raja
UK[ˈrɑːdʒə]US[ˈrɑːdʒə]
n
a king or prince in India, or a male ruler of some Southeast Asian countries
Etymology
The word 'raja' entered English in the late 16th century as a direct borrowing from Hindi 'rājā', which itself descends from the ancient Sanskrit 'rājan', meaning 'king' or 'prince'. The Sanskrit term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root 'h₃rḗǵ-', which meant 'to straighten, to direct, to rule', a concept central to leadership and kingship. This etymological journey illustrates the transmission of a core political and social title from the ancient Indo-European world, through classical Indian civilization, and into the global English lexicon to specifically denote a ruler in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. It originates from the Sanskrit word 'rājan' (king, prince), which passed through Hindi and other Indian languages into English.
Examples
The raja built a magnificent palace overlooking the river.
The territory was governed by a powerful raja for decades.
In the historical text, the raja is depicted as a just and wise leader.