Mahto

Mahto or Mahato is a surname used by several castes and communities in Nepal and the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha in India.

Historically, Mahato was the hereditary title of the village headman, whose duties were to maintain peace in his area, and collect revenue for the zamindar (feudal landlord). In multi-caste villages of Bihar, the zamindar used to give the title of Mahato to one person each from the Bhumihar, Yadav, and Beldar caste.

In Bihar, the surname Mahto is also used by people belonging to Kushwaha caste. In Jharkhand, it is a term most often associated with Koeri and Kurmi caste.

The castes and communities that use Mahto, Mehto or Mahato as a surname, clan name or title include:

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