Back to all words

Durbar

3 stages from Persian to English.

Today it means a formal reception or ceremonial gathering held by an Indian prince or, historically, a British colonial official

Where does the word "durbar" come from? It comes from Persian dar + bar, passing through Hindi/Urdu before entering English (1609).

1
Stage 1 of 3
dar + bar
Persian · medieval
"royal court, audience"
literally "door" plus "admission," i.e. the gateway to an audience with a ruler
2
Stage 2 of 3
darbar
Hindi/Urdu · 1500s
"royal court"
used for the formal court of Mughal and later Indian rulers
3
Stage 3 of 3
durbar
English · 1609
"ceremonial court or reception"
adopted by the British in colonial India for formal state receptions
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom