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)

84 THE CHATTAH.

the chowrie of peacock's feathers in a silver
handle,—chobdhaahs, with long silver and gold
staffs,—sota badhaahs, with short staffs resem-
bling fish, of the same materials,—hurkaarahs
(running-footmen, or messengers), bearing small
triangular banners with silver handles,—shoe-
bearers, &c.

The royal chattah (umbrella), of embroidered
velvet, is supported over the head of Dhull
Dhull. This article in its plain garb, so gene-
rally used in Europe, is, in Hindoostaun, an
original distinguishing mark of royalty, gracing
the King's throne in lieu of a canopy. In
Oude, the chattah cannot be used by the sub-
ject when in view of the sovereign; if the
King's clunkah be heard abroad, the people hide
their chattahs, and even descend from their
carriages, elephants, horses, or palkies, stand-
ing with their hands folded, in all humility,
to make obeisance to the King,—resuming them
only when the royal cortege has moved out of
sight. I have known many of the first nobility
in the Court of Oude, and English gentlemen
in the King's suite, exposed to the rays of the