Sardar,also spelled asSardaar(Persian:سردار,Persian pronunciation:[særˈdɑr],'commander', literally 'headmaster'), is a title ofroyaltyandnobilitythat was originally used to denoteprinces,noblemen,chiefs,kingsand otheraristocrats.It has also been used to denote a chief or leader of a tribe or group. It is used as a Persian synonym of the titleEmirof Arabic origin.
Amongst Sikhs, the term began to be adopted due to Afghan influence in the mid-18th century to signify a leader of aJathaorMisland gradually replaced other prior used terms for these positions, such as 'Jathedar' and 'Misldar'.[3]The termsardarwas used bySikhleaders and generals who held important positions in variousSikh Misls.The title is still commonly used by Sikhs today. Though historically signifying one's military rank or membership of a locally important family, in the contemporary period the title is used widely in India and neighbouring countries for any respected Sikh male.Sardarwas also used to refer to generals of theMaratha Empire.After the decline offeudalism,sardarlater indicated aHead of State,aCommander-in-chief,and an armymilitary rank.As a military rank, asardartypically marked theCommander-in-Chiefor the highest-rankingmilitary officerin an army, akin to the modernField Marshal,General of the ArmyorChief of Army.The more administrative titleSirdar-Bahadurdenoted aGovernor-GeneralorChief Ministerof a remote province, akin to a BritishViceroy.
InHimalayanmountaineering,asirdaris a local leader of theSherpas.[4]Among other duties, he records the heights reached by each Sherpa, which factors into their compensation.
Portrait of aSikhsirdar,ca.1820InBaluchistan,the titleSardarmarked the chief of his tribe.
In theRoyal Afghan Kingdom,the originalNishan-i-Sardari(Order of the Leader), founded byKing Amanullahin 1923, was bestowed for exceptional service to the Crown by the Afghan monarch. Recipients enjoyed the titles ofSardar-i-AlaorSardar-i-Alibefore their names and also received grants of land. The original Order was disbanded in 1929, and was later revived byKing Muhammad Zahir Shah.
InOttoman Turkey,Serdar was a rank inBosnia EyaletwithHerzegovina Eyalet,laterBosnia Vilayet,encompassing entireBosnia and Herzegovina,and parts ofMontenegroandSerbia,as well as in other parts Ottoman Montenegro, Serbia, and other lands. Serdar was also used in thePrincipality of Montenegroand thePrincipality of Serbiaas an honorary "title" below that ofVojvoda.For example,Janko Vukotićwho was a military leader and former prime minister of Montenegro with title ofSerdar.However, these were not noble titles as there was no nobility in Serbia and Montenegro and no hereditary titles apart from those borne by members of the reigning families of both countries.
InPunjab,village chiefs, military commanders, and noble personalities were referred to as Sardars. The title is commonly used by both Muslims and Sikhs.
The earlyfeudalMaratha Empireprior toPeshwaadministration (1674–1749) used the titleSardarto identify an imperial courtministerwith military and diplomatic functions. If granted land (jagir), the titleSardaralso marked afeudal superiorresponsible for administration, defense and ta xing of the granted territory (equivalent to the European titleCount,from the Frenchcomtemeaning the "companion" or delegate to theEmperorthat administered acounty). TheseSardarsof the earlyMaratha Empirewerelife peers;the title was not hereditary.
In theHazara Divisionof Pakistan, the wordSardaris used by theKarlaltribe, traditionally, to stress their upper-caste status.
In the small district ofSudhanoti,Kashmir,Sardaris used by the hybridSudhantribe. Also, Poonch families in this region useSardarat the beginning of their names.
SimilarlySardaris used byKhattartribe noble men, native to the districts ofAttockand adjacent areas ofRawalpindi.
Sardarwas used for important political, tribal, military and religious officers rankings by theSikhsduring the period of MaharajaRanjit Singh.
Vallabhbhai Patel,the first Deputy Prime Minister of India was referred to as Sardar Patel; he is also now known as the "Iron Man of India".
Sadr-e-Riyasatwas the title of one ConstitutionalHead of Stateof the princely state ofKashmir,Yuvaraj Shri Karan Singhji Bahadur, who was appointed as Heir Apparent in 1931. After his father had acceded to India, ending the sovereign Monarchy, Regent in 1949 to 1956.Sardar-i-Riyasat1956 to 1965 (succeeded on the death of his father as Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, 1961, no longer carrying any hereditary power), next Governor of the Indian constitutive State ofJammu and Kashmir1965 to 1967.
Saparmurat Niyazov,the authoritarian ruler ofTurkmenistanin 1990–2006, carried a few glorifying titles, one of which wasSerdar( “Leader” ).[6]
Sardar Sulakhan Singh Puarof Sikh Empire had the title of Sardar. Among Sikhs, Sardar is the title used by Sikh nobles, Military leaders & village chiefs.
During the time ofMaharaja Ranjit Singh,the term Sardar became even more common as a title given to Sikh men. Although it was officially reserved to address a high-ranking official or a commanding chief such as a general or officer.[11]
The termSardaris today used to refer to adult male followers of the religion ofSikhism,as a disproportionate number of Sikhs have honorably served in many high-ranking positions within theIndian Army.Notable examples include GeneralsJoginder Jaswant SinghandHarbaksh Singh.
InHimalayanmountaineering,aSirdaris the local leader of theSherpasand porters.[12]Among other duties, he records the heights reached by individual Sherpas, which dictates the amounts the Sherpas will be paid.
The titleSardarwas granted to various writers and poets during Rana rule in Nepal
"Siridar" is a title of planetary rulers in Frank Herbert'sDune.ThePadishah Emperor's elite troops are also called theSardaukar.
Sardar is now used for leaders of a tribe in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India. Many communities and tribes in indian subcontinent, especially inPunjabandKashmir,use this title, includingDogar,Jat,Gujjar,Tanoli,MughalandSikh.
^Cummings, Sally N. (2010).Symbolism and Power in Central Asia: Politics of the Spectacular.Milton, United Kingdom: Routledge. pp. 91–92.ISBN978-0415575676.
^Heredia, Rudolf C.; Ratnagar, Shereen (2003).Mobile, and Marginalized Peoples: Perspectives from the Past.New Delhi, India: Manohar Publications. pp. 160: Raja Vikramajit, Shahjahan's governor of Gujarat, had to conduct an expedition in 1622 against some Kolis north of Ahmedabad who had... The Bahmanis conferred the rank of Sardar on Koli chiefs who held charge of hill tracts.ISBN978-81-7304-497-7.
