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OF THE HINDUS.
187
NIGAS. All the sects include a division under this denomination. The Nagus are of the same description as the l'uirágís, or Sunnyásís, in all essential points, but in their excess of zeal they carry their secession from ordinary manners so far, as to leave off every kind of covering, and, as their name signifies, go naked; there are, however, other points in which they differ froni the general character of Hindu mendicants, and they are inquestionably the most worthless and profligate members of their respective religions.
A striking proof of their propensities is their use of arms. They always travel with weapons, isually a matchlock and sword and shield, and that these implements are not carried in vain has been shewn on varions occasions: the sanguinary conflicts of opposite sects of Hindu mendicants have been described in several publications with the customary indistinctness as to the parties concerned: these parties are the l'uishiara and Saiva Nágas chiefly, assisted and probably instigated by the Vairagi and Sannyási members of those two sects, and aided by abandoned characters from all the schisms connected respectively with the one or the other': it wonld, however, be
extensive building, though in decay. The Dabistán, although it contains many curious, and some correct notices of the Hindu religion, affords too loose and inaccurate a description to be consultell with advantage.
| As. Res. VI, 317, and XII, 455; an occurence of a similar
