Servants ... brought around fruit jice and tea and coffee and snacks to those who were standing in the garden: samosas, kachauris, laddus, gulab-jamuns, barfis and gajak and ice-cream were consumed and replenished along with puris and six kinds of vegetables. (p. 15)
Kachauri, or kachori, is a spicy fried snack. It is usually a round or flattened ball of flour dough stuffed with baked yellow moong dal mixed with other ingredients and spices.
Laddu, or laddoo, is an Indian sweet. Dough made from flour and other ingredients is shaped into balls and dipped in sugar syrup. Many variations exist.
Barfi, a traditional sweet in Northern India, is made by cooking condensed milk and sugar until the mixture solidifies. It is often flavored or garnished by nuts such as cashews, pistachios, or almonds. Many varieties of flavors exist.
You can find my notes on gulab-jamuns and gajak in this old post.
References:
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Bangle Ceremony
Mrs Rupa Mehra's brother, whom the family very rarely met, had earlier in the day taken charge of the bangle ceremony. (p. 14)
The bangle ceremony is one of Indian wedding rituals that often takes place the day before the wedding. During the ceremony, the bride's maternal uncle puts red and white bangles, the churha (also spelled "choora" or "chura"), on the bride's wrists. Then the bride's female friends and relatives tie ornaments of beaten gold and silver, the kalira, to the bangles.
References:
The bangle ceremony is one of Indian wedding rituals that often takes place the day before the wedding. During the ceremony, the bride's maternal uncle puts red and white bangles, the churha (also spelled "choora" or "chura"), on the bride's wrists. Then the bride's female friends and relatives tie ornaments of beaten gold and silver, the kalira, to the bangles.
References:
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Ayah
'...Precious, you have smut on your nose,' she [Meenakshi] added to Aparna, half looking around to tell an imaginary ayah to wipe it off with a handkerchief. (p.12)
Ayah is a female domestic servant in India, usually a maid and a nanny.
References:
Ayah is a female domestic servant in India, usually a maid and a nanny.
References:
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Bhai
And what would you know about bounding, Arun Bhai? thought Lata to herself. (p. 11)
Bhai means "brother" in Hindi.
References:
Bhai means "brother" in Hindi.
References:
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Choli
She [Meenakshi] herself was wearing a green-and-gold sari of Banaras silk, with a green choli that exposed more of her midriff than Brahmpur society was normally privileged or prepared to see. (p. 10)
A choli is short-sleeve, midriff-baring blouse usually worn with a sari.
References:
A choli is short-sleeve, midriff-baring blouse usually worn with a sari.
References:
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Banaras Silk Sari
She [Meenakshi] herself was wearing a green-and-gold sari of Banaras silk... (p. 10)
Banaras, also known as Benares and Varanasi, is an ancient city situated on the River Ganges in the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is considered holy in Hinduism. It is also the home of the Banaras Hindu University. Banaras is sometimes referred to as the "culture capital of India".
The city is also famous for its saris and silk. Banarasi saris maybe the finest saris in India.
References:
Banaras, also known as Benares and Varanasi, is an ancient city situated on the River Ganges in the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is considered holy in Hinduism. It is also the home of the Banaras Hindu University. Banaras is sometimes referred to as the "culture capital of India".
The city is also famous for its saris and silk. Banarasi saris maybe the finest saris in India.
References:
Monday, November 10, 2008
Daadi
'I went to find Daadi,' began Aparna. (p. 10)
Daadi means "grandmother" in Urdu.
References:
Daadi means "grandmother" in Urdu.
References:
The above references differentiate between Urdu and Roman Urdu. I was curious what the difference was. A quick web search revealed that Roman Urdu is the name by which people refer to the Urdu language written in the Roman alphabet. Roman Urdu is commonly used on the internet due to limitations in the technology for using the Urdu script.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Achkan
'Well,' said Maan, flicking a rose-petal off his beautiful tight white achkan, 'you're not laughing at me, are you?' (p. 8)
Achkan is a long jacket, that originated in India and is now commonly worn in South Asia. This long-sleeved knee length jacket represents a westernized form of traditional clothing.
References:
Achkan is a long jacket, that originated in India and is now commonly worn in South Asia. This long-sleeved knee length jacket represents a westernized form of traditional clothing.
