Munshi



Munshi is a Persian word, originally used for a contractor, writer, or secretary, and later used in Mughal India for native language teachers, teachers of various subjects, especially administrative principles, religious texts, science, and philosophy and were also secretaries and translators employed by Europeans.

Etymology
Munshi is a Persian word derived from Arabic that is used as a respected title for persons who achieved mastery over languages, especially in the Indian subcontinent. It became a surname to those people whose ancestors had received this title and some of whom also served as ministers and administrators in the kingdoms of various royalty and are regarded as nobility. In modern Persian, this word is also used to address administrators, head of departments.

Use by British
Administrators, head of departments, accountants, and secretaries hired by the government in British India were known as Munshies. The family name Munshi was adopted by families in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) whose ancestors were honoured with this title and were responsible for administering various offices etc. and these families (selective) were and are regarded as nobility. Abdul Karim, known as "the Munshi", was a highly valued and respected Indian attendant of Queen Victoria.

Kashmiri Surname
Munshi is used as a last name by Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims native to the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It was a title given to the Kashmiri Pandits for their mastery over the Persian language.

Bengali Surname
The surname "Munshi" (Bengali: মুন্সি) is commonly used by Bengalis in both East Bengal (now Bangladesh) and West Bengal, India. It originates from families who were historically appointed as Munshis or had inherited the title as an honorary distinction from their ancestors.