Bursati

/bɜːrˈsɑːti/ noun

Definition

A variant spelling of bursattee; Indian soldiers or servants employed by the British military, particularly sepoys in revenue or administrative roles.

Etymology

From Hindi 'bārsātī' or similar Indian language source, related to administrative or revenue service; became anglicized in colonial Indian English.

Kelly Says

During British rule in India, bursati were crucial go-betweens—they knew both English and local languages, translating not just words but entire cultures in colonial administration!

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