The Ministry of Utmost Happiness Terms

A word in the Kashmiri dialect that loosely translates to “freedom,” although the pathways to freedom, and what freedom means when it is achieved, mean very different things to different members of the Kashmir community. read analysis of Azadi

The highest caste in India’s traditional caste system. Historically, Brahmins have had occupations such as religious leaders and teachers. In the novel, Roy makes it clear that Brahmins still have the most social power out… read analysis of Brahmin

The particular category of the Dalit caste to which Saddam Hussain belongs. Traditional Chamar professions include leather tanning and weaving. read analysis of Chamar

Anjum uses Duniya, literally translating to “the world,” to refer to the mainstream—straight, cis-, middle-class, or Hindi members of society. The way she uses the word implies that she and the marginalized people that… read analysis of Duniya

a Muslim holiday. Eid is a feast marking the end of Ramadan, the month of religious fasting. Traditionally, those celebrating Eid sacrifice a goat for the feast. Anjum does this when she hosts her first… read analysis of Eid

A term that translates to “eunuch,” or an intersex, transgender, or third gender person, Hijra in the novel is used to refer to Anjum and the other trans women that live with her in the… read analysis of Hijra

Literally translating to “sleeping quarters,” in the novel the Khwabgah is the home to a host of transgender women who are like family to one another. Anjum, an intersex person who was gendered male… read analysis of Khwabgah

Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This term refers to a type of social worker that has the training necessary to perform mental health services and evaluations. Ralph Bauer is the LCSW who diagnoses Major Amrik Singh… read analysis of LCSW

Salwar refers to light, loose pants that taper to fit around the ankle. Kameez is a long, light tunic generally worn with salwar. read analysis of Salwar Kameez

Refers to people considered to be outside of India’s traditional four-caste system. Dalits, known in English as untouchables, form a fifth caste that exists at the bottom of the social pyramid. Today, the Indian government… read analysis of Untouchable / Dalit