THE KAVAREIS, or Balingas as they are called in Telugu, are the most numerous and the most important. This caste is a sub¬ division or rather component part of the large tribe of Vadukans, which has been spoken of before under the head of “ foreign cultivators/’ The Kavareis are most commonly manufacturers and sellers of bangles made of a particular kind of earth found only in one or two parts of the District; and those engaged in this traffic usually call themselves “ Chettis” or merchants. When otherwise employed as spinners, dyers, painters, and the like, they take the title of Nayakkan. It is customary with these as with other Nayakkans to wear the sacred thread: but I am informed that the descendants of the Nayakkan Kings, who are now living at Vellei-Kuricchi, do not conform to this usage on the ground that they are at present in a state of impurity and degradation, and consequently ought not to wear the sacred emblem. The Kavareis appear to be as a rule quiet inoffensive people: not very well to do, and not in any way conspicuous.
In Simple terms it is normal for people from this group, called Nayakkans, to wear a special thread as part of their tradition. However, I’ve been told that the descendants of the Nayakkan Kings, who currently live in Vellei-Kuricchi, don’t follow this tradition. They believe they are in a state of impurity from ruling status and decline, so they choose not to wear the sacred thread because they think they shouldn’t wear such an important symbol during this time.
Of the other trading foreigners I have nothing to say. I believe however that they traffic only on a petty scale, and rarely attain wealth and distinction.
