Re: A Code of Gentoo Laws, by Nathaniel Brassey Halhed
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 2:44 am
PREFACE.
Account of the Creation.
THE Principle of Truth, having first formed the Earth, and the Heavens, and the Water, and the Fire, and the Air, produced a Being, called Burmha, the Dewtah, for the Creation of all Beings (Dewtah is that to which all offer their Worship) afterwards he created the Bramin from his Mouth, the Chehteree from his Arms, the Bice from his Thighs, and Sooder from his Feet: And he ordered Burmha to complete the other Creations, and to settle the several Employments respectively of the Bramin, the Chehteree, the Bice, and the Sooder, that he had created; and he committed the Government of all Beings to Burmha, — Burmha, according to Order, produced in the World Mankind, and Beasts innumerable, and Birds, and Vegetables, and all inanimate Things, and Serpents of all Kinds and Varieties, and Piety, and Morality, and justice, and Continence, and Lust, and Anger, and Avarice, and Folly, and Arrogance, and Drunkenness. And whereas the Bramin proceeded from the Mouth of the Principle of Truth, for this Reason His Rank is the most eminent; the Chehteree s prung from his Arms, his Rank therefore is Second; the Origin of the Bice is from the Thighs, and his Rank is the Third in Eminence; and the Sooder, who sprung from the Feet, is therefore the least in Degree of them all. Burmha first settled the Occupation of each of these Four Tribes; as that the Occupation of the Bramin should be to read the Beids, and other Shaster, and to teach the Shaster, and to perform the Jugg and Worship; and to cause the Performance of the Poojeh, i.e. the Worship to Dewtah, and of the Jugg by others; and to perform and to accept the Dan (an Explanation of the Terms Jugg and Dan is to be found in the Chapter of Inheritable Property:) Among these Occupations already described, Three are for their Subsistence and Support; and Three for the Exercise of Piety, as for Instance, to cause the Performance of the Poojeh and Jugg of others; and to Instruct Pupils, from whom some Premium is received; and to accept the Dan: These Three Occupations are to be the Source of Subsistence to the Bramin; and the other Three Occupations are for the Exercise of his Piety. The Occupations of the Chehteree are to learn the Sciences, to perform the Poojeh and Jugg, to perform the Dan, and, arming himself with the Implements of War, to defend and secure the Reyots; and for his Subsistence, the Chehteree shall serve in the Defence of the Reyots; the other Three Occupations are for Exercises of Piety to the Chehteree. To the Bice also, it was enjoined to learn the Sciences, and to perform the Dan and the Jugg; and besides this, to him was permitted Commerce, and the tending of Cattle, and Agriculture; the Acquisition of Science, and the Performance of the Dan and Jugg, are for the Advancement of his eternal Happiness; and Commerce, and the tending of Cattle and Agriculture, are for his Livelihood. The Tribe of Sooder shall be Servants to the Bramin, the Chehteree, and the Bice.
If a Bramin cannot procure a Subsistence by the Exercise of his own appointed Occupations, he shall earn a Livelihood by applying to the Occupations of the Chehteree: If also he fails to acquire a Subsistence from the Occupations of the Chehteree, he shall exercise those of the Bice; but of those Occupations, he shall first apply to the tending of Cattle, and to Commerce; if from these also, he cannot earn his Support, he shall then betake himself to Agriculture. If a Bramin applies himself to Commerce, he shall not sell either Salt, or any Articles of Sweet, or of Bitter, or of Astringent, or of Acid, or Victuals, or Stones, or Iron, or Animals, or Men, or Red Cotton Cloth, or Silk Pieces, or Blankets, or other Species of the same Kind made of Sheeps Wool, or Camphire and other Aromaticks, or Honey, or Water, or Poison, or Flesh, or Milk, or Tyer (Soar Cream) or Ghee, or bitter Oil, or Sesamum, or the Grass Kose (which is a particular Species of Grass) or Birds, or Wine, or Fish, or Wax; but the Sesamum, if it be produced in Land belonging to the Bramin, he may sell on the same Day that it is cleared from the Husk. The Chehteree, if he cannot subsist by his own proper Occupations, shall exercise those of the Bice; and if the Bice fails of a Subsistence from his own Occupations, he shall apply to those of the Sooder; and if the Sooder fails of a Livelihood, he shall apply to Painting, or to Needle-Work, or some other such Employment: In this Manner are their several Occupations divided and distinguished from each other. — For some Period after the Creation of the World, there was neither Magistrate nor Punishment; and no Man committed Crimes, or exercised Injustice and Oppression upon his Fellow Creatures; and the Reyots were nourished with Piety and Morality; but, in process of Time, Lust and Anger, and Avarice, and Folly, and Arrogance, and Drunkenness, became so predominant over the several Members of Men, that with-holding them from Actions of Piety, they became the Guides to all Wickedness; and Men employed themselves in all Occupations of Debauchery and Iniquity, and assumed the Licentiousness of eating Things forbidden them to eat, and of uttering Words forbidden them to utter; no Man regulated his Actions in conformity to the Beids, nor walked in any Path but that of Sin. When such Iniquities first began in the World, Burmha having reflected within