12 Questions
What did the vendor of fried groundnuts call his wares?
Bombay Ice-Cream, Delhi Almond, and Raja's Delicacy
What was the primary reason the place did not have the benefit of municipal lighting?
The astrologer wanted to maintain an enchanting atmosphere with varying light sources.
Why did the astrologer not actually intend to become an astrologer?
He had left his village without any previous thought or plan.
What was the astrologer's approach to providing advice to his customers?
He would ask the customer leading questions and then provide specific advice.
What was the astrologer's previous occupation before becoming an astrologer?
He was a farmer in his village.
What was the astrologer's main source of income?
Charging customers for his astrological readings.
What professional equipment did the man spread out at midday?
Cowrie shells, a square piece of cloth with mystic charts, a notebook, and palmyra writing
What enhanced the power of the man's eyes according to the text?
Position between the painted forehead and dark whiskers
Why did the man have a sharp abnormal gleam in his eyes?
Continual searching look for customers
Where did the man sit to attract customers?
Under a tamarind tree
What did people compare the man's attractiveness to?
Bees attracted to cosmos or dahlia stalks
What kind of trades and occupations were represented along the narrow road?
Medicine-sellers, sellers of stolen hardware, magicians, and an auctioneer of cheap cloth
Study Notes
The Astrologer's Setup
- The astrologer sets up his professional equipment at midday under a tamarind tree in the Town Hall Park.
- His equipment includes cowrie shells, a square piece of cloth with mystic charts, a notebook, and a bundle of palmyra writing.
The Astrologer's Appearance
- The astrologer's forehead is marked with sacred ash and vermilion, giving him a prophetic appearance.
- His eyes sparkle with a sharp, abnormal gleam, which is enhanced by his dark whiskers and saffron-coloured turban.
The Astrologer's Location
- The astrologer sets up shop in a busy area of the Town Hall Park, surrounded by various traders and vendors.
- The location is lit up by shop lights, gaslights, flares, and cycle lamps, creating a bewildering crisscross of light rays and moving shadows.
The Astrologer's Practice
- Despite not being a trained astrologer, the astrologer has developed a successful business through study, practice, and shrewd guesswork.
- He charges three pies per question and spends at least 10 minutes listening to his clients before offering advice.
The Astrologer's Backstory
- The astrologer left his village without a plan, abandoning his family's farming traditions.
- He has developed a working analysis of mankind's troubles, including marriage, money, and human relationships.
- He understands his clients' problems within five minutes of talking to them and provides advice and answers accordingly.
Explore the tools and appearance of a mystical fortune teller described in the text. Test your knowledge on the cowrie shells, mystic charts, notebook, and more.
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