sub-caste of Māla or Holeya, which, in Bellary, are almost interchangeable terms. They are prostitutes and dancers." Among the Mādigas, men called Āsādi, who have undergone an initiation ceremony, go about, in company with the Mātangis (dedicated prostitutes), playing on an instrument called the chaudike, and singing the praises and reciting the story of Ellammā. (See Mādiga.)
Āsan (teacher).—The title of Variyans, who have held the hereditary position of tutors in noblemen's families. Also a title of Pishārati and Kanisan.
Āsāri.—In most parts of the Madras Presidency,Mr. H. A. Sturat writes, " Āsāri (or Āchāri) is synonymous with Kammalān, and may denote any of the five artizan castes, but in Malabar it is practically confined to the carpenter caste. The Āsāri of Malabar is the Brāhman of the Kammāla castes. The Kammāla castes generally pollute Nāyars by approaching within twelve feet, and Brāhmans by coming within thirty-six feet;but an Āsāri with his measuring rod in his hand has the privilege of approaching very near, and even entering the houses of higher castes without polluting them.This exception may have arisen out of necessity." At the census, 1901, some Sāyakkārans (Tamil dyers) returned Āsāri as a title.
In a Government office, a short time ago, the head clerk, a Brāhman named Rangachāri, altered the spelling of the name of a Kammālan from Velayudachāri to Velayudasāri in the office books, on the ground that the former looked Brāhmanical.
Ashtākshari (eight syllables).—A sub-division of Sātānis, who believe in the efficacy of the eight syllables ōm-na-mō-nā-rā-yā-na-ya in ensuring eternal bliss. The name ashtabhukkulu, or those who eat the eight
