Pachak, Pachaka
This article is an extract from
THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. Ethnographic Glossary. Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. . |
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Pachak, Pachaka
In Dacca there is only one Pachak, or preparer of digestive pills, and he is a Chhatri from Delhi. All castes of Hindus, from the Brahman to the Chandal, patronize his shop, swallowing his pills whenever fancy, or expediency, prompts them. The popular digestive pill, called "Battia," is composed of "thirty-two" ingredients, the chief being the seven kinds of salt,1 to which senna, various myrobalans, and pepper are added. The Pachak, however, is also skilful in preparing preserves, such as pickles of limes, olives, mangoes, dates, young bamboo shoots, and the fruit of the "Amla" tree (Phyllanthus emblica), as well as salted limes (Nimbu-ka-jaraka) and "Chatnis" of endless variety.
Oil pickle is another preserve extensively used by Muhammadans. A Mango being split into two, the stone is removed, and the cavity filled with the seeds of "Methi," or fenugreek, anise, "Kala-jira" (Nigella Indica), and chillies. The two halves pressed together are then put into a jar of mustard oil, and eaten as a condiment.
1 On Bengali music a most interesting paper, by Mr. C. B. Clark, is contained in the "Calcutta Review" for April, 1874.
