derogatory meaning, and are unsuitable. The expression Pancham Banda, or more briefly Panchama, seems more appropriate." The Government ruled that there is no objection to the proposal that Paraiyas and kindred classes should be designated Panchama Bandham or Panchama in future, but it would be simpler to style them the fifth class.
The following educational privileges according to the various classes classified as Panchama may be noted: —
- (1) They are admitted into schools at half the standard rates of fees.
- (2) Under the result grant system (recently abolished), grants were passed for Panchama pupils at rates 50 per cent, higher than in ordinary cases, and 15 per cent, higher in backward localities.
- (3) Panchama schools were exempted from the attendance restriction, i.e., grants were given to them, however small the attendance. Ordinary schools had to have an attendance of ten at least to earn grants.
- (4) Panchama students under training as teachers get stipends at rates nearly double of those for ordinary Hindus.
An interesting account of the system of education at the Olcott Panchama Free Schools has been written by Mrs. Courtright.*[1]
Panchama is returned, in the Census Reports, 1891 and 1901, as a sub-division of Balija and Banajiga.
Pancharamkatti.— A sub-division of Idaiyan, which derives its name from the neck ornament (panchāram) worn by the women.
Pandamuttu. — A sub-division of Palli, The name is made by Winslow to mean a number of torches
- ↑ * How we teach the Paraiya, 3rd ed,, Madras, 1906.
