Dhunchi

/ˈdʌntʃi/ noun

Definition

A variant spelling of dhunchee; a rope-operated ceiling fan or cooling device used traditionally in South Asia to circulate air in rooms.

Etymology

Variant of dhunchee, from Hindi धुचकी (dhunchkī). The spelling variation reflects different transliteration methods used by English speakers in colonial India.

Kelly Says

The dhunchi appears in colonial literature as both practical technology and a symbol of leisure for the ruling class—people could work and talk while servants provided constant cool air, a luxury that shaped entire work cultures.

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