Senapati

Senapati (Sanskrit: सेनापति sena- meaning "army", -pati meaning "lord") was a hereditary title of nobility used in the Maratha Empire. During wartime, a Sardar Senapati or Sarsenapati (also colloquially termed Sarnaubat) functioned as the Commander-in-Chief of all Maratha forces, coordinating the commands of the various Sardars in battle.

Ranking under the heir-apparent crown prince and other hereditary princes, the title Senapati most closely resembles a British Duke or German Herzog in rank and function. On occasion, the title Mahasenapati (Sanskrit: महा maha- meaning "great") was granted; this best equates to a Grand Duke or a German Großherzog.

Unlike Sardar, Senapati is a primogeniture hereditary title that passes on to the eldest son. There are several royal Senapati families alive today, including the Ghorpade and Dabhade families.

Examples

Senapati (Tahamzam)

Senapati is the district headquarters of Senapati district in the state of Manipur in India.

The land

Senapati District is located in the northern part of Manipur bordered by Phek district on the North, Tamenglong District on the West, Imphal East and West District on the South and Ukhrul district on the east. The general topography of the district is hilly. The hills run in the north to south alignment gradually sloping down to south meeting the plain of Manipur valley. National Highway 39 stretches through the heart of the district. Sekmai is the South of the district. Mao bordered the Nagaland in the North end. Total land area of 60% of the district is forest and 40% is arable land. The land is rich of flora and fauna. The forest is adorned with centuries old trees. The district comes under humid Sub-tropical climate.

The People

The Senapati District has a total population of 2,83,621 according to the 2001 census. Senapati is a district having various ethnic communities. The majority are of the Mao, Maram, Thangal, Poumai and Zeliangrong Naga tribes. There exist minorities of Tangkhul and Maring Nagas, Kukis, Nepalese, and others. Manipuri is the lingua-franca of the various communities in the district. The religious makeup of the city is 98% Christian and 2% Hindu. Paddy, maize, potato, cabbage, and cereals are the main economic crops of the district. Rice is the main food of people. Cattle, buffalo, pig and goats are the main animals reared in the district.