Indische Palaographie von circa 350 a. Chr. – circa 1300 p. Chr. c48.s1.4.4

c48.s1.4.4

The nickname of Pandy, again, bestowed upon the rebel troops collectively by the British soldier, is no other than Pāṇḍē or Pañṟē, the title of the sub-division of the Kanaujia Brāhmans from which a high proportion of the recruits of this caste were then enlisted. Since 1857 it has been found that minute caste-scruples as to diet and contact are incompatible with the exigencies of modern field service, whilst the personal sanctity of the Brāhman private is 'apt to turn out inimical to the due observance of regimental discipline. Amongst the Muhiāl Brāhmans of the Panjāb, therefore, the pride of caste has given way before the taste for the profession of arms, and the would-be recruit of this community drops his Brāhmanhood when enlisting, and is enrolled under some other designation. In former days, when, as under the Pēśvās, Brāhmans were themselves at the head of the forces, and not in subordination to the foreigner, and when war was carried out on very different lines from those of to-day, commanders of this caste acquitted themselves worthily, and showed both resource and courage in the field.