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)

1UCI1 AiFIEE OF SLAVES 73

This accounts, perhaps, for the common
practice in the higher circles of the Mussulmaun
population, of heaping ornaments and riches on
favourite slaves; the wealth thus expended at
one time, is but a loan in the hands of safe
keepers, to revert again to the original pro-
prietor whenever required by the master, or no
longer of service to the slave, who has neither
power to bestow, nor heirs to benefit from the
property he may leave when he dies.

I have frequently observed, among the most
exalted ladies, that their female slaves are very
often superbly dressed; and, on occasions of
marriage ceremonies, or other scenes of festivity,
they seem proud of taking them in their suite,
handsomely dressed, and richly adorned with
the precious metals, in armlets, bangles, chains,
&c.; the lady thus adding to her own conse-
quence by the display of her attendant slaves.
The same may be observed with regard to
gentlemen, who have men-slaves attending
them, and who are very frequently attired in
costly dresses, expensive shawls, and gold or-
naments.