But inscriptions show that as late as the year A.D.1033 they were considered a very inferior caste and confined to the village site.

[453] Mr.( Sir H.) Stuart writes in the _Madras Census Report_ that it is not difficult to account for the low position formerly held by the Kammalas, for it must be remembered that in early times the military castes in India as elsewhere looked down upon all engaged in labour, whether skilled or otherwise.

With the decline of military power, however, it was natural that a useful caste like the Kammalas should gradually improve its position, and the reaction from this long oppression has led them to make the exaggerated claims described above, which are ridiculed by every other caste, high or low.

The five main subdivisions of the caste do not intermarry.

They have priests of their own and do not allow even Brahmans to officiate for them, but they invite Brahmans to their ceremonies.