Mal Khast

Mal Khast (also spelled Mal-i-Khas, Mal-Khasteh, Mal-e Khas) is a Persian term that translates roughly to "property of the elite" or "exclusive possession." It often refers to lands, resources, or privileges that are reserved for or controlled by a ruling class, nobility, or high-ranking officials. The term carries connotations of exclusivity, privilege, and unequal distribution of resources. Historically, in Persianate societies, land designated as Mal Khast was often the personal domain of the ruler or the royal family, generating revenue directly for their benefit rather than the state treasury. It represents a system where certain assets are shielded from public access and concentrated within a powerful social group.