Bhosle

Bhosle, also spelled Bhonsle or Bhonsale, is a surname commonly found among Marathi-speaking communities in Maharashtra and Goa, and among the Indian diaspora. The name is historically associated with the Bhonsle (Bhonsale) Maratha clan, a royal lineage that played a central role in the history of the Maratha Confederacy and its successor states. Branches of the Bhonsle dynasty ruled several territories in western and central India, including Kolhapur, Sawantwadi, and Nagpur. The surname thus carries a historical connection to Maratha sovereignty, though today it is widely adopted by many families and is not confined to any single lineage.

Spelling variations such as Bhonsle and Bhonsale arise from transliteration from Marathi and other Indian languages. In contemporary usage, Bhosle is used by diverse families across Maharashtra and among the global Indian diaspora. Like many Indian surnames, it indicates heritage rather than a fixed occupation, and bearers may belong to various castes and communities.

Notable individuals with the surname include Asha Bhosle (born 1933), renowned Indian playback singer and sister of Lata Mangeshkar. Her prolific recording career spans many decades and multiple languages, contributing significantly to Indian cinema and popular music.