priests in temples. They also practice exorcism. There are Adhyans among this class also. Having received weapons from Parasu Rama and practiced the art of war, the Sastrangakars are treated as somewhat degraded Brahmans. They are prohibited from studying the Vedas, but are entitled to muthalmura, that is, reading the Vedas, or hearing them recited once. Having had to devote their time and energy to the practice of the art of war, they could not possibly spend their time in the study of the Vedas. The Vaidyans or physicians, known as Mussads, are to study the medical science, and to practice the same. As the profession of a doctor necessitates the performance of surgical operations entailing the shedding of blood, the Mussads are also considered as slightly degraded. They too are entitled only to muthalmura. Of these, there are eight families, known as Ashta Vaidyans. The Gramanis are alleged to have suffered degradation by reason of their having, at the command of Parasu Rama, undertaken the onerous duties of protecting the Brahman villages, and having had, as Rakshapurushas or protectors, to discharge the functions assigned to Kshatriyas. Ooril Parisha Mussads are supposed to have undergone degradation on account of their having accepted from Parasu Rama the accumulated sin of having killed the warrior Kshatriyas thrice seven times, along with immense gifts in the shape of landed estates. They are not allowed to read the Vedas even once." "There are," Mr. Subramani Aiyar writes, "five sub-divisions among the Nambutiris, which may be referred to:-- (1) Tampurakkal.--This is a corruption of the Sanskrit name Samrat, and has probable reference to temporal as much as to secular sovereignty. Of the two Tampurakkal families in South Malabar, Kalpancheri and Azhvancheri, the latter alone now remains. As spiritual Samrats (sovereigns) they are entitled to (1) bhadrasanam, or the highest position in an assembly, (2) brahmavarchasa, or authority in Vedic lore, and consequent sanctity, (3) brahmasamragyam, or lordship over Brahmans, (4) sarvamanyam, or universal acknowledgment of reverence. Once in six years, the Azhvancheri Tampurakkal is invited by the Maharaja of Travancore, who accords him the highest honours, and pays him the homage of a sashtanganamaskaram, or prostration obeisance. Even now, the Samrats form a saintly class in all Malabar. Though considered higher than all other sub-divisions of Nambutiris, they form, with the Adhyas, an endogamous community.