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.'