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Encyclopedia > Deshastha Brahmin

Deshastha Brahmin
Total population

2 million (estimate)

Regions with significant populations
Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (cities of Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, & Dhar), Gujarat, particularly Baroda, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, United States and United Kingdom
Languages
Majority speak Marathi. Also a small number of Deshastha resident outside Maharashtra speak along with Marathi local languages such as Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada and Konkani
Religion
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups

Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste belonging to the Indo-Aryan ethnic group primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra . Deshastha, in Sanskrit, means inland and thus, Deshastha Brahmins are Brahmins living in the interiors (away from the coasts). [1] , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... For other uses, see Delhi (disambiguation). ... , Uttar Pradesh (Hindi: , Urdu: , IPA:  , translation: Northern Province), [often referred to as U.P.], located in central-south Asia and northern India, is the most populous and fifth largest state in the Republic of India. ... , Madhya Pradesh (abbreviated as MP)   (HindÄ«: मध्य प्रदेश, English: , IPA: ), often called the Heart of India, is a state in central India. ... , Gwalior   is a city in Madhya Pradesh in India. ... , Indore (Hindi:इन्दौर ,Marathi:इंदूर)  , a large city in the Malwa region of Central India is the commercial capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. ... , Mahakal Temple Ujjain Ujjain   (Hindi:उज्जैन) ([[map view : maxujjain dot com]) (also known as Ujain, Ujjayini, Avanti, Avantikapuri) is an ancient city of central India, in the Malwa region of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River. ... Dhar is a town in the Malwa region of western Madhya Pradesh state in central India. ... This article is for the Indian state. ... Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is the third-most populated town in Gujarat after Ahmedabad and Surat (the three towns with a population of over 1 million in Gujarat). ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... This article is about the Indian region. ... Andhra redirects here. ... Marathi (मराठी ) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western India. ... Gujarati (ગુજરાતી GujÇŽrātÄ«; also known as Gujerati, Gujarathi, Guzratee, and Guujaratee[3]) is an Indo-Aryan language descending from Sanskrit, and part of the greater Indo-European language family. ... -1... Kannada - aptly described as sirigannada (known to few as Kanarese) is one of the oldest Dravidian languages and is spoken in its various dialects by roughly 45 million people. ... Konkani language test of Wikipedia at Wikimedia Incubator Konkani (DevanāgarÄ«: कोंकणी; Roman: Konknni; Kannada: ಕೊಂಕಣಿ; Malayalam: കൊങ്കണി; IAST: ) is an Indo-Aryan language belonging to the Indo-European family of languages spoken in the Konkan coast of India. ... Hinduism is a religious tradition[1] that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ... The Marathi people or Maharashtrians (Marathi: मराठी माणसं or महाराष्ट्रीय) are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group, that inhabit the Maharashtra region and state of western India. ... The Indo-Aryans are a wide collection of peoples united by their common status as speakers of the Indo-Aryan (Indic/Indian) branch of the family of Indo-European and Indo-Iranian languages. ... Karhade Brahmins (Karhádé Bráhmeņ) form one of the three major sub-castes of Maharashtrian Brahmins, the other two being Deshastha Brahmins, and Konkanastha Brahmins. ... The Chitpavan, Chitpawan, or Konkanastha Brahmins (कोकणस्थ ब्राम्हण) are a brahmin community of Konkan, the coastal belt of western Maharashtra. ... A small brahmin sub-caste from Maharashtra In India. ... Goud (also written as Gowd or Gaud) Saraswat Brahmins are a Konkani or Marathi speaking Hindu Brahmin community in India and a part of the larger Saraswat Brahmin community. ... Marathi (मराठी ) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western India. ... This article discusses the adherents of Hinduism. ... Note that the word Brahmin is also known as Brahman in English due to some translation issues between the Upanishads (Hindu Holy Texts) and modern English* Brahmin, in Hinduism, traditionally refers to the priestly caste or a member of this caste in the Hindu caste system. ... Castes are hereditary systems of social occupation, endogamy, social culture, economic class, and political power. ... The Indo-Aryan languages form a subgroup of the Indo-Iranian languages, thus belonging to the Indo-European family of languages. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Sanskrit ( , for short ) is a classical language of India, a liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and one of the 23 official languages of India. ...

Contents

Deshastha Population & Geographical Location

Maharashtra, the state in India where majority of Deshastha live
Maharashtra, the state in India where majority of Deshastha live

