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books and taken a real part in philosophical discussions of an 
abstruse character. They took part in the various customs 
and ceremonies along with their husbands. Their minimum 
marriageable age according to Manu and the ancient writers 
on medical subjects was sixteen years, while the minimum age 
of men was twenty five years. It is interesting to note that 
these periods in girls’ and boys’ lives (viz. 16 years and 25 years 
respectively) are of very great physiological importance. 
The lecturer proceeded to give an account of some Aryan 
customs and habits of scientific and moral interest. 
1. Cremation.—In no other country, as far as I know, has 
the idea of the cremation of the dead ever got a foothold. It 
originated among these Aryans ; in fact there is no record of 
the custom of burial being the method of the disposal of the 
dead among them. This scientific and hygienic custom carries 
with it the force of an irrefutable argument in favour of the 
fact that they were highly enlightened and civilized people. 
2. Custom of daily morning ablution.—This custom, even 
up to this day, universally prevails among the Hindus. Great 
Manu says,‘ The body is purified by water, the mind by truth- 
fulness, the soul by wisdom, self-control and self-sacrifice, the 
intellect by true knowledge.” 
3. The avoidance of flesh food and intoxicating liquors.— 
The use of fish, fowl and flesh as articles of diet were prohibited 
among the Aryans. Patonyali says, ‘‘ Thou shalt not kill nor 
hurt or injure any creature by thought, word or deed.’”’ The 
following is from Manu, “ Avoid animal flesh, and intoxicating 
drinks, or literally drinks that destroy the intellect.” Surely 
these are not the sentiments of bushmen or huntsmen. The 
- idea that it is wrong to kill or injure any animal or use it as 
an article of diet, you will admit, does not belong to the period 
when man was at war with man and beast, but to a period 
when man was seeking tranquillity, peace and love with all 
the living creation. 
4. Cleanliness in eating and drinking.—No one is allowed 
to eat or drink out of another’s vessel. Manu says,‘‘ Do not eat 
or drink the residue of others’ food, nor eat or drink out of his 
recently used vessel without properly cleansing it.” If you 
consider the number of horrible diseases that are conveyed 
from one to another in mixed eating and drinking, you will 
be able to fully comprehend the importance of this apparently 
unimportant injunction. 
