-makers, &c. They acknowledge the Todas 
as the lords of the soil, and pay them tribute {gudu). They 
are well-formed, of average height, not bad featured and fair- 
skinned. They live in seven villages, one of which is in the 
neighbourhood of Grudalur.^^ The last census fixes their 
Compare Dr. Shortt's Account of the Tribes of the Neilgherries, pp. 
53-57: "This tribe ranks next to the Todas in priority of occupation of 
these hills. They have no caste, and are in this respect equal to the 
Pariahs of the low country ; and as a body, are the most industrious of the 
hill tribes, giving much of their time and attention to agriculture and 
handicraft, &c. . . . They also employ themselves as Curriers, and are highly 
esteemed in the plains for the excellent leather they cure . . . They ac- 
knowledge the Todas as lords of the soil. . . At the same time they exact 
from each hamlet of the Badagas within certain distance of their own village, 
certain annual fees, which they receive in kind for services rendered as 
handicraftsmen, &c., in addition to that of ceremonial or festive occasions 
for menial services performed ... In confirmation of their having followed 
the Todas as settlers on these Hills they hold the best lands, and have 
the privilege of selecting the best whenever they wish to extend their hold, 
ings. They are well made and of tolerable height, rather good featured and 
