Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

AND PRIVATIONS. 45

The variety of ornaments, which constitute
the great delight of all classes of females in
India, are entirely laid aside, from the first hour
of Mahurrum, until the period for mourning
concludes. I never heard of any people so
thoroughly attached to ornaments as the females
of India are generally. They are indulged
in this foible,—pardonable it may be,—by their
husbands and parents. The wealthiness of a
family may often be judged by a single glance
at the principal lady of the zeenahnah, who
seldom omits doing honour to her husband,
by a full display of the precious metals, with
a great variety of gems or jewels on ordinary
occasions. The men of all ranks are proud of
their wives' finery; even the poorest, hold in
derision all ornament that is not composed of
sterling metal, of which they seem excellent
judges. The massy chains of gold or silver,
the solid bangles for the arms and ancles, the
nut (nose-ring) of gold wire, on which is strung
a ruby between two pearls, worn only by
married women; the joshun (armlet), of silver
or gold, often set with precious stones; the