Saraswat History

ROOTS AND ANCESTRY OF SARASWATS

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDDR. RAMDAS THAGGARSE

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ROOTS AND ANCESTRY

OF

SARASWATS

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

DR. RAMDAS THAGGARSE

PURPOSEPURPOSE

To be aware of the historical genesis, To be aware of the historical genesis, spiritual and cultural heritagespiritual and cultural heritage of a great of a great civilization that we have inherited over the years.civilization that we have inherited over the years.

Despite repeated migrations, Saraswats Despite repeated migrations, Saraswats still maintain their identity, traditions still maintain their identity, traditions and customsand customs. These need to be strengthened, as our community is now . These need to be strengthened, as our community is now scattered all over the world.scattered all over the world.

Our ancestors, built temples wherever they migrated, Goa or Karnataka. Their Our ancestors, built temples wherever they migrated, Goa or Karnataka. Their sole objective was to inspire faith and devotion in God and to sole objective was to inspire faith and devotion in God and to encourage encourage satsangs in the communitysatsangs in the community. Later on, in urban areas they built cooperative . Later on, in urban areas they built cooperative societies to fulfill this purpose.societies to fulfill this purpose.

To know the political, social and religious circumstances that led to the To know the political, social and religious circumstances that led to the formation of our Shri Chitrapur Math 300 years ago.formation of our Shri Chitrapur Math 300 years ago.

To cherish the great heritage of Guru Parampara and the Margadarshan given To cherish the great heritage of Guru Parampara and the Margadarshan given by each of our Gurus inspiring us to have inherent faith in God, charity towards by each of our Gurus inspiring us to have inherent faith in God, charity towards all and malice towards none and to work always, with unity for the betterment all and malice towards none and to work always, with unity for the betterment of the community and the society at large.of the community and the society at large.

Need to cast a glance at the common heritage of all main line of the Goa Need to cast a glance at the common heritage of all main line of the Goa Saraswats.Saraswats.

CONTENTSCONTENTS

Mool Sthan: 7000 – 300 BCEMool Sthan: 7000 – 300 BCE

Saraswat Settlements in Gomant: 300 BCE onwardsSaraswat Settlements in Gomant: 300 BCE onwards

Saraswat Settlements in Kanara: 3-phasesSaraswat Settlements in Kanara: 3-phases

1. MOOL STHAN: 7000 – 300 BCE1. MOOL STHAN: 7000 – 300 BCE

Kashmir – Shivalik MountainsKashmir – Shivalik Mountains

Saraswati River: Saraswati River:

Sequence of geological and climatic eventsSequence of geological and climatic events

Vedic Saraswati mapVedic Saraswati map

Saraswati – Sindhu civilization mapSaraswati – Sindhu civilization map

1. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS• Saraswat means: Our ancestors lived by the sacred river Saraswati.

• On the banks of this river, the Sages of yore got enlightened with the knowledge of Vedas.

Onset of aridity: Impact of neotectonism in NW India due to disruption of the Saraswati / Ghaggar / Hakra / Nara course, decline of Vedic civilization and rise of Indus valley civilization (Mohenjo-Daro).

5000 - 3000

Active Vedic civilization with Saraswati as a major river.

Aryan inhabitants at Shivalik mountains get acquainted with River Saraswati.

Break up of Himalayan Glaciers and formation of Saraswati, Shatadru, Drishadvati in NW India.

7000 - 5000

Saraswat period of migration to Gomant in 3rd century BCE.

Flourishing empires such as Mauryan, Gupta, Ashoka, spread of Buddhism and Jainism.

1000 - 0

12-year famine causes early migration: Division among Aryans from different professions Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. Pancha Gaud and Pancha Dravid concept.

3000 - 1000

1. VEDIC SARASWATI1. VEDIC SARASWATI Vedas existed for atleast 9,000 years.Vedas existed for atleast 9,000 years. Sage Saraswat preserved the knowledge of Vedas and Vedangas during 12 years famine.Sage Saraswat preserved the knowledge of Vedas and Vedangas during 12 years famine.

