# raj

/ˈɹɑdʒ/ (US) · /ɹˈædʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/raj
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the British Raj

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the period of time from 1858 to 1947 when the British government ruled India.

For teachers: the period of direct British colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947.

- Many buildings in the city were built during the time of the Raj.
- Historians often debate the long-term economic and social consequences of the Raj on the development of modern South Asian nations.

Usage: Usually capitalized and preceded by 'the'.

### 2. reign or rule

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Dialect

a general word for a kingdom, a reign, or the power of a ruler.

For teachers: sovereignty, kingdom, or the exercise of political authority.

- The old stories speak of a peaceful raj that lasted for a hundred years.
- The local prince maintained his raj through a delicate balance of traditional loyalty and modern administrative reforms.

Usage: Primarily found in South Asian English or historical literature.

## Examples

- The raj lasted for many years.
- The British raj ended in 1947.
- Historians debate whether the British raj brought stability or economic hardship to the subcontinent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.