[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Travellers (1500–1858)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel) › [Histoire de la dernière révolution des États du Grand Mogol](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier) › [Travels in the Mogul Empire (Constable)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable) › 6.5.7 # Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 6.5.7 Travels in the Mogul Empire (Constable) 6.5.7 - **Language:** English ### [6.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.6.5.7) The Hindous then affirm that God, whom they call Achar, the Immovable or Immutable, has sent to them four books, to which they give the name of Beths, a word signifying science, because, according to them, these books comprehend all the sciences. The first of the books is named Atherbahed; the second Zagerbed; the third R\[...\]bed; and the fourth Samabed. These books enjoin that the people shall be divided, as in fact they are most effectually, into four tribes \[Tribus\]: first, the tribe of Brahmens, or interpreters of the law; secondly, the tribe of Quietterys, or warriors; thirdly, the tribe of Beseus, or merchants and tradesmen, commonly called Banyanes; and fourthly, the tribe of Seydra, or artisans and labourers. These different tribes are not permitted to intermarry, that is to say, a Brahmen is forbidden to marry a Quiettery, and the same injunction holds good in regard to the other tribes. The Gentiles believe in a doctrine similar to that of the Pythagoreans with regard to the transmigration of souls, and hold it illegal to kill or eat any animal ; an exception being made, however, in favour of a few of the second tribe, provided the flesh eaten be not that of the cow or peacock. For these two animals they feel a peculiar respect, particularly for the cow, imagining that it is by holding to a cow's tail they are to cross the river which separates this life from the next. - [Previous: 6.5.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.6.5.6) - [Next: 6.5.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.6.5.8) - [Up: 6.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.6.5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.6.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.6.5.7) · Pramāṇa