Report on the medical topography and statistics of Neilgherry Hills / Compiled from the records of the Medical Board Office.

  • Madras State
Date:
1844
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report on the medical topography and statistics of Neilgherry Hills / Compiled from the records of the Medical Board Office. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Wistey alls, The waters never accumulate in a sufficient body to form cataracts of much magnitude or sublimity, but the falls at Kaytee and Killhutty are picturesque ; as are also those of the tributaries of the Bowany river in the Koondahs ; and there is a considerable fall or weir, in the Pycara river. Fonglspen. The number of inhabitants of the Neilgherry hills, is computed to amount to-between 5 and 6000, who are divided into three principal classes viz.: Yoders, Buddagurs, and Hotars. The former occupy almost exclusively the elevated western part of the hills, consisting of pasture land, and which bears their name. The two others dwell in dis- tinct villages, in the eastern or lower range, known as the Buddagur country. be ar The toders a very remarkable race of men, are in stature above the general height. They are firm, erect, and muscular, have a brown complexion, and a cast of feature said ‘to resemble that of the jew. Their hair is short and curled, and their beards bushy ; their features are so regular, that in an entire village, scarcely a man can be found who might not be called handsome. ‘They wear no turbands, and their only clothing consists of a piece of coarse cloth, thrown over one shoulder, and folded on the body after the fashion of the highland plaid. ‘The men however, cover their heads when in mourning. The toder women have long hair, which is parted in the middle, and allowed to flow in ringlets over the shoulders. They wear the same descrip- tion of clothing as the men, differing in this respect, from all other native women. Both sexes are very uncleanly in their persons, and like some of the castes in the Malabar provinces, never change a cloth when once put on, but wear it till it drops off piecemeal. The toders are represented as being frank in their disposition, and possessing an independence of character, such as often distinguishes mountaineers. They are remarkable for a great flow of spirits, are fond of music, and soon become attached to the European residents. These people are hindoos, and are considered to be the earliest
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