[ S3 J 



III. 



Enumeration of Indian Classes. 

 By H. T. COLEBROOKE, Efq. 



THE permanent reparation of Gaffes, with here- 

 ditary profeflions afligned to each, is among the 

 moft remarkable inftitutions of India-, and, though 

 now lefs rigidly maintained than heretofore, mult ftill 

 engage attention. On the fubjeftof the mixed Gaffes, 

 Sanjcrit authorities, in fome inftances, difagree : Gaffes 

 mentioned by one, are omitted by another; and texts 

 differ on the profeflions afligned to fome tribes. A 

 eomparifon of feveral authorities, with a few obfer- 

 vations on the fubdivifions of Gaffes, may tend to 

 elucidate this fubjecl:, in which there is fome intri- 

 cacy. 



One of the authorities I fhall ufe, is the Jdtimdld, 

 or Garland of Gaffes -, an extract from the Rudra- 

 yamala Tantra, which, in fome inftances, correfponds 

 better with ufage and received opinions than the or- 

 dinances of Menu, and the great D'herma-purdna.* 

 On more important points its authority could not be 

 compared with the D'herma-Jaftra-, but, on the fub- 

 ject of Gaffes, it may be admitted ; for the Mantras 



D 3 form 



* The texts are cited in the Vivdddrnavejetu, from the Vrihad 

 D'herma-purana. This name I therefore retain ; although I can- 

 not learn that fuch a purdna exifts; or to what treatife the quo- 

 P tation refers under that name. 



