Pothi
/ˈpoʊ.ti/noun
A traditional South Asian book or manuscript, especially a religious or sacred text.
Did you know?In Sikh tradition, the term pothi is associated with sacred compilations and manuscripts, including early collections of hymns that helped preserve devotional teachings.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Indo-Aryan
Sanskrit
pothī
“A book, manuscript, or written text; the precise deeper origin is uncertain.”
Early Medieval Period
Pali/Prakrit
potthaka / potthia
“A book, written document, or manuscript.”
Medieval Period
Punjabi
ਪੋਥੀ (pothī)
“A book or religious manuscript, especially one used for sacred instruction.”
Medieval Period
Hindi
पोथी (pothī)
“A book, scripture, or traditional manuscript.”
Modern English
English
pothi
“A South Asian religious book or manuscript, used especially in discussions of Sikh, Hindu, and Jain texts.”