Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and of Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive c10.12966

c10.12966

**SALIGRAM**, s. Skt. *Śālagrāma* (this word seems to be properly the name of a place, 'Village of the Sāl-tree'—a real or imaginary *tīrtha* or place of sacred pilgrimage, mentioned in the *Mahābhārata*). [Other and less probable explanations are given by Oppert, *Anc. Inhabitants*, 337.] A pebble having mystic virtues, found in certain rivers, e.g. Gandak, Son, &c. Such stones are usually marked by containing a fossil ammonite. The *śālagrāma* is often adopted as the representative of some god, and the worship of any god may be performed before it.* It is daily worshipped by the Brahmans; but it is especially connected with Vaishnava doctrine. In May 1883 a *śālagrāma* was the ostensible cause of great popular excitement among the Hindus of Calcutta. During the proceedings in a family suit before the High Court, a question arose regarding the identity of a *śālagrāma*, regarded as a household god. Counsel on both sides suggested that the thing should be brought into court. Mr. Justice Norris hesitated to give this order till he had taken advice. The attorneys on both sides, Hindus, said there could be no objection; the Court interpreter, a high-caste Brahman, said it could not be brought into Court, *because of the coir-matting*, but it might with perfect propriety be brought into the corridor for inspection; which was done. This took place during the excitement about the "Ilbert Bill," giving natives magisterial authority in the provinces over Europeans; and there followed most violent and offensive articles in several native newspapers reviling Mr. Justice Norris, who was believed to be hostile to the Bill. The editor of the *Bengallee* newspaper, an educated man, and formerly a member of the covenanted Civil Service, the author of one of the most unscrupulous and violent articles, was summoned for contempt of court. He made an apology and complete retraction, but was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.