Mantri.

 The word "mandarin" has multiple origins, depending on its usage:

1. For Chinese Officials – The term "mandarin" comes from the Portuguese word mandarim, which was borrowed from the Malay word menteri or mantri, meaning "minister" or "counselor." This, in turn, traces back to the Sanskrit word "mantrin" (मन्त्रिन्), meaning "advisor" or "counselor." Portuguese explorers used "mandarin" to refer to high-ranking Chinese officials during the 16th century.

2. For the Mandarin Language – The term was later applied to the standard Chinese language spoken by officials of the Ming and Qing dynasties, as it was the common tongue of government administration.

3. For the Mandarin Orange – The fruit got its name because it was originally imported to Europe through China, and its bright orange color was associated with the robes of Chinese mandarins.

Thus, the word "mandarin" ultimately has roots in Sanskrit, passed through Malay and Portuguese before being used in English.

In imperial China, mandarins (government officials) were selected through a rigorous system called the Imperial Examination System (Keju, 科举), which lasted for over 1,300 years (from the Sui Dynasty in the 7th century to the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century). This system was designed to recruit talented individuals for bureaucratic positions based on merit rather than birth.

Selection Process of Ministers (Mandarins)

1. Initial Local Examinations – Candidates, mostly scholars from educated families, would study Confucian classics for years before taking local-level exams. Success allowed them to move to higher-level examinations.

2. Provincial Examinations – Held every three years, these exams determined whether a candidate could progress to the capital for further testing.

3. Metropolitan Examination – Conducted in the capital under the supervision of the Ministry of Rites. Successful candidates earned the title of Jinshi (進士), making them eligible for government positions.

4. Palace Examination – The final and most prestigious stage, personally overseen by the emperor. The highest scorers were appointed to top bureaucratic roles, including ministerial positions.

Criteria for Selection

Deep knowledge of Confucian classics, governance, ethics, and philosophy.

Exceptional skills in essay writing, poetry, and calligraphy.

Ability to apply Confucian ideals to administrative problems.

Appointment to Ministerial Positions

Those who excelled in the exams entered the civil service as junior officials.

With experience and further assessments, they could rise to high-ranking ministerial positions.

The most talented officials were promoted to positions in the Grand Secretariat, the Six Ministries (Rites, War, Revenue, Punishments, Works, Personnel), and even as chief advisors to the emperor.

This system ensured that ministers were chosen based on intellectual ability and moral character rather than birthright, making it one of the earliest forms of meritocracy in world history.