84 MANUFACTURE OF ARMS. 



in a set ; a tliin ring is first put on, then a 

 broader one inlaid Avitli a kind of enamel, 

 called Meena, of various rich colours, lastly 

 another thin one, which completes the set. 

 This kind of enamel, it is said, can only be 

 made by one family in Sindli, who possess 

 tlie secret, which was brought from Persia by 

 an Ameer, who had been there captive, in the 

 time of Nadir Shah, and learned the art during 

 his captivity. Chellas of silver meena are 

 worn two in a set, and both kinds form tlie 

 love-gifts of Sindh. Fine golden ornaments, 

 as also those of enamel, gold snuff-boxes, 

 Kulleans and Hookahs ornamented with gold 

 or silver, are still procurable to order at 

 Hyderabad. 



Sindli was ahvays celebrated for its arms, 

 which were very superior to anything fabri- 

 cated in India, especially the matchlock and 

 gun barrels, which are twisted in the Damas- 

 cus style. The Ameers used to procure the 

 very best to be had from Persia and Con- 

 stantinople, and though such were valued 

 highly, the arms manufactured in Sindh were 

 nearly if not quite equal in goodness and 

 appearance; for they are inlaid with gold, 



