Idiya (pounder). — Recorded, in the Travancore Census Report, 1901, as a division of Konkani Sūdras. The Idiyans prepare rice in a special manner. Paddy is soaked in water, and roasted over a fire. While hot, it is placed in a mortar, and pounded with a pestle. This rice is called avil, which is said to be largely used as a delicacy in Travancore, and to be employed in certain religious ceremonies.
The Idiyans are stated to have left their native land near Cochin, and settled in Travancore at the invitation of a former sovereign. On arrival in the land of their adoption, they were given, free of tax, cocoanut gardens and rice land. In return, they were required to supply, free of charge, the palace of the Mahārājah and the temple of Sri Padmanabhaswāmi at Trivandrum with as much beaten rice (avil) as might be required from time to time.
Īga (fly). — An exogamous sept of Mutrācha. The equivalent Īgala occurs as an exogamous sept of Yānādi.
Ilai (leaf). — Ilai or Ele has been recorded as a sub-division of Tigalas and Toreyas who cultivate the betel vine (Piper betle). Elai Vāniyan occurs as a synonym of Senaikkudaiyans, who are betel leaf sellers in Tinnevelly.
Ilaiyāttakudi. — A sub-division of Nāttukōttai Chetti.
Ilakutiyan. — Recorded, in the Travancore Census Report, 1901, as a sub-division of Nāyar.
Ilamagan. — The Ilamagans are described by Mr.Francis*[1] as "a cultivating caste found chiefly in the Zamindari taluk of Tiruppattūr in Madura. The word literally means a young man, but the young is
- ↑ * Madras Census Report, 1901.
