Question

Have you noticed the term pati in titles like ‘Gajapati’? Pati means ‘lord’ or ‘master’ and was commonly used by many ruling dynasties of this period to signify power and stature. The Vijayanagara kings were called ‘Narapati’, the Bahmani Sultanate rulers ‘Ashwapati’, and the Maratha rulers ‘Chhatrapati’ - each title reflecting different aspects of kingship and power. Can you guess what these three terms might mean?

Answer 1

The use of the word “pati” in royal titles showed different forms of kingship and authority. Narapati, used by the Vijayanagara rulers, meant “lord of men” and highlighted their control over their subjects. The rulers of the Bahmani Sultanate used Ashwapati, meaning “lord of horses,” showing the importance and strength of their cavalry. The Maratha rulers used the title Chhatrapati, meaning “supreme sovereign,” to represent their highest authority.