Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.t1.15

c7.s4.t1.15

Mention may be made in this connection of the custom of avowing a friendship or an alliance on solemn occasions. Among the Rajput the offer and acceptance of betel-leaf (bira) served to bind those who accepted it. Another manner of avowing an alliance was by tying the waistbands or the corners of each other’s garments together and thus advancing in the face of the enemy. This original Hindu custom later spread among the Muslims also.⁴