With Karhade Brahmin, Devrukhe,Chitpavan (Konkanastha) & and GSB, Deshastha form the five major Brahmin communities of Maharashtra with Deshastha by far the largest of the five. The community is now predominantly urban. Deshastha have two major sub- sects or shakhas called Rigvedi and Yajurvedi.other small sub-sects are like Samvedi and Govardhan For details,see the article on Shakha. Image File history File links India_Maharashtra_locator_map. ... Image File history File links India_Maharashtra_locator_map. ... Karhade Brahmins (Karhádé Bráhmeņ) form one of the three major sub-castes of Maharashtrian Brahmins, the other two being Deshastha Brahmins, and Konkanastha Brahmins. ... A small brahmin sub-caste from Maharashtra In India. ... The Chitpavan, Chitpawan, or Konkanastha Brahmins (कोकणस्थ ब्राम्हण) are a Brahmin community of Konkan, the coastal belt of western Maharashtra. ... Konkanastha is a Sanskrit language term which means a native of the Konkan. ... The acronym GSB may refer to: The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, also known as Chicago GSB; The Stanford Graduate School of Business, also known as Stanford GSB; More generally, graduate school of business, another term for a business school; or German Scholars of Boston, an independent organization... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Cities with at least a million inhabitants in 2006 An urban area is an area with an increased density of human-created structures in comparison to the areas surrounding it. ... Shakha (IAST ), literally branch or limb, is the Sanskrit term for a recension or version of Vedic texts according to a particular school. ... The Rigveda (Sanskrit: , a tatpurusha compound of praise, verse and knowledge) is a collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns counted among the four Hindu religious texts known as the Vedas. ... Yajurvedi: The word denotes one of the two subcastes of Deshastha Brahmin of Maharashtra & Karnataka. ... Close-up of Govardhan hill, Vrindavan Govardhan is a hill located near the town of Vrindavan in India, considered as sacred by worshipers of Krishna such as the Vaishnava and Gaudiya Vaishnava traditions popular in the area. ... Shakha (IAST ), literally branch or limb, is the Sanskrit term for a recension or version of Vedic texts according to a particular school. ...


In Southern India (typically the part of Karnataka-Andhra that belonged to Bombay-Province), there are two communities of Deshastha known as Deshastha Madhva Brahmins, who follow the teachings of Madhvacharya and Deshastha Smartha Brahmins, who follow the teachings of Shankaracharya respectively. The surnames of these southern Indian and mainly Kannada speaking Deshastha brahmins can be identical to those of Maharashtrian Deshastha brahmins(e.g. Kulkarni, Deshpande, Joshi etc. Dvaita (Devanagari:द्बैत, Kannada:ದ್ವೈತ) (also known as Tattvavada and Bheda-vada), a school of Vedanta (the most widespread Hindu philosophy) founded by Madhvacharya, stresses a strict distinction between God (Vishnu) and the individual living beings (jivas). ... For Madhavacharya the Advaita saint, see Madhava Vidyaranya. ... // Introduction The term Smartha refers to those who accept and profess the Advaitha or non-dualistic philosophy propounded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. ... Shankaracharya, (IAST: Åšankarāchārya) is a commonly used title of heads of maÅ£has (monasteries) in the Advaita tradition. ... Kannada - aptly described as sirigannada (known to few as Kanarese) is one of the oldest Dravidian languages and is spoken in its various dialects by roughly 45 million people. ... Maharashtra (महाराष्ट्र) is a state in west-central India. ... Kulkarni(कुलकर्णी/कुळकर्णी) is a common family name in the Karnataka and Maharashtra states of India. ... Deshpande is a common surname in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, India. ... Joshi (disambiguation). ...

A Deshastha couple
A Deshastha couple

Marathi speaking Deshastha can also be found in large numbers outside Maharashtra in the former Maratha ruled or Maratha confederacy states/cities of Indore, Baroda, Ujjain, Gwalior, Dhar and Tanjore. Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... Marathi is one of the widely spoken languages of India, and has a long literary history. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... The Marāthās (Marathi: , also Mahrattas) form an Indo Aryan group of Hindu warriors and peasants hailing mostly from the present-day state of Maharashtra, who created a the expansive Maratha Empire, covering a major part of India, in the late 17th and 18th centuries. ... Extent of the Maratha Confederacy ca. ... , Indore (Hindi:इन्दौर ,Marathi:इंदूर)  , a large city in the Malwa region of Central India is the commercial capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. ... Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is the third-most populated town in Gujarat after Ahmedabad and Surat (the three towns with a population of over 1 million in Gujarat). ... , Mahakal Temple Ujjain Ujjain   (Hindi:उज्जैन) ([[map view : maxujjain dot com]) (also known as Ujain, Ujjayini, Avanti, Avantikapuri) is an ancient city of central India, in the Malwa region of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River. ... , Gwalior   is a city in Madhya Pradesh in India. ... Dhar is a town in the Malwa region of western Madhya Pradesh state in central India. ... Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is a city in Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India. ...


Unlike the British Raj colonial administration, the Indian government at the ten year census does not collect data on upper castes and the associated sub-castes. Therefore it is difficult to know precisely how large Deshastha population is. However, the number can be estimated as 2.0 million by extrapolating from the colonial era census reports. [2] Appearance wise, they are similar to other communities in Maharashtra. H.H. Risley's work during the 1901 census [1] found Deshastha to be indistinguishable from most other castes like Maratha in Maharashtra.[3] Anthem God Save The King-Emperor The British Indian Empire, 1909 Capital Calcutta (1858 - 1912) New Delhi (1912 - 1947) Language(s) Hindustani, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India  - 1858-1901 Victoria¹  - 1901-1910 Edward VII  - 1910-1936 George V  - 1936 Edward VIII  - 1936-1947 George VI Viceroy... Image:1870 census Lindauer Weber 01. ... The word Caste is derived from the Portuguese word casta, meaning lineage, breed or race. ... British anthropologist who did extensive work on the physical appearance of the various castes in India during the census of 1901 ...


