Naib

Naib is a title and term used in several Muslim-majority and Persianate contexts, derived from the Arabic نائب (na’ib), meaning deputy, substitute, or representative. In many languages of the region, including Urdu, Persian, and Turkish, Naib functions as a designation for a second-in-command or an official acting on behalf of a higher authority.

Historically, in the Mughal Empire and related states, a Naib was a deputy or administrator under a provincial governor or Nawab. The Naib would oversee civil and military affairs, taxation, and local governance within a district or province, and could act in the governor’s absence or during times of crisis. The office was often filled by trusted officials of the court and could carry substantial local authority depending on the political context.

In modern usage, Naib remains a productive element in titles and administrative designations in parts of South Asia and the broader Muslim world. Compound titles such as Naib Tahsildar or other Naib-ranked positions denote deputies or assistants within revenue and civil administration, with duties varying by country and historical period. The term is also used in religious or community leadership contexts to denote deputies to a primary authority figure.

Beyond official roles, Naib can appear as a given name or surname in various communities. The word’s core meaning—deputy or representative—continues to influence its usage in historical and contemporary settings.