shape not unlike the common cast-iron pots used throughout the North,
without feet, and with the addition of a flat rim projecting about an
inch outward, serving both to steady a kind of inverted lid, and, as
they have no handles, for the _babachy_ to apply two wet rags, wherewith
to put the vessel off, and on, the _choolah_. Tinning is performed by
persons who make a livelihood thereby; they receiving a certain sum,
from one to two rupees per score, for the several pieces, counting
boilers, lids, &c., according to their size. The _kully-ghur_, or
tinman, uses but few utensils; he has the vessels well scoured, and
then, by means of powdered rosin, gives the interior a coating, scarcely
distinguishable to the sight, or touch. Some use no rosin; others employ
borax; but, whatever the medium may be, or whether there be none, the
vessel is heated sufficiently, and equally, over embers, when the tin,
being thoroughly melted, is kept rubbing round the interior, with a
large piece of fine cotton wool, so long as any will adhere: the vessel
is then set to cool.
It cannot require pointing out, that the above mode is retained in vogue
entirely by the cheapness, and expedition, with which it is done; were
it otherwise, its want of durability, could not fail to give the
preference to some more permanent, and less soluble, preparation. But it
happens, that tinning can be performed in almost every town; and, that
there is rarely occasion to have recourse thereto more than once in two
or three months; when a score, of good sized pieces, may be done for as
little money as would be charged, by one of our artizans, for tinning a
very moderate-sized kettle. Some gentlemen use tin boilers, sent from
this country; but, though certainly devoid of the inconvenience, and
danger, attendant upon a want of tinning, such are highly objectionable,
in consequence of their being so soon burnt through, or rusted, when
laid by: notwithstanding the generality of _babachies_ adopt the
precaution of smearing the bottoms of most vessels, but of these in
particular, with fine clay, sufficiently diluted to be laid on thin and
smooth. Our cooks at home might, perhaps, not do amiss, were they to
adopt that excellent plan.
The _babachy_ has nothing characteristic in his apparel; he is generally
more of a sloven than of a beau, and may often be mistaken for a
_mosaulchy_. In some families, _mates_, or assistants, are allowed, who
do the drudgery, and whose pay is often included in that of his
superior; in which case, four rupees are the common allowance, though
the poor mate seldom receives more than half that sum; the cook-major
adding the residue, as a perquisite, to his own wages, which may be
stated at from six to twelve rupees, according to ability. As in the
case of _kansamahs_, and _hookah-burdars_, a few instances may be
adduced of exorbitant salaries; but we may generally take the single
cook at eight rupees, and the mate at four. Where there is much work, as
in taverns, &c., from fifteen to twenty rupees are sometimes given
monthly to the head _babachy_.
The _Durzy_, or tailor, however strange it may appear to those who never
left England, is an indispensable domestic in every part of India. It is
to be recollected, that all such branches of servitude are there filled
by males; except for the _zenanah_, or haram, where there may be from
two to four females; all exclusively attached to the lady. These know
nothing of needle-work; not so much as to enable their hemming a
petticoat. Under such circumstances, the only alternative is to employ a
sempster, who understands cutting out, and making, waistcoats,
small-cloaths, pantaloons, shirts, &c.: many, indeed, can make a very
tolerable coat, if furnished with a pattern. The _durzy_ is invariably
expected to be proficient in whatever relates to the apparel of native
women, as well as to be a competent judge of the value of different
kinds of cloths made in the country; nor is it less necessary, that he
should know the exact quantity of materials requisite for the several
parts of dress. All this science is to be had, at the average rate of
seven or eight rupees monthly; the _durzy_ finding his own needles and
threads. _Durzies_ capable of making gowns, &c. for European ladies,
being scarce, and, as I have said in speaking of _kansamahs_, much in
request, double the latter sum may always be earned by one of moderate
skill in that branch. The inferior class of _durzies_, called
_keemah-dozes_, who do no fine work, but principally are employed in
tent-making, rarely earn more than four rupees monthly: or, if paid by
the day, not more than three and a half.
