"Their leader, both in things religious and social, is the head Mullah
of Surat. The ruling Mullah names his successor, generally, but it
is said not always, from among the members of his own family. Short
of worship the head Mullah is treated with the greatest respect. He
lives in much state and entertains with the most profuse liberality. On
both religious and civil questions his authority is final. Discipline
is enforced in religious matters by fine, and in case of adultery,
drunkenness and other offences, by fine, excommunication and rarely by
flogging. On ceremonial occasions the head Mullah sits on his throne,
and in token of his power has the flyflapper, _chauri_, held before
him. As the Bohras enter they make three prostrations, _salaams_,
close their hands and stand before him. To such as are worthy he says
'Be seated,' to others 'Stand.' Once a year, on the 18th Rajjab,
every Daudi lays his palm within the head Mullah's hand and takes
an oath to be faithful. On this day when he goes to the mosque the
Bohras are said to kiss the Mullah's footsteps and to apply the dust
he treads to their heads and eyes." Each considerable settlement of
the sect has a deputy Mullah of its own.