Etymology and History
The name Baig originates from a Turkic-Mongal clan called Barlas (the main tribe of the Timurids). The Barlas tribe and their descendants established Turko-Persian empires in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East and later South Asia.
The name Baig is derived from the Turkic word Beg or Bey, which means commander or chief (i.e. military leader.) Baig/Beg was a title given to honorary members of the Barlas clan, and was subsequently used as the family name for their children. The name is most common among the descendants of the Moghal Dynasty of South Asia. The members of the Moghal Dynasty belonged to the Barlas clan and "Baigs" were high-ranking military leaders and advisors to the Moghal Royal Families. They were also granted the Princely title of Mirza, to signify their high ranking among the aristocracy and ruling class. Baigs occupied the upper echelons of society in the conquered parts of South Asia.
Beg was also subsequently used as a military rank in the Ottoman Empire. (See: Bey).
It was also used during the Qing Dynasty in China. When the Qing Dynasty ruled Xinjiang, it permitted the Turkic Begs to maintain their previous status, and they administered the province for the Qing as officials. High-ranking Begs were allowed to wear the Queue.
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