'abkari' originates from the Hindi word 'अबकारी' (abkārī), which is derived from the Persian word 'آبکار' (ābkār), where 'آب' (āb) meant 'water' and 'کار' (kār) meant 'work' or 'business'.

'अबकारी' (abkārī) was adopted into English during the British colonial period in India, retaining its original meaning related to the alcohol trade.

Initially, it meant 'water business' in Persian, but over time it evolved into its current meaning related to the alcohol trade in India.