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point seems not to have entered, at any time, into the system of 

 Indian music. It is not alluded to in the manuscript treatises 

 which I have hitherto perused; nor have I discovered that any 

 of our ingenious Orientalists speak of it as being known in 

 Ilindostan/' 



Many of the brahmins and principal Hindoos of Dhuboy who 

 attended the royal nuptials at Brodera, gave me an account of 

 the entertainments, which lasted many days. I have already 

 mentioned the nocturnal processions and expensive pageantry on 

 these occasions, but have not particularized the marriage cere- 

 monies, which are given at large by Mr. Colebrook: from his ac- 

 count I subjoin a few of the most striking features, which vary 

 but little throughout Hindostan. 



" The marriage ceremony opens with the solemn reception of 

 the bridegroom by the father of the bride. Having previously 

 performed the obsequies of ancestors, as is usual upon any acces- 

 sion of good fortune, the father of the bride sits down to await the 

 bridegroom's arrival, in the apartment prepared for the purpose, 

 and at the time chosen for it, according to the rules of astrology. 

 The jewels, and other presents intended for him, are placed there; 

 a cow is tied on the norlhern side of the apartment, and a stool 

 or cushion, and other furniture for the reception of the guest, are 

 arranged in order. On his approach the bride's father rises to 

 welcome him, and recites a short prayer, while the bridegroom 

 stands before him. After the mention of many previous cere- 

 monies, presents suitable to the rank of the parties are then pre- 

 sented to the guest. At the marriage ceremony, too, the bride is 

 formally given by her father to the bridegroom in this stage of 



