chamars
A group that is part of the "untouchable" caste, the chamaar are often considered to be leather-workers.
notorious
Famous, often for something negative or bad
chilam
A straight conical smoking pipe traditionally made of clay, first used in India in the eighteenth century
ascetic
Practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline
rupee
The common name for the currency of India (and several other countries)
paisa
An aluminum coin and monetary unit, one-100th of the rupee
consolation
Something that gives comfort to someone who is sad or disappointed
dutiful
Obediently fulfilling one's duties
swagger
To walk or strut in a proud, defiant way
indolent
Habitually lazy
thrash
To move wildly or violently
repletion
The act of eating to excess
vouchsafed
Granted or gave, often in a gracious or condescending manner
puris
A deep-fried bread in India
ghi (or ghee)
A class of clarified butter that originated in ancient India
chutney
A type of thick sauce, made of fruit or vegetables, sometimes pickled, originating in India
raita
An Indian condiment usually made of yogurt with diced cucumber and seasonings
relish
(verb) To enjoy the taste of something
staggered
Walked unsteadily
dhoti
A loose piece of clothing wrapped around the lower half of the body, worn by some men in South Asia
lamenting
feeling or expressing sorrow or regret
raptor
A carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird
prostrate
To cast oneself face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration
writhing
Twisting the body about or squirming, as in pain or struggle
rite
An established, ceremonial, usually religious, act
treacherous
Likely to betray trust, unreliable
bastard
Often used as a slur, bastard historically refers to a child born of unmarried parents
verandah
A roofed, open-air gallery or porch
brahmins
A class in Hinduism that specialized as priests and teachers.
sindur
Sindur refers to the bridegroom's putting red ochre in the parting of a bride's hair, an important part of some Hindu wedding ceremonies.
