Colonel Sykes (1860) Traits of Indian Character

Traits of Indian Character
Author(s): Colonel Sykes

Reviewed work(s):
Source: Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol. 17 (1860), pp.
223-251
Published by: Cambridge University Press
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223
Art. VIII.?Traits of Indian Character. By Colonll Sykls,

M.P.) President of the Society.
[Read l(Uh April, 1851).J
MUTAMLITY.
It is less my object in the present paper to give national cha

racteristics than traits of individual character. To attempt the
former with tho twenty one nations arid twenty-one languages of India,
and iu the absenco of trustworthy history, could only mislead, but
Avith the latter, tho richness of tho field offers the assurance of a
plen
tiful harvest. as tho twenty-one nations
Nevertheless, belong to tho
great family of man, there will necessarily bo certain features common
to them and I Avill givo a
all, running commentary upon such of these
common features as occur to me. And, first, Avith to the
respect long
received and opinion of Western nations, of tho
constantly-repeated
of tho customs, habits, and whether or
immutability opinions, religious
moral, of the nations of India; or at least of the Hindus. No doubt
sinco tho institution of cavto, classes of men have been fettered and
confined within certain rules, to them not modes
prescribing only
of action, but modes of Nevertheless, avo find that natural
thought.
impulses, to tho intercourse of tho sexes, have
by leading irregular
broken doAvn these conventional barriers, and thnt state of society
which comprised only four great divisions, Brahman, Rajput, Vaisya,
and Sudra, has ramified into scores of castes, each Avith its own
cxclusivencss, its own habits, its own and its own intcr
polemics,
marriago limitations. Hero has been ceaseless and cease
change,
is it going on. Moreover, anterior to tho institution of
lessly caste,
and beforo tho establishment of Christianity, we havo glimpses of
tho Indian social state, and for theso wo are indebted to
glimpses
tho and indefatigable labours of our Director, Pro
profound learning
fessor Wilson, and to tho researches in Buddhist and Pali litera
ture of tho late Honourable Mr. Tumour, of tho Ceylon Civil Service.
The former has translated for us four or one-half of the
Ashtakas,
Rig Veda, tho most ancient of tho sacred books of tho Hindus, and
VOL XVII.
Q
224 TRAITS OF INDIAN CHARACTER.
tho latter has translated tho Mahawanso, tho Dipawanso, and tho
sermons and discourses of Buddha. Tho Veda a series
Rig comprises
of addressed not to a supremo a self-oxistont and con
hymns, Being,
stantly disposing cause, but to various personifications of tho elomcnts
and heavenly bodies, chiefly the firmament aud fire ; then tho winds,
tho dawn, tho sun, tho sons of tho sun, tho Viswadovas,
personified
or collective deities, and the divinities of food, water, and grass in tho
but nowhero does thcro to havo been idols or
abstract; appear
worship of material objects. Temples thoro wero none ; tho worship

was domestic. Brahmans aro mentionod, aro not named as tho
,but
appointed or exclusive singers or reciters of the hymns of the Rig

Veda. Priests were not Brahmans, and tho head of
necessarily
tho would seem to havo had whatever ritual was
family required,
performed in his own houso. Tho Hindu Triad, Brahma, Vishnu,
and Siva, havo no place ; tho Lingo, or Phallus is unmentioned ;
Casto unnoticed ; cows were eaten; cow-hides usod in sacrificial ritual;
in short, modern Brahman ism has no prototype in tho Rig Veda ;
but Professor Wilson justly says, that its chief value is in "illustrat
ing tho most ancient Hindu system of religious worship and social
and tho opinions of primitive Hinduism. How pro
organization,
thou tho which wo find must havo takon
digious changos placo
amongst tho so-called immutable Hindus l" But who wero tho
Hindus 1 Professor Wilson says, "Tho earliest seat of the Hindus
within the area of Hindustan was tho Eastern confines of
undoubtedly
tho Punjab ; tho holy land of Menu and tho Puranas lios betweon
tho Drishadwati and Saraswati rivers; the Caygar and Sursooty of
our barbarous maps." Tho tract of laud thus assigned for tho first
establishment of Hinduism iu India, is of very circumscribed exteut
and could not have been tho si to of a nation or of soveral tribes.
Whatever the date of tho settlement, Fa-hicn, in tho first years of the
fifth century, says ho found a people of heretics (that is to say, not
Buddhists,) between the Indus and the Jumna, having previously
said that tho Brahmans wero a tribo ; the first amongst tho tribes of
barbarians, meaning strangers. And this is corroborated
by Bishop
Musa?u and Scholasticus. But India was at tho
densely peopled
time of Fa-hion's visit, and if tho nidus of tho Hindus was still in
tho Punjab, who were tho other peoples of India? Buddhism then
flourished from tho Himalayas to Ceylon, but Hinduism has now
engrafted itself upon the nations and of India.
twenty-one languages
How then has this como and what becomes of tho
chango about,
immutability of tho Hindus 1
TRAITS OP INDIAN CHARACTER. 225
Admitting, hoAvevcr, that tho followers of tho Rig Veda had

diffused themselves so far south as the Vindya range,?limits which
tho Vishnu Purana of the tAvelfth century seems to indicate,?at tho
advent of Buddha in tho seventh century n.c, the present deities of
tho Hindu Pantheon avcio unknown ; wo find that not only a new
ritual, but new gods havo been adopted, though the germs of both
may bo traceablo to tho Rig Veda. It will necessarily bo asked,
what led Buddha to tho promulgation of doctrines which, in a com
paratively short period, would seem to have almost extinguished tho
Vcdic but which doctrines, Avero so unstable and
system, nevertheless,
uncertain, that at Buddha's death, 543 n.c, tho first Buddhist con
vocation to fix tho tenets of Buddhism in tho Pitakattaya, took place at
Rajgriha, and tho convocation found it bad to deal Avith no less than
heterodox sects. however, progressed, and two other
sixty-two Heresy,
convocations were that the fundamental doc
necessary1. Considering
trino of tho Buddhists is tho belief in tho metempsychosis, tho promul
gation of this doctrino struck directly at a great feature of ancient
ritual?animal sacrifices. The idea that the great First Cause could
bo propitiatod by tho sprinkling of blood, and burning flesh upon an
altar, is cooval with tho existonco of man. Cain and Abel are tho
first on record to havo mado this and becau.so ono offer
sacrifice,
was to bo to God, and the other not, Cain
ing supposed acceptable
slow his brother in envy. Wo see it continued in Abraham's offer,
even of his son. Wo read of its institution, commanded by Moses
in tho 1st chapter of Leviticus as a daily duty of tho Jews. Wo
observe a remarkable illustration of it in Elijah's sacrifice, narrated in
tho 18th chapter, 1st Kings, and to this day Abraham's sacrifice is
commemorated in the Buckra Ked of the Mahoniedans. Tho Canaan
ites sacrificed hecatombs of oxen, and so Avas the belief in tho

strong
to tho Divinity, that the ties of
efficacy of offering blood and flesh
nature were sot aside, and children Averooffered to Moloch. (Leviticus
xviii. 21.) Tho Carthaginians offered men, and somo traces of human
sacrifices aro mot with in tho Rig Veda, and its prevalence through
all times, in ono part of India, is attested by thoMeriah sacrifices of tho
Avhich the British Government has so and
Khonds, energetically
endeavoured to Tho usual or
humanely recently suppress. offering
sacrifico mentioned in the Rig Veda is the Soma Juice; the great sacri
fice of tho horse, howover, is mentioned, and tho ceremonial prescribed;
and that animal sacrifices must havo groAvn up is manifest
gradually
1 The 413 n.c, and third was 308 n.c.

second,
Q 2
by tho horror expressed by Buddha iu his discourses at tho blood

shed by the Vedists in their ritual; and as all religious as well as
social reforms originate iu the revulsion of certain sensitive and
minds from certain rituals or social it niay not bo
usages,
speculative
unreasonable to believo that tbo great reform of Buddha, whose fol
lowers at this
day outnumber those of any other creed, was caused by
the blood shed iu India iu animal sacrifices. Whether his making it
sinful to destroy animal life was consequent upon his adoption of tho
or of 6ouls, or whether the metem
metempsychosis transmigration
was invented to sparo animal lifo, admits of
psychosis argument.
Tho interdict, although now practically disregarded by tho
Buddhists in all parts of tho world, is rovorcntly obeyed by tho
Jain heretical offshoot of Buddhism iu India, tho only remnant, in
fact, of Buddhism ; and wo seo tho Jain priest, with baro head,
whito robe, with one shoulder naked, with a muslin veil over tho
mouth to prevent the ingress and destruction of insect life, solemnly
promeuading tho thoroughfares with a black rod in ono hand and a
fan in the other, with which ho fans tho spot upon which ho proposes
to sit down, lest ho should destroy any creature having lifo.
The rovcrenco for Buddha's is also manifested tho
injunction by
existcuco inWestern India of hospitals, called Pinjrapol, not only
for sick .animals, but for all other animals, whoso lives tho supporters
of tho hospitals desire to preserve; and laughablo but doubtless
stories aro told of human themselves to
groundless beings allowing
be hired to sleep in thoso hospitals to givo tho common bed bug
(Cimex Icctulariw,) a comfortablo meal at night I Tho Chinoso
Buddhists, though they do not givo any practical effect to Buddha's
injunction, yet ndmit tho sin of its breach. In an account of
tho largest Buddhist tcmplo at Canton, called tho Ching Kwaug
Mcaon, in tho China Mail of tho 6th January last, visitors aro
shown picturos of tho punishments in tho different hells, and iu
ono hell thoso aro tortured who have taken tho lifo of any living
being. But to return to Buddha's great roform : at his death,
543 n.c, a convocation took placo to fix his doctrines in tho Pali
work, tho Pitakattaya, and it was found they had to deal with
sixty-two heresies. Ono hundred years lator another convocation
was necessary, and in 308 n.c. another; and tho
notwithstanding
heresiestho religion spread, and at tho end of the fourth contury and
beginning of tho fifth century, tho Chinese travellor Pa-hien, who
was fourteeu years in India, found Buddhism covering tho land
from Peshawur to Cape Comorin, and from Guzrat to Orissa. Novor
TRAITS OF INDIAN CHARACTER. 227
thelcss, in the seventh contury Hiuantsang found Buddhism rapidly

