lashkar

Lashkar is a term of South Asian origin, primarily used in Urdu and Persian, meaning an army, military force, or a large contingent of soldiers. It can refer to a regular army, a militia, or even a large group of people organized for a specific purpose, often military or paramilitary. Historically, the term has been employed in various contexts across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions.

In a modern context, "Lashkar" has gained prominence as a component of the names of several militant or extremist organizations, particularly those operating in the Indian subcontinent. The most well-known of these is Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based militant group designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. The use of "Lashkar" in the names of such groups often signifies their intent to operate as a formidable fighting force.

The connotation of the word can vary significantly depending on the context. While it can simply refer to a military establishment, its association with specific militant groups has led to it carrying negative implications for some. Understanding the historical and contemporary usage of "Lashkar" requires attention to the specific group or entity being referenced.