Begum (also begüm, bagum, begom, begam, baigum or beygum) is an honorific title from Central and South Asia, often used by leading women in society, including royals, aristocrats, first ladies and prime ministers.[1] It is the feminine equivalent of the title baig or bey, which in Turkic languages means "higher official". It usually refers to the wife or daughter of a beg.[2] The related form begzada (daughter of a beg) also occurs.[3]
In the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Delhi, Hyderabad, Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Bengal, begum has been adapted for use as an honorific for Muslim women of high social status, accomplishment, or rank, as in English language the title "Lady" or "Dame" is used.
- ^ Hemenway, Stephen Ignatius (1975). The Novel of India: The Anglo-Indian novel. Writers Workshop. p. 107.
Begum (Hindi), Moslem princess or lady of high rank.
- ^ Yılmaz Öztuna (1996). Devletler ve Handeanlar. Vol. 1. Ankara: Ministry of Culture. p. 944.
- ^ Moazzambaig, Begzadi or Begzada[permanent dead link]. Digg.com: Social News. Retrieved July 8, 2011.