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== History & Theology ==
== History & Theology ==
=== Origins ===
=== Origins ===
There is no mention of them in Indian history prior to the reign of the [[Peshwas]] because they did not hold any powerful position in the political structure and were content more or less in performing clerical jobs unlike their counterpart of desh who were performing religious duties.

The earliest reference to the Chitpavans in Indian literature can be found in the Sahyadri Khand, a section of the [[Skanda Purana]]. It may have been composed sometime during 8-12th century by a scholar from a rival group.

The following is the 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. Initially the sea god did not agree to retire. Hence, Parshurama decided to throw a [[Bramhastra]] (missile) on the sea to render it dry. Then the scared sea god agreed to retire 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]] (it could also mean a 'pious mind' 'chit - mind,pavan - pious) and their settlement Chitpolan. After establishing this settlement, Parashurama retired to [[Gokarna]] in North [[Kanara]]. Much to speculation, many scientists from Europe conducted Y DNA tests from various communities connected to these set of Brahmins and found that, the Y Chromosome was rare, found only in Konkanastha Brahmins and it directly matched DNA prominent among Southern Europeans. Particularly, the French, Greeks, Italians, Iberian people and the Irish. To a lesser extent in Southern England. Many still carry the original Y DNA Haplogroup type in Ireland and France. Not to forget the Konkanastha Brahmins. It is noted that, the first to arrive on the Coast of this region, must have been Fair to medium height, well built with light brown to red hair and possessed Greyish to Green eyes, which is still found in many descendants of the first visitors.

By comparing historical records with the above speculation based on genetic and morphological features, people have put forth several theses with a view to identify the origin of the Chitpavan community. Most of the claims involve locations outside the Indian subcontinent ranging from Persia, Eastern coast of Africa, Egypt and parts of Europe. Some claims insist on Germanic or even Jewish ancestry of Chitpavans but are not based on any well known historical event. Claims are also made refering to the controversial evidence of the supposed Atlantis civilization.

Some have advanced a theory about the seafaring Vikings who were known to raid as far as the Caspian sea in the eleventh century. A particular tribe called Varangians (this term could have meant Vikings in general and even Germanic tribes) is known to have campaigned in Georgia and had significant capability to take boats overland. The fact that the earliest mention of Chitpavans was in the Skandha Purana written in that period adds support to similar claims. Varangians were known to use axes like other Vikings which is said to be reflected in the special cultural significance attached to the axe by Chitpavans (ascribing it to Parshuram).

=== Rise to power ===
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|Balaji Vishwanath Bhat]] as his Peshwa or Prime Minister in , aroung 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.

After the death of Shahu from 1749 to 1761, the Peshwas enjoyed ''de facto'' status till battle of Panipat. Afterwards, with the exception of Madhavrao, all other Peshwas remained the ceremonial head of the Maratha confederacy like their Chhatrapati (King).

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. Many of these DNAs' are also found among the Coorgis (a warrior caste in south India). 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.


== How to tell a Chitpavan ==
== How to tell a Chitpavan ==

Revision as of 18:37, 20 January 2007

Chitpavan / Kokanastha Brahmins
ClassificationBrahmin
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesMarathi, Chitpavani Konkani
Populated statesMaharashtra
Subdivisions-

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

The Chitpavan Brahmins first achieved prominence in the early 1700s, when a Chitpavan Brahmin from the Konkan, Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, was appointed to the post of Peshwa, or Prime Minister during the reign of Chhattrapati Shahu Maharaj in 1713, beginning a period of Peshwa influence in the Maratha court. Historians concur on the fact that the Maratha kingdom subsequently reached its zenith during the age of the Peshwas. The rise of Peshwa influence coincided with and contributed to Chitpavan Brahmins gaining prominence in the Maratha social and political hierarchy, hitherto controlled by the more conservative Brahmins in the mainland of Maharashtra.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Chitpavan community of Maharashtra can be credited with contributing people of great stature to the Indian nation. The Indian freedom struggle in Maharashtra identifies itself with the direction and sacrifices made by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale (of the Servants of India society and more famously, mentor to Mahatma Gandhi in his formative years), Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Justice Ranade and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Maharishi Dhondo Keshav Karve, a great Indian social reformer, supported the education of women and organized associations to emancipate Hindu widows by promoting the cause of their remarriage. In the area of art, theatre and cinema, stalwarts like Dadasaheb Phalke have contributed significantly in the Indian cultural arena. These and many others from the community have helped them establish themselves on the national stage. In Maharashtra, the traditional land of the Chitpavan Brahmins, their cultural contribution has been immense. They are also well known for their liberal mindset towards society, politics and culture.

The origins of the Chitpavan community in the Konkan is shrouded in myth with no conclusive or contemporary evidence to prove it. According to legend, the first Chitpavans were washed ashore on the Konkan coast (See, History & Theology). Though the myth is undated, it is likely that this would have been in the post-Vedic period. Chitpavans were internalized into the Indian Hindu society and climbed up the social ladder to be accepted as Brahmins. The well established Brahmins in that era, and indeed, in a more contemporary era, believed that only the direct descendants of Vedic Rishis could be considered Brahmins. This may not be the correct Vedic interpretation, since migration across varnas was not considered an impossibility during the Vedic period. In the early post-Vedic period, as long as a person demonstrated the knowledge and skills to perform priestly duties, he could be considered a Brahmin. Hence, the word "Brahmin" which means "the Purest Being". The Chitpavans, owing to their external origins, therefore, were considered by some as 'naturalized' or 'impure' Brahmins, a factor which led to their being discriminated against, in later periods.