himself, and having written in the Shaster the Means for the Improvement of Mankind, and the Business of the Magistrate, and the several Duties of the Bramin, the Chehteree, the Bice, and the Sooder, and the Proportions of Punishment to be inflicted on Offenders by the Magistrate, and all other Affairs and Concerns, issued his Command to a Man named Beirooja, a Chehteree, to assume the Magistracy, and to protect the Reyots, and to punish the Guilty, according to the Ordinations of the Shaster, to the end that Men might not have the Power of committing Injustice and Violence upon each other. Beirooja, not consenting to accept the Magistracy, left his Son Keiroot-man, and himself fled into the Desarts, to pay his Adorations to the Principle of Truth: In the same Manner also Keiroot-man left his own Son, by Name Kerdum, and himself took the Path of Adoration; Kerdum also, leaving his own Son, by Name Anung, hastened to the Way of Truth; Anung, the Son of Kerdum, becoming the Magistrate, for some Time regulated his Actions in conformity to the Shaster: After which Neit-man his Son took upon him the Magistracy and the Government; a Son was born to Neit-man, by Name Bein, in whom every Sign of an inhuman Disposition plainly appeared; as for Instance, during his Childhood, at the Time of Play, he would bind the Children Hand and Foot, and throw them into deep Rivers, and would break Men's Pitchers, and employ himself in all such Kind of foolish and unworthy Occupations; the Reyots of the Kingdom, desponding under his Injustice and Oppression, came before his Father, who was the Magistrate, and solicited Redress; the Father on hearing this Account of the eternal Injustice and perpetual Innovations of his Son, and not being able to restrain him, departed into the Desart: The Kingdom being thus left without a Magistrate, the Bramins constituted Bein to the Magistracy: This unworthy Person, thus becoming the Magistrate, issued a Proclamation throughout his Kingdom, that no Man should perform the Jugg, or the Poojeh, or any such Works of Piety; and that whoever executed Justice should receive severe Punishment: Upon this Intelligence the Bramins went to him, and gave him many Sermons of Advice, and many Lectures of Admonition, telling him, "that the Duty of a Magistrate was to cause Exercises of Piety to be performed throughout his Kingdom; and that he who caused any Obstruction or Opposition to Good Works would go to Gehenmun; and that if the Magistrate did not protect and comfort the Reyots, it would be the Cause of his Kingdom's Destruction. If the Magistrate deserts the Exercise of Piety, How can it be that the Reyots should employ themselves in good Actions? In that Case, Men will take the Possessions and Wives of each other. A Kingdom with an unjust Magistrate, and a Kingdom without a Magistrate, are similar to each other; and a Kingdom where Works of Iniquity are practised, and where the Poojeh and Worship are not performed, such a Kingdom is as if it were without a Magistrate; as for Instance, a Man of the Chehteree Cast commits Adultery with a Woman of the Bramin Cast, and a Bramin with a Woman of the Chehteree; and in the same Manner all the Casts unite with each other promiscuously; and from the Conjunction of Two different Casts proceeds the Tribe of Burrun Sunker; and that there should be a Burrun Sunker is criminal; it is better therefore to desist from these impious Practices." Bein answered, " hese your Admonitions are not profitable for me, neither do I approve of these Speeches; let us see, since the Tribe of Burrun Sunker is produced, what its Religion and Manners must be; the Bramins afflicted and disgusted departed to their own Habitations; and that oppressive Magistrate, sending for a Woman of the Bramin Cast, had carnal Connexion with her, and from thence a Son was born; and in the same Manner, from the Conjunction of Men of one Tribe with Women of a different Tribe, many Sons and many Daughters came into Existence; and from the Connexion of a Man of the Bice with a Woman of the Sooder Cast, the Child that was born, his Tribe is called Kerrum or Koit; and from a Man of the Bramin and a Woman of the Bice Cast sprung the Tribe of Ambusht or Bade, and Kundeh-beneik or Druggists, and the Tribe of Kunkar or Artificers in Kafeh, and Kafeh is a Mixture of Copper and Arzeez; and the Tribe of Sunkahtar or Artificers in Sunkah (or Sea Shells) and the Women wore Sunkhab upon their Hands; these Four Tribes were produced: And from a Man of the Chehteree and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Okeree, and the Tribe of Hejam (Barbers) and the Tribe of Moduck, i.e. Sellers of Candy, were derived; and from a Man of the Sooder and a Woman of the Chehteree Cast sprung the Tribe of Koinbehkar, i.e. Kelal or Potters, and the Tribe of Tunterba, i.e. Weavers, and the Tribe of Ghermkar, i.e. Smiths, and the Tribe of Dost; and from a Man of the Bice and a Woman of the Chehteree Cast are derived the Tribe of Magdeh, i.e. Fortune-Tellers, and the Tribe of Koop; and from a Man of the Bramin and a Woman of the Sooder Cast is sprung the Tribe of Barjebee, i.e. Berree; and from a Man of the Chehteree and a Woman of the Bramin Cast the Tribe of Soot and Malakar, i.e. Sellers of Flowers; and from a Man of the Bice and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Tawleek or Tillee, and Tumboolee (Pansellers.) These Tribes are of the First Rank among the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker.
