The Chitpavan, Chitpawan, or Konkanastha Brahmins (कोकणस्थ ब्राम्हण) are a brahmin community of Konkan, the coastal belt of western Maharashtra. Sometimes they are affectionately referred to as Kobra (short for KO-nkanastha BRA-hmin). (Since Konkanastha is actually a general geographic label, meaning "Native of Konkan" in Sanskrit, the name Chitpavan is preferable. In this text, however, the names Chitpavan, Konkanastha and Kobra have been used interchangeably. Image File history File links Please see the file description page for further information. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmins. ... Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... The Indian caste system is the traditional system of social stratification on the Indian Subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by a number of endogamous, hereditary groups often termed as jātis or castes. ... This page deals with the Hindu varnas. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA:  , English: ) is Indias third largest state in terms of area and second largest in terms of population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Marathi (मराठी ) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western India (Maharashtrians). ... Hinduism (known as in modern Indian languages) is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmins. ... This page deals with the Hindu varnas. ... It has been suggested that History of the Konkan be merged into this article or section. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA:  , English: ) is Indias third largest state in terms of area and second largest in terms of population after Uttar Pradesh. ... The Sanskrit language ( , for short ) is a classical language of India, a liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and one of the 23 official languages of India. ...

The Chitpavan Brahmins first achieved prominence in the early 1700s, when a Chitpavan Brahmin from the Konkan, Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, was appointed to the post of Peshwa, or Prime Minister during the reign of Chhattrapati Shahu Maharaj in 1713, beginning a period of Peshwa influence in the Maratha court. Historians concur on the fact that the Maratha kingdom subsequently reached its zenith during the age of the Peshwas. The rise of Peshwa influence coincided with and contributed to Chitpavan Brahmins gaining prominence in the Maratha social and political hierarchy, hitherto controlled by the more conservative Brahmins in the mainland of Maharashtra.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Chitpavan community of Maharashtra can be credited with contributing people of great stature to the Indian nation. The Indian freedom struggle in Maharashtra identifies itself with the direction and sacrifices made by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale (of the Servants of India society and more famously, mentor to Mahatma Gandhi in his formative years), Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Justice Ranade and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Maharishi Dhondo Keshav Karve, a great Indian social reformer, supported the education of women and organized associations to emancipate Hindu widows by promoting the cause of their remarriage. In the area of art, theatre and cinema, stalwarts like Dadasaheb Phalke have contributed significantly in the Indian cultural arena. These and many others from the community have helped them establish themselves on the national stage. In Maharashtra, the traditional land of the Chitpavan Brahmins, their cultural contribution has been immense. They are also well known for their liberal mindset towards society, politics and culture.

The origins of the Chitpavan community in the Konkan is shrouded in myth with no conclusive or contemporary evidence to prove it. According to legend, the first Chitpavans were washed ashore on the Konkan coast (See, History & Theology). Though the myth is undated, it is likely that this would have been in the post-Vedic period. Chitpavans were internalized into the Indian Hindu society and climbed up the social ladder to be accepted as Brahmins. The well established Brahmins in that era, and indeed, in a more contemporary era, believed that only the direct descendants of Vedic Rishis could be considered Brahmins. This may not be the correct Vedic interpretation, since migration across varnas was not considered an impossibility during the Vedic period. In the early post-Vedic period, as long as a person demonstrated the knowledge and skills to perform priestly duties, he could be considered a Brahmin. Hence, the word "Brahmin" which means "the Purest Being". The Chitpavans, owing to their external origins, therefore, were considered by some as 'naturalized' or 'impure' Brahmins, a factor which led to their being discriminated against, in later periods.

Though the origins of the Chitpavan Brahmins in India is a mystery, some have argued that the Bhumihar Brahmins of Eastern U.P. and in the state of Bihar, Mohyal Brahmins in the state of Punjab, Namboothiri Brahmins in Kerela, Havyak Brahmins of Karnataka, Anavil Brahmins of Gujarat, and Kumaoni Brahmins of Uttarakhand share the same lineage and are similar to Chitpawans in custom, tradition, practices, temperament and hold Bhagvan Parshuram in high esteem. The records of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati in "Brahmarshi Vansha Vistar" and Acharya Chatursen Shastri in "Vayam Rakshamah" points towards the sma e origin by taking help of all ancient texts as well as prevailing customary practices and temperament of these illustrious Brahmins. Bhumihar Brahmins (भूमिहर ब्राह्मण), also known as Bhumihars (भूमिहार) are an influential Brahmin sub-caste who have traditionally resided in fertile regions of Indo-Gangetic plains of North India, in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ... Uttar Pradesh (Hindi: , Urdu: , translation: Northern Province, IPA: ,  ), also popularly known by its abbreviation U.P. It is the most populous and fifth largest state in the Union of India. ... , Bihar (Hindi: बिहार, Urdu: بہار, IPA: ,  ) is a state of the Indian union situated in the eastern part of the country. ... Mohyal (sometimes Muhiyal or Mahjal) is the name of an endogamous group of seven lineages arising from the Gandhara region, once a great center of Indian learning. ... The Namboothiris (Malayalam :നമ്പൂതിരി) are the Brahmins of Kerala, thought to be the most orthodox brahmins in India. ... Kerala (IPA: ; Malayalam: കേരളം — Keralam) is a state on the southwestern tropical Malabar Coast of India. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Caste. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ... Karnātakā   (Kannada: ಕನಾ೯ಟಕ) (IPA: ) is one of the four southern states of India. ... Anavil Brahmin is one of the sub-castes of Brahmin caste. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ... , Gujarat (Gujarati: , IPA:  ) is a state in the Republic of India. ... Chitpawan chitpavan are a group of people which hail from the Konkan area, west coast of Maharashtra state in India, hence also known as Kokanastha Brahmins (Kobras). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Parashurama and Bhargava Rama (Discuss) Parshuram was the brahmin who destroyed many Kshatriyas. ... Swami Sahajananad Saraswati (1889-1950), was born in a Jujhoutia Bhumihar Brahmin family of Gazipur of Uttar Pradesh state of India, was an ascetic Dandi sanyasi as well as a peasant leader of eastern India. ...

