| Citation |
RAG.783.001
2 Jan 1783:22,23 (9/544)
[Within "An account o the matrimonial rites and ceremonies
observed by the Gentoo Nations; with a curious narrative of
an Hindoo wedding, as related by a person who was present."]
The young Persee was mounted on a camel richly caprisoned,
himself adorned with a multitude of jewels, and highly
perfumed. A number of slaves walked by the side of the
camel, holding an umbrella over the head of their master,
while others fanned his face. The company had, as usual,
their palanquins. In the mean time we were entertained by a
band of music, consisting of pipers; blowing very loud on
the great pipe with their mouths, and playing with their
fingers on another; trumpeters, and a kind of drummers [ ]
beating on what they call tam tams. The music was
dreadfully loud, but to my ear not very pleasant. There was
only one tune; nor did I ever hear another during these six
years I have been in India. . . [10 lines] As to the rest of
the ladies, some rode on camels, some in carriages drawn by
buffaloes and bullocks, whose horns were tipt with silver,
and their heads adorned with flowers bound by [ ] ribbons.
. . [footnote]
This taste is not peculiar to the East. In the civil wars of
France, Cassimir, the Prince Palatine, carried off to
Heidelberg the plunder he had made in that kingdom, in
waggons drawn by oxen, whose horns were gilt with gold.
This train was accompanied with a band of music. . . [next
column]
Various kinds of refreshments having been [ ] after short
intervals, presented to the company, we were at last
entertained with a ball, which lasted all night. The ladies
were placed by themselves on one side of the hall, and the
gentlemen by themselves on the other. The women wore their
veils; but these were not drawn so closely over the face but
that we could get a peek at their eyes and noses. When
their veils were drawn back, in order that they might enjoy
the refreshment of being fanned, we could discover their
necks and their fine hair. . . [8 lines] But now appears a
spectacle which commands silence among the gentlemen as well
as the ladies, and draws the attention of every part of the
ball. A company of strolling dancing girls from Surat
appear on a platform raised about two feet above the floor.
Violins were now added to the band of music, and presently
the dance began. The balladieres (for that is the name by
which the dancing girls are distinguished on this side of
Hindostan) are dressed in the gaudiest manner that the
luxuriant fancy of the East can conceive. Their long black
hair falling over their shoulders in flowing ringlets, or
braided and turned up, is loaded with precious stones, and
ornamented with flowers. Their necklaces and bracelets are
enriched in the same manner; even their nose jewels, which
at first sight appear shocking to an European, have
something pleasing, after custom has worn off the effect of
prejudice, and by a certain symmetry set off all the other
ornaments.
The ball lasted until morning. . . As to the balladieres,
they were escorted home by Europeans.
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