Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c19.s3.40

v2.c19.s3.40

¹ The brighter side of the character of the Brahman was seen also by Metthwold: "Their moralitie appeares best in their conversation (conduct); murder and violent theft are strangers among them, and seldome happen; but for coozenage (cheating) in bargaining, *caveat emptor*. Poligamy is permitted but not generally practised, unlesse in case of the first wives barrennesse. Adultery is not common, but punishable in women, fornication veniall, and no law but that of modesty restraines the publike action". Metthwold, *Relations of Golconda*, p. 14. The same eye-witness tells us: "The Bramene (brāhman) is priest unto them all, and weareth alwayes three or four twisted threads on one shoulder and under the other arme, and in his forehead a round spot whereon there sticketh cornes of rice dyed yellow in turmericke; they are very good and ready accountants and in that office much employed by Moores (Moslems) of greatest affaires, writing and keeping their accounts in palmito leaves.." *Ibid.*, pp. 14-15.