From a Man of the Kerrun and a Woman of the Bice Cast sprung the Tribe of Tukkehyah, i.e. Carpenters, and the Tribe of Rujuk, or Washers; and from a Man of the Ambusht and a Woman of the Bice Cast the Tribes of Sherrunkar, or Goldimiths, and of Shoberun-bencik, or Soonar Buneeah; and from a Man of the Koop and a Woman of the Bice Cast were derived the Tribes of Teilkar, i.e. Sellers of Oil, and of Abheir; and from a Man of the Koop and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Dheiber or Julya, and the Tribe of Shoondruk or Soondrie; and from a Man of the Malakar and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Natt or Dancers, and the Tribe of Sharuk; and from a Man of the Magdeh and a Woman of the Sooder Cast arose the Tribes of Seeker and Jaleik. These Tribes bear the middle Rank of the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker.
From a Man of the Goldsmith and a Woman of the Ambusht Cast sprung the Tribe of Mulukerrhee; and from a Man of the Shoberun-beneik and a Woman of the Bade Cast sprung the Tribe of Koorooba; and from a Man of the Sooder and a Woman of the Bramin Cast was derived the Tribe of Chendal; and from a Man of the Abheir and a Woman of the Koop Cast sprung the Tribe of Beroor; and from a Man of the Abheir and a Woman of the Bice Cast was propagated the Tribe of Tukkeh, and Chermkar, i.e. Shoemakers; and from a Man of the Rujuk and a Woman of the Bice Cast sprung the Tribe of Keht Jeibenee, i.e. the Tribe of Putnee; and from a Man of the Cast of Oil-Seller and a Woman of the Bice Cast came the Tribe of Dooba-bahee; and from a Man of the Dheiber and a Woman of the Sooder Cast arose the Tribe of Mull. These Tribes are of the last Rank among the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker.
Keroor is the Name of a Bird. Keroor, having brought a Man from Shakud Deep, call him down upon Jumboo Deep, i.e. this World; that Tribe is called Deeiool; and there are Seven Deeps, viz.
The Explanation of Deep is this: Deep signifies Land; and on every Side of each Deep is the Sumooder, or Main Ocean; and the Length and Breadth of this Deep, which is called Jumboo, is One Hundred Thousand of Joojun, or Four Hundred Thousand Cose; and the Length and Breadth of the Second Deep, is twice as much as that of this Deep; and that of the Third Deep, Four Times as much; and that of the Fourth, Eight Times as much; and that of the Fifth, Sixteen Times as much; and that of the Sixth, Thirty-two Times as much; and that of the Seventh, Sixty-four Times as much. And from a Man of the Deiool, and a Woman of the Bice Cast was derived the Tribe of Gung, or Astronomers, and the Tribe of Baduk, i.e. the Tribe of Baitee, and the Tribe of Poolund, and the Tribe of Powukkush, and the Tribe of Kehsh, and the Tribe of Jebun, and the Tribe of Shookeh, and such Kind of Tribes, called Muluch; Muluch are such Tribes as eat forbidden Food, and to whom permitted and forbidden Meats are equal: These sprung from the Members of the tyrannick Bein.
The Bramins, upon Intelligence of all this, execrating the oppressive Magistrate with internal Hatred, put him to Death: When the Kingdom was thus without a Magistrate, the Bramins rubbed his two Hands, and from his Right Hand produced a Son, by Name Pert-hoo, armed and dressed in the Arms and Habiliments of War, and well skilled in the Science of War, and a Pundit in the Shaster, and in Form and Shape like to the Dewtaj' and from his Left-Hand they raised a Daughter, and this Daughter they married to Pert-hoo, and raised him to the Magistracy; and Pert-hoo was very just, and protected his Subjects, and caressed the peaceable, and punished the oppressive, and behaved with Respect end Regard towards the Bramins, and employed himself laudably in all such Kind of good Actions, in conformity to the Shaster: Then all the People, both great and mean, were employed in Works of Piety, and the Kingdom enjoyed Comfort and Tranquillity. The Bramins, having expressed their Praises and Approbation, took their leave. Pert-hoo, fulfilling the Offices of Fidelity and good Intention, governed the Kingdom with Justice and Equity; but his Mind remained embarrassed and uneasy; wherefore he summoned the Bramins, and inquired of them, saying, "I exercise the Magistracy, and protect the Reyots, according to the Shafter; tell me therefore, What is the Cause that my Mind is Disturbed, and why are the Reyots of the Kingdom in Poverty?" The Bramins answered, "Your Father carried Injustice and Works of Iniquity to the last Extremity; insomuch that the Tribes of Burrun Sunker originate from him: And whereas he would listen to none of the Cautions that were given him; from the Enormity of his Crimes, the Kingdom is become ripe for Disobedience; on this Account, the Fruits of the Earth are produced in less plenty, and the Reyots also are stricken with Poverty; and this likewise is the Cause of the Vexations of your noble Disposition." Pert hoo, on hearing this Account, said to the Bramins, "Now, therefore, How shall I act, and what Remedy can I apply to this? Shall I put the Tribes of Burrun Sunker to Death? Tell me what is most advisable." The Bramins, upon Consultation, and mutual Consent among themselves, replied, "The Tribes of Burrun Sunker, such as they now are, let them remain: And be it cautiously observed, and provided for, that, exclusive of these, no other new Tribes of Burrun Sunker may be produced. It is not right to put these to Death; but you must appoint them their several Occupations, and direct them to the Exercise of Piety; neither shall they be disobedient to your Commands: Whosoever controverts your Orders shall be accounted criminal, and worthy of Death: Act therefore as your Understanding directs." This just Magistrate therefore summoned all the Tribes of Burrun Sunker before him, and said