Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 29

DUBOIS ON BRITISH RULE
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their hearts, while they cherish and respect their govern-
ment. And here I would remark that the rule of all the
Hindu princes, and often that of the Mahomedans, was,
properly speaking, Brahminical rule, since all posts of con-
fidence were held by Brahmins.
If it be possible to ameliorate the condition of the people
of India I am convinced that this desirable result will be
attained under the new regime, whatever may be said by
detractors who are ready to find fault with everything.
Whatever truth indeed there may be in the prejudiced
charges, engendered by ignorance and interested motives,
which are brought against the new order of things, and
which are perhaps inseparable from every great administra-
tion, I for one cannot believe that a nation so eminently
distinguished for its beneficent and humane principles of
government at home, and above all for its impartial justice
I for one cannot believe that this
to all classes alike
nation will ever be blind enough to compromise its own noble
character by refusing participation in these benefits to a sub-
ject people which is content to live peaceably under its sway.
At the same time I venture to predict that it will attempt
in vain to effect any very considerable changes in the social
condition of the people of India, whose character, principles,
customs, and ineradicable conservatism will always present
insurmountable obstacles. To make a people happy, it is
essential that they themselves should desire to be made
happy and should co-operate with those who are working
for their happiness.
Now, the people of India, it appears
to me, neither possess this desire nor are anxious to co-
operate to this end. Every reform which is obviously
devised for their well-being they obstinately push aside if it
is likely in the least degree to disturb their manner of living,
their most absurd prejudice, or their most puerile custom.
Nevertheless the justice and prudence which the present
rulers display in endeavouring to make these people less
unhappy than they have been hitherto the anxiety they
manifest in increasing their material comfort
above all,
the inviolable respect which they constantly show for the
customs and religious beliefs of the country; and, lastly,
the protection they afford to the weak as well as to the strong,
to the Brahmin as to the Pariah, to the Christian, to the
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