1836.] 



Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 



447 



of the peculiar practices, superinduced probably by intercourse with the Hindus, 

 of those who profess it in India, and particularly in the provinces with which we 

 are most intimately connected. That the latter subject is not unworthy of inter- 

 est, will appear to any reader of the work lately published by Dr. Herklots, and 

 to the notices given of certain festivals by M. Garcin de Tassy. From these 

 documents, as well as from Colonel Kennedy's paper on the religion introduced 

 into India by the Emperor Akbar, it appears that the followers of Muhammad, 

 cannot only, when circumstances tempt them, lay aside their intolerance, but ac- 

 commodate themselves to existing prejudices, and indulge in the boldest specula- 

 tions. In the almost universal neglect of historical records by the subjugated 

 Hindus, we must principally look to the Musalmans for any historical information 

 connected with this country which refers to the times which intervene between the 

 commencement of their conquest, and that of the European powers. The History 

 by Fertshta, translated by Colonel Briggs, though neither, as was to be expect- 

 ed, very philosophical nor rigid, is valuable. Captain Rowlandson and Dr. Bird> 

 have done well to translate two works which treat of the history of Malabar and 

 Gujerat. They contain much interesting information. Another history of the 

 latter province, by a very intelligent Brahman, but principally from Muhammadan 

 authorities, and which may prove worthy of translation, was lately presented to 

 our Society by our zealous Secretary. There are materials to be found, in differ- 

 ent places, sufficient to throw light upon the principal occurrences in almost every 

 province of India. 



Of various tribes of the Hindus, as the Katis, the Bhils, the Banjaris, the 

 Pandu Kolis, the Dakhan Kunbis, and the Karadi Brahmans, and the in- 

 habitants of Sindh, very curious notices are to be found in our Transac- 

 tions. Of many other tribes, accounts have appeared in separate publica- 

 tions.* Many more, however, with marked natural peculiarities, and in a 

 strange social state, still remain to be described. Those who are found 

 resident in the jungles, and in mountainous districts, and who are probably 

 the remains of the Aborigines of the country, are particularly worthy of inves. 

 ligation. Attention to them is called for, by all who desire to advance their civi- 

 lization, and to elevate them from their present degradation. Description must 

 precede any considerable efforts made for their improvement. Perhaps some si- 

 milarities may be discovered in their language, religion, and customs, which may 

 lead to important conjectures as to the ancient history of India. Of many of 

 them it has been already ascertained, that they have had no connexion with Brah- 

 manism, except in so far as they may have felt its unhallowed influence in ex- 

 cluding them from the common privileges of humanity, and banishing them to 

 the wilds, or dooming them to ignorance, and unwilling and unrewarded servi- 

 tudef . 



" The shaving off the hair, which is viewed as a kind of sacrament, is performed on 

 the 7th or 21st day after the birth, either of a son or daughter. 



" Expulsion from caste follows the practice of gross immoralities, and particularly the 

 drinking of ardent spirits. 



" Funerals are conducted with considerable solemnity. Those of the higher classes 

 are attended by the Mulla." 



* Among the fullest, and most interesting of these, is the History of the Ramoshis, 

 lately published by Captain Mackintosh. 



+ See particularly Mr. Baeer's Answers to the Queries of a Committee of the House of 

 lords on the state of Slavery in the South West of India. 



