Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/354

206 are thrust and pushed in as they burn away. On it stands the curry-pot, serving as a cover, and retaining its own heat. The water-chatty and another vessel stand on the ground; near by lies an unfolded plantain-leaf as it is cut from the plant, which, when unrolled for these domestic purposes, possesses a polish, delicacy, and beauty most exquisite.

There can be little doubt that the Brahmins are of a different race from the mass of the people of India. Ages since, entering Hindustan from the north-west, they have, by the force of a superior mental structure and a higher civilization, imposed upon its docile nations their religion, laws, and customs. This influence, as well as the introduction of Sanscrit into their languages, has been most complete in Northern India, and has extended over the fertile plains of Southern India. But the rude inhabitants of the hilly ranges, the aborigines of the country, in many places know nothing of the gods or the religion of the Brahmins. In feature, the Brahmins are more handsome, as well as more intelligent in expression, and in complexion lighter, than the Tamil and other races of Southern India. In mental power, also, they are their superiors, while, from their sta-