Dastur (surname)

Dastur is a surname commonly found among Zoroastrians, particularly in India (Parsis) and Iran. It signifies a high-ranking Zoroastrian priest, typically a head priest of a fire temple or a religious scholar.

The term "Dastur" itself derives from the Middle Persian word dastwar, meaning "authority" or "rule." It reflects the religious authority and learned status held by individuals bearing this title and, subsequently, the surname. The position of a Dastur is usually hereditary, passed down through families.

The surname Dastur is therefore indicative of lineage connected to the Zoroastrian priesthood and often implies a family history of religious scholarship and leadership within the Zoroastrian community.