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)

DIVISION OF TIME. 97

LETTER V.

Time.—-How divided in Hindoostaun.—Observances after
Mahurrum.-—-Luxuries and enjoyments resumed.—Black
dye used by the ladies.—Their nose-ring.—Number of
rings worn in their ears.—Mode of dressing their hair.—
Aversion to our tooth-brushes.—Toilet of the ladies.—The
Pyjaamahs.—The Ungeeah (boddice).—The Courtie.—
The Deputtah.—Reception of a superior or elder amongst
the ladies.—Their fondness for jewels.—Their shoes.—
The state of society amongst the Mussulmaun ladies.—
Their conversational endowments. — Remarks upon the
fashion and duty of beards.

In my last I alluded to the "third watch;"
it will now, perhaps, be necessary to explain
the divisions of time, as observed by the Mus-
sulmauns of Hindoostaun.

The day is divided into four equal parts, or
watches, denominated purrhs; as, first purrh,
second purrh, &c. The night is also divided
into four purrhs, each of which is subdivided

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