The mothers, sisters, and daughters of India's higher classes, both Hindu and Mohammedan, live in seclusion, like nuns in a convent. They are called "purdah-women," and their home, a "zenana." The word "purdah" means veil or curtain, and does not apply to any article of apparel, but to the curtains that screen them wherever they go. Little girls enter strict purdah at an average age of ten years, and after this, whether married or not married, are never allowed to go out for fresh air, pleasure, or exercise, except in their own tiny, private gardens. They are so trained by their elders that they cover their faces, and run or hide, if there is a possibility of their being seen by any man other than their husband.
One could live in India years, and never be greeted save by the toil-worn faces of working women of the low classes, if there was not a way into the homes of these secluded ones. The way is open. Praise the Lord! Hundreds of lady missionaries are at work all over India visiting the imprisoned ones, and the Lord has of late laid this work specially on our hearts.
Some interesting times have been had. We entered a Mohammedan's home, that of the governor of the state. The mother and daughters appeared, and conversation began. They knew little of the world. They admitted they were in prison, but laughed at the thought of ever going out, this being their custom.
It would be as difficult to bring the imprisoned women of Hindustan out, and do away with the purdah system, as to abolish the liquor traffic. We asked if they would not like to call at our home, and suggested they accompany their father, brothers, and husbands in their evening outing for fresh air; but they laughed again, and said, "It is our custom." One little girl looked thoughtful and wistful, as if she wondered what the world was like, but an older daughter, who undoubtedly had taken a look at the world in some journey, bore a more independent air, as if she would come if she could, but laughed, and said, "O, I'm in jail; we stay in prison till we die, then we are carried out to the grave." How sad and how true are these words!
At the king's palace a score or more of women came to the drawing room to see us, the king's two wives and their children being among them. We felt it a privilege to be summoned before the queens to bear witness of the wonderful love of Jesus, but it was very little they understood of the songs we sang, and much less of our blissful freedom. We asked if it were possible for the queens to come out, but the superintendent said, "No, they are in jail." This was the home of a Hindu king, and people would laugh if the king should take his wives out.
At a Hindu schoolmaster's home we were welcomed so warmly, and bright, broad smiles covered their faces as we explained to them more of the way of life, of which they had heard some at the chapel services, and it was evident that "almost" they were persuaded to be Christians. The people are coming out, as we go from house to house, and we are expecting a revival among them. The caste rules are rigid, but not stronger than God's mighty power. The purdah system seems the most cruel of all.