'bandobust' originates from Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu), specifically the word 'bandobast' (बन्दोबस्त / بندوبست), where 'band' and 'bast' are elements from Persian meaning 'to bind' / 'fastening' (i.e., an arranged or bound state).

'bandobust' entered English as a loanword from Hindustani 'bandobast', which itself comes from Persian elements; the term was used in Indian English and British colonial administration to mean an arrangement or provision and later adopted more broadly in some English varieties.

Initially it referred to a binding or fastening (literal sense from Persian roots), then came to mean an arranged settlement or provisioning, and in modern English usage it generally means arrangements, preparations, or security measures.