Darogas (also spelleddarogha ordaroghah) were police officials in theMughal Empire and theBritish Raj.[1] In the Mughal Empire, a daroga was superintendent of the "slaves" of a Mughal monarch.[2]
The darogas served in the armies ofKachhwahas and Mughals; and in accordance with the duties performed by them, the darogas were given various titles likedaroga-i-sutarkhana,daroga-i-topkhana, anddaroga-i-baroodkhana.[3]
Daroghas answered to districtmagistrates 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 powerfullocal authorities.[4] In some cases, they were in charge of factories.[5] The darogas also had command over the police in rural areas.[6]
The women assigned to the administration of the imperialzenana 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 EmpressNur 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]
...Daroga or Superintendent of the Emperor's slaves...
The camel corps and camel gun was a very useful war innovation in the deserts of Rajasthan in general and Jaipur in particular. The camel corps was looked after by a separate department known asSutar-Khana. Thedaroga-i-sutarkhana headed this department under the direct control of the Statebakhshi and assisted by amushrif, who maintained the records of expenditure and managed the other requirements of the corps. [..] This department used to cast cannon and was headed by a daroga. The Kachhwaha rulers and their artillery always remained in contact with the Mughal army. Therefore, their influence was natural. That is why the posts and designations in Kachhwaha artillery were similar to those of the Mughals. The department was headed by thedaroga-i-topkhana who was assisted by theamir, mushrif, potedar, topchi, golandaj, musketeers, barkandaj and blacksmith. These officers were also attached to the department of ordnance which was known asMahakma Atish andBaroodkhana. It was the duty of thedaroga-i-baroodkhana to arrange necessary materials like lead, flax bags, salt-petre, glass andpalitas for the manufacturing of gunpowder in the state. The Kachhwaha rulers used to give salary in cash to their topchi. The local soldiers were offered land; most of the musketeers were foreigners. But the officers' class was more among them. The British also succeeded in getting jobs in the Kachhwaha artillery with the rising influence of the British over Rajputana and came to be known asFirangis. The cannon which were used by the army can be classified as heavy and light artillery.
The rural police were subject to the orders of the Daroga...
They would be Darogas (also called Ravana Rajputs), who constitute an endogamous caste of palace servants.
More derogatory terms includedgola (fem.goli) anddaroga (fem.darogi), each suggesting descent from the illegitimate union of Rajputs and their "inferiors".
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