banyan (1), banian (2), banyan tree

& adj. [Probably from Eng. or Fr. banian = a tribe of Hindu merchants; a broker.] [BANIAN.] A. As substantive: A tree, the Ficus Indica , or Indian fig-tree, celebrated for sending down IMG:content-1046.jpg:[graphic][subsumed][merged small] 432 vertical, of affording shade to 20,000 men. The tree is well described by both Milton and Southey, except that Milton, misled by Pliny, makes the leaves larger than they are in nature, and describes loopholes cut in the banyan grove, which are wholly mythic there soon they chose The fig-tree, not that kind for fruit renowned, But such as at this day, to Indians known, In Malabar or Deccan spreads her arms, Branching so broad and long, that in the ground The bended twigs take root, and daughters grow About the mother tree, & pillared shade High over-arched, and echoing walks between; There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds At loopholes cut thro' thickest shade those leaves They gathered, broad as Amazonian targe. "It was a goodly sight to see That yenerable tree, Milton : P. L. , bk. ix. For o'er the lawn, irregularly spread, Fifty straight columns propt its lofty head; And many a long depending shoot, Seeking to strike its root, Straight like a plummet, grew towards the ground. Some on the lower boughs which crest their way, Fixing their bearded fibres round and round, With many a ring and wild contortion wound; Some to the pa ing wind at times, with sway Of gentle motion swung: Others of younger growth, unmoved, were hung Like stone-drops from the cavern's fretted height. Beneath was smooth and fair to sight. Nor weeds nor briars deformed the natural floor, And through the leafy cope which bowered it o'er Came gleams of chequer'd light. So like a temple did did it seem. that there A pious heart's first impulse would be prayer." Southey: Curse of Kehama , bk. xiii. B. As adjective: Pertaining to the tree now described. 1 banyan-tree, banian-tree, s. [See BANYAN (1).] "Wide round the sheltering banian -tree." lemans: The Indian City.