Pronunciation | man-dal mon-dol |
---|---|
Origin | |
Meaning | Circle |
Region of origin | Bangladesh India Nepal |
Other names | |
Variant form(s) | Mondal, Mondol |
Mandal (Sanskrit: मण्डल, romanized: maṇḍala), also spelled Mondal (Bengali: মণ্ডল, romanized: môṇḍôl), is an honorific title that was used for local chieftains in present-day Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The title was usually hereditary and so, in modern times, the term is a common surname for both males and females.
The word "mandal" has various meanings depending upon the context, such as circle, orb, disc, ring, sphere, globe, orbit, province, assemblage or zone.[1] A mandal was an administrative circle under a district or revenue division, similar to a tehsil, in many parts of South Asia. Originally this honorary title was given to the Administrator of provincial government. 'Mukhiya' or headman of a village was also conferred with this title.[2] Sometimes this designation meant the person who as a representative of the Zamindar used to distribute land and also collect the revenue. [3]
In Bengal, the Mondal surname is found among Baishya Saha, Gandhabanik, Kayastha, Mahishya, Sadgop, Subarna Banik, Tili, Ugra Kshatriya and among the Scheduled Castes. It is also in vogue among Bengali Muslims and some Christians.[4][5][6][7]
In Bihar, the Dhanuk, Kurmi and Kushwaha communities,[8][9] and in Orissa some Karan use this surname.[5] Mandal surname can also be found in Gangota caste.[10]