THE INDOSTANIC FAMILY. 33 



fond of their children. But their love of the marvellous, fostered as it is by a 

 fantastic religion, is almost w^ithout a parallel among nations. They are of a 

 timid disposition, and not inclined to cruelty, yet their avarice, which is extreme, 

 leads them readily to commit murder for the most trifling acquisition. Notw^ith- 

 standing the apparent mildness of their manners, says Bishop Heber, the criminal 

 calendar is generally full of gang-robberies, incendiarism, and analogous crimes ; 

 " and the number of children v^ho are decoyed aside, and murdered for the sake 

 of their ornaments, is dreadful." They practise deception vrith infinite art, to 

 w^hich falsehood and perjury form no obstacles. "For all these horrors their 

 system of religion is mainly answerable, inasmuch as whatever moral lessons their 

 sacred books contain — and they are very few — ^are shut up from the mass of the 

 people, while the direct tendency of their institutions is to evil. The national 

 temper is decidedly good, gentle and kind. They are sober, industrious, affectionate 

 to their relations , generally speaking faithful to their masters, easily attached by 

 kindness and confidence, and in case of the military oath, are of admirable obedience, 

 courage and fidelity in life and death. But their morality does not extend beyond 

 the reach of positive obligations; and where these do not exist, they are oppressive, 

 cruel, treacherous, and every thing that is bad."* The intellectual character of 

 the Hindoos is distinguished among the present Asiatic nations ; but their learning 

 has been very much devoted to comments on their sacred books, which are 

 extremely numerous. They have had many admirable writers in poetry and the 

 drama, and excel in some branches of mathematics, and especially in algebra. 

 Their antique architectural remains are on a stupendous scale, and consist chiefly 

 of rock-hewn temples ornamented with elaborate sculpture. Such are the caverns 

 and galleries at EUora and Elephanta, which rival the similar efforts of ancient 

 Egypt. 



Among the varied population of India are some tribes and nations who differ 

 so widely, physically and morally, from the great mass of people, as to claim at 

 least a passing notice. 



The Tudas of the Neilgherry Hills, in the southern peninsula, appear to have 

 been the aboriginal inhabitants of the region they occupy. They are described as 

 above the common height, athletic and well made ; with a large, full and sparkling 

 eye, Roman nose, and fine teeth. Their hair is long, black and curling, with 

 a full beard. They are of grave deportment, cheerful manner, and peaceful 

 disposition, not even carrying defensive weapons : yet on the other hand they are 



* Heber, Narr. II, p. 240. Jim. ed. 

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