The word "sirdar" spelled as /ˈsɜːrdɑːr/ is a title given to an officer in the British Army or a chief or leader in Middle Eastern cultures. The word originated from the Persian language, where it means "chief." The pronunciation of the word is shown with the IPA phonetic transcription, where the symbol /ˈ/ indicates stress on the first syllable. The letter "r" in the spelling of the word is pronounced with a British English pronunciation, where it is pronounced as /ɑː/.
A sirdar, most commonly referred to in the context of Central Asia, is an official or commander in charge of a military unit or a group of workers engaged in labor-intensive tasks such as construction or excavation. The term originated from the Persian and Urdu language, and it is widely used in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
In military contexts, a sirdar holds a prominent position of authority, often acting as a general or head of a specific army division. It implies leadership qualities and a high level of expertise in military strategies and tactics. The sirdar is responsible for overseeing the operations of the unit, ensuring discipline and training, and making decisions regarding the deployment of troops. This position is crucial for coordinating and managing military activities effectively, especially during times of conflict or war.
Conversely, a sirdar can also be an overseer or superintendent in charge of a group of laborers, particularly in construction projects, road-building, mining, or other major infrastructure projects. The sirdar's role involves supervising and coordinating the labor force, assigning daily tasks, and ensuring the efficient progress of the project. They possess technical knowledge, organizational skills, and leadership qualities necessary for managing a large workforce engaged in physically demanding or specialized tasks.
Overall, a sirdar is an esteemed and authoritative figure, either in military or labor-related contexts, responsible for leading and directing the activities of a group under their command.
In Hindostan, a native chief or headman.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sirdar" comes from the Persian term "sardar", which means "leader" or "general". It was traditionally used to refer to a military commander or a tribal chief in Central Asia and the Middle East. The term was adopted into English during the British colonial era and became particularly associated with the British army in India and Egypt, where "sirdar" referred to a British officer commanding native troops. Over time, the word's usage expanded to include other leadership positions in various contexts.