1. SARASWATI – SINDHU CIVILIZATION1. SARASWATI – SINDHU CIVILIZATION

Excavation sites: Homogeneity of monuments & artifacts among:• Harappa• Mohenjo-Daro• Kalibangan• Banawali• Kunal• Dholavira• Lothal

Discovery of Yajnakundas:Circumstantial evidence that Saraswati River civilization belonged to Vedic period

1. MIGRATION LOCATIONS1. MIGRATION LOCATIONS Onset of aridity & 12-year famine causes early migrations to the Onset of aridity & 12-year famine causes early migrations to the

following locations:following locations: Pancha Gouda regions: Locations north of VindhyasPancha Gouda regions: Locations north of Vindhyas

SaraswatSaraswat: Present Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir: Present Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir KanyakubjaKanyakubja: Present parts of Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh: Present parts of Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh GaudaGauda: Present eastern parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh: Present eastern parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh MithilaMithila: Present Northern Bihar: Present Northern Bihar UtkalaUtkala: Present Orissa: Present Orissa

Pancha Dravida regions: Locations south of VindhyasPancha Dravida regions: Locations south of Vindhyas Telanga: Present Andhra PradeshTelanga: Present Andhra Pradesh Dravida: Present Tamil Nadu & KeralaDravida: Present Tamil Nadu & Kerala KarnatakaKarnataka Maharashtraka: Present MaharashtraMaharashtraka: Present Maharashtra Gurjara: Present GujaratGurjara: Present Gujarat

2. 2. SARASWAT SETTLEMENTS IN GOMANT: SARASWAT SETTLEMENTS IN GOMANT: 300 BCE ONWARDS300 BCE ONWARDS

Settlement locations in GomantSettlement locations in Gomant

Development of 8 Agrahar villagesDevelopment of 8 Agrahar villages

Fission & fusion of families after various stages of migrationsFission & fusion of families after various stages of migrations

Muslim invasion – destruction of templesMuslim invasion – destruction of temples

Vijayanagar rule – rebuilding of templesVijayanagar rule – rebuilding of temples

Recurrence of Muslim invasionRecurrence of Muslim invasion

Portuguese invasions and persecutionsPortuguese invasions and persecutions

2.2. SETTLEMENT LOCATIONS IN GOMANTSETTLEMENT LOCATIONS IN GOMANT

Saraswat settlements appears to have taken place:• 3rd century BCE from Trihotra• 5th century CE from Kanyakubja and later from Marudesha

They belonged to 10 Gotras: Bharadwaj, Kaushika, Vatsa, Kaundinya, Kashyapa, Jamadagni, Vishwamitra, Gautama and Atri.

Original 66 families settled in 8 Agrahar villages. Later some families spread to Tiswadi.

2. DEVELOPMENT OF 8 AGRAHAR VILLAGES2. DEVELOPMENT OF 8 AGRAHAR VILLAGES Creation of Grama Samsthas: Autonomous bodies, self-sufficient Creation of Grama Samsthas: Autonomous bodies, self-sufficient

village granaries, powerful and progressive.village granaries, powerful and progressive.

Set up co-operatives for the need of members.Set up co-operatives for the need of members.

500 C.E.: Built most majestic Kuldev temples and its Gaunkars are 500 C.E.: Built most majestic Kuldev temples and its Gaunkars are the Mahajans of the temples: the Mahajans of the temples:

Kushasthali, Mangesh temple: Gaunkars number 24, i.e., 14 Vangads of Kushasthali, Mangesh temple: Gaunkars number 24, i.e., 14 Vangads of Kaundinya and 10 of Vatsa Gotra.Kaundinya and 10 of Vatsa Gotra.

Keloshi, Shantadurga temple: 12 of Kaushik and later, 1 of Vatsa and 1 Keloshi, Shantadurga temple: 12 of Kaushik and later, 1 of Vatsa and 1 of Bharadwaj.of Bharadwaj.

Temples: Places of worship, Pathashalas for Vedas, Mantrajagars, Temples: Places of worship, Pathashalas for Vedas, Mantrajagars, Shastras, etc.Shastras, etc.

Creation of a big library with handwritten Granthas.Creation of a big library with handwritten Granthas.

Centre of traditional festivals, kirtans, natakas and other arts.Centre of traditional festivals, kirtans, natakas and other arts.

800 C.E.: Formation of Gaudapadacharya Math at Kushasthali. 800 C.E.: Formation of Gaudapadacharya Math at Kushasthali. Adwaita philosophy followed.Adwaita philosophy followed.

2. FISSION & FUSION OF FAMILIES AFTER VARIOUS 2. FISSION & FUSION OF FAMILIES AFTER VARIOUS STAGES OF MIGRATIONSTAGES OF MIGRATION

11 stst Fission caused as a result of occupation Fission caused as a result of occupation::

Some GSB families served as priests, others:Some GSB families served as priests, others:

Trigotries of 2Trigotries of 2ndnd batch served as teachers, clerks, accountants & district batch served as teachers, clerks, accountants & district officers. They had liberal views on social, religion and politics.officers. They had liberal views on social, religion and politics.

Shastikars of 1Shastikars of 1stst batch took to trade & commerce as hereditary batch took to trade & commerce as hereditary profession.profession.