declining; its crushing monastic system bad broken it down, its
doctrines Avero the morals of tho and
pen'orted, people corrupted,
Hiuantsang says the Buddhists were scarcely distinguishable from tho

barbarians amongst Avhoni they lived; that is to say, tho followers of
Siva and Vishnu, who not discoverable in tho Rig Veda, had been
ushered into notice and veneration, with tho lamentable
together
of under the care of tho Brahmans, who A\rero
system casto, fostering
step stop influence, and cxclusiveness. But,
by assuming importance,
like the Vedic and Buddhist systems, the Brahinanism of tbe early
and centuries of tho Christian era was to its
subsequent subject
heresies. Professor Wilson, in the lGth and 17th volumes of tho
Asiatic Researches, has given an account of no less than fifty-two
Hindu sects or heresies, viz., Vaishnava sects, nine Siva, four
twenty
Sakta, seven subdivisions of Seiks, avIio originated with Nanak Shah
and Guru Govind, ten miscellaneous sects, and tAVo Jains. Maho
nicdanism too, as is well knoAvn, has its Shiahs and Siinis, its sophists
and mystics; but I need not multiply theso proofs to establish the fact,
that in roligious impressions and social usages, a trait of Indian cha
ractor is certainly mutability, and not immutability.
Devotional Sentiment.
A trait of Indian character is tho of "devotional senti

intensity
ment." If avo tho rock-cut temples and sthupas of India,
survey
and monastic refectories and cells, avo are struck Avith amazement at
their number, marvellous of

prodigious magnitude, prodigious display
varied taste, and tbe amount of continuous labour bestoAved upon
their excavation through centuries of time; first, those of tho Bud
dhists, divided into those excavated in tho rock and buildings desig
nated sthupas and topes; thcChino.se travellers speak of sthupas soa-oii
hundred feet high, nearly tAvico tbe height of St. Paul's. These havo
but many of remain, a remarkable illus
disappeared; specimens topes
trative gigantic specimen of which exists to this day at Bilsa in
Theso or dhagopos wore relic tombs. Associated also
Bopal. topes
with excavations, first in order of timo are those of tho
tho Buddhist
Jains, probably of the date of tho early Christian centuries; then
thoso dedicated to Siva, none of which havo been proved to be earlier
than the seventh century.
In my account of the caves of Ellora I gave the measure
published
ments of the sovoral excavations, and ono of them, the Siva Temple of
Kylas, may well bo considered a wonder of tho world. A mountain

of trap rock is carved into a temple, and sculptured externally with
thousands aud tens of thousands of figures of men and animals : tho
stands in tho midst of a excavated area, round which
temple great
run cloisters, with in thoir walls, tho avatars or
panels representing
incarnations of Siva and Vishnu.
Tho Hindus of Southern India in comparatively modern times
havo equally manifested tho devotional sentiment in their colossal
such as those of Soringhani, and others. Tho
pagodas, Conjovcram,
Mahoiucdaus also havo shown it iu their multitudinous and magnificent
mosques aud mausolea. In illustrations wo find it iu self

personal
sacrifice aud immolation. Calamus burnt himsolf on tho funeral pilo;
somo of Buddha's followers who had attained tho sanctity of Bod
hisatwa did tho samo; tho Hindu devoteo still buries himself alivo in
a sitting posture; tho aged but feeble, while still living, permit them
selves to be exposed on tho banks of a sacred stream to dio of starva
tion, or to bo devoured by wild beasts. Tho Sati still immolates
herself in native states not under British control, upon the funeral
pilo o( her husband's body; and a remarkable anecdote is told by Sir

John Malcolm of Alia Baeo, tho widow of Holkar and Regent of
Iudore, a woman of intellect and views. Sho
vigorous enlarged
declined to burn herself with her husband's body, but sho so much
respected the devotional sentiment that when her son-in-law died and
his child-wife, her own daughter, resolved to become Sati, sho did
not consider herself at to interforo with tho solf-sacrifico, and
liberty
witnessed it. Again, tho infatuated devoteo throws himself under tho
wheels of tho car of and is crushed, as ho
ponderous Juggernath,
thinks, into heaven. I have fallen iu with many poor people, malo
and female, in fulfilment of vows measuring their length for many
a road to a eolebrated I havo seen
miles, along temple; many unhappy
creatures with an arm held above tho head until tho nails havo grown
through the back of the hand, and the limb has becomo a fixture for
life, withered to tho bono, in fulfilment of a vow. Annually at tho
Churriick Pooja festival, in fulfilment of vows, men havo a hook
inserted into tho muscles below tho and aro
shouldor-blado, swung
round tho head of a tall polo.
I have of tho Moriah sacrifico, tho rosult of a falso,
already spoken
but still devotional sentiment. Tho Mahomcdans manifest it.
equally
At the celebration of tho Maharum many work themselves up into
a stato of dovotioual and cut themselves with knives, and tho
frenzy,
Gbazoo is at all times ready to rush upon the infidel that ho may
TRAITSOP INDIAN CHARACTER. 229
oither kill or bo killed, and in either caso insure for himself tho blissful
and its
abodes of tho Hourios; finally, the late lamentable mutiny
aro attributable to reckless ami unjustifiable
consequences, chiefiy
resentment at a supposed intended outrage upon a religious belief,
for tho maintenance of which tho Hindu is ahvays ready to die.
A rcmarkablo declaration to this effect, is by ono of tho thirty
faithful troopers of the 3rd Light Cavalry, sent to Umballa after tho
mutiny, from Mcerut, avIio said to Lieutenant Martineau, the Depot
Adjutant at Umballa, in conversation, "We havo followed tho standards
of our
regiment through tho siioavs of Affghanistan ; on tbe plains of
tho Punjab; and Avhorovcr avo havo been ordered, and aro at
ready
any timo to shed our blood, or lay down our livos for tho Sirkar
wero told, and wo believed that tho
(Government), but we thought wo
Sirkar wanted to take our ; and without our creed and
away religion
our caste, what is lifo, Sahib 1 (isso jena mania bchtur.' It is better
to bo killed."
This belief is attested by tho letter of tho Begum of Oude, addressed
to Jung Bahadoor, dated 2nd February, 1859, in which sho says
"moreover the British havo attempted to destroy tho faith and
religion of tho people of India, which attempt has caused this great
outbreak and mutiny."
Proofs of a genuine religious panic amongst the sepoys of the late
aro and many of them arc
Bengal army daily accumulating; already
furnished in tho voluminous papers upon tho mutiny laid beforo
Parliament.
1 need not go further; tho various illustrations which I have fur
"
nished authorize mo to maintaiu that Devotional
above, sufficiently
Sentiment" is a trait of Indian character,
I come iioav to tho Point of Honour as a trait.
In 17C4.?Tho 2-12th, or Lall Pultun of tho Bengal army, which

avus at the battle of Plassy, mutinied in February, at Saut, imprisoned
their officers, but released them and then Avcnt off. Tho reason
Avas that to them about were broken.
alleged promises prize-money
Tho European Marines and Trcvanion's Battalion went in pur
Sepoy
suit and tho back. Monro, avIio commanded
brought regiment Major
tho force in the field, ordered twenty-eight sepoys to bo picked out
drum-head tho wholo wero sentenced to
and tried by court-martial;
death. Tho eight guns Avith the detachment being brought out, the
first eight sepoys avoio fixed to their muzzles and blown aAvay. Hero
it Avas that three of tho entreated to bo fastened to tho
grenadiers
as they always fought on the right,
guns on the right, declaring that
thoy hoped that their last request Avould be complied with, by being
suffered to die iu the post of honour. Thoir petition was granted,

