Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 130

THE GENTLEFOLK OF HINDU SOCIETY
90
which influences public opinion amongst the Sudras, and
maintains order throughout all ranks of society. One can
tell at a glance that the natives of this class are all well-
to-do and independent. As a rule, they are a more polite,
better-educated, and better-mannered race, and they look
happier and more contented than the members of the other
three classes.
Most of the latter have thin, drawn faces,
a heavy carriage, coarse minds, low manners, and a melan-
choly and stupid appearance, all of which bespeak plainly
enough the privations and sufferings of their lot. Just
the reverse is noticeable amongst the natives of the fourth
class.
In the fifth class I should include all those whose property
It comprises
varies in value from £100 to £200 sterling.
about one-thirtieth of the whole population, and is com-
posed chiefly of Brahmins or Vaisyas, and of the wealthiest
among the Sudras. Agriculture, trading in grain or other
commodities, money-lending on such usurious terms as
such are the
twenty-five, thirty, and even fifty per cent.
Their
different forms of livelihood they thrive upon.
cleanly appearance betokens comfort, and most of them
live in tiled houses.
They are also careful to conform to
the rules of polite society. They perform daily ablutions,
and their houses are kept ceremoniously clean by smearing
the floors regularly with cow's dung. To appear more
worthy in the eyes of the public the Sudras of this class
usually abstain from all animal food, and, in imitation of
the Brahmins, live entirely on milk and vegetables.
The natives belonging to this and the following classes
constitute what may be called the gentlefolk of Hindu
society, and some of the faults which characterize the
Brahmins, such as pride and intolerance, are noticeable
in them.
Those amongst them who are agriculturists do
not till their own lands, unless very urgent works are
necessary
they employ servants from the lowest class to
:
;
do
it
for
them.
The sixth class may be said to comprise individuals
whose tangible property varies in value from £200 to £500
sterling, and it represents, I should say, about one-fiftieth
of the population.
Brahmins form quite half of this class,
and the remainder is made up of the best representatives