An Indian official or functionary, historically often a tax collector or administrator at a district or local level.
From Persian/Urdu dehwār, combining deh (village) + wār (keeper or manager). This word entered English through colonial India during the British Raj when such officials were common in the administrative system.
The dehwar is a fascinating example of how colonial powers adapted local administrative structures—British officials often kept these local Persian-titled positions because the dehwars already had community connections and knew local customs.
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