Chitpavan

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Castes of India
Chitpavan / Kokanastha Brahmins
Classification Brahmin
Subdivisions -
Significant populations in Maharashtra,Goa
Languages Marathi, Chitpavani Konkani
Religions Hinduism

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 "Resident of Konkan" in Sanskrit, the name Chitpavan is preferable. In this text, however, the names Chitpavan, Konkanastha, and Kobra are used interchangeably.

They constitute up to 1.5 million population all over the world. The Kobras gained prominence during the reign of Shahu in the 18th century and since have established themselves firmly in the Indian social hierarchy. In 1713, the Chhattrapati Shahu (Chhattrapati Shivaji's grandson)appointed a Chitpavan Brahmin from Kokan, Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, as Peshwa or prime minister. After the death of Shahu from 1749 to 1761, the Peshwas enjoyed de facto status till battle of Panipat. Afterwards, with exception of Madhavrao, all other peshwas remained ceremonial head of the Maratha confederacy like their master Chhattrapati.

The community is now spread far and wide up to Australia, UK & USA and many other Asian, African, European countries.

Contents

[edit] Mythology

[edit] Shatpathkalplatika

One Sanskrit book “Shatpathkalplatika” mentions that chitpavans belonged to Berber(Egypt based Greeks) race. It also mentions (not withstanding the popular Parashurama myth described ahead) that chitapavans do not have any association of Sage Parashurama since chitpavans have arrived near Kokan coast in 656 AD.[1] and Period of Sage Parshuram is believed to be 900 BC.[1] This “Shatpathkalplatika” book is available even today in Royal Asiatic Society’s library in Mumbai. It was written in 1691 AD.

[edit] Chitpavans in Sahyadri Khanda

Most old reference of Chitapvans is in “Sahyadri Khand”, a section of the Skanda Purana, written in Marathi at around 1720 AD.However, in Sanskrit Version of Sahyadri Khanda and in copies of same Khanda found in South India, does not having any reference about Chitpavans or any story about Sage Parshuram.There is scant reference to Chitpavans in Indian history prior to the reign of the Peshwas because they did not hold any powerful position in the political structure and were largely content in performing clerical jobs unlike, for instance, the deshastha who performed religious duties and administrative and military jobs. The following is a summary of the legend from Sahyadri Khand. Parashurama, the sixth avatara of Vishnu was so defiled by the slaughter of the Kshatriyas that Brahmins refused to perform any ceremonies for him. At that time the bodies of fourteen persons happened to be cast ashore by the sea which then washed the foot of the Sahyadri hills. These corpses Parashurama purified, by burning them on a funeral pyre or chita, and restored them to life. He taught them the Brahmin rituals, and made them perform ceremonies to free them from guilt. Parashurama wished to give these new Brahmins some land; and since the Deccan had already been given to other Brahmins, he prayed to the God of the sea to spare him some of his domain.

Lord Parshuram along with GSBs commanding Lord Varuna to make the seas recede to make the Konkan .
Lord Parshuram along with GSBs commanding Lord Varuna to make the seas recede to make the Konkan .

Initially the sea god did not agree to recede. Hence, Parashurama decided to throw a Bramhastra (missile) on the sea to render it dry. Then the scared sea god agreed to recede as far west as the Bramhastra would hit the waters from the crest of the Sahyadris. The arrow was shot and reclaimed a belt of land about thirty miles broad. The banks of the Vashishthi, about forty miles north of Ratnagiri, were set apart for the new Brahmins, and in memory of the process by which they had been purified they were called Chitpavans ('chita - pavan', meaning 'pyre purified' in Sanskrit and their settlement Chitpolan. After establishing this settlement, Parashurama retired to Gokarna in north Kanara.

[edit] History

Until the rise of Balaji Vishvanath Peshwa, who belonged to Chitpavan Brahmin sub-caste, they held a low position and were known chiefly as clerks in the Deccan. Even after several generations of living in the Deccan, with strict attention to Brahmin rituals and austere life, other classes of Brahmins refused to eat with them. One story is that when Bajirao II, the last of the Chitpavan Brahmin Peshwas (1796-1818), was in Nasik he was not allowed to go down to the Godavari river using the same flight of steps as the priests from the local Trimbakeshwar temple.

They were relatively unknown outside Konkan until the 16th century. Later the ruler of Maratha kingdom Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj appointed a Chitpavan Brahmin, Balaji Vishwanath Bhat as his Peshwa or Prime Minister in the 18th century. It was the first time a Brahmin of Konkan origin held an important position in Deccani politics in Maharashtra. Eventually, many Chitpavan Brahmins joined the service of Marattha kingdom and in due course called the plateau of Deccan their home.

