Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 8.djvu/30

 SMARTHA BRAHMIN. (411)

he Photograph represents a Smartha Brahmin, as may be seen from the horizontal caste mark on his forehead, and he is of the Laukika class, or those who follow worldly occupation. The person represented is evidently a scribe; he may be a secretary, or accountant, or follow business of his own, without hindrance or reproach. Such Brahmins are frequently very able men, and of much use in state or other service; thoughtful, persevering, industrious, and faithful. Some adopt the profession of the law, and become able pleaders and attorneys in the local courts; in short, all professions are open to them, and many become highly distinguished. The question of general service, worldly occupation, and religious life is usually decided in families, and followed hereditarily; instances of both conditions of life in the same family being rare, if not entirely unknown.

LAUKIKA SMARTHA BRAHMIN. (412)

HE person represented is of the same class as the preceding, and is following a worldly calling. Vaidika, or religious Brahmins, rarely wear turbans or tunics; they keep the head and upper part of their persons bare of covering, as in Plates 409 and 410, and, at most, tie a loose handkerchief round the head, and a scarf or dhoty across the shoulders. The Laukika Brahmins, however, wear the ordinary garments of the respectable classes, and are thus distinguished from the religious professors. In other respects, as to creed, food, or general habits, there is no difference.