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)

80 THE SUWAARREE.

the passing gaiety, and of enjoying, without a
screen, the pure air; benefits which their supe-
riors in rank are excluded from at all ages.

In the Paadshah Begum's suwaarree, I counted
fifty of these Native carriages, into each of
which from four to six females are usually
crowded, comprising the members of the house-
hold establishment of the great lady ; such as
companions, readers of the Khoraun, kaawauses
(the higher classes of female-slaves) muggalanie
(needle-women), &c. This will give you a
tolerable idea of the number and variety of
females attached to the suite of a lady of con-
sequence in India. The procession, at a walk-
ing pace, occupied nearly half an hour in pass-
ing the road opposite to my house : it was well
conducted, and the effect imposing, both from
its novelty and splendour.

A lady here would be the most unhappy
creature existing, unless surrounded by a mul-
titude of attendants suitable to her rank in life.
They have often expressed surprise and asto-
nishment at my want of taste in keeping only
two women servants in my employ, and having