Sultana's Dream

Sultana's Dream Glossary

patriarchy

a society that is run by men or a male central figure, such as a father or male ruler

matriarchy

a society that is run by women or a female central figure, such as a queen or mother

purdah

practiced in certain Hindu or Muslim communities; the act of sequestering women in separate spaces away from men within a house, thus restricting their movement, as well as hiding their bodies using certain items of clothing

zenana

the rooms or apartments where women are kept if practicing purdah

mardana

the male equivalent of a zenana

sultan

an Arabic term that refers to a male government official or ruler

sultana

the female equivalent of a sultan

Koh-i-Noor

a diamond that was in possession of the Mughal rulers of India

Peacock Throne

a famous jewel-encrusted throne that was built for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan

magistrate

a civil officer that enforces the law

cheroot/choroot

a cigar

feminism

the belief in the equality between men and women

utopia

an imaginary, idealized society

Calcutta/Kolkata

the capital of West Bengal, a state in India that was formerly a part of British India

Darjeeling

a city in West Bengal

ingenious

clever, inventive

Lady Principal

women who are educated at and conduct research in universities

boon

a benefit or helpful piece of advice

solar

derived from the sun

air-car

an invention of the women in Ladyland; a car that uses solar power to fly