RAMI, OR KUMUL 485 



inhabitants are environed by Buddhists and Chinese 

 possessing no definite faith. Moreover, it has been so 

 greatly influenced by Chinese elements during the last 

 two hundred years that it has adopted many Chinese 

 customs and even Chinese dress. Yet, in spite of 

 this, or perhaps because of this, the Kumuliks represent 

 a type of Mohammedan people hard to beat for strict- 

 ness of conduct, and exact upholding of the letter of 

 the law. 



The position which Kumul holds in this respect is 

 entirely due to the strength of character of the Khan 

 and his ability in enforcing a form of narrow Puritanism 

 which prevents the Kumuliks from breaking away, and 

 makes religious principle the foundation of their good 

 behaviour. The Khan sets an example, which is followed 

 by his retainers and copied by the people. Men have 

 to pray at the mosque, whether they like to or not, and 

 for those who offend large whips are kept, hung up in 

 the courtyard of the castle, and, according to report, are 

 used without mercy. The drinking of spirits is forbidden, 

 and all Moslem laws as regards the seclusion of women 

 are carried out without relaxation. Such are the 

 reasons for the one great change in the customs of the 

 Kumuliks which has taken place in recent years. 



This tyranny has had an irritating effect on the 

 inhabitants, who seem to suffer from over-legislation. 

 They have no longer time or opportunity for ** play- 

 ing and singing and dancing and enjoying themselves," 

 as in Marco Polo's day, although, no doubt, the desire 

 for amusement is as strong as it is amongst other 

 Chantos. Their status is that of serfs under a feudal 

 lord, who owns the best lands, the largest flocks and 

 herds, who employs forced labour, levies a consider- 



