Where does the word mogul come from?

The word "mogul" has its roots in the Persian word "mugal", which means "a person of importance, a great one". This Persian term was adopted into the Hindustani language as "mughal" and referred to the Mughal Empire that ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to 19th centuries.

The Mughal emperors were known for their power, wealth, and influence and this term became associated with these attributes. As a result, "mogul" became used to refer to any powerful person or entity in the English language.

Interestingly, the term "Mughal" itself originates from the Mongol word "Mongol", as the founder of the Mughal Empire, Babur, was a descendant of the Timurid dynasty, which claimed lineage to Genghis Khan. However, while the word "Mongol" remains associated with the Mongol people and their empire, "mogul" has evolved to represent a more general concept of power and influence.