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)

TO BUILD A NEW DURGAH. 63

confidential Najoom* (astrologer,) in the service
of his Highness, of great repute in his profes-
sion, advised his master to make a vow, that
" If in the wisdom of Divine Providence his
health should be restored, he would build a new
Durgah on the site of the old one, to be dedi-
cated to Abass Ali, and to be the shrine for the
sacred deposit of the crest of Hosein." The
Nuwaub, it appears, recovered rapidly after
the vow had been made, and he went in great
pomp and state to return thanks to God in this
Durgah, surrounded by the nobles and officers
of his Court, and the whole strength of his
establishment accompanied him on the occasion.
So grand was the spectacle, that the old people
of the city talk of it at this day as a scene never
equalled in the annals of Lucknow, for splendour
and magnificence; immense sums of money
were distributed on the road to the populace,
and at the Durgah ; the multitude, of all classes,
hailing his emancipation from the couch of
sickness with deafening cheers of vociferous
exultation.

* See Postscript, p. 69.