banyani

How to say it

Meaning

A Hindu trader from India, especially of the merchant communities long settled on the East African coast. In older writing it is also used for a Hindu in general.

Good to know

Plural mabanyani, as in Diwali ya Mabanyani, the Hindu festival of Diwali. Also spelled baniani; the word is dated and can sound slighting today, so Mhindi is the neutral choice.

Examples

• Duka la banyani lilikuwa katikati ya mji wa zamani.The Banyan trader's shop was in the middle of the old town.
• Mabanyani walisherehekea Diwali kwa taa na fataki.The Hindus celebrated Diwali with lamps and fireworks.
• Babu alikuwa akinunua vitambaa kwa banyani mmoja wa Mombasa.Grandfather used to buy cloth from a Banyan trader in Mombasa.

Forms

baniani