The rise of the Chitpavans to an influential position came with its share of controversies, largely founded on theological interpretations of the Hindu religion. When Balaji Vishvanath Bhat was appointed as Peshwa, he took up a position that was traditionally held by the established Brahmins of Maharashtra (Deshastha Brahmins). This deviation from protocol may have antagonized many. In his era and since then, many have argued the validity of the appointment of a naturalized Brahmin for the post of Peshwa. Be that as it may, the Peshwas united Maratha forces and in a matter of few decades, spread the fledgling Maratha kingdom and its sphere of influence across India. For the first time in the history of India was a flag of a Deccan kingdom flown over the city of Attock, now in Pakistan. The period of Maratha glory waned, however, after the disastrous battle of Panipat in 1759. One of the last Peshwas, Peshwa Nana Sahib participated in the failed Indian Mutiny of 1857.

History & Theology

Origins

A few historians and anthropologists are of the view that the Chitpavans came to India from Israel, Egypt, while others say they came from Greece. The Chitpavans are generally revolutionaries, and their behaviour is full of contradictions. A Chitpavan may sacrifice his life for his country but he will not easily part with his purse. That is why perhaps the Chitpavan community has produced a number of revolutionaries! but only two saints, Vinobha Bhave and Sane guruji. Chitpavan's are generally assumed to be tidy, clean and industrious.Generally Chitpavans have distinct characteristics such as mostly fair skinned, light cloured eyes, straight nose etc.

chitpavans have shown their omnipresent talent in all fields. These days they are doing very well on television and arts.India's first and only male supermodel to date was a chitpavan brahmin {MILIND SOMAN ]some of the greatest singers and artists were born in this community.This is a testamony to the variety of talent available in this race.

List of Chitpavans

Main article: List of Chitpavans

This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Trivia

• Sir Raghunathrao P. Paranjpe, grandfather of noted Hindi and Marathi film director Sai Paranjpe, was the first Indian Senior Wrangler ( Wrangler. Sai, daughter of Sir R.P.P.'s daughter and a Russian father is a noted Hindi and Marathi movie and drama director, having given major hits like Chashme Baddoor, Katha, Sparsh, etc.

1. There have been only 9 Indians on the original prestigious "Time cover" in the last 84 years. 8 were politicians or revolutionary. Only one was a civilian, he was a Chitpavan: Vinoba Bhave, made the Time cover on May 11, 1953

2. Chitpavans amount to less than 1/1000 percent of total Indian population over a billion, but they account for more than 10 percent of total "Bharat Ratna" award recipients from the beginning. 1. Dhondo Keshav Karve 1958 2. P.V. Kane 1963. 3. Vinoba Bhave 1983.

3. Government of India issued over 23 stamps to honor outstanding Chitpavan contributors to the Indian society in the last 50 years, more than any other small community from India.

4. Sir John Templeton award is like a Nobel prize in religion, $1.2 million; winner Pandurangshastri Athvale in 1997.

5. World Martial arts championship was only once won by an Indian: Jay Ranade 2002

6.Over 2,50,000 Chitpavans out of total 10,00,000 have just six last names: Gokhale, Joshi, Kelkar, Sathe,Paranjape and Dandekar

7. In 1919, Pandita Ramabai produced books in Braille in India for the first time. Pandita Ramabai (23rd April 1858, Maharashtra- 5th April 1922) was an eminent social reformer and activist. ...

References

• Chitpavanism - by Jagannath Dixit
• Chitpawan - by Na. Go. Chapekar (1940, reprinted 1968)
• Amhi sare chitpawan - by M.C. Dixit (2002)

External links

• Kokanastha

• Maharashtra Chitpavan Sangha, Pune
• Aparant
• Chitpavan Y! Group
• Kobraweb Y! Group