dhan

Dhan is a term used in several Indian languages to denote wealth, money, or property. It derives from Sanskrit dhana, meaning wealth or possessions, and is cognate with related terms across Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Nepali.

In everyday language, dhan refers to material wealth, but in Hindu philosophy wealth is viewed within the broader framework of artha, one of the four aims of life alongside dharma, kama, and moksha. The word appears in classical literature and folklore as a symbol of prosperity and, at times, as a reminder that wealth can be transient and should be used wisely.

The term also occurs in personal names and family names. It is a common root in Indian given names such as Dhan Gopal Mukerji, illustrating how the word enters identity as a name that connotes abundance or prosperity. The root appears in other compound names and terms related to wealth or assets.

In contemporary usage, dhan is used across several Indian languages to refer to money, capital, or assets in both formal and informal contexts.