At various points in Indian history, the originally Persian title of diwan (derived from the furniture piece divan, which is the common shape of thrones in the Indian subcontinent, either a Hindu Gadi or a Muslim ?Musnaid) has designated differing, though similar functions.

During the effective rule of the Mughal empire the diwan served as the chief revenue officer of a province. Later, when most vassal states gained various degrees of self-determination, the finance - and/or chief minister of many princely states (especially Muslim, but also many Hindu) became known as a diwan.

Derived an compound terms

Diwan Deo was the

• The term Diwani is sometimes used to refer to British sovereignty or suzerainty over India, either just before or during the British Raj.

See also

In the sultanate of Morocco, several portfolio Ministries had a title based on Diwan:

• Diwan al-Alaf: ministry of War.
• Diwan al-Bar: 'ministry of the Sea', i.e. (overseas=) Foreign ministry.
• Diwan al-Shikayat (or Chikayat): ministry of Complaints.