FusionFusion: : 1100 C.E. – Inclusion of Mahajans of Vatsa Varde / 1100 C.E. – Inclusion of Mahajans of Vatsa Varde / Valaulikars and Bharadwaj Gotra Pai Panandikars within Keloshikars Valaulikars and Bharadwaj Gotra Pai Panandikars within Keloshikars of Shantadurga.of Shantadurga.

22 ndnd Fission (temporary) Fission (temporary): : 1500 C.E1500 C.E - - Segregation between Shenvis Segregation between Shenvis and Shasthikars when latter became followers of Madhva Vaishanava and Shasthikars when latter became followers of Madhva Vaishanava Maths.Maths.

FusionFusion: : Iconography of GSB family deities remain uncompromisingly Iconography of GSB family deities remain uncompromisingly Shaivaite in form to this day.Shaivaite in form to this day.

2. FISSIONS & FUSION OF FAMILIES (CONT’D)2. FISSIONS & FUSION OF FAMILIES (CONT’D) 1357 C.E.: Muslim invasion of Gomantak. Destruction of temples 1357 C.E.: Muslim invasion of Gomantak. Destruction of temples

causing havoc.causing havoc.

1366 – 1469 C.E.: Vijayanagar rule - Temples rebuilt with full 1366 – 1469 C.E.: Vijayanagar rule - Temples rebuilt with full religious activity.religious activity.

Saraswats found scope for their talents in Vijayanagar.Saraswats found scope for their talents in Vijayanagar.

Goa Saraswat envoys, Vasant Madhav and Mainashenai Wagle, were Goa Saraswat envoys, Vasant Madhav and Mainashenai Wagle, were able to persuade Harihara II to send expedition to conquer Muslims in able to persuade Harihara II to send expedition to conquer Muslims in Goa. Goa.

1366 C.E.: Madhav Mantri took Goa.1366 C.E.: Madhav Mantri took Goa.

1469 – 1498 C.E.: Bahamini Sultan’s raids in Goa.1469 – 1498 C.E.: Bahamini Sultan’s raids in Goa.

1498 – 1510 C.E. – Adil Shah Rule: Shifting of Laxmi Narayan 1498 – 1510 C.E. – Adil Shah Rule: Shifting of Laxmi Narayan temple from Nagve to Ankola (1500 C.E.)temple from Nagve to Ankola (1500 C.E.)

Goa administered by Yusuf Gurgi, a Turk.Goa administered by Yusuf Gurgi, a Turk.

1510 C.E.: Timmappa Nayak, Naval Chief of Vijayanagar and Mhala 1510 C.E.: Timmappa Nayak, Naval Chief of Vijayanagar and Mhala Pai sought intervention of Portuguese to overthrow Adil Shah rule.Pai sought intervention of Portuguese to overthrow Adil Shah rule.

2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS & PERSECUTIONS2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS & PERSECUTIONS

Velha Conquistas: Conquered island of Tiswadi in 1510 C.E., Velha Conquistas: Conquered island of Tiswadi in 1510 C.E., Bardesh and Sasashti in 1543 C.E.Bardesh and Sasashti in 1543 C.E.

1510 – 1540 C.E.: Conversion mainly through persuasion and 1510 – 1540 C.E.: Conversion mainly through persuasion and material incentives.material incentives.

1541 C.E.: On orders of King Joao III, Hindu temples in Tiswadi 1541 C.E.: On orders of King Joao III, Hindu temples in Tiswadi destroyed, temple lands confiscated and allocated to church.destroyed, temple lands confiscated and allocated to church.

Saraswats move to neighbouring areas.Saraswats move to neighbouring areas.

1543 – 1546 C.E.: King Joao III bans preparation / worship of idols 1543 – 1546 C.E.: King Joao III bans preparation / worship of idols in temples and private houses.in temples and private houses.

Hindus forbidden to practice religious rites and ceremonies.Hindus forbidden to practice religious rites and ceremonies.

1548 C.E.: Bishop Joao de Albuquerque collects all scared Hindu 1548 C.E.: Bishop Joao de Albuquerque collects all scared Hindu books and burns them. Hindu priests imprisoned.books and burns them. Hindu priests imprisoned.

1557 C.E.: Non-Catholics excluded from public offices.1557 C.E.: Non-Catholics excluded from public offices.

2. PORTUGUESE PERSECUTIONS (CONT’D)2. PORTUGUESE PERSECUTIONS (CONT’D) 1560 C.E.: Tribunal of inquisition established.1560 C.E.: Tribunal of inquisition established.

Goan inquisition most severe and cruel of all Portuguese territories.Goan inquisition most severe and cruel of all Portuguese territories.

