Namaskar or Namaste is a traditional Hindu greeting. It simply means “I bow to you” and is a form of giving respect to another person. Today, in fact, it is a very casual greeting, a salutation, in the manner of a ‘hello’ than an obeisance.

However, a few centuries ago, the usage of Namaskar led to a serious dispute. This interesting incident relates to the period of Bombay Presidency of East India Company. It appears that the local brahmans took a serious umbrage to non-brahmans using this greeting. Following is a note recorded on 28th July 1779 at the meeting of the Bombay Council –

Peshwas have written to the President requesting the Goldsmiths may be forbidden the use of the namaskar

For some time frequent disputes have arisen between the Brahmans and Goldsmiths respecting the mode of salutation termed namaskar. This the Brahmans allege the Goldsmiths have no right to perform, and that the exercise of such a ceremony by the Goldsmiths is a breach and profanation of the rites of the Gentu religion. As repeated complaints have been made to the British Government by the Brahmans, and as the Peshwas also have several times written to the President requesting the Goldsmiths may be forbidden the use of the namaskar; Resolved that the Brahmans have reason in their complaint, and as the matter does not concern the Company, the Peshwa be moved to forbid to the Goldsmiths the use of the Brahman salutation namaskar. (p. 424, Bombay Town and Island)

I wonder what action the Peshwa took on this? And if he did issue a firman, could it be enforced in Bombay?