The Brahman is of course supreme in Hindu society. He never bows his
head in salutation to any one who is not a Brahman, and acknowledges
with a benediction the greetings of all other classes. No member
of another caste, Dr. Bhattacharya states, can, consistently with
Hindu etiquette and religious beliefs, refuse altogether to bow to
a Brahman. "The more orthodox Sudras carry their veneration for the
priestly caste to such an extent that they will not cross the shadow
of a Brahman, and it is not unusual for them to be under a vow not
to eat any food in the morning before drinking Brahman nectar, [418]
or water in which the toe of a Brahman has been dipped. On the other
hand, the pride of the Brahman is such that he does not bow even to
the images of the gods in a Sudra's house. When a Brahman invites a
Sudra the latter is usually asked to partake of the host's _prasada_
or favour in the shape of the leavings of his plate. Orthodox Sudras
actually take offence if invited by the use of any other formula. No
Sudra is allowed to eat in the same room or at the same time with
Brahmans." [419]
A man of low caste meeting a Brahman says 'Pailagi' or 'I fall at
your feet,' and touches the Brahman's foot with his hand, which he
then carries to his own forehead to signify this. A man wishing to
ask a favour in a humble manner stands on one leg and folds his cloth
round his neck to show that his head is at his benefactor's disposal;
and he takes a piece of grass in his mouth by which he means to say,
'I am your cow.' Brahmans greeting each other clasp the hands and say
'Salaam,' this method of greeting being known as Namaskar. Since
most Brahmans have abandoned the priestly calling and are engaged
in Government service and the professions, this exaggerated display
of reverence is tending to disappear, nor do the educated members of
the caste set any great store by it, preferring the social estimation
attaching to such a prominent secular position as they often attain
for themselves.