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:

• Indian wedding on Wikipedia
• Hindu wedding on Wikipedia
• Varmala on Wikipedia

Bua

'Aparna, you must stay with your Mummy or with Lata Bua,...' (p. 5)

Bua means aunt, father's sister to be more specific.

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:

• Pandit in the Merriam-Webster dictionary
• Pandit on Wikipedia
• Indian wedding on Wikipedia
• Hindu wedding on Wikipedia
• "Written in the Stars", an article on beliefnet.com

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 on Wikipedia
• Gulab-jamun on About.com
• Gajak on About.com

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 on Wikipedia
• Glossary of Indian words found in the first 3rd of the novel

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.

• Wikipedia article on Khartri
• SikhiWiki article on Khartri

Namasté

Several guests were indeed doing namasté to Mrs Rupa Mehra and smiling at her... (p. 3)

Namasté is a spoken greeting commonly used in Indian and Nepali culture. The word also refers to a gesture performed with hands pressed together in front of the chest.

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.

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)