niwas

Niwas is a term used in several Indian languages derived from Sanskrit, meaning dwelling, residence, or abode. In Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada and other languages, niwas functions as a common noun for a home or dwelling. It carries a slightly formal or ceremonial nuance compared to everyday words for house, and appears in literature, ceremonial names, and official language.

In everyday usage, niwas denotes a residence or living quarters in a general sense. It is often found in compound names for buildings and institutions, signaling a residential or hospitable function. In governmental contexts, the phrase raj niwas (often seen as raj bhavan as well) denotes the governor’s official residence in many Indian states and union territories.

Niwas is also used as a given name or surname in parts of India, reflecting its meaning of home or living place. As a proper name, it can appear in personal names, business names, and the titles of historic houses or hospitality properties.

In cultural and architectural contexts, niwas commonly appears in the names of houses, palaces, hotels, and homestays, conveying a sense of belonging, comfort, and residence. The term is sometimes transliterated as nivas, and variants appear across languages that share the same root.

See also: Nivas (disambiguation).