meetha paanA preparation of betel leaf enclosed with a mix of sweet and usually spicy or savory ingredients, much like paan but without the tobacco, areca nut or slaked lime, and considered a milder, safer or more modest alternative to it.
munjeetThe plant Rubia cordifolia, or Indian madder; the dye extracted from the plant.
Munshi PuliyaA neighbourhood of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
munsifSynonym of amin (“arbitrator in the pargana”).
munsubdarA quasifeudal dependent of the Moghul government who was assigned territory on condition of supplying a certain number of horses.
murgaA stress position used as corporal punishment in parts of South Asia. The punished person has to squat and loop the arms behind the knees to grip the ears.
musnudA raised seat with embroidery and pillows for the back and elbow. This forms the seat of honor, as in the zenana, where it is the seat of the lady of the house, and privileged visitors are invited to share it as a mark of respect and favor. It is also the ceremonial seat or throne of a rajah.
mussaulA torch (flaming stick used as light source).
musthChiefly preceded by in or on: the state each year during which a male animal (usually a camel or an elephant) exhibits increased aggressiveness and sexual activity due to a high level of testosterone.
mutlubThe gist or crux of something; the main point.
nainsookA soft, fine muslin of South Asian origin, sometimes used to make baby clothes.
nakabandiA system of patrolling streets by use of checkpoints.
nimonaA traditional curry of Uttar Pradesh, made from coarsely ground fresh green peas (or sometimes green chickpeas) slow-cooked with potatoes and spices.
Nirala NagarA neighbourhood of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
not much chopNot very good; unimpressive; of poor quality.
NujeebA kind of half-disciplined infantry soldier under some of the native governments; also at one time a kind of militia under the British, receiving this honorary title as being gentlemen volunteers.
painjanA traditional Indian anklet, often adorned with small bells or intricate designs. The delicate sound produced by the bells as the wearer moves is considered auspicious and adds a musical quality to footsteps.
paisa vasoolbang for the buck; cost-effective, value for money, worthwhile
pakhavajAn Indian barrel-shaped, two-headed drum, a variant and descendant of the mridang.
pakoraA piece of vegetable, or sometimes meat, deep-fried in a batter flavoured with spices.
palamporeA rich cotton cloth, originally made in India, used for bedspreads and shawls.
palkigariA carriage or cart considered similar-looking to a palanquin, particularly (historical) those instituted for regular service between major towns in British India in the 1840s.
panautiA person believed to bring bad luck or misfortune, especially through association or timing.
panchnamaA record of witness testimony, usually prepared by the police, during the investigation of a crime or after a death.
PandethA transliteration of the Hindi surname पान्डेय (pānḍey).
PandeyganjA neighbourhood of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
panipuriA form of fried puff-pastry balls filled with a watery mixture of tamarind, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion and chickpeas, from India and Pakistan.