and they were the first executed. I am sure (says Captain Williamson)
there was not a tho marines who witnessed tho
dryamongst eye
execution, had been accustomed to hard service,
although they long
and two of them had been on tho execution that shot
actually party
Admiral Byng in 1757. The other twenty sepoys wero similarly
executed at the other stations of tho army (page 171).
General Briggs relates that at tho sicgo of Bhurtpoor, in 1805,
after tho repulse of four assaults, and a fifth was ordered, an orderly
havildar, on duty with Lord Lake, asked permission to join his regi
ment on that day; at first, he was refused, but being urgent ho was
allowed to go, telling Lord Lake, " tho Sahib will never seo my face
unless wo succeed." Tho a on the
again rcgimont got footing rampart,
but being unsupported, was obliged to retire Tho havildar alone
stood his and was deaf to tho entreaties of his comrades to
ground,
come ; saying "Tell Lord Lake whcro left inc.** He was
away you
fceen at the of the breach a musket, until he was shot down
top loading
and then cut to pieces (page 45), Brigtfs Letters.
In one of the assaults upon Bhurtpoor after tho failure of sovcral;
tho Second Battalion of tho Twelfth Nativo Infantry moved out of
tho trenches, when a declined, on the of
European regiment ground
the breach not being practicable, and Lord Lako issued tho following
?:
order
" and persevering
Notwithstanding tho distinguished gallantry
the in tho assault aud that tho colours
displayed by troops yesterday,
of the 2-12th wero threo times planted on tho of the bastion, tho
top
obstacles were such as not to be surmounted."
On that occasion, when a retreat was ordered, it was with great
difficulty the men could be prevailed upon to withdraw, they yielded
at length to the reiterated orders of their officers, after having repeat
edly exclaimed "Wo must take the placo or dio here." Too fully was
their determination verified, for in several of tho corps employed, moro
than half of their number were either killed or wounded.. Could any
of in tho world havo acted moro or moro
troops any army nobly
devotedly inmaintenance of tho point of honour?
the Rajputs it is not unusual to refuse to surrender to
Amongst
an enemy ; but at tbo last extremity to rush sword iu hand upon him
and dio to a man. Numerous instances of this kind took placo in tho
Mars, between the Rajput States and the Mahoincdans of Delhi; but
a remarkable instance of it occurred within own Tho
my knowledge.
Rnjpiit Chief of Chaiya in Kattewar, a tributary of tho Gaikwar was

in open rebellion, and the British in compliance with treaty engage
moiits Avero called

upon to reduce him to obedience. A force, therefore,
in 1812,Avith a siege train sat down before the Rajas fort, trenches
were a and a breach soon made. The artil
opened, battery planted,
wero
lery oiliccrs tho lato Colonel
Hardy aud Licutciiant-Gcucral
Manson, avIio Avas Avoundcd. to the storm tho chief was

Preparatory
invited to surrender, instead of Avhich ho and his cut the
garrison,
throats of thoir Avivcs and children, threw their bodies into the wells,
throAv off their turbands, let loose tbe lock of hair upon tho crown of
their heads, indicative of their abandonment of tho Avorld, and then
rushed sword in hand, through the breach upon the trenches. Great
confusion ensued, but it ended iu every Rajput losing bis life, and
tho besiegers dashed into the fort. Tho dreadful sceno Avhich met
their view appalled them ; the bodies of tho Avomcn and children avcio
immediately pulled from the avcIIs ; but death had done his Avork ;
there Avas an however, the Ranee or Princess avuh still
exception alive,
although apparently dying. She had a massive gold bangle upon her
ancle. The officer who saAv her, in tho of the moment,
agitation
her as he safe, went to other on bis
leaving thought avcIIs; but, return,
found the princess dead ; the foot bad been removed, and the gold
bangle gone. The commanding officer, shocked and highly incensed,
offered a roAvard for the of the perpetrator. The scoundrel's
discovery
secret was and tho force broko up. Some timo afterwards a
kept
force sat down beforo the fortof Nowanuggur in Kattewar. A
battery
was
opened ; a single from
cannon-shot avus fired
the fort as a
point
of honour before : that shot killed a
capitulation European artillery
man in our battery, and another was overheard
European artilleryman
to mutter to himself?"Served him right for cutting off tho Ranee's
foot at Chaiya." Was not this retributive justice 1
In 1813, tho fort of Entourcc, in Bhagilkind, was stormed by a
detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, and tbe garrison made
"
a most resistance. An officer said, the garrison
desperate present
consisted of 150 men; they fought in tho breach for an hour and a
like 'When the Avas carried tho enemy
quarter tigers. place nearly
set fire to it in several making the Avhole a sheet of fire; they
places,
still kept fighting in tho midst of flames, till tho chief blew himself
This Avas a hard Avork, avc were under arms,
up. day's inarching,
and of hours, not many of tho
breaching, storming upwards twenty
a few of the wounded survived, and shewed us
garrison escaped;
the remains of their chief, avIio died for the point of honour."
Sensitiveness Avith to ridicule has fatal conse
regard occasionally
Iu own a sepoy blew out bis brains because
quences. my regiment
bis wifo in a quarrel publicly applied epithets to him Avhich exposed
232 TRAITS OF INDIAN CHARACTER.'*
him to be mocked. At another timo, on tho lino of Inarch in 1818,

the men, from want of to carry their
carriage, being compelled heavy
knapsacks, a Rajput sepoy of my regiment, indignant at what ho
called being made a boast of burthen, quietly loaded his musket and
shot himself.
I now another trait :
approach
Selp-Sacuipicb and Fidelity.
Ormo in his narrativo of tho celebrated defence of Arcot1, in

1751, by Captain Clive, mentions two anecdotes honourable to tho
native character. In ono of the assaults of tho enemy upon tho forts
in which they failed, their commander fell in tho fausso-brnyo of tho
northern breach. He had distinguished himself with great bravery
iu the attack, and was so much belovod by his troops that one of
them crossed tho ditch and carried off his body, exposing himself
during the attempt to the firo of forty muskets, from which ho had
tho good fortune to escape.
The other anecdote is of touching interest. Tho siege had continued
fifty days; tho sufierings and privations of tho small garrison, European
and Native, had been frightful. Ormo says : " I havo it inmy power,
from I cannot doubt, to add to the account of this celebrated
authority
an anecdote illustrative of tho character of the native
siege, singularly
of India. AVhen became so scarce that there was a
troops provisions
fear that famine might compel them to surrender, tho sepoys proposed
to Clivo to limit them to tho water (knnjco) in which tho rico was boilod,
4 ' ?
It is/ said, suflicieut for our tho Europeans
they support requiro
"
tho grain/
Occasional instances of a singular fraternization of native with
against the caste oxclusivenoss of tho
European regiments, militating
sepoys, brighten tho pages of Indian military history. At Jellalabad,
under tho gallant Salo, when tho garrison was besieged and iu a stnto
of starvation, sallies wero mado to on tho
capture sheep grazing
neighbouring hills. A portion of the products of theso forays was
allotted to tho sopoys, but they, with laudablo
always solf-sacrifiec,
said "animal food is not absolutely nccossarv for our sustenance, with
our habits of life, but animal food is necessary for tho
absolutely
Europeans; wo beg therefore you will give tho sharo of the sheep
allotted to us to the Europeans," Her Majesty's 13th Light Infantry
and tho Artillery; and this was dono by tho Bengal Regiment,
tho 35th. Afterwards, when Her Majesty's 13th passed tho station
1
Orme, vol. i, pp. 183-lUC.
TRAITS OP INDIAN CHARACTER. 233
whoro tho 35th was cantoned in tho North-Western Provinces, tho

latter gave tho a entertainment. The 35th was not
Europeans grand
amongst tho late mutinous regiments, but was disarmed.
In 1785, a large portion of tho Bengal army had their fidelity and
duty as soldiers put to tho severest test during the revolt of Cheyt
Sing, suffering from arrears of pay, and want of provisions; for such
avus tho loss of credit of the Government at that time that, as stated
Mr. no could bo and the were
by Hastings, money raised, sepoys being
employed against thoir connexions and friends in tho heart of their
OAvn nevertheless remained truo to their .salt. The
country; they
troops so tried wero tho 1st and 2nd Battalions, 6th and 7th Regi
ments, tho 19th, the 30th, and the 35th Regiments.
At the close of 1782, tho 4th, 15th, 17th, aud 35th Regiments,
which were at Barrackporo, wero ordered for foreign service; they
declined to go by sea, and the Govcrpmcut had no poAver to compel
them. wore civil to their officers, and avus carried on as
They duty
usual, and no was made to release somo native officers and
attempt
confined in tho After somo
ringleaders, respective quarter-guards.
15th, and ono or two sepoys,
Avocks two subadars of tho wero tried
by
court-martial and sentenced to death, and wero blown away from guns
iu tho prcsenco of all tho regiments that had mutinied, and one other
These Avero in General Orders, and
regiment. regiments pardoned
Avcnt Avith Goddard to and did not return until 1784, and
Bombay,
wero then Avith other on a reduction
amalgamated regiments taking
placo; they had not taken the lives of their officers, and had sub
mitted to tho necessary for becau.se their
punishment mutiny,
had not been raised upon a matter.
animosity religious
When on tho of Bcdnorc, General Matthews and his
capture
wholo forco surrendered to Sultan, every inducement Avas
Tippoo
offered to tempt tho sepoys to enter the Sultan's service, but in vain.
During tho march they avoio carefully separated from the European
or other obstacle,
prisoners at each place of encampment, by a tank
supposed to bo insurmountable. It did not prove so, however, for
ono of tho captivo officers subsequently declared, that not a single
night elapsed but some of tho sepoys contrived to elude the vigilance
of tho guards by sAvimining tho tanks, frequently some miles in
circumference, or the sentries, bringing Avith them such small
oltiding
sums as they could save from tho pittanco allowed by the Sultan for
their own support, in return for hard daily labour, to eke out the
"
food of tho Europeans. We can live upon any they
scanty thing,"
said, "but you require mutton and beef1."
1 Sir J. Malcolm's of
Government India, page 210.
Malcolm relates au anecdoto of tho when ho was

