Servants from the times of Indian royal families
The royal courts of India thrived with the support of a vast network of servants. These individuals played essential roles in maintaining the palace, assisting the royal family, and ensuring that daily operations ran smoothly. Coming from diverse backgrounds, they handled everything from basic household chores to highly specialized tasks that demanded expertise and precision. Below is a detailed overview of the various types of servants found in Indian royal households:
1. Majordomo (Kotwal)
The Majordomo, or Kotwal, managed the royal household with authority and precision. They supervised the entire staff, fulfilled the royal family’s needs, and maintained order within the palace. Moreover, they often acted as liaisons between the royal family and court officials, earning their position through trust and responsibility.
Image: A senior Majordomo in a traditional regal outfit, holding a baton, oversees servants attending to the royal family.
2. Nayab (Attendant)
Nayabs personally assisted individual members of the royal family. They helped with dressing, served meals, and supported them in daily routines. Their close proximity to the royals made them indispensable.
Image: A servant in a rich, traditional uniform helping the queen dress or holding her jewelry box while she sits on a royal chair.
3. Chobdar (Doorkeeper)
Chobdars served as vigilant doorkeepers. They guarded palace entrances, ensured only authorized visitors entered, and stood with ceremonial staffs (chobs) during royal events. Their presence was both functional and symbolic.
Image: A Chobdar stands at the grand palace entrance, holding a ceremonial staff as guests arrive.
4. Mahout
Mahouts took charge of the royal elephants. They groomed, fed, and trained these majestic animals, which frequently participated in royal processions. Furthermore, they adorned the elephants with decorative cloth and ornaments for such occasions.
Image: A royal mahout in traditional attire guides a richly adorned elephant during a procession, surrounded by courtiers.
5. Khidmatgar (Servant)
Khidmatgars performed general duties within the palace. They cleaned rooms, assisted in the kitchen, and ensured the cleanliness of all royal chambers. Their constant efforts kept the household running efficiently.
Image: A Khidmatgar works in the royal kitchen, serving food to the royal family on ornate plates or cleaning the palace floors.
6. Bawarchi (Royal Chef)
The Bawarchi, or royal chef, created extravagant feasts for the royal family. They often worked with exotic ingredients and developed culinary masterpieces. In some cases, their fame spread beyond palace walls due to their remarkable skills.
Image: A Bawarchi stirs large pots in the royal kitchen while preparing lavish dishes, with assistants helping to plate the meals.
7. Sewak (Palace Guard)
Sewaks served as the palace’s defenders. Trained in combat, they guarded entrances and remained alert during royal movements and ceremonies. Their loyalty and vigilance were critical to palace security.
Image: A Sewak in uniform stands guard near the palace gates, holding a traditional sword or spear.
8. Chandni (Royal Nursemaid)
Chandnis cared for the royal children. They managed the young royals’ daily routines, ensured their comfort, and often formed strong emotional bonds with them. Their nurturing presence played a vital role in the upbringing of princes and princesses.
Image: A Chandni cradles a young prince or princess while walking through an opulent palace hallway.
9. Rangrez (Dyer)
Rangrezes dyed the fabrics for royal wardrobes. They used fine materials such as silk and cotton, and created distinctive, vibrant colors favored by the royal family. Their craftsmanship gave life to royal garments.
Image: A Rangrez works with vats of colorful dye, carefully dipping silks in a palace workshop.
10. Zamindar’s Servant (Agricultural Staff)
These servants worked on royal agricultural estates under the supervision of the Zamindar or noble. They cultivated crops essential for palace kitchens and royal events. Their labor supported the court’s food supply and economic stability.
Image: Agricultural staff tend to lush fields in the royal gardens as a noble oversees the work.
