The reference is to an old story about a joint-family: there were four sons-in-law in the family of whom Dhananjayas was one. Efforts were constantly made to annoy them to get them to leave, and three went because their feelings were offended. Dhananjayas would not go until he was actually beaten.
It is a very common practice in India to give earnest-money in advance, when making any arrangement with a small tradesman; it is commonly asked for with the excuse of buying materials, but the idea really is that of binding or closing a bargain.
This proverb practically means that gentlemen are doing menial acts, while beggars are riding on horseback.
“Seven” seems a favourite number when reference is made to wealth. “The Wealth of Seven Kings” is a favourite expression in Bengali Fairy Tales.
“Ten” in Bengali seems to be used for the whole world, as “Five” in Sanskrit.
“Dash Jan”— “Ten people” in Bengali means everybody.