Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
* Persian: The word comes from the Persian word "kārwan" (کاروان), which means "a group of travelers" or "a company of merchants."
* Arabic: It is also connected to the Arabic word "kārwān" (قافلة), which has a similar meaning to the Persian word.
These words, in turn, are derived from the ancient Sanskrit word "karavāna" (कारवाण), which also signifies "a group of travelers."
The word "caravan" was introduced to English through Medieval Italian and French, where it was used to describe a group of travelers or merchants traveling together, often across long distances.
So, the word "caravan" is a testament to the historical importance of trade routes and the journeys of merchants throughout Asia and beyond.