Bahadur

/bɑːˈhɑːdʊr/ noun

Definition

A title of respect used in India and Pakistan meaning a brave or honorable man, often used like 'sir' or to describe a warrior.

Etymology

Bahadur comes from Persian 'bāhādur,' meaning brave or strong. It entered South Asian languages through Mughal rule and became commonly used in India as both a title and a term of respect.

Kelly Says

The British colonial administrators adopted 'bahadur' too—it appears in many historical documents and place names, showing how language travels with conquest and trade!

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