Note 110 — Chapter VIII

The appellation Tupasi is derived from the Samscred word Duibhasbi. Dui signifies two, and Bhasbi a man who speaks two languages; an interpreter. This name, indeed, may with propriety be given to the Tupasi; for, besides their mother tongue, they speak some one of the European languages, either English, French, Dutch, or Portuguese. At Cochin they are called Gens de chapeau, because they wear a Topi or small hat; whereas the other Indians, not descended from Europeans, make use of the Romali, that is, a white turban of the finest muslin. These people have the upper part of their bodies quite naked; but bind round their loins a piece of white linen, which is called Bastra. As long as this cloth is new, it is named Codi. If it has interwoven in it red stripes, it is called Sòmen, Tòmen, and Pudava. If such stripes are painted on this linen, it is called Tùvaden or Toren. If it consists of yellow or red silk, it is named Pattupudava.—Ciatta or Penncupayan is the name of a jacket lying close to the body, worn by Malabar female Christians when they appear in public. It reaches no lower than the girdle, to which the Pudava is fastened, and which they wear as well as the men. On the head they have no ornament whatever, but turn up their hair smooth behind, and fasten it in a roll on the crown. How much would these Indian dames be astonished at the ornamented head-dresses of our European ladies! A.