Out of the 2000 families of Chitpavans from 1713 to 1818, only eight families rose to the ranks of big warriors and ministers namely Bhat, Pethe, Patwardhan, Natu, Mehendale, Phadke, Gokhale, Kanitkar and Raste while majority other families were working as a clerk or priest or farmers in Kokan, Pune, Vasai, Satara and Sangli. Though they have not played direct role in administration, they got kinglike status after death of Shahu Maharaj from 1749 to 1761. Some famous surnames of Maharashtra like Kulkarni, Deshpande, Patil, Deshmukh, Mujumdar and Inamdar are rarely found in Chitpavans.

Before the Peshwas, the community was predominantly found in the Konkan coastal belt of Maharashtra state of India but afterwards migrated to various parts of India. Today the community is found mainly in the state of Maharashtra particularly the Konkan coastal belt and the Deccan Plateau. They are also scattered in small pockets in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in a tiny percentage. Similar DNA haplogroups are also found among the Kodava (a warrior caste in south India).[citation needed] Many of this community members have migrated to the Middle East Gulf States -particularly U.A.E. and also to U.K, Australia and U.S.A. Together, they form less than 1% of total Indian population. It is known that the Konkanastha Brahmins are a homogeneous community. It was only after the late 18th century, that they began to form sub DNA groups. Originally the Menfolk may have taken to the natives' women as their wives and neglected their culture.

[edit] Origins and genetics

Recent studies (Kivisild et.al. 2003, Gaikwad et.al. 2005) on the genetics of Konkanasta Brahmins have been quite surprising. Unlike previous claims of European origins, it appears that the Chitpavans are a group of people with diverse genetic origins.

The origins on the maternal side (mt-DNA) are equally surprising[who?]. Unlike most other Indians whose maternal origins can be almost exclusively traced to the single macro-haplogroup M (mt-DNA), studies (Kivisild et.al. 2003, Gaikwad et.al. 2005) indicate that the Chitpavan gene-pool shows the presence of various other Central Asian and European mt-DNA haplogroups, in particular, the U (mt-DNA), H (mt-DNA), HV (mt-DNA), X (mt-DNA), R* (mt-DNA), and N1 (mt-DNA) haplgroups.

On the paternal side (Y-DNA), R1a (Y-DNA) is the most frequently found haplogroup. Incidentally, this haplogroup is also commonly found amongst North Indians (Sahoo et.al. 2006), Central Asians, and East Europeans. The presence of a deep common ancestry between these regions remains a puzzle to this day. Haplogroup J2 (Y-DNA) is another frequently found haplogroup considered to be of Middle-Eastern origins and found in a lot of higher-caste Indians. There is also a significant presence of Haplogroups R2 (Y-DNA), L (Y-DNA), and H1 (Y-DNA) which are believed to be of Indian origin and dominantly found in Western and South Indians (Sahoo et al. 2006).

Based on the current evidence therefore, it does seem then that the aforementioned racial characteristics can be most likely traced to their maternal side.

[edit] World Chitpavan Congregation

The first ever World Chitpavan Congregation was held in Pune on 23rd December 2007. 66 families (having as many Surnames) held their family congregation at 66 different places in Pune City and the remaining held a common congregation in the first half day session. All the families then converged on the main venue to hold a grand afternoon session. This session was totally voluntary in nature and elaborate arrangements including sitting arrangement for 70,000 (Seventy Thousand) people was made, after year long preparations and it is estimated that around 1,32,000 people have visited this global meet.

[edit] Eminent Konkanastha Brahmins

[edit] History

  • Vasudev Balvant Phadake, Adya Krantikarak
  • Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, Thorale Bajirao Peshwe
  • Lokmanya Tilak- (1856-1920) Freedom Leader
  • Veer Savarkar- (May 28, 1883 – February 26, 1966) - Revolutionary Leader (Krantikarak)
  • Chapekar Brothers, All brothers were executed by British for Revolution. Only one family in world history
  • Gopal Krishna Gokhale,(May 9, 1866 - February 19, 1915)- Social and political leader. Regarded as political Guru of Mahatma Gandhi.

