CHAPTER XIII 
In describing the Hindoos, the aborigines of Hindostan, I divided 
them into four principal tribes, the Brahmin, Chuttree, Bjse, and 
Sooder; subdivided into a number of smaller castes: the Malabars 
in this distinguishing characteristic, and many other essentials, 
resemble the northern Hindoos: as a nation, their four grand divi- 
sions are the Brahmins, Nairs, Thivees, and Pooleahs. 
The Malabar brahmins, like those in other parts of India, form 
two distinct classes, engaged in different pursuits: both are held 
sacred by the other castes: one has the absolute and entire ma- 
nagement of every thing relating to religion: occupied by no 
secular concerns, they spend their days under the sacred groves of 
their temples in superstitious ceremonies, and listless indolence, or 
study the sacred volumes, treatises on astrology, medicine, and 
fabulous legends; they inculcate benevolence to man, and kindness 
to the animal creation, and are reverenced by the inferior tribes, 
who swear by their heads, and treat them with filial affection. 
The brahmins who live in large towns, and hold situations un- 
der their respective princes, as officers of government, collectors 
of the revenue, and other political departments, do not merit this 
amiable character: they may, on the contrary, be classed with the 
