Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/178

162 CHARACTERS.—THE MÁRWÁRI.

going through Gujarát the traveller is sure to come across a character who offers much scope for observation and study. Who has not seen the Marwari?—the professional usurer, so useful and so execrable!

He hails from Márwár, and is a Vaishnava Hindu. At home, and up to eight years of age, the Márwári is the sprightliest little animal that ever kicked the mother who suckled him. He skips about like a wild kangaroo in the wantonness of unlimited freedom, returning at brief intervals to the warmth of the maternal breast. The little Márwári is kept at the breast till he is eight—till then parental affection is literally lavished on him. Eight is his weaning time;