THE TELINGAN RACE. 



177 



A 'clown' was in attendance; whose sayings and pranks appeared 

 to be mucli relished. This custom has even reached the Feejee 

 Islands; but it does not occur upon the Chinese stage. The regular 

 acting, consisted principally of singing and dancing conducted in the 

 open air, and to one unacquainted with the language, was rather mo- 

 notonous. But the style of the gilded head-dresses, seemed to resusci- 

 tate the Egyptians of antiquity; and even the 'vulture-cap' was pre- 

 sent upon the head of one of the actors. 



A Bramin, on account of some difficulty, was residing at Singapore : 

 and as the hereditary growth of the Nobility of Europe was compa- 

 ratively ephemeral, I examined with some interest, his personal ap- 

 pearance. The complexion was the same as in the low-cast Hindoos, 

 and the countenance might not have attracted notice in the street ; 

 but the mouth was small, the lips thin, and the facial angle ap- 

 proached unusually near to ninety degrees. The latter circumstance 

 was not perceived in another Bramin belonging to the Telingan race, 

 who was subsequently seen at Bombay ; though in both, the lobe of the 

 ear was broader than usual ; and contrary to a custom which occurs 

 among various uncivilized tribes, as well as in the Cutch Banians 

 and in representations of Hindoo deities, it was not perforated. 



The Bramin first-mentioned, was very affable, spoke English cor- 

 rectly and fluently, and was ready to answer any questions in relation 

 to his religion, or to go into an argument in its defence. He stated, 

 that "the Braminical religion can only be inherited ; that ' cast,' when 

 once lost, cannot be regained, either by the individual or by his de- 

 scendants; that Bramins would lose cast by partaking of animal food, 

 or by the commission of any immorality; and that a Bramin, could 

 leave his own and enter either of the inferior casts." The system of 

 thus visiting the sins of the parent upon the children, seems intended 

 to offer the utmost inducements towards leading a pure life ; whatever 

 may be said of the selfishness of the principle. The reported national 

 failings, however, tempt us to suppose, that lying and pecuniary of- 

 fences can hardly be mentioned in the Braminical code. 



The Bramin further asserted, that the burning of widows, " con- 

 tinues to be practised in Hindoostan, at least among the upper classes ; 

 though in consequence of the interference of the government, it is now 

 done privately." Hook-swinging, according to his explanation, is a 

 manifestation of faith ; the sufferer " believing that if he has courage 

 to go through the ordeal, the Deity will protect him from harm." 



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