194 THE PROTEIN ELEMENT IN NUTRITION 



2. As the simple life became more complex, a class came into 

 existence who, relieved of the burden of agriculture, attended on 

 the Maharaja ; this warrior class was called Kshatriyas, and 

 eventually Rajputs. 



3. A class of agriculturists, traders, mechanics, etc., became 

 differentiated off. These were called Vaisiya. 



4. Lastly, the Sudra, or menial class, was composed of 

 aborigines, and the progeny of marriages between Aryans and 

 inferior castes, all of whom were excluded from the higher 

 classes. 



In course of time these occupational distinctions developed 

 into separate castes, and as intermarriage became first of all 

 restricted, and afterwards prohibited, each caste devoted itself 

 more strictly to its own hereditary employment. 



Prior to the Mohammedan conquest, the whole of Northern 

 India was ruled by Rajput Princes. Some of these were driven 

 into the hills and upper valleys of the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej . 

 These hill Rajputs form at the present time the Dogras. They 

 have been in these regions for over 1,500 years, have been largely 

 untouched by Islam, and have retained their religion and caste 

 rules almost unsullied during all these ages. 



At the present time the highest class of Dogras are the Mians, 

 who must never touch a plough. In earlier and troubled times 

 this vow was easily adhered to, as the Mians were able to enjoy, 

 either as a right or by force, the fruits of the labour of the 

 shepherd and ploughman. In peaceful times this was no longer 

 possible, and large numbers were compelled to take to agri- 

 culture. The Mians are those who have kept their blood un- 

 sullied, and their hands from the plough. 



The Mians and higher classes of Rajputs, with the exception, 

 perhaps, of the Jews, of all races in the world, are of the most 

 ancient lineage and of purest descent. Though now nearly all 

 agriculturists, Dogras form a military aristocracy of a feudal 

 type. They are brave, chivalrous, keenly sensitive to an affront, 

 and specially jealous of the honour of their women. 



In disposition they are manly, simple, and honest, and, with 

 the exception perhaps of the Dogra Brahmins, are little given 

 to intrigue. The chief characteristic of the higher classes is 

 pride of blood. It is among the Dogra Mians and Rajputs that 

 we find the best specimens of Hindu character. We acquire a 

 clearer conception of their high spirit when roused, their enthusi- 





