178 BRAHMINS UNDER FOREIGN RULE
no matter for what reason, would be eonsidered absolutely unpardonable, for it is the greatest of all known crimes and would not fail to bring some terrible calamity to the whole country in which it had been committed. However, in those countries which are under European or Mahomedan rule, where the sacred character of the
Brahmin is held in much less reverence, they are liable like any other native to punishments proportioned to their misdemeanours. Sometimes the Mahomedans beat them to death, unless they pay considerable sums to buy themselves off, a process which suits their persecutors, who are much better pleased to have their money than their blood.
But sometimes either from avarice, or because they are afraid that if they once let their oppressors fleece them in this manner they will never be rid of such persecutions until they are despoiled of all that they possess, they prefer to suffer all kinds of torture, even death itself, rather than part with their money. When Brahmins find themselves in this sorry plight there are no lies, no false statements, oaths, and protestations that they will not employ in the
hope of extricating themselves. Such conduct can excite no surprise when one remembers that they do not hesitate to teach publicly that lies and perjury, if used to gain personal advantage, are virtuous and meritorious. This convenient doctrine has spread marvellously, for there is not a native of India who would scruple to make use of both, to serve his own ends l.
CHAPTER III
External Defilements.— The care that a Brahmin should take to avoid them.— His Conduct in this respect.— Means of Purification.
All that pertains to external and internal defilement, bodily and spiritual, is the very beginning and foundation of a Hindu ' s education, both religious and civil. They have invented numberless minute and ridiculous precautions to prevent the possibility of coming in contact with anything which, according to their views, would defile their
1
No respectable persons( Brahmins included) are known to preach such doctrines nowadays. And the Abbe ' s assertions are altogether too sweeping. Ed.