ABSTRACT
The great reverence in which the monkey is held by Hindus is no doubt due to its likeness to man, both in its outward appearance and in many of its habits. Perhaps also its thievish and destructive propensities may be partly accountable for the consideration which it enjoys. At any rate Hindu books are full of marvellous tales of monkeys. In my remarks in the preceding chapter on Rama I have already described some of the deeds of valour wrought by this hero at the head of his army of monkeys. Indeed, the greater part of the Ramayana, the favourite epic of the Hindus, is devoted to the achievements of these valiant monkey soldiers and their illustrious general.