Residence of Deshasthas

Image:Manohar joshi.jpg
Manohar Joshi-former CM and Ex- Speaker of Loksabha
Rahul Dravid- The great wall
Rahul Dravid- The great wall

In spite of the fact that they are from Deccan plateau, many Deshashtas migrated to the coastal city of Mumbai during British Rule in search of administrative and clerical jobs. There was also migration to other cities like Pune and Nagpur or Maratha ruled cities outside Maharashtra like Indore. A second wave of migration started after the formation of Maharashtra state(in 1960)when many families settled in Mumbai, Thane, and Dombivali,thus made contribution to Mumbai by servicing in sectors like Government,Teaching(Education),Railways, Banking/ Insurance and Engineering. Few Deshastha also succeeded in starting their own industries in Mumbai. examples include Garware Polymers, Parkhi Paper Mills and Sudha Kulkarni-Murthy’s Infosys in 1981.During last few decades, many Deshasthas have started industries in other cities of Maharashtra like Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nagpur; those are in the fields of IT, Ethanol, Rubber, Engineering Equipments etc.Deshasthas nowadays live mostly in urban centres. However, they are to be found in certain rural areas as well. Brahmins have been migrating overseas in search of higher education and employment for number of years now. A large number educated Brahmins including deshasthas have moved abroad to USA, UK & other countries like Australia.It is estimated that, more than 30,000 Deshasthas have migrated to US during 1950-2000..[citation needed] Indeed, a simple search of surnames of Maharashtrian families in US will reveal mostly brahmin (all sub-groups) or Ckp names.The rate of migration has increased four fold after start of IT boom in 1990. There are thousands of Deshasthas working temporary in US on H1B visas and on Work Permit in U.K..[citation needed] Please refer to list of Deshastha Brahmins of distinction for Deshastha contribution to various fields. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... , Bombay redirects here. ... For the sport which developed into badminton, see Poona (sport). ... , Nāgpur   (Marathi: नागपुर) Third largest city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune with a population of 2. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... , Indore (Hindi:इन्दौर ,Marathi:इंदूर)  , a large city in the Malwa region of Central India is the commercial capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. ... , Bombay redirects here. ... Infosys Technologies Limited (BSE: 500209, NASDAQ: INFY) is a multinational information technology services company headquartered in Bangalore, India. ... Motto: (traditional) In God We Trust (official, 1956–present) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City Official language(s) None at the federal level; English de facto Government Federal Republic  - President George W. Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence - Declared - Recognized... The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country in western Europe, and member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the G8, the European Union, and NATO. Usually known simply as the United Kingdom, the UK, or (inaccurately) as Great Britain or Britain, the UK has four constituent... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (CKP) (Marathi: चांद्रसेनीय कायस्थ प्रभू) is the name of an social group from India. ... The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country in western Europe, and a member of the European Union. ...


Occupations of Deshasthas

The traditional occupations of Deshastha were as priests of Hindu temples or to conduct religious family ceremonies, village revenue officials, academicians, astrologer and administrators A large number also practiced Ayurvedic medicine. Some are also engaged in farming.Even After entry of Chitpavans in Maratha empire, the posts of “Panditrao” (Minister related to Religious issues) and “Chief Justice“ remained in hands of Deshastha. This may be due to their long tradition of sending their brightest students to the holy city of Kashi for religious and legal studies. During British Raj, brahmins in general, found employment as white collar professions such as office clerks and teachers. In modern times, Deshastha occupations range from being factory workers,clerks to being doctors, lawyers, teachers, administrators, IT professionals and engineers. Deshastha women are also going into higher education and as a result can be found in high ranking professions.Around 2%[citation needed]of the Deshastha population is still living in interior rural Maharashtra area with relatively poor earnings and poor life style. This fraction of community is not educated (but literate). This article is about religious workers. ... Administrators are Wikipedians who have sysop rights. Current Wikipedia policy is to grant this access liberally to anyone who has been an active Wikipedia contributor for a while and is generally a known and trusted member of the community. ... Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) or ayurvedic medicine is a more than 2,000 year old comprehensive system of medicine based on a holistic approach rooted in Vedic culture. ... The Chitpavan, Chitpawan, or Konkanastha Brahmins (कोकणस्थ ब्राम्हण) are a Brahmin community of Konkan, the coastal belt of western Maharashtra. ... There are multiple meanings of Kashi: Benares (a. ... Anthem God Save The King-Emperor The British Indian Empire, 1909 Capital Calcutta (1858 - 1912) New Delhi (1912 - 1947) Language(s) Hindustani, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India  - 1858-1901 Victoria¹  - 1901-1910 Edward VII  - 1910-1936 George V  - 1936 Edward VIII  - 1936-1947 George VI Viceroy... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... Sign in a rural area in Dalarna, Sweden Qichun, a rural town in Hubei province, China Rural areas (also referred to as the country, countryside) are settled places outside towns and cities. ... Literacy is the ability to use text to communicate across space and time. ...


