MYSORE, CANARA, AND MALABAR. 
30 7 
draughts of cow’s urine, which is supposed to have the power of CHAPTER 
washing away sin. Ordeals are 'also in use ; and a most barbarous 
one is applied to those who, having had sexual intercourse with a July 8,&c. 
person of another cast, allege that it was by mistake. If the cri- 
minal be a woman, melted lead is poured into her private parts ; if 
it be a man, a red hot iron is thrust up. Should they be innocent, 
it is supposed that they will not be injured. A male Brahman , how- 
ever, even if married, may with impunity have connection with a 
dancing-girl, all of whom in this countiy are dedicated to the ser- 
vice of some temple. 
The low casts, that are followers of the Smartal Brahmans , seem 
to engage very little of the Guru’s attention. They occasionally 
give them holy water, and the ashes of cow-dung to make the mark 
of Siva on their foreheads, and receive their contributions; but 
they leave the punishment of all their transgressions against the 
rules of cast to their own hereditary chiefs ; at whose desire, how- 
ever, they reprimand and impose fines on obstinate offenders. They 
seem to have no wish to constrain other casts to any particular dog- 
mas, or mode of worship ; the only thing, they think, in which a 
Sudra ought to be instructed to believe, is, that the Brahmans are 
infinitely his superiors ; and that the only means of gaining the 
favour of the gods is by giving them charity. With regard to all 
sects that refuse to acknowledge these grand doctrines, and even 
among themselves concerning points of faith, no men can be more 
intolerant, nor violent. 
If the fines imposed by a Guru appear to his council to be immo- 
derate, they have the power to reduce the amount. If any one 
offers charity, that, considering the man’s circumstances, the Guru 
thinks too small, he has no power to extort more; but he may 
reprimand the person for his want of the great virtue of charity. 
This man says, that the Brahmans are separated into two great Great dm- 
divisions; one of which occupies the countries toward the south, Brahmans 
and the other the countries toward the north. He holds in great mt V nor ! hern 
° and southern. 
