Vaishya Vani is a sub-caste of Vaishyas, one of the varnas of Hinduism. In the Gujarat state and the Daman territory, they are also known as Vaishnav or Vaishnav Vanik.[1] In Uttara Kannada districts of Karwar and Ankola they are called as Kannada Vaishyas where Kannada is indicative of the region and not the Kannada language as their mother tongue is Konkani which they speak among themselves in the states of Gujrat, Karnataka and Maharashtra.[2]
History
editDuring the period of the Kadambas of Goa, they were known as Banajigas (merchants) who were engaged in trade. The reference to these Banajigas from Savoi Verem, Narve, Khandepar, Kapilagram, Bandivade and Taligram are mentioned in Khandepar copper plate of 1358 CE. Now they are proclaimed with various names like Vaishya Vani, Lingayat Vani, Hindu Vani or Vani.[3][4]
Social status
editOBC status was given to Vaishya Vanis in 2008 in Maharashtra, which was later removed in 2011.[5] At present, certain sections of the sub-caste can avail OBC status based on historical considerations. However, the sub-caste is not listed in the Central List for the State of Maharahstra. [6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu: district gazetter by Vithal Trimbak Gune, Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept, published by Gazetteer Dept., Govt. of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, 1979
- ^ Mitragotri, Vithal Raghavendra (1999). "Kannada Vaishya Vanik".
- ^ Tulpule, S.G. Pracina Mqrathi koriva lekha. pp. 271–276.
- ^ Mitragotri, Vithal Raghavendra (1999). A socio-cultural history of Goa from the Bhojas to the Vijayanagara. Institute Menezes Braganza. pp. 68–69.
- ^ "HC strikes down GR to include two sub-castes in OBCs". Hindustan Times. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "National Commission for Backward Classes". www.ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 19 July 2023.