Joshi

This article is about the family name Joshi. For other uses and people with the name, see Joshi (disambiguation).

Joshi (हिंदू जोशी ಹಿಂದೂ ಜೋಷಿ) is a family name common in India and Nepal. Whereas the Joshi's of India are of Brahmin origin, the Joshi's of Nepal are either Newars (Tibeto-Burman Origin) or Khas-Brahmin (Indo-European Origin). They have dissected to large tribes in Maharashtra and Karnataka where they are also termed under Nomadic Tribes.[1]

Contents

Origin

The word Joshi is derived from the Sanskrit word "Jyotishi" meaning a practitioner of Jyotish (astrology) i.e. astrologer. In North India, the Joshi are often employed as village priests, palmists and astrologers. They officiate at weddings and select the muharat for all the life-cycle ceremonies. The Joshi also are involved in pinpointing the auspicious time for commencement of agricultural operations and harvesting.[2]

Joshi's inhabit the Southern part of the country. It is a sect of Hindu religion which is inclined to Vedic studies, practice of astrology and spreading religious consciousness throughout the villages. The Joshi sect in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradeshare of historical importance. During the Muslim rule of India they formed a tribe to educate fellow Hindus about the importance of Vedas.

In the state of Maharashtra and Karnataka this sect is also found in or denoted as nomadic due to their frequent change of location in order to make a living. They tend to return to a nomadic way of life. (See De notified and Nomadic Tribes in Maharashtra, India.[3])

'Ved pathan' (reciting of vedas) is a regular core activity in the life of this tribe.

Distributions

Joshi is a common family name for Brahmins in the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and Farwestern Region (in Nepal). In Nepal, also is a common family name for Newar or a Khas-Brahmin.

Variations

In the Marathi populated Deccan, the last name Joshi is pronounced as ज़ोशी (dental J) as opposed to जोशी in rest of India and Nepal.

In Karnataka, Joshi is sometimes pronounced as Joyisa or Joisa.

Joshi Brahmins of Uttar Pradesh

The Joshi in Uttar Pradesh are a Brahmin sub-caste. They are also known as Bhaddri, Bhattri, and Jotishi. The Joshi are found mainly in the districts of Hardoi, Sitapur, Lucknow, Etah and Mainpuri. They are divided into seven exogamous groups, namely the Bangaraha, Chaubhaiya, Gora Vansh, Kariya Vansh, Panchrauliha, Silautiha Vansh, and Sunaraha. Their gotras are the Bharadwaj, Dhakari and Kashyap, all which are of equal status, and intermarry.[4]

Notable Joshis

Astrologers

Politicians and Leaders

Management Professionals

Amit Joshi: Amit Joshi has started his career from BRD Roorkee and now working in Guru Gobind Singh Institute of Tecnhology and Management Studies in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. Mr. Joshi holds a master's degree in management from maharishi dayananda University, India

Writers, Educationalist and Scholars

Artists and Performers

Sports

Social Service

References

  1. ^ People of India by Herbert Risely
  2. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Rohit Hasan & J C Das pages 653 to 657 Manohar Publications
  3. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_talk:Indian_castes#De_notified_and_Nomadic_Tribes_in_Maharashtra.2C_India
  4. ^ People of India Uttar Pradesh Volume XLII Part Two edited by A Hasan & J C Das pages 653 to 657 Manohar Publications
  5. ^ www.gvmlakshya.com