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)

360 MARRIAGE CEREMONIES.

customs detained her behind the purdah, where
it may be supposed she endured all the agony
of suspense and curiosity by her compliance
with the prescribed forms.

The lady of the mansion waited my approach
to the dulhaun (great hall) with all due eti-
quette, standing to receive and embrace me on
my advancing towards her. This ceremony
performed, I was invited to take a seat on the
musnud-carpet with her on the ground ; a chair
had been provided for me, but I chose to respect
the lady's preference, and the seat on the floor
suited me for the time without much incon-
venience.

After some time had been passed in conversa-
tion on such subjects as suited the taste of the
lady of the house, I was surprised at the ser-
vants entering with trays, which they placed
immediately before me, containing a full-dress
suit in the costume of Hindoostaun. The
hostess told me she had prepared this dress for
me, and I must condescend to wear it. I
would have declined the gaudy array, but one