Desai (pronounced [d̪eːsaːi]) is an Indian administrative, princely or honorary title and surname.[1][dead link][2]
The word is derived from the Sanskrit deśa (country) and svāmī (lord).[3]
Desai was a title given to feudal lords, and others who were granted a village or group of villages in Maharashtra, and North Karnataka. The title Desai should not be associated with a particular religion or caste, though a Desai would use the title of Rao or Rai or Raje as a suffix to his name denoting he is a king of those villages, The "Desai" title was given by Maratha emperors, Mughal emperors and by the Deccan sultanates.[4]
Desai as a surname is used by Gaud Saraswat Brahmin, Jain,[13] Deshastha Brahmin,[14] Karhade Brahmin,[15] Marathas, Anavil Brahmin, Khedaval Brahmin, [16] Rabari,[17] Leva Patel,[18] Patidar,[19] Bania and Lingayat communities of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka.[20]
Notable individuals with the surname Desai include: