Mussulmaun festivals.--Buckrah Eade.--Ishmael believed to have been offered in sacrifice by Abraham and not Isaac.--Descent of the Mussulmauns from Abraham.--The Eade-gaarh.--Presentation of Nuzzas.--Elephants.--Description of the Khillaut (robe of honour).--Customs on the day of Buckrah Eade.--Nou-Roze (New Year's Day).--Manner of its celebration.--The Bussund (Spring-colour).--The Sah-bund.--Observances during this month.--Festival of the New Moon.--Superstition of the Natives respecting the influence of the Moon.--Their practices during an eclipse.--Supposed effects of the Moon on a wound.--Medicinal application of lime in Hindoostaun.--Observance of Shubh-burraat. LETTER XII The Zeenahnah.--Its interior described.--Furniture, decorations, &c.--The Purdah (curtains).--Bedstead.--The Musnud (seat of honour).--Mirrors and ornamental furniture disused.--Display on occasions of festivity.--Observations on the Mussulmaun Ladies.--Happiness in their state of seclusion.--Origin of secluding females by Mahumud.--Anecdote.--Tamerlane's command prohibiting females being seen in public.--The Palankeen.--Bearers.--Their general utility and contentedness of disposition.--Habits peculiar to Mussulmaun Ladies.--Domestic arrangements of a Zeenahnah.--Dinner and its accompanying observances.--The Lota and Lugguns.--The Hookha.--Further investigation of the customs adopted in Zeenahnahs...Page 163 LETTER XIII Plurality of wives.--Mahumud's motive for permitting this privilege.--State of society at the commencement of the Prophet's mission.--His injunctions respecting marriage.--Parents invariably determine on the selection of a husband.--First marriages attended by a public ceremony.--The first wife takes precedence of all others.--Generosity of disposition evinced by the Mussulmaun ladies.--Divorces obtained under certain restrictions.--Period of solemnizing marriage.--Method adopted in choosing a husband or wife.--Overtures and contracts of marriage, how regulated.--Mugganee, the first contract.--Dress of the bride elect on this occasion.--The ceremonies described as witnessed.--Remarks on the bride.--Present from the bridegroom on Buckrah Eade... Page 179 LETTER XIV Wedding ceremonies of the Mussulmauns.--The new or full moon propitious to the rites being concluded.--Marriage settlements unknown.--Control of the wife over her own property.--Three days and nights occupied in celebrating the wedding.--Preparations previously made by both families.--Ostentatious display on these occasions.--Day of Sarchuck.--Customs on the day of Mayndhie.--Sending Presents.--Day of Baarraat.--Procession of the bridegroom to fetch the bride.--The bride's departure to her new home.--Attendant ceremonies explained.--Similarity of the Mussulmaun and Hindoo ceremonies.--Anecdote of a Moollah.--Tying the Narrah to the Moosul...Page 195 LETTER XV