Prabhu means master or prince in Sanskrit and many of the Indian languages; it is a name sometimes applied to God.[1]

Surname

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Prabhu is a surname among Gaud saraswat Brahmins,saraswat Brahmins and other Brahmins across the Konkan Coast in India, from Karnataka and Maharashtra to Goa.[2][3]

As a title

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"Prabhu" as a title is mainly found among Gaud saraswat Brahmins, Saraswat Brahmins, Karhade Brahmins and other Brahmins in Maharashtra,Karnataka and Goa.[4] Prabhu was a title accorded to the representative of the main village of the taluka (district) committee. The Prabhus may have also occupied official posts in the central administration, without prejudice to their original posts which were hereditary. Traditionally, a Prabhu was a village chief, Ministers, Zamindars, administrators, landlord and as such a master to the many agricultural labourers that were needed to cultivate his lands.[5]

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Frank Davis. "BABA WORDS, The Master's Glossary, N-P". Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  2. ^ "Prabhu Family History". Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Press. Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Press. 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  3. ^ Alan Machado (1999). Sarasvati's Children: A History of the Mangalorean Christians - Google Books. I.J.A. Publications, 1999. p. 264. ISBN 9788186778258.
  4. ^ The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 91, Part 3. Bennett, Coleman & Company, Limited, at the Times of India Press. 1970. p. 8. Prabhu is a title found amongst Saraswats , Karhade and other brahmins.
  5. ^ Bernardo Elvino de Sousa (2011). The Last Prabhu: A Hunt for Roots : DNA, Ancient Documents and Migration in Goa - Google Books. Goa 1556, 2011. p. 163. ISBN 9789380739151.