1. Plural of dewan; a chief minister or high-ranking official in some South Asian kingdoms and states, especially during the Mughal period and British colonial era.
Usage: historical; South Asian context; also spelled 'diwans'
2. Plural of dewan; a court or council chamber where a dewan conducted official business.
Usage: historical; architectural

Examples

• The deewans of the Mughal Empire wielded considerable power over provincial affairs.
• Several deewans served under the British Raj as intermediaries between colonial rulers and local populations.
• The palace contained multiple deewans where official ceremonies and judgments took place.
• Historical records document the deewans who managed taxation and military affairs.
• The deewans were responsible for maintaining order and collecting revenue in their regions.