Pati (title)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pati (Sanskrit: पति, 𐬯𐬙) is a title meaning "master" or "lord". The word is in common usage in the Indian subcontinent today. Etymologically, the word derives from the Indo-European language family and finds references in various classical Indo-Iranian languages, including Sanskrit, Old Persian language and Avestan.[1] In modern-day Hindustani and other Indo-Aryan languages, pati and patni have taken on the meanings of husband and wife respectively when used as standalone words.[2] The feminine equivalent in Indo-Aryan languages is patni (literally, "mistress" or "lady"). The term pati is frequently used as a suffix, e.g. lakhpati (meaning, master of a lakh rupees).[2]
- As a standalone term indicating husband, pati
- In official titles, e.g. Rashtra-pati (राष्ट्रपति, راشٹرپتی, President, literally means 'Lord of the Nation'), Sena-pati (सेनापति, سیناپتی, General, literally means 'Lord of the Army') and Sabha-pati (सभापति, Chairperson, literally means 'Lord of the Council')
- In feudal and corporate titles, e.g. Bhumi-pati (भूमिपति, Landlord),[3] Udyog-pati (उद्योगपति, Industrialist, literally means 'Lord of the Industry').
- In adjectives, e.g. crore-pati (करोड़पति, کروڑپتی, rich, master of a crore rupees), lakh-pati (लखपति, لکھپتی, rich person, master of a lakh rupees).
- As a descriptive term, e.g. dampati (married couple, master and mistress of the house)
- In names and surnames. It has been in usage in names in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. Eg. Ganapati or Ganapathy (गणपति, Gana+Pati. Lord of the people/group/multitudes/categorical system).
