Nawab: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

A Nawab (also spelled Nabob) is the traditional title given to the Muslim ruler of one of the princely states in India, especially the states of Rampur, Tonk, Jaora, Baoni, Junagadh, Bagnanapalle, Kurwai, Pataudi, Cambay, Sachin, Bahawalpur, Palanpur (Pakistan) and Bhopal.

It is also the title of senior Muslim nobles in Hyderabad and Berar State. The female equivalent is Begum; the crown prince title is Nawabzada or Walihad.

Most of the Nawabs were males, although the Begums of Bhopal were an exception. Before the incorporation of India into the British Empire, Nawabs ruled the kingdoms of Avadh, Arcot, Bengal and Bhopal.

In colloquial usage in English, the term "nabob" is sometimes used to refer to a merchant leader of high social status and wealth, or a capitalist.