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                      GUNGA SAHAI.

there were some noble instances of faithfulness among the Brahmin Sepoys, but for the most part treachery prevailed, accompanied with the worst crimes. 
   Amongst this diversity of occupation, and division of power and interest, it is wonderful how the Brahmins have maintained themselves as heads of the Hindoo faith through the vicissitudes of India, political and religious, for it may be truly said, thousands of years, and retained their original place as head of the Hindoo institution of caste. Never before, or since, in the history of the world, were the chains of priestcraft forged so strongly or so unchangeably. Before the comparative simplicity of Buddhism, the Brahmin faith seemed at one period nearly extinguished, and the sacred character and exclusive pretensions of the Brahmins were almost lost; yet after a struggle of five hundred years the Brahmins, about the Christian era, arose in renewed power, and have not declined since. By Mahomedanism, so long as that religion was that of the ruling power, they were not affected; and as yet the influence of Christianity is barely perceptible, and its possible future effect can hardly be appreciated. So many points connected with the Brahmins are deserving of notice, that the subject will be resumed on other occasions when they may appear as Photographs. 
   By his costume, the person represented would appear to be a Loukik, or secular Brahmin, with no great pretensions to sanctity; he may be a secretary or teacher, or an officer in the Civil Service of Government. At the time his portrait was taken he wore a yellow turban, a light green tunic, silk trousers, striped yellow and black, and a red Cashmere shawl with embroidered border. A handsome costume, but not of a religious character. Brahmins, especially of the North-West Provinces of India, are, for the most part, a fine, intellectual looking people; they are well made, and frequently of great bodily strength. They belong to the purest Aryan races, and have not deteriorated, at least in physical power. The person represented, however, is by no means a good specimen of his class; but the reason for selecting him is not particularly explained.