Harkness, Henry: A description of a singular aboriginal race inhabiting the summit of the Neilgherry Hills, or Blue Mountains of Coimbatoor, in the Southern Peninsula of India (London, 1832)

RELIGION. 19

Of the tribes here alluded to, one whom they call the
Marves,* a race of Hindus, who, but a few generations
ago, emigrated hither, to escape the oppression and
tyranny of their masters, and who are ten times more
numerous than the Tudas themselves, speak of the
latter, and treat them with a respect and observance
denoting that they either consider them superior in
natural qualities, or that this deference is due to them
by prescriptive right.

Some of the latter have also a dread of them, believing
that they possess preternatural powers. The Marves,
however, are a timid race, deeply imbued with super-
stition ; the Tudas a hardy and fearless one, superior in
stature, distinct in religion, language, customs, and mode
of living; with a carriage and demeanour bespeaking a
boldness and freedom unknown to the others, their ap-
parent consciousness of superiority alone, would readily
command a corresponding acknowledgment of it from
the former.

Whatever their religion may be, it is evident that it is
generally misunderstood ; and perhaps the true nature of
it is altogether unknown. Of itself it forms a subject of
curious inquiry; and one of which a correct understand-
ing will perhaps go further than any other, to develope
the history of this extraordinary people.

* More generally known by the name of Burghers, Buddacars, or
Vaddacars.

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