Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s1.63

c7.s1.63

To begin with : the birth of a child in the family was an event of great importance. Wise and sophisticated persons may have given greater importance to the mysteries of death and the next life, but for healthier minds a new arrival in this world alone deserved to be celebrated.¹ A number of tiny cradles were usually prepared in advance to receive the small guest.² If it was a male child there was a great stir in a Hindu home. The father rushed to wash himself with fresh water and to offer prayers to the spirits of his forefathers and the guardian deities of the family. After that he took out a good ring, dipped it in butter and honey, and put it in the mouth of the infant.³ The all-wise Pandit was, meanwhile, recording the hour and other details about the birth of the child with a view to cast a horoscope (Janmapatra). In case he forgot to record the precise moment of birth, he carefully scrutinised the body-marks of the child to infer the particular stellar conjunction (lagan) under which it was born.⁴ After these preliminaries were finished, rejoicings and festivities started, the women of course leading them. An offer (nisar, utara) was made for the health of the infant, and handsome gifts were distributed among all and sundry, rich and poor, nobles and commoners.⁵ After the period of ceremonial impurity (sotak) was over among the Muslims, the rite of Aqiqah or sacrifice was performed.⁶