A crown or headpiece worn as a symbol of authority or royalty.

Origin: The word 'تَاج' (taj) originates from the Persian word 'تاج' (tāj), which itself comes from the Middle Persian 'tāg'. The term is rooted in the Proto-Iranian *tāga-, meaning 'peak' or 'summit'. It was borrowed into Urdu due to cultural and linguistic influences from Persian during the Mughal era in India.Historical and Cultural Context: The word 'تَاج' was first attested in the context of Persian royal and imperial regalia. It was used to describe the ornate headpieces worn by monarchs and emperors, symbolizing their divine right to rule. In the Mughal court, the 'تَاج' was a significant emblem of power and was often richly adorned with jewels.Evolution: Over time, the word 'تَاج' was absorbed into various South Asian languages, including Hindi and Urdu, due to the influence of Persian culture in the region. It has cognates in several other Indo-Iranian languages, emphasizing its broad historical reach.Modern Relevance: Today, 'تَاج' is used in South Asian cultures to refer to crowns in a general sense, both literal and metaphorical. It appears in idiomatic expressions, such as 'تَاج پہنانا' (to crown someone), meaning to honor or exalt a person.

The Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks in the world, is named after the Persian word 'تاج' (taj), symbolizing the 'crown' of palaces.