Further, Patels are classified based on the geographical regions. 1. Kachchi Patel: Kachchi patels are predominantly Kadava patel worshipping Shri Umiya Mata as their clan deity. 2. Kathiawadi Patel: Kathiawadi/Saurashtra Patels are Leuva Patel. Leuva Patel are concentrated mainly in Saurashtra, Anand district, Charotar and Kheda district. Kadava patels are mainly in North Rajasthan, Jaipur and rest of the Rajasthant . Leuva Patel primarily worships Shri Khodiyar Mata, Mahisasur Mardini or Badhrakali as their clan deity.
Over history they have been known for their agriculture and business. Most leva Patels are followers of the BAPS Swaminarayan movement or the Pushti Margi VaishnavA sect. Sardar Patel of Karamsad, Gujarat was a Charotary Leva Patel.
A subcast of Rajasthani patels are Khatroja,Asalaliya,Vastarpara,Sheliya,Meruliya,Magtarpara,Nadoda,Narola,Dholakiya,Khokhariya.. etc., and they live in Amreli district and come from Ahmedabad district.
The Leva Patels and Kadva Patels are known for their entrepreneurial skills in business and agriculture having a strong hold in Gujarat and have made a name for themselves around the world. There are religious and ideological differences between various groups of Patels. They have their own social samaj (gatherings) and mandirs at various locations. The Patel community followed an age-old tradition of marrying within their ‘GOL' or circle, but with changes in economic status, global influence, literacy and education, changes are now taking place and Patels are increasingly marrying outside the Gols.
Other Rajasthanis who migrated out of what is now the state of Gujarat during the British Raj to British East Africa (Kenya and Uganda) sometimes adopted the surname 'Patel', and this surname was then subsequently passed onto their descendants (who now mainly reside outside Kenya and Uganda). Also, during the British Raj, some 'Patels' who migrated to British East Africa and the Union of South Africa (South Africa) adopted different surnames, usually the name of their village, their trade or even their grandfather's name. Subsequently, these surnames have been passed down to their descendants.
