Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/284

 238 AN EARLY DUTCH ACCOUNT OF INDIA also to reveal their belief and religion. But before we begin to speak of these matters and of that which pertaineth thereunto, we must first make a brief preface on the races and castes of which the heathen nation on the coast of Coromandel doth consist; for that will give light and clearness, the better to understand what shall be said hereafter. The Bramin Padmanaba (Padmanabha), from whose mouth I have all the mysteries of heathendom which are revealed in this book, beareth witness that there were four general castes or races in this nation. For though it seemeth that five castes should be reckoned thereto, yet they say that there are but four, since the fifth is not really and truly counted among the castes. These four are the caste of the Bramines (Brahmans), the caste of the Settreas (Kshatriyas), of the Weinjas (Vaisyas), and of the Soudras (Sudras). They follow each other in order, like as they are placed here, and also surpass each other in honour. So that the first and the most esteemed is the caste of Bramines; yea, they also say that these are pre-eminent, and most accep- table in the sight of God. The Bramin Padmanaba said that as among all beasts the kine, among all birds the bird Garouda (which is a red sparrow-hawk with a white ring about his neck), and among all trees the tree rawasittou, so also among all men and races the caste of Bramines is the first and the most honourable in the eyes of God. Also they have much reverence among that people, so that with them it is a thing be- yond all gainsaying that the caste of Bramines hath the