sentences:  They were among the Brahmin nobles and administrators under the Nayaka, Travancore and Vijayanagar rulers.Administrative practices adopted by them were strictly in accordance with those prescribed in the Hindu Dharma-Shastras, as may be observed from the records of the kings themselves.But, as with other Brahmins, their primary duties were to study the Vedas, teach them and perform the ceremonies they entailed.