begum / Begum
Indian Muslim woman of high rank; when capitalized, the title of a married Indian Muslim woman
nawab / Nawab
Muslim nobleman of high status
lihaaf
Urdu term for "quilt"
Urdu
a form of the Hindustani language written in Persian script. Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and is widely used in India
embers
coals that glow in a dying fire
yearn
to desire something very strongly
purdah
the practice in certain Hindu and Muslim societies of women living behind a curtain or in a separate room, or dressing in all-concealing clothes, done to stay out of the sight of men
grandeur
impressiveness; social importance or high rank
veritable
an intensifier that literally means "truthfully," but is often used as a contronym to mean "metaphorically"
demure
modest and reserved
sheen
soft surface luster, similar to shine
afflict
cause suffering; trouble
blemish
a minor flaw or defect
agile
quick-minded; quick-moving
dexterously
done skillfully, particularly in relation to something done with one's hands
incoherent
incomprehensible; unclear
irascible
irritable; easily angered
tiff
a petty argument, often between friends or lovers
enact
act out; put into practice
guffaw
coarse, boisterous laugh
