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