Brahminism has never sought to win proselytes; the annals of ancient India record none of those atrocious persecutions which stained mediaeval Christianity. It competed with rival creeds by offering superior advantages: and the barbarous princes of India were kept under the priestly heel by an appeal to their animal instincts. A fungoid literature of abominations grew up in the Tantras, which are filthy dialogues between Siva, the destroying influence in nature, and his consorts. One of these, K

The confession elicited a general laugh, and Shám Babu replied, “It will be a matter of Rs. 200”. “Two hundred rupees! Surely that is far too much for a range of huts.” “True enough. Your own bamboo clumps, straw-stacks and stores of cordage would provide raw material; and as for labour, all you have to do is to order some of your ryots (tenants) who are behindhand with their rent to work for you gratis.” “That would be contrary to my principles. How are these poor people to live while engaged i

“What have you got in those baskets of yours?” “Oh, sweet potatoes, brinjáls (egg-plants), and a lot of other vegetables.” “Why don’t you attend Ramani Babu’s market?” “Because it does not pay me to go there.” “So you used to take your vegetables to Ramani Babu’s market?” “Yes; but there are hardly any customers left. Now please let me go; the sun is high up.” “So you won’t obey me!” “No!” roared the carter, prodding his oxen viciously. “Stop a minute, I tell you! Whose ryot (tenant) are you?” “

“Sarbeshwar, give this rascal a taste of your Shámchand (cane)!” He was zealously obeyed and poor Bemani was thrashed until he lay writhing in agony on the ground. After taking his punishment he rose, and looking defiantly at Ramani Babu said:— “You have treated me cruelly; but you will find that there is a God who watches all our actions. He will certainly deal out retribution to you!” He then turned to go. “I see you are not yet cured,” exclaimed Ramani Babu. “Let him have another dose of Shám

Karim’s wrath was stirred by this expression. He replied, “Now, Babu, don’t be abusive; I won’t stand it”. “What, do you want to teach me manners, Maulvie Saheb (doctor learned in Mohammadan law)?” asked Chandra Babu sarcastically. An exchange of compliments followed which were not altogether to Shylock’s advantage, and at length he roared, “Get out of this office, you rascal, and look out for squalls! I’ll sell you up!” Karim left in high dudgeon, inviting Chandra Babu to do his worst, and the

“Blackie’s Self-culture , Helps’ Essays , Milton’s Paradise Lost , and Tennyson’s Enoch Arden ,” gabbled Samarendra in one breath. “Very good, now please fetch your Paradise Lost.” The boy disappeared, returning shortly with a well-thumbed volume, which the B.A. opened and selected Satan’s famous apostrophe to the Sun for explanation. Samarendra was speechless. After waiting for a minute, the B.A. asked what text-book he studied in physics and was told that it was Ganot’s Natural Philosophy . He

On the following afternoon Amarendra Babu took the bridegroom and bride with the box of ornaments to his own home, while Rashbehari Babu remained behind at Jogesh’s to receive the cash. On mentioning this little formality he was assured that the sum of Rs. 1,001 had been duly counted out to his nephew; so he took his leave. When he reached home, he discovered the dirty trick that had been played by Jogesh. Amarendra stoutly denied having received any cash; and the tin box was proved to contain o

“Certainly not,” replied Rámanáth impulsively; then he checked himself, as though he had said too much. Shám Babu was astonished by the tone adopted by his visitor. He asked, “Why, what’s the matter with Gopál, nothing wrong I hope and trust?” “No, not exactly; but I’m in a hurry to-day, you must excuse my taking leave.” Shám Babu, however, would not be put off with vague insinuations. He said, “I must ask you, Rámanáth, to be more precise. You know your brother has borrowed Rs. 10,000 from me o

His brother Nagendra passed the Entrance Examination, but failed to secure a First Arts certificate. This rebuff so disheartened him that he gave up all idea of continuing the University course and returned to Ratnapur with the intention of living in idleness on his property. In vain did Samarendra point out the advantages of a degree. Nagendra declared that such distinctions were beyond his reach. Sudden wealth, in fact, was injurious to both of them. Two uneventful years passed away. Samarendr

