Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.t1.7

c7.s4.t1.7

This, however, did not prevent people from being extremely courteous and amiable. We have already referred to the courtesy which was usually shown to the fair sex. Similarly, when a visitor called on a nobleman, the latter greeted him by rising from his seat and advancing a few steps to receive the visitor. On conducting him to the drawing-room he first insisted that the visitor should occupy a seat, which was probably more comfortable and elevated than his own, and in any case, compelled the visitor to sit beside him. Some fresh fruits of the season were immediately put before him for refreshment. If the visitor came with an offering (*bhaint*) the host returned the compliment with a gift of greater value on their parting. In fact, this custom became universal and was known as ‘the parting gift’ (dasturi-i-raftan).¹ We have already spoken of the royal custom in this respect.