[12] Kajal.
[13] Nath, a love-token presented to the bride
by the bridegroom. The
very mention of it is considered
indelicate.
[14] They generally adopt an odd number.
[15] Suar.
[16] Nim (Melia Azidirachta).
[17] Babul (Acacia arabica).
[18] Gulbadan, ‘with body like a rose’, a fine silk fabric.
[19] Mashru ‘conformable to law’,
a silk-cotton cloth, which—but not
pure silk—a Musulman
can wear during prayer.
[20] Zerband, ‘fastening below’, ‘a girth’.
[21] Angiya.
[22] Shabnam. The finest varieties of
these cloths were made at Dacca.
Aurungzeb is said to have
remonstrated with his daughter for wearing
what he thought to be a Coa
vestis. She answered that she wore seven
folds of this cloth.
[23] Har, a necklace, an embroidered garland
thrown round the neck of
a visitor on his departure,
as a mark of respect. These garlands were
substituted for the pearl
necklaces which, in former days, were
presented to guests.
[24] ’Stockings are never worn [in the Zenana]:
but I have seen little
coloured stockings, made of
the wool from Cashmir, worn at times
during the cold season.’—Mrs.
Parks, Wanderings of a Pilgrim,
i. 456.
[25] According to the traditions, the Prophet said,
’Change the whiteness
of your hair, but not with
anything black’. The first Caliph is said
to have dyed his beard red
with henna. Nowadays indigo is largely used.
LETTER VI
The Mussulmaun religion.—Sectarians.—Their difference of faith.—History of the Soonies.—The Caliphas Omir, Osman, Aboubuker, &c.—Mahumud’s parting charge to Ali.—Omir’s jealousy of Ali.—The Khoraun.—How compiled.—The Calipha Omir held in detestation.—Creed of the Sheahs.—Funeral service.—Opinions of the Mussulmauns respecting the Millennium.—The foundation of their faith exhibited.—Sentiments of the most devout followers of Mahumud.—Bridge of Sirraat, the Scales, &c. explained.—Emaum Mhidhie.—Prophecy of his reappearance.—Its early fulfilment anticipated.—Discourse with the Meer Hadjee Shaah on this subject.
I do not presume to offer opinions on the nature, substance, or character, of the Mussulmaun Faith; but confine myself to the mere relation of such facts as I have received from the best possible authority, viz. the religious men who are of that faith, and live in strict accordance with the tenets they profess.
There are two sects of the Mussulmaun persuasion, as I have before remarked, viz. the Sheahs and the Soonies. The leaders of the former are called Emaums; and those of the latter Caliphas. The Sheahs acknowledge Ali and his immediate descendants (eleven in number) ’the right and only lawful Emaums’, in succession, after Mahumud. The Soonies declare the Caliphas—as Omir, Aboubuker, &c.—to be their lawful leaders after Mahumud.