to them, "Wherefore are your Forms so vile; your Bodies so emaciated and disgusting; your Cloaths so inconvenient, so coarse and so ragged?" They answered, "What Manner of Speech is this? Our Forms are the farthest from vile; and our Dress is elegant; and our Bodies are plump and healthy: Are you not Possessed of Sight? Our Origin is from the Practices of your Father; Burmha, is not of superior Rank to us." The Bramins, who were in the Magistrate's Presence, smiled at these Expressions; but the just Magistrate was incensed at the Speeches of these disorderly Wretches; and the Servants, according to his Order, bound and beat them. The Tribes of Burrun Sunker, now reduced to Extremity, fought for Pity, and implored Pardon for their Offences, saying, "We will be obedient to your Commands; act therefore as to you shall seem most proper, to change our vile and wretched Appearance to Neatness and Elegance: Appoint us also our Occupations; and settle our Burrun, or Peculiarity, and Property of Tribes." Pert-hoo, upon this, addressed himself to the Bramins, saying, "You are Pundits, and learned and wise; constitute therefore to each of these, according to their several Abilities, an Occupation and a Tribe." In Obedience to the Order of this just Magistrate, the Bramins said to them, "You are of the Casts of Sooder; let each Person among you declare what Employment he is willing to exercise." On hearing this, the Tribe of Kerrun first stepped forth, and addressed them, saying, "We are altogether ignorant and foolish; what Petition can we make in this Case? But you, who are Pundits, make proper Investigation, and settle accordingly." The Bramins then made known to the just Magistrate, that "This Person will become of sound Understanding, and of laudable Principles; he has spoken with great Propriety. This Tribe shall perform the Service of the Magistrate, and shall have due Faith in the Bramins, and in the Dewtah; and of the Sooder Casts this Tribe shall be the First in Rank." The Bramins then said to Kerrun, "Do you exercise the Profession of Writing and Reading; and find Employment in the Service of the Magistrate." Next stood up the Tribe of Ambusht, to whom was given the Shaster of Physick. Afterwards came Kundeh beneik, to him was allotted the Occupation of Druggist. Then appeared the Tribe of Kunkur, to him it was allotted to make Vessels of Brass, and Kafeh, and Copper, and all such Kind of Things. Next appeared the Tribe of Sunkehkar, to whom it was given to work in Sunkha or Sea Shells. Afterwards came the Tribe of Ookenee, to him was allotted the Occupation of War. Then the Tribe of Hejam, to whom Hejamut or the Profession of Barber was consigned. Next came the Tribe of Moduk, into his Hands was put the Preparation of Confectionary. After those the Tribe of Koombehkar, to whom was appointed the Business of making earthen Vessels. Then came the Tribe of Tunterba, to weave Cloth became his Occupation. Next appeared Ghermkar, the Formation of all Instruments of Iron became his Employment. After that came the Tribe of Magdeh, to whom the Bramins said, "Do you make War your Occupation." They answered, "We are not able to follow the Employment of War; except this, order us whatever Occupation you choose." The Bramins returned Answer, "You shall then display the Characters and good Qualities of the People, and shall write the same, and carry it about from Kingdom to Kingdom, and give Intelligence; Description shall be your Employment." Then came the Tribe of Koop, his Employment was appointed to take care of Accompt Books. Afterwards came the Tribe of Berree, to whom it was allotted to raise the Paan or Beetle Plant. Afterwards appeared the Tribe of Russoot, the Care of Horses became his Employ. Next stood forth the Tribe of Malakar, to sell Flowers became his Occupation. Then came the Tribe of Tawleek, to sell the Beetle-Nut became his Employ. Afterwards appeared the Tribe of Tumboolee, his Occupation it became to sell the Beetle Plant. Then came the Tribe of Tukkehyah, to him it was allotted to cut Wood and to split Timber, and to prepare all Manner of Articles in Wood. Next came the Tribe of Rujuk, to him was appointed the Employment of Sewing Cloaths. Then came the Tribe of Sherrunkar, to himwas given to make Jewellery. Next appeared the Tribe of Shooberun-beneik, to him was allotted the Occupation of Perrikhaye, or Trial of Gold and Silver. Then came the Tribe of Teilkar, to whom it was given to make and to sell Oil. Afterwards appeared the Tribe of Dheiber, whose Occupation it became to catch Fish. Then the Tribe of Natt, whose Occupation it became to dance. Afterwards the Tribe of Chendal appeared, the Occupation of feeding Dogs and Asses was given to it; and its Habitation shall be without the Town, and it shall take the Cloaths of dead Persons, and shall Cast out the Bodies of such as die without Heirs; and whomsoever the Magistrate orders to be put to Death, this Tribe shall put the condemned Person to Death accordingly. Next came the Tribe of Chermkar, working in Leather was appointed for its Occupation. Next came the Tribe of Nujoomee, the Jooteese or Shaster of Astronomy was given to it for an Employ. Then stood up the Tribe of Baduk, Drum-beating, and Playing on other Musical Instruments, was given to it for an Occupation. Next came the Tribe of Powukkush, to him was given the Employment of slaying wild Beasts.
All this preceding Explanation is to make manifest the Reason of the first Institution of the Shaster, and the Cause of the Superiority of one Tribe over another.
The several Indian Words, which are adopted in this Account of the Creation, except the Appellations of the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker, are all explained in the different Chapters and Sections where they occur.
Account of the Creation.
