120 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
sidered to have been cultivated, though much was also covered by 
forests—and of their villages and cities, or fortified places, and their 
houses. 
2. A sketch was then given of the manner in which a priest of 
the Yedic age may be supposed to have spent the greater part of 
the night watching for, and hailing, with hymns and offerings, the 
appearance of the several deities, the Asvins—Ushas (the Dawn), 
Agni (Fire), Surya (the Sun), &c., at the times when they were 
supposed respectively to manifest themselves. 
3. The discrepant opinions of two Sanscrit scholars, Professor Max 
Muller and Dr Bollensen, on the question whether or not the 
Indians made images of their gods during the Yedic age, are adduced, 
but it was considered that the question is not ripe for decision. 
4. It was next stated that this tract of country was divided into 
numerous principalities, governed by their respective kings, who 
appear to have lived in considerable state, and to have been possessed 
of a good deal of wealth, both in cattle and goods of different 
descriptions. 
5. Reference was made to the existence of both rich and poor in 
the communities, and some verses, in praise of liberality to the latter, 
translated from the original, were read. 
6. Some particulars relating to domestic relations, and life and 
manners, were then given. Polygamy appears to have existed, but 
not of course as the rule. It was considered a misfortune for a woman 
to grow old unmarried. Women appear, sometimes at least, to have 
been allowed to choose their own husbands. According to a hymn 
of the Atharva-veda, the remarriage of widows seems to have been 
permitted ; and from a verse of the Rigveda, it appears probable that 
a widow could marry the brother of her deceased husband, when the 
latter had died childless. Allusions to conjugal infidelity and 
sexual immorality occur. 
7. It was stated that considerable attention seems to have been 
paid to personal decoration, as reference is made, in various places, 
to elegauce of dress, and to the use of jewels. No mention is made 
of cotton as a material for clothing; though, as the plant is con¬ 
sidered to be indigenous in India, and the use of light cotton cloth 
seems essential to comfort in so warm a climate, it is probable 
that it was well known. Wool is mentioned in various places. 
