The word "dewans" is often misspelled as "divans" due to its origin in Persian language. The correct pronunciation is [di-wahns] as per the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It refers to a long seat or mattress with a low backrest, commonly used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures. The spelling confusion arises from the substitution of 'e' with 'i' while transliterating from Persian script. It is important to use proper spelling to effectively communicate and avoid misunderstandings.
Dewans, also spelled diwans, refer to various administrative and legal positions in different historical contexts. The term has its origin in the Persian language, which means a register or notebook. Over time, the meaning expanded to include officials who held important administrative and judicial roles in various parts of the world, especially in South Asia and the Middle East.
In South Asia, during the Mughal Empire and later the British Raj, dewans were high-ranking officers responsible for revenue and finance administration. They played a crucial role in the collection of taxes, land revenue, and management of state finances. The dewan was often a trusted advisor to the ruling monarch or a high-ranking British official.
In the Middle East, particularly during the Ottoman Empire, dewans were courts or councils responsible for handling legal and administrative matters. They had jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, property disputes, and tax collection. The highest-ranking official within the dewan was the Grand Vizier, who served as the prime minister and chief advisor to the sultan.
Overall, dewans were influential figures in the administrative and judicial systems of various historical periods and regions. They held significant power and authority to manage finances, administer justice, and provide advice to rulers. The term "dewans" thus encompasses a diverse range of administrative positions depending on the specific era and geographical context.
The word "dewans" has its origin in the Arabic language. The term "dewan" (also spelled diwan) comes from the Persian word "devan", which means "book of accounts" or "government treasury". It later entered Arabic, where it gained the meaning of "council" or "administration". In various contexts, "dewans" can refer to a council or assembly of officials, a government department, or a book or collection of poems or literary works.