The various pretexts under which the _durzy_ obtains admission into the
_zenanah_, added to the constancy of his attendance at the house, unless
when any purchase is to be made, gives him an admirable opportunity for
carrying on intrigue; for which the whole tribe are notorious: hence, if
any cause of suspicion appears, the _durzy_ is the first object of
jealousy; when it generally turns out, that, if not the principal, he is
accessary, as a go-between.
As a tailor is immediately distinguished among us, so is the _durzy_ in
India instantly ascertained by his gait. Some are personable men, but
speedily become emaciated by debauchery; in which their liberal wages
enable them to indulge. Yet they are, on the whole, excellent workmen;
finishing apparel of all sorts in a remarkably neat manner, and often
fitting with great exactness: but they are devoid of invention; mostly
following old patterns, and rarely suggesting the smallest improvement.
The dress of a _durzy_ much resembles that of a _khedmutgar_; but, in
the hot season, the former wear no coortahs, being bare from the waist
upwards; sometimes substituting a small cap, (worn only by Mussulmans,)
for the turban, which is usually compact and neat.
The _Doby_, or washerman, is also exclusively a domestic, washing for
only one family; by which it should be understood, that, not only his
master’s linen of every description, but the _zenanah_ apparel is given
to him to wash, and to iron. Sometimes, however, the latter operation is
performed by an _Istree-wallah_, or ironer; yet this is rare; only
taking place in very large families, or in large towns, such as
Calcutta, Madras, &c. where proximity of residence renders such a resort
convenient: none but box irons are used; and of these a large portion
are heated by means of embers shut up in their cavities. The _doby_ who
washes for a single gentleman, will sometimes, at the risk of severe
punishment, or of being discharged, take the linen of low Europeans, or
Portugueze, in hand clandestinely: many have, indeed, been detected in
letting out the linen given to their charge. Hence, it is needful to
keep a watch over these folks, who commonly take all the foul articles
every week, bringing home at that time what they received at the former
delivery. The wages vary according to the labor; but from six to ten
rupees may be taken as the standard; the _doby_ finding soap, and every
part of the apparatus, without any demand upon, or reference to, his
employer. When an European lady is in the family, some encrease must be
made to the pay, on account of the great additional labor; nothing but
white being worn at any time. In such case, it is found expedient to
have a small apartment appropriated, in which the finer articles may be
got up by the lady’s maid.
The usual process of washing in India, is, first to boil all the cloaths
in a large earthen _naud_, mixing plenty of soap, or ley, or sudjee,
(fossile alkali,) or wood-ashes, with the water. This operation is
called the _butteah_; the cloaths are then well rinsed, either in a
large tank, or in a running stream, when they are again rubbed with
soap, and laid in a heap to soak. After a few hours they are washed
again, and, being folded up into whisps, or bundles, of a convenient
size, are beaten forcibly on a board, cut into deep transverse grooves,
and placed aslant in the water; in which the _doby_ stands immersed up
to his knees. After dashing each bundle several times on the board, he
opens and rinses it in the water; repeating the dashing, as though he
were beating the board with a flail, until every part of the linen
appears to be duly cleansed. If a board is not at hand, (though every
_doby_ has at least one, of about four feet long, two broad, and four
inches thick, with a stout stick wherewith a prop it,) any smooth stone
is made to answer. It should seem, that this must be a most destructive
method; but experience proves, that the fine calicoes of India will,
even under such apparently rough usage, wear longer than our stout
linens washed in tubs, &c.
Every _doby_ has his drying lines, which are fixed at each end to pins
driven into the ground, and then sustained by cross-sticks, on the forks
of which the ropes rest. In the rainy season, the cloaths are hung
somewhere under shelter, where they soon dry; though not so quick as in
the summer months; during which the heaviest articles may be dried in a
few minutes. The _doby’s_ wife, (called the _dobin_,) usually assists in
every part of the process; as do also such of his children as are of an
age to be useful. This sect is very peculiar in many instances, it, and
that of the _comars_, or potters, being the only two privileged to ride,
or even to carry burthens, upon asses, without suffering the most
ignominious degradation: hence, those animals are jocularly termed,
’_dobies’s palfreys_.’ The dress of the _doby_ is generally very plain,
consisting of a turban, a _dotee_, (or waist-cloth,) and a _chudder_,
(or sheet,) worn loosely over the body in cold weather. When _dobies_
are at work, their lungs aspirate strongly, like those of paviors; which
produces a very singular effect; especially if, as is very often the
case, several of these board-thrashers are assembled at the same piece
of water.
