Gadhvi
Please see the official page Charan
Cāraṇas (plural Chaarans; Hindi:चारण; Gujarati:ચારણ), is a caste living in the Rajasthan & Gujarat states of India. According to Srimad Bhagavatam (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam) (3.10.28-29) Charans were created along with other divine forms such as Yaksha, Gandharvas, Deva, Sidhdhas, Apsara, etc.; and lived in the Heavenly Planets. Members of this caste are known for their high literary sense, deep loyalty towards the society and cleverness and unflinching readiness for martyrdom in war. [1] The caste is also identified as jagirdar and thakur with the surnames vansur(varansurya) "Adha", "Gadan", Kaviraj, Barhath / Barhat and Gadhavi / Gadhvi{ujjwal}. Members of this caste are considered to be divine by a large section of society.[2] Women of the caste are adored as mother goddesses by other major communities of this region including Rajput kings.[2][3]
Women of the caste are adored as mother goddesses by other major communities of this region including Rajput kings.[1][2] The goddesses Karni Mataji, Bahuchra Mataji, Khodiyar Mataji, Mogal Mataji and Sonal Mataji are well-known examples of Charan Maha Shakti mothers. All Charan Maha Shaktis' are represented with the word "આઈ મા" (aai ma), for example "આઈ શ્રી ખોડીયાર મા" (aai shree khodiyar maa), "આઈ શ્રી સોનલ મા" (aai shree sonal maa).
In the medieval era, it was considered a matter of prestige and pride for a Rajput king to keep a Charan in his court. The kings would also invite them to occupy a place in the Royal Courts. Indeed, a Rajput's regard for a Charan was uppermost. Rajputs trusted Charan the most. Because of their ability to think in a different manner, another popular way of addressing members of the Charan caste is "Kaviraj", which literally means "king among poets". Charans are considered to be the only thakurs other than the rajputs. Charans were always posted in the front lines of attacks in the armies..[3]
Origin
Gadhvi is sub-caste of Charan that, according to Shreemad Bhagvad Puran Charan were created by lord Shiva. They lived in heaven until King Puru brought them to India with the purpose of helping out in holy deeds. In medieval India, they were close to Rajputs (warriors). The community is said to have migrated from Rajasthan to Junagadh some two hundred years ago. They were the traditional genealogists of a number of Hindu communities in Saurashtra and Kutch. The Gadhvi are now found mainly in Junagadh, Gujarat Annand and JamnagarBhavnagar, and the biggest Village of Gadhvi is in Zarpara in kachchh district.[4]
Present Circumstances
The Gadhvi maintain community endogamy and clan exogamy. They maintain good relations with the Parmar, Jadhav, Gohil, Leuva, Kabaria and Rajputs. King Adityanath (A.D 967 - 1034) gave equal status to all of these clans.[5]
The Gadhvi were traditionally genealogists, but many are now small and medium sized farmers. Many are now also engaged in animal husbandry. A great number are now being urbanized, and taking up a number of urban professions. The Gadhavi communities formally known as committed an bravery com. Also known Gadhavis specially from Panchotiya (a village located in Kutch, Gujarat).
See also
References
- ↑ Shah A. M. and Shroff R. G. (1958). "The Vahivanca Barots of Gujarat: A Caste of Genealogists and Mythographers". J. American Folk Lore 71 (281): 246–276. doi:10.2307/538561. JSTOR 538561.
- ↑ "Section VII". Bombay Gazetteer. Bombay: Government Central press. 1904. pp. 214–222.
- ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXII Part One edited by R.B Lal, S.V Padmanabham & A Mohideen page 389 to 392 Popular Prakashan
- ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXII Part One edited by R.B Lal, S.V Padmanabham & A Mohideen page 389 to 392 Popular Prakashan
- ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXII Part One edited by R.B Lal, S.V Padmanabham & A Mohideen page 389 to 392 Popular Prakashan
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