Mandal (surname)

Mandal (Sanskrit: मण्डल, romanized: maṇḍala) also spelled Mondal, is a surname or title which is prevalent in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. 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 is an administrative circle under a district or revenue division, similar to a tehsil, in many parts of India. 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 Kurmi and Yadav community, and in Orissa some Karan and Khandayat use this surname.[5] Rajdhoves and Khatbe people of Nepal have a Mandal surname.

Marhal or Mandal is also surname of a Jat clan, found mainly in Punjab and north-western Uttar Pradesh.[8]