THE Principle of Truth, having first formed the Earth, and the Heavens, and the Water, and the Fire, and the Air, produced a Being, called Burmha, the Dewtah, for the Creation of all Beings (Dewtah is that to which all offer their Worship) afterwards he created the Bramin from his Mouth, the Chehteree from his Arms, the Bice from his Thighs, and Sooder from his Feet: And he ordered Burmha to complete the other Creations, and to settle the several Employments respectively of the Bramin, the Chehteree, the Bice, and the Sooder, that he had created; and he committed the Government of all Beings to Burmha, — Burmha, according to Order, produced in the World Mankind, and Beasts innumerable, and Birds, and Vegetables, and all inanimate Things, and Serpents of all Kinds and Varieties, and Piety, and Morality, and justice, and Continence, and Lust, and Anger, and Avarice, and Folly, and Arrogance, and Drunkenness. And whereas the Bramin proceeded from the Mouth of the Principle of Truth, for this Reason His Rank is the most eminent; the Chehteree s prung from his Arms, his Rank therefore is Second; the Origin of the Bice is from the Thighs, and his Rank is the Third in Eminence; and the Sooder, who sprung from the Feet, is therefore the least in Degree of them all. Burmha first settled the Occupation of each of these Four Tribes; as that the Occupation of the Bramin should be to read the Beids, and other Shaster, and to teach the Shaster, and to perform the Jugg and Worship; and to cause the Performance of the Poojeh, i.e. the Worship to Dewtah, and of the Jugg by others; and to perform and to accept the Dan (an Explanation of the Terms Jugg and Dan is to be found in the Chapter of Inheritable Property:) Among these Occupations already described, Three are for their Subsistence and Support; and Three for the Exercise of Piety, as for Instance, to cause the Performance of the Poojeh and Jugg of others; and to Instruct Pupils, from whom some Premium is received; and to accept the Dan: These Three Occupations are to be the Source of Subsistence to the Bramin; and the other Three Occupations are for the Exercise of his Piety. The Occupations of the Chehteree are to learn the Sciences, to perform the Poojeh and Jugg, to perform the Dan, and, arming himself with the Implements of War, to defend and secure the Reyots; and for his Subsistence, the Chehteree shall serve in the Defence of the Reyots; the other Three Occupations are for Exercises of Piety to the Chehteree. To the Bice also, it was enjoined to learn the Sciences, and to perform the Dan and the Jugg; and besides this, to him was permitted Commerce, and the tending of Cattle, and Agriculture; the Acquisition of Science, and the Performance of the Dan and Jugg, are for the Advancement of his eternal Happiness; and Commerce, and the tending of Cattle and Agriculture, are for his Livelihood. The Tribe of Sooder shall be Servants to the Bramin, the Chehteree, and the Bice.
If a Bramin cannot procure a Subsistence by the Exercise of his own appointed Occupations, he shall earn a Livelihood by applying to the Occupations of the Chehteree: If also he fails to acquire a Subsistence from the Occupations of the Chehteree, he shall exercise those of the Bice; but of those Occupations, he shall first apply to the tending of Cattle, and to Commerce; if from these also, he cannot earn his Support, he shall then betake himself to Agriculture. If a Bramin applies himself to Commerce, he shall not sell either Salt, or any Articles of Sweet, or of Bitter, or of Astringent, or of Acid, or Victuals, or Stones, or Iron, or Animals, or Men, or Red Cotton Cloth, or Silk Pieces, or Blankets, or other Species of the same Kind made of Sheeps Wool, or Camphire and other Aromaticks, or Honey, or Water, or Poison, or Flesh, or Milk, or Tyer (Soar Cream) or Ghee, or bitter Oil, or Sesamum, or the Grass Kose (which is a particular Species of Grass) or Birds, or Wine, or Fish, or Wax; but the Sesamum, if it be produced in Land belonging to the Bramin, he may sell on the same Day that it is cleared from the Husk. The Chehteree, if he cannot subsist by his own proper Occupations, shall exercise those of the Bice; and if the Bice fails of a Subsistence from his own Occupations, he shall apply to those of the Sooder; and if the Sooder fails of a Livelihood, he shall apply to Painting, or to Needle-Work, or some other such Employment: In this Manner are their several Occupations divided and distinguished from each other. — For some Period after the Creation of the World, there was neither Magistrate nor Punishment; and no Man committed Crimes, or exercised Injustice and Oppression upon his Fellow Creatures; and the Reyots were nourished with Piety and Morality; but, in process of Time, Lust and Anger, and Avarice, and Folly, and Arrogance, and Drunkenness, became so predominant over the several Members of Men, that with-holding them from Actions of Piety, they became the Guides to all Wickedness; and Men employed themselves in all Occupations of Debauchery and Iniquity, and assumed the Licentiousness of eating Things forbidden them to eat, and of uttering Words forbidden them to utter; no Man regulated his Actions in conformity to the Beids, nor walked in any Path but that of Sin. When such Iniquities first began in the World, Burmha having reflected within himself, and having written in the Shaster the Means for the Improvement of Mankind, and the Business of the Magistrate, and the several Duties of the Bramin, the Chehteree, the Bice, and the Sooder, and the Proportions of Punishment to be inflicted on Offenders by the Magistrate, and all other Affairs and Concerns, issued his Command to a Man named Beirooja, a Chehteree, to assume the Magistracy, and to protect the Reyots, and to punish the Guilty, according to the Ordinations of the Shaster, to the end that Men might not have the Power of committing Injustice and Violence upon each other. Beirooja, not consenting to accept the Magistracy, left his Son Keiroot-man, and himself fled into the Desarts, to pay his Adorations to the Principle of Truth: In the same Manner also Keiroot-man left his own Son, by Name Kerdum, and himself took the Path of Adoration; Kerdum also, leaving his own Son, by Name Anung, hastened to the Way of Truth; Anung, the Son of Kerdum, becoming the Magistrate, for some Time regulated his Actions in conformity to the Shaster: After which Neit-man his Son took upon him the Magistracy and the Government; a Son was born to Neit-man, by Name Bein, in whom every Sign of an inhuman Disposition plainly appeared; as for Instance, during his Childhood, at the Time of Play, he would bind the Children Hand and Foot, and throw them into deep Rivers, and would break Men's Pitchers, and employ himself in all such Kind of foolish and unworthy Occupations; the Reyots of the Kingdom, desponding under his Injustice and Oppression, came before his Father, who was the Magistrate, and solicited Redress; the Father on hearing this Account of the eternal Injustice and perpetual Innovations of his Son, and not being able to restrain him, departed into the Desart: The Kingdom being thus left without a Magistrate, the Bramins constituted Bein to the Magistracy: This unworthy Person, thus becoming the Magistrate, issued a Proclamation throughout his Kingdom, that no Man should perform the Jugg, or the Poojeh, or any such Works of Piety; and that whoever executed Justice should receive severe Punishment: Upon this Intelligence the Bramins went to him, and gave him many Sermons of Advice, and many Lectures of Admonition, telling him, "that the Duty of a Magistrate was to cause Exercises of Piety to be performed throughout his Kingdom; and that he who caused any Obstruction or Opposition to Good Works would go to Gehenmun; and that if the Magistrate did not protect and comfort the Reyots, it would be the Cause of his Kingdom's Destruction. If the Magistrate deserts the Exercise of Piety, How can it be that the Reyots should employ themselves in good Actions? In that Case, Men will take the Possessions and Wives of each other. A Kingdom with an unjust Magistrate, and a Kingdom without a Magistrate, are similar to each other; and a Kingdom where Works of Iniquity are practised, and where the Poojeh and Worship are not performed, such a Kingdom is as if it were without a Magistrate; as for Instance, a Man of the Chehteree Cast commits Adultery with a Woman of the Bramin Cast, and a Bramin with a Woman of the Chehteree; and in the same Manner all the Casts unite with each other promiscuously; and from the Conjunction of Two different Casts proceeds the Tribe of Burrun Sunker; and that there should be a Burrun Sunker is criminal; it is better therefore to desist from these impious Practices." Bein answered, " hese your Admonitions are not profitable for me, neither do I approve of these Speeches; let us see, since the Tribe of Burrun Sunker is produced, what its Religion and Manners must be; the Bramins afflicted and disgusted departed to their own Habitations; and that oppressive Magistrate, sending for a Woman of the Bramin Cast, had carnal Connexion with her, and from thence a Son was born; and in the same Manner, from the Conjunction of Men of one Tribe with Women of a different Tribe, many Sons and many Daughters came into Existence; and from the Connexion of a Man of the Bice with a Woman of the Sooder Cast, the Child that was born, his Tribe is called Kerrum or Koit; and from a Man of the Bramin and a Woman of the Bice Cast sprung the Tribe of Ambusht or Bade, and Kundeh-beneik or Druggists, and the Tribe of Kunkar or Artificers in Kafeh, and Kafeh is a Mixture of Copper and Arzeez; and the Tribe of Sunkahtar or Artificers in Sunkah (or Sea Shells) and the Women wore Sunkhab upon their Hands; these Four Tribes were produced: And from a Man of the Chehteree and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Okeree, and the Tribe of Hejam (Barbers) and the Tribe of Moduck, i.e. Sellers of Candy, were derived; and from a Man of the Sooder and a Woman of the Chehteree Cast sprung the Tribe of Koinbehkar, i.e. Kelal or Potters, and the Tribe of Tunterba, i.e. Weavers, and the Tribe of Ghermkar, i.e. Smiths, and the Tribe of Dost; and from a Man of the Bice and a Woman of the Chehteree Cast are derived the Tribe of Magdeh, i.e. Fortune-Tellers, and the Tribe of Koop; and from a Man of the Bramin and a Woman of the Sooder Cast is sprung the Tribe of Barjebee, i.e. Berree; and from a Man of the Chehteree and a Woman of the Bramin Cast the Tribe of Soot and Malakar, i.e. Sellers of Flowers; and from a Man of the Bice and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Tawleek or Tillee, and Tumboolee (Pansellers.) These Tribes are of the First Rank among the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker.
From a Man of the Kerrun and a Woman of the Bice Cast sprung the Tribe of Tukkehyah, i.e. Carpenters, and the Tribe of Rujuk, or Washers; and from a Man of the Ambusht and a Woman of the Bice Cast the Tribes of Sherrunkar, or Goldimiths, and of Shoberun-bencik, or Soonar Buneeah; and from a Man of the Koop and a Woman of the Bice Cast were derived the Tribes of Teilkar, i.e. Sellers of Oil, and of Abheir; and from a Man of the Koop and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Dheiber or Julya, and the Tribe of Shoondruk or Soondrie; and from a Man of the Malakar and a Woman of the Sooder Cast sprung the Tribe of Natt or Dancers, and the Tribe of Sharuk; and from a Man of the Magdeh and a Woman of the Sooder Cast arose the Tribes of Seeker and Jaleik. These Tribes bear the middle Rank of the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker.
