The correlation of the most important measurements of the Mādigas of the Telugu country, and so-called Chakkiliyans of the city of Madras, is clearly brought out by the following figures:—
Thirty Madigas. cm. |
Fifty Chakkiliyans. cm. | |
Stature | 163.1 | 162.2 |
Cephalic length | 18.6 | 18.6 |
Cephalic„ breadth | 13.9 | 13.9 |
Cephalic„ index | 75. | 75. |
Nasal height | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Nasal„ breadth | 3.7 | 3.6 |
Nasal„ index | 80.8 | 78.9 |
The Chakkiliyan men in Madras are tattooed not only on the forehead, but also with their name, conventional devices, dancing-girls, etc., on the chest and upper extremities.
It has been noticed as a curious fact that, in the Madura district, "while the men belong to the right-hand faction, the women belong to and are most energetic supporters of the left. It is even said that, during the entire period of a faction riot, the Chakkili women keep aloof from their husbands and deny them their marital rights."[1]
In a very interesting note on the leather industry of the Madras Presidency, Mr. A. Chatterton writes as follows.[2] "The position of the Chakkiliyan in the south differs greatly from that of the Mādiga of the north, and many of his privileges are enjoyed by a 'sub-sect' of the Pariahs called Vettiyans. These people possess the right of removing dead cattle from villages, and in return