Se Cathedral: Condemned Hindus publicly burned during ceremonies Se Cathedral: Condemned Hindus publicly burned during ceremonies called Auto da Fé (Act of Faith).called Auto da Fé (Act of Faith).

1563 C.E.: All Hindus ordered to quit old conquest area within a 1563 C.E.: All Hindus ordered to quit old conquest area within a month’s time.month’s time.

Destruction of 160 temples – Tiswadi (1541 C.E.), 240 – Sasashti Destruction of 160 temples – Tiswadi (1541 C.E.), 240 – Sasashti (1560 – 1567 C.E.), 175 – Bardesh (1573 C.E.).(1560 – 1567 C.E.), 175 – Bardesh (1573 C.E.). Not a single temple was spared in old conquest areas.Not a single temple was spared in old conquest areas.

About 12,000 families, mostly Saraswats flee:About 12,000 families, mostly Saraswats flee: To neighbouring territories of Bhonsle and Sonde kings with their To neighbouring territories of Bhonsle and Sonde kings with their

deities.deities.

Via sea to coastal areas of Kanara to Calicut and north Kudal, Via sea to coastal areas of Kanara to Calicut and north Kudal, Sawantwadi.Sawantwadi.

Severity of inquisition lessens due to decline of Portuguese empire.Severity of inquisition lessens due to decline of Portuguese empire.

2. RELOCATION OF TEMPLES2. RELOCATION OF TEMPLES

RELOCATION OF TEMPLES (CONT’D)RELOCATION OF TEMPLES (CONT’D)

Ankola,N. Kanara (1500 AD, due to Muslim atrocities)---

Nagao,Salcette

Laxminarayan Mahamaya8

---Veling,Ponda

Sancoale,MormugaoLaxmi Narsimha

7

---Borim,Ponda

Benaulim,SalcetteNavdurga

6

1st Verna Church, on site of Santeri Temple.

Mardol,Ponda

Verna, SalceteMhalasa

5

---Bandode,Ponda

Colva, Salcette

Mahalaxmi4 (c)

----do-Nagesh4 (b)

---DID NOT SHIFT!

Bandode,PondaMahalakshmi

4 (a)

Church of Cortalim (1566)Priol, Ponda (1560)

-do-Mangesh3

---Kavle, Ponda (1630)

Kushasthali (Cortalim)

Goudapadacharya (Kavle) Math

2

---Kavle, Ponda (1560)

Keloshi, MormugaoShantadurga

1

Church(in its place)

To(present site)

From(old site)

TempleSr. No.

2. MIGRATION OF SARASWATS2. MIGRATION OF SARASWATS

New conquest areas:New conquest areas: 1781 C.E.: Bicholim1781 C.E.: Bicholim 1788 C.E.: Pednem1788 C.E.: Pednem 1790 C.E.: Sattari from Ranes1790 C.E.: Sattari from Ranes 1791 C.E.: Sanguem1791 C.E.: Sanguem

CanconaCancona

QuepemQuepem

PondaPonda

These 7 talukas served as shelter for Hindus of old conquests.These 7 talukas served as shelter for Hindus of old conquests.

Portuguese empire weakened due to loss of territories to British, Portuguese empire weakened due to loss of territories to British, Dutch and Marathas – Halt to coercive conversions and temple Dutch and Marathas – Halt to coercive conversions and temple destruction.destruction.

2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS (CONT’D)2. PORTUGUESE INVASIONS (CONT’D)

Bhonsle Kings

Sonde Kings

Once again the kuladeva templesand relocated Kavle math lay under Portuguese rule, butMaratha military strength andHindu influence in Goa itselfwere sufficient to prevent anyrecurrence of Portuguese persecution.

3. MIGRATION TO KANARA3. MIGRATION TO KANARA Migration in 3 phases:Migration in 3 phases:

Gradual migrationGradual migration Exodus to escape from religious persecutions by Muslim rulersExodus to escape from religious persecutions by Muslim rulers Exodus to escape from Portuguese organized persecution & mass Exodus to escape from Portuguese organized persecution & mass

conversionconversion

Kanara settlements and developmentsKanara settlements and developments Social occupationsSocial occupations Social occupations at Nagar Kingdom occupied coastal areasSocial occupations at Nagar Kingdom occupied coastal areas Religious activitiesReligious activities

Circumstances for active search for a Guru: Social, religious, Circumstances for active search for a Guru: Social, religious, PoliticalPolitical

3-PHASE MIGRATION3-PHASE MIGRATION Gradual Migration:Gradual Migration:

Search for better pastures – followed Sashtikars who went for trade.Search for better pastures – followed Sashtikars who went for trade. 1300 C.E.: Nadkarni’s to Bankikodla by land via Kankon and Ankola.1300 C.E.: Nadkarni’s to Bankikodla by land via Kankon and Ankola. Century later: Kulkarni’s and Balwalli’s followed.Century later: Kulkarni’s and Balwalli’s followed.

