Dasturi

Dasturi is a term used in Persian, Urdu, and related languages to denote customary practice, protocol, or a system of rules established by tradition rather than by formal statute. The word can function as a noun or an adjective, and it is often applied to the set of practices and procedures that govern behavior in social, administrative, or organizational contexts. In law and governance, dasturi is commonly understood as customary or traditional law, distinct from written or statutory codes. This distinction reflects a broader Persianate concept in which community norms and accepted procedures guide conduct alongside formal legislation.

Etymology: Dasturi derives from the Persian dastur, meaning rule, law, or code. Through Urdu and Hindi, the term entered South Asian administrative and cultural vocabulary, where it retains connotations of tradition and protocol.

Usage and contexts: In everyday speech, dasturi can refer to customary rules that persist within a community, profession, or institution—such as the expected procedures for meetings, ceremonies, or decision-making. In historical or legal discussions, it may contrast with formal statutory law to describe practices recognized by custom rather than by statute.

Limitations: Since the term spans several languages and periods, its exact meaning can vary by region and era. It is less a precise technical term than a broad descriptor for traditional procedures, etiquette, and customary law within the Persianate world.

See also: Customary law, Protocol, Etiquette, Persian language, South Asian legal history.