The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c24.57

v1.c24.57

Fr. Laerzio, in another letter written one year later, November 20th, 1609, states that Fr. de Nobili put on the thread of five strings, because the Brahmans wear one made of three threads (Italics mine). Cf. Ap. C. No. XXVIII. Moreover all the sources affirm that de Nobili's new house was placed in the Brahman quarters. Guerreiro, l.c., not acquainted with Indian things and customs says that he presented himself 'como Brahmene or Rayo'. In one of the contemporary letters there is an anecdote which might perhaps create some confusion. Once the Nayak Hermecutti (Erumei Chetti) sent soldiers to arrest one of de Nobili's disciples. At the official's request the missionary answered: 'If His Lordship wants my head, let him cut it off; but let him not expect from me a deed unworthy of my rank'. At these words one of the soldiers, who was a rajah by caste, was heard to murmur with some pride: 'Here is a true rajah. I know his caste from the way he behaves'. Bertrand, o.c., II, p. 94. Is Bertrand reliable here? I was unable to see the original of this letter.