Castes and Tribes of Southern India/Nagarālu
Nagarālu.— The Nagarālu are a cultivating caste in Vizagapatam, concerning whom it is recorded *[1] that "Nagarālu means the dwellers in a nagaram or city, and apparently this caste was originally a section of the Kāpus, which took to town life, and separated itself off from the parent stock. They say their original occupation was medicine, and a number of them are still physicians and druggists, though the greater part are agriculturists."
For the following note, I am indebted to Mr. C.Hayavadana Rao. Viziarām Rāz, the friend of Bussy, conferred mokhāsas (grants of land) on some of the most important members of the caste, whose descendants are to be found in various places. The caste is divided into three sections or gōtras, viz., Nāgēsvara (cobra), Kūrmēsa (tortoise), and Vignēsvara or Mūshika (rat). The rat is the vehicle of the elephant god Ganēsa or Vignēsvara. It is further divided into exogamous septs or intipērulu, such as sampathi (riches), chakravarthi (king or ruler), majji, etc.
The mēnarikam system, according to which a man should marry his maternal uncle's daughter, is in force. Girls are usually married before puberty, and a Brāhman officiates at marriages. The marriage of widows and divorce are not permitted.
The dead are burnt, and the chinna (little) and pedda rōzu (big day) death ceremonies, whereat a Brāhman officiates, are celebrated.
Some members of the caste have acquired a great reputation as medicine-men and druggists.
The usual caste title is Pāthrulu, indicating those who are fit to receive a gift.
- ↑ * Madras Census Report, 1901.