117
PARAIYAN
that to the leather-dressers (Chakkiliyans). Mr. Stuart, however, states *[1] that "the Konga Paraiyans and the Vellām Paraiyans, who do scavenging work, will eat cows that have died a natural death, while Tangalāns only eat such as have been slaughtered. "In time of famine, the Paraiyans dig into ant-hills to rob the ants of their store of grass seed. This is called pillarisi or grass rice.
There are many proverbs in Tamil, which refer to Paraiyans, from which the following are selected: —
- (1) If a Paraiyan boils rice, will it not reach God? i.e., God will notice all piety, even that of a Paraiyan.
- (2) When a Paraiya woman eats betel, her ten fingers (will be daubed with) lime. The Paraiya woman is a proverbial slut.
- (3) Though a Paraiya woman's child be put to school, it will still say Ayyē. Ayyē is vulgar Tamil for Aiyar, meaning Sir.
- (4) The palmyra palm has no shadow; the Paraiyan has no decency. A contemptuous reference to Paraiya morality.
- (5) The gourd flower and the Paraiyan's song have no savour. Paraiyans use this saying about their own singing.
- (6) Though seventy years of age, a Paraiyan will only do what he is compelled.
- (7) You may believe a Paraiyan, even in ten ways; you cannot believe a Brāhman. Almost the only saying in favour of the Paraiyan.
- (8) Is the sepoy who massacred a thousand horse now living in disgrace with the dogs of the parachēri?
- (9) Paraiyan's talk is half-talk. A reference to Paraiya vulgarisms of speech.
- ↑ * op cit.
