pandita

Pandita, also transliterated as pandit or pundit, is a term from Sanskrit used in India and surrounding regions to denote a learned person or scholar. The word derives from pāṇḍita, meaning one who is wise or learned, especially in religious, philosophical, linguistic, or legal matters. In classical contexts, a pandita might be a priest, teacher, grammarian, or commentator on sacred texts; the title was historically applied to respected scholars and jurists within Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions.

Usage and forms: In everyday speech, pandita functions as an honorific or occupational designation. It is also used as a personal name or part of a name in India and Nepal. The modern English loanword pundit often refers more broadly to a commentator or expert, sometimes with political overtones, and may not imply formal scholarly training.

Notable figures: Pandita Ramabai (1858–1922), Indian reformer and scholar, is among the most prominent historical bearers of the title; the name signals her learned reputation. Other contemporary individuals carry Pandita as a given name.

See also: Pundit, Pāṇḍita.