_Dobies_ are very generally Hindus; and ought, agreeably to the ordinary
tenets of that religion, to refrain from touching any animal substance,
except leather, when used in the construction of shoes, and implements
of war; but a particular exception is made in favor of this _cast_, (or
sect,) who could not otherwise use soap, when made of suet; though, by
far the greater portion of that made in Hindustan, is manufactured with
oil expressed from the sesamum.
When on a march, the _doby_ in each gentleman’s service loads his
cloaths, wet or dry, upon his camels, bullocks, cart, &c.: the servant’s
own apparatus being conveyed on a donkey; which, in general, is
tolerably well burthened with the wife, or some young children, the
washing-board, its prop, the drying lines, the sticks, box irons, &c.
&c.; forming, in the whole, an abundant accumulation of moveables for so
small an animal as an Hindostanee jack-ass; which is seldom to be seen
half the size of the common breed we have in England.
A _Mohout_ is a person employed to feed, and to drive, an elephant: most
of this profession are Mussulmans, and very dissipated in their conduct.
Except at particular periods, on a long march for instance, the _mohout_
has little to do; all the drudgery that relates to bringing in fodder on
the elephant, for its own use, as well as taking the animal to water,
rubbing it down, oiling its forehead, painting its cheeks with
vermilion, or with ochre, putting on the pads, clearing away the dung,
with a variety of such matters, being in general done by the _mate_, or
deputy, who is often nothing more than a _cooly_, or common laborer,
employed for this especial business, but who ultimately succeeds to the
charge of an elephant. _Mohouts_ receive from three to six rupees
monthly: the lowest rates of wages being confined to those countries
where elephants are caught; and the highest attainable only in the
service of gentlemen of rank; who require this, as well as all other of
their domestics, to dress more correctly than such as appertain to
persons in less opulent, or less dignified, circumstances.
The duty of a _mohout_, when actively employed, is to sit upon the neck
of his elephant, bare-footed, and furnished with an instrument, called a
_haunkus_, (or driver,) wherewith to guide the animal. This is commonly
about twenty, or perhaps twenty-four inches in length, generally made of
iron, though some have wooden hafts; the tip is pointed, and, about six
inches below it, is a hook, welded on to the stem, forming nearly a
semi-circle, whose diameter may be four or five inches. At the butt of
the shaft, a ring is let through, for the purpose of fastening the
_haunkus_ to a line; the other end of which is fastened to some soft
cord, about half an inch in diameter, passing very loosely eight, or
ten, times round the elephant’s neck, and serving, in lieu of stirrups,
to keep the _mohout_ from falling over to the right or left, on any
sudden motion, as well as to retain his feet in their due direction.
When the elephant is to be urged forward, the point of the _haunkus_ is
pressed into the back of his head, while the _mohout’s_ toes press under
both the animal’s ears: when it is to be stopped, the _mohout_ places
the hook part against the elephant’s forehead; and, throwing his weight
back, occasions considerable pain, which soon induces to obedience: when
it is to turn to the left, the _mohout_ presses the toes of his right
foot under the right ear of the elephant, at the same time goading him
about the tip of the right ear; thereby causing the animal to turn its
head, and to change its direction: to turn to the right, _vice versâ_.
When the elephant is to lie down, in order to be laden, the _haunkus_ is
pressed perpendicularly upon the crown of the head: but most elephants,
after a year or two, become very well acquainted with the words of
command; obeying them readily, without being mounted, or even
approached.
Each _mate_, or _cooly_, is generally provided with a cutting bill,
called a _d’how_, for the purpose of lopping off the lesser branches of
_barghuts_, _peepuls_, and other trees, in common use as fodder. An
elephant will usually carry as much of these on his back, as he can
consume in two days; but it is not customary to load more than will last
for one day, when on a march; as it would be superfluous. Boughs, as
thick as a man’s arm, are very easily chewed by this stupendous animal;
which often uses one, of full a hundred weight, to drive the flies from
its body.
