#16 A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH 
CHAPTER The Devangas frequently make a very dark blue, which they call 
black, by means of the bark of the Szvamy , or Sw el tenia febrifuga 
June 22, &c. Roxb: MSS. This colour is cheap ; but its intensity leaves it on 
nek tlle first . whereas the very deep blue imparted by repeated 
immersions in indigo, and approaching near to black, is very high 
priced, and durable. It is the colour most esteemed by the natives, 
who call it black. The Devangas take cotton thread or cloth, that 
Sale of dyed 
cotton goods, 
' and condi- 
tion of the 
weavers. 
White mus- 
lins. 
has been dyed blue by the Mligaru with indigo, and sprinkle it 
with a decoction of Szvamy bark. This is made by powdering the 
dry bark, and boiling it for an hour and a half. While the cloth or 
thread is sprinkled, it must be moved with the hand, so as to im- 
bibe the colour equally in every part. 
These weavers say, that they obtain advances from the merchants, 
and borrow money from the bankers, exactly on the same terms as 
the PutLuegani. They sell their goods to merchants, or to private 
customers, and never carry them to the public markets. None of 
them follow any other business, than that of weaving, and many 
are in good circumstances.* The Shaynagaru are the richest. The 
servants are paid by the piece, and make about 20 Fanams (13s. 
a month. 
A kind of weavers called Bily mugga by the Mussulmans, but in 
fact consisting of the casts called Shaynagaru , Padma-skalay, and 
Samay-shalay, weave many kinds of white muslins. 
I. D ut ary, striped and chequered muslins, called in Bengal Du~ 
rias. They are from 28 to 32 cubits long, and from 2 to If broad; 
and, if commissioned, flowers of cotton, or gold thread, are fre- 
quently woven in them. 
II. Soda shilla , or plain muslin, like the Mulmuls of Bengal. These 
are from 2d to 32 cubits in length, and If to 2 cubits in breadth. 
III. Asto cumin. , a cloth like the Cossahs of Bengal. They have 
sometimes striped or silver borders, and are always ornamented 
with silver at the ends. They are used by men to wrap round their 
shoulders. 
