Page:The history of caste in India.pdf/31

 I have given in the seventh or last chapter the discrimination on the lines of varna as advised by the text. Here I have tried to ascertain the actual facts of the period, using the text as a material, and have taken its testimony with all due limitations. I have tried to find out how far varna of the party was considered in the questions of treatment at the court, taxation, inheritance, marriage, and the criminal law.

While discussing the caste system in India, I have incidentally made a few references to the caste system in the United States. These references should not in any way be construed as an attempt on my part to find fault with the Americans and their civilization. I have made these references primarily to make the Indian conditions clearer with the aid of phenomena which are more known and likely to be more easily observed by the Western World. I also trust that these illustrations will point out how a people even with the noblest ideals before them and making huge efforts to maintain those ideals, cannot entirely escape the consequences of events somewhat beyond their control. It may also happen that the mention of these similarities may enable the people of this republic to understand the Hindus a little better.