On occasion, the title Mahasenapati (Sanskrit: महा maha- meaning "great") was granted; this equates to Field Marshal, and closely resembles a Grand Duke or a German Großherzog.
Unlike Sardar, Senapati is a primogeniture hereditary title that is passed on to the eldest son.
Outside of India too, this type of similar surnames are being used like "Senopati" in Indonesia, Walters in Germany which means Commander of the Army, etc.
In ancient Philippines, this title was used by Sang pamegat senāpati di Tundun, the "Commander-in-chief" of Tondo represented by Jayadewa, Lord Minister of Pailah mentioned in the Laguna Copperplate Inscription c. 900 AD.
For example, the title of Sutawijaya, the founder of 16th century Javanese Mataram Sultanate, was Senapati ing Alaga, which means "general of battle".