India, called Seniyars, Kaikkolars, Devangas, Kshatris (Khattris), Parayas, Sengundas, Mudaliars, Saliyurs, Padmasalays, but not to the Saurashtras in any way. The Saurashtras are now seen as a mercantile community. They are brave but humble, god-fearing, hospitable, fond of festivities and amusement. The Saurashtras, it is said, were originally a class of sun worshippers, from soura meaning sun, but the term Saurashtra means inhabitants of the fruitful kingdom. Their religion is Hinduism, and they were originally Madhvas. After their settlement in Southern India, some of them, owing to the preachings of Sankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, were converted into Saivites and Vaishnavites respectively. The Saurashtras belong to the Aksobhya and Sankaracharya Matas. The Saurashtras, like other nations of India, are divided into four great divisions, viz., Brahma, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Sudra. The Vaisyas and Sudras are to be found in almost all towns and villages, and especially at Tirupati, Nagari, Naranavanam, Arni, Kottar, Palani, Palamcottah, Vilangudi, and Viravanallur." The affairs of the Patnulkarans at Madura are managed by a Saurashtra Sabha, which was started in 1895. Among the laudable objects for which the Sabha was established, the following may be noted:-- (a) To manage the Madura Saurashtra school, and establish reading-rooms, libraries, etc., with a view to enable members of the Saurashtra community to receive, on moderate terms, a sound, liberal, general and technical education. (b) To manage the temple known as the Madura Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swami's temple, and contribute towards its maintenance by constructing, repairing and preserving buildings in connection therewith, making jewels, vehicles and other things necessary therefor, and conducting the festivals thereof. (c) To found charitable institutions, such as orphanages, hospitals, poor-houses, choultries (resting-places for travellers), water-sheds, and other things of a like nature for the good of the Saurashtra community. (d) To give succour to the suffering poor, and the maimed, the lame, and the blind in the Saurashtra community. (e) To give pecuniary grants in aid of upanayanams (thread marriages) to the helpless in the Saurashtra community. (f) To erect such works of utility as bathing ghauts, wells, water fountains, and other works of utility for the benefit of the Saurashtra community. (g) To fix and raise subscriptions known as mahamais (a sort of income-tax). Among the subjects of the lectures delivered in connection with the Saurashtra Upanyasa Sabha at Madura in 1901 were the life of Mrs. Annie Besant, the Paris Exhibition of 1900, Mr. Tata and higher education, Saurashtra bank, Columbus, and the Saurashtra reform hotel.