Deshastha Brahmin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Deshastha Brahmin |
|---|
| Total population |
|
2 million (estimate) |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (cities of Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, & Dhar), Baroda in Gujarat, & Tamil Nadu |
| Languages |
| Majority speak Marathi. A small number of people speak Kannada,Tamil or Telugu |
| Religions |
| Hinduism |
| Related ethnic groups |
|
Deshastha Brahmins (Marathi: देशस्थ ब्राह्मण) are a Hindu Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian states of Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka. Deshastha, in Sanskrit, means inland and thus, Deshastha Brahmins are Brahmins living in the interiors (away from the coasts). [1]
Contents |
[edit] Deshastha Population & Geographical Location
Deshastha Brahmins are a Brahmin sub-caste primarily from the Indian state of Maharashtra, but can be found in other states of India too. Deshastha, in Sanskrit, means inland and thus, Deshastha Brahmins are Brahmins living in the interiors (away from the coasts). With Chitpavan (Konkanastha) & Karhade Brahmin, Deshastha form the three major Brahmin communities of Maharashtra with Deshastha by far the largest of the three. The community is now predominantly urban.
In Southern India, there are two communities of Deshashstha 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 mainly Kannada speaking Deshastha brahmins can be identical to those of Maharashtrian Deshastha brahmins (e.g. Kulkarni, Deshpande, Joshi etc.).
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.
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]
Deshastha as mentioned elsewhere in the article are Indo-Aryan. Appearance wise, they are similar to other communities in Maharashtra. H.H. Risley's work durinng the 1901 census [1] found Deshastha to be indistinguishable from most other castes like Maratha or Koli in Maharashtra.[3]
[edit] Deshastha History
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. One myth says that Deshastha are the original inheritants of the vedic sages.[citation needed]
[edit] Deshastha Society & Culture
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. 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, Amba, etc. A number of families also have Khandoba and Balaji as their Kuldevta. 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.
Like most other castes in India, Deshasthas are a patrilineal society and children derive their group or caste association from their father.
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.
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.
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 are common. Marriages between Maharashtrian Deshastha and Kannada Deshastha are also common, particularly in the border region of the two states. 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.
Until the beginning of British colonial period, Deshastha were one of the few literate communities in Maharashtra, The traditional occupations of Deshastha were priest of Hindu temples or to conduct religious family ceremonies, village revenue officials, astrologer and administrators. A large number were also farmers. In modern times, Deshastha occupations range from being factory workers to being doctors, lawyers, teachers, administrators and engineers. Deshastha women are also going into higher education and as a result can be found in high ranking professions.
Unfortunately, until recent times, like other high castes of Maharashtra and India, Deshastha also followed the practice of segregation from other castes cosidered 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. Legislation outlawing caste discrimination after Indian independence may also have played a part in eliminating the segregation and untouchability.
Unlike other castes and tribes in India, Deshastha do not have a caste Panchayat to arbitrate in matters relating to disputes involving caste members.
[edit] Rituals, Ceremonies and Festivals
Although many rituals that were practiced in ancient times are no longer followed, some traditions are continued to this day. The rituals, ceremonies and Hindu festivals described below are also followed by other Marathi people or Hindu communities. Unique Deshastha traditions are mentioned where possible.
Deshasthas are initiated into rituals at the time of birth. At that time, a horoscope is made for the child based on the position of the stars. Then the child undergoes the naming ceremony (barsa). During the ceremony the child's paternal aunt (father's sister) has the honour of naming the infant. In Gujarat, children are named according to the letter associated with a particular birth-sign (Ras in Marathi). However, this tradition is either not followed in Maharahtra or the name according to the ras is kept hidden in order to ward off possible black magic. When the child is one year old, the first cutting of the infant's hair (jawal) is a significant ceremony too.
When a male child reaches his seventh birthday he undergoes the initiation thread ceremony known as munja or Upanayanam. From that day on, he becomes an official member of his caste, and is called a dwija (translated in English as "twice-born"). In ancient times, the boy was sent to gurukula to learn Vedas and scriptures. The boy was expected to practice extreme discipline during this period known as brahmacharya. He was expected to lead a celibate life, living on alms, and surviving on selected vegetarian saatvic food and observing considerable austerity in behaviour and deeds. Though such practices are not followed in modern times by a majority of Deshasthas, all Deshasthas boys undergo the sacred thread ceremony before marriage. Twice-born Deshasthas perform annual ceremonies to replace their sacred threads with new ones on Shravan full moon day (narali Pornima in Marathi). Like most other Hindu communities, Deshasthas have a shrine called devghar in their house with statues, symbols, and images of various deities. Satyanarayana Puja is also performed for special occasions. Ritual reading of religious texts called pothi is also popular.
