There are other religious offices, as those of the Kāzi, Katib, and Mulla. The highest personages of divinity among them are known as Tangals. In the middle of the last century there was a very influential Tangal (Mambram Tangal), who was suspected of fomenting outbreaks, and who conferred his blessing on the murderous projects of his disciples. Of him it is stated that he was regarded as imbued with a portion of divinity, and that the Māppillas swore by his foot as their most solemn oath. Earth on which he had spat or walked was treasured up, and his blessing was supremely prized. Even among the higher class of Mappillas, his wish was regarded as a command.
Mr. A. R. Loftus-Tottenham informs me that "it is quite common now for Māppillas to invoke Mambram Tangal when in difficulties. I have heard a little Mappilla, who was frightened at my appearance, and ran away across a field, calling out 'Mambram Tangal, Mambram Tangal.' The Tangal, who had to be induced to leave Malabar, went off to Constantinople, and gained great influence with the Sultan."
In 1822 it was recorded*[1] by Mr. Baber, in a circuit report, that the Tarramal and Condotty Tangals "pretend to an extraordinary sanctity, and such is the character they have established, that the people believe it is in their power to carry them harmless through the most hazardous undertakings, and even to absolve them of the most atrocious crimes. To propitiate them, their votaries are lavish in their presents, and there are no description of delinquents who do not find an asylum in the mosques wherein these Tangals take up their abode, whether pursued by the Police, or by their own evil
- ↑ * vide Correspondence on Moplah Outrages, 1849-53.
