11. The Custom of Circumcision among the Dravidians. 
By MunamMMAD SHAHIDULLAH, M.A.,. B.L. 
for there is no allusion to it in Sanskrit Literature.” But from 
the Kamasitra of Vatsyayana it appears that the practice 
existed among the Dravidians of his time. Let me quote here 
the passages :— 
Daksinatyanam lingasya karnayoriva vyadhanam balasya 
7. 2.16. 
Yuva tu gastrena-cchedayitva yavad rudhirasyagamanam 
tavad udake tisthet. 7.2.16. 
Translation. 
Among the Deccan people (the custom is) the perforation 
of the linga, like (that) of the two ears, (in the case) of the 
BOY. 15 2, 4d. 
But the young man having (it) cut with an instrument 
should stand in water as long as (there is) the coming out of 
blood. 7. 2. 16. 
The commentator comments on this last injunction as 
follows :— 
: Chedayitvetyanena kusalena bahis-carm-akrsy-anyatra 
sthapayitva siram tyaktva tiryak chedayet, yathobhayatas 
chidram bhavati. Udake tisthed rudhira-stambhanartham. 
Translation. 
By the term chedayitva ‘ having pierced’ (is meant that 
he) should have (it) pierced slantingly leaving the blood- 
vessels after having, with skill, drawn the prepuce and placed it 
on another thing, so that there may be holes on both sides. 
(He) should stand in water for stopping noe 
Evidently the commentator takes the previous injunction 
along with this and means that only the perforation of the 
linga of young men is referred to. ButI think that the two 
injunctions should be taken separately. The first (7. 2. 15.) 
refers to the manner of circumcision for boys which is the 
perforation of the prepuce, and the second (7. 2. 16.) refers to 