analogous sepoys
serving in the Deccan. The Nizam's troops had plundered a village
and left tho iuhabitauts to starve :Malcolm's
regiment had to scud a
guard to tho village, which was relieved daily, and tho men of tho
made a collection of as much rico as and their confederates
guard they
could spare, which they took to the starving villagers for distri
bution.?Life byKay> vol. i, page 22.
In 1803, after tho battlo of Laswarrio, such was tho amount of
wounded and sick, that the hospital establishment was insufficient,
and the sepoys wore asked themselves to thoir wounded and
carry
sick comrades, which they did cheerfully on tho lino of march.
In 1804, in Monson's disastrous Holkar left no means or
retreat,
oilers untried through the medium of intrigue, to induce tho sepoys
to sworvo from thoir allegianco and fidelity; and
notwithstanding
their dreadful sufferings and tho threats of vengeance, and the
knowledge that thoso who fell into Holkars hands and refused to
serve, had their noses and right hands cut off, there wero fow
desertious. A surgeon and some European artillerymen,who fell into
Holkar's bauds, had their brains knocked out by wooden mallets in
his presence.
The regiment I had tho good fortune to command at the battlo of
Kirkee in November, 1817, was attempted to bo tampered with by tho
Peshwa's sums of money. The overtures wero
agents offering large
immediately communicated to mo, and under instructions from Major
Ford, the Brigadier, and Mr. my informant, a native
Elphinstonc,
officer, and two or threo sepoys wero directed to dissemble and carry
on a communication with wo were
by which
the enemy, not only ablo
to seize tho parties but obtain valuable information. The rogimont
was chiefly composed of Oude Brahmans and Rajp'its, aud good class
Mussulmans and somo Mali rat tas.
The following is a copy of a lettor from a friond :?

"
Kandcsh, 18/58.
February,
" I arrived in
Bombay tho beginning of Septoinbor, and my regi
ment returned from Persia tho end of that month. Rumours affecting
its loyalty preceded it, but I am happy to say it has proved itself, by
courage and good conduct, tho oxcollent rcgimont it has beon.
always
The late Sir Honry Havolock, aud there could not be a suporior judgo,
admired tho 26th Bombay Infantry highly, aud gavo them no end of
praise. Tho Europeans of Hor Majesty's 78th fraternized with tho
men of tho 26th, and used to call them tho black Cameronians.
Almost immediately on arrival in Bombay, tho rogimont was ordered
TRAITSOF INDIAN CHARACTER. 235
on field sorvico tho Bheols who had risen in insurrection in

against
the Deccan and Kandesh. From tbe nature of tho which
country,
is hilly, thick with jungle, and intersected Avith ravines, it is very
difficult to got up with tho Bhoels; but on each occasion they havo
been scvorcly handled and the bands dispersed. Tho 26th exhibited
tho most livoly interest in tho safety of their officers; one, a Brahman,
ovon tried to scrcon mo with his person when the balls were flying
and on another occasion a Mahratta one the
past; sepoy observing of
enemy taking deliberate aim at his captain, stepped in front of him and
received the shot in his own body. I am happy to say that a vacancy
Avhich occurred at tho timo enabled mo to tho man at once.
promoto
The excellent feeling exhibited by tho men toAvards their European
officers was not confined to individuals, but was shared in by tho
Avholo hody, and tho abuse levelled at tho sopoys by tho Bhcels for
not us was unbounded."
deserting
Sovoral of tho Bombay army, both and

regiments cavalry infantry,
havo done, and aro now doing, good service against the mutineers.
Extract from a letter:?
"It may interest you to know that my son left Umritsir on

18th September, 1857, desiring his servants to follow him, but, in
of tho of bis movements, never overtook
consequence rapidity they
him, and after
wandering about from till June,
September they
in Dolhi, and delivered up, safe, his horse, baggage, and
appeared
books to his brother. son had got for bin supposed
My compensation
loss, but on hearing that his things wero all presorved, tho money
was
repaid.
"
Colonel Sykes."
Instances therefore aro not wanting of fidelity.
Personal Attachment.
Colonel Goddard's force, on tho second day's march from Calpee,

on tho 12th June, 1778j lost Captain James Crawford, avIiocommanded
tho 4th Battalion. Ho was considered tho men as a and
by rigid,
so happily blended with the
perhaps severe, disciplinarian ; yet ho
strictest principles of military discipline and arrangement the practico
of the most inflexible integrity and impartial justico in tho exerciso
of his authority, combined Avith considerate indulgence in regard to
tho religious habits, the customs, and prejudices of his men. that it
may bo with truth affirmed, be had tho good fortuno to A'crify Avhat
ought to bo tho emulation and object of every military man, with
regard to those under his command, tho enviable distinction of com

manding their lives through the medium of their affections.
The force was detained for somo days, owing to bad weather and
for stores from Tho men went from timo to timo
waiting Cawnpoor.
to Crawford's to render thoir tribute of attachment and
grave grateful
affection thoir obeisance after the manner of their country ;
by making
and on tho tho force was ordered to march, tho and
day grateful
sorrowing 4th Battalion, or Crawford's as it was called, after it had
been told off preparatory to tho march, requested lcavo to pile arms
and to be permitted collectively to go and express their last bonodictory
farewell over tho remains of their commander,
respected protector,
ami friend1.
Sir John Malcolm says that tho discipline and subordination of
tho sepoys depended upon tho personal intluonco of their commanding
ofiiecr, upon confidence in his skill, and affection for his person ; this
iiiflucnco could oven surmount casto Embarkation sea
prejudices. by
for service has on moro than one occasion caused a ;
foreign mutiny
but a remarkable instance of tho power of influence is men
personal
tioned by Sir John Malcolm in tho caso of Lieutenant-Colonel James
Oram, who commanded a battalion of tho 22nd Madras In
Infantry.
1707, he to his upon to volunteer for nn
proposed regiment parado
"
expedition then preparing for Manilla; Will ho go with us V* was
the question which went through tho ranks ; "Yes I" "Will ho stay
"
with us?" Yes l" and
tho whole corps exclaimed "To Europe, to
l" wero to follow Colonel Oram to tho
Europe They ready anywhere,
shores of as
the Atlantic as to an island of tho Eastern
cheerfully
Ocean. Now mark what follows. Such was tho contagion of their
enthusiasm, that several who wero from ono of tho

sepoys missing
battalions in garrison at Madras, were found to have deserted to join
the It would havo been when on two occasions
expedition. happy,
fire was on at for orders
opened regiments Barrackporo disobeying
to embark, that tho commanding officers had boon tho counterpart of
James Oram.
Major V. W. Follett, in command of tho'25th Bombay Nativo

while tho was on its march from to
Infantry, regiment Ahmodiiuggcr
Asscerghur, was taken ill during tho night of tho 20th July, 1857, in
the encampment on tho Poorna River. At 1 a.m. when tho drums
beat to strike the tents, ho told Major Robertson, who shared his tent
with him, that ho had been ill, with cholera symptoms, and during
the march ho was obliged to be carried in a dooly. Ho died at
9\ r.M. tho samo day at tho next encamping ground. Major Robert
1Williams'
Bengal Army, pnge 251.
son bad tbe body carried on the noxt march to Antoorlce, whero it
Avasburied. Major Follctt avus a strict disciplinarian, but a just man,
ami the men must have equally loved and respected him; for Brahman
and to their and caste oxclusivo

