Concerning the Sholagas of the Mysore Province, [179] I gather that they "inhabit the depths of the forests clothing the foot and slopes of the Biligirirangam hills. They cultivate with the hoe small patches of jungle clearings. Their chief god is Biligiri Rangasvami, but they also worship Karaiyya, their tribal tutelary deity. Their principal food is the ragi, which they grow, supplemented by wild forest produce. They are partial to the flesh of deer, antelope, pigs, sheep and goats. A few of them have, in recent years, come to own lands. Like the Jenu Kurumbas, they are perfect trackers of wild animals. Three kinds of marriage prevail among them. The first is affected by the more well-to-do, who perform the ceremony with much éclat under a shed with twelve pillars (bamboo posts), accompanied by music and festivities, which continue for three days. The second is more common, and seems to be a modified form of concubinage. The poorer members resort to the third kind, which consists in the couple eloping to a distant jungle, and returning home only after the bride has become a mother. They speak a patois, allied to old Canarese or Hale Kannada." [180] Shola Naiker.--A synonym of Jen Kurumbas in the Wynad. Sibbi Dhompti (brass vessel offering).--A subdivision of Madigas, who, at marriages, offer food to the god in brass vessels. Siddaru.--A synonym of Jogi mendicants. Sika (kudumi or hair-knot).--An exogamous sept of Devanga. Sikili (broom).--An exogamous sept of Madiga. Sikligar.--In the Madras Census Report, 1901, eleven individuals are returned as belonging to an Upper India caste of knife-grinders (Sikligar). In the Madura Manual, Sikilkarars are described as knife-grinders, who wander about in quest of work from village to village. Sila (stone).--An exogamous sept of Omanaito. Silam (good conduct).--An exogamous sept of Mala. Silavant.--In the Madras Census Report, 1901, Silavant is recorded as meaning the virtuous, and as being a sub-sect of Lingayats. In the Mysore Census Report, Silavanta is given as a name for Lingayat Nayindas. For the following note on the Silavantalu or Silevantalu of Vizagapatam, I am indebted to Mr. C. Hayavadana Rao.