Nectar in a Sieve

Nectar in a Sieve Glossary

tannery

place where animal skins are converted into leather using tannic acid

chafe

become sore by rubbing against someone/something

meek

quiet and submissive

peasant

poor farmer of low social status

dhal

lentils

ghee

clarified butter

godown

servants' quarters

maidan

open field

peons

messengers/porters

zemindar

landowner

pie

measure of Indian currency (twelve pies equal one anna)

rupee

measure of Indian currency (sixteen annas equal one rupee)

anna

measure of Indian currency

nectar

sweet fluid that plants secrete

sieve

mesh utensil used for straining particles out of a liquid

paddy

field where rice is grown; term for rice still in the husk

puckered

gathered into small wrinkles or folds

Collector

under British colonial rule in India, an official appointed to collect revenue and carry out civic duties within an area

sari

draped garment traditionally worn by women from South Asia

dowry

money or property a bride brings to her husband upon marrying