References:
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Congress Party
'And he [Mahesh Kapoor] greeted, before he had walked ten steps a professor of literature...; two influential members of the state legislature from the Congress Party...' (p. 7)
The Congress Party, better known as the Indian National Congress (INC), is the major political party of India. Founded in 1885, it led Indian Independence Movement against the British rule.
At this time in the novel, Jawaharlal Nehru is at the head of the Congress Party.
References:
The Congress Party, better known as the Indian National Congress (INC), is the major political party of India. Founded in 1885, it led Indian Independence Movement against the British rule.
At this time in the novel, Jawaharlal Nehru is at the head of the Congress Party.
References:
Baoji
'Yes, Baoji,' said Maan... (p. 6)
Maan repeatedly addresses his father "Baoji". Later in the book, Mrs Rupa Mehra starts a letter to her father with "Dearest Baoji" (p. 44).
I was unable to find anything about the word "Baoji," but a friend of mine from Mumbai assures me that "Baoji" is the word for "father" in Punjabi.
Maan repeatedly addresses his father "Baoji". Later in the book, Mrs Rupa Mehra starts a letter to her father with "Dearest Baoji" (p. 44).
I was unable to find anything about the word "Baoji," but a friend of mine from Mumbai assures me that "Baoji" is the word for "father" in Punjabi.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Jaymala
'They were supposed to come out from opposite ends of the house and meet here for the jaymala five minutes ago.' (p. 7)Jaymala is one of the ceremonies performed during an Indian wedding. The bride and groom exchange garlands that signify their acceptance of one another as husband and wife. The garlands are the "jaymala." They are made mainly with roses, but are usually also decorated with other flowers and a variety of other objects.
The word "jaymala" can also be spelled as "jaimala" or "jay mala", and the words "varmala" and "var mala" have the same meaning.
References:
Monday, October 20, 2008
Bua
'Aparna, you must stay with your Mummy or with Lata Bua,...' (p. 5)
Bua means aunt, father's sister to be more specific.
Bua means aunt, father's sister to be more specific.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Pandit
‘... the time that the pandits have given is coming up, and there is no sign of either bride or groom!’ (p. 4)
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a “pandit” as “a wise or learned man of India,” but the word can also refer to a religious figure, a Hindu who has studies the Vedas, and knows their corresponding melodies and rhythms. Often pandits also study astrology. In India, religion and astrology often mix. So it is common to consult with a pandit before making an important decision, such as choosing the best day and time for a wedding.
References:
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a “pandit” as “a wise or learned man of India,” but the word can also refer to a religious figure, a Hindu who has studies the Vedas, and knows their corresponding melodies and rhythms. Often pandits also study astrology. In India, religion and astrology often mix. So it is common to consult with a pandit before making an important decision, such as choosing the best day and time for a wedding.
References:
Monday, October 13, 2008
Indian Sweets
‘…they have made such delicitious gulab-jamuns, but owing to my diabetes I cannot eat them even after the ceremonies. I am not even allowed gajak, which is so difficult to resist in winter.’ (p. 4)
Gulab-jamun is a popular Indian dessert. Fried balls of reduced milk and flour are soaked in sugar syrup flavored with rosewater or saffron. The sweet is often eaten at festivals and celebrations, so it is not surprising that it is being offered at Savita’s and Pran’s wedding.
Gajak is another Indian sweet, usually made with sesame seeds. There are a variety of gajak recipes available on the web, but not many descriptions. So I am still looking for information on why this dessert appeals so much more during the winter months as opposed to other seasons.
References:
Gulab-jamun is a popular Indian dessert. Fried balls of reduced milk and flour are soaked in sugar syrup flavored with rosewater or saffron. The sweet is often eaten at festivals and celebrations, so it is not surprising that it is being offered at Savita’s and Pran’s wedding.
Gajak is another Indian sweet, usually made with sesame seeds. There are a variety of gajak recipes available on the web, but not many descriptions. So I am still looking for information on why this dessert appeals so much more during the winter months as opposed to other seasons.
References:
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Forms of Address
'The Minister Sahib has been very kind to us.' (p. 4)
Sahib, a term of respect, can mean sir, mister, master, or lord. It is used in several languages including Hindi, while the word itself comes from Arabic meaning "friend" or "companion." The word can also be used as an additional title for members of aristocracy.
I interpret the use of the word “Sahib” in the above quote to mean “mister,” as in ‘Mr. Minister has been very kind to us.’
