A History of Agriculture in India v2.c59.s5: Social Parties

v2.c59.s5.1

The popular term for social parties and entertainments was jashn. The rooms where the guests assembled were decorated with rich carpets. Aloe-wood and incense were burnt to deodorize the stale air. Rose-water was sprinkled over the party. Fruits were served in silver and golden trays. Wine was served by handsome cup-bearers, the sākīs. Wine was, however, consumed secretly. Ibn Battuta states, ‘Neither do the Hindus drink wine, for this in their eyes is the greatest of vices. The Muslims in India take the same view, and any Muslim who drinks it is punished with eighty stripes, and shut up in a matamore for three months, which is opened only at the hours of meals.’