raj

[ rahj ]

noun

, (often initial capital letter)

1. (in India) rule, especially the British rule prior to 1947.

Raj

¹

/ rɑːdʒ /

noun

1. the Raj
   the British government in India before 1947

raj

²

/ rɑːdʒ /

noun

1. (in India) government; rule

Word History and Origins

Origin of raj¹

1790–1800; < Hindi rāj < Pali, Prakrit rajja < Sanskrit rājya kingdom, rule

Word History and Origins

Origin of raj¹

C19: from Hindi, from Sanskrit rājya , from rājati he rules

Example Sentences

She likes jubilant dresses with more layers than a Napoleon, coats embroidered for a raj and jewelry that sparkles like gold bullion.

From Washington Post

Theaters, dance halls, cafes, racecourses and other businesses came along to keep the upholders of the raj entertained.

From Washington Post

For now, India’s current rulers, its native-born billionaire raj, look set to maintain their reign.

From Washington Post

They are his reportage, in which he relates his encounters with several of the men who are emblematic of the billionaire raj.

From Wall Street Journal

Licences for new banks are no longer rationed in the manner of the “licence raj”; they are instead awarded to all those who show they are fit and proper.

From Economist