Deshastha History

Image of Deshastha Saint Samartha Ramdas
Image of Deshastha Saint Samartha Ramdas
Image of Saint Dnyaneshwar
Image of Saint Dnyaneshwar

Deshastha Brahmins consider themselves to be the direct descendants of the great Rishis(Sages) who settled in dandakaranya(Maharashtra)in ancient times.[[1]] They are people of Aryan descent who had settled down south of Vindhya mountains after the Mahabharat period.The Deshasthas arrived in Maharashtra from the ancient Gandhar province in (Afghanistan) and Punjab during 1st century BC to 150 AD.[[2]] First they settled in Vidarbha[[3]] Later they moved eastwards in the valleys of Bhima,Godavari and Krishna rivers in Central and Western Maharashtra.[4] Image of Hindu saint Samarth Ramdas for article; appears to be public domain File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image of Hindu saint Samarth Ramdas for article; appears to be public domain File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Aryan (/eÉ™rjÉ™n/ or /ɑːrjÉ™n/, Sanskrit: ) is a Sanskrit and Avestan word meaning noble/spiritual one. ... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Gandhar is a gotra or clan of Jats found in Uttar Pradesh in India. ... This article is about the geographical region. ... Map of the districts comprising the Vidarbha region. ... A motif depicting Bheema in the battle ready posture. ... The Godavari River is a major waterway in India, next to the Ganges and Indus rivers. ... This article is about the Hindu deity. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ...


Some Yajurvedi deshastha brahmin families have been living in North Konkan since the 12th century along with Pathare Prabhus. Despite living in Konkan they are still considered ‘Deshastha-Yajurvedis’ rather than Kokanastha (belonging to Konkan). Yajurvedi: The word denotes one of the two subcastes of Deshastha Brahmin of Maharashtra & Karnataka. ... It has been suggested that History of the Konkan be merged into this article or section. ... Pathare Prabhu or Pratihara Prabhu as they are known are one of the Hindu communities in the city of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). ...


Deshastha may be the Maharashtrian Brahmin community with the longest known history. Sant Dnyaneshwar from the 12th century was Deshastha, as were the saints, Eknath and Ramdas from more recent times (16th & 17th centuries, respectively). The close advisors and ministers of Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th century founder of Maratha empire were Deshastha. Unfortunately, the history of Maharashtra and therefore of the Deshastha community before 12th century is quite sparse.The cave paintings of Ajanta and sculptures from other places show Buddhism and Jainism to be the religions with significant royal patronage in Maharashtra during the first millennium of the present era. One can only speculate whether, Deshastha had kept Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) going during this period or converted from Buddhism after the decline of that religion in India. After the rise of Maratha empire, under the leadership Shivaji Maharaj Deshasthas played major role in army and administration which is evident from the warriors like Neelkanth Sarnaik, Keso Narayan Deshpande and Annaji Dato Sabnis so on. Seven out of eight Ashtapradhan of Raje Shivaji were Deshasthas. Even after the fall of Maratha Kingdom to British a few Deshastha-ruled states remained nominally independent until 1947. Major among these were, Prant-Pratindhi of Aundh-Satara, Bavadekar of Gagan-Bavda(Kolhapur)and Panditrao of Bhor.and many more[4][5] Maharashtra (महाराष्ट्र) is a state in west-central India. ... Dnyaneshwar (1275-1296) was a Hindu saint and poet who lived in Alandi Maharashtra, India at the end of the thirteenth century. ... Sant Eknath (1533 - 1599) was one of the remarkable saints of Maharashtra, India. ... Early Life Samarth Ramdas (1608-1681) is considered one of the greatest Hindu saints of Indian history. ... Shivaji Bhosle, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजीराजे भोसले) (Born:February 19, 1627, Died: April 3, 1680) was the founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1674. ... Flag of the Maratha Empire Extent of the Maratha Empire ca. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Ajanta takes the name after the village AjinÅ£hā in Aurangabad district in the state of Maharashtra(N. lat. ... Buddhism is a Dharmic religion and philosophy[1] with between 230 to 500 million adherents worldwide. ... Jain and Jaina redirect here. ... , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... This article is about the Hindu religion; for other meanings of the word, see Hindu (disambiguation). ... Flag of the Maratha Empire Extent of the Maratha Empire ca. ... This article needs cleanup. ... Aundh was a princely state in British India, in the Deccan States Agency division of the Bombay Presidency. ... For the moth genus, see Satara (moth). ... Bhor is a city and a municipal council in Pune district in the state of Maharashtra, India. ...


