Page:Castes and tribes of southern India, Volume 5.djvu/329

Rh as their attendants, to carry their sword and shield before them. 10. Vandikkaran. — A name, meaning cartmen, for those who supply fuel to temples, and cleanse the vessels belonging thereto.

11. Kuttina. — The only heiress of a Svarupam tarwad is said to have been a maid-servant in the Vadakketam Brāhman's house, and her daughter's tāli-kettu ceremony to have been celebrated in her master's newly-built cowshed. The bride was called kuttilachchi,or bride in a cowshed, and her descendants were named Kuttina Nāyars. They intermarry among themselves, and, having no priests of their own, obtain purified water from Brāhmans to remove the effects of pollution.

12. Matavar. — Also known as Puliyattu, Veliyattu, and Kāllur Nāyars. They are believed to have been good archers in former times. 13. Otatu, also called Kusa. Their occupation is to tile or thatch temples and Brāhman houses. 14. Mantalayi. — A tract of land in the Kalkulam taluk, called Mantalachchi Konam, was granted to them by the State. They are paid mourners, and attend at the Trivandrum palace when a death occurs in the royal family.

15. Manigrāmam. — Believed to represent Hindu recoveries from early conversion to Christianity. Manigrāmam was a portion of Cranganore, where early Christian immigrants settled.

16. Vattaykkatan, better known in Travancore as Chakala Nāyars, form in many respects the lowest sub-division. They are obliged to stand outside the sacrificial stones (balikallu) of a sanctuary, and are not allowed to take the title Pillai. Pulva is a title of distinction among them. One section of them is engaged