Patels represent a large section of the population of Gujarat State in India; the term Patel itself meaning "village headman".
Gujarati Patels were historically landowners and farmers, and traditionally strict vegetarians.
The Patel community varies by religion and ideology, with disparate groups having their own samaj (social gatherings) and mandirs.
Traditionally Gujarati Patels married within their own gol (circle), though this custom has faded in the modern era. The modern Patel communities have branched out of agriculture and landowning to a variety of business trades.
