Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 6.7.5

6.7.5

When they have acquired a knowledge of Sanscrit, which to them is difficult, because without a really good grammar, they generally study the Purane, which is an abridgment and interpretation of the Beths; those books being of great bulk, at least if they were the Beths which were shown to me at Benares. They are so scarce that my Agah, notwithstanding all his diligence, has not succeeded in purchasing a copy. The Gentiles indeed conceal them with much care, lest they should fall into the hands of the Mahometans, and be burnt, as frequently has happened. After the Purane, some of the students apply their minds to philosophy, wherein they certainly make very little progress. I have already intimated that they are of a slow and indolent temper, and strangers to the excitement which the possibility of advancement in an honourable profession produces among the members of European universities. Among the philosophers who have flourished in Hindoustan six bear a great name; and from these have sprung the six sects, which cause much jealousy and dispute, the Pendets of each pretending that the doctrines of their particular sect are the soundest, and most in conformity to the Beths. A seventh sect has arisen, called Baut, which again is the parent of twelve others; but this sect is not so considerable as the former: its adherents are despised and hated, censured as irreligious and atheistical, and lead a life peculiar to themselves.