Further in the novel you will encounter the feminine form of the word, “Sahiba.” You will also encounter another way to address a woman respectfully, though perhaps less formally—“Memsahib.”
'Burri Memsahib?' he called, knocking at the door of Mrs Rupa Mehra's room. (p. 36)
I initially and for no good reason thought that the word was somehow related to the French word “meme.” Though I could not exactly explain to myself the meaning behind word combinations such as “even sahib,” “even sir” or “even mister.” It turns out that “Memsahib” is the product of British influence, where the twisted version of Enligh “ma’am” was added to the word “sahib.”
The word "burri" means elder, or of higher authority.
References:
Sahib, a term of respect, can mean sir, mister, master, or lord. It is used in several languages including Hindi, while the word itself comes from Arabic meaning "friend" or "companion." The word can also be used as an additional title for members of aristocracy.
I interpret the use of the word “Sahib” in the above quote to mean “mister,” as in ‘Mr. Minister has been very kind to us.’
Further in the novel you will encounter the feminine form of the word, “Sahiba.” You will also encounter another way to address a woman respectfully, though perhaps less formally—“Memsahib.”
'Burri Memsahib?' he called, knocking at the door of Mrs Rupa Mehra's room. (p. 36)
I initially and for no good reason thought that the word was somehow related to the French word “meme.” Though I could not exactly explain to myself the meaning behind word combinations such as “even sahib,” “even sir” or “even mister.” It turns out that “Memsahib” is the product of British influence, where the twisted version of Enligh “ma’am” was added to the word “sahib.”
The word "burri" means elder, or of higher authority.
References:
Friday, October 3, 2008
Khatri
'Pran is a good, decent, cultured khatri boy.' (p. 4)
Khatri is an Indian caste. In the Punjabi language, "Khatri" is the word for "Kshatriya," the warrior caste. Traditionally the Khatri were members of the Hindu military order, and held positions in civil administration. Over time, the Khatri also expanded into other occupations.
Khatri is an Indian caste. In the Punjabi language, "Khatri" is the word for "Kshatriya," the warrior caste. Traditionally the Khatri were members of the Hindu military order, and held positions in civil administration. Over time, the Khatri also expanded into other occupations.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Tissue-Patola Sari
'I could have warn the tissue-patola sari I wore for my own wedding,' sighed Mrs Rupa Mehra. (p. 3)
Patola is a type of silk, originating in the Gujarati region of western India. To produce this fabric, the warp and the weft yarns are tied separately and dyed prior to weaving. The dyeing process is also known as Bandhani work. Patola fabrics have no reverse side.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Notes for Part 1
Section 1.1
tissue-patola sari (3), namasté (3), khatri (4), Sahib (4), gulab-jamuns (4), gajak (4), pandit (4), Bua (5)
Section 1.2
baoji (6), jaymala (7) , Congress Party (7)
Section 1.3
achkan (8)
Section 1.4
Daadi (10) , Banaras Silk Sari (10) , choli (10) , Bhai (11), ayah (12)
Section 1.5
bangle ceremony (14), kachauri (15), laddu (15), barfi (15), pitthu (15), shehnai (15), harsingar tree (18)
Section 1.6
pyjamas (19), jutis (19), zamindari (19), zamindars (20)
Section 1.7
ghazal (21)
Section 1.8
Ghalib (22)
Section 1.9
paan (23), tuberose (24)
Section 1.10
tonga (25), tonga-wallah (25), bulbul (25), salwaar-kameez (25)
Section 1.13
Burri Memsahib (36)
tissue-patola sari (3), namasté (3), khatri (4), Sahib (4), gulab-jamuns (4), gajak (4), pandit (4), Bua (5)
Section 1.2
baoji (6), jaymala (7) , Congress Party (7)
Section 1.3
achkan (8)
Section 1.4
Daadi (10) , Banaras Silk Sari (10) , choli (10) , Bhai (11), ayah (12)
Section 1.5
bangle ceremony (14), kachauri (15), laddu (15), barfi (15), pitthu (15), shehnai (15), harsingar tree (18)
Section 1.6
pyjamas (19), jutis (19), zamindari (19), zamindars (20)
Section 1.7
ghazal (21)
Section 1.8
Ghalib (22)
Section 1.9
paan (23), tuberose (24)
Section 1.10
tonga (25), tonga-wallah (25), bulbul (25), salwaar-kameez (25)
Section 1.13
Burri Memsahib (36)
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