Untouchable
The lowest group of the outcaste level in the Hindu caste system. They are below other outcastes because they clean the refuse of others and are considered polluted. All untouchables are outcastes but not all outcastes are untouchables.
Outcaste
The lowest level in the Hindu caste system. They are considered so low in status that they are outside of the Hindu system, thus the name outcaste. All untouchables are outcastes but not all outcastes are untouchables.
Cantonment
A military garrison or camp.
Uncongenial
Not friendly or pleasant to be with.
Barracks
A building or group of buildings used to house soldiers.
Tommies
A nickname for British private soldiers.
Dingy
Gloomy and drab.
Bulashah
The fictional Indian town where the novel takes place.
Gora
A term used to describe white people in the Indian subcontinent.
Bazaar
A market in a Middle-Eastern country.
Sahib
A polite title or form of address for a man.
Exigency
An urgent need or demand.
Sepoy
An Indian solder serving under British or other European orders.
Puttee
A long strip of cloth wound spirally around the leg from ankle to knee for protection and support.
Solar Topee
Also called a “pith helmet,” it is a lightweight hat made from an Indian swamp plant and often worn by people of European background in the tropics.
Sweeper
A person tasked with collecting the refuse of others.
Bakshish
A tip, present, or gratuity.
Rupees
The current currency of India and other countries in South Asia.
Annas
The former currency of India and Pakistan, it is equivalent to one sixteenth of a rupee.
Rigout
A person’s attire, particularly if it’s bizarre.
Jemadar
A minor official or junior officer; a person that who sweeps homes or offices as a job.
Izzat
Honor, reputation, or prestige.
Salaam
A gesture of greeting or respect, with or without a spoken salutation, typically consisting of a low bow of the head and body with the hand or fingers touching the forehead.
Cussedness
Stubborn, annoying.
Chronic Piles
Diarrhea; frequent bowel movements.
Ji
A suffix used with names and titles to show respect.
Alacrity
Brisk and cheerful readiness.
Commode
A piece of furniture containing a concealed chamber pot.
Twice-Born
A term used by the two uppermost castes in Hindu society to justify their superiority, it means you have earned your high position by doing good deeds in multiple lives.
Huzoor
A title of respect.
Mohammedan
An archaic term for Muslim.
Shirk
To avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility.
Vaporous
A substance diffused or suspended in the air.
Ostentatiously
Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display.
Ablutions
The act of washing oneself.
Dhoti
A garment worn by male Hindus, consisting of a piece of material tied around the waist and extending to cover most of the legs.
Maharaj
A title used for a master of a particular skill or craft.
Maidan
An open space in or near a town, used as a parade ground or for events such as public meetings and polo matches.
Bemoan
To express sorrow or discontent.
Supple
Bending and moving easily and gracefully.
Inauspicious
Not conductive to success; unpromising.
Jalebis
An Indian sweet made of a coil of batter fried and steeped in syrup.
Cogitations
The action of thinking deeply about something; contemplation.
Brahmin
One of the upper classes in the Hindu caste system.
Vamp
A seductress, temptress, siren.
Cur
A contemptible man.
Foxing
Faking illness to avoid a responsibility.
Lustre
A soft glow or gentle sheen.
Truant
A student that misses school without permission or notice.
Burra
Big or important.
Babu
A respectful title for a man, especially an educated one.
Obviate
To remove a need or difficulty.
Betel
The leaf of an Asian evergreen climbing plant that is used in the East as a mild stimulant. Parings of areca nut, lime, and cinnamon are wrapped in the leaf, which is then chewed, causing the saliva to go red and, with prolonged use, the teeth to go black.
Asafœtida
A type of tree sap or gum.
Bania
A trader or merchant.
Kalijugs
A derogatory title.
Vociferous
Clamorous or vehement.
Tonga
A light horse-drawn two-wheeled vehicle used in India.
Wallah
A person concerned or involved with a specified thing or business.
Benarsi
A type of silk used to make saris.
Inculcate
To instill.
Espy
To catch sight of.
Sadhu
A holy man, sage, or ascetic.
Habiliments
Clothing.
Gymkhana
A day event comprising races and other competitions between horse riders or car drivers.
Lalla
A title of respect, typically used for women.
Bhangis
A name for members of the untouchable caste.
Chamars
A name for members of the untouchable caste.
Swadeshi
An adjective meaning made in India from Indian-produced materials.
