Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 4.djvu/138

MOULVEES. of the punishment to be inflicted, while the actual sentence was passed by the judge in reference to that opinion.

In the recent extension of employment of educated and qualified native gentlemen, the Moulvees, and other learned classes of Mahomedans, have been appointed to the judicial rank of Ameen, and Sudr Ameen, and to be judges of local courts of an inferior degree to those presided over by English judges. These also are very distinguished stations in life, and are well paid. The classes employed are honourable men; very few instances of misconduct having occurred among them in ordinary times. During the mutiny and rebellion there were some sad instances of disloyalty, and the temptation of assisting a movement to recover national greatness was too strong to be resisted by all; but, on the other hand, there were many noble instances of good faith and devotion, and, on the whole, there resulted no reason for the future avoidance of this class of Government employés, but much the contrary—which is in progress of fulfilment. These learned classes of Mahomedans have never been independent, even during the existence of Mahomedan power. There was never what might be called a "bar," in which advocates could rise to any distinction or wealth; and though litigants might have then- "vakeels," they were little better than mere agents. In the British provinces, however, there is what may be termed a "bar," which is rising from year to year in public estimation, and the members of it are Mahomedan as well as Hindoo lawyers. There is not as yet any well-defined distinction between attorneys and pleaders; but this is in progress, and will no doubt be decided in time, perhaps, by an act of legislature. In the ordinary civil duties of Government, there are many offices open to Mahomedan gentlemen of education. The police, for instance, employs men of a semi-military character, and the collection of the revenue has many valuable and important situations—as tehsildar, or collector of a sub-district; assistant collector, &c.—offices of high trust and responsibility. In non-regulation districts, Mahomedan gentlemen are advanced to the rank of assistant commissioners, and fill other subordinate offices with great efficiency, and advantage to the State. It is probable they are preferred to Hindoos by those under whom they serve. They are quick and firm in their decisions, very frequently excellent men of business, and extremely persevering and industrious. They are more independent in manner, and m their method of business, than the majority of Hindoos ; but perhaps less patient and minute in investigation, and certainly by no means such good accountants. While each great division of the people is therefore represented, the Mahomedans have no reason to consider themselves neglected.

And yet they do. The hereditary lawyers, who can trace their families up to the most magnificent of the Mahomedan dynasties, and whose ancestors may have been imperial satraps, with the destinies of whole provinces at their disposal, must