French manuscript, written in Karaikal (French India since 1739), which gives a detailed explanation of the Indian caste system: the author explains in the beginning of the text that the French people are ill-informed about it. To illustrate the Indian caste system, the anonymous author tells lively anecdotes and makes comparisons with French social classes and parallels to biblical stories.
The author not only describes the details of the four castes (Brahmin, Raj, Vaisya and Sudra) including their hierarchy and advantages, the purpose of this social structure and the experience of those who lose their caste. He goes further speculates about the way different cultures criticize each others morals. He argues that all nations criticize each other in some way, simply because the habits of cultures differ, each with its own good reasons. He also wrote about the extent of superstition in the customs of Indian people, for example the beliefs surrounding cows. He concludes that not all their customs are superstitious. The author clearly views Indian cultural practices with a certain gentleness.
Somewhat worn at the extremities and spine, slightly foxed on the front paste-down and a little dust soiled on the first page. Otherwise in good condition.