In the Marathi community, the number symbolizes a traditional grouping of families who migrated, fought, and settled across the Deccan plateau.
Also, note that this list might not be exhaustive and is not in any particular order. Different sources might have slightly varying lists. 96k maratha surname list
The 96 main clans are often considered "Royal Clans" ( Sardars ), many of whom served as local leaders ( Patils or Deshmukhs ) for various Deccan sultanates before joining Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s quest for Swarajya . In the Marathi community, the number symbolizes a
and so on.