t
her is historical, but it is treated as a calumny (_Koran_, xxiv.
II, 22, with Sale's note).

[11] Known as the _burqa_.

[12] Amir Taimur, known as Taimur Lang, 'the lame', was born A.D.
1336; ascended the throne at Balkh, 1370; invaded India and captured
Delhi, 1398; died 1405, and was buried at Samarkand. There seems to be
no evidence that he introduced the practice of the seclusion of women,
an ancient Semitic custom, which, however, was probably enforced on
the people of India by the brutality of foreign invaders.

[13] _Dak_.

[14] See p. 32.

[15] _Kabab_, properly, small pieces of meat roasted on skewers.

[16] _Nanbai_, a baker of bread _(nan)_.

[17] _Khir_, milk boiled with rice, sugar, and spices.

[18] _Mutanjan_, a corruption of _muttajjan_, 'fried in a pan'; usually in
the form _mutanjan pulao_, meat boiled with rice, sugar, butter,
and sometimes pine-apples or nuts.

[19] _Salan_, a curry of meat, fish, or vegetables.

[20] The left hand is used for purposes of ablution.

[21] The Musalman _lota_, properly called _badhna_, differs from
that used by Hindus in having a spout like that of a teapot.

[22] _Lagan_, a brass or copper pan in which the hands are washed: also
used for kneading dough.

[23] _Besan_, flour, properly that of gram (_chana_). The prejudice
against soap is largely due to imitation of Hindus, who believe
themselves to be polluted by fat. Arabs, after a meal, wash their
hands and mouths with soap (Burton, _Pilgrimage_, ii. 257). Sir G.
Watt (_Economic Dictionary_, iii. 84 ff.) gives a long list of other
detergents and substitutes for soap.

[24] _Katora_.

[25] The prejudice against the use of tea has much decreased since this
book was written, owing to its cultivation in India. Musalmans and
many Hindus now drink it freely.

[26] _Dali_, the 'dolly' of Anglo-Indians.

[27] See p. 13.

[28] _Huqqahbardar_.

[29] _Munhnal_.

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 deposition evinced by the Mussulmaun
ladies.--Divorces obtained under certain restrictions.--