The Patel clan is a large and influential community originating from the Indian state of Gujarat, where the surname Patel is one of the most common.
The name Patel historically signifies a land-owning farmer or village headman, derived from the Prakrit word "paṭṭaïl(l)a," meaning "village headman," itself stemming from the Sanskrit term "paṭṭakila," meaning "tenant of royal land".
Traditionally, the title was associated with the Koli caste and later adopted by various groups, including Patidars, Parsis, and Muslims who converted from Hindu Kolis and Patidars.
The community is primarily divided into two major sub-castes: the Leuva Patels and the Kadwa Patels, who claim descent from Lord Ram’s sons Luv and Kush respectively.
Leuva Patels are predominantly found in central Gujarat and Saurashtra, while Kadwa Patels are concentrated in northern Gujarat.
Historically, the community was engaged in agriculture and served as tax collectors during the Mughal and British eras, which contributed to their economic and social standing.
The Land Reforms Act of 1955 and the Green Revolution further solidified their position as wealthy landowners.
The Patel community has a strong diaspora, with an estimated 500,000 Patels living outside India, including significant populations in the United Kingdom and the United States.
In the United States, the community has become notably prominent in the hospitality industry, with estimates suggesting that between one-sixth and 70% of all U.S. motels are owned by individuals with the surname Patel.
This significant presence has led to the term "Patel motel cartel" being used to describe their dominance in the low-income housing and motel sector, particularly in cities like San Francisco.
In Gujarat, the Patel community holds considerable political influence, despite comprising only about 13% of the state’s population.
Their economic power, combined with a strong sense of unity and collective action, has allowed them to shape state politics. This influence was evident during the 2015 Patel agitation, when youth demanded reservations under the OBC (Other Backward Class) category, arguing for greater access to government jobs and education.
Although the Gujarat High Court rejected the demand in 2016, the community's political clout remains significant, as seen in the appointment of Bhupendra Patel as Gujarat’s Chief Minister in 2021.
The Patel community’s global reach extends beyond the U.S. and India, with members involved in businesses across Africa, Europe, and the UK, including the diamond trade and retail.
Their success is often attributed to a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a tradition of migration and adaptation, which began during the British Raj when many Patels moved to East Africa and later to Western countries.