The word "darbari" is spelled as dɑːrbəri, according to the IPA phonetic transcription. It is a Hindi word that refers to someone who works in a royal court. The spelling of "darbari" can be confusing because the "d" is pronounced as a soft "d" sound, and the "r" is pronounced with a flapped tongue, sounding like a blend of "d" and "r." The stress is on the second syllable, which is why the first "a" is a long vowel sound, while the second "a" is short.
Darbari is a term primarily used in South Asian cultures, particularly in India, to describe a person belonging to the royal court or a person of royal descent. The word "darbar" itself refers to the court or audience chamber of a royal ruler, where important meetings, assemblies, and social gatherings take place. In this context, a darbari is someone connected to the court and is often seen as having noble status or high standing in society.
More broadly, darbari can also be used to describe someone who is associated with power, authority, or privilege, even if not directly linked to a royal court. A darbari is typically perceived as someone who enjoys special privileges or has access to influential circles due to their familial ties, association, or social connections.
On a cultural level, darbari has also become synonymous with a particular style of classical music known as "Darbari Kanada." Darbari Kanada is a melodic scale or raga that is often associated with sentiments of devotion, nobility, and grandeur. It is considered one of the most profound and emotive ragas, evoking a sense of grandeur, depth, and solemnity.
Overall, darbari encompasses the idea of someone belonging to or connected with a royal court, conveying notions of high status, privilege, and influence in society.
The word "darbari" originates from the Persian language. It is derived from the Persian word "darbar", which translates to "royal court" or "king's court". In Persian, "dar" means "door" and "bar" means "to keep" or "to maintain". In historical contexts, "darbar" referred to the majestic court of kings, where they held audiences, conducted political affairs, and received visitors of high status. "Darbari" came to be used to describe individuals who were connected to or associated with the royal court. The term is commonly used in South Asia to refer to someone who has a close association with the ruling authorities or is a member of the privileged class. Additionally, "darbari" can also describe a style of classical Indian music that was performed exclusively for the royal courts.