Page:Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Volume 2.djvu/431

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387
IRULA

and Ūrālis. In brief, the two former, who have mingled less with the outside world, retain the archaic type of platyrhine nose to a greater extent than the two latter. The reduction of platyrhiny, as the result of civilisation and emergence from the jungle to the vicinity of towns, is still further brought out by the following figures relating to the two classes of Irulas, and the Kanikars of Travancore, who still live a jungle life, and those who have removed to the outskirts of a populous town: —

——— Nasal index. Nasal index. Nasal index.
Average. Maximum. Minimum.
Irulas, jungle 84.9 100 72.3
Kanikars, jungle 84.6 105 72.3
Kanikars, domesticated 81.2 90.5 70.8
Irulas, domesticated 80.3 90.5 70

The Irulas of North Arcot are closely related to those of Chingleput. Concerning them, Mr. H. A. Stuart writes as follows.*[1] " Many members of this forest tribe have taken to agriculture in the neighbouring villages, but the majority still keep to the hills, living upon roots and wild animals, and bartering forest produce for a few rags or a small quantity of grain. When opportunity offers, they indulge in cattle theft and robbery. They disclaim any connection with the Yānādis, whom they hate. Their aversion is such that they will not even allow a Yānādi to see them eating. They offer worship to the Sapta Kannikais or seven virgins, whom they represent in the form of an earthenware

  1. * Manual of the North Arcot district-