A typical Deshasthas marriage consists of Seemant poojan on the wedding eve. The dharmic wedding includes the antarpat ceremony followed by the vedic ceremony which involves the bridegroom and the bride walking around the sacred fire seven times to complete the marriage. Modern urban wedding ceremonies conclude with an evening reception.
The other extremely important rituals for the Deshasthas are the death ceremonies. All Deshasthas are cremated according to Vedic rites, usually within a day of the individual's death. The death rites include a 13-day ceremony. The ashes of the departed are immersed at a confluence of two rivers (sangam) or the sea. Like all other Hindus, the preference is for the ashes to be immersed in the Ganga river. There is also a yearly shraddha that needs to be performed. These rituals are expected to be performed only by male descendants (preferably the eldest son) of the deceased.
Other rituals for different occasions include Vastushanti (entering a new house) and Satya Narayan.
In traditional families, any food is first offered to God as naivedya, and then eaten. Food is not considered to be consumed before this religious offering. In contemporary Deshasthas families, the naivedya is offered only on festival days.
Deshasthas follow the Shaka (Saka) Hindu calendar. The following are just a few of the many festivals observed by Deshasthas.
- Gudi Padwa: The year starts on the first day of Chaitra known as Gudi Padwa which falls around March or April of the Western calendar. A gudi or victory pole is erected outside the house on this day. The special dish on the day includes shreekhand. Neem leaves are eaten on this day to ward off illness during the new year. Gudi Padwa like Diwali Padwa and Dasara is considered one of the 3 and half auspicious days of the Marathi calendar and astrological charts need not be consulted for conducting important ceremonies such as weddings. During Chaitra women also hold a Haldi-kunku celebration. Chaitra is, however, considered inauspicious for weddings.
- Ram Navami and Hanuman jayanti, the birthdays of Shree Ramchandra and Hanuman respectively are also celebrated in the month of Chaitra.
- Narali Pornima - On this Shravan full moon day, Deshastha men change the sacred thread. In northern India, this day is celebrated as Raksha bandhan. Marathi people in general have adopted the Raksha bandhan tradition of sisters tying a rakhee on the wrist of their brothers. A special sweetened rice with coconut, called Narali Bhat in Marathi is the special dish of the day.
- Janmashtami - Birthday of Lord Krishna on Shravan Vadya ashtami is observed with a fast.
- Ganeshotsav- Festival of Lord Ganesh. Through, Lokmanya Tilak's efforts Ganeshotsava became a public celebration a century ago. However, Deshasthas families also install their own clay (called shadu in Marathi) Ganpati in their house on Ganesh Chaturthi. The private celebration can go on for 1 1/2 days to full 10 days according to each family's tradition. A Modak (steamed rice dumpling usually with a jaggery/coconut filling) is a sweet prepared for this occasion, and is considered the favourite of Lord Ganesh. Ganeshotsav also incorporates the Gauri festival. Deshasthas install statues of the Gauri. Kokanstha brahmins on the other hand use special rocks as symbols of Gauri.
- Navaratri - the nine-day festival of Durga culminates in Vijayadasami (Dasara). This is the one the three auspicious days of the year. Traditionally, stars need not be consulted for starting a new project on this day. People also exchange leaves of Apti tree as symbol of gold. During Navaratri women and girls hold bhondla, a singing party in honor of the Goddess.
- Kojagiri Pornima (Ashwin Pornima) on autumn Full Moon day is celebrated with sweetened milk and by honoring the eldest child in the family.
- Diwali - The festival of lights is celebrated over five days. The Deshasthas celebrate this in their unique style by waking up early in the morning and having and oil bath. People light their houses with lamps, and burst fire crackers over the course of the festival. Special sweets and savories like anarse, karanji, chakli, chivda (Bombay mix), ladoo are prepared for the festival. Colorful Rangoli are made in front of the house. Kids make a replica fort in memory of Shivaji, the great Maratha leader.
- Makar Sankranti - This mostly falls on January 14 when the Sun enters Capricorn. In Maharashtra, the day is celebrated by giving and receiving sweets made of jaggery and sesame seeds called tilgool and halwa. During the exchanging of the sweets, people say to each other in Marathi "Til-gool Ghya aani God Bola" (rough translation: Please accept my til-gool & be friendly to me or Take sweet, talk sweet"). Special chappati with jaggery (gool poli) is the dish of the day.
- Shivaratri - Worship day of Lord Shiva. The Lord Shiva is pleased with austerities, so no sweets are prepared. A chutney made the fruit of Kawath tree is the specialty of this day.
- The festival Holi falls in Falgun, the last month of the marathi Shaka Calendar. Deshastha celebrate this festival by lighting a bonfire and offering puran poli to the fire. In North India, Holi is celebrated over two days with the second day celebrated with throwing colors. Maharashtrians and Deshasthas celebrate color throwing five days after Holi on Rangpanchami.
Deshasthas keep certain days for fasting. Some of the days Deshasthas fast are, Ekadasi, Chaturthi Shivaratri, Janmashtami & Hartalika for women. A lot of people fast during the week in honour of a particular god, for example, Monday for Shiva, Saturday for Maruti and Shani (planet Saturn) etc. A cursory look at a Marathi calendar will show dates for pilgrimage to various temples & shrines of various saints. A popular destination for Deshastha is the shrine of Sant Dnyaneshwar at Alandi in the month of Kartik November.
[edit] Residence of Deshasthas
Deshasthas nowadays live mostly in urban centres. However, they are to be found in certain rural areas as well. Brahmins have been migrating 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. Indeed, a simple search of surnames of Maharashtrian families in US will reveal mostly brahmin (all sub-groups) or Ckp names.
[edit] Social and political issues
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 Shivaji Maharaj's administrative officers were Deshastha Brahmin. Deshastha influence waned during the rule of Peshwa who belonged to the Konkanastha group. Later, during the British raj they also acquired English education and served as clerks during the British rule in India. Such a relatively privileged life during the colonial period led to resentment from other castes. 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 BJP & Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, a number of Deshastha politicians rose to prominence. Notable among them include the late Pramod Mahajan and Manohar Joshi.
[edit] Deshastha Women
The deshastha woman from the past is portrayed as woman draped in a nine yard saree. Such dress is becoming rare among deshastha women now. Traditional deshastha women, both married and unmarried wear a "kunku" (red dot, also known as kumkum/sindoor/bindi) on their forehead and married women always wear the mangalsutra. This is a sacred gold neckless tied by the bridegroom around the bride's neck and along with kunku serves the same purpose as the wedding ring to signify the married status of a woman. Being a patrilineal society, a deshastha woman becomes part of her husband's family after marriage and adopts the gotra/lineage as well as the traditions of her husband's family.
Decades ago, deshastha girls used to get married to the groom of their parents' choice by early teens or before. Even now girls are married off relatively early (late teens) by rural less educated Deshastha families, Also in the past, a Deshastha widow was never allowed to re-marry, while it was acceptable for deshastha widowers to re-marry. Divorces were non-existent. Decades ago, Deshastha widows used to shave their heads and wear simple red sari. She had to stop wearing the kunku /bindi on her forehead. Basically, they had to lead a very austere life with little joy. All of these practices have fallen by the wayside over the last few decades, and modern Deshastha widows lead better lives and younger widows also remarry.
[edit] Deshastha Surnames & Families
See also List of Deshastha Brahmin last names
A large number of Deshastha surnames are derived by adding the suffix - kar to the village from which the family originally hailed. For example, Bidkar come from town of Bid. The names Kulkarni, Deshpande and Joshi are very common amongst Deshastha Brahmins and denote their professions. Kulkarni means revenue collector and Joshi means Astrologer.
[edit] See also
- List of prominent Deshastha Brahmins
- List of Deshastha Brahmin last names
- Brahmins
- Forward Castes
- Marathi people
[edit] References
- ^ Umashankar, Rachana Rao (2004). "Mythical histories and visible realities".
- ^ http://www.chaf.lib.latrobe.edu.au/dcd/search.php
- ^ For further information on the genetic links between different Marathi communities, please refer to the following link: Ancestry of Chitpavans.pdf Irano-Scythian Ancestry of Chitpavans
- Frykenberg, Robert Eric (February, 1956). "Elite groups in a South Indian district: 1788-1858". The Journal of Asian Studies 24: 261 –281.
- Harshad Joshi The first tones of Freedom by a Deshastha Yajurvedi Brahmin or Agni Hymn by Harshad Joshi
- The secret vedic mantras and their effect on human body and soul
