Book Title: Indian Antiquary Vol 62
Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
( DECEMBER, 1933
of Muhammad, on the plain of Qarbalâ ; hence a person of this complexion is reproached as being by nature vile and infamous. Kir gayi tir-yut kamân-kash kash kadės tyút thud wati.
A daughter is like an arrow, (which will reach as high as the archer can shoot it.
Explanation.-The marrying of a daughter to a great man's son depends upon the amount of the dowry that can be given her by her parents. Kakani kakani karahan ghara, amma yürabal-kákani dinak na karana.
The wives of brothers would live (peacefully) together, but the women who meet them at the ghat will not let them. (i.e., these women ever gossip and delight in sowing seeds of discord.) Kúris ta krúļhis chi sáriy khotsin.
All are afraid of the malevolent and the malignant. Me kun zan toe kun wuchan, sháris shor andriy asan.
Looking towards me, [but in reality) looking towards thee, the squint-eyed [is] tainted internally.
Note. Compare with this the Hindi proverb, sau moi phala, hazár men kana, sará lákh men encha-taná, meaning, of persons with leucoma in the eye, only one in a hundred ; of the one-eyed, only one in a thousand ; of the squint-eyed, only one in a lakh and a quarter can be trusted.' Cf. also the Shahâbâd proverb quoted by Mr. Oldham in Folklore, XLI, No. 4, p. 340. Navi nawán ta prani pránan.
The new are hecoming newer, and the old older.
Explanation. This is said, in jealousy, by old servants of new servants, or by children of a deceased wife in regard to their step-brothers and step-sisters. Purmut jinn.
A demon, and literate to boot. The idea being that a wicked person becomes worse if he receives a little education.) Pyud shal gau padar-sah.
A tame jackal is equal to] a lion. (e.g., a servant acquainted with his master's secrets and shortcomings becomes dangerous.) Qiblas kun gayam zanga.
My feet happend to turn towards Mecca.
Explanation.-Muhammadans bow their heads in prayer towards Mecca. To stretch the feet towards that city would savour of irreverence. The saying is used by way of repentance for rudeness towards an elder. Sháyi chukho zi jáyi chukho.
If at home, thou art in the safest] place. (Cf. the English proverb, East or west, home is best '; and J. H. Payne's line, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.') Tsúr gav tamácha 'Izrá'il.
A thief is a blow from the Angel of Death. Wanana wanana chu koh táni nashan.
Even a hill is worn away by talking and talking. (Said of a talkative, stingy person). Cf. the English proverb, Constant dropping wears the stone; also the Indian proverb, 'By continual use the rope cuts the curbstone of the well.' Woh ai tshana ta suda kami!
If I leap down (i.e., incur risk), what will be the gain ? (Cf. the English saying, 'Look before you leap.') Yuthuy zuwa tithuy suwa.
As much as I can afford I shall sew (i.e., make clothes to wear). (Cf. the English proverb, Cut your coat according to your cloth'; also the Italian, According to your pose govern your mouth.')
