'A Journey from India to England, through Persia, Georgia, Russia, Poland, and Prussia, in the year 1817.' [‎146] (205/452)

146
TOMBS AT KOOM.
or ventilator, and others on two pillars on the enclosure walls
of the tomb of Fautema, the virgin daughter of Imaum Moossa, son
of Imaum JafFer. The cupola over this tomb is very conspicuous,
being entirely covered with copper gilt. The original structure was
erected over the sepulchre by Buggy Baigum, the daughter of
Timour Shah. Fautema was the sister of Imaum Raza, whose tomb
is at Meshed, in Khorassaun. Pilgrimages, I think, are performed
to both these tombs. The gilt cupola was added to this structure
about twelve years ago by the reigning monarch. The interior
of the tomb and cupola is like that of Imaum Zada Ishmael,
already described; but the cage-railing here is all of silver, and the
wood pillars are covered with it. Report says that there are consi
derable riches in jewels belonging to this sepulchre. It is shown
only at night by lamp-light, for the sake of grander effect, and
if it is requested to be opened by day, a proportionally greater
fee is expected.
On the north side of the town and close to the walls is the bed of
a river, now dry, its waters being dammed up to the westward, and
diverted into numerous channels for irrigation. This river bed is
crossed by a stone bridge near the gateway. Seven-eights of the
town are now in ruins. Its site is on the same plain as that of
Kaushoon, but being more exposed, its harvest is rather later.
The wheat required twenty days for its maturity; barley was ripe,
and they had begun to cut it. It being about seven in the morning
when we approached the gate, we met many of the inhabitants going
out with their sickles to reap; each labourer was mounted on an ass,
and the troop was accompanied by gleaners, chiefly poor boys and
girls, with many children of beggars, who are here a very numerous
class.
On entering the gate we observed the foundation walls of a new
and extensive caravansera, then building. In the bazar there were
quantities of fruit to be purchased, chiefly apricots, white mulberries
of but little flavour, having the taste of sugar and water, and unripe
green gages. Grain, in consequence of the barley harvest, is cheaper,