Pawars

Pawars is a surname commonly found in India, especially among Marathi-speaking communities in Maharashtra. It is used by families across various social backgrounds and is closely associated with the Maratha community in popular memory. As a surname, Pawar does not refer to a single lineage or occupation, but rather to a cluster of families that share the name.

Etymology and origins of the surname are not definitively documented. Pawar is typically treated as a clan or family identifier that may have toponymic roots, arising from places with similar names or from traditional naming practices in the region. Over time, bearers of the name have dispersed within Maharashtra and to neighboring states.

Distribution and demographics: Beyond Maharashtra, Pawars are found in states such as Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana, as well as in urban and rural areas affected by Maratha migration. In the Indian diaspora, Pawars have settled in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, among others.

Notable people: Individuals with the surname include Sharad Pawar, a prominent Indian politician who founded the Nationalist Congress Party and has held senior government roles. Ajit Pawar, a Maharashtra-based politician, has also served in major leadership positions. The surname is borne by many professionals in fields such as literature, science, and business, reflecting its broad geographic and social reach.

See also: Pawar (disambiguation) for related uses of the name, and lists of notable people with the surname.