Pronunciation: [zɛnˈɑːnə] (IPA) 
The word "Zenana" is spelled with a /z/ sound at the beginning followed by an "e" sound pronounced as /ɛ/. The letter "n" carries a /n/ sound and the following "a" carries a short /æ/ vowel sound. The second "n" is pronounced as a nasal consonant /n/. Finally, the last "a" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/. In Indian culture, Zenana refers to the female quarters within a household where the women stay segregated from men.
A Zenana, originally derived from the Persian word "zanana," refers to a particular section or area within a traditional Indian household designated for females, particularly women and girls. It is typically an exclusive and secluded space within the residential complex, often behind walls or screens, designed to maintain the privacy and seclusion of women from the outside world.
Historically, the Zenana served as a haven for women to carry out their daily activities, such as pursuing education, recreational pursuits, attending to personal matters and interacting among themselves without the presence of men unrelated to them. The concept of a Zenana was prevalent in the Mughal era and other parts of the Indian subcontinent, reflecting cultural norms, societal customs, and practices prevalent during those times.
The Zenana played a crucial role in preserving the modesty and dignity of women by providing them with an environment free from potential intrusions, where they could exist within their own social-cultural sphere. This area often included separate living quarters, kitchens, bathing areas, and gardens created exclusively for the women's comfort and convenience. In many cases, trusted female attendants and servants were assigned to cater to their needs within this domain.
With the progression of time and societal changes, the term "Zenana" has evolved and is now also used metaphorically to describe a place of confinement or seclusion, where individuals may feel isolated or restricted in their movements or opportunities for personal growth.
The apartments in Eastern houses set apart for the use of the women in a family.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Zenana" is derived from the Persian word "zanāna", which means "woman" or "woman's quarters". In Persian, "zanāna" is a compound of "zan" (woman) and "-āna" (suffix indicating a place or collection). The term was adopted into various Indian languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali, where it refers to the secluded living quarters of women in traditional households or palaces.
