Oberoi

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Oberoi (also spelled as Uberoi, Oberai and Obhrai) is a Khatri clan made famous by the international Oberoi Chain of hotels founded by Mohan Singh Oberoi.

The clan originated from the Jhelum district in undivided India, now in Pakistan. During the partition of India in 1947, they migrated to India.

Oberoi (Uberoi, Oberai and Obhrai) is a dominant Khatri surname found in India's Punjab state. They are a north Indian community that originated in the Potohar Plateau of Punjab. This region is historically connected with the composition of the Vedas and classics like the Mahabharata and Ashtadhyayi. Most Oberois live in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts of Punjab. This region is known as the Doaba.

When Pakistan and India gained independence, most of the Oberois migrated to India from what became Pakistan. Today Oberois live in all regions of India, but are concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. The Oberoi clan played a great role in the defense of India and is very patriotic about it. They are highly honored in the state of Punjab.

Etymology

"Oberoi" belongs to Khatri caste which is the Punjabi adaptation of Sanskrit word Kshatriya. In the caste system, the Kshatriyas are the traditionally members of the military order. As administrators and rulers, Kshatriyas were assigned with protecting the Hindu Dharma and serving humanity. Oberoi is honored surname in the Kshatriya (Khatri) caste. They were warriors in times of war but now in modern age are known to be very enterprising and excel in whatever field they take on.

Notable Oberois

• Mohan Singh Oberoi, Founder of Oberoi Hotel Chain
• Harjot Oberoi, Sikh Scholar
• Vivek Oberoi, Actor
• Suresh Oberoi, Actor
• Shikha Uberoi, Tennis Player
• Neha Uberoi, Tennis Player