Page:Wanderings of a Pilgrim Vol 1.djvu/520

 *—the turban in company; it is disgraceful to uncover the head.

But to return to my story. About 3, Mulka Begam came in procession to bring the bride's dress, which is a present from the bridegroom. The procession consisted of elephants, raths (four-wheeled native carriages drawn by bullocks), palanquins, led horses, &c.; and one hundred trays, carried on men's heads, containing the dress for the bride, sweetmeats, and basun (flour of gram), wherewith to wash the lady. Mulka Begam came in a covered palanquin, screened from the gaze of men.

I, as in duty bound, had made my salām to Shubbeah Begam, and was in attendance in the zenāna, to receive the bridegroom's party.

"Women of the lower class, on entering the female assembly, must not say 'salām;' if the hostess be a lady of rank, they perform kudumbosee (the ceremony of kissing the feet) to her, and merely make salām to the rest. When going away they request permission, in the same way as the men in the male assembly, and take their departure.

"Kudumbosee, or the ceremony of kissing the feet, is, rather, to touch the feet of the hostess with the right hand, and then kiss the latter, or, more generally, make salām with it; while her ladyship, scarce allowing it to be done, out of politeness and condescension, withdraws her foot; and, taking hold of her hands, says, 'Nay, don't do that!' or 'Enough!' 'Long may you live!' 'Come, be seated!' Or, if she be married, 'May God render your sohag durable!' i.e. May God preserve your husband: if he be dead, 'May God cause your end to be happy!'

"The men of the better ranks of society, however, when coming in or going away, say, 'Salām, bundugee tuslemat!' i.e. 'My blessing, service, or salutation to you!' according to the rank of the lady of the house.

"The salām made by females is not like that of the males—touching the forehead with the right hand—but it consists in touching the puttee, or hair above the right temple ."