Page:Tamil studies.djvu/21



xvi TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE. of the South according to the Sanskrit epicsthe theories of the neo-Tumil School--the Rakshasas and the Vanaras-their social and religious customs-Summary ... ... ... 33 Essay IV.—The TAMIL CASTEs.—The Tamil speak ing castes-the Brahinans and the nonBrahmans-the three types of pre-Aryansthe caste system introduced by the Aryansbut it was regional—the Vellalas not included their occupations--the occupational castesTamil and Malayalam castes compared-how the modern castes sprung from the territorial tribes-the hill tribes the Naga tribes - the Maravas and Eyinas--the Parayas and Idaiyasthe Pallas and Shanars—the fishing castes—the dissolving factors—the Kammalas—the caste system created disputes—the tribal quarters in ancient towns--origin of the Paraiyas-their former greatness-origin of the Kaikolas—the Tamils not good weavers -the Panans and other castes-origin of the Kammalas—the food of the Eyinas--origin of caste pollution ... 58 ESSAY V.-THE TAMIL CASTES.--(continued).---The caste system bred discontent and quarrels—the right and left hand disputes-castes enumerated-the caste privileges-Kammalas and Kaikolas-traditional origin of the division—the social position of the Kammalas and Kaikolasand Pallis or Vannivas-suggested originsProf. M. Rangacharya's theory examinedthe distinction not found in Malabar--(1) political origin—(2) supported by social disputes and (3) confirmed by religion-Summary ... 92 Essay VI.-THE TAMIL ALPHABET.--Its impor tance--the ten heads under which Tamil letters are treated the Vatteluttu and the Grantha-Tamil characters--the age of Vatte. luttu-date of the Tolkapyam-by whom the alphabet was introduced—the two opposite