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Rh we have examined give conflicting accounts of the several castes, which will be noticed later on. Nevertheless, we subjoin a tolerably correct statement which exhibits the names of important caste and the traditional occupations followed by the members thereof prior to their division into these social factions:—

Occupation: Right-hand. Left-hand.

Traders.

Balija, Banajiga, Komati, Vellan Chetti.

Beri Chetti, Vaniyans (who yoke two bullocks).

Weavers.

Jandra, Saliyan, Seniyan.

Devanga and Kaikolan.

Artizans.

Nil.

Kammalan, Kamsali, Panchalas.

Leatherworkers

Madiga or Chakkilian. (females)

(Males.)

Field labourers and soldiers.

Malaiman, Nattaman, Palli (females), Vedan or Vettuvan

Bedar, Palli (Males) Pallan.

Paraiyan, Mala and Holeya.

Of these the Mala, Holeya and Paraiyan were mostly field labourers; and the Kaikolans were soldiers. As a rule, most of the labouring classes and hunters were enlisted as sepoys by the Tamil kings. All the