Besides the _d’how_, each _mate_ is furnished with a spear, about six or
seven feet in length, having a long pyramidal blade, ornamented at its
point with a tassel, and armed at its other extremity with a blunter’s
pike: the former is used to urge the animal to exertion, the _mate_
goading his hind quarters; the latter serves to stick the implement
upright in the ground, or to press upon the elephant’s arm while the
load is putting on, or the rider ascending into the howdah.
The dress of the _mohout_ is, in most points, similar to that of the
_khedmutgar_; and that of the _mate_ is, if any thing, but little better
than the ordinary costume of poor laborers, though their pay may be
rated from three to four rupees per month: in those provinces where
elephants are caught, provisions are extremely cheap; there, few _mates_
receive more than a rupee and a half, or two rupees. The occupation of a
_mohout_ is considered by no means conducive to longevity; a premature
decrepitude generally disqualifies after a few years of service. This is
supposed to arise from the motion of the elephant; but may, perhaps very
justly, be attributed to the too great intervals of leisure, which are
generally passed in conviviality.
The health of a _Surwan_, or camel-driver, is yet more subject to early
decay, than that of a _mohout_: the motion of this animal being most
oppressively severe; causing such a vibration of the loins as is
attended with great pain, and often with suppression of urine, together
with tenesmus, especially in tender persons not accustomed thereto. It
is said to be less severe when trotting, than when walking: the former I
never tried; being perfectly satisfied with a _gentle ambulation_, which
made every joint of my vertebræ crack at the time, and ache for some
hours after. The dress of this class resembles that of a _mosaulchy_ of
the superior order; the pay may be from four to five rupees, if in
charge of only two camels; but, if three, it is usual to allow a rupee
more. The duty consists in seeing the camels fed properly, for which
purpose the _surwan_ proceeds, every second or third day, to some
village, for chaff of various kinds: the usual quantity of _gram_, (a
kind of pulse wherewith laboring cattle are fed,) is given, part in the
morning, and part in the evening; or perhaps all at the latter time:
three _seers_, equal to about six pounds, are considered good keep.
Camels being rarely very tractable, especially when lustful, must be
approached with great caution: their bite is dreadful, not only from the
size of the mouth and the strength of the jaw, as well as the form of
the tushes, but because they rarely quit their hold. It often happens
that the same camel kills several _surwans_: probably, if there were
lords of the manor to claim such beasts as deodands, fewer accidents
would happen. The only mode, hitherto ascertained, of governing these
vicious animals, is, by boring a hole in the nostril, and passing
through it, from within, a piece of tough wood, with a knob about as
large as a nutmeg. A strong piece of line is then fastened to the outer
extremity of the wood, that, on being pulled, causes the camel to lie
down at pleasure. This contrivance, which is called _naukell_, keeps him
in tolerable order; though it is prudent to have a stout bludgeon, in
case of any attempt to seize. When camels are very vicious, it is common
to cut off their noses, so far as the gristle extends: this privation is
supposed to do much good; but I have seen numberless instances wherein
it totally failed; while, on the other hand, it greatly depreciated;
since few would like to purchase one bearing so obvious a type of
treachery.
A good _surwan_ will always distinguish himself by the order of his
cattle, by their freedom from injuries in consequence of galling under
the saddle, and especially by the compact manner in which he places
whatever burthen is to be carried. This should never exceed six maunds
of 82lb each; though the Company require, in all their contracts, that
the camels furnished for their service should carry much more. Possibly,
on a soil suited to the camel’s foot, he may, on emergency, carry as far
as eight maunds, equal to no less than 656lb; but such must not be
expected to last. If the soil is boggy, half that weight will be found
sufficient; especially where slippery; for, when overladen, the animal
will, in such places, be very subject to ruin; his hind legs sliding
asunder, so as to bring the pelvis to the ground: this, which is termed
‘splitting,’ renders him unable to rise, or, if raised, to proceed, in
consequence of the violent injury sustained. On such an occasion the
animal’s throat is cut by some good Mussulman, who, as he performs that
operation, and during the time the blood is flowing, recites a prayer
and benediction, whereby the meat, which is esteemed a great delicacy,
is sanctified, and may be eaten.
