Pundit

Pandit or pundit. The word which is now associated almost exclusively with talking heads, CNN newscasters and livestreaming has a much richer history, one that strikes at the very nature of how knowledge is organized and controlled. "Pandit" stems from the Sanskrit "pandita", meaning "learned". Originally referring to a Hindu or Brahman who has memorized a substantial portion of the Vedas, and the rhythms and melododies for repeating them. Having overtime become synonymous with the notion of someone who is quite educated or an expert in a particular field, pundits were also crucial for early britsh colonial administration.