What does chowkidar mean?
A chowkidar is a watchman or guard, particularly one who patrols a village, house, market, or compound. In India, the word also commonly refers to a police constable or another low-ranking uniformed official, so its meaning can depend on context. The term is especially associated with South Asia and is frequently encountered in writing about India, Pakistan, and the British Raj. Historically, a chowkidar was often a local guard responsible for watching a settlement or property and reporting disturbances. The word entered English from Hindi, with a form ultimately related to Persian chāw-gīr, meaning a watchman or guard. Although it is not as common in general international English as watchman, guard, or police officer, chowkidar is useful because it preserves a distinctive South Asian social and historical setting. In informal modern usage, the term may sound old-fashioned, but in historical contexts it can be precise where a generic translation would lose nuance.
nounA chowkidar is a watchman or guard, especially one employed to patrol a village, building, or other property. In South Asian English, the term can also refer to a police constable or a similar uniformed official.
- A watchman or guard who patrols or watches a place, especially in South Asia.
- In Indian police usage, a constable or low-ranking uniformed police official.
"The chowkidar checked the gate and reported that the compound was secure."
"A chowkidar guarded the entrance to the old market until midnight."
"During the British Raj, a chowkidar might patrol a village while also assisting the police."
The standard plural is chowkidars.
"The chowkidars took turns watching the entrance."
It began as a village watchman and ended up in the police station—a career arc that turns one word into a small history of South Asia.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does chowkidar come from?
The English word is borrowed from Hindi चौकीदार (chauqidār), a form associated with Persian chāw-gīr, meaning a watchman or guard. In South Asian usage, the word developed from the local watchman or village guard into a term that could also denote a police constable, especially in northern India. It was widely used in English during the period of British colonial rule in South Asia.
How chowkidar is actually used
The word is chiefly used in South Asia and in English texts about India or Pakistan. In older British colonial usage, it commonly described a local watchman; in modern Indian usage, it can be applied within the police context. Outside South Asia, it may sound regional, archaic, or historically marked.
Easily confused with chowkidar
Chaukidar is an alternative spelling of chowkidar and does not denote a different role or meaning.