Deshastha History: Association with Pathare-Prabhus & Early migration to Mumbai island

When Chimaji Appa attacked the Fort of Vasai in 1739-40, Pathare Prabhu Khanduji Mankar and Yajurvedi Brahmin Antaji Kawale played important roles in the battle. The Peshwas promised Antaji the jahagir of Malad but after the deaths Bajirao Peshwa, Chimaji Appa and Antaji Raghunath, Balaji Bajirao Peshwe alias Nanasahib Peshwe reneged on their promise. Nanasaheb Peshwe being a 'Konkanastha Brahmin' followed the advice of his relatives. The Konkanasta Brahmin in his kingdom started harassing the Deshastha Brahmins. This also affected the Yajurvedi Brahmins who had arrived with the Pathare Prabhus in Northern Konkan. On the advice of his supporters Balaji Bajirao Peshwe destroyed the Yagnas of the Yajurvedi Brahmin and disallowed the chanting of the 'Brahma Gayatri Vedak Mantra' by them. He humiliated them as 'Palsi'. Fed up with the humiliations by the Peshwas, Yajurvedi Brahmins left the Peshwai. According to the advice of the Rajguru, all Yajurvedi Brahmins and Pratihaar Prabhus migrated and settled in Bombay and started working under the British regime. Over the years these Pratihaar Prabhus became Pathare Prabhus.[5] , Bombay redirects here. ... Vasai Road is the name of a railway station on the Mumbai suburban railway on the Western Railway railway line. ... Malad (Marathi:मालाड) is a suburb of Mumbai, India. ... The Maratha Empire at its peak in 1760 The Peshwa(Marathi:पेशवे or पेशवा) (also known in Marathi as Peshwe) were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Chattrapatis (Kings), who began commanding Maratha armies and later became the hereditary rulers of the Maratha empire of central India from 1749 to 1818. ... Konkanastha is a Sanskrit language term which means a native of the Konkan. ... It has been suggested that History of the Konkan be merged into this article or section. ...


Deshastha Society & Culture

Image of Renuka of Mahur, deity for many Deshastha families
Image of Renuka of Mahur, deity for many Deshastha families

Deshastha — like all other Brahmins — trace their paternal ancestors to one of the seven sages, the saptarshi. This way they classify themselves into eight gotras, named after the ancestor rishi. Deshastha have two sub sects, Rigvedi and Yajurvedi. Inter-marriage between these sub sects was uncommon until recently, although there is no taboo against this. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1024x1409, 762 KB) Vishal Prakash Dudhane -- Vishal1976 , This is an image of Godess Renukamata in Maharashtra , Please create a saprate article , Link Maratha Clan System Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1024x1409, 762 KB) Vishal Prakash Dudhane -- Vishal1976 , This is an image of Godess Renukamata in Maharashtra , Please create a saprate article , Link Maratha Clan System Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the... SaptaÅ—iÅŸhi or SaptarÅŸi (सप्तर्षि, pronounced as sÉ™ptÉ™rÅžhi) in Sanskrit means the Seven Sages or rishis who are extolled at many places in the Vedas and other Hindu literature. ... A gotra is the lineage or clan assigned to a Hindu at birth. ... The Rigveda (Sanskrit: , a tatpurusha compound of praise, verse and knowledge) is a collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns counted among the four Hindu religious texts known as the Vedas. ... Yajurvedi: The word denotes one of the two subcastes of Deshastha Brahmin of Maharashtra & Karnataka. ...


Like most families in Maharashtra & other states of India, Deshastha families also have their own "unique" family deity, Kuldevta, usually the Goddess Parvati, known by different names such as Bhavani,Renuka, Amba, etc. Despite being the most popular deity amongst Deshastha and other Marathi people, no family regards Vitthal or other Avatars of Vishnu as their Kuldevata. Balaji may be an exception though. A number of families have Khandoba and Balaji as their Kuldaiwat. Balaji is regarded as a form of Vishnu by most Hindus but as Shankar, for example, by the Lingayat community. The Kuldevta is invoked on auspicious occasions like weddings and initiation ceremony (munja or Upanayanam) to obtain her blessings. Families also make pilgrimage to their Kuldevta temples after an auspicious occasion. The location of the Kuldevta temple may give a clue as to the original abode of a particular family because families may have chosen a particular temple as Kuldevta for geographical proximity. , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... KULDEVTA: Also spelled or known as Kuldaiwat. ... For the Harry Potter character, see Parvati Patil. ... Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur Bhavani is a ferocious aspect of Hindu goddess Shakti or Devi. ... In ancient Cylanese, Renuka was the name of a minor goddess of wanton death and destruction, although at certain times was also a symbol of creativity and vibrancy. ... Amba was the eldest daughter of King of Kashi. ... The Marathi people or Maharashtrians (Marathi: मराठी माणसं or महाराष्ट्रीय) are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group, that inhabit the Maharashtra region and state of western India. ... Vitthal is the same as Vithoba ... This article is about the concept in Hindu philosophy. ... For other meanings, see Vishnu (disambiguation). ... This article needs cleanup. ... Khandoba and Mhalsa killing demons Mani-Malla - Lithograph c. ... This article needs cleanup. ... This article needs cleanup. ... Shankar is a common name in India. ... Virasaivism is a religious movement of Hinduism in India. ... Upanayanam perhaps better known outside India by the name Sacred thread ceremony, is a Hindu rite-of-passage ritual. ... Upanayana, sometimes known outside India by the name, sacred thread ceremony, is commonly known for being a Hindu rite-of-passage ritual. ... This article is about the religious or spiritual journey. ... KULDEVTA: Also spelled or known as Kuldaiwat. ...


Like most other castes in India, Deshasthas are a patrilineal society and children derive their group or caste association from their father. The word Caste is derived from the Portuguese word casta, meaning lineage, breed or race. ... Patrilineality is a system in which one belongs to ones fathers lineage; it generally involves the inheritance of property, names or titles through the male line as well. ... Castes are hereditary systems of social occupation, endogamy, social culture, economic class, and political power. ...


By tradition, like other Brahmin communities of Southern India, Deshastha Brahmins are lacto vegetarian. The special dishes for Deshastha and some other Marathi communities may be the simple toor dal varan. Metkut is another Brahmin specialty. Deshastha use black spice mix or kala masala in the cooking. Traditionally, each family had their own recipe for the spice mix. However, this tradition is giving way to housewives buying the mixed spice pack directly from retailers. Puran poli for festivals is another Marathi Brahmin special dish. A lacto vegetarian diet is a vegetarian diet that includes dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, and kefir. ... Massala redirects here. ... Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet which is just like Poli or Chapati but with sweet preparation of Chana Daal stuffed inside. ...

Image of a Deshastha woman in the traditional nine yard sari
Image of a Deshastha woman in the traditional nine yard sari

Deshastha women traditionally wore a nine yard sari. The way they wore the nine yard sari was different from women of other castes. Unlike women from other caste groups in Maharashtra, Deshastha women traditionally do not cover their head with their sari. Men wore dhotis again in a "Brahmin way." For religious ceremonies men & boys wore a coloured silk dhoti called a "sovale". In modern times, women mostly wear the five yard sari. Salwar kameez and Western clothes are popular amongst the young. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (512x672, 217 KB) Picture of a Maharashtrian Deshastha woman in the traditional attire from 1970s. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (512x672, 217 KB) Picture of a Maharashtrian Deshastha woman in the traditional attire from 1970s. ... For the city, see Sari, Iran. ... Castes are hereditary systems of social occupation, endogamy, social culture, economic class, and political power. ... Similar to sarongs, dhotis are commonly worn with western-style oxford shirts by the men of South India. ... Salwar kameez, from Max Tilkes Oriental Costume, 1922 Salwar kameez (also spelled shalwar kameez and shalwar qamiz) is a traditional dress worn by both women and men in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. ...


Despite decades of campaign against casteism, Deshastha tend to be mostly endogamous. However, marriages between Deshastha and other Maharashtrian Brahmin communities such as Karhade and Kokanastha, Devrukhe,GSB are common. Marriages between Deshastha and CKPs in urban area also take place in large numbers. Marriages between Maharashtrian Deshastha and Kannada Deshastha are also common, particularly in the border region of the two states. Marriages between Deshastha & other non-brahmin castes do take place in small numbers. Deshastha differ from Kokanstha in allowing cross-cousin marriages (a man marrying his maternal uncle's daughter). Due to concerns about genetic defects, this practice is dying out. Ironically, unrelated men and women of the same gotra are considered related and therefore marriage between people from the same gotra is considered incest. pertaining to or characterized by the custom of marrying only within the limits of a clan or tribe ... Karhade Brahmins (Karhádé Bráhmeņ) form the smallest of the four major sub-castes of Maharashtrian Brahmins, the other three being Deshastha Brahmins, Saraswat Brahmins and Konkanastha Brahmins. ... ... A small brahmin sub-caste from Maharashtra In India. ... The acronym GSB may refer to: The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, also known as Chicago GSB; The Stanford Graduate School of Business, also known as Stanford GSB; More generally, graduate school of business, another term for a business school; or German Scholars of Boston, an independent organization... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (CKP) (Marathi: चांद्रसेनीय कायस्थ प्रभू) is the name of an social group from India. ... Maharashtra (महाराष्ट्र) is a state in west-central India. ... Kannada - aptly described as sirigannada (known to few as Kanarese) is one of the oldest Dravidian languages and is spoken in its various dialects by roughly 45 million people. ... Cross Cousin is an anthropological term describing kin who are in the same descent group as the subject (ego) and are from the parents opposite-sexed sibling. ... A genetic disorder, or genetic disease is a disease caused by abnormal expression of one or more genes in a person causing a clinical phenotype. ... Incest is defined as sexual relations between closely related persons (often within the immediate family) such that it is either illegal or socially taboo. ...


