Final answer:
The most popular Eastern Indian surname is 'Das', which is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dasa', meaning 'servant' or 'devotee'. The surname 'Das' holds cultural, religious, and historical significance in Eastern India, leading to its popularity among different communities in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most popular Eastern Indian surname is 'Das', which is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dasa', meaning 'servant' or 'devotee'. This surname is commonly found among different Hindu communities, such as Bengali, Odia, and Assamese. The popularity of the surname 'Das' can be attributed to its historical significance and the influence of Hinduism in Eastern India.
There are several reasons why the surname 'Das' is popular in Eastern India:
- Religious Significance: In Hinduism, 'Das' is a suffix added to one's given name to signify devotion to a particular deity. For example, 'Ram Das' means 'servant of Lord Rama'.
- Historical Influences: The surname 'Das' was commonly adopted by lower-caste and non-Brahmin communities during the medieval period, as a way to assert social equality and challenge caste hierarchies.
- Geographical Distribution: Eastern India, particularly the states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, have a higher concentration of people with the surname 'Das', contributing to its popularity in the region.
Overall, the surname 'Das' holds cultural, religious, and historical significance in Eastern India, which has led to its popularity among different communities in the region.