Exodus to escape from Muslim persecution (1314-1367 and 1469-1510 Exodus to escape from Muslim persecution (1314-1367 and 1469-1510 C.E.):C.E.):

Left by sea to ports of Kanara. Later branch families moved to hinterland Left by sea to ports of Kanara. Later branch families moved to hinterland villages.villages.

1500 C.E.: Kuldev temple shifted from Nagve to Ankola.1500 C.E.: Kuldev temple shifted from Nagve to Ankola. Temples built:Temples built:

• 1550 C.E.: Aldangadi, Ganapati temple1550 C.E.: Aldangadi, Ganapati temple• 1560 C.E.: Bailur, Laxmi Narayan temple1560 C.E.: Bailur, Laxmi Narayan temple• 1560 C.E.: Vokkatur, Ananteshwar temple1560 C.E.: Vokkatur, Ananteshwar temple• 1685 C.E.: Manke, Janardhan temple and Bhatkal, Laxmi Narayan temple1685 C.E.: Manke, Janardhan temple and Bhatkal, Laxmi Narayan temple

Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution (1560 C.E.): Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution (1560 C.E.): From Goa to Kanara ports upto Ullal. Families shifted:From Goa to Kanara ports upto Ullal. Families shifted:

• Ullal (Vatsa Gotra): 8Ullal (Vatsa Gotra): 8thth generation generation• Koppi: 11Koppi: 11thth generation generation • Harite: 11Harite: 11thth generation generation• Ubhaya (Kaundinya): 10Ubhaya (Kaundinya): 10thth generation generation• Kaikini: 10Kaikini: 10thth generation generation• Kabad: 10Kabad: 10thth generation generation• Nagarkatte: 10Nagarkatte: 10thth generation generation

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS & DEVELOPMENTS 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS & DEVELOPMENTS (1400-1700 C.E.)(1400-1700 C.E.)

Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution and mass conversion:Exodus to escape from Portuguese persecution and mass conversion: Lost touch of Moola Dharmapeetha and priestly families: In order to preserve Lost touch of Moola Dharmapeetha and priestly families: In order to preserve

their deities, religious beliefs and Saraswat identities gave up their lands, their deities, religious beliefs and Saraswat identities gave up their lands, wealth and even their lives. Their unswerving faith in god gave them courage wealth and even their lives. Their unswerving faith in god gave them courage to start their lives afresh in new lands.to start their lives afresh in new lands.

But managed to carry with us the heritage of:But managed to carry with us the heritage of:• High reverence to Kuladevatas.High reverence to Kuladevatas.• Teachings of Adhvait philosophy.Teachings of Adhvait philosophy.• Sanskars.Sanskars.

Oldest settlements were along coastal villages, towns:Oldest settlements were along coastal villages, towns: Branch families moved to other villages, usually hinterlandBranch families moved to other villages, usually hinterland Surnames changed as a result. The village name prefixed. Surnames changed as a result. The village name prefixed.

• Vaidya Wangad migrated to Manki. Came to be known as MankikarsVaidya Wangad migrated to Manki. Came to be known as Mankikars• Branches of Mankikars moved to hinterlands of Talmaki, Chittar, Samrode, Yennamadi, Branches of Mankikars moved to hinterlands of Talmaki, Chittar, Samrode, Yennamadi,

Gokarn, Shirali, ShirurGokarn, Shirali, Shirur• Mankikars settled in Gokarn, for e.g., Gokarnad Anantaya Shanboa came to be known Mankikars settled in Gokarn, for e.g., Gokarnad Anantaya Shanboa came to be known

as Gokarn. as Gokarn. Old surnames were mostly forgottenOld surnames were mostly forgotten

