Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 81

ATTACHMENT TO CASTE
1
The testimony of ten persons was calculated
maliciously.
The accused were
to carry more weight than that of one.
consequently acquitted, while the accuser alone was igno-
niiniously expelled from caste by the headmen, who,
though they were perfectly sure of his innocence, were
indignant at his treacherous disclosure.
From what has been said, it will no longer be surprising
to learn that Hindus are as much, nay, even more, attached
to their caste than the gentry of Europe are to their rank.
Prone to using the most disgustingly abusive language in
their quarrels, they nevertheless easily forgive and forget
such insulting epithets but if one should say of another
that he is a man without caste, the insult would never be
forgiven or forgotten.
This strict and universal observance of caste and caste
very
usages forms practically their whole social law.
great number of people are to be found amongst them, to
;
A
whom
death would appear far more desirable than life, if,
were sustained by eating cow's flesh
or any food prepared by Pariahs and outcastes.
It is this same caste feeling which gives rise to the con-
tempt and aversion which they display towards all foreign
nations, and especially towards Europeans, who, being as
a rule but slightly acquainted with the customs and pre-
judices of the country, are constantly violating them.
Owing to such conduct the Hindus look upon them as
for example, the latter
barbarians totally ignorant of
good breeding.
all
principles of
honour and
In several cases, at least, restoration to caste is an
impossibility.
But when the sentence of excommunication
has been passed merely by relations, the culprit conciliates
the principal members of his family and prostrates himself
in a humble posture, and with signs of repentance, before
He then listens without com-
his assembled castemen.
plaint to the rebukes which are showered upon him, receives
the blows to which he is oftentimes condemned, and pays
the fine which it is thought fit to impose upon him. Finally,
after having solemnly promised to wipe out by good con-
duct the taint resulting from his degrading punishment,
he sheds tears of repentance, performs the sasktanga before
the assembly, and then serves a feast to the persons present.
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