OF BHAEATAVARSA OR INDIA. 
173 
CHAPTER XI. 
On the Kuravas (Kuruvas, Kurd mas), Koracaru, 
KuRus (Yerakulas), Kaurs, Kunnuvas. 
The above-mentioned names are representative terms of 
various kindred tribes who live scattered in this country. 
While a considerable majority of their relatives in Northern 
India have embraced agricultural pursuits and form a pre- 
ponderant element of the rustic population, many of their 
cousins in Southern India still cling to their old mountain 
homes, or roam as migratory hordes over the country, or are 
leading a pastoral life as shepherds. 
For the sake of lucidity I shall consider these tribes under 
separate heads and begin with the wandering Kuravas. 
On the Kuravas (Kuruvas, Kueumas), Koracaru, &c. 
These wandering tribes are known over the greater part 
of India as Kuravas (Koravas) or Kurumas. They are also 
known as Koracaru (Korcaru, Korsaru or Kuruciyar), which 
term may be either a variation of Korava, the v being 
changed into c, or, as has been suggested, may be explained 
as a mixed eompoimd from kora mountain and the Sans- 
krit root car, to go, so that it means hill-walkers. In this 
case their name reminds one of their Dra vidian brothers 
the Malacar (Malasar). Dr. Francis Buchanan by calling 
the Koragas of South-Kanara Koravas, identifies them with 
the latter. At another place, however, he names the Koravas 
also Koramas. 
In consequence of their roving life and the begging and 
cheating propensities which so many Kuravas exhibit, they 
are much disliked and shunned. They wander continually 
5" Compare Dr. Francis Buchanan's Jonniey from Madras through the 
Countries of Mysore, Canara, and Malabar, second edition, v'ol. I, pp. 174, 
175: "The Co7-amas, or Coramaru, are a set of people considered by the 
Brdhmans as an impure or mixed breed. They make baskets and trade in 
grain, and salt to a considerable extent ; but none of them can read or write. 
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