2IO 



THE LIVING RACES OF MANKIND 



divine. But we have not yet awarded them the full 

 measure of praise which is undoubtedly their due. For 

 their own Aryan people they developed a noble literature. 

 Not only were they priests of their people, but 

 also their philosophers, statesmen, law-givers, men of 

 science, and even poets. Nor could the lower and 

 aboriginal race fail to share in the general upward pro- 

 gress. To these barbarians, survivals of the Stone and 

 Bronze Ages (so called), they brought a knowledge of 

 metals and higher religious teaching in the place of a 

 mere belief in demons. Within historic times the 

 Brahmans have largely incorporated the aborigines within 

 the folds of an all-embracing Hinduism, though not 

 without some concessions to their primeval notions. 



But let us look at the other side of the picture. 

 A Brahman sees nothing humiliating in asking for or 

 receiving alms. According to his ideas, it is a right 

 of which he may make free use. His attitude when 

 begging is also very unlike that of the poor wretch 

 among ourselves who fawns and grovels for the smallest 

 trifle. The Brahman asks for alms as for something 

 that is his due, and not as though imploring a favour 

 or a benefit. The begging Brahman boldly enters a 

 house and states what he wants. Should he receive 

 anything, he takes it without saying a word, goes away 

 without any acknowledgment, and without showing the 

 smallest sign of gratitude. Should he meet with a 

 refusal, however, he retires without any complaint or 

 grumbling. 



Intense selfishness is also a common characteristic 

 of a Brahman. Brought up in the idea that nothing is 

 too good for him, and that he owes nothing in return 

 to any one, he models the whole of his life on these 

 principles. He would unhesitatingly sacrifice public good 

 or his country itself if it served his own interests, and 

 he would stoop to treason, ingratitude, or any deed, 

 however black, if it promoted his own welfare. He 

 makes it a point of duty, not only to hold himself 

 aloof from all other human beings, but also to despise 

 and hate from the bottom of his heart every one who happens not to be born of the same 

 caste as himself; and, further, he thinks himself absolved from any feelings of gratitude, pity, 

 or consideration towards them. If he occasionally shows any kindness, it is only to some 

 one of his own caste. As for the rest of mankind, he has been taught from his earliest 

 youth to look upon them all as infinitely beneath him. The Brahmans number more than 

 4,500,000. 



Perhaps there is no 'country in the world where religious fanaticism is carried so far as in 

 India. Devotees are often seen stretched at full length on the ground, and rolling in that 

 posture all round the temples, or during the solemn processions before the cars which carry 

 the idols. It is a remarkable sight to see a crowd of fanatics rolling in this manner quite 

 regardless of stones, thorns, and other obstacles. Others, inspired by extreme fanaticism, 

 voluntarily throw themselves down to be crushed under the wheels of the car on which the 

 idol is borne (this has now been prohibited by law) ; and the crowds that witness these acts of 



Pholo by Mr. Fred. Bremner} 

 A NATIVE FROM THE AFGHAN-BALUCH 

 FRONTIER. 



