[195] In some points. Thus we find the Ain, Ghain, Fa and Kha of the Arabs, together with the Zha of the Persians. But the step from the Indian अ to the Arabic ع, from घ (g’h) to غ, and from फ (p’h) to ﻑ, is easily made; and the kha and zha belong to some Indian dialects as well as to Arabic and Persian.
It is supposed that the Toda language is still divided, like the Tamul, into two distinct dialects, one the popular, the other the sacred; the former admitting foreign words, derived from the Canarese, the latter a pure form generally used by the priesthood.
Most Todas can speak a few words of corrupted Canarese.
[196] A share of the land-produce varying from one-third to one-sixth of the whole, settled by the eye, and generally paid in kind. The Toda has made himself necessary to the Berger; he must sow the first handful of grain, and reap the first fruits of the harvest, otherwise the land would be allowed to lie fallow, and the crop to rot upon the ground.
[197] The polyandry practised of yore seems at present on the decline. Infanticide, though said to have been abolished, probably holds its ground in the remote parts of the hills. Near the stations the lives of female children are spared with the view of making money by their immorality. Old women are still by no means common.
[198] For a more detailed account of them, we refer the reader to the amusing pages of Captain Harkness.
[199] A brother mason informs us, that “the Todas use a sign of recognition similar to ours, and they have discovered that Europeans have an institution corresponding with their own.” Hence, he remarks, “a Toda initiated will bow to a gentleman, never to a lady.”
But in our humble opinion, next to the Antiquary in simplicity of mind, capacity of belief, and capability of assertion, ranks the Freemason.
[200] What follows alludes particularly to the Todas living in the vicinity of Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagherry.
[201] The habit of intoxication is now so fatally common amongst the rising generation, that their fathers will not, it is said, initiate them into their mysteries, for fear that the secret should be divulged over the cup.