Munshi

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Munshi was the Urdu name of a writer or secretary, used in British India of the native language teachers or secretaries employed by Europeans.^[1]

Since in British India Munshies were hired as clerks in the government, the word Munshi also became the name of profession. The Munshies worked as accountants and secretary as well. The family name Munshi belongs to people whose families were in the profession of Munshi and hence were respected as literate people.

Today Munshi is also a degree in South Asia, that is given after passing a certain course for example basic reading, writing, and maths. The advanced degree was Munshi Fazil or Munshi Fadhil. Munshi is also a title that a graduate of Munshi course is allowed to attach to his name.

[edit] Etymology

Munshi is a Persian word and it was given as an honorary title to a person who has achieved a mastery over languages, especially in British India. It became a surname to those people whose ancestors had received this title. This word is also used to address clerks, so they also use it as their surname.