Though the origins of the Chitpavan Brahmins in India are a mystery, some have argued that the Bhumihar Brahmins of Eastern U.P. and in the state of Bihar, Mohyal Brahmins in the state of Punjab, Namboothiri Brahmins in Kerela, Havyak Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh, Anavil Brahmins of Gujarat, and Kumaoni Brahmins of Uttarakhand share the same lineage and are similar to Chitpawans in custom, tradition, practices, temperament and hold Bhagvan Parshuram in high esteem. No records have been presented to prove this common lineage.

The rise of the Chitpavans to an influential position came with its share of controversies, largely founded on theological interpretations of the Hindu religion. When Balaji Vishvanath Bhat was appointed as Peshwa, he took up a position that was traditionally held by the established Brahmins of Maharashtra (Deshastha Brahmins). This deviation from protocol may have antagonized many. In his era and since then, many have argued the validity of the appointment of a naturalized Brahmin for the post of Peshwa. Be that as it may, the Peshwas united Maratha forces and in a matter of few decades, spread the fledgling Maratha kingdom and its sphere of influence across India. For the first time in the history of India was a flag of a Deccan kingdom flown over the city of Attock, now in Pakistan. The period of Maratha glory waned, however, after the disastrous battle of Panipat in 1759. One of the last Peshwas, Peshwa Nana Sahib participated in the failed Indian Mutiny of 1857.

History & Theology

Origins

How to tell a Chitpavan

A typical Chitpavan is usually fair of complexion, has a sharp nose and steel-grey eyes. He can be called handsome. Nanasaheb Peshwa (18th century), from a portrait that is available may be called best specimen of Chitpavan manhood. Nanasaheb's son Vishwasrao, when 18, was killed in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761). Kashiraj has described him as the most handsome among the Marathas; even in death he looked so handsome that Ahmedshah Abdali ordered his dead body to be brought before him - in order to have a look at his handsome person. The Chitpavans cannot be classed among the well-built communities of Maharashtra. Chitpavan girls possess good physical features but tend to look pale. A few historians and anthropologists are of the view that the Chitpavans came to India from Egypt, while others say they came from Greece. The Chitpavans are generally extremists, hence their behaviour is full of contradiction. A Chitpavan may sacrifice his life for his country but he will not easily part with his purse. That is why perhaps the Chitpavan community has produced a number of fiery patriots but not a single saint. Chitpavan's are generally assumed to be tidy, clean and industrious.

Extreme poverty of the Konkan region has left an indelible stamp on their general physique. A great many Chitpavans tend to be physically stunted. It may come as a surprise to many, but Veer Savarkar stood all of his five feet and two inches. They tend to be of various complexions varying from swarthy to fair. Eyecolor also varies from drak-brown to light-gray and tends to look cataractous in many - probably a result of racial mixing. Nanasahib, the last Peshwa of the 1857 mutinee, was disfigured by smallpox and was of scandolously simple tastes which never ceased to astonish his English guests who expected, naturally, a more finished leader ('Devil's wind' by Manohar Malgonkar.)

Some traditional chitpavans are also known to tend to promulgate debatable issues of caste bias.

See also

Eminent/Famous Konkanastha Brahmins

Literature/Scholars

Politics/Social Reform =

Industry

Sport

Medicine

Information Technology

Cinema/Theatre

Music

Infamous Kokanastha Brahmins

Typical Last Names

The List of Chitpavan last names enumerates all the last names found in the Chitpavan community. "Achari", "Acharya","Dixit","Patwardhan","Katke","Kapse","Kaketkar","Vyas","Puranik", "Sahastrabudhe","Bakshi",are some of the surname which were given as per the profession or as a "UPADHI", "REWARD", "BAKSHISI". This happened in between seventeen and eighteen's ,when Chitpavan community was at rising stage , they joined in the "ARMY" and won various territories, won "Debate" and become "Sahastrabudhe" ,learn Vedanta and become "Pandit", "Acharya","Dixit", took too many rewards and become "Patwardhan","Thorat","Bakshi" . Similar to this according to the occupation , "Achari","Devdhar", "Swayampaki","Wagh", "Heer", "Pandive", "Reshmekhar", "Pathekar" , "Sukhadkar","Harbude","Khangle","Khule","Rajwade","Mahabal","Rajmachikar","Nagarkar", and lot many Surname's were given as per the profession or as a "UPADHI" to Chitpavan community. This may or may not be in use today. For a more detailed description go to Typical Last Names

Typical First Names

Male names

Amod Amrith Amol

  • Aditya
  • Amay/Amey/Ameya
  • Anand
  • Anant
  • Ashok
  • Chandrashekhar
  • Chintamani
  • Gajanan
  • Gopal
  • Hrishikesh
  • Kedar
  • Mandar
  • Manish
  • Omkar
  • Parshuram
  • Prashant
  • Ranjan
  • Rohan
  • Shreyash
  • Shrikant
  • Shrirang
  • Sourabh
  • Swapnil
  • Tushar
  • Shridhar
  • Shantanu
  • Saurabh
  • Deepak
  • Vinayak
  • Ballal
  • Prasad

Female names

  • Aditi
  • Ashwini
  • Ketaki
  • Manjiri
  • Namrata
  • Prajakta
  • Purnima
  • Shruti
  • Vidya
  • Janhavi
  • Medha
  • Vanita
  • Nirmala
  • Amey
  • Varsha

Trivia

  • Sir Raghunathrao P. Paranjpe, grandfather of noted Hindi and Marathi film director Sai Paranjpe, was the first Indian Wrangler ( Wrangler. Sai, daughter of Sir R.P.P.'s daughter and a Russian father is a noted Hindi and Marathi movie and drama director, having given major hits like Chashme Baddoor, Katha, Sparsh, etc.

References

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