remarkably ugly.'[12] European officers at the present day have no opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the conditions of zenana life; but from the rumours that reach them they would probably accept the views of Mrs. Parks in preference to those of Mrs. Mir Hasan 'Ali. Though her opinions on the life of Musalman ladies is to some extent open to criticism, and must be taken to apply only to the exceptional society in which she moved, her account of the religious feasts and fasts, the description of the marriage ceremonies and that of the surroundings of a native household are trustworthy and valuable. Some errors, not of much importance and probably largely due to her imperfect knowledge of the language, have been corrected in the notes of the present edition. It must also be understood that her knowledge of native life was confined to that of the Musalmans, and she displays no accurate acquaintance with the religion, life or customs of the Hindus. The account in the text displays a bias in favour of the Shi'ah sect of Musalmans, as contrasted with that of the Sunnis. For a more impartial study of the question the reader is referred to Sir W. Muir, _Annals of the Early Caliphate, The Caliphate_, and to Major R.D. Osborn, _Islam under the Khalifs of Baghdad_. [1] Col. H.M. Vibart, _Addiscombe_, pp. 39, 41, 42. [2] _Diwan_, chief agent, manager. [3] p. 208. [4] p. 182. [5] p. 290. [6] p. 227. [7] _Calcutta Review_, ii. 387. [8] pp. 80, 422. [9] Vol. i, pp. 230, 453. [10] i. 391. [11] i. 450. [12] ii. 215. CONTENTS INTRODUCTORY LETTER LETTER I Introductory Remarks.--The characteristic simplicity of manners exhibited in Native families.--Their munificent charity.--The Syaads. Their descent, and the veneration paid to them.--Their pride of birth.--Fast of Mahurrum.--Its origin.--The Sheahs and Soonies.--Memorandum of distances.--Mount Judee (Judea), the attributed burying-place of Adam and Noah.--Mausoleum of Ali.--Tomb of Eve.--Meer Hadjee Shah. LETTER II Celebration of Mahurrum.--The Tazia.--Mussulmaun Cemeteries.--An Emaum-baarah.--Piety of the ladies.--Self-inflicted abstinence and privations endured by each sex.--Instances of the devotional zeal of the Mussulmauns.--Attempted infringement on their religious formalities.--The Resident at Lucknow.--Enthusiastic ardour of the poor.--Manner of celebrating the Mahurrum in opposition to the precepts of the Khoraun.--Mosque and Emaum-baarah contrasted.--The supposition of Mussulmauns practising idolatry confuted. LETTER III