AT A NAUTCH. 275 



supervision by the County Council, is a wild orgie in com- 

 parison with the scene of staid respectability we witnessed 

 to-night. The nautch-girls were swathed in long robes 

 which barely showed the tips of their feet, and even our 

 London purists would have found it impossible to lengthen 

 their skirts. Probably their efforts would be directed 

 against the fashion of clothing — or want of it — above the 

 waist. But as every native women — even of the highest 

 rank — is dressed the same way, they would simply be 

 waging a crusade against the costume of the country. 



They tell me there are only two Indian tunes, and one 

 of the two comes from Persia. This is the celebrated 

 " Taza ba taza," which means " fresh and green " and has 

 something to do with a garden. The other song the 

 nautch-girls accompany with pantomimic gestures as they 

 move slowly round. It is called " Minni pinni puneah," or 

 sounds like it ; and describes village girls going to the well 

 to draw water. The tune has a strong family likeness to 

 that of many early nursery ditties, and never varies. It 

 was interminable, and lasted us out. 



It is a native custom to hang wreaths of flowers, 

 generally tuberoses, or some strong-scented blossoms, 

 strung tightly together, round the guests' neck and arms. 

 Alan in addition was presented with a well-filled baa- f 

 rupees. Rajas and rich natives are in the habit of making 

 presents of money to those who receive their hospitality. 



T 2 



