How Did the Dastur Family Get the Tata Surname? The Tata Group is among the largest multinational conglomerates in India with a current net worth of around Rs 33 lakh crore. The company which was founded in 1868 by Jamshedji Tata has expanded to more than 150 countries today with its products and services. The Tata Group has a presence on not one but six continents across the world. Born on March 3 1839 in Gujarat’s Navsari Jamshedji Tata was the founder of the Tata Group. He and his future generations worked hard to build Tata into a synonym for trust and reliability. But very few people know where this family got the Tata surname from. Let’s find out. Tata Family’s Roots In Navsari Jamshedji Tata was born in Gujarat’s Navsari. His ancestors were Dasturs which means priests and later got the Tata surname. As per a report by Moneycontrol Vice President of the National Minority Commission Kersi Kaikhushru Debu who lives in Navsari and belongs to the Parsi community said that Parsis came from Persia. The first group of Parsis came to Gujarat’s Sanjan and started living there. The Parsi community gradually started spreading beyond Sanjan. According to reports the Parsis came to Navsari for the first time in 1122 AD. In the same period a group of Parsi priests also came to Navsari. The Fire Temple (Parsis house of worship) and Tower of Silence (their cremation place) were built in Navsari. The priests who serve in the Fire Temple are known as Dasturs. The Tata Surname Jamshedji Tata the son of Nasarwanji Tata  expanded his fathers small business into the globally recognized Tata empire after receiving a substantial investment of Rs 21000.  His entrepreneurial ambition coupled with his academic success at Elphinstone College fueled this growth.  The family name Tata originates from a Gujarati term describing a hot-tempered individual reflecting a characteristic of his ancestors. Uplifted Navsari The Tata Group established two co-educational schools in Navsari  along with a Jamshedji auditorium.  The family also donated the land for Navsaris Tower of Silence.  After leaving Navsari the Tatas expanded their philanthropic endeavors nationally.  Their motto Humanda Hukta Havartasam  meaning good words good conduct and good behavior is featured beneath their logo. Realization of possibilities during a trip to Britain Jamshedji worked with his father till the age of 29. When he started his own business at the age of 29 he failed even in the opium business which was the most profitable business at that time. During this time he traveled to many countries. During his trip to Britain he visited Lancashire Cotton Mills. This made him realize the potential and possibilities of this business. After returning to India Jamshedji bought a bankrupt oil mill in Chinchpokli Bombay. After this he opened a textile mill named Alexandra Mill in it. After working with his father till the age of 29 Jamshedji started his own business that eventually failed. He travelled to several countries and during his trip to Britain he visited Lancashire Cotton Mills that changed his life. The Mill visit made him realise the potential and possibilities of this business. After returning to India he bought a bankrupt oil mill in Bombay’s Chinchpokli and opened a textile mill named Alexandra Mill in it.