A Peon (Bombay).-1870-Photographer: Bourne and Shepherd

Pattawala (Office Peon), India- photograph circa 1910.

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The word ‘peon’ is derived from the Portuguese word peao; from pe, ‘foot’ and meaning a ‘footman’. It was originally used in the sense of a ‘foot-soldier’ and later as ‘orderly’ or messenger. It is still a commonly used term in India.