DISTRIBUTION OF SARASWAT FAMILY NAMESDISTRIBUTION OF SARASWAT FAMILY NAMES

# of Surnames

% of Surnames

Original Taluk / Kanara district settled

GOTRA KULDEVA

1932 1956 1971

11 2.1 Kundapur - South Kanara A Atri Mhalsa Narayani 1.95 1.82 1.9

42 8.3 Udipi - South Kanara B Bharadvaj Shantadurga 8.26 8.72 7.1

9 1.8 Mangalore - South KanaraC Camshya (Kutsa)*

Laxmi Narasimha 0.6 ** **

164 32.5 North & South Kanara D Kaundinya Mangesh 35.2 34.83 34.91

104 20.7 North & South Kanara V (a) Vatsa Mangesh

14 2.8 Kundapur - South Kanara V (b) VatsaShantadurga & Mangesh

4 0.8 North Kanara V © Vatsa

Shantadurga, Mangesh, Mahalaxmi Navadurga, Simha Purusha

3 0.6 North Kanara V (d) Vatsa Nagesh

11 2.1 Kundapur - South Kanara V (e) VatsaLaxminarayan Mahamaya

136 27 V Vatsa (Total) 25.64 25.4 26.4

142 28.3 North & South Kanara K Kaushika Shantadurga 28.33 28.93** 28.54**

% of Gotras in Caste census

Distribution of SARASWAT Family names, Gotras and Kuldevas

** Because of similarities in pronounciations Kaunsha (i.e. Kaushik) and Camshya Gotras were entered together in 1956 and 1971 census.

* Note: Camshya and Kutsa have different Gotra Pravar and hence are two separate Gotras. However Kulavis of Laxmi Narasimha at Veling, Goa are only of Kutsa Gotra

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – KEY PLACES OF 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – KEY PLACES OF RESIDENCERESIDENCE

Keladi rule: 1499–1763

Shifted capital to Ikkeri 1514

Shivappa Nayak: 1645-1660

Our ancestors contacts commenced with new capital Bednur in 1645 C.E

1608 Jain and other local chiefs of Kanara put down.

3. SOME CHITRAPUR WANGADS AT GOA3. SOME CHITRAPUR WANGADS AT GOA

PANANDIKARGangolli, Kallianpur, Benegal, Betrabet7

VAIDYAKoppikar, Nagarkatti, Shirali, Mankekar6

VARDEShashittal, Kombrabail, Balvalli5

PALEKARAndar, Kalbag, Mullarpattan4

DALVIGulvadi, Trikanad, Cherkal3

RAJADHYAKSHANadkarni, Gokarn2

WAGLEChikarmane, Tombat, Mundkur, Kumta, Kandlur, Nilekani, Talgeri, Ugran

1

Wangad name at GoaChitrapur Saraswat FamiliesSr.No.

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – SOCIAL 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS – SOCIAL OCCUPATIONSOCCUPATIONS

Carried the heritage of Grama Samstha developed in Goa to Carried the heritage of Grama Samstha developed in Goa to KanaraKanara

Concentrated on 2 main occupations:Concentrated on 2 main occupations: Acquisition of lands (Land lords in villages).Acquisition of lands (Land lords in villages). Service in revenue administration under ruling kings and small local Service in revenue administration under ruling kings and small local

chiefs.chiefs. At that time, there was hardly a place of ‘Shanbhogues’ At that time, there was hardly a place of ‘Shanbhogues’

(accountants), not held by Saraswats.(accountants), not held by Saraswats.

Popular sayingPopular saying: Rulers may come and go but Saraswat Shanbhogues : Rulers may come and go but Saraswat Shanbhogues go on forever.go on forever.

No Goan style economic village communities:No Goan style economic village communities: Productive rice fields, coconut plantations held by families, not by Productive rice fields, coconut plantations held by families, not by

villages.villages.

3. NAGAR KINGDOM: SOCIAL OCCUPATIONS3. NAGAR KINGDOM: SOCIAL OCCUPATIONS

Subsequent occupation of Kanara coastal villages by Nagar Subsequent occupation of Kanara coastal villages by Nagar Kingdom improved Saraswat standing in society.Kingdom improved Saraswat standing in society.

Our ancestors served Nagar kings both at the capital and Our ancestors served Nagar kings both at the capital and elsewhere.elsewhere.

Many Saraswat surnames bear testimony of our service to Nagar Many Saraswat surnames bear testimony of our service to Nagar kings:kings: Unlike previous surnames based on land settlement, surnames were Unlike previous surnames based on land settlement, surnames were

adopted based on occupation.adopted based on occupation.

Records of grants made by Nagar kings to Saraswat temples:Records of grants made by Nagar kings to Saraswat temples: Janardhan of MankikarsJanardhan of Mankikars Bhadrambika of ChickermanekarsBhadrambika of Chickermanekars Dattatreya and Gopalkrishna of HemmadikarsDattatreya and Gopalkrishna of Hemmadikars

Records of grants of land in 1739 C.E. to Bhandikere Math, GokarnRecords of grants of land in 1739 C.E. to Bhandikere Math, Gokarn

3. ADOPTED SURNAMES PRIMARILY OCCUPATION 3. ADOPTED SURNAMES PRIMARILY OCCUPATION BASEDBASED

Sheristedar - King of CoorgBellare4

Karnik - Chief of BekalBagde3

Revenue collector - One of Kanara chiefsPadbidri2

Accountants - Prince of VithalDodda and Sanna Kavlige1

At service of local chiefs

Supplier of grams to the king's stablesKadle9

AccountantLabadaya8

Headman of armed policeGurkar7

Toll gatekeeperNagarkatte6

Veterinary surgeon to the King's stablesPandit5

Chamberlain of the white palaceBilemahal4

Chamberlain of the palace of the heir apparentChickermane3

Royal stewardUgran2

Secretary of the royal householdManevarte1

Nagar Kingdom

OccupationSurnameSr. No.

