It is reported that a bill for the suppression of
Hindoo polygamy is to be brought before the Indian Legislature; but this is a mistake. Hindoo polygamy, like most other Hindoo -customs, is quite unique in its character. A. man cannot marry two wives of his own mere will, but he must have a son to perform his funeral ceremony, or he will go to hell; and, -consequently, if the first wife does not bear one ho may take a second, or a third, or a sixtieth. As a matter of fact, Hindoos seldom marry more than one ; but to abolish-the right would be a most dangerous step. The polygamy to be prohibited is that of the Koolins (Koolin = Wel go), a sept of Brahmins whose -Alliance is such an honour that other Brahmins pay them to marry their relatives. They sometimes take a whole family of sisters and cousins, and then demand pay for every visit they make to the wife's abode. The Brahminical body, though submitting to the-custom, dislike it, and a law making it illegal will have public opinion in its favour.
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