Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XXV. Agriculture, Manufacture and Architecture—Wheat Growing—The Farm Laborer—His Condition, Implements, etc. The Taj-Mahal—Jugglers—Snake Charmers—From My Journal
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253 Story of an Emigtiant.
272
denlv he throws his flute away, continues his motions and
repeats incantations. Again he points to the paper, and
while the observer turns his eyes in that direction without
seeing anything unusual, the charmer presses his folded hands
down on it and pulls out three large cobras, raising their
heads and stretching out their poisonous tongues in
different directions while he holds them in his hand."
These and similar tricks are performed daily, yet no one
has been able to detect how they are done. The theory of
hypnotism has recently been advanced, and it does not seem
improbable.
The following extract from my journal may be of interest:
Oct. 8, 18 S2.—Yesterday I witnessed one of the most important
expressions of public opinion ever recorded in Asia, in favor of religious liberty.
Three thousand prominent persons, mostly Hindoos and Mohammedans,
and a few Christians and Parsees, assembled in the cit}r hall of Calcutta,
and brilliant speeches were made eliciting most animated applause from
the native non-Christian inhabitants as a protest against the police
prosecuting the salvation army, lately arrived in Bomba}’. What do the
Ameii:an and European Christians think of the necessity for Brahmins,
Mohammedans, and Parsees to protest against prosecutions by Christians
agairst Christians?
. 1
Darjieling, Oct. 17, 1882.—Here dwells a tribe of mountaineers who are
polyandrists, the reverse of polygamists. Each woman has several
husbands, who are generally brothers or near relatives. This practice has
locally decreased the population, while in all other Hindoo sects it is
rapidly increasing.
The English aristocracy is strongly represented here. The summer
residence of the Bengal government, which is located here, as well as the
excellent sanitarium, attract thousands of travelers. Excursions, dinners, balls
and other festivities follow each other in rapid succession. This afternoon I
was present at one of these gatherings, and met the Greek merchant Palochi,
and made other interesting acquaintances. This evening shall attend a ball
given by the governor of Bengal. At all these parties "simkim," or
champagne, flows in streams. Life is gay and luxurious among the aristocracy
in India.
Nov. 23, 1882.—Was present at a quiet and select entertainment with
the king of Kutch Behar, in his palace in Calcutta. Jlis wife is a daughter
of the srreat Hindoo reformer Keshub-Chunder-Sen; she is a well edu-
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