Once Hindu, now Christian: the Early Life of Baba Padmanji.
An Autobiography. Edited by J. Murray Mitchell. (Nisbet and Co,) —Mr. Padmanji was born at Belgaum sonic sixty years ago. He belonged to a family of respectable position, of the "brazier" caste. Hie father held an appointment under Government. Nothing could be more graphic than the picture which he gives of Hindu life. Now and then we get glimpses of things that will be new to most readers. Such is the " Shakta " worship, where "distinctions of caste are laid aside." "Brahman and Shudra feast side by side on flesh and liquor," and a general orgy is held. One is reminded of the strange revelations which came out in the Middle Ages about the secret practices of the Templars. Another curious thing is the habit which certain Hindu castes have of practising Malsommodan rites. The author tells us that his uncle regularly visited the tomb of a Mahom- snedan saint, and that it was the common practice to go to Mahommedanfalstrs for charms in case of illness, Mr. Padmanji has curious things to tell us about " possession," in which he seems to believe ; indeed, he declares himself to have been possessed by a " Mahommedan spirit " which, since his conver- sion, has ceased to trouble him. The main interest of the book, of course, centres in the story of his conversion. It was no hasty resolve, but carried out after a very long period of debate, reflec- tion, and preparation. It is satisfactory to learn that the hostility of the converts' families has been much exaggerated in many accounts of this matter. The author's relatives seem to be on good terms with him, and this has been his experience in other oases. This autobiography, transparently genuine, and not tampered with in the process of editing, is exceedingly interesting.
Previous page
