‘Children, thus purchased, are, in general, extremely well used; there being little distinction made between them and those of the family, except in the trifling work they have to perform; when they are married, and have children, the little ones always address the master and mistress of the house with the familiar appellation of grandfather and grandmother; and, indeed, are by them always considered in the light of relations.
‘The following is a detailed account of their marriage ceremonies, as written out at my request by a Mussulman friend of considerable abilities and of a most liberal disposition.
‘When a daughter reaches the age of fourteen, some youth, of equal condition, makes offers of marriage, by sending letters to the parents, soliciting their favorable notice, (in Bengal the father himself looks out for a proper match,) and begging they will admit him within the chain of relationship. This letter is forwarded to the father in charge of some friend, and never by the hands of a common messenger. The higher the rank, and the greater the beauty, of the fair one, the more numerous are the solicitors.
‘The parents, consulting together, and having made their selection, return a favorable answer to the person approved of, and to the rest such as the occasion demands. This is followed by a ring, and a dress, being sent to the intended bridegroom, which, though it gives him an assurance of ultimate success does not accelerate the consummation of his wishes; for he has still a Jacobian period to toil through in service, and in attentions to the parents: nor is it before he has thus evinced his subjection to their commands, and his devotion to their interests, that their assent is given for the celebration of the nuptials.
‘To give publicity to that assent, and to his own happiness on the occasion the favored youth gives a great entertainment: the greater the expence he incurs in preparation, the greater is supposed to be the force of his love. The ordinary ceremonies take up three days (in Bengal twenty-one). On the afternoon of the first day, about sun-set, a cavalcade of the friends, male and female, of the bridegroom, issue forth to present a dress, ornaments, and fruits of all kinds, to the bride. The bridegroom always furnishes the marriage-dress, which arises from a refined delicacy on both sides: on his, that he takes her for herself alone; on her’s, or rather her parents, that she may not appear like a loose woman, who ornaments herself on going abroad.
‘The parents of the bride send him, on the second day, a dress in return; which is received about twelve o’clock at night, together with the hinna,[[33]] or mehendy, left from the bride’s hands, which he applies to his own in their presence. This is one criterion by which they judge of his devotion and attachment; it being considered, on common occasions, highly disgraceful to use cast-off mehendy. On the night of the third day, about eleven o’clock, the bridegroom, being arrayed in the nuptial dress, and accompanied by all his party, goes in procession, with drums, trumpets, &c., to the bride’s house, making more parade and noise than can easily be conceived by such as may not have been spectator of similar exhibitions.
‘During three days, the processions are always met at the court of the house, where both parties attack each other with slender branches of trees, on which flowers are fastened. After this kind of sport is finished the party visiting is admitted, and offered sherbet. Each guest, as the bowl is presented, throws in money, according to his circumstances and rank, which becomes the perquisite of the cup-bearer. When about to depart, after refreshments being offered, the visitors are crowned with garlands of flowers.