“How much will you pay me if I win your case?” Glancing at Bipin, Samarendra answered hesitatingly, “Well, I might go as far as fifty rupees”. “Nonsense,” was the rejoinder. “I won’t take a pice less than Rs. 100.” After several minutes wasted on haggling, it was agreed that Asu Babu should be paid Rs. 40 on the nail and Rs. 35 more if he won the suit. The pleader pocketed this first instalment, and assured Samarendra that he would prove the sale to have been perfectly valid. Then the trio separ

So saying he took a registered power of attorney out of his sister’s strong box, which Nagendra saw entitled him to transact any business whatever relating to her estate. He handed the bond to Priya and asked him to endorse the conditions agreed on. While doing so Priya looked up. “Have you any objection,” he asked, “to my antedating the renewal a week or so. The fact is, Baisakh 12th has always been a lucky day in my family and I should like to date my endorsement then.” “Just as you like,” ans

When the week of grace had expired, Nagendra Babu filed a suit in the local Múnsiffs Court against his defaulter. As soon as the fact was bruited abroad a universal protest was roused against Nagendra Babu’s harshness. Some of the village elders remonstrated with him, but were told to mind their own business; whereon they laid their heads together and subscribed the small sum due from the Brahman. A deputation of five waited on him with entreaties to accept it, but he refused to take the money o

“You have learnt how to talk sweetly enough,” rejoined Debendra Babu. “Nalini fancies himself a Lát (lord) or bádsháh at the very least. What times we live in! The young have no respect whatever for their seniors!” “Nalini is hardly more than a boy,” said Jadu Babu with folded hands. “I am sure he had not the slightest intention of hurting your feelings.” “What’s the use of talking nonsense?” growled Debendra Babu. “Go away!” and he pointed to the door. The brothers did not stir; but Jadu Babu a

“Sir, we are poor folk. Abdullah is very clever and his fee is a mere trifle.” “What drugs has he been administering?” “ Homopotik (homoeopathic), they are called.” “Now you had better return home at once to find out how she is progressing. Let me know if she grows worse and I will send Hriday Doctor. Don’t trouble about his fees; I will pay them myself. Why did you not come to me earlier?” Sadhu muttered some words, which Nalini could not distinguish, and left the room hurriedly. After waiting

“How did yon learn all this?” asked Debendra Babu in deep anxiety. “I got the news only last night from the wife of the new Sub-Inspector who has come here on transfer. On paying my respects to her, I was told in confidence that her husband had orders to make a searching inquiry into the cause of Siráji’s death.” Debendra Babu saw that his secret was at the woman’s discretion. He answered in an apologetic tone: “It was certainly foolish of me to lose my temper with you, but I had some provocatio

Nalini suspected that his friend’s English lore was somewhat rusty. In order to test him further, he asked, “Can you tell me who wrote ‘Life is real, life is earnest,’—that line applies to you!” Pulin fidgeted about before answering. “It must have been Tennyson—or was it Wordsworth? I never could keep poetry in my head.” Nalini thought that an F.A. might have remembered Longfellow’s Psalm of Life , but he refrained from airing superior knowledge. “Do you know any mathematics?” he inquired. “Math

The inference was that the jasam had been mislaid; and Jadu Babu asked whether Gobardhan’s lore was equal to recovering it. “Possibly,” answered the astrologer, “but it is not a case of Báti Chálá; if you can guarantee me Rs. 10, I will perform Nákha Darpan (literally ‘nail-mirror’). Let me have an almanac, please, to find an auspicious day.” After examining it and receiving a ten-rupee note from Jadu Babu, the astrologer said oracularly that he would return on the following afternoon, with a la

“But what did she say?” repeated Ramzán wearily. “She told me to my face that I had forgotten to put salt into the curry!” “That’s hardly abusive,” rejoined Ramzán. “You think so,” shouted Fatima. “Now you’re taking sides with her against your mother, who bore you. You will assuredly suffer in Jehannam (hell) for such a crime! But I’ll have it out with that she-devil!” So saying, she dashed from the room to the kitchen, where the luckless Maini was cowering in anticipation of a coming storm. She