8/9 The word in the text is 'revenue'. Concerning the prophecy that the sanctity of the Ganges will cease in 1895, see note to Chapter 1, _ante_, [13]. The prophecy was much talked of some years ago, but the reverence for the Ganges continues undiminished, while the development of commerce and manufactures has not affected, the religious feelings and opinions of the people. Railways, in fact, facilitate pilgrimages and increase their popularity. The course of commerce now follows the line of rail, not the navigable rivers. |