Pronunciation: [bˈɪsti] (IPA) 
The word "Bhisti" is a term used in South Asian cultures to refer to a water carrier. Its spelling is based on the transliteration of the word from its original language. In terms of phonetics, the "Bh" is pronounced as a voiced aspirated bilabial stop, the "i" as a short vowel sound, the "s" as a voiceless alveolar fricative, and the "t" as a voiceless dental stop. Therefore, the IPA transcription of the word "Bhisti" is /bʱɪsti/.
Bhisti refers to a historical and cultural term in the Indian subcontinent, primarily used in South Asia. The word originated from the Persian language, where "bhist" means watering and "i" is a suffix denoting profession or occupation. Bhisti, therefore, describes a person who works as a traditional water-carrier.
A bhisti is typically an individual belonging to a specific caste or occupational group, known for the essential task of providing water to households or communities. In the past, when water infrastructure was limited, especially in arid regions, bhistis played a crucial role in delivering water to various areas. They would collect water from wells, rivers, or other water sources and transport it in containers (such as goat skin bags or brass pots) using yokes or shoulder poles.
Bhistis possessed deep knowledge of water management, understanding the availability and distribution of water sources across their region. They were responsible for ensuring access to water for different purposes like drinking, cooking, bathing, or irrigation.
The word "bhisti" not only refers to the occupation of water-carrier but has also become synonymous with someone who possesses exceptional expertise and skill in water preservation and distribution in South Asian folklore and literature.
While the role of bhistis has diminished in modern times due to advancements in water infrastructure, their historical significance and contribution to water management in the Indian subcontinent remain noteworthy.
The word "Bhisti" comes from the Persian language. It is derived from the Persian word "bhīstī" (بهیستی), which means "water carrier" or "one who carries water". The term has been adopted into various languages spoken in the Indian subcontinent, including Hindi, Urdu, and some regional languages, with the same meaning of a person who delivers or supplies water.
