Pradhan

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Pradhan is a high, generally ministerial title of Sanskrit origin in cultures of Hindu tradition, mainly in and around the Indian subcontinent. Pradhan literally means "Greatest leader of all". The precise meaning(s) can differ significantly per state, and in many cases the style has been abandoned, as in many Indian princely states (mainly since the Mughal era, often in favour of Muslim styles such as Diwan or Wasir). Meanings given in the Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary include 'chief' and 'leader'.

[edit] India

in Rajasthan:

in Udaipur(Mewar)

In Orissa:

In Maharashtra:

In Satara, the term Ashta Pradhan "council of eight", chaired by the Peshwa, designated the ministerial cabinet at the head of affairs of the Raja's princely state.

In West Bengal:

[edit] Nepal

Pradhan Mantri: Prime Minister (Mantri is the root of Mandarin).
Pradhan Senadhipati: Chief of Staff (Senadhipati refers to an old Sanskrit style for military, also used in Nepal for Commander in Chief).
Pradhan Senapati: "Grand General", also translated as Chief of Staff.