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 2) (London, 1832)

74 SECLUSION OF FEMALES.

LETTER XVII.

Seclusion of Females.—Paadshah Begum.—The Suwaarree.
—Female Bearers.—-Eunuchs.—Rutts.—Partiality of the
Ladies to large retinues.—Female Companions.—Telling
the Khaunie.—Games of the Zeenahnah.—Shampooing.—
The Punkah. — Slaves and slavery.—Anecdote.—The
Persian Poets.—Fierdowsee.—Saadie, his " Goolistaun."
—Haafiz. — Mahumud Baarkur.—" Hyaatool Kaaloob."
—Different manner of pronouncing Scripture names.

The strict seclusion which forms so conspi-
cuous a feature in the female society of the
Mussulmauns in India, renders the temporary-
migration of ladies from their domicile an event
of great interest to each individual of the zee-
nahnah whether the mistress or her many
dependents be considered.

The superior classes seldom quit their habita-
tion but on the most important occasions ; they,
therefore, make it a matter of necessity to move