Rajput sepoys, contrary prejudico
ncss, took tho body out of tho dooly, let it down into the grave,
descended into the grave, laid out tho body, and then filled in tho
earth, though by doing so they becamo polluted, and had to per
form certain ceremonies for their purification. Somo of
roligious
tho officers in the afternoon avcio stones to pile
European collecting
tho grave, wbon tho sepoys, them so rushed out of
upon seeing engaged,
their touts and a tumulus over the Con
speedily completed grave1.
sidering that fully one-half of tho men of tho 25th Regiment consisted
of tho samo class as tho Bengal mutineers, it is assuring to find that a
fanatic religious resentment not only has its limits, but that its spread
may be arrested influence, even at tho
by European personal pre
sent day.
On tho 12th 1850, somo non-commissioned officers and
February,
sepoys sacrificed their lives near Kohat, to recover the body of their
young officer, Ensign Sitwell, who had fallen gloriously while charging
the onemy.
Gratitude.
When I Avasemployed as Statistical Reporter to the Government

of Bombay, my duties usually kept mo in the districts, leading a camp
life for eight months of the year. In March, 1830, two poor ryot
cultivators avcio to my little camp avIio had beeu
brought dangerously
bitten and lacerated a in driving tho animal off from an
by panther
attack upon their flocks. I did my best for tho poor people, dressing
their Avounds daily and letting them remain with me until their wounds
avcio healed. In the end of April I dismissed them to their village iu
tho Junir not to seo or bear more of them.
pcrgunnah, expecting
Towards tho end of May I moved towards Poona for Monsoon quarters,
and, on the march, ono Avas to
day, surprised recognize, standing by
tho road sido, tho tAvo ryots whoso Avounds had been healed. They
had heard of my movements, and had crossed the from their
country
villago, ten miles distant, to offer to me pots of honey and fresh
1 The order issued by Major on the occasion
regimental Robertson of the
ft In these
death, contained the following passage : troublous times, when the
M
behaviour of n great portion of the Hengnl Army has rendered it infamous, it
"
could not but have been gratifying to the British oflicers, present at the funeral,
' to
witness the manifest grief with which the highest caste Brahmans and others of
'*
the regiment, crowded to assist in placing the hody of their late connnuiider in
"
the grave,"
butter and milk, spontaneous offerings in testimony of their gratitude

for the service I had rendered them.
Humanity.
It is gladdening to have an instance of humanity in tho horrors of

the mutiny.
When the mutiny broke out at Gwalior amongst Scindia's Con
tingent, the Adjutant of a regiment, Lieutenant -, hastily
mounted his horso and galloped down to the parade ; ho was received
with a volley of musketry, his horse shot, and, in extricating himself
from tho ono of his boots was drawn oft', four sepoys rushed
stirrups,
him, him, and him out of the cantoument, took
upon pinioned conveying
him across the river, and giving him a blanket, told him to save his
lifo and make the best of his way to Agra. Ho had lelt his wife sick iu
bed, aud he told tho sepoys that nothing on earth would induce him to
go without her, and that ho must go back ; tho men remonstrated, but
without effect, and said his lifo must bo sacrificed. At last, two of
the eepoj's said they would go and bring his wifo; after somo timo
the poor creature, who was very feeble.
they reappeared, helping along
Ou joining her husband, there wero not any means of getting her on
and - of the to shoot
further, Lieutenant begged sopoys
them both ; instead of doing so, thoy made a hammock of tho blanket,
elung it to one of their muskets, and carried her for somo miles, until
were out of reach of tho mutineers. Tho sepoys then left them,
they
and
they got to a placo of
ultimately safety.
Extract from a letter :?

"
I cannot pass away from tho la to scenes of oxcitemont and
death without paying a tributo to tho exalted tone of tho sepoys
of tho 25th and this becomes more consider
Regiment, prominent,
ing the troublous times in which wo wero playing tho grand gamo
of hold-fast against such hordes of cuemies. During tho heat of
the battlo of tho 23rd, the sepoys of tho 25th Regiment suffered
camo into tho from
considerably. They field-hospital suffering
every of wounds, arms and shattered round shot,
description legs by
limbs and body perforated by musket-bullets, and fl sh wounds of no
slight nature. To seo these men as sat or down iu tho
they lay
sun all tho their wounds had
burning enduring excruciating agonies
caused them, whilo the surgeons wero with others who had
busy
them, was noble. The observation made
preceded truly general by
them was 'Ah 1well, never mind, wo have eaten tho Sircar's salt for
ninny years, this has beon good work, and tho Sircar will bo good
TRAITS OF INDIAN CHARACTER, 239
and take caro of us, or our families if avo die.' One poor fellow,
avIioso blood was from a wound near tho .shoulder
issuing profusely
Avas offered a little as a stimulant, when ho
joint, braudy-and-water
' it to my brother first/ who sat next to him
nobly said, Givo
'
groaning in agony. He then drank, aud said ho did not mind his
for he know Government would not him.' Not a man
Avound, forget
refused to take Avhat avus offered to him as drink, oven tho all
shunned Avino was them ; and when an

willingly accepted by amputa
tion avus performed, they bore it with heroic fortitude, for although
chloroform avus not a groan while tho
administered, scarcely escaped,
dreadful knifo was tho member from the In action
severing hotly.
they wero cool, gallant, and intrepid ; under the painful ordeal of tho
cheerfulness and fortitude.1"
surgical operation they displayed patience,
As a to the cases of military self-sacrifice, and as an
sequel
instanco in civil life of iiidiffercnco to consequences and also of
domestic attachment, Mr. Holt Mackenzie mentioned to me tho
caso of a brother sentenced to a comparative!}' for
slight punishment,
being accessory to a fray attended with homicide, avIio, by a pious

fraud, endeavoured to get himself hanged, and very
nearly succeeded,
in the room of au elder brother, avIio bad been condemned to death,
the ono a the other none. Such a case, Mr. Mackcnzio
having family,
says, is not probably to be found iu our Newgate Calendar.
ClIAHITAULK Sl?NTIMI2NT.
Thcro is no Poor Law iu India, and there never has been ono : it
has never been obligatory to feed tho hungry and clothe the naked ;
and destitute there must be amongst 200,000,000 of souls, even
poor
in the most fruitful land and the most prosperous state of
society,
flow much more so, then, amidst tho famines, pestilences, and devasta
tions of ceaseless Avar to which India has been subjected. Tho

has its solution in the universal sentiment of charity which is
question
inculcated both by precept and cxamplo iu all grades of society.
From tho institution of Buddhism, six centuries beforo Christ, down
to the present all members of tho ecclesiastical wherever
day, body,
Buddhists exist, aro obliged, with a small basin iu their hands, to solicit
their daily meal of food, begging Irom door to door, as the mendicant
friars of Italy and Spain do to this day. Beggars in India aro not so
subject to scvero rebuffs as in Europe ; tlicy rarely appeal in vain for
alms, indeed, they ask with confidence, if not Avith insolence, knowing
1 15x1met from a letter from nn oilier after the battle near Miimlnsoro in
1858.
llnpiitnim, fought 23rd November,
vor,. xvii. It
the devotional sentiment which inculcates tlicgift of alms in expiation

of sin. Tho celebrated Alia Baeo carried her feeling on the subject,
according to Sir John Malcolm, to such lengths, that she not only had
alms dispensed daily in several parts of tho Holkar territories, but
sho had water-stations by the road side for thirsty travellers, and
serais or for them ; and her benevolence extended
resting places
even to the birds of the air, in providing fields of grain to bo left
standing for the flocks which tho farmer chased from his own holdings.
This consideration for animal lifo is not confined to the fonthorcd
tribes, for all who havo been in India must havo witnessed tho Nandi
or free bull, commonly called tho Brahinany bull, perambulating tho
streets of towns, allowed to thrust his niuzzlo into the grain
being
baskets of tho dealers, almost and when driven oil*,
unresistingly,
rather vociferous menaces than by blows.
by
A Parsec of Bombay, Sir Hart., has esta
Jamsetjce Jeejeebhoy,
blished a world-wide fame from having more than a of
spent quarter
a million of money from his private fortune, in founding hospitals,
of water, poor marriage dowries,
dispensaries, supplies asylums,
schools, &a; in short there has not been a work for tho public benefit
in his timo to which he has not, inWestern India, been a contributor
? as an a dash
with a lavish hand, instance, in 184G, with of his pen,
ho subscribed 50,000 rupees to tho Bombay District Benovoleut
But this charitable sentiment is not confined to enthusiasts
Society.
here and there, nor to certain localities, for there aro fow districts in
India, where works for tho benefit aro not nay

public annually,
aud executed from means. Whilo in office,
monthly weekly, private
at the India House, I kept a diary, and from that I will give a few
illustrative cases taken at random; tho cases having been officially
communicated to the Court of Directors by tho several Governments
of India.
In Saugor, wells for public use were con
Jubbulpoor, forty-four
structed at tho privato oxpenso of individuals in 184G, at a total cost
of 7,47G rupees; somo wells 500 rupees each.

costing
In despatch of 1st March, 1849, it is reported that iu Jaloun, tho
of tho town of Morloy subscribed 8,000 rupees for a tank,
people
Government adding 3,205 rupees.
In reply to Madras despatch, 9th September, 1843, it is recorded
that the Deputy Sheristadar of Tiunevelly gives 100 rupees monthly,
to have an English schoolmaster for tho sohool at Tiunevelly.
In Bengal judicial despatch of 21st September, 1841, a nativo
lady gives 10,000 rupees for tho restoration of a road from Ber
hampoor to Darjoling.
In North-West Provinces despatch of July, 1844, Pnndit Rams

