Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 150

BRAHMINICAL SECTS 110 The Utrassa Brahmins draw a perpendicular line from the top of the forehead to the base of the nose. There are also Brahmins known as Cholias, who are more They appear to be or less looked down upon by the rest. conscious of their own inferiority, for they hold themselves All menial work connected aloof from other Brahmins. with the temples is performed by them, such as washing and decorating the idols, preparing lighted lamps, incense, flowers, fruits, rice, and other similar objects of which In many temples even Sudras sacrifices are composed. are allowed to exercise these functions, and men of this caste are always chosen for the office of sacrificer in pagodas where rams, pigs, cocks, and other living victims are offered up. No Brahmin would ever consent to take part in a sacrifice where blood has to be shed. It is perhaps on account of the work they condescend to do that the Cholia Brahmins have fallen into such contempt. According to the general view of the Brahmins, to do any work which can be left to the lowest amongst the Sudras is to put themselves on their level, and consequently to degrade themselves. In any case the work of a pujari is not thought much of, and by some it is considered absolutely degrading. However, some Brahmins have to accept this task on account of their poverty, but they only do so with extreme It is a common proverb amongst them that reluctance. l for the sake of one's belly one must play many parts meat who are derisively called Brahmins There are other Brahmins and fish Brahmins. For instance, there are the Konkani Brahmins, who come from Konkana, who eat fish and eggs without the slightest compunction, but will not touch meat. And there are many Brahmins from the northern provinces who make no secret of the fact that they eat meat. People tell me, though I can hardly believe it, that such conduct does not lessen the esteem in which they are held in their own country by those of their own Anyhow, caste who abstain from such forbidden food. when these degenerate Brahmins visit Southern India, and their ways become known, all the other Brahmins keep them at a distance and refuse to have any dealings with . In Sanskrit means, For the 1 ' : Udara nimittam belly's sake many bahii krita vcsham, which literally Ed. rCics are played.'