A chief of police or high-ranking government official in India and other South Asian countries, particularly during colonial times.
From Hindi and Urdu 'daroga,' ultimately derived from Persian 'dārogah,' combining 'dār' (holder/keeper) and 'ogah' (office/place). The term entered English through British colonial administration in India.
During the British Raj, the daroga was the crucial link between British colonial authority and Indian communities—a position that often made them targets of resentment from both sides as they navigated impossible politics.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.