From a Man of the Goldsmith and a Woman of the Ambusht Cast sprung the Tribe of Mulukerrhee; and from a Man of the Shoberun-beneik and a Woman of the Bade Cast sprung the Tribe of Koorooba; and from a Man of the Sooder and a Woman of the Bramin Cast was derived the Tribe of Chendal; and from a Man of the Abheir and a Woman of the Koop Cast sprung the Tribe of Beroor; and from a Man of the Abheir and a Woman of the Bice Cast was propagated the Tribe of Tukkeh, and Chermkar, i.e. Shoemakers; and from a Man of the Rujuk and a Woman of the Bice Cast sprung the Tribe of Keht Jeibenee, i.e. the Tribe of Putnee; and from a Man of the Cast of Oil-Seller and a Woman of the Bice Cast came the Tribe of Dooba-bahee; and from a Man of the Dheiber and a Woman of the Sooder Cast arose the Tribe of Mull. These Tribes are of the last Rank among the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker.
Keroor is the Name of a Bird. Keroor, having brought a Man from Shakud Deep, call him down upon Jumboo Deep, i.e. this World; that Tribe is called Deeiool; and there are Seven Deeps, viz.
Jumboo Deep,
Pulkhoo Deep,
Shoolmeloo Deep,
Kooshud Deep,
Keroonchud Deep,
Shakud Deep,
Pooshkerud Deep.
The Explanation of Deep is this: Deep signifies Land; and on every Side of each Deep is the Sumooder, or Main Ocean; and the Length and Breadth of this Deep, which is called Jumboo, is One Hundred Thousand of Joojun, or Four Hundred Thousand Cose; and the Length and Breadth of the Second Deep, is twice as much as that of this Deep; and that of the Third Deep, Four Times as much; and that of the Fourth, Eight Times as much; and that of the Fifth, Sixteen Times as much; and that of the Sixth, Thirty-two Times as much; and that of the Seventh, Sixty-four Times as much. And from a Man of the Deiool, and a Woman of the Bice Cast was derived the Tribe of Gung, or Astronomers, and the Tribe of Baduk, i.e. the Tribe of Baitee, and the Tribe of Poolund, and the Tribe of Powukkush, and the Tribe of Kehsh, and the Tribe of Jebun, and the Tribe of Shookeh, and such Kind of Tribes, called Muluch; Muluch are such Tribes as eat forbidden Food, and to whom permitted and forbidden Meats are equal: These sprung from the Members of the tyrannick Bein.
The Bramins, upon Intelligence of all this, execrating the oppressive Magistrate with internal Hatred, put him to Death: When the Kingdom was thus without a Magistrate, the Bramins rubbed his two Hands, and from his Right Hand produced a Son, by Name Pert-hoo, armed and dressed in the Arms and Habiliments of War, and well skilled in the Science of War, and a Pundit in the Shaster, and in Form and Shape like to the Dewtaj' and from his Left-Hand they raised a Daughter, and this Daughter they married to Pert-hoo, and raised him to the Magistracy; and Pert-hoo was very just, and protected his Subjects, and caressed the peaceable, and punished the oppressive, and behaved with Respect end Regard towards the Bramins, and employed himself laudably in all such Kind of good Actions, in conformity to the Shaster: Then all the People, both great and mean, were employed in Works of Piety, and the Kingdom enjoyed Comfort and Tranquillity. The Bramins, having expressed their Praises and Approbation, took their leave. Pert-hoo, fulfilling the Offices of Fidelity and good Intention, governed the Kingdom with Justice and Equity; but his Mind remained embarrassed and uneasy; wherefore he summoned the Bramins, and inquired of them, saying, "I exercise the Magistracy, and protect the Reyots, according to the Shafter; tell me therefore, What is the Cause that my Mind is Disturbed, and why are the Reyots of the Kingdom in Poverty?" The Bramins answered, "Your Father carried Injustice and Works of Iniquity to the last Extremity; insomuch that the Tribes of Burrun Sunker originate from him: And whereas he would listen to none of the Cautions that were given him; from the Enormity of his Crimes, the Kingdom is become ripe for Disobedience; on this Account, the Fruits of the Earth are produced in less plenty, and the Reyots also are stricken with Poverty; and this likewise is the Cause of the Vexations of your noble Disposition." Pert hoo, on hearing this Account, said to the Bramins, "Now, therefore, How shall I act, and what Remedy can I apply to this? Shall I put the Tribes of Burrun Sunker to Death? Tell me what is most advisable." The Bramins, upon Consultation, and mutual Consent among themselves, replied, "The Tribes of Burrun Sunker, such as they now are, let them remain: And be it cautiously observed, and provided for, that, exclusive of these, no other new Tribes of Burrun Sunker may be produced. It is not right to put these to Death; but you must appoint them their several Occupations, and direct them to the Exercise of Piety; neither shall they be disobedient to your Commands: Whosoever controverts your Orders shall be accounted criminal, and worthy of Death: Act therefore as your Understanding directs." This just Magistrate therefore summoned all the Tribes of Burrun Sunker before him, and said to them, "Wherefore are your Forms so vile; your Bodies so emaciated and disgusting; your Cloaths so inconvenient, so coarse and so ragged?" They answered, "What Manner of Speech is this? Our Forms are the farthest from vile; and our Dress is elegant; and our Bodies are plump and healthy: Are you not Possessed of Sight? Our Origin is from the Practices of