128 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
buildings ; and indeed this is the fact, but when the 
traveller enters, he is greatly disappointed. The 
streets are so thronged, and so narrow, that you can 
scarcely pass along. The houses are frequently seven 
or eight stories high, and united on either side by 
balconies, extending from, and connecting the opposite 
windows, so that the street often appears to be arched 
by innumerable bridges. The city is full of life and 
bustle. The bazaar is crowded with people, and with 
commodities for sale as various as the tastes and 
caprices of the purchasers. There are numerous 
shops, in which manufactures of different kinds are 
carried on with the greatest activity. Here are to 
be seen Bramins naked, and apparently reduced to 
the most abject destitution ; whilst others appear to 
abound in wealth, being splendidly attired, carried in 
gaudy palankeens, or in hackeries,* with gorgeous 
canopies, drawn by two prancing horses “ with long 
flowing manes.” 
Benares is very extensive, and contains an im- 
mense population ; there are said to be upwards of 
eight thousand houses in it belonging to Bramins 
alone. This will perhaps excite the less surprise, 
when it is considered that Benares is the present 
school of Hindoo theology, “ the university,” as it has 
been truly observed, fe whence Bramins are yearly sent 
to propagate the reign of error.” Here are said to be 
upwards of eighty schools in which Sanscreet only is 
taught. It appears somewhat strange that the pagodas 
in this city should be not only so few in number, but 
* Hackeries are heavy covered carriages with two wheels, 
generally drawn by bullocks. 
