Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 4.djvu/75

 ZUNLOZIS. (187) UNLOZIS are not all Mahomedans; but in the North- West Provinces they are so for the most part. The same trade is spread all over India, and is followed both by Hindoo and Mahomedan weavers. It is one peculiar to India, and is probably of great antiquity, extending far beyond the Mahomedan conquest, though it has most likely improved under the requirements of the gorgeous Mahomedan population of the country. The Photograph shows a man at work, with his assistant, who may be required occasionally, but who for the present is looking on. The workman is seated on a rude stool, which has a rest for his right hand. The treadles of his simple loom, worked by his feet, are seen below, and the cross pieces above are the heddles and strings which hold his materials for the pattern he is working, and which is effected by skilful manipulation. His simple loom can be set up anywhere—in his own house, or in a hall, or deserted mosque; and very frequently in the latter, on account of its light and space.

Thus are woven some of the most wonderful and beautiful fabrics in the world: tissues of gold and silver, plain and figured, with and without admixture of silk or cotton in flowers and patterns; gold and silver tissue lace of all breadths and patterns, used for trimming scarves, and for bridal dresses; larger scarves of muslin and tissue combined, as those of Benares; and that wonderful cloth of gold called kumkhab or kincob, which is without parallel in the ornamental manufactures of the world. All these are comparatively little known as yet in Europe ; but in the various International Exhibitions in England and France, specimens have been exhibited, which have excited alike wonder and admiration; and in the Museum at the newv India Office, in London, a collection of the choicest designs and fabrics from all parts of India, showing the varieties and requirements of the national taste, will always be accessible to those interested in its manufactures.

It may be possible that these manufactures of brocades and tissue laces, &c., have somewhat declined since the days of splendid Mahomedan courts, and, in particular, at Delhi; and yet this is very doubtful. Gorgeous raiment is still, and