DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.12673#0115
96
GOA AND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.
CHAPTER VI.
the population of panjim.
The black Christians, like the whites, may be
subdivided into two orders; first, the converted
Hindoos ; secondly, the mixed breed of European
and Indian blood. Moreover, these latter have an-
other distinction, being either Brahman Christians,
as they ridiculously term themselves, on account
of their descent from the Hindoo pontifical caste, or
common ones. The only perceptible difference be-
tween them is, we believe, a moral one ; the former
are justly renowned for extraordinary deceitfulness
and treachery. They consider themselves superior to
the latter in point of dignity, and anciently enjoyed
some peculiar privileges, such as the right of belong-
ing to the orders of the Theatins, or regular clerks,
and Saint Philip Nerius.* But in manners, appear-
* Goez, who travelled in India about 1650, says that he
was surprised to see the image of a black saint on the altars,
GOA AND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.
CHAPTER VI.
the population of panjim.
The black Christians, like the whites, may be
subdivided into two orders; first, the converted
Hindoos ; secondly, the mixed breed of European
and Indian blood. Moreover, these latter have an-
other distinction, being either Brahman Christians,
as they ridiculously term themselves, on account
of their descent from the Hindoo pontifical caste, or
common ones. The only perceptible difference be-
tween them is, we believe, a moral one ; the former
are justly renowned for extraordinary deceitfulness
and treachery. They consider themselves superior to
the latter in point of dignity, and anciently enjoyed
some peculiar privileges, such as the right of belong-
ing to the orders of the Theatins, or regular clerks,
and Saint Philip Nerius.* But in manners, appear-
* Goez, who travelled in India about 1650, says that he
was surprised to see the image of a black saint on the altars,