CASTES AND TRIBES
OF SOUTHERN INDIA.
ABHISHĒKA.—Abhisheka Pandarams are those who are made to pass through some ceremonies in connection with Saiva Agama.
Acchu Tāli.—A sub-division of Vāniyan. The name refers to the peculiar tāli (marriage badge) worn by married women.
Acchuvāru.—Recorded, in the Madras Census Report, 1901, as "Oriya-speaking carriers of grain, etc., on pack bullocks. Treated as a sub-division of Gaudo." The Acchuvārus are not Oriya people, but are attached to the Dēvānga weavers, and receive their name from the fact that they do acchupani, i.e., thread the long comb-like structures of the hand-loom. They correspond to the Jātipillais of the Kaikōlan weavers, who do acchuvēlai.
Acchu Vellāla.—A name assumed by some Pattanavans.
Achan.—Achan, meaning father or lord, was returned, at the Cochin census, 1901, as a title of Nāyars. According to Mr. Wigram*[1] it is used as a title of the following : —
1. Males in the Royal Family of Palghat.
- ↑ * Malabar Law and Custom.
