What does the term "gahapati" signify?

The head of a household

A "gahapati" referred to the head or master of a household who wielded authority over the individuals living in the same residence, such as women, children, slaves, and workers. Additionally, the gahapati owned the household's resources, which encompassed land, animals, and other belongings. In certain contexts, this term denoted the status of men belonging to the urban elite, including affluent merchants.