A name with roots that stretch back through the dim mists of time to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, "Patel" figures prominently in the historical record of not only its bearers' original homeland of the vast Indian subcontinent but also much further afield.
From early fighters for independence from British rule to entrepreneurs, actors and sportsmen, they have stamped an indelible mark - with the lawyer and statesman Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, better known and honoured as "Sardar", one of the founding fathers of modern-day India and, on the stage, Dev Patel the London-born actor and star of the 2008 film "Slumdog Millionaire".
Chronicled here is the vibrant tale of the Patels.
