Page:The Indian Antiquary, Vol. 4-1875.djvu/374

ISovembee, 1875.] CASTE INSIGNIA. 34^ The following is an. account of the insignia proper to castes, as given in the Kanchi records. " This copy was written, in the presence of Collector Coleman and Danapan Shetti, by the heads of castes, with their full approval : — "Dated 17th April 1807. "The insignia of the 'nadu-deshada' : — " "White nuibrella — white horse — ' Chamara (fens) — ' Pal-pavada 1 (cloths spread before one) — day-torch (i.e. torches by daylight) — 'More' (a kind of harp) — dancing girls — red turban — trumpets— 1 Jayamaru' (an ornament set with precious stones) — white hag — kettle- drums— the insignia of merchants — the lion- flag — ' Hannmanta palu' — five-coloured flag — the bull-flag — the holy-coloured (yellow) tent — bell and chain — ' Mantappa, <&c. Sanga Mahesv&rana throne — necklace of snakes : — all these are proper to the right hand. 1. Telega Ballala Shetti,— The 'hamsa.' 2. Do. Kuraba, — The conch shell. 3. Bridara,— The 'ganda bhirunda' (a fabulous bird having a doublo head and which lived on elephants), twelve poles and four corners, 4. Yene (oilmen),— Fish. i>, KonakarA — : '? 6. Idigaru,— A ladder. 7. Gujarat Mochi,— A flag of Eve colours an ensign with Nimosa Soma. 8. Nayamora — A turtle. 9. Waddiiro, — A spade. 10. Karnataka Mochi, — A red flag. 11. Gollaro,— A silver stick used in churn- ing. 12. Goudas, — A plough. 13. Karnataka Kurabara,— A black flag. 14. Teligft, — ' Naga varhna/ a cobra coiled up wiili head erect 15. Jalagaru, — Lotus flower. 1C. Korama Shetti,— The string used to tie up a bag, 17. Christians,— A currycomb ! ! ! 18. Bhattara (bards),— A silver stick, 19. Courtezans, — Copid. 20. Dolegara, — Cupid. 21. Maddale Kara (drummers who use both hands), — Drum. 22. Bestaru (fishermen),— Net 23. Bndabudako, — A pearl-oyster. 24. Tora-Kala,— A pearl. 26, Telegaru,— A trident-flag. 26. Marama pnjari (i.e. priest to the village goddess), — The dress worn when per- forming service. 27. Nere-Koramaru, — A dog. 28. Madivala (washermen), — ' Ubbi' (the pot in wbich clotbes are boiled). 29. Telagu Hajamaru, — The pipe used by snake-charmers. 30. Komtegaru, — in eleven 'kambas' (poles) three corners. 31. Nagatara, — A dancing-girl, eleven kam- bas and three cornel's. 32. Padigara, — Fire; 2nd, jackal; 3rd, a fly- brush. 33. Upiira,— Flowers. 34. Vajara (carpenters), — An eagle or kite; eleven poles and three comers (only allowed to go in procession in their own street). 35. Kocha-Kuraba, Mohont, — A peacock ; 2nd, a hear ; 3rd, an antelope. 36. Ane-Samagarn, — The insignia of the Mo- chis ; a boy's kite. 87. Mahauadi Marauna,— The chief neck- Lace. 38. Dombarn, — Pole and knife. 39. Tigala-Kumbara, — The potter's wheel. 40. Devangada, — Flowers, eleven poles and three corners. 41. Hegga-Negarn, — Five-coloured flag, ele- ven poles and three corners. 11 The left-hand caste have eleven kanibas and three corners — canopy— a black cloth over the centre of the canopy when carried dnring a marriage ceremony or other great occasions. At twelve o'clock at night they may ride a black horsa in their own street, to which processions are confined. If there are any dancing-girls in their caste they may dance. If there are any washermen they may wash for them. The horn of a buffalo — drum : the ring over which the skin of the drum is stretched may be of silver if they have the means. " Besides the above to which the natfrj- (feff&ada are entitled. As the white umbrella and the palpavadu (spreading of oloths) are the highest honours, mnyfcis, gods, and princes are entitled to them. " Whoever takes an insignia to which he is not entitled, his family will surely die." The eleven poles refer to the number allowed to be used to support thoptmdal erected in the