The relationship between Indian interpreters and British imperialism was complex, multidimensional, and deeply connected with the establishment and expansion of colonial rule in India. Interpreters, commonly known as dubashes, munshis, vakils, and translators, played a significant role in facilitating communication between British officials and the diverse linguistic communities of India. Since the British lacked adequate knowledge of Indian languages, customs, legal systems, and social practices during the early phases of colonial expansion, they depended heavily on Indian intermediaries to administer territories and conduct trade. Indian interpreters acted as linguistic and cultural mediators. They translated official documents, treaties, legal records, administrative orders, commercial agreements, and diplomatic correspondence. Their work enabled British officers to negotiate with Indian rulers, collect revenue, settle disputes, and understand local traditions. Without the services of these interpreters, the British East India Company would have faced considerable difficulty in extending its political and economic influence across the Indian subcontinent. The role of interpreters was not confined to literal translation. They often explained cultural practices, religious customs, legal concepts, and social norms that had no direct equivalent in English. In this sense, they became knowledge producers who shaped British understanding of Indian society. Their interpretations frequently influenced administrative decisions and colonial policies. Thus, translation became an instrument of governance rather than merely a linguistic activity. From the perspective of the politics of translation, Indian interpreters occupied an ambiguous position. On one hand, they possessed valuable linguistic expertise and