DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.12673#0252
MOSLEM OF MALABAR.
233
the head in old age, when ornaments are no longer
worn.
The countenance of the Moplah, especially when it
assumes the expression with which he usually regards
infidels and heretics, is strongly indicative of his
ferocious and fanatic disposition. His deep undying
hatred for the Kafir * is nurtured and strengthened
by the priests and religious instructors. Like the
hierarchy of the Moslem world in general, they
have only to hold out a promise of Paradise to their
disciples as a reward, and the most flagrant crimes
will be committed. In Malabar they lie under
the suspicion of having often suggested and coun-
tenanced many a frightful deed of violence. The
Moplah is an obstinate ruffian. Cases are quoted
of a culprit spitting in the face of a judge when
the warrant of execution was being read out to
him. Sometimes half a dozen desperadoes will
arm themselves, seize upon a substantial house,
and send a message of defiance to the collector
of the district. Their favourite weapon on such
occasions is the long knife that usually hangs
from the waist: when entering battle they gene-
rally carry two, one in the hand, and the other
* A name, by no means complimentary, applied to all who
are not Moslems.
233
the head in old age, when ornaments are no longer
worn.
The countenance of the Moplah, especially when it
assumes the expression with which he usually regards
infidels and heretics, is strongly indicative of his
ferocious and fanatic disposition. His deep undying
hatred for the Kafir * is nurtured and strengthened
by the priests and religious instructors. Like the
hierarchy of the Moslem world in general, they
have only to hold out a promise of Paradise to their
disciples as a reward, and the most flagrant crimes
will be committed. In Malabar they lie under
the suspicion of having often suggested and coun-
tenanced many a frightful deed of violence. The
Moplah is an obstinate ruffian. Cases are quoted
of a culprit spitting in the face of a judge when
the warrant of execution was being read out to
him. Sometimes half a dozen desperadoes will
arm themselves, seize upon a substantial house,
and send a message of defiance to the collector
of the district. Their favourite weapon on such
occasions is the long knife that usually hangs
from the waist: when entering battle they gene-
rally carry two, one in the hand, and the other
* A name, by no means complimentary, applied to all who
are not Moslems.