By the numerous subdivisions into what may be called professional classes (for every individual is hound by the law to follow the profession of his ancestors,) a conside rable degree of perfection in the mere mechanical ope rations of art may be expected. In this respect the Ilin doos have made some approach to that minute division of labour which has bad so much influence in promoting the success of the arts and manufactures in civilized countries. But none of these pleasing associations occur to the mind on contemplating the perfection of Indian workmanship, which never fail to present themselves on considering the improvement of the arts in other coun tries. In the latter case, the proficiency of the artist is in general an indication of enlargement of understanding, and of scientific attainments ; in the former, it is rather a proof of mental degradation, when we consider that mechanical dexterity in the arts has arisen from the re striction of the faculties to one minute point, beyond which they arc not permitted to wander, and in which they have attained perfection by expending all their en ergies in one unconnected object.
Dr Robertson haNing inadvertently said in his Dis quisition concerning India, that " what now is in India, always was there, and is likely still to continue ;" some writers have set to work to confute him, without doing him the justice to acknowledge that he himself has cor rected the assertion in a note, and admitted that very considerable changes have taken place in libido() cus toms and manners. We arc happy to have it in our power to state, that the influence of the pernicious sys tem of casts which has so long prevailed in India, is almost daily diminishing, and in many cases is si an cly felt. This is so contra!). to what has been so frequently asserted on the subject, that it is necessary for us to produce our authority, whirl] we hope will appear decided and unexceptionable. We quote from Mr Colebrook's Remarks on the Husbandry, of Ben gal ; a gentleman who was long a pro% ineial judge in India, and who is well known for the accuracy of his information on every subject connected with the cus toms and literature of India. " They (the IIincloos) are, as it is well known, divided into four grand classes ; hut the three first of them are much less numerous than the Soodra. The aggregate of Bramins, Kctri, and llyse,' may amount at the most to a lifth of the population ; and even these are not absolutely restricted to their own ap pointed occupations. Commerce and agriculture are universally permitted : and under the general designa tion of servants of the other three tribes, the Soodras seem to be allowed to prosecute any manufacture. In
this tribe arc included not only the true Soodras, but also the several casts whose origin is ascribed to the pro miscuous intercourse of the four classes. To thc se also their several occupations were assigned : but neither are they- restricted by rigorous injunctions to their own ap pointed occupations. For any person unable to procure a subsistence by the exercise of his own profession, may earn a livelihood in the calling of a subordinate cast, within certain limits in the scale of relative precedence assigned to each ; and no forfeiture is now incurred by his intruding into a superior profession. It was, indeed, the duty of the Hindoo magistrate to restrain the encroach ments of inferior tribes on the occupations of superior casts ; but under a foreign government this restraint has no existence. In practice, little attention is paid to the limitations to which we have here alluded : daily obser vation shows even Bramins exercising the menial pro fession of a Soodra. We are aware, that every cast forms itself into clubs or lodges, consisting of the several individuals of that cast, residing within a small distance ; and that these clubs, or lodges, govern themselves by particular rules and customs, or by-laws. But sonic restrictions and limitations, not founded on religious prejudices, arc found among their by-laws ; it may be received as a general maxim, that the occupation, ap pointed for each tribe, is entitled merely to a preference. Every profession, with fcw exceptions, is open to every description of persons ; and the discouragement arising from religious prejudices, is not greater than what exists in Great Britain, from the effects of municipal and cor poration laws."--" If these facts and observations be not considered as a conclusive refutation of the unfounded assertion made on this subject, we must appeal to the experience of every gentleman who may have resided in the provinces of Bengal, whether a change of occupa tion and profession does not frequently and indefinitely, occur ? Whether Bramins arc not employed in the most servile offices ? and whether the Soodra is not seen elevated to situations of respectability and importance ? In short, whether the assertion above quoted, (respect ing the influence of the casts in pre\ Lining improve ment in commerce and agricultur•,) be not ! without foundation." Remarks on the Husbandry, of Bengal, p. 171.