The Vaddars or Wadewars are a branch of the Odde caste of Madras. They
are almost an impure caste, and a section of them are professional
criminals. Their women wear glass bangles only on the left arm, those
on the right arm being made of brass or other metal. This rule has no
doubt been introduced because glass bangles would get broken when they
were supporting loads on the head. The men often wear an iron bangle
on the left wrist, which they say keeps off the lightning. Mr. Thurston
states that "Women who have had seven husbands are much respected among
the Oddes, and their blessing on a bridal pair is greatly prized. They
work in gangs on contract, and every one, except very old and very
young, shares in the labour. The women carry the earth in baskets,
while the men use the pick and spade. The babies are usually tied up
in cloths, which are suspended, hammock-fashion, from the boughs of
trees. A woman found guilty of immorality is said to have to carry
a basketful of earth from house to house before she is readmitted to
the caste. The stone-cutting Vaddars are the principal criminals, and
by going about under the pretence of mending grindstones they obtain
much useful information as to the houses to be looted or parties of
travellers to be attacked. In committing a highway robbery or dacoity
they are always armed with stout sticks." [256]