Definition

1. Noun:
   • A governor in India during the Mughal Empire: A "nawab" was a regional governor or viceroy, often a Muslim nobleman, who ruled a province or state under the authority of the Mughal emperor.
   • A Muslim nobleman or person of high status in South Asia: The title "nawab" also came to denote a person of great wealth and prominence, especially one who lived in a grand style.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The nawab of Bengal was a powerful figure in the 18th century.
  • The old palace was once the residence of a wealthy nawab.

Advanced Usage

• "Nawab" as a hereditary title: In later periods, the title became hereditary for rulers of certain princely states, even after the decline of the Mughal Empire.
  • The family of the nawab of Awadh was known for its patronage of the arts.

Variants and Related Words

• Nabob (noun): A historical variant of "nawab"; in European usage, it often came to mean a European who returned from India with great wealth.
  • The retired merchant was a nabob, having made his fortune in the East.

Synonyms

• Viceroy: A ruler exercising authority on behalf of a sovereign.
• Governor: A person appointed to govern a region.
• Aristocrat: A member of the nobility.

Related Idioms

• Live like a nawab: To live in a very luxurious and opulent manner.
  • After his business succeeded, he began to live like a nawab.

Noun

1. a governor in India during the Mogul empire