1. A high-ranking official or minister in some South Asian and Middle Eastern governments, especially during the British colonial period in India.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to a specific official; also spelled 'diwan'
2. The chief financial officer or treasurer of a princely state or kingdom in India.
Usage: historical; South Asian context

Examples

• The dewan served as the principal advisor to the maharaja on matters of state.
• During the colonial era, the dewan managed the finances of the princely state.
• The dewan's office was responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining records.
• He was appointed dewan after demonstrating his administrative skills.
• The dewan held considerable power in the governance of the kingdom.