The _Syce_, or groom, attends but one horse, and has attached to him an
under servant, whose business it is to provide grass for fodder, and to
do various jobs relating to cleanliness, &c.: this may be looked upon as
the extent of duty the latter has to perform while stationary; but, when
marching, the assistant, or, as he is called, the _Gaus-kot_, (_i.e._
grass-cutter,) has to carry the pickets, headstall, head and heel ropes,
curry-combs, cloathing, &c. &c. to the next place of encampment. The
labor is certainly severe, but is undergone, with tolerable alacrity,
under the hope of one day succeeding to the post of _syce_.
In every country a good groom is invaluable; but if any where more
particularly enhanced, it certainly is in India: the horses there being
invariably high spirited, from want of castration, and often becoming,
under the least provocation, or licence, incorrigibly vicious. There we
see gentlemen, when mounted, afraid to approach each other within ten or
twelve yards, lest their horses should begin fighting: some few have,
indeed, been tempted, by the supposed passiveness of their respective
steeds, to ride boot to boot; but rarely without experiencing some
dreadful misfortune; many legs having been thus broken! Although much
may depend upon the natural temper of a horse, still there will remain
much in the power of the _syce_. If he be timid, and the animal
spirited, the affair is soon over, by the latter gaining such an
ascendancy as to render him ungovernable. Being once let loose, and a
mare within sight, or scent, away goes the steed, completely
disqualified for future saddling.
It is inconceivable what control some _syces_ obtain over their horses,
which will allow the approach of no others. This, though it may be an
admirable mode of temporizing with a vicious beast, is often attended
with most ludicrous, or rather most distressing, circumstances; it being
very common to see persons sitting on horses from which they dare not
alight, until their own _syces_ may arrive, and, by securing the head,
with a _baug-door_, (or leading-halter,) grant master leave to quit the
saddle. This occurs so frequently as to cause no surprize; though it
often excites some merriment, not always pleasing to the sufferer.
When a person falls from his horse, the whole troop separate, lest the
stray animal should attack them: in such case, two or three active
_syces_ may prevent mischief; but, few will attempt to catch a horse
whose character for gentleness is not established. Every _syce_ is
provided with a strong cotton cord, rather thicker than a stout window
line, of several yards long, which he fastens to the left cheek of the
bit when leading, and does not loosen until his master has mounted;
when, by drawing a slip knot, the animal is liberated from the groom’s
control.
In general, the line (_baug-door_) is affixed before dismounting: a
neglect of that precaution is frequently attended with unpleasant
consequences; for, to say the least, the horse will in all probability
gallop away to his stable, which may be some miles distant; leaving his
incautious rider to walk after him; not always very cool, either in
regard to the weather, or to his own state of mind.
In consequence of the immense number of gad-flies to be seen at all
times of the year, each _syce_ carries a whisk, made by fastening
horse-hair to a short stick, commonly lacquered in rings of alternate
colors. This implement, with which the flies are driven away, is called
a _chowry_, and may cost about sixpence, or eight-pence. A small sheet
of _karwah_, either double, or single, is usually thrown over the
_syce’s_ shoulder, or fastened around his waist, before he sets off to
accompany his master: this is carried to lay over the horse’s back, so
soon as given in charge to the groom, to prevent the accession of
dry-gripes; to which the animal would be subjected, if much heated, but
for that precaution, added to walking him about gently until perfectly
cool. Hence it will be seen, that no gentleman ever rides unless
accompanied by his groom; many of whom run remarkably fast, keeping up
for many miles with a gig going at a smart pace: by habit, they become
long-winded, and capable of enduring great fatigue. The dress of a
_syce_, taken generally, is a medium between the _khedmutgar_ and the
_mosaulchy_; while that of the _gaus-kot_ is rarely better than that of
a common laborer. The former receives from four to six rupees per month;
five being the general rate: the latter usually has three, when paid
independently of the _syce_; but when through his hands, a small
deduction is often made; to resist which would lead to discharge, either
peremptorily, or by the imputation of some neglect, &c.