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.
[1][2][3] 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).
[2][4] [2] In Bihar, the surname Mahto is also used by people belonging to Kushwaha caste.
[5][6] In Jharkhand, it is a term most often associated with Koeri and Kurmi caste.
[7][need quotation to verify] The castes and communities that use Mahto, Mehto or Mahato as a surname, clan name or title include: Notable people with the surname Mahto or Mahato include: