Varshney

Varshney ( वार्ष्णेय ) is an Indian family name. Variant spellings include Varshnei, Varshnai, Varshnaya, Warshne, Varshni, Vrishni and Vrushni. They are derived from the name Varshneya, first recorded in the Mahābhārata[1] as used by Arjuna to address Vasudeva Krishna. This group is collectively known Barahseni.

Origin

This group belongs to a region known as Barsana near the city of Mathura in north India, famous for the Lath mar Holi, a special celebration of the festival of Holi. Barsaaney was used to describe people of Barsana. Variations came into use including Barasani, Barahseni, Barahsaney, Barashaney, Barshney, Varshney and Warshne. In the 1880 census of British India this group was recorded with the name of Bara-Saini.[2]

The Barahseni are a sub-caste found mainly in western Uttar Pradesh, and in particular in the districts of Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Mathura, Etah, Agra, Hathras, Gwalior, Bhopal and Badaun. The Barahsenis can be regarded as a mixed race because the sub-caste was a hybrid between Brahmin, Kshatriyas & Vaishyas. Example of which being Akrura's mother Gāndinīa was a daughter of the king of Kashi making her a Rajputri. A practice which after a while became rare as the Barahsenis began confining themselves. Even though originally Rajputs, Varshneys were basically Royalty-turned-Businessmen (Kind of like their latter variants when some Rajputs opted Islam and became Muslim Rajputs). As per historic evidence, they had a small influence by the Bania castes. Soon after which they emerged as influential Vaishyas due to the better standards of life in the profession, another reason why they share some customs slightly similar to other Bania castes. The Barahseni were the traditional bankers of North India, while many, especially in Aligarh district, were substantial landowners.[3]

In religious terms, Varshneys consider themselves to be progenies of Akrura, whom they worship as Sri Akrurji Maharaj. It is a belief states King Agrasen to be the elder brother of Shoorsen Vrishni and elder grand father of Balarama and Krishna Vrishni of Mahabharata, descendant of King Yayati of Khandavprastha.

Although the Varshney community remains centred in western Uttar Pradesh, many have migrated around the world. The name traditionally represents the business community and some landowners and former zamindars. A large number have now entered other walks of life including the professions and civil services.

The cultural anthropology of Varshneys is closely connected to the city of Mathura. Varshney Samaj of Agra have formed a registered association in the name of Varshney Welfare Association. Its main aim is to support poor Varshney families by doing group marriages, parichai sammelan help to old people, help to disabled people Its general secretory is Sri Nemi Chandra Varshney.

In popular culture

In the 2012 anthropological thriller The Krishna Key, the origin of the Varshney group is linked to the Yadavas. Anil Varshney is one of the main characters of the novel.[4]

Notable people with this name

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mahābhārata Chapter 1, Shloka 40, Swami Sivananda translation
  2. ↑ A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West , Volume 2 By H.A. Rose, p.61
  3. ↑ William Crook, Tribes and Castes of North Western Provinces and Oudh, Volume I, pages 177–8
  4. ↑ Sanghi, Ashwin. The Krishna Key, chapter 46. Westland Publishers 2012.

External links

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