[edit] Military

Army
  • Lt.Gen.Yashwant Dattatraya Sahastrabuddhe, PVSM
  • Maj.Gen.Anant.S.Naravane
  • Maj.Gen.G.R.Rajwade
  • Maj.Gen.Paranjpe
  • Maj.Gen.Natu
  • Maj.Gen.Shashi Sohoni
  • Maj Gen Arvind Moreshwar Joglekar, PVSM
  • Maj Gen Prabhakar Kashinath Joglekar, PVSM
  • Maj.Gen.Vishvas Sadashiv Joglekar, VSM
  • Maj.Gen.G.N.Khare
  • Brigadier Nijanand Bal
  • Col Arvind Joglekar
  • Col Chitale
  • Col Ponkshe
  • Captain Vinayak Gore (first officer to be martyred in Operation Rakshak, 1995)
Navy
Air Force
  • Air.Marshal.Malshe
  • Air Marshal Dilip Jog
  • Air Vice Marshal Bhushan N Gokhale
  • Flight Lt. Abhijit Gadgil (martyred in flying operation)


References - http://www.kokanastha.com/htm/army.htm

[edit] Revolutionaries

  • Peshwa Nanasaheb II - he is the architect of the Revolt of 1857, rightly termed as the 'First War of Indian Independence' by Veer Savarkar
  • Jhashi chi Rani Laxmibai ("Manu" childhood friend of Nanasaheb Peshwe.)
  • Lokmanya Tilak - A founder of the Indian Independence movement, and of the revolutionary Marathi newspaper, The Kesri. Scholar and Maharashtrian icon, his title Lokmanya means "loved by the people." Jailed by British authorities on numerous occasions.
  • Vasudev Balwant Phadke - "The Morning Star of Indian Revolution", India's first modern revolutionary, after the Revolt of 1857. In 1879, he led an army of Ramoshis against the abettors of the British rule and raided British paramilitary posts. When Sir Richard Temple, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency put up a notice declaring a reward for bringing Phadke dead or alive, Phadke pasted a similar notice by the side of the same notice in the same public bazaar, declaring a higher price on the head of Sir Richard Temple.
  • Chaphekar Brothers - Damodar, Vasudev, Balkrishna - The only known family in Asian history, where all three brothers are known to have given their life for a national cause, killed Rand, Pune's oppressive Plague Commissioner
  • Babarao Savarkar - A great organizer and revolutionary, the elder brother of Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
  • Vinayak Damodar Savarkar - A revolutionary beyond parallel, both politically and socially. He started organizing revolutionary societies in western Maharashtra during his college days. Later, moved on to England for his Bar exam. Translated Guisseppe Mazzini's autobiography. Wrote the tome '1857 - India's First War of Independence'. Was arrested in London, jumped from the porthole of the ship carrying him to India. Was sent to the Andamans, later released. Co-ordinated between Rashbehari Bose and Subhashchandra Bose. Greatly revered by Netaji Bose and Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
  • Pandurang Mahadev Bapat, also known as 'Senapati' Bapat - revolutionary, teacher, social worker
  • Anant Laxman Kanhere - Killed Jackson, the District Collector who had unnecessarily killed a farmer for not letting his vehicle overtake.
  • Nene Brothers
  • Gore Brothers - Atmaram, Sakharam, Yashwant - Compatriots of Babarao Savarkar, they helped Savarkar with money and materials in an attempt to infect the British garrison in Mumbai during the Second World War. They also spread the message of nationalism and valiantly opposed attempts of some sections at spreading divisive and anti-national ideas before, during and after the Second World War.

[edit] Literature/Scholars

[edit] Politics/Social reform

[edit] Business

  • Sharad and Madhusudan Sathaye (United Inks and Varnish Company)
  • G.D. Kelkar (S.H. Kelkar & Co), alias Bhausaheb Kelkar, internationally renowned creative perfumer, philanthropist & educationist.
  • Dandekar (CAMLIN)
  • Bedekar (Pioneers of Pickles & Spices Industry since 1910)
  • Sunil Bedekar (GRR Group Chemical Companies)
  • Dadasaheb Velankar
  • Chitale (Chitale Bandhu)
  • P.N.Gadgil (Pu.Na.Gadgil Saraf)
  • Dadasaheb Abhyankar
  • Vasudeo Shivram Kolhatkar Founder of ASUM - Ayurved Sumshodhanalaya (Pune) Pvt. Ltd., known as 'KAILAS JEEVAN'.
  • Sathe (Biscuit Manufacturing)
  • V.M.Jog (V.M.Jog & Sons )(Jog Engineering ) Pune. Construction company
  • Mr. Mhaiskar of IRB
  • Shri. Baburao Paranjape (Builder)
  • Shri Vaman Hari Pethe (Jwelers)
  • Shri Lagu (Lagu Bandhu Motiwale- Jwelers)
  • Shri Gadre (Cub Board Manufacturer)
  • Shri (Amruta Products Mango Pulp and much more)from Devgad
  • Shri Deepak Ghaisas ( Founder and CEO of I-Flex Software Solutions)

