Pandita
/pɐɳɖɪtɐ/noun
A learned or scholarly person, especially a Hindu religious scholar or teacher.
Did you know?The feminine form paṇḍitā has been used for learned women, while the related English title “pundit” later broadened to mean an expert or commentator.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
paṇḍita
“Learned, wise, scholarly person”
Medieval Sanskrit
Sanskrit
paṇḍita
“A learned teacher or authority, often in religious or philosophical subjects”
Medieval Indo-Aryan
Prakrits and regional languages
paṇḍia / paṇḍit
“Scholar, learned religious person”
16th–18th Century
Hindi and other South Asian languages
paṇḍit
“Hindu scholar or Brahmin teacher”
17th Century
English
pundit
“A learned Hindu scholar or religious authority”
Modern English
English
pundit
“An expert or commentator, especially in politics or public affairs”