I saw the ‘dining hall’. An extraordinary brilliance of electric light was scattered all around. There were many doors to enter the building. Before entering, people washed their hands at the hot water taps in the veranda and dried them with the hanging towels. Then they went inside. The tables and chairs for serving food were just like those I had seen in the garden. The hall was very long and wide. Five thousand people could easily sit and dine there in comfort. The cleanliness and interior beauty were unparalleled. The kitchen, it seemed, was separate and to the back. As soon as I arrived, the villagers and other previously acquainted men and women also gathered there. I was seated on a chair. On my right was Devamitra, and on my left, Vishwamitra. The food had already been served and was ready. Among the dishes were bread, meat, and two kinds of vegetables. There was also a bowl of halwa, a small plate of fruit, and a glass of water.

We had to sit for two minutes after arriving, then a bell rang out, upon which Devamitra said, “Now the meal should begin.” This waiting is done so that all those who are to eat may arrive. That dining assembly seemed very strange to me. Here and there, women sat among the men, eating without any hesitation. I said to myself, “When could Indians of the twentieth century ever dream of such a thing?” Although I had not yet asked, and by their appearance, education, civility, and purity, all the men and women seemed to be of a high caste, still I wondered in my mind, “Are all these Brahmins or Kshatriyas?” I had already heard something—Arjan’s parents were residents of Lanka. Though everyone’s dress and attire were the same, many men and women appeared as fair as Europeans.

From all these things, it became certain in my mind that “all this is but one caste.”

After finishing their meal, everyone rose and exited through their respective doors, washed their hands at the hot water taps, and after wiping their faces, left the place. The Gramani had already said that there would be a gathering in the assembly hall. So, we set out for there. Yes, I also noticed that although everyone washed their hands and faces...

However, no one removed their shoes to wash their feet, nor did anyone take off their other clothes.

Now we proceeded from there to the Assembly Hall; this magnificent building was only a little distance away.

The structure was very tall and beautiful—outside, electric lights glittered brilliantly. Here too, in bold illuminated letters above the main entrance, was written ‘Assembly Hall’. We entered inside.

Devmitra said, “Until everyone arrives, please sit in the room behind the stage.” We had scarcely sat there for a short while when suddenly the sound of a bell rang from the stage, upon hearing which the village chief signaled us to proceed. As soon as I entered, all