Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-12-09
A Merchants Harem.

There arrived at New York on Sat
urday morning last on the Inman
steamship City Of Brussels, from Liv-
erpool, Mr.. Escofally IIiptala, a
Bombay merchant prince Of almost
untold wealth, who brings with him
his four native wives, Nageerbal, All
en- Bundi, Yhohajan and Omdaba.
These were in charge Of another wO-
man, who glories in the name Of
Bhoonbal, and eunuch, Abdoolalla
Esmailjee. In addition to this retinue
were the servants Of the male sex,
varying in size, height and age.
They all wore either turban or red
iez, with black tassel depending, and
were for the most part dressed III half
European costume, but their master,
the merchant prince, was attired, with
the exception OF his neither garments,
in true Oriental style Of splendor.
Under a loose overcoat, which was
carelessly thrown open, could be seen
n long garment Of pale pink, pending
to the knees, on which was worked Il
mass Of gold embroidery in a bewild-
erment Of fantastic shapes. The party
was accompanied by Mr.. Harry w.
French, of Boston and Mr.. II. Nalen-
tine. The former Of these gentlemen
took the reporter below to the apart
ments which had been specially and
luXuriously fitted up, under the super
vision Of Purser Collar, for the Indian
ladies. Before entering the door the
eunuch, who was ying on Il mat at the
threshold, had to be assured that the
reporter had his masters permission
to enter his harcm. The four ladies
were sitting on couch Just like four
little blackbrds all in Il row." with
their feet tucked under them. In APP
pcarance they are decidedly pretty.
Their faces are round aud swarthy,
while their features are well marked
The prettiest Of all however, is Om-
dabIa, a wife at four years, and vet
whose age to-day is only twelve. Om-
dabia, like her companions, was thin.
ly clad in fact she was simply cnvcl.
oped i'll thin relay of red and blue
muslin clouds. adorned with orna.
ments of gold. Jewelry forms the
largest and most important part of
these Oriental ladies wardrobes.
Through their noses are pierced holes,
from which hang rings of diamonds,
pearls and other precions stones to far
below the mouth and there swing to
and fro with each motion of the head.
They deck themselves out with trink.
cts according to their individual fan
cy. In some instances the ears are
entirely hidden by the huge orna
ments which they almost worship, and
in all cases they wear around their
shoeless feet one or two bands of gold
and silver inIaid with rare stones. All
these fair but dusky girls are small in
stature.
While Deputy Surveyor Welch was
examining the wonderful costumes
contained in the trunks of the Bombay
merchant, the reporter asked of the
latter the object of his visit to this
country, to which he replied in very
good English: a have come here
simply to see the United States of
America. Mr.. French and | are old
friends, and from him | have heard so
much Of this country that at last
determined to visit it, and here | am.
| am here simply on pleasure and as a
private individual"
May | ask in what manner you
ind employment for your numerous
servants y Each has certain things
to do. With us no servant does two
things, and besides, when | get tired
and weary, make them amuse me,
They are all good musicians. During
our trip across they had an opportuni.
" for practice, and in that time some
of our most solemn feasts took place.
To the last of these we invited all the
passengers and they appeared to be
highly amused. Then | have also my
conjuror, my snake charmer, and my
women who dance for me after dinner.
When the Prince of Wales visited
Bombay, some years ago, ] entertained
him, and on that occasion my wives
showed him the nautch dance"