One of the main aspects of acceptance is the acceptance and tolerance that one culture has for another. This acceptance is shown in the times of Olivia and the narrator. In Olivia's time, the English always had a patronising attitude towards India. An example of this is when Olivia describes the Crawfords and Minnies as 'parents' of India who 'love her no matter what mischief she is up to'. Even Douglas has the same patronising attitude. The English think that India needs them to run it. .
The book also shows us India's acceptance of the English. India seems to continue being itself with or without the English. India and Indians seem to mould around the English, making way for them and tolerating them. An example of this is when Olivia first goes to visit the Begum. In this scene, both cultures act like what is expected of them. The Indians have set up 'four good European chairs', and this shows the difference in both cultures. The Indian ladies, lounged around comfortably on the floor, while Olivia and the English ladies sat 'bolt upright'. Both cultures did what was expected of them. In the same scene, "Everyone played their part well - the Palace ladies as well as Mrs. Crawford - and gave evidence of having frequently played it before." This also shows us that India 'accepts' the English, by putting up 'shows' that lead the English to think that they are changing India. .
Another example of this is how the English banned the ancient practice of suttee. The Indians didn't complain, and though India has given up one of it's cultural practices, the people, the place, the food and all the things that the English can't change still form India.
The same scene also demonstrates Olivia's acceptance of India. Olivia said that like to have sat on the floor as well, however, it would be impolite, improper and rude of her , "Olivia, who loved lounging would have also preferred to recline on the floor, but probably thought it would not have been etiquette".