Baksheesh: payment (as a tip or bribe) to expedite service. Source- Merriam Webster

Baksheesh and it’s chronic use in India can be a cause of anger, resentment and confusion by foreign tourists. Even Indians themselves can be frustrated by it’s hold on day-to-day living. And while outward appearances may have one thinking baksheesh is nothing more than corruption among the masses, in reality, it holds much more significant meaning.

The root definition comes from a Persian word meaning “present”, which is precisely what the first use of baksheesh is meant. Tourists and locals will find beggars across India, in the marketplaces, in front of temples and generally anywhere that crowds are drawn. Hindus are taught to provide for others, give help when possible. By offering baksheesh to a person in need, a beggar, Hindus believe they show their faith to the gods. Sadhus, holy men and religious representatives in Hinduism, are also rewarded with baksheesh as a sign of respect for their status.

Baksheesh can also resemble tipping, a more common form of money exchange among foreigners. This type of baksheesh is given as a show of appreciation, respect, or gratitude in response to a service rendered. Tipping among Indians is unheard of in most social environments, but very expected in tourist areas as a supplemental source of income to wages that are well below poverty, even for Indian standards. It’s not uncommon to encounter an outstretched hand after using the toilet, having a door opened for you, or having luggage carried.

A crooked cop demands baksheesh for no reason in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

And then there is baksheesh which is not seen as often among tourists. Indians use baksheesh to receive favors, as an outright bribe or to “grease the wheels” of a society that doesn’t follow the same patterns of commercialism as the West. Government employees use baksheesh as a way to supplement their income believing their salary’s are low. At times, foreigners may be subject to such requests in order to gain permission to a controlled area, pass through customs without inspection, or to fix police tickets. Many times traveling by car & driver, I have been stopped by unscrupulous policemen blatantly looking for bribes. The excuse has been failure to use a seatbelt (where no belt was needed), number plates with registration issues (even though the road taxes were current and the proper documentation was present), and even times where no excuse was needed. If the driver did not pay the requested amount, say Rs 500, we could not pass.

Baksheesh is also not targeted at tourists and visitors; citizens pay baksheesh to get family members out of jail, expedite a visa, avoid arrest, or to secure new phone or electrical service. Drivers pay parking lot attendants for prime slots nearby restaurants, hotels and arenas so their clients can be within easy walking distance. Baksheesh can be used in the markets as a way to have the freshest pick of produce or to have items delivered to the house.

No doubt a visit to India will subject you, at some point, to the wonders of baksheesh. Be sure to carry small bills and coins when traveling as most requests for baksheesh are rather small. While it may seem grating or distasteful, baksheesh is an important function in Indian commerce and a part of the cultural experience. Baksheesh is not always motivated by greed. Just as tipping is routine for western services and it’s supplemental role in the complex economic structure, so is the need for baksheesh.