Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/292

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244
AN EARLY DUTCH ACCOUNT OF INDIA

name, whereby they are distinguished one from another, and ofttimes different trades, whereby they support themselves; but one of the best castes was held the Wellala (Vellalars), some of whom bear rule and others live by agriculture. Next follow, say they, the Ambria, the most of whom live by sowing and some serve the great, although at Paliacatta they also gain their livelihood by building houses. The other castes I shall not here set forth according to their order, for that there is no unanimity among them as to which precedeth, but each mightily claimeth and pretendeth that his own caste is best. The Cauwreaes are a very great caste, called "the race of the three hundred." In this caste are received all those that have lost their caste, and therefore they are, as it were, without caste; and therefore they liken this caste to the sea, which receiveth all the water of the rivers, yet doth not become full thereof. Some of this caste govern; many are painters who paint the linen cloth which is needful for the clothing of their nation, as well as of others oversea, especially in Aracan and most of all in Pegu, wheresoever these paintings are much affected and desired. Many are soldiers.

NATIVE INDIAN PLOUGHS.

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