The Ministry of Utmost Happiness Glossary

by Arundhati Roy

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness Glossary

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Written by Ruchika Thukral

Khwabgah

House of dreams

Hijra/kinnar

Transgender men who usually beg in return for blessings

Khichdi

stew of rice, lentils and vegetables

Mehfil

gathering/party

Sach

truth

Khuda

god

Ittar

perfume

Madrassa

school

hakim

doctor

fitrat

eccentricity/mannerism

dao-pech

tricks

badtameezi

misbehavior

khushi-khor

one who grows on happiness

duniya

world

koocha

crossroads

apa

elder sister

sifli jaadu

black magic

manzoori

consent

chamaar/dalit

low-caste

barsati

room built on a roof

kafir

one who doesn't believe in God

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