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)

58 DURGAH AT LUCKNOW.

Durgah—(literally translated, " The threshold,"
or "Entrance, to a sanctified place.")

This custom is perhaps exclusively observed
by the inhabitants of Lucknow, where I have
had the privilege of acquiring a knowledge of
the motives which guide most of their proceed-
ings ; and as there is a story attached to the
Durgah, not generally known to European visi-
tors, I propose relating it here, as it particularly
tends to explain the reasons for the Mussul-
mauns conveying their banners for consecration
to that celebrated shrine.

" A native of India,—I forget his name,—
remarkable for his devotion and holy life, un-
dertook the pilgrimage to Mecca; whilst en-
gaged in these duties at the ' holy house,' he
was visited with a prophetic dream. Abass
Ali (the standard-bearer and relation of Hosein)
appeared to him in his dream, commanding him,
that as soon as his duties at Mecca were fulfilled
he should, without delay, proceed to Kraaba-
allah, to the tomb of Hosein; directing him,
with great precision, how he was to find the
exact spot of earth where was deposited the