Daroga

Darogas (also spelled darogha or daroghah) were police officials in the Mughal Empire and the British Raj.^[1] In the Mughal Empire, a daroga was superintendent of the "slaves" of a Mughal monarch.^[2]

Duties

The darogas served in the armies of Kachhwahas and Mughals; and in accordance with the duties performed by them, the darogas were given various titles like daroga-i-sutarkhana, daroga-i-topkhana, and daroga-i-baroodkhana.^[3]

Daroghas answered to district magistrates who were in charge of areas at least 100 square miles (26,000 ha; 64,000 acres); because the magistrates were responsible for such a large area, the daroghas were normally the most powerful local authorities.^[4] In some cases, they were in charge of factories.^[5] The darogas also had command over the police in rural areas.^[6]

Female daroga

The women assigned to the administration of the imperial zenana were also given the title of darogha. The position was appointed by the emperor himself, and marked a great honor for the woman and her family.^[7] Consequently, the women given these posts were chosen because they were well brought up, educated and from respectable families.^[8] Asmat Banu Begam, the mother of Empress Nur Jahan, had at one time acted in this role.^[9] Female daroghas were tasked with maintaining court etiquette and keeping the peace within the zenana.^[10]