THE

HINDU AT HOME

BEING

SKETCHES OF HINDU DAILY LIFE

BY

THE REV. J. E. PADFIELD, B.D.,

FORMERLY C. M. S. MISSIONARY, MASULIPATAM

SECOND EDITION

MADRAS: S. P. C. K. DEPOSITORY

LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & CO. (LIMITED)

1908

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION

THE first edition met with such a favourable reception that, at the request of the Publishers, I have prepared a second one. The plan of the book is the same, but, in the light of friendly criticisms, I have revised and improved the whole. I have omitted a few passages. On the other hand, I have added an Appendix, showing the present attitude of the more intelligent Hindus towards social reform. I am indebted to the Honorary Secretary, S. P. C. K. Press, for a valuable index. A glossary of the Hindu terms used in the book has also been added.

LONDON, May 1, 1908.

J. E. P.

PREFACE

TO THE FIRST EDITION

THESE sketches originally appeared, with the exception of two or three chapters, in the "Madras Christian College Magazine." I am aware that there are standard works which contain a good deal of the information here given, but there are also many things now

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PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

described, which will, I trust, be found interesting. I have seen no mention of some of these in any books to which I have had access. The work represents the result of personal observations during a period of twenty-seven years spent in South India, when I was in daily intercourse with the people of the land.

The Sanskrit quotations have been given to me by learned pundits from whom I have received much help, especially in the translation of these statements. I have not attempted a free metrical translation into English verse; but have tried to give the original and the translations, as far as possible, in corresponding lines. Many of the quotations are not to be found in printed books, but are taken from the private palm-leaf manuscripts of purohitas (priests), which have been handed down. from generation to generation. Thus, it was manifestly desirable to give the original text from these unusual sources of information.

The quotations from Manu are all made from the English translation by Sir William Jones. I used the Haughton edition of 1825.

MASULIPATAM, October 25, 1895.

J. E. P.