OBSERVATIONS ON THE MUSSULMAUNS OF INDIA

MRS. MEER HASSAN ALI

Second Edition, Edited with Notes and an Introduction by W. Crooke

1917

WITH SENTIMENTS OF GRATITUDE
AND PROFOUND RESPECT
THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE HUMBLY DEDICATED,
WITH PERMISSION,

TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS
THE PRINCESS AUGUSTA;

BY HER ROYAL HIGHNESS’S
MOST OBEDIENT,
FAITHFULLY ATTACHED,
AND VERY HUMBLE SERVANT,

B. MEER HASSAN ALI.

[1832.]

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

In the present reprint the text of the original edition of this work has been reproduced without change, even the curious transliterations of the vernacular words and phrases having been preserved. The correct forms of these, so far as they have been ascertained, have been given in the Notes and in the Index-Glossary. I have added an Introduction containing an account of the authoress based on the scanty information available, and I have compiled some notes illustrating questions connected with Islam and Musalman usages. I have not thought it necessary to give detailed references in the notes, but a list of the works which have been used will be found at the end of the text. As in other volumes of this series, the diacritical marks indicating the varieties of the sound of certain letters in the Arabic and Devanagari alphabets have not been given: they are unnecessary for the scholar and serve only to embarrass the general reader.

I have to acknowledge help from several friends in the preparation of this edition. Mr. W. Foster, C.I.E., has supplied valuable notes from the India Office records on Mir Hasan ’Ali and his family; Dr. W. Hoey, late I.C.S., and Mr. L.N. Jopling, I.C.S., Deputy-Commissioner, Lucknow, have made inquiries on the same subject. Mr. H.C. Irwin, late I.C.S., has furnished much information on Oudh affairs in the time of the Nawabi. Sir C.J. Lyall, K.C.S.I, C.I.E., and Professor E.G. Browne, M.A., have permitted me to consult them on certain obscure words in the text.

W. CROOKE.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY LETTER

LETTER I

Introductory Remarks.�­The characteristic simplicity of manners exhibited in Native families.�­Their munificent charity.�­The Syaads. Their descent, and the veneration paid to them.�­Their pride of birth.�­Fast of Mahurrum.�­Its origin.�­The Sheahs and Soonies.�­Memorandum of distances.�­Mount Judee (Judea), the attributed burying-place of Adam and Noah.�­Mausoleum of Ali.�­Tomb of Eve.�­Meer Hadjee Shah.

LETTER II

Celebration of Mahurrum.�­The Tazia.�­Mussulmaun Cemeteries.�­An Emaum-baarah.�­Piety of the ladies.�­Self-inflicted abstinence and privations endured by each sex.�­Instances of the devotional zeal of the Mussulmauns.�­Attempted infringement on their religious formalities.�­The Resident at Lucknow.�­Enthusiastic ardour of the poor.�­Manner of celebrating the Mahurrum in opposition to the precepts of the Khoraun.�­Mosque and Emaum-baarah contrasted.�­The supposition of Mussulmauns practising idolatry confuted.

LETTER III

Continuation of Mahurrum.�­Consecration of Banners.�­Durgah at Lucknow.�­Its origin explained.�­Regarded with peculiar veneration.�­The Nuwaub vows to build a new one.�­Its description.�­Procession to the Durgah.�­Najoomies.�­Influence possessed and practised by them.�­Eunuchs.�­Anecdotes of some having attained great honours and wealth.�­Presents bestowed upon them generally revert to the donor.�­Rich attire of male and female slaves...Page 32

LETTER IV

Mahurrum concluded.�­Night of Mayndhie.�­Emaum-baarah of the King of Oude.�­Procession to Shaah Nudghiff.�­Last day of Mahurrum.�­Chattahs.�­Musical instruments.�­Zeal of the Native gentlemen.�­Funeral obsequies over the Tazia at Kraabaallah.�­Sentiments of devout Mussulmauns.�­The fast followed by acts of charity.�­Remarks on the observance of Mahurrum...Page 42

LETTER V

Time.�­How divided in Hindoostaun.�­Observances after Mahurrum�­Luxuries and enjoyments resumed.�­Black dye used by the ladies.�­Their nose-ring.�­Number of rings worn in their ears.�­Mode of dressing their hair.�­Aversion to our tooth-brushes.�­Toilet of the ladies.�­The Pyjaamahs.�­The Ungeeah (bodice).�­The Courtie.�­The Deputtah.�­Reception of a superior or elder amongst the ladies.�­Their fondness for jewels.�­Their shoes.�­The state of society amongst the Mussulmaun ladies.�­Their conversational endowments.�­Remark upon the fashion and duty of beards...Page 55

LETTER VI

The Mussulmaun religion.�­Sectarians.�­Their difference of faith.�­History of the Soonies.�­The Caliphas Omir, Osman, Aboubuker, &c.�­Mahumud’s parting charge to Ali.�­Omir’s jealousy of Ali.�­The Khoraun.�­How compiled.�­The Calipha Omir held in detestation.�­Creed of the Sheahs.�­Funeral service.�­Opinions of the Mussulmauns respecting the Millennium.�­The foundation of their faith exhibited.�­Sentiments of the most devout followers of Mahumud.�­Bridge of Sirraat, the Scales, &c., explained.�­Emaum Mhidhie.�­Prophecy of his reappearance.�­Its early fulfilment anticipated.�­Discourse with Meer Hadjee Shaah on this subject...Page 66

LETTER VII

Namaaz (daily prayer).�­The Mussulmaun prayers.�­Their different names and times.�­Extra prayer-service.�­The Mosque.�­Ablutions requisite previous to devotion.�­Prostrations at prayers.�­Mosque described.�­The Mussulmaun’s Sabbath.�­Its partial observance.�­The amusements of this life not discontinued on the Sabbath.�­Employment of domestics undiminished on this day.�­Works of importance then commenced.�­Reasons for appropriating Friday to the Sabbath.�­The Jews opposed to Mahumud.�­The Prophet receives instructions from the angel Gabriel.�­Their import and definition.�­Remarks of a Commentator on the Khoraun.�­Prayer of intercession.�­Pious observance of Christmas day by a Native Lady.�­Opinions entertained of our Saviour.�­Additional motives for prayer.�­David’s Mother’s prayer.�­Anecdote of Moses and a Woodcutter.�­Remarks upon the piety and devotion of the female Mussulmauns...Page 82

LETTER VIII

The Fast of Rumzaun.�­Motives for its strict observance.�­Its commencement and duration.�­Sentiments of Meer Hadjee Shaah on the day of fasting.�­Adherence of the females to the observing this fast.�­How first broken.�­Devout persons extend the term to forty days.�­Children permitted to try their zeal.�­Calamitous effects of the experiment.�­Exemptions from this duty.�­Joyful termination of the fast.�­Celebration of Eade on the last day.�­The Nuzza.�­Nautchwomen and Domenie.�­Surprise of the Natives at European dancing.�­Remarks on their Music.�­Anecdotes of Fatima.�­The Chuckee...Page 98

LETTER IX

The Hadje (Pilgrimage to Mecca).�­Commanded to be performed by Mahumud.�­Eagerness of both, sexes to visit the Prophet’s tomb.�­Qualifications requisite for the undertaking.�­Different routes from India to Mecca.�­Duties of the pilgrims at the Holy House.�­Mecca and its environs.�­Place of Abraham.�­The Bedouins.�­Anecdote of a devotee and two pilgrims.�­A Bedouin Arab and the travellers to Mecca.�­The Kaabah (Holy House).�­Superstitious regard to a chain suspended there.�­Account of the gold water-spout.�­Tax levied on pilgrims visiting the tomb of Mahumud by the Sheruff of Mecca.�­Sacred visit to the tombs of Ali, Hasan, and Hosein.�­The importance attached to this duty.�­Travellers annoyed by the Arabs.�­An instance recorded.�­The Nudghiff Usheruff.�­Anecdotes of Syaad Harshim...Page 112

LETTER X

The Zuckhaut (God’s portion).�­Syaads restricted the benefit of this charity.�­The Sutkah.�­The Emaum’s Zaumunee (protection).�­The Tenths, or Syaads’ Due.�­Mussulmauns attribute thanks to God only, for all benefits conferred.�­Extracts from the ’Hyaatool Kaaloob’.�­Mahumud’s advice.�­His precepts tend to inculcate and encourage charity.�­Remarks on the benevolence of Mussulmauns...Page 135

LETTER XI

Mussulmaun festivals.�­Buckrah Eade.�­Ishmael believed to have been offered in sacrifice by Abraham and not Isaac.�­Descent of the Mussulmauns from Abraham.�­The Eade-gaarh.�­Presentation of Nuzzas.�­Elephants.�­Description of the Khillaut (robe of honour).�­Customs on the day of Buckrah Eade.�­Nou-Roze (New Year’s Day).�­Manner of its celebration.�­The Bussund (Spring-colour).�­The Sah-bund.�­Observances during this month.�­Festival of the New Moon.�­Superstition of the Natives respecting the influence of the Moon.�­Their practices during an eclipse.�­Supposed effects of the Moon on a wound.�­Medicinal application of lime in Hindoostaun.�­Observance of Shubh-burraat.

LETTER XII

The Zeenahnah.�­Its interior described.�­Furniture, decorations, &c.�­The Purdah (curtains).�­Bedstead.�­The Musnud (seat of honour).�­Mirrors and ornamental furniture disused.�­Display on occasions of festivity.�­Observations on the Mussulmaun Ladies.�­Happiness in their state of seclusion.�­Origin of secluding females by Mahumud.�­Anecdote.�­Tamerlane’s command prohibiting females being seen in public.�­The Palankeen.�­Bearers.�­Their general utility and contentedness of disposition.�­Habits peculiar to Mussulmaun Ladies.�­Domestic arrangements of a Zeenahnah.�­Dinner and its accompanying observances.�­The Lota and Lugguns.�­The Hookha.�­Further investigation of the customs adopted in Zeenahnahs...Page 163

LETTER XIII

Plurality of wives.�­Mahumud’s motive for permitting this privilege.�­State of society at the commencement of the Prophet’s mission.�­His injunctions respecting marriage.�­Parents invariably determine on the selection of a husband.�­First marriages attended by a public ceremony.�­The first wife takes precedence of all others.�­Generosity of disposition evinced by the Mussulmaun ladies.�­Divorces obtained under certain restrictions.�­Period of solemnizing marriage.�­Method adopted in choosing a husband or wife.�­Overtures and contracts of marriage, how regulated.�­Mugganee, the first contract.�­Dress of the bride elect on this occasion.�­The ceremonies described as witnessed.�­Remarks on the bride.�­Present from the bridegroom on Buckrah Eade... Page 179

LETTER XIV

Wedding ceremonies of the Mussulmauns.�­The new or full moon propitious to the rites being concluded.�­Marriage settlements unknown.�­Control of the wife over her own property.�­Three days and nights occupied in celebrating the wedding.�­Preparations previously made by both families.�­Ostentatious display on these occasions.�­Day of Sarchuck.�­Customs on the day of Mayndhie.�­Sending Presents.�­Day of Baarraat.�­Procession of the bridegroom to fetch the bride.�­The bride’s departure to her new home.�­Attendant ceremonies explained.�­Similarity of the Mussulmaun and Hindoo ceremonies.�­Anecdote of a Moollah.�­Tying the Narrah to the Moosul...Page 195

LETTER XV

On the birth and management of children in Hindoostaun.�­Increase of joy on the birth of a Son.�­Preference generally shown to male children.�­Treatment of Infants.�­Day of Purification.�­Offerings presented on this occasion to the child.�­The anniversary of the birthday celebrated.�­Visit of the father to the Durgah.�­Pastimes of boys.�­Kites.�­Pigeons.�­The Mhogdhur.�­Sword-exercise.�­The Bow and Arrows.�­The Pellet-bow.�­Crows.�­Sports of Native gentlemen.�­Cock-fighting.�­Remarks upon horses, elephants, tigers, and leopards.�­Pigeon-shooting.�­Birds released from captivity on particular occasions.�­Reasons for the extension of the royal clemency in Native Courts.�­Influence of the Prime Minister in the administration of justice...Page 210

LETTER XVI

Remarks on the trades and professions of Hindoostaun.�­The Bazaars.�­Naunbye (Bazaar cook).�­The Butcher, and other trades.�­Shroffs (Money-changers).�­Popular cries in Native cities.�­The articles enumerated and the venders of them described.�­The Cuppers.�­Leechwomen.�­Ear-cleaners.�­Old silver.�­Pickles.�­Confectionery.�­Toys.�­Fans.�­Vegetables and fruit.�­Mangoes.�­Melons.�­Melon-cyder.�­Fish.�­Bird-catcher.�­The Butcher-bird, the Coel, and Lollah.�­Fireworks.�­Parched corn.�­Wonder-workers.�­Snakes.�­Anecdote of the Moonshie and the Snake-catcher.�­The Cutler.�­Sour curds.�­Clotted cream.�­Butter.�­Singular process of the Natives in making butter.�­Ice.�­How procured in India.�­Ink.�­All writing dedicated to God by the Mussulmauns.�­The reverence for the name of God.�­The Mayndhie and Sulmah...Page 228

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...Page 248

LETTER XVIII

Evils attending a residence in India.�­Frogs.�­Flies.�­Blains.�­ Musquitoes.�­The White Ant.�­The Red Ant.�­Their destructive habits.�­A Tarantula.�­Black Ants.�­Locusts.�­Superstition of the Natives upon their appearance.�­The Tufaun, or Haundhie (tempest).�­The rainy season.�­Thunder and lightning.�­Meteors.�­ Earthquakes.�­A city ruined by them.�­Reverence of the Mussulmauns for saints.�­Prickly heat.�­Cholera Morbus.�­Mode of Treatment.�­Temperance the best remedy.�­Recipe...Page 258

LETTER XIX

Kannoge.�­Formerly the capital of Hindoostaun.�­Ancient castle.�­Durability of the bricks made by the aborigines.�­Prospect from the Killaah (castle).�­Ruins.�­Treasures found therein.�­The Durgah Baallee Peer Kee.�­Mukhburrahs.�­Ancient Mosque.�­Singular structure of some stone pillars.�­The Durgah Mukdoom Jhaunneer.�­Conversions to the Mussulmaun Faith.�­Anecdote.�­Ignorance of the Hindoos.�­Sculpture of the Ancients.�­Mosque inhabited by thieves.�­Discovery of Nitre.�­Method of extracting it.�­Conjectures of its produce.�­Residence in the castle.�­Reflections...Page 274

LETTER XX

Delhi.�­Description of the city.�­Marble hall�­The Queen’s Mahul (palace).�­Audience with the King and Queen.�­Conversation with them.�­Character of their Majesties.�­Visit to a Muckburrah.�­Soobadhaars.�­The nature of the office.�­Durgah of Shah Nizaam ood deen.�­Tomb of Shah Allum.�­Ruins in the vicinity of Delhi. �­Antique pillars (Kootub).�­Prospect from its galleries.�­Anecdotes of Juangheer and Khareem Zund...Page 289

LETTER XXI

Natural Productions of India.�­Trees, shrubs, plants, fruits, &c.�­Their different uses and medicinal qualities.�­The Rose.�­Native medical practice.�­Antidote to Hydrophobia.�­Remedy for the venom of the Snake.�­The Chitcherah (Inverted thorn).�­The Neam-tree.�­The Hurrundh (Castor-tree).�­The Umultass (Cassia-tree).�­The Myrtle.�­The Pomegranate.�­The Tamarind.�­The Jahmun.�­The Mango.�­The Sherrefah.�­White and red Guavers.�­The Damascus Fig.�­The Peach, and other Fruits.�­The Mahdhaar (Fire-plant).�­The Sirrakee and Sainturh (Jungle-grass).�­The Bamboo, and its various uses enumerated...Page 304

LETTER XXII

Monkeys.�­Hindoo opinions of their Nature.�­Instances of their sagacity.�­Rooted animosity of the Monkey tribe to the snake.�­Cruelty to each other when maimed.�­The female remarkable for affection to its young.�­Anecdotes descriptive of the belief of the Natives in the Monkey being endowed with reason.�­The Monkeys and the Alligator.�­The Traveller and the Monkeys.�­The Hindoo and the Monkey...Page 324

LETTER XXIII

The Soofies.�­Opinion of the Mussulmauns concerning Solomon.�­The Ood-ood.�­Description of the Soofies and their sect.�­Regarded with great reverence.�­Their protracted fasts.�­Their opinion esteemed by the Natives.�­Instance of the truth of their predictions.�­The Saalik and Majoob Soofies.�­The poets Haafiz and Saadie.�­Character and attainments of Saadie.�­His ’Goolistaun’.�­Anecdotes descriptive of the origin of that work.�­Farther remarks on the character and history of Saadie.�­Interesting anecdotes illustrative of his virtues and the distinguishing characteristics of the Soofies...Page 331

LETTER XXIV

The Soofies continued.�­Eloy Bauxh.�­Assembly of Saalik Soofies.�­Singular exhibition of their zeal.�­Mystery of Soofeism.�­The terms Soofie and Durweish explained.�­Anecdote of Shah Sherif.�­Shah Jee and the Paltaan.�­Dialogue on death between Shah Jee and his wife.�­Exemplary life of his grandson.�­Anecdote of a Mussulmaun lady.�­Reflections on modern Hindoos.�­Anecdotes of Shah ood Dowlah and Meer Nizaam...Page 348

LETTER XXV

Mussulmaun Devotees.�­The Chillubdhaars.�­Peculiar mode of worship.�­Propitiatory offerings.�­Supposed to be invulnerable to fire.�­The Maadhaars or Duffelees.�­Character of the founder.�­Pilgrimage to his tomb.�­Females afflicted on visiting it.�­Effects attributed to the violation of the sanctuary by a foreigner.�­Superstition of the Natives.�­Anecdote of Sheikh Suddoo and the Genii.�­The way of the world exemplified, a Khaunie (Hindoostaunie fable).�­Moral fable.�­The King who longed for fruit...Page 370

LETTER XXVI

Superstition of the Natives.�­Fair annually kept by Hindoos.�­Supposed practice of witchcraft by an old woman.�­Assaulted by an infuriated populace.�­Rescued by a Native gentleman.�­He inquires their reasons for persecuting her.�­Is instrumental in appeasing their malignity.�­Endeavours to remove their prejudice.�­Proneness of Asiatics to superstition.�­Opinion of a Mussulmaun on the influence of evil spirits.�­Account of a woman possessed by an evil spirit.�­Dialogue with her during the paroxysms of her affliction.�­Means used for her recovery.�­Further allusions to the false notions of the Natives respecting supernatural agency...Page 387

LETTER XXVII

Memoir of the life of Meer Hadjee Shah.�­His descent.�­Anecdote of a youthful exploit.�­His predilection for the army.�­Leaves his home to join the army of a neighbouring Rajah.�­Adventures on the way.�­Is favourably received and fostered by the Rajah.�­His first pilgrimage to Mecca.�­Occurrences during his stay in Arabia.�­Description of a tiger-hunt.�­Detail of events during his subsequent pilgrimages.�­The plague.�­Seizure by pirates.�­Sketch of the life of Fatima, an Arabian lady.�­Relieved from slavery by Meer Hadjee Shah.�­He marries her.�­Observations on the piety of his life.�­Concluding remarks...Page 400

INDEX...Page 427