Thane

A Thane was a historical unit of land and a title used in medieval India, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. It referred to a landholder or noble who governed a specific region on behalf of a king or emperor. Thanes held authority over their territories, collected taxes, maintained law and order, and commanded local armies. The term signifies both a noble rank and administrative function, and its use varied across different regions and periods, reflecting local governance structures and social hierarchies.