Viewing page 88 of 176

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

MAHRATTAS.

where well known: generous too, always to the best of their means.  In their food Mahrattas who have taken the bhugat [?], or vow of abstinence, do not eat flesh or any kind, or even fish, and observe a strictly vegetarian diet; but the ordinary Mahratta eats fish flesh, except beef, and fowl, as he can get them, and takes spirits also, though not, except upon occasions, to excess.  Ordinarily the dress, both of males and females, is studiously plain, the men wearing trousers, or drawers tight below the knee, where they end, and loose above, and ordinarily calico tunic or jacket; the women a simple sari; but both sexes are fond of fine clothes, and at weddings and ceremonies fine clothes and rich ornaments are as profusely displayed as the owners can afford.  In every respect we think that the Mahrattas evince more character that any other people of India, except perhaps the Rajpoots; and are at present some of the most useful and loyal subjects of the crown,