The Hindi dialect, a sound that was so smooth, like sandalwood down the rubbed snout of an elephant idol,

spiced okra spread thinly on carrot-infused bread, chick peas in every setting known to modern man,

the remnants of twice-burned incense sticks laid at the many scented feet of their unfamiliar gods,

and the siren songs of Bollywood starlets that seemed less and less foreign when I closed my eyes…

08/01/2005

Author's Note: Sandalwoods in India belong to the government, a tradition since 1792 when the Sultan of Mysore declared them royal trees. In early traditions, the white santals were uprooted and the trunks stripped of their limbs. The logs were left on the ground until ants had eaten away the light-colored sapwood.

The aged logs and roots were then collected for use in carving, woodworking, and oil extraction. Sandalwood carvings and cabinetry retain their fragrance; the steam distilled oil is used in perfumes, medicinals, and cosmetics. The wood paste is one of the ingredients for the varna (color implying caste) marks of the Brahmins, the spiritual leaders and teachers.

Posted on 08/01/2005
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