3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS: RELIGIOUS 3. KANARA SETTLEMENTS: RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES

Our ancestors built a number of temples in every village, installed Our ancestors built a number of temples in every village, installed idols of different deities and arranged for ceremonial worship.idols of different deities and arranged for ceremonial worship.

These activities were conducted to inspire faith and devotion in the These activities were conducted to inspire faith and devotion in the core minds of succeeding generations.core minds of succeeding generations.

These temples were also centers for cultural and religious activities These temples were also centers for cultural and religious activities of fine arts like sculpting, music, painting, harikirtans etc..of fine arts like sculpting, music, painting, harikirtans etc..

In most cases, lands were endowed to temples for their upkeep and In most cases, lands were endowed to temples for their upkeep and maintenance.maintenance.

These temples flourished for a couple of decades till younger These temples flourished for a couple of decades till younger generations migrated to cities.generations migrated to cities.

The temples remain as standing monuments to devotion and faith for The temples remain as standing monuments to devotion and faith for the benefit of the community. the benefit of the community.

3. SARASWAT TEMPLES IN KANARA - EXAMPLES3. SARASWAT TEMPLES IN KANARA - EXAMPLES

14th Century, old templeBangra ManjeshwarVidya Vithal

1724 C.E.Manki MadiBhadrambikeshwar

17th CenturyKaikiniShivamunishwar

Gokarnkars held the post of Manegars of Mahableshwar temple, Gokarn for generations and Gokarna Anantaya rendered service in rebuilding it in about 1700 C.E.

1744 C.EMangaloreUmamaheshwar

1700 C.E.Buddukuli ShiraliDurgaparameshwari

17th CenturyShiraliGurunatheshwar Gopalkrishna

1650 C.E (approx)MallapurAvadi

17th CenturyHemmadiDattatreya and Venkatramana

17th CenturyHattiangadiShankar Narayana and Gopalkrishna

17th CenturyChandavarMooru Devar

Early 17th CenturyShirali(Kadle Math) Shivalingeshwar

1685 C.E.BhatkalLaxminarayan

1685 C.E.MankiJanardhan

1560 C.E. Shifted to Vithal 1660 C.E.VokketurAnanteshwar

1560 C.E.BailurLaxminarayan

1550 C.E.AldangadiGanapati

1350 C.E.BankikodlaBankanatheshwar

14th CenturyMallapurGanapati

YearPlaceTemple

3. KANARA – RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES (CONT’D)3. KANARA – RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES (CONT’D) Saints:Saints:

Saint RamavallabhdasSaint Ramavallabhdas: Came to Kanara approx. 1650 C.E. and left his : Came to Kanara approx. 1650 C.E. and left his spiritual mark on our community.spiritual mark on our community.

Krishna Jayanti VrataKrishna Jayanti Vrata initiated by him established 4 centers; Avadi initiated by him established 4 centers; Avadi Math Mallapur, Haridas Math Shirali, Hemapur Math Hemmadi, Gosavi Math Mallapur, Haridas Math Shirali, Hemapur Math Hemmadi, Gosavi Math Hattiangadi.Math Hattiangadi.

Early 17Early 17thth century: century: Saint ChidanandaSaint Chidananda and his successors, poets and and his successors, poets and vedanties, made Bailur centre of spiritual influence.vedanties, made Bailur centre of spiritual influence.

Saint ShivamunishwarSaint Shivamunishwar (Kaikini family): compiled Marathi version of (Kaikini family): compiled Marathi version of Devi Mahatmya.Devi Mahatmya.

Poet Poet Saint Bhatkal AppayaSaint Bhatkal Appaya (Nadghar family): composed extempore (Nadghar family): composed extempore songs characterized by great beauty and insight.songs characterized by great beauty and insight.

• Nagar King gave him the title of Varakavi.Nagar King gave him the title of Varakavi.

Saint AvadibaiSaint Avadibai (Ubaykar family) kept tradition of Bhagwat Dharma in (Ubaykar family) kept tradition of Bhagwat Dharma in our community.our community.

Saint JognaniSaint Jognani of Hemmad tradition had great poetic gifts. of Hemmad tradition had great poetic gifts.

