The only people who are conversant with all the rituals of agama Hindu are the high priests, or pedanda, men and a few women of the Brahman caste who spend years studying the complex theology.

Men, on the other hand, knowing their privileges safe in well-trained hands, can afford a tolerant attitude. Of what use to keep a dog and bark oneself? But let the dog show the faintest signs of negligence; let his “yap yap” become ever so little fainter, and instantly his alarmed master grasps the whip and prepares for fierce defence of his rights and property.

Ashley: If you expect to get me in a tinfoil miniskirt and thigh-high boots, I want dinner first.

to trench land for the purpose of draining it