Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/45

1837.] are the Todars. The comparison of language however, so far as I have been able to effect it, has not much assisted any such conclusion. The Khoonds have words which are of antique, pure, and high Tamil; such words are favourable to an ancient origin of their tongue. If at an early period they were driven to take refuge hi mountain-fastnesses, by reason of nomadic hordes of foreigners taking possession of the low-lands, then they might very probably carry with them the ancient general dialect of the low country. I have some reasons for such an opinion, founded on documents not yet before the public; but the most I can here do is to throw out the question for further consideration and investigation.

The second topic of attention is the manners, and rites, of this singular people. A brief extract from Mr. Stevenson's letter to the Editor of this Journal may perhaps best introduce this part of the subject.

"I must quite give up all hopes of being able to compile anything connected with the Khonds, &c. I have in vain attempted to find time to translate the enclosed memorandum, which are answers to queries put from time to time by me: you will have no difficulty in getting them translated, and if worth anything they can be made use of—the small Vocabulary is, I think correct—the account of the Merria or human sacrifice is also correct—but this I gave to Mr. Russell with a request that if he did not wish to incorporate it in his Report he would send it to you. If you think it worth while you might procure his consent to publishing it—to which, as he has finished his report, he would not probably object. The form of oath in their own language is curious and striking—these notes may assist you, or others who have collected materials, in drawing up a short memoir."

The memorandum to which Mr. Stevenson alludes, is a Telugu paper, rather in a Cutcherry hand-writing. It illustrates some of the curious peculiarities of the Khoonds. I have made with some care, and here present the following

1. The mode of celebrating marriages.—Some of the relatives of