THE NAIRS OF MALABAR. 
177 
rous, but of very filthy habits. They are reckon- 
ed so impure that not even a slave of caste will 
touch them. They occupy wretched hovels built 
under the shade of trees, and generally wander about 
in small companies, keeping at a distance from the 
public roads. When they see a passenger approach- 
ing they howl like a pack of hungry jackals. They 
eat carrion and offal of every description, and are al- 
together in a destitute condition. 
The Tiers, though seldom wealthy, are generally in 
good circumstances, living upon the produce of their 
land, which they cultivate with sufficient industry, 
but with no great skill. The Nairs are a superior 
caste to the Tiers. They are the pure Sudras of Ma- 
labar, and all pretend to be born soldiers, though they 
embrace various professions. Those of the highest rank 
among them perform the distinguished office of cook ; 
for, as every Hindoo desires that his food should be 
dressed by persons of higher rank than himself, the 
office of cook is one of distinction. There are eleven 
classes of Nairs, and from this caste the militia of 
Malabar is formed. They are governed by Rajahs, 
to whom they pay the most abject homage. These 
princes hold a despotic tyranny over them. A Nair 
would not hesitate a moment to cut down a Pa- 
riah who happened to pass within the length of his 
arm. 
The Nairs marry in infancy, but the wife always 
remains with the parents, and cohabits with any per- 
son she chooses of equal rank with her own. This 
practice is not considered in the slightest degree dis- 
graceful, nor does the husband reject the offspring of 