Avany obtains permission to buy plots of land bctAveen tho Nerbuddah
and the Himalayas to build Durumsalas for travellers.
In Madras revenue despatch of January, 1840, it is recorded that
Appaswancy Naik, of Tinnevclly, built two Choultries for travellers,
one for Brahmans and Hindus, and the other for Europeans, at a cost
of 20,000 rupees and endowed them.
In Bombay political despatch of February, 1840, tho Rao of
Cutch subscribes 4,000 rupees per annum, to a
marriage portion
fund, to a similar sum given by the British Government for tho
daughters of tho poorer Jahrejah Rajpoots in Cutch, to prevent
female infanticide.
In India political despatch, 1847, Rajah Sutee Churn Gosa
presents 10,000 rupees to tho Fever Hospital at Calcutta.
In a Punjab despatch of 1854, I found that some of the charitablo
institutions dated 600 years back.
In India public despatch answered 7th July, 1846, Set Churn
Ghosal presents 5,000 rupees for foundiug a scholarship in the Benares
College. In tho samo despatch the schools and college at Lahore, in
Bopal, aro said to bo supported by the native gentry. A very curious
case occurs (India political despatch) in reply to 2nd June, 1816, of a
subscription to pay off a State debt in tho principality of Jyepoor.
The Council of Regency up their
stipends, 70,000 rupees
give per
annum until the, debt be paid, and the
/lances give up to the
villages
value 105,000 rupees ]>er annum the same purpose I Tho
of for
Thackoors and Bankers also subscribe for tho supply of Avater to
It Avould bo a novel feature to have our Cabinet Ministers
Jyepoor.
their salaries on the altar of their country.
sacrificing
In Bengal judicial despatch, in reply to ono of tho 10th February,
1847, Baboo Kali Porsaud, of Jcssore, offers 9,000 rupees, or 400/.,
to a Avork.
annually, oxpedito public
In India public despatch, 2nd December, 1846, Raja Sait Chund
Ghosaul and bis family, of Benares, give 1,15,300 rupees (11,530/.) for
educational and charitablo purposes to Government.
In Bombay public despatch, in reply to last half of 1815, 24th
September, 1847, the inhabitants of Mahar, in tho Tannah Collcctorate,
contributed towards tho clearing out a tank.
2,000 rupees
In Madras public despatch, iu reply to letter 1846, Scoloo Chenum
Moodelacr erects a bridge at his own expense over tho river Tarn
brepoorney.
In India public despatch, in reply to second half of 1840, 22nd
1847, Baboo Kali Persad, of Jossoro, constructed various
November,
R 2
works of public utility nt his owu expense, for which an honorary

distinction was conferred upon him of a dress, with the title of Roy.
In India judicial despatch, Octobor, 1845, seventeen privato indi
viduals, in tho year 1842, iu the Delhi Division, lay out 9,870
rupees in wells, travellers1 and tanks for tho use of tho
bungalows,
public. Iu Meerut, four persons givo 8,500 rupees; inKumaon, threo
persons 3,400 rupees; Agra, four persons 4,000 rupees; Allahabad,
15 works cost G,G2Grupees; Benares, bridges, wells, tanks
(51 works),
cost 22,994 at privato expense.
rupees;?all
In tho Patna Division alone, in 1854, the public works executed
by privato individuals cost 77,134 rupees; in 1855, G8,402 rupees;
and in Arracan, 28,712 rupees.
In Bhaugulpoor, Nuddia, Cuttack, Assam, in short in ten pro
vinces of hundreds of instances of individuals aro recorded
Bengal,
who have contributed from their means for works of
privato public
utility.
Sir Janisctjco has his rival in bcnevolonco in Bombay, for iu
October, 1857, David Jcssoon, a nativo Jow, gavo 30,000 rupees and
a house to found an Industrial Institution.
I could multiply theso instances a hundred fold, nay a thousand
fold, for aro of occurrence all over India, establishing
thoy weekly
traits of Indian character which put it on a level with Western
Europeau nations for public spirit and charitable scntimont.
Provision for Parents and Relatives.
In 1796-7, a force was sont to Hyderabad from Bengal, and tho

men mado extensive for of their pay with
arrangements leaving part
their wives and families; hut Captain Williams says:?" It is further
due to their character aud conduct to state, that it is not to
exemplary
their wives and children only that they make such appropriation of a
large part of their incomo; in regard to them it can only bo viowed as
conforming to an indispensable obligation. But a large portion of the
men who havo no such ties, and contribute to
voluntarily cheerfully
the of thoir or other relations.
support aged parents, needy Nay,
Government has been obliged to intorposo its authority for restricting
the portion of pay which tho men might assign to their families whilst
on service, iu order to obviate the want and inconvonience to
foreign
which they wero othcrwiso liablo to exposo themselves in thoso
situations. This practice continues in full activity to tho pnsont day
with the three native armies of India.
Ceremonial.
"
1 should exhaust your timo before I could exhaust my Traits of
Indian Character;" I will therefore conclude with a few Avords on
and a droll anecdote.
ceremonial,
Sir John Malcolm Indians are, the most
says:?"The perhaps,
ceremonious of all and tho rules of decorum arc seldom
nations,
infringed but Avhen insult is intended. In visiting," Sir John says,
"it is quite to otiquctto to converse on business on a first
contrary
visit, and when are those ofceremony certain subjects
they merely
should bo avoided. No allusions to tho females of the
scrupulously
to matters of
caste, and
habits, should means
family, peculiar by any
bo introduced; remarks on dress or ou tho looks of relative,
good any
or absent, aro rudo; and to praise any horses, ele
present jewels,
or in the presence of tho owner, renders it incumbent
phants, equipage,
upon him as a point of good breeding, instantly to provent it; at the
same timo it is always understood that an equivalent in some other
valuable or moro article Avill bo in return.
equally precious given
Tho Indians havo a great dread of an envious cyo which they think
liable to bring calamity on tho object; so that if a child or a horse be
especially admired, it is apprehended somo harm Avill happen to it."
Most of us know tho liberality with which avo bestow the con
temptuous epithet of black fellow upon the natives.
General relates a remarkable anecdote of the caustic
Briggs
sarcasm with Avhich the celebrated Parsec
Jamsctjcc, Bombay ship
builder of tho dock avIio bad risen from tho grade of a common
yard,
ship carpenter to bo master builder, acknowledged the epithet. He had
nativo labour, a for the royal
completed, entirely by frigate navy;
she Avas for the launch, to Avhich the governor, staff and naval
ready
officers wore invited. During tho preparations Avalked
Jamsetjeo
round tho vessel, her with evident prido and
viewing complacency.
lie then went on board, and having gone quietly into the hold, he
caused to bo engraved upon the kelson :?" This avus built a
ship by
damned black fellow, A.1). 1800." Ho said about it at the
nothing
but some afterwards when tho cimc into dock, ho
time, years ship
pointed out tho inscription, and tho reproof it involved.
Conclusion.
I could necessarily givo multitudinous traits of hypocrisv,

untruthfulness, servility, avarice, ingratitude, corruption, immoralitA-,
infanticide, murder, and robbery; fully
treachery, eounterbalancinir,
if not neutralizing or outweighing all the praiseworthy traits of

Indian character which I havo but desire is, con
enumerated; my
sidering the lamentable occurrences since 1857, and which havo
May,
necessarily exasperated tho feelings of Englishmen against tho pcoplo
of India generally for the crimes of a portion of them only, and which
crimes havo obliterated from the mind, or cast into tho shado those
admirable qualities which havo often been exhibited, and which,

undoubtedly still exist, though latent,?I repeat that my desire and
hope is, that by recalling to memory somo of the bright features of
the past, our kindlier feelings may bo revived, our distrust gradually
relaxed, aud our hope for tho future strengthened.
Sir Johu Malcolm consider, and tho opinion is tho
says:?"I
result of both and reflection, that all to our power
experience danger
iu India is slight in comparison with that which is likely to ensuo
from our too zealous efforts to the condition of its inhabitants,
change
with whom we aro as yet but imperfectly acquainted. A person who
entertains such sentiments as I do upon this must appear tho
question
advocato of slow but if I am so, it is from a full con
very reform;
viction that anything like precipitation in our endeavours at improve
ment is likely to terminate in casting back thoso wo desire to advance;
on tho if, instead of over wo are content to go
contrary, marching,
along with this immense population, and to bo in good tompcr with
their their aud usages, we may win
prejudices, religion, gradually
them to better ways of thinking and of acting. Tho latter process, no
doubt, must bo ono of great time, but its success will bo retarded by
John Malcolms Instructions to his Assistants.
every hasty step.*'?Sir
The wisdom of theso opinions cannot be too earnestly impressed
upon our rulers of tho present day. Wo havo been taught a bloody
and fatal lesson by losing sight of them; may wo profit by tho past,
and may the commonsense view bo taken for tho future, that tho rulo
of a handful of Europeans over tho millions of India can only bo
permanently maintained, not by any amouut of physical force that
England could exhibit, but by winning tho respect and good-will of
the people.
TKA1TS OF INDIAN CUAKAOTIStt. 245
APPENDIX.
-
ClIAUACTEa OF THE IIlNDUS BY WaIIHEN HA8TINGS.
Great pains have been taken to inculcate into the public mind tho
opinion that tho nativo Indians arc in a state of complete moral turpi
tude, and livo in the constant and unrestrained commission of every
vice and criino that can human nature. I affirm the oath
disgrace by
that 1 havo taken, that this description of them is untrue and wholly
unfounded. In speaking of tho people it is necessary to distinguish the
Hindus, avIio form tho great portion qf tbe population from the Maho
medans, avIio arc intermixed Avith them, but livo in separate
generally
communities; tho former arc benevolent, moro of
gentle, susceptible
gratitude for kindness shcAvn to them, than to vengeance
provoked by
wrongs inflicted, and as exempt from the Avorstpropensities of human
passion as any peoplo on tho faco of the earth ; they aro faithful and
affectionate in service, and submissive to are
legal authority; they
superstitious it is true, but thoy do not think it ill of us for not thinking
as do. Gross as their modes of worship are, the of their
thoy precepts
religion aro Avoudcrfully fitted to promote the best ends of society,?
its peace and order.?Evidence the House
good before of Commons.
Character or the Bengal Sepoys.
Tho Bengal Nativo Infantry havo been long noticed for their good
conduct and in tho field, and somo of tho battalions have
gallantry
upon all occasions distinguished themselves in a particular manner.
Before 1757, thcro Avero ono company of European
only Artillery,
four or five Avith afcAV hundred
companies European Infantry, natives,
armed aftor tho manner of tho
country,
The foundation of tho Bengal Infantry was laid in the companies
of tho Madras Sepoys, avIio Avcnt avRIi Clivo and Major Kilpatrick
from Madras in 1757.
Each battalion had one ono a and a
captain, ensign, scrjeant-major,
fow and a nativo about 900 of all ranks.
Serjeants, commandant,
In 1764, thcro avcio and ranked
eighteen regiments, they according
to the dato of thoir Commission : two celebrated
respectivo Captain's
names, Goddard and Dow avcio the of tho
youngest captains.
In 1773, each rcgimont bad threo lioutonants and three ensigns,
and the tom-toms were taken and drums and fifes from
away given;
this the European officers wero increased in number
period gradually
until their present was attained.
strength
The sepoys frequently gave their aid in putting down tho mutiny
of their comrades.
The 2nd battalion, under Captain Bradley, disarmed the 15th
battalion in mutiny at Midnapore in 1795.
While tho 10th Regiment, in 1772, was on parade, a sepoy shot
Ewcus, tho broke and rushed upon tho inurdorcr, but
Captain regiment
Carnac ordered them to fall in ordered down his own
Captain again,
battalion 24th, had a drum-head tho murderer was
court-martial;
sentenced to be drawn asunder by ponies; but theso failing, tho
were allowed to put him to death with thoir swords.
eepo3's
General Clavcriiig, in 1775-G, expressed his wonder at the disciplino
of the sepoy regiments, and that ho found them in no respect inferior
to any regiment in tho King's service (page 182)1
1778.?Six battalions marched across India to Guzarat,
15th Battalion (Matthews) encountered

