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)

RECEPTION OF A SUPERIOR. 109

great expense, even in India; some deputtahs
are formed of gold-worked muslin, English
crape, coloured gauze, &c. On ordinary occa-
sions ladies wear them simply bound with
silver riband, but for dress they are richly
trimmed with embroidery and bullion fringes,
which add much to the splendour of the scene,
when two or three hundred females are col-
lected together in their assemblies. The de-
puttah is worn with much original taste on
the back of the head, and falls in graceful
folds over the person; when standing, it is
crossed in front, one end partially screening
the figure, the other thrown over the opposite
shoulder.

I should say they rarely stand; but when
distinguished guests, or their elders amongst
relatives, are announced, this mark of re-
spect is never omitted. It is an interesting
sight, as they have much ease and grace in
their manner, which no tutoring could impart;
they rise and arrange their drapery, advance
a few steps from their place in the hall, and
embrace their visitor thrice in due form, ending
by salaaming, with the head bowed very low