Old Professions, New Names
Iqbal Hashmi
C-level industry professional with comprehensive management, teaching, training, and consultancy experience
With the passage of time, professions not only change their level of complexity and relative importance but also their inherent nature and traditional identity. Many professions were named differently centuries ago and now they are not only perceived differently but also carry different titles as well. This not only happens because of technological advancements making certain profession structured or even redundant but also because of cultural changes taking place in the society. When a country is invaded and ruled by people with different cultural, social and religious background then the change pattern may be more abrupt and hence more visible. Here are some examples of names of different professions in Mughal era and what they are called today:
1. Dewan - Accountant/Minister
2. Munim - Officer
3. Khan e Saman - Supply Chain Head in army
4. Jamadar - Officer in army
5. Bhattiara - Restaurant Manager
6. Amir ul Bahar - Admiral
7. Bhand - Artist/Entertainer
8. Mirasi - Singer
9. Mistri - Engineer
10. Bawarchee - Chef
11. Darzee - Fashion Designer
12. Bania/Tajir - Business man/MBA
13. Hajjam/Khalifa - Hair Dresser
14. Lohar - Mechanical Engineer
15. Maimar - Civil Engineer
16. Nai - Now doctors perform circumcisions
17. Tarkhan/Burhai - Carpenter
18- Chamar - Tannery Engineer
19. Maimar - Architect
20. Pehalwan - Orthopedic Surgeon
21. Munshee - Secretary
22. Punj Hazari - Brigadier
When British came in sub-continent, they used Jamadar, Khalifa, Khan-e-Saman etc. in different meanings to downgrade elegant Muslim traditions.