Bhatia

Bhatia is a surname and communal identifier used by several South Asian communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Muslims. In South Asia it is most prominently associated with people from the Punjab and Sindh regions, though the name is also found among Gujaratis and others. The precise origins of the name vary by community, and it is used by more than one linguistic group in the subcontinent.

Historically, many families with the Bhatia name have been involved in trade and mercantile work, and Bhatia networks have long connected communities across the Indian Ocean, including East Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. In modern times, individuals bearing the surname are widespread in urban centers in India and Pakistan and have established diasporic communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and other countries.

Social organization among groups calling themselves Bhatia differs by region and religion. In some areas they form distinct lineages or gotras within larger caste or occupational categories, while in others the surname is simply a family name. In contemporary society, many Bhatias pursue diverse professions, and cultural associations and religious centers (temples and gurudwaras) support community events and charity.

Because Bhatia denotes several distinct communities rather than a single monolithic group, its meaning and status vary by locality. Research and genealogical sources emphasize regional variation and the impact of migration on identity.