The arrangement of a marriage, and the ceremonial which will now be described, though pertaining strictly to the Calicut taluk of South Malabar, are sufficiently representative of a Tiyan marriage anywhere. There is, however, this difference, that, in North Malabar, where inheritance through females obtains, and the wife invariably resides in her own tarwad or family home, there is never any stipulation concerning a girl's dowry. In South Malabar, where inheritance is through the males, and where the wife lives in her husband's house, the dowry in money, jewels, or furniture, is as a rule settled beforehand, and must be handed over on the wedding day. In the Calicut taluk, we find an exception to this general rule of South Malabar, where the subject of the dowry is not usually mentioned. In North Malabar, gifts of jewels are made in proportion as the bride's people are wealthy and generous. What is given is in the way of a gift, and forms no feature in the marital agreement. The first step to be taken in connection with marriage is examination of the horoscopes of the boy and girl, in order to ascertain whether their union will be one of happiness or the reverse. While this is being done by the Panikkar (Malabar astrologer), the following persons should be present:-- (a) On the part of the bridegroom-- 1. Tandan, or chief of the tara. 2. Father, or other elder in the family. 3. Uncle, i.e., the mother's brother. In Malabar the word uncle means maternal uncle. 4. Sisters' husbands. 5. Four or more friends or companions. 6. Any number of relations and friends. (b) On the part of the bride-- 1. Tandan of her tara. 2. Father,or other guardian. 3. Uncle. 4. Four or more friends. 5. The astrologer of her tara. 6. Friends and relations.