Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal court or reception held by an Indian prince or a British colonial official in India: A "durbar" specifically refers to the ceremonial gathering or audience chamber where such formal meetings and receptions took place.
   • The hall or room in an Indian ruler's palace used for such formal assemblies: The term also denotes the physical space, typically an ornate room or hall, designated for holding these official court ceremonies.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Maharaja held a grand durbar to receive the British envoy. (The Indian prince hosted a large formal reception for the British diplomat.)
  • The ambassadors were led into the magnificent durbar for the ceremony. (The diplomats were escorted into the splendid audience hall for the official event.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term is strongly associated with the British colonial period in India. The most famous were the Delhi Durbars of 1877, 1903, and 1911, grand ceremonies held to proclaim British monarchs as Emperors/Empresses of India.
  • The 1911 Delhi Durbar was an immense spectacle of imperial power.
• Figurative Use: In modern contexts, it can be used metaphorically to describe any elaborate, formal gathering or display of power, though this is rare.
  • The CEO's annual meeting felt like a corporate durbar.

Variants and Related Words

• Court (n): A formal assembly held by a sovereign or high official. (More general term)
• Levee (n): A formal reception of visitors or guests. (Historically used in European and American contexts)
• Audience chamber (n): A room where formal receptions and audiences are held.

Synonyms

• Reception: A formal social occasion to welcome someone.
• Audience: A formal interview with a person of high rank.
• Court gathering: An assembly at a royal court.

Related Phrases

• To hold a durbar: To convene or host such a formal court reception.
  • The new governor announced he would hold a durbar to meet local leaders.

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that feature the word "durbar" due to its specific historical and cultural context.)

Noun

1. the room in the palace of a native prince of India in which audiences and receptions occur