Ardali

Ardali (also spelled Ardally in some instances) is a term, primarily used in India and Southeast Asia, referring to a type of domestic worker or household servant. The specific duties associated with the role can vary based on the employer and the household's needs, but generally an ardali performs tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, running errands, and providing general assistance around the house.

The term historically carried connotations related to a lower social class, reflecting the historical social hierarchies prevalent in the regions where it was used. While the use of the term is declining in some urban areas due to changing social norms and the increasing preference for terms like "domestic helper" or "house staff," it is still encountered in certain contexts, particularly in older generations or in more rural areas. The term itself doesn't necessarily specify gender; an ardali can be either male or female. The specific tasks assigned can also be gendered based on traditional roles, though these distinctions are becoming less pronounced.