gañj

Gañj is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily rooted in languages of the Indian subcontinent. The most common meaning relates to a market or bazaar. In Hindi and Urdu, "gañj" (गंज) signifies a place where goods are traded, often a large and bustling marketplace where various commodities are bought and sold. These markets can range from local neighborhood bazaars to expansive wholesale markets that serve wider regions. The term is frequently used in place names across India and Pakistan, often appended to a town or city name, such as Faizabad Ganj or Aliganj, indicating the presence of a significant market area.

Beyond its primary meaning of a market, "gañj" can also be a surname, particularly among communities originating from the Indian subcontinent. As a given name or a part of a compound name, it carries historical and cultural significance. The etymology of the word generally traces back to Persian or Turkic roots, reflecting historical influences on the languages and cultures of the region.