Gadhvi
Charans are known as 'Gadhvi' / Gadhavi in this period of time in Gujarat.
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] Charan caste is also identified as Devi Putra, Kaviraj and Jagirdar accordingly. Members of this caste are considered to be divine by a large section of society. Charans are divided into many groups such as Maru Charan, Tumbel Charan and many more, where each one of these groups consists of different surnames like Gadan, Detha, Bathi, Barhat, Sinhdhayach, Ratnu, Kaviya, Modd and many others.
Women of the caste are highly respected by other major communities of the regions around including the Rajputs / Darbars.
The goddesses Karni Mataji, Bahuchara 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). Due to this the Charans are also known as Devi Putra; meaning "The Sons of goddess'.
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.[1]
History of Charans
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The Charans have been mentioned in many ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Mahābhārata, Padma Purana and many other scriptures.
deva-sargaś cāṣṭa-vidho vibudhāḥ pitaro 'surāḥ gandharvāpsarasaḥ siddhā yakṣa-rakṣāḿsi cāraṇāḥbhūta-preta-piśācāś ca vidyādhrāḥ kinnarādayaḥ daśaite vidurākhyātāḥ sargās te viśva-sṛk-kṛtāḥ
Translation
The creation of the demigods is of eight varieties: (1) the demigods, (2) the forefathers, (3) the asuras, or demons, (4) the Gandharvas and Apsaras, or angels, (5) the Yaksas and Raksasas, (6) the Siddhas, Charans and Vidyadharas, (7) the Bhutas, Pretas and Pisacas, and (8) the superhuman beings, celestial singers, etc. All are created by Brahma, the creator of the universe.
- Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (3.10.28-29) Canto 3, Chapter 10, Text: 28-29[2]
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.[1]
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.
See also
References
- 1 2 People of India Gujarat Volume XXII Part One edited by R.B Lal, S.V Padmanabham & A Mohideen page 389 to 392 Popular Prakashan
- 1 2 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc. - His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.