Note 39 — Volume II.

Marriage rules. 3. They profess to follow the ordinary Muhammadan laws of marriage, of which the nikâh is the binding portion. The two divisions, Salîmshâhi and Shîrshâhi, are said to be endogamous, because the women of the latter bear an indifferent reputation; in fact it is alleged that they are prostituted both before and after marriage. Dr. Buchanan39 says:—“Many of their women, but by no means the greater part, refuse no favour to a liberal customer;” and Forster writes40:—“The stationary tenants of the serauee, many of them women, and some of them very pretty, approach the traveller on his entrance, and in alluring language describe to him the varied excellencies of their several lodgings.” The levirate prevails, but is not compulsory on the widow. They follow the usual Muhammadan rules of divorce and inheritance.