Indian Antiquary Vol 61

SR No.: 032553
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 428
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 164

150
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[ AUGUST, 1932
A BALLAD OF KERALA. By M. D. RAGHAVAN, B.A., D.A. (Oxon.), F.R.A.L., PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT,
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, MADRAS.
(Continued from page 116.) He then sattles some property for the sole enjoyment of his sister, for whom he shows the greatest solicitude. Continuing the discourse with his brother, he proceeds to declare his wishes in regard to his wife Kuñjannuli :Eru+1 vayassilum ketti ñânum
"In her seventh year I married Alatturappenrre ponmakale
"The only daughter of Alatturappen, Maniyumkottappentre marumakale “The niece of Maniyomkottappen, Alattuvittile Kuñjannuli
"Kuñjannuli of Alattuvidu. Achcharam nûrronnu chollirrundu “One hundred and one guarantees have been
given. Nanmúrtam kondu kulichu ketti "Tying the tali under good auspices, Kettiyapandalil kondu pÔnnu
“She was conducted home directly, Avarume achcharum chollirrundu "And they in their turn have given assurances. Ayirattonninrre venma ponnum "The value in gold of thousand and one
guarantees Avalkayittanne kotittirrundu
"Has been given on her behalf. Vittupâtravum tannittundu
"Household vessels have been given as well. Avalêyum niyum marakkarute
"You should not forget her. Panattinum kotichchannayakkarutu "Send her not away on monetary considera
tions. Avaļum varakku mâyi poyatengil "Should she quarrel and leave you Paraññu vasattakki rakshikêņam "You should persuade her and protect her."
Then he speaks of other household affairs: "The mênônmar of Ambadikulom, when their crops once failed, took from us on loan seven thousand paras of paddy and seeds, which I lent them at a low rate of interest, on mortgage of their property recorded in copperplate deed. I warn you not to offend them or proceed against them to secure their lands." He then tells his brother that he has a son by his uncle's daughter Tumbólârchcha, who is fair to see. As he has given him nothing, he should see that his son is suitably provided, and well educated. He again adverts to his sister, saying that he has bestowed on her a kalari and some lands, which his brother should not covet - Kalariyil pûja kařippikkêņam
"The worship at the kalari should be main
tained. Melâlâyi pôyi karippichcholu
"You should supervise the ceremonies. Nåttukårokkayum ettumallo
"People of the entire locality will assemble ; Avaréyum niyannu ásrayikka
"Look to them for support. Êriya mundum panavum kittum "Presents of cloth and money you get in plenty Kuttôde pattum sammanikkum "And presents of silk. Kuraññónnu pennalkum kotuttukollu "Give the sister a share :
41 The references to the marriages of Arrummanammel Kunhiraman with Uņņi&rchcha, and of Aromar. with Kuñjannoli, make it clear that marriages among the Tiger were then as they now are, patrilocal. At the present day the N. Malabar Tiyar present the strange phenomena of being matrilineal so far as Buccession to property is concerned, while continuing to be patrilocal, the bride being invariably conduoted ceremoniously to the bridegroom's house, where she lives during the lifetime of her husband. In. deed property passed from father to son in the earlier days, as Aromar has described the inheritance of property in his family, the matrilineal form of descent being unknown. Considerable dowries were given with the bride in marriage, as is clear from the dowries bestowed on the marriages of Unni&rchcha and Kuñjannůli described above, the system of dowries being intimately connected with the inheritance of property from father to son, the daughter getting no share after marriage. The institution of dowry no longer prevails among the Tiyar, having disappeared apparently with the growth of the matrilineal form of descent with the Marumakkajayam system of inheritance, which obtaing at present.