Social and political issues: Before British raj

During ancient and mediaeval periods, Deshasthas (and Brahmins in general) rose to prominence in Indian society, primarily due to their emphasis on spiritual life and scholarship, particularly in terms of their expertise in the Vedas and the attendant religious rituals. Most of the administrators in the government of Shivaji Maharaj were Deshastha Brahmin. Deshastha influence waned during the rule of Nanasaheb Peshwa(Especially during 1750s) who belonged to the Konkanastha-chitpavan sub-caste. For example, city of Miraj was actually recaptured by PantPratinidhi from Mogul control, but Nanasaheb Peshwa gave the “jahagir” of Sangli-Miraj to Sardar Patwardhan despite the latter having no role in recapturing Miraj Actually,such practice of giving ‘Jahagir’(Ownership of Province) to the relatives of political people was abolished by Shivaji Maharaj. After death of Shahu Maharaj (Grandson of Shivaji) in 1749, Nanasaheb Peshwa took many such decisions in favor of his relatives from Kokan; this policy has affected many Deshastha accountants, clerks, Military persons working with in Maratha empire as a result deshasthas lost many posts right from senior level (Amatya- Military Accountants, Phadanvis-Finance secretary) to junior level of clerks and priest. Sardar Vinchurkar, Sardar Mujumdar, Sardar Purandare, Sakharam Bapu Bokil and Sardar Panse, Rajas of Aundh (Satara District), the PantPratinidhis and Bhor, the Pandits played major roles in the military and administration of Maratha empire from 1713-1818. Anthem God Save The King-Emperor The British Indian Empire, 1909 Capital Calcutta (1858 - 1912) New Delhi (1912 - 1947) Language(s) Hindustani, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India  - 1858-1901 Victoria¹  - 1901-1910 Edward VII  - 1910-1936 George V  - 1936 Edward VIII  - 1936-1947 George VI Viceroy... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ... Veda redirects here. ... Shivaji Bhosle, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजीराजे भोसले) (Born:February 19, 1627, Died: April 3, 1680) was the founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1674. ... The Maratha Empire at its peak in 1760 The Peshwa(Marathi:पेशवे or पेशवा) (also known in Marathi as Peshwe) were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Chattrapatis (Kings), who began commanding Maratha armies and later became the hereditary rulers of the Maratha empire of central India from 1749 to 1818. ... Konkanastha is a Sanskrit language term which means a native of the Konkan. ... The Chitpavan, Chitpawan, or Konkanastha Brahmins (कोकणस्थ ब्राम्हण) are a Brahmin community of Konkan, the coastal belt of western Maharashtra. ... , Although unrelated, Miraj can also refer to the Islamic tradition regarding Muhammads ascent to heaven. ... Nanasaheb Peshwa (also called Balaji Bajirao )(born 1720 or 1721 - Died 1761) was one of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. ... , Although unrelated, Miraj can also refer to the Islamic tradition regarding Muhammads ascent to heaven. ... Shivaji Bhosle, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजीराजे भोसले) (Born:February 19, 1627, Died: April 3, 1680) was the founder of Maratha empire in western India in 1674. ... Shrimant Shahu Shivaji Raje Bhonsle Chhatrapati Maharaj (1682-1749) was the fourth ruler of the Maratha Empire created by his grandfather, Shivaji, and was officially the Raja of Satara. ... Nanasaheb Peshwa (also called Balaji Bajirao )(born 1720 or 1721 - Died 1761) was one of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. ... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... Accountancy (British English) or accounting (American English) is the process of maintaining, auditing, and processing financial information for business purposes. ... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... For other uses, see Raja (disambiguation). ... Aundh was a princely state in British India, in the Deccan States Agency division of the Bombay Presidency. ... For the moth genus, see Satara (moth). ... Bhor is a city and a municipal council in Pune district in the state of Maharashtra, India. ... A pandit or pundit(पन्दित् in Devanagari) is a Hindu Brahmin who has memorized a substantial portion of the Vedas, along with the proper rhythms and melodies for chanting or singing them. ...


Unfortunately, until recent times, like other high castes of Maharashtra and India, Deshastha also followed the practice of segregation from other castes considered lower in the social hierarchy. Until a few decades ago, a large number of Hindu temples, presumably with a Deshastha priest, barred entry to the so called untouchables. This practice died out due to the campaigns conducted by leaders like Veer Savarkar, Sane Guruji, K. B. Hedgewar and non Brahmin leaders like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule. Legislation outlawing caste discrimination after Indian independence may also have played a part in eliminating the segregation and untouchability.Dr. Govande was a one of the supporter of Mahatma Phule. Mahadev Ambedkar another Deshastha bramhin had helped Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in later's early schooling career. Babasaheb had expressed gratitude about his Ambedkar guruji many times in his speech. , Maharashtra (Marathi: महाराष्ट्र , IPA  , translation: Great Nation) is Indias third largest state in area and second largest in population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Geographical segregation exists whenever the proportions of population rates of two or more populations are not homogenous throughout a defined space. ... Temples Categories: Temples in India | Temples in USA | Temples in Singapore | Temples in Malaysia | Temples in SriLanka | Hindu temples ... Dalits, sometimes called Untouchables in the Indian caste system, are people who according to traditional Indian society are regarded as low caste. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, known as Sane Guruji to his followers, was a famous Marathi author and social activist. ... Keshava Baliram Hedgewar ( केशव बालीराम हेडगावार )(Nagpur, India April 1, 1889 – Nagpur, India June 21, 1940) was the founder of Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). ... Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (April 14, 1891 or 1892 - December 6, 1956) was the most prominent Indian Untouchable leader of the 20th century. ... Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, but have spread throughout South India. ... Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (April 14, 1891 or 1892 - December 6, 1956) was the most prominent Indian Untouchable leader of the 20th century. ...


