The lobes of the ears of Marava females are very elongated as the result of boring and gradual dilatation during childhood. Mr. (now Sir) F. A. Nicholson, who was some years ago stationed at Ramnad, tells me that the young Maravan princesses used to come and play in his garden, and, as they ran races, hung on to their ears, lest the heavy ornaments should rend asunder the filamentous ear lobes. It was recorded, in 1902, that a young Maravan, who was a member of the family of the Zemindar of Chokampatti, was the first non-Christian Maravan to pass the B.A. degree examination at the Madras University. The general title of the Maravans is Tevan (god), but some style themselves Talaivan (chief), Servaikkaran (captain), Karaiyalan (ruler of the coast), or Rayarvamsam (Raja's clan). Marayan.--A synonym of Maran. Mari.--Mari or Marimanisaru is a sub-division of Holeya. Mariyan.--Said to be a sub-division of Kolayan. Markandeya.--A gotra of Padma Sale and Seniyan (Devanga), named after the rishi or sage Markandeya, who was remarkable for his austerities and great age, and is also known as Dirghayus (the long-lived). Some Devangas and the Salapus claim him as their ancestor. Marri. (Ficus bengalensis).--An exogamous sept of Mala and Mutracha. Marri-gunta (pond near a fig tree) occurs as an exogamous sept of Yanadi. Marumakkathayam.--The Malayalam name for the law of inheritance through the female line. Marvari.--A territorial name, meaning a native of Marwar. At times of census, Marvari has been returned as a caste of Jains, i.e., Marvaris, who are Jains by religion. The Marvaris are enterprising traders, who have settled in various parts of Southern India, and are, in the city of Madras, money-lenders. Masadika.--A synonym for Nadava Bant. Masila (masi, dirt).--An exogamous sept of Devanga. Masthan.--A Muhammadan title, meaning a saint, returned at times of census. Mastiga.--The Mastigas are described by the Rev. J. Cain [33] as mendicants and bards, who beg from Gollas, Malas, and Madigas. I am informed that they are also known as Mala Mastigas, as they are supposed to be illegitimate descendants of the Malas, and usually beg from them. When engaged in begging, they perform various contortionist and acrobatic feats. Matam (monastery, or religious institution).--An exogamous sept of Devanga. Matanga.--Matanga or Matangi is a synonym of Madiga. The Madigas sometimes call themselves Matangi Makkalu, or children of Matangi, who is their favourite goddess. Matangi is further the name of certain dedicated prostitutes, who are respected by the Madiga community. Matavan.--Recorded, in the Travancore Census Report, 1901, as a name for the Pulikkapanikkan sub-division of Nayar. Matsya (fish).--A sept of Domb.