Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and of Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive c10.9177

c10.9177

**MANGO-FISH**, s. The familiar name of an excellent fish (*Polynemus Visua* of Buchanan, *P. paradiseus* of Day), in flavour somewhat resembling the smelt, but, according to Dr. Mason, nearly related to the mullets. It appears in the Calcutta market early in the hot season, and is much prized, especially when in roe. The Hindustani name is *tapsī* or *tapassī*, ‘an ascetic,’ or ‘penitent,’ but we do not know the rationale of the name. Buchanan says that it is owing to the long fibres (or free rays), proceeding from near the head, which lead the natives to associate it with penitents who are forbidden to shave. [Dr. Grierson writes: “What the connection of the fish with a hermit was I never could ascertain, unless it was that like wandering Fakīrs, they disappear directly the rains begin. Compare the *uposatha* of the Buddhists.” But *tapasya* means ‘produced by heat,’ and is applied to the month Phāgun (Feb.-March) when the fish appears; and this may be the origin of the name.]