baradari
|ba-ra-da-ri|
🇺🇸
/bə.rəˈdɑː.ri/
🇬🇧
/bɪ.rəˈdɑː.ri/
kin-based brotherhood / clan ties
Etymology
'baradari' originates from Persian/Urdu, specifically from Persian 'barādar' meaning 'brother' with the suffix '-ī' forming a noun indicating relationship or quality.
'baradari' came into Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu) from Persian 'barādar' + suffix '-ī' to mean 'brotherhood' or 'kin-group,' and was later borrowed into English usage to describe the same social phenomenon.
Initially, it referred primarily to the literal relationship of brothers ('brotherhood'), but over time it expanded to mean a broader kinship-based community or clan and, in political contexts, the patronage/favouritism that arises from those ties.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
brotherhood or fraternal solidarity; the sense of close kinship and mutual support among brothers or community members.
In many villages, baradari plays a strong role in arranging marriages.
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Noun 2
a kinship-based social group or community (clan, caste or lineage group)—a collective defined by common descent or origin.
Candidates often rely on support from their baradari during local elections.
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Noun 3
favoritism or patronage based on kinship ties—preferential treatment given to members of one's own baradari (used often in political or social contexts).
Critics argue that baradari can encourage nepotism in local administration.
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Last updated: 2026/01/13 13:37