English word 'Banyan Tree' for Vad tree derived from Gujarati word Vaniya/Hindi word Baniya (Sanskrit word Vanij & Prakrit word Vania).In old-time open markets used to be held by traders in shadow of Vad outside towns & villages.British called traders Baniya & Vad Banyan tree.

In middle age, British and European traders & travellers came into contacts first with traders of Gujarat coastal area in India. Traders were known as Vaniya in Gujarati & Baniya in Hindi. So Europeans called Indian traders Baniya & Indian things related to traders Banyan.

Middle age European travellers & traders first saw Vad tree first time in Gujarat. It was an amazing tree for them as Vad tree was not found in Europe. Indian traders used to hold a weekly market in the shadow of Vad tree outside town/village. So they called Vad tree Banyan tree.

Middle age English traders & travellers called half sleeve gent upper waist wear cloth of Indian Vaniya/Baniya (trader) Banyan cloth.We now use Banyan for underwear. In old-time Vaniya (traders) maintained & run Panjarapol for old & sick animals which were called Banyan Hospital.

In middle age, the crew of British Naval & merchant ships anchored/stationed at Gujarat coast were given meatless vegetarian food for 2 days in a week in honour of Gujarati traders (Vaniya) who were vegetarian. So sailors called those two meatless food days 'Banyan Days'!