Parmar

Parmar is a surname and, in some uses, a toponym found in the Indian subcontinent and among the Indian diaspora. It is associated with several communities, most prominently among Rajputs, and is common in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The name is historically linked to the Paramara dynasty of central India, a medieval Rajput polity that controlled much of the Malwa region from roughly the 9th to the 14th centuries.

The Paramara (often rendered Parmara in later spelling) rulers established their power with centers including Dhar in present-day Madhya Pradesh and the ancient city of Avanti/Ujjain. The dynasty produced notable monarchs such as Bhoja, who is remembered for contributions to literature and temple architecture. The Paramara legacy is associated with patronage of the arts, literary activity, and regional temple-building, although the dynasty eventually declined under pressure from rival states and invasions, leading to its eclipse in the later medieval period.

In modern times, Parmar is a common surname across northern and western India and among communities abroad. Spelling variations include Parmar, Parmar (with different vowel lengths in transliteration), Parmer, and Paramar, reflecting regional linguistic influences. The name continues to appear in diverse professional fields and social contexts, reflecting its broad distribution and historical roots.

See also: Paramara dynasty; Parmar (disambiguation).