Jemidar is a word of Indian origin that is often spelled as "jamadar" or "jemadar." The correct pronunciation of the word is /dʒɪˈmɑːdə(r)/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word can be traced back to the British colonial times when Indian soldiers were divided into various ranks. A Jemidar was a senior native officer who commanded a group of Indian soldiers. The word has now fallen out of use and is mainly used in historical contexts.
Jemidar is a noun that refers to a military rank or title used in the British Indian Army and the colonial Indian police forces during the British rule in India. It originated from the Persian word "jamadar," which means "leader" or "captain."
The term specifically denotes an Indian officer holding the rank of a commissioned officer between that of Subedar and Captain. Jemidars were typically in charge of a small contingent of Indian soldiers or police personnel, acting as a junior officer. They held a position of authority and responsibility within their respective units, often having duties such as leading troops in combat, maintaining discipline, and assisting higher-ranked officers in conducting operations.
In addition to their military role, jemidars carried out administrative tasks as well, including payroll management, providing intelligence reports, and coordinating logistics. They acted as a crucial link between the British officers and Indian soldiers, ensuring effective communication and understanding of military strategies and commands.
While the rank of jemidar was primarily used in the British Indian Army, the term could also refer to an officer of similar rank within the colonial Indian police forces. Jemidars were respected for their leadership skills and invaluable contribution to the functioning of the military and police apparatus during the British rule in India.
A native officer in the Indian army having rank as a lieutenant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Jemidar" is derived from the Persian word "jamadar" (جمادار), which means "commander" or "leader". It was historically used in various parts of the Indian subcontinent and later adopted by the British colonial administration. The term became particularly associated with the British Indian Army, where it referred to a junior commissioned officer, usually equivalent to a lieutenant.