I 



105 



sovereign the world was blessed with since the reign of 

 Titus,* 



Of the Genloo or Hindou govermnetit. 



That portion of Asia improperly called the Indian penin- 

 sula contains many powerful kingdoms, and its ancient in- 

 habitants Gentoos or Hindous. I shall mention only such 

 laws, customs or usages as are common to all or most of 

 them. 



1st. The government is monarchical, and hereditary at 

 least in the same family. 



2dly. The inhabitants are divided into four distinct classes. 

 1° the Bramins, who form the learned and sacerdotal class. 

 2^0. f^'j^g Cheteries, who form the military and governing class. 

 3'"- The Bice of which are the agriculturists and merchants. 

 And 4"- The Sooder, which consists of servants and labourers. 



This distinction which is founded on their religion, is so 

 rigorously observed that scarce any intercourse is permitted 

 between them. Those of a superior class will not eat or 

 drink with thos& of an inferior, nor sufter themselves to 



VOL. XI. p be 



* Yet the most falsely and basely calumniated. I would not disgrace lier by the 

 name of llic Great — a title by which the most successful destroyeis of human happiness 

 have been hitherto distinguished. 