The tho French beforo
Masulipatan iu 1758, and in 1759 it attacked, defeated, and took
tho Dutch troops into Bengal the Nawab Mecr
prisoners smuggled by
Jafiicr.
In in the battlo of Ghcria, near whoro tho European
17G3, Sooty,
was broken a sudden attack of tho
regiment by enemy's cavalry,
tho 15th, with tho Royal 84th attacked tho enemy, and gained a
complete victory.
In 17G4, tbo wholo army, French and Germans,
Europeans, chiofly
and natives, when Dowlah, mutinied, and
employed against Sujah
inarched to unless a donation was Tho
join him, long-promised paid.
sepoys, by the persuasion of their oilicers, whom they highly respected,
came back to camp.
In 1784, tho 15th, then tho 4th, was disbanded for mutiny.
In 1781, tho J9th was disbanded, tho men mutinying, owing to
the misconduct of Major Grant about and ho was cashiered.
booty,
In 1795, the 24th refused to embark for Malacca ; wero fired upon
C. Erskinc, and dispersed.
by Major-Gcncral
1810.?Fivo battalions of volunteers went to Java, and their
"
conduct was described as having by their steadiness and gallantry
in action, and by their discipline and good conduct in all situations,
excited admiration and esteem."
general
While in Java were to troops.
they frequently opposed European
Ono regiment returned iu 1815, but the others, contrary to the cxpec
1Williams'
Bengal Army.
tations hold out to them, wore detained from their homes and families
for five years.
nearly
1815.?In tbe Nepaul war, tbe Bengal are thus of:
sepoys spoken
?" Wo cannot admire tho Bengal such
sufficiently sepoys ; gallantry,
submission, and Avere never combined in
temperance, fidelity, perhaps
any soldiers.**
The officer who continued Williams's Narrative doAvn to 1815,
concludes his labours with tho following Avoids?"Tho writer of this
brief continuation cannot take leave of tho Avithout many
subject
pangs of the that it may never
regret, heightened by apprehension
be bis good fortune to servo with who aro endeared to
again troops,
him by a companionship of service and professional exertions during
a period of moro than thirty years, to Avhom he is proud to offer the
tribute of his grateful attachment and affection ; and of whom ho can con
declare his conviction, adopting tho words of Mr.
scientiously Hastings,
*
under tho most solemn appeal of religion,' that with treatment
of tho most simple and practicable tenor, the characteristic qualities of
gratitude, attachment, fidelity, cheerful obedience and respectful
of tho nativo soldiers of must ever reflect lustre
deportment Bengal,
on their moral and virtues, and may be justly held forth as
military
a theme of emulation and to all mankind. Comrades of my
praiso
early youth and of tho best portion of life, Avhich has been cherished
and rowarded, tho medium of your meritorious conduct!
through
Faro avc II."
General Nott, August 8th, 1842, wrote to General England?
"With to Europeans, I Avould as soon with
regard just go into action
and again ho Avroto?"The zealous and cheerful manner in
sepoys,"
which tho sepoys have the battery train a march of
conveyed during
300 miles of the most difficult country in tho world is all praise,
beyond
and lias called forth tho admiration of their ollicers, and
European
attached to the ; their under
European artillerymen battery patience
fatiguo aud privations deserve my warmest thanks, and their activo
and anxious zeal to hasten the inarch and encounter the enemy, have
confirmed me in the conviction, that are, Avhen that
they they perceive
confidence is placed in them, to any in the Avorld."
fully equal troops
Sir Charles says of them?" Under my command, at
Napier,
various times for ton years, in action and out of action, tho Bengal
never failed in zeal, or
sopoys courage, activity."
A recent instance of marked fidelity occurred in the case of tho
1st Bombay Lancer Cavalry, which charged the mutinous brigade
of sepoys Avith guns at Nussecrabad, in Rajpootana. The
Bengal
avus of the same class of men as the Bengal
regiment composed chiefly
regiments, and from tho samo localities iu Oudo, aud it ispossiblo they
may havo operated hostilely against relatives and friends; tho regi
ment, therefore, doserves the moro credit for its conduct under such
trying circumstsnees. The following aro the official details relating

to the event:
"
The Right Honourable the Governor in Council has the highest
satisfaction iu publishing, for the information of the army, the annexed
report of tho conduct of tho 1st Regiment of Light Cavalry (Lancers),
niado by Captain Hardy on tho occasion of a mutiny of tho Bongal
troops at tho station of Nussccrabad on tho 28th of May last.
" This
report has only recently been laid beforo Govoriiincnt by
his Excellency tho Commander-in-Chief, tho original dospatch having
miscarried on the road.
"
By a later report, tho Governor in Council has learnt with regret
that eleven men of tho Lancers deserted their comrades and
basely
their standards, aud the mutineers ; but the Governor in
joined
Council will not sutler the disgraco of these unworthy members of tho
corps to sully the display of loyalty, discipline, and gallantry which
the conduct of this fine regiment has eminently exhibited.
"
To mark the approbation with which ho has received this report,
the Right Honourable tho Governor in Council will direct tho imme
diate to higher of such of tho native officers and
promotion grades
men as his Excelleucy tho Commander-in-Chief may bo pleased to
namo as having most thcmsolvcs on this and
distinguished occasion,
thereby earned this special reward ; and tho Governor will tako caro
that liberal is awardod for tho loss of aban
compensation property
doned in the cantonment and subsequently destroyed, when tho
Lancers, in obedience to orders, marched out to protect the families
of tho European oilicers, leaving thoir own unguardod in cantonment.
"' To the
Officiating Major of Brigade, Rajpootana, Field Force
" *
Sir,?I havo tho honour to report, for tho information of tho
Brigadier coniinauding the Rajpootana Field Forco, the part taken by

the 1st Lancers, in tho lato sad at Nussccrabad. At
proceedings
about 3, p.m., on tho 28th instant, tho alarm was that
half-past given
tho 15th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry was in open ami
mutiny,
had seized tho guns. Iu common with the other ollicors, I was almost
immediately down iu my troop lines. Iu a hw minutes tho wholo

