Page:Advice to the Indian Aristocracy.djvu/178

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140

The meaning of the salutation may not be understood by those that are not Hindus. It is a special sort of reverence shown in person to one's elders on certain occasions or in letters only. It is something more than a wish, a bow, or a salaam, such as are greetings in society when persons meet or part from one another.

I think it is necessary for me to say a few words for the younger brothers of a Zamindar. They should always be obedient to the eldest brother, whether the ancestral property, movable or immovable, has been divided amongst them or not. They must never think of appearing to be higher in position than the eldest. I know a certain Zamindar who had two brothers. The estate being impartible, all the movable property was equally divided among them. One of the two younger brothers, unfortunately, desired to show himself equal to the Zamindar or even to exceed