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Kshatriya community from Konkan region of India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kharvi,[1] are a community found in Goa,Maharashtra and Karnataka. They are Hindus. Some are Christians.
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (October 2024) |
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Primary populations in: Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka | |
Languages | |
Konkani, Marathi, Maharashtrian Konkani | |
Religion | |
Hinduism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Konkani people |
While the Kharvis are traditionally a significant group among the fishing community of Goa, many of the younger generation have moved away from that occupation and also from the area. They are increasingly to be found working in Europe and the Gulf and countries and working in other sectors as well. The traditional modes of fishing in Goa have increasingly been supplanted by mechanised methods and the investment required for this, plus the gains to be accrued, have led to an influx of non-Kharvi communities to the industry. This shift to mechanisation has been encouraged by both the national Government of India and the state Government of Goa since the 1970s.
They have various sub-groups, among which are the Taris, Tarukars, and Ramponkars.[2] Taris are the primary fishermen, Tarukars are the Taru owning landlords, etc. Though they are largely involved in fisheries.
They are distinct from the Gabit community found mostly in northern Goa and the Pagi community found mostly in southern Goa, although they share a similar traditional occupation. Those who are not engaged in fishing always wear the sacred thread, whereas the fishermen wear it for seven days from the Sutta punnav, or full-moon day of the month Shravana (August–September), and then remove it. Most follow the Shