training in
communion with the soul of some good man. The spirit can suggest
good or evil to the man and may learn from his good deeds to love
the right; when the good man dies the spirits in communion with his
soul are, if they have gained by their training, attached to some
more perfect man, or if they have lost by their opportunities are
sent back to learn; spirits raised to a higher degree of knowledge
are placed in communion with the High Priest on earth; and on his
death are with him united to the Imams, and when through the Imams
they have learnt what they still require to know they are absorbed
in perfection. Except for some peculiarities in their names; that
they attach special importance to circumcision; that the sacrifice
or _alsikah_ ceremony is held in the Mullah's house; that at marriage
the bride and bridegroom when not of age are represented by sponsors
or _walis_; that at death a prayer for pity on his soul and body is
laid in the dead man's hands; and that on certain occasions the High
Priest feeds the whole community--Bohra customs do not so far as has
been ascertained differ from those of ordinary Muhammadans.

3. The Mullahs.

"Their leader, both in things religious and social, is the head Mullah
of Surat. The ruling Mullah names his successor, generally, but it
is said not always, from among the members of his own family. Short
of worship the head Mullah is treated with the greatest respect. He
lives in much state and entertains with the most profuse liberality. On
both religious and civil questions his authority is final. Discipline
is enforced in religious matters by fine, and in case of adultery,
drunkenness and other offences, by fine, excommunication and rarely by
flogging. On ceremonial occasions the head Mullah sits on his throne,
and in token of his power has the flyflapper, _chauri_, held before
him. As the Bohras enter they make three prostrations, _salaams_,
close their hands and stand before him. To such as are worthy he says
'Be seated,' to others 'Stand.' Once a year, on the 18th Rajjab,
every Daudi lays his palm within the head Mullah's hand and takes
an oath to be faithful. On this day when he goes to the mosque the
Bohras are said to kiss the Mullah's footsteps and to apply the dust
he treads to their heads and eyes." Each considerable settlement of
the sect has a deputy Mullah of its own.

4. Bohra graveyards.

The Sahadra or burial-place of the Bohras at Burhanp