One of the most fascinating books on India is the work Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies by that Christian bigot Abbe Dubois, who traveled widely in South India in the late 18th century and early 19th century.

A resident of India from 1792-1823, Duboi had the opportunity to observe the customs and practices of Hindus, particularly the Brahmin community.

After observing Indians at close quarters for over three decades, Dubois contrasted the licentious habits of Hindu men with the chastity of the Hindu women in his book:

Whatever may be said to the contrary, Hindu women are naturally chaste….I would even go so far as to say that Hindu women are more virtuous than the women of many other more civilized countries. Their temperament is outwardly calm and equable, and though a passionate fire may smoulder underneath, without the igniting spark it will remain quiescent. (Part 2 Ch 12 P.313-314)

But having given the Hindu women the highest compliments, Dubois confesses his inability to explain the reasons for their chastity: Continue Reading…