INDIAN BEGGARS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 July 1924, Page 1

INDIAN BEGGARS.

In India hogging is a recognised profession. Not merely not shameless. it is levered, honourable, and crowds of its followers are designated as “holy" beggars. Many of the types are common in Europe; the man. for example, who comes to obtain a loan which he never intends to pay hack: or again, the man to whom to lend b a privilege and an honour, who show.-, his respect for you hy accepting your loan; i:r the man with tin adequate salary, who whines of his large and starving family, while his bloated fate, mottled nose, and ttemhlittg hands are eloquent of toddy.

India's professional beggars may be classified in three groups. 1 .—-The Bathetic Beggars.—These are found in every town, village, hamlet and roadside in the country. 'I hey meet you at every turn, ami their piteous ] lea fur alms li'cs everlastingly to heaven—J.at rarely readies the heaTt of titan.

They comprise the sick ami maimed: many wanting toes and fingcis. physically incapable of grasping tic coins thrown to them.

2.--The Holy Beggars. These 'for the most part are peripathetir. and wander over the countryside, many of them naked save lor a loin doth, with their bailies smeared with ash and saffron, and their hatr uncut, matted. and dishevelled. They wear strings of berries round their necks, and carry in one hand a lell, the ringing of which constitutes their solo api'eal for charity, and in the other hand a bowl in which “all contributions are thankfully received.” literallv.

3.—The Tam ash a Beggars.--These do it because they like it. It is good fun, and a jolly life. Like the “holy” beggars, they wander from village to village and are assured of a welcome wherever they go. They rely far the most pnrt on their fantastic get-up fo win them sympathy, and in concoct-