aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

CHAPTER XV.
INDIA S KELIGIONS, MOEALS, AND SOCIAL CHARACTEEISTICS.
The higher classes of these Asiatics have fine-looking
faces. Tall and rather commanding in person, easy and
graceful in movement, they have pleasant, open countenances,
dark eyes with long eyebrows, glossy black hair, —
of which they seem proud, — thoughtful casts of expression,
and full, high foreheads. The complexion is olive, shaded,
according to caste and indoor or outdoor exercise, towards
the dark of the Nubian, or white of the Northman. In
Northern India they are nearly as fair as Caucasians ; and,
what is more, English scholars have been forced to admit
that the Hindoo mind, in capacity, is not a whit behind the
European. In hospitality they have no superiors. The
lower, oppressed classes, as in other countries, are
rude, rustic,
and vulgar !
As a people I have found the Hindoos exceedingly polite.
When two Brahmans meet, lifting each the hand, or both
hands, to the forehead, they say, " NamasTcar " (I respectfully
salute you). Sometimes the inferior bows, and
touches the feet of the higher personage, the latter exclaiming,
I '-'' hless you : may you he happy!" The Hindoo, naturally
mild, meek, and fond of peace, will sooner put up with
oppression than engage in
a battle of recrimination and violence.
An English ethnologist considers him sufiiciently
" womanly to be considered effeminate." Certainly, his
patience and cool self-possession, inclining him to sail tran-
222