To pass to another disability the institution and conduct of numerous public schools reflects very great credit on the Sirkar’s administration from several points of view. Yet here again appears the blot that large portions of the community who contribute their quota to the State revenues from which the schools are mainly supported are debarred from attending them.
The author believes that, theoretically, in the High School at Trivandrum all castes would be said to be admitted. But it is understood that Puliars, for instances, are interdicted from approaching within a considerable distance of the High School site at Trivandrum, and it is felt that no application from a Pullian for admission has ever been received.
It is said that there are no Ilavars, Shanars or fishermen (not professing Christianity) in the school. The rule that all Christians are one (sic) generally recognised in Trivandrum and a boy professing Christianity would probably be admitted without question, unless he was known to be a very recent convert from the prescribed classes or made he obtrusively offensive to caste prejudice.
A Tinnevelly or Madura lad of decent appearance though he might be a Shanar or even have a suspicion of Pariah about him, would pass, if at all discreet, as a Pandy man but an Elavan or Chogan would hardly effect an entrance, and if he did so would probably find the position too uncomfortable to maintain long.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Throughout the country, towns and rural districts, the prejudices are much stronger and with few exceptions, even theoretically, a Teyan, a Chagan or an Elavan would not be admitted to a government school, much less, one of the yet lower castes. It may be said to be a moot question whether if such a one professed Christianity, his caste is to be absolutely sunk or not. But, the author thinks that with ordinary discretion on the part of the converts, the point would not generally be raised against them.