your Father; Burmha, is not of superior Rank to us." The Bramins, who were in the Magistrate's Presence, smiled at these Expressions; but the just Magistrate was incensed at the Speeches of these disorderly Wretches; and the Servants, according to his Order, bound and beat them. The Tribes of Burrun Sunker, now reduced to Extremity, fought for Pity, and implored Pardon for their Offences, saying, "We will be obedient to your Commands; act therefore as to you shall seem most proper, to change our vile and wretched Appearance to Neatness and Elegance: Appoint us also our Occupations; and settle our Burrun, or Peculiarity, and Property of Tribes." Pert-hoo, upon this, addressed himself to the Bramins, saying, "You are Pundits, and learned and wise; constitute therefore to each of these, according to their several Abilities, an Occupation and a Tribe." In Obedience to the Order of this just Magistrate, the Bramins said to them, "You are of the Casts of Sooder; let each Person among you declare what Employment he is willing to exercise." On hearing this, the Tribe of Kerrun first stepped forth, and addressed them, saying, "We are altogether ignorant and foolish; what Petition can we make in this Case? But you, who are Pundits, make proper Investigation, and settle accordingly." The Bramins then made known to the just Magistrate, that "This Person will become of sound Understanding, and of laudable Principles; he has spoken with great Propriety. This Tribe shall perform the Service of the Magistrate, and shall have due Faith in the Bramins, and in the Dewtah; and of the Sooder Casts this Tribe shall be the First in Rank." The Bramins then said to Kerrun, "Do you exercise the Profession of Writing and Reading; and find Employment in the Service of the Magistrate." Next stood up the Tribe of Ambusht, to whom was given the Shaster of Physick. Afterwards came Kundeh beneik, to him was allotted the Occupation of Druggist. Then appeared the Tribe of Kunkur, to him it was allotted to make Vessels of Brass, and Kafeh, and Copper, and all such Kind of Things. Next appeared the Tribe of Sunkehkar, to whom it was given to work in Sunkha or Sea Shells. Afterwards came the Tribe of Ookenee, to him was allotted the Occupation of War. Then the Tribe of Hejam, to whom Hejamut or the Profession of Barber was consigned. Next came the Tribe of Moduk, into his Hands was put the Preparation of Confectionary. After those the Tribe of Koombehkar, to whom was appointed the Business of making earthen Vessels. Then came the Tribe of Tunterba, to weave Cloth became his Occupation. Next appeared Ghermkar, the Formation of all Instruments of Iron became his Employment. After that came the Tribe of Magdeh, to whom the Bramins said, "Do you make War your Occupation." They answered, "We are not able to follow the Employment of War; except this, order us whatever Occupation you choose." The Bramins returned Answer, "You shall then display the Characters and good Qualities of the People, and shall write the same, and carry it about from Kingdom to Kingdom, and give Intelligence; Description shall be your Employment." Then came the Tribe of Koop, his Employment was appointed to take care of Accompt Books. Afterwards came the Tribe of Berree, to whom it was allotted to raise the Paan or Beetle Plant. Afterwards appeared the Tribe of Russoot, the Care of Horses became his Employ. Next stood forth the Tribe of Malakar, to sell Flowers became his Occupation. Then came the Tribe of Tawleek, to sell the Beetle-Nut became his Employ. Afterwards appeared the Tribe of Tumboolee, his Occupation it became to sell the Beetle Plant. Then came the Tribe of Tukkehyah, to him it was allotted to cut Wood and to split Timber, and to prepare all Manner of Articles in Wood. Next came the Tribe of Rujuk, to him was appointed the Employment of Sewing Cloaths. Then came the Tribe of Sherrunkar, to himwas given to make Jewellery. Next appeared the Tribe of Shooberun-beneik, to him was allotted the Occupation of Perrikhaye, or Trial of Gold and Silver. Then came the Tribe of Teilkar, to whom it was given to make and to sell Oil. Afterwards appeared the Tribe of Dheiber, whose Occupation it became to catch Fish. Then the Tribe of Natt, whose Occupation it became to dance. Afterwards the Tribe of Chendal appeared, the Occupation of feeding Dogs and Asses was given to it; and its Habitation shall be without the Town, and it shall take the Cloaths of dead Persons, and shall Cast out the Bodies of such as die without Heirs; and whomsoever the Magistrate orders to be put to Death, this Tribe shall put the condemned Person to Death accordingly. Next came the Tribe of Chermkar, working in Leather was appointed for its Occupation. Next came the Tribe of Nujoomee, the Jooteese or Shaster of Astronomy was given to it for an Employ. Then stood up the Tribe of Baduk, Drum-beating, and Playing on other Musical Instruments, was given to it for an Occupation. Next came the Tribe of Powukkush, to him was given the Employment of slaying wild Beasts.
All this preceding Explanation is to make manifest the Reason of the first Institution of the Shaster, and the Cause of the Superiority of one Tribe over another.
The several Indian Words, which are adopted in this Account of the Creation, except the Appellations of the Tribes of the Burrun Sunker, are all explained in the different Chapters and Sections where they occur.