Caste in India: The Facts and the System c6.s8.50

c6.s8.50

It is not astonishing, then, that the whole ordinance is crowned by the supremacy which it assures to the Brahmans. All their privileges and the often extravagant respect with which they are treated have been often described.² It is not an exaggeration to say that the domination and prestige of the Brahman caste are the most incontestable characteristics of Hinduism.¹ This tendency is so strong that a caste such as might arouse much prejudice and contempt may, in spite of all this, be treated with lasting esteem for the sole reason that it displays superior fidelity to Brahmanic practices.² However low certain groups may be, however much their company may contaminate the Brahmans who consent to officiate for them, the mere circumstance of their assistance is enough to make the caste vastly superior to those who do not enjoy the Brahmans’ administrations. The mere name of Brahman is a very eminent title. The very sections that the Brahmans of good stock despise the most, such as the Josis of the North-West Provinces,³ are, for the reason that they are Brahmans, profoundly revered by the great mass of the population.