In this regard, he cites the influential work of French Catholic missionary Abbe Dubois, titled Description of the Character, Manners, and Customs of the People of India, and of Their Institutions, Religious and Civil, which was published in 1816. This book was treated as the most comprehensive authority on the caste system, so much so that the Madras government bought the copyright for the book from Dubois for a fortune, which provided him with a source of regular pension for years. In fact, William Bentinck, the then Governor of Madras, showered effusive praise on Dubois’ work. Following are
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