Page:Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Volume 2.djvu/323

Rh to the public and to individuals. It is said that they may be safely intrusted with any sum ; for, each man carrying a certain value, they travel in bodies numerous in proportion to the sum put under their charge; and they consider themselves bound in honour to die in defence of their trust. Of course, they defend themselves vigorously, and are all armed; so that robbers never venture to attack them. They have hereditary chiefs called Gotugaru, who with the usual council settle all disputes, and punish all transgressions against the rules of caste. The most flagrant is the embezzlement of money entrusted to their care. On this crime being proved against any of the caste, the Gotugaru applies to Amildar, or civil magistrate, and having obtained his leave, immediately causes the delinquent to be shot. Smaller offences are atoned for by the guilty person giving an entertainment."

The Golla caste has many sub-divisions, of which the following are examples: —


 * Erra or Yerra (red). Said to be the descendants of a Brāhman by a Golla woman.


 * Āla or Mēkala, who tend sheep and goats.


 * Pūja or Puni.


 * Gangeddu, who exhibit performing bulls.


 * Gauda, who, in Vizagapatam, visit the western part of the district during the summer months, and settle outside the villages. They tend their herds, and sell milk and curds to the villagers.


 * Karna.


 * Pākānati.


 * Rācha (royal).


 * Peddeti. Mostly beggars, and considered low in the social scale, though when questioned concerning themselves they say they are Yerra Gollas.