Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.t1.17

c7.s4.t1.17

C. Hindu Manners.—The Hindu manners, as a whole, were sweet and informal and not quite so sophisticated and demonstrative as those of the Muslims. On arrival, a guest in a Hindu house was welcomed with special forms. In ordinary cases betel-leaf and flowers were offered to the visitor.⁵ In the case of a distinguished visitor a platform was raised, flowers were strewn over it, and sandal-wood paste was held in readiness to rub on the forehead. Arti was also performed by the waving of a few wick lamps before him to remove the possible effects of the Evil Eye.⁶ If the visitor was the Guru or the spiritual preceptor of the family, he was marked out for the highest honours. On arrival, his feet were washed, in perfumed water if the host could afford the expense. Sandal-wood paste was then rubbed all over his body; a garland of flowers was put round his neck and a tuft of Tulsi flowers on his head.