Original sentence: For example, Dharma Kumar refers to several early 19th century authors who describe the Palli in South India as being higher than untouchables, while Michael Adas says that in Burma the Palli were "socially better off" than the untouchable castes but were "economically equally exploited and deprived".In the 19th century  the Vanniyar held a low position in both Lower Burma and in South India.Rudolph notes that as early as 1833, the Palli filed a claim in Pondicherry to prove they were not a low caste, and in preparation for the 1871 Indian census they petitioned to be recognised as being of the Kshatriya (warrior) varna of Hindu society
Edited sentence: Rudolph notes that as early as 1833, the Palli(vanniyars) filed a claim in Pondicherry to prove they were Kshatriyas, and in preparation for the 1871 Indian census they petitioned to be recognised as being of the Kshatriya (warrior) varna of Hindu society