was under arms, mounted, aud formed up in open column of
regiincut
The column was into a and to tho lines
troops. put gallop, proceeded
of the when tho guns wero us.
artillery, immediately opened upon
Tho order was given at onco to charge and tako tho guns, troops
*
charging in succession. Being 'left' in front/ the 6th troop, under
Captain SpottisAvoode, led ; that officer fell at the bead of his troop,
after getting into the battery. A succession of charges folloAved; the
of course, the way. Not as in
officers, leading succeeding, hoped for,
retaking tho gdns, Colonel Penny ordered tho attacks to cease, and
the avus marched back and formed in rear of our men's lines,
regiment
to protect them and be to act on the mutineers if came out
ready they
of thoir lines into tho plain. Whilo there, about 5 o'clock, tho wholo
of tho 15th officers joined us, having been fired at by their men. Tho
30th Regiment would not obey their officers, and it was decided to
movo out of camp with tho ladies and children whilo light remained.
Colonel Penny boing taken ill, it devolved upon mo to execute the
order for immediate retreat on Ajmeer. Subsequently the direction
Avas for this Avhere wo arrived
changed placo (Beawur), yesterday
morning. Half-way, tho regiment halted till daylight for rest, and
to let stragglers come up ; and hero Colonel was a
Penny brought
corpse, having died on tho road. A volunteer party of three men
and a havildar was sent back to reconnoitre and bring an account
of the further proceedings of the mutineers in cantonments; and a
party, under a nativo officer, Avas left on tho halting-ground with
orders Iioav to act in case of emorgency, and to stay till rejoined
by
the party reconnoitring.
" '
This near dotachmont reached the at 8 o'clock
regiment yester
Tho result of tho reconnaissance, which Avas
day evening. duty per
formed in tho most creditable manner, has already been laid before tho
Brigadier in person. In addition to Colonel deceased,
Penny, appa
from over exertion, and as beforo
rently Captain Spottiswoode, shot,
stated, under tho guns, Cornot a
Newberry, promising young officer,
Avas also shot in tho act of and Lieutenant and
charging, Adjutant
F. Lock and are Avoundcd, but well. At I
myself doing present only
know for cortain of ono of our men wounded, and three horses
badly
shot. Cornet Jenkins had his charger shot under him, and Lieutenant
Stephens's charger is badly Avounded. The loss of tho mutineers I

havo been unablo to ascertain at present. I make out to be
missing
60 men, exclusivo of tbe guards and sick left behind, but I hope tho
greater numbor of these will bo speedily accounted for. In concluding
this report, I Avould beg tho Brigadier's kind offices in
recommending
tho regiment under my command to the generous consideration of
Government. Cantoned with tAvo mutinous the
regiments, regiment
has, as tho Brigadier Iuioavs, been nightly on duty for a fortnight past,
and responsible for tho of the cantonment. havo
entirely safety They
been constantly tempted and assailod with abuse, with no other result
than telling their officers. They turned out in the promptest way to
attack the mutineers, and marched out of camp when ordered, as
thoy
they stood, leaving their families and everything thoy had in tho
world behind them. They are now without tents, iu a hot plain, and
without any possibility of being comfortable ; but up to this timo all
has beeu most cheerfully borne, and all duty correctly performed. I
am fearful as to the propriety of mentioning the losses of the
European
officers, but I cannot refrain from bringing to tho. notice of my
superiors tho grateful sense I havo of tho efficient and kind aid
that the officers havo afforded mo at this trying time. Their activo
services during the mutiny havo already boon recognized by the
Brigadier's approbation.
"'
I have the honour to be, &c,
"<E. A. HARDY,
" '
Commanding 1st Lancers.
" '
near Boawur, 30.'
Camp, May
" The is pleased to direct that tho G. O.

Commander-in-Chief
No. 027, of the 1st of July, with tho letter from Captain Hardy
thereto subjoined, shall bo carefully translated into Hindustani and
Mahratta by interpreters of regiments, and road and explained to tho
whole of the native troops of tho Bombay army, at a to
special parade
be ordered for that
purpose.*'
Rearming a Native Regiment.
Tho following address was delivered at Jullundor, on Monday, tho

17th January, 1859, to the 33rd Regiment Native Infantry, on tho
occasion of their boing re-armed. Major Lake delivered tho address
in very good language, on behalf of Brigadier Milmau, who could not,
of course, do it himself, having only just arrived from England, and
"
not in the vernacular." Tho address is and
yet passed manly
straightforward.?
"
Native Officers and Sepoys of tho 33rd!?On the part of Brigadier
Milmau, I congratulate you and your Colonel that tho has come
day
in which the Government has recognized your and devotion.
fidelity
When General Nicholson took away your arms, ho promised that
you
should bo restored if you bohavcd'woll. all that has
they Knowing
sinco that I canin every that
respect havo
happened day, testify you
truo to your salt. I thcreforo rejoico that the day has come iu
proved
which General Nicholson's promise has boon fulfilled. You should
remember at all times how much you havo to thank tho Government
for. What other Government pays its soldiers month by month,
them when are worn out, and takes care of them when
pensions they
they aro sick, as tho British Government does for you ? You havo
been from Juggernath to Cabul, and you know as well as I do that no
other Government docs this for its soldiers. I am glad you have not
lost such a service, and that you havo not allowed to be
yourselves
deceived by thoso who have brought ruin and misery upon Hindos
tan ; I mean thoso who spread a report that tho British Government
wished to break caste by giving you greased cartridges. This in
utterly false. A man does not become a Christian by handling a
is not in eating, in drinking, in wear
greased cartridge. Christianity
or in but it is in the mind.
ing clothes, handling greased cartridges,
Only ho who with his mind acknowledges Christianity, can become a

Christian, and ho whoso mind denies Christianity can never become
a Christian. It is quite impossible that by a greased cartridge or by
any other artifice should be made to break your caste. A
attempts
soldier without arms is liko a scabbard without a sword ; this reproach
is now removed, and as medals are given to soldiers in token of
so the restoration of arms will bo to a mark of
bravery, you your
that remained when so others traitors.
fidelity, you loyal many proved
Tho Brigadier, myself, and all of us, havo full confidence that tho
bravery displayed by this regiment at Bhurtpore. in Cabul, at Ferozc
sliahur and Subraon, will bo always shown against all traitors, and
tho enemies of the British Government."
against
Tho wero drawn up in columns.
troops quarter-distance Right
Artillory, 1st Irregular Cavalry, Ilor Majesty's 87th, 33rd, 12th
Punjab Infantry, the 33rd formed a hollow square. After the address,
tho Brigadier inspected tho line, and the troops marched past in
column. Tho and Cavalry afterwards trotted and galloped
Artillery
and tho was tin
past, ro-arming fait accompli.?Lahore Chronicle,
2.
February

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Traits of Indian Character

Author(s): Colonel Sykes

Art. VIII.?Traits of Indian Character. By Colonll Sykls,

[Read l(Uh April, 1851).J

It is less my object in the present paper to give national cha

worship of material objects. Temples thoro wero none ; tho worship

appointed or exclusive singers or reciters of the hymns of the Rig

Admitting, hoAvevcr, that tho followers of tho Rig Veda had

ites sacrificed hecatombs of oxen, and so Avas the belief in tho

1 The 413 n.c, and third was 308 n.c.

by tho horror expressed by Buddha iu his discourses at tho blood

thelcss, in the seventh contury Hiuantsang found Buddhism rapidly

Hiuantsang says the Buddhists were scarcely distinguishable from tho

A trait of Indian character is tho of "devotional senti

their number, marvellous of

Kylas, may well bo considered a wonder of tho world. A mountain

mosques aud mausolea. In illustrations wo find it iu self

pilo o( her husband's body; and a remarkable anecdote is told by Sir

In 17C4.?Tho 2-12th, or Lall Pultun of tho Bengal army, which

suffered to die iu the post of honour. Thoir petition was granted,

Rnjpiit Chief of Chaiya in Kattewar, a tributary of tho Gaikwar was

moiits Avero called

Manson, avIio Avas Avoundcd. to the storm tho chief was

him to be mocked. At another timo, on tho lino of Inarch in 1818,

Selp-Sacuipicb and Fidelity.

Ormo in his narrativo of tho celebrated defence of Arcot1, in

whoro tho 35th was cantoned in tho North-Western Provinces, tho

Malcolm relates au anecdoto of tho when ho was

The following is a copy of a lettor from a friond :?

on field sorvico tho Bheols who had risen in insurrection in

Sovoral of tho Bombay army, both and

Extract from a letter:?

"It may interest you to know that my son left Umritsir on

Colonel Goddard's force, on tho second day's march from Calpee,

regard to those under his command, tho enviable distinction of com

enthusiasm, that several who wero from ono of tho

Major V. W. Follett, in command of tho'25th Bombay Nativo

and to their and caste oxclusivo

When I Avasemployed as Statistical Reporter to the Government

butter and milk, spontaneous offerings in testimony of their gratitude

It is gladdening to have an instance of humanity in tho horrors of

Extract from a letter :?

shunned Avino was them ; and when an

being accessory to a fray attended with homicide, avIio, by a pious

tions of ceaseless Avar to which India has been subjected. Tho

the devotional sentiment which inculcates tlicgift of alms in expiation

India, where works for tho benefit aro not nay

of 7,47G rupees; somo wells 500 rupees each.

In North-West Provinces despatch of July, 1844, Pnndit Rams

works of public utility nt his owu expense, for which an honorary

Provision for Parents and Relatives.

In 1796-7, a force was sont to Hyderabad from Bengal, and tho

pointed out tho inscription, and tho reproof it involved.

I could necessarily givo multitudinous traits of hypocrisv,

if not neutralizing or outweighing all the praiseworthy traits of

admirable qualities which havo often been exhibited, and which,

ClIAUACTEa OF THE IIlNDUS BY WaIIHEN HA8TINGS.

Character or the Bengal Sepoys.

15th Battalion (Matthews) encountered