sati—immolation of Hindu wife with body of her husband sehra—bridegroom's crown sharbat—lemon and sugar drink shikar—the hunt

sitkrita—intake of breath signifying female orgasm

strappado—Portuguese torture device

sum—climax of rhythmic cycle in Indian music

sutra—Hindu scripture

suwar—"horse rank" granted noblemen

swanih-nigar—special spy

tari—species of palm

tavaif— Muslim courtesan

teslim—prostrate bow to Moghul