3. SEARCH FOR A GURU3. SEARCH FOR A GURU Before 1708 C.E.: Saraswat cluster, known as Keloshi-Kushashthalikars, Before 1708 C.E.: Saraswat cluster, known as Keloshi-Kushashthalikars,

belonged to Shenvipaiki and to a greater identity of Gauda Saraswats.belonged to Shenvipaiki and to a greater identity of Gauda Saraswats.

Saraswats had lost links with Moola Dharmapeetha in Goa post migration. Saraswats had lost links with Moola Dharmapeetha in Goa post migration. 1560 C.E.: Portuguese completely destroyed Gaudapadacharya Maths, Kuldev 1560 C.E.: Portuguese completely destroyed Gaudapadacharya Maths, Kuldev

temples at Kushasthali, Goa.temples at Kushasthali, Goa.

1630 C.E.: Although Dharmapeetha was relocated at Kavle, Kavle Math 1630 C.E.: Although Dharmapeetha was relocated at Kavle, Kavle Math Swamijis lived out of Kavle due to series of Portuguese-Maratha battles.Swamijis lived out of Kavle due to series of Portuguese-Maratha battles.

Our ancestors required Vedic pathashalas and priestly families of our own Our ancestors required Vedic pathashalas and priestly families of our own who perform Dharmic rituals.who perform Dharmic rituals.

Pressure from Dwaita Maths to join them.Pressure from Dwaita Maths to join them.

Our ancestors needed a Dharmapeetha for spiritual way of thought and act. Our ancestors needed a Dharmapeetha for spiritual way of thought and act. They needed their own Jati Swami in areas where they resided.They needed their own Jati Swami in areas where they resided.

Envy of others as Saraswats held high positions at Nagar – Locals hinted that Envy of others as Saraswats held high positions at Nagar – Locals hinted that Saraswats were rootless people, unconnected by any Math.Saraswats were rootless people, unconnected by any Math.

Nagar King expected the Saraswat community to find an everlasting solution Nagar King expected the Saraswat community to find an everlasting solution to eliminate dissension and gave a time limit.to eliminate dissension and gave a time limit.

Time limit acted as a trigger for earlier efforts for an active search of our First Time limit acted as a trigger for earlier efforts for an active search of our First Guru, due to social and religious pressures. Guru, due to social and religious pressures.

3. GURU – SEQUENCE OF EVENTS3. GURU – SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

1757Ashwin Sh 6 Ishwar Shake 1679 at ShiraliPunyatithikal and Samadhisthan of second Guru10

1739Margashir Sh 10 of Siddharti Shake 1661Deed of gift by Kaladi Basappa Nayaka for building Math at Bhandikere, Gokarn

9

1735Phalguna Sh 5 Anand Shake 1656Further undertaking given to the second Guru about rules and regulations8

1723Pushya Sh 12 Shobhakriti Shake 1644Promise made by our people to our Swami about annual vantiga and construction of Math at Gokarn signed by 50 people

7

1722Ashvij Sh 10 Shabhakriti Shake 1644Site for Umamaheshwar Temple granted to Anantaya from God Mahableshwar of Gokarn through managers

6

1720Saturday, Chaitra Shudha 15 Sharvari Shake 1642

Shisya Sweekar of second Guru5

1720Chaitra Shudha 5 Sharvani Shake 1642Undertaking given to Krishnayya Shanbag4

Believed to be 1709 - 1720

Undertaking given to first guru3

1709Ashwini Shudha Navami Virodhi Shake 1631Visit to Shringeri and recognition by the Shankaracharya2

Feb 1709Sunday, Magh Sh 7 Sarvadhare Shake 1630Arrival at Kotiteertha of our first Guru1

Common Era (C.E.)Date as per Hindu CalendarEvent

Sr.No.

Important Events

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE EVOLUTION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS BEYOND EVOLUTION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS BEYOND

WORDS.WORDS.

LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO GURU LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO GURU PARAMPARA AND PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT SADYOJAT PARAMPARA AND PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT SADYOJAT

SHANKARASHRAM SWAMIJI.SHANKARASHRAM SWAMIJI.

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE EVOLUTION AND THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY THAT HAVE GONE INTO THE EVOLUTION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS BEYOND WORDS.PRESERVATION OF OUR MATH IS BEYOND WORDS.

LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO GURU PARAMPARA AND LET US PRESERVE THIS HERITAGE AND BE DEVOTED TO GURU PARAMPARA AND PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT SADYOJAT SHANKARASHRAM SWAMIJI.PARAMA PUJYA SHRIMAT SADYOJAT SHANKARASHRAM SWAMIJI.

For further quarries contact : Dr.Ramdas Thaggarse

Email: [email protected]

Saraswat History

Spiritual

Transcript of Saraswat History