431 



I am so unwilling to be thought actuated by prejudice against 

 the Indians in general, and especially the Hindoos, among whom 

 I so long resided, that I endeavour to avail myself of every 

 valuable and authentic proof in support of my assertions; whether 

 from the living or the dead, from sacred or profane history, from 

 ancient annals or modern travels. As I may perhaps have else- 

 where observed, I no longer feel myself at liberty to conceal my 

 sentiments on the moral and religious conduct of ihe Hindoos, 

 and particularly of the brahmins: although I confess my partiality 

 towards them in many respects. 



" Seize upon Truth where'er 'tis found. 

 " On Christian or on Pagan ground ; 

 " The flower's divine where'er it grows : 

 " Neglect the thistle, but assume the rose." Watts, from memory. 



Dr. Robertson observes, that " the accounts given by ancient 

 authors of the condition and tenure of the renters of land in India, 

 agree so perfectly with what now takes place, that it may be con- 

 sidered almost as a description of the present state of iis cultiva- 

 tion. In every part of India, where the native Hindoo princes 

 retain dominion, the ryots, the modern name by which the renters 

 of land are distinguished, hold their possessions by a lease, which 

 may be considered as perpetual, and at a rate fixed by ancient 

 surveys and valuations. This arrangement has been so long esta- 

 blished, and accords so well with the ideas of the natives, concern- 

 ing the distinctions of castes, and the functions allotted to each, 

 that it has been inviolably maintained in all the provinces subject 



