In
Indian religions and society, an
acharya (
IAST: ; ; ;
Pali:
acariya) is a preceptor or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a sect; or a highly learned man or a title affixed to the names of learned men. The designation has different meanings in
Hinduism,
Buddhism,
Jainism and secular contexts. It is also a Brahmin surname found in Nepal and across India, including
West Bengal and
Maharashtra.