Indische Palaographie von circa 350 a. Chr. – circa 1300 p. Chr. c48.s2.34.5

c48.s2.34.5

Curiously enough, the only sympathisers with the claim, outside those who put it forward, are the Christian converts from the caste. The general position of the S'āṇān in society is that of the lower field labourer, just above that of the menial class. In former years, indeed, it appears that the S'āṇān, like the weavers, were prohibited from living within the village site. In the Telugu country and the Coromandel coast the tree-tapping castes are fairly strong. The Iḍiga, which is the principal body amongst them, is an offshoot of the great Balija class, with whom it still sits down to meals. The separation seems to have taken place on functional considerations, though the Iḍiga eschew spirituous liquor and employ Brāhmans of good position. They pay special homage, however, to the goddess of toddy and intoxicants generally. It is sometimes returned as Indra, but the derivation of Iḍiga, from the verb to extract or draw, like that from the climbing-loop in other cases, seems to indicate the more appropriate title. The Gamaḷḷa, or Gauṇḍla caste is also one of the same locality, and has a subdivision of the name of Iḍiga. Its position, however, is a little lower, and it ranks with the petty cultivators or more respectable field labourers. Brāhmans are called in for its ceremonies, except for funerals, which are under the Sātāni. On the coast just below Orissa, are two small castes, the Segidi and the Yāta, which are toddy-drawers by tradition and mainly in practice.