[edit] Sport

[edit] Others

[edit] Cinema/Theatre

[edit] Music

[edit] Science

Dr. Abhyankar, Mathematician, Purdu University. Dr. Paranjape, Physicist, Toronto University. Dr. R.S. Paranjape, Director, National Aids Research Institute, Pune


[edit] Typical last names

  • Agarkar
  • Abhyankar
  • Agashe
  • Apte
  • Athavale
  • Achari
  • Avalaskar
  • Achwal
  • Bal
  • Bagul
  • Bakshi
  • Bam
  • Bapat
  • Barve
  • Bedekar
  • Behere
  • Bhagwat
  • Bhave
  • Bhawe
  • Bhat
  • Bhate
  • Bhatkhande
  • Bhide
  • Bhogle
  • Bhuskute
  • Bodas
  • Bade
  • Chitale
  • Cholkar
  • Chaphekar
  • Chhatre
  • Chiplonkar
  • Chiplunkar
  • Dabholkar
  • Dabke*Date/Datye/Datey
  • Damle
  • Dandekar
  • Datar /Datir
  • Deshmukh
  • Deodhar
  • Dhamankar
  • Dhamdhere
  • Dharap
  • Divekar
  • Dixit
  • Dongre
  • Deval
  • Gadre
  • Gadgil
  • Gangal
  • Ganpule/Ganapule
  • Ganu
  • Gaitonde
  • Ghaisas
  • Ghanekar
  • Ghangrekar
  • Gharpure
  • Ghule
  • Godbole
  • Godse
  • Gogate
  • Gokhale
  • Gole
  • Gondhalekar
  • Gore
  • Goray
  • Gorey
  • Govindye
  • Govitrikar
  • Gaonkar
  • Huprikar
  • Joshi
  • Jog
  • Jogdeo
  • Joglekar
  • Jogdand
  • Kalamkar
  • Kakatkar
  • Kale
  • Kanitkar
  • Kanade
  • Kane
  • Karandikar
  • Karmarkar
  • Karlekar
  • Kurlekar
  • Karve
  • Kelkar
  • Ketkar
  • Khare
  • Khadilkar
  • Khambete
  • Kokane
  • Koparkar
  • Kolhatkar
  • Kunte
  • Kaprekar
  • Kanhere
  • Lagu
  • Lele
  • Limaye
  • Londhe
  • Malshe
  • Mahabal
  • Mandlik
  • Manohar
  • Marathe
  • Mate
  • Mehendale
  • Mhaskar
  • Misar
  • Modak
  • Mokashi
  • Mone
  • Malse
  • Nagarkar
  • Namjoshi
  • Naravane
  • Natu/Natoo
  • Nene
  • Nitsure
  • Nijsure
  • Ogale
  • Oak
  • Oke
  • Ojale
  • Palnitkar
  • Patankar
  • Patwardhan
  • Paranjape
  • Parchure
  • Patankar
  • Pawgi
  • Phadke
  • Phatak
  • Pimputkar
  • Pongshe
  • Pethe
  • Pendse
  • Parvate
  • Pitkar
  • Phatak
  • Phadnis
  • Rajwade
  • Ranade
  • Rahalkar
  • Risbud
  • Raste
  • Sabnis
  • Sane
  • Sahasrabudhe
  • Sahasrabuddhe/sahasrabudhe
  • Sakhdev
  • Saranjame
  • Sathe/Sathye/Sathaye
  • Savarkar
  • Sharangpani
  • Shende
  • Shevde
  • Shintre
  • Sidhaye
  • Sohoni
  • Sowani
  • Soman
  • Tambe
  • Tilak
  • Tamhankar
  • Thatte
  • Thorat
  • Thosar
  • Tulpule
  • Ukidwe
  • Ukidve
  • Ukidave
  • Ukidawe
  • Vad
  • Vaishampayan
  • Vaidya
  • Vartak
  • Vatve
  • Vaze
  • Velankar
  • Vidwans
  • Wad
  • Wadadekar/Wardekar
  • Watve/[3]Watwe/Watave
  • Welankar

[edit] See also

  • Typical male names

[edit] References

[edit] External links