Indian Culture
This traditional garment is worn by Indian women, consisting of a long piece of cloth draped around the body.
What is a sari?
This character is the protagonist of the book and is a skilled henna artist in 1950s Jaipur who strives for independence and success.
Who is Lakshmi?
This Indian leader is known as the "Father of the Nation" for leading the country to independence through non-violence.
Who is Mahatma Gandhi?
The natural color produced by henna on the skin after application is typically this hue.
What is reddish-brown?
This historic event on August 15, 1947, marked the end of British colonial rule over India.
What is Indian Independence Day?
This festival of lights is celebrated with oil lamps, fireworks, and sweets across India.
What is Diwali?
This character is the protagonist's estranged husband, whose arrival in Jaipur brings complications to her life.
Who is Hari?
This sitar musician collaborated with The Beatles and brought Indian classical music to the Western world.
Who is Ravi Shankar?
The earliest evidence of henna use dates back to this ancient civilization, located along the banks of the Nile River.
What is Ancient Egypt?
This movement, launched by Gandhi in 1942, called for an immediate end to British rule in India and is famous for the slogan "Do or Die."
What is the Quit India Movement?
This city is known as the "Bollywood capital" of India.
What is Mumbai?
This wealthy and influential woman becomes one of Lakshmi’s most important clients, entrusting her with personal secrets.
Who is Parvati Singh?
This author wrote the best-selling novel "Midnight's Children," which won the Booker Prize in 1981.
Who is Salman Rushdie?
Henna is traditionally used in this religion's wedding rituals in India
What is Hinduism?
This treaty, signed in 1919, marked the end of World War I but disappointed Indian nationalists hoping for greater autonomy from British rule.
What is the Treaty of Versailles?
This popular Indian spice blend is essential in many curries and is often made from a mixture of ground spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric.
What is garam masala?
This character is the protagonist's unknown younger sibling.
Who is Radha?
This spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation is known for his teachings on peace and meditation.
Who is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar?
In Indian weddings, it is a tradition for the bride’s henna to include this hidden item, which the groom must find.
What is his name or initials?
This 1947 event led to the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan, based on religious lines.
What is the Partition of India?
This ancient Indian language is the classical language of Indian scriptures.
What is Sanskrit?
This young servant boy assists Lakshmi in her work and becomes like a son to her.
Who is Malik?
This woman was the first female Prime Minister of India, serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984.
Who is Indira Gandhi?
This pre-wedding ceremony in Indian weddings commonly features intricate henna designs applied to the bride's hands and feet.
What is the Mehndi ceremony?
This empire, founded in 1526, was known for its rich culture, architecture, and influence over much of the Indian subcontinent.
What is the Mughal Empire?