Written by The Hindu caste system recognizes the Kayastha group as an important community in India. They’re a diverse bunch with different sub-groups and family lines. Kayasthas are known for being educated, and they often work in jobs like administration, writing, and accounting because they’re good at learning.
People consider Kayasthas as the smart and moral part of Hindu society.According to legend, it is said that their origins trace back to Chitragupta, the keeper of records documenting people’s virtuous and wrongful deeds.
Let’s break down the details about Kayasthas:
History
Kayasthas, of uncertain origin, mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. Flourished during Mughal and British rule; excelled in education, law, and other fields post-Independence.
Sub-Groups
Here are some of the main sub-groups among Kayasthas:
1. Srivastava: The biggest group, mostly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
2. Saxena: Mainly found in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, but also all over India.
3. Mathur: Mostly in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
4. Khatri: A lot of them are in Punjab and Haryana.
5. Karan: Mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, working hard to progress.
Family Lines
Kayasthas have different family lines called gotras. Some common ones are Sandilya, Kautilya, Garga, and Kashyap. These gotras are important during marriage ceremonies to keep the community pure.
Weddings
Kayastha weddings have different customs depending on where you are or which family line you’re from. But some things are common:
– Garland Exchange: The bride and groom put garlands on each other.
– Haldi Ceremony: The family puts turmeric paste on the couple a few days before the wedding.
– Ganesh Puja: The wedding starts with this prayer.
– Kanyadaan: The bride’s father gives her away after they walk around the fire seven times.
– New Family: The bride joins her new Kayastha family.