A chief; a leader; a Sepoy corporal.

non-commissioned Indian officer, equivalent to a corporal

Naik (sometimes historically called Nayak) (Nk) is the equivalent rank to Corporal in the Indian Army and Pakistan Army, and previously in the British Indian Army, ranking between Lance Naik and Havildar. In cavalry units the equivalent is Lance Daffadar. Like a British Corporal, a Naik wears two rank chevrons.