Karan (caste)
| Karan | |
|---|---|
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Languages | Oriya and Telugu[1] |
| Populated States | Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
Karan (also known as Karanam and Mohanty) is a caste found predominantly in Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They fulfill same functions of Kayasthas elsewhere.[2]
Etymology
The name Karan in Sanskrit means a doer. The derivation of Mohanty is derived from sanskrit word Mahan means Great. But in the historical context the title of Mohanty is awarded by the king to those who are full of ideas and knowledge in the King's court.[2]
Religion and Culture
The Karans like the Kayasthas have descended from Chitragupta. They are divided into two subcastes in Orissa, namely, Jhadua and Utkal. Some of them identify as Brahminical gotras yet some seem to be totemistic in origin. They identify as Smarthas, Madhwas and observe holidays and sacraments like all other Hindus.[2] karan caste is conisdered as a caste belongs to the knowledge and wisdom in the field of Accounting and management of land revenue system historically. The symbol of karan caste is an Iron pen which is worshiped during Durga puja traditionally recognized the caste itself as a supreme founder of writing in Indian civilization. Karan caste is the only group in Odisha which practices many festivals like Rajo, Sabitri, Durga puja, Ganesh chaturthi, Saraswati puja, Prathma astami, Jyastha purnima, Kumara purnima, etc. Eastern Odisha's culture traditions mainly belong to the karanas.
Karanas have traditionally acted as keepers of records and public accounts, writers, and administrators of the state for the Gajapati kings of Odisha. During the British rule they also took the role of Gomastha.
Historical Social Hierarchy
The social status of the Karan is a contested issue.[3]
The 1932 Indian Caste Customs noted that some well-to-do members of the Chasa caste are admitted to the Karan ("a twice-born caste") and assume the title of Mahanti (Chasa Karan). These social mobilities engendered the folk expressions "rising, rising to Mahanti, falling, falling to Chasa" and "he who has no caste calls himself Mahanti."[4] For this reason, many Karan eschew the term Mohanty as devalued by these transitions.[5]
References
- ↑ Jaya Krishna Baral; Kumudini Patnaik (1 December 1990). Gender politics: a study of socio-economic condition and political participation of working women of Orissa. Discovery Publishing House. p. 30. ISBN 978-81-7141-103-0.
- 1 2 3 Russell, Lai, R.V., R.B.H. (1995). The tribes and castes of the central provinces of India, Volume 1. Asian Educational Services. pp. 343–345). ISBN 9788120608337.
- ↑ Surajit Sinha (1 January 1993). Anthropology of Weaker Sections. Concept Publishing Company. pp. 98–. ISBN 978-81-7022-491-4.
- ↑ L.S.S. O'Malley (12 December 2013). Indian Caste Customs. Cambridge University Press. pp. 33–. ISBN 978-1-107-65740-3.
- ↑ L. E. B. Cobden-Ramsay (1910). Feudatory States of Orissa: Bengal District Gazetteers. Concept Publishing Company. pp. 63–. ISBN 978-81-7268-216-3.