Unlike other castes and tribes in India, Deshastha do not have a caste Panchayat to arbitrate in matters relating to disputes involving caste members. // The Panchayat (पंचायत in Devanagiri) is an Indian political system that groups five villages in a quincunx (four peripheral villages around a central one were laid out as the 5 side of a die). ...


Social and political issues: Modern Era (British raj & Post-independence)

Pramod Mahajan
Pramod Mahajan

Even after the fall of the Maratha empire, many Deshastha -ruled states remained nominally independent under British rule.. Later, during the British raj they were also the first to acquire English education and served as administrators during the British rule in India. Such a relatively privileged life during the colonial period led to resentment from other castes.Deshashthas and other marathi brahmins were the primary targets during the anti-Brahmin riots in Maharastra in 1948 following Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. The rioters burnt homes and properties owned by brahmins. However, in some instances, the rioters also killed their brahmin victims. It took years for them to recover from this situation. Some took it constructively and migrated to Cities in search of work. “Kool Kayda”, a Reformist-Agriculture- Land Law after Independence, worsened their situation in rural area and was another motivation for them to migrate to the cities. In Maharashtra, Deshasthas and other brahmin groups have been politically marginalized since Indian independence. Quotas & reservation for disadvantaged groups in government jobs and Higher Education have led to further squeezing of opportunities for brahmins everywhere in India. In recent decades, with the rise of the right wing , BJP & Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, a number of Deshastha politicians rose to prominence. Notable among them are the late Pramod Mahajan and Manohar Joshi. On the left of the political spectrum, one can mention National level Communist leader Shripad Amrut Dange. Deshastha have also demonstrated their leadership in the Education sector Notable examples include Dr. Narhar Hirwe, founder of Royal Society of Science, Mumbai in 1935 and Dr. Mujumdar of Symbiosis. Please refer to list of Deshastha Brahmins of distinction for Deshastha contribution to various fields. Anthem God Save The King-Emperor The British Indian Empire, 1909 Capital Calcutta (1858 - 1912) New Delhi (1912 - 1947) Language(s) Hindustani, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India  - 1858-1901 Victoria¹  - 1901-1910 Edward VII  - 1910-1936 George V  - 1936 Edward VIII  - 1936-1947 George VI Viceroy... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1153x1601, 433 KB) Summary Picture of Pramod Mahajan on India Today cover. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1153x1601, 433 KB) Summary Picture of Pramod Mahajan on India Today cover. ... Anthem God Save The King-Emperor The British Indian Empire, 1909 Capital Calcutta (1858 - 1912) New Delhi (1912 - 1947) Language(s) Hindustani, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India  - 1858-1901 Victoria¹  - 1901-1910 Edward VII  - 1910-1936 George V  - 1936 Edward VIII  - 1936-1947 George VI Viceroy... The word Caste is derived from the Portuguese word casta, meaning lineage, breed or race. ... “Gandhi” redirects here. ... Assassin and Assassins redirect here. ... The Indian independence movement was a series of steps taken in the Indian subcontinent for independence from British colonial rule, beginning with the Rebellion of 1857. ... BJP could mean one of Indias largest political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party British Journal of Photography British Journal of Psychiatry British Journal of Pharmocology This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Shiv Sena (DevanāgarÄ«: शिव सेना Śīv Senā), meaning Army of Shiva, referring to Shivaji is a nationalist political party in India founded on June 19, 1966 by Bal Thackeray, who is currently the president of the party. ... Pramod Venkatesh Mahajan (प्रमोद वेंकटेश महाजन in Devanagari) (30 October 1949 – 3 May 2006) [1] was a prominent Indian politician. ... Manohar Joshi, affectionately known as Joshi Sir (born December 2, 1937) is an Indian politician. ...


In recent time,the anti-brahmin hate group Sambhaji Brigade attacked Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute of Maharashtra in January 2004, claiming that the Institute had defamed Shivaji. Later the Sambhaji Brigade issued statements reflecting anti-Brahmin sentiments. They also hate Ramdas Swami- a revolutionary saint from 17th century. Recently, the same organization had demanded the removal of Dadoji Konddeo from the Statue of Child Shivaji ploughing Pune's Land at Lal Mahal, Pune. They also threatened that if their demande were not met, they would demolish that part of statue by themselves. Sambhaji Brigade is an Anti-Brahminist all-caste militant Kunbi Maratha led youth organization situated in Maharashtra, a western state of India. ... The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, abbreviated BORI, is located in Pune at the junction of Law College Road and Bhandarkar Road. ... Dadoji Konddeo (Marathi: दादोजी कोंडदेव) (also known as Dadaji Konddev and Dadoji Kondadev) was a 16th century martial arts expert from India, particularly known for his loyalty towards his master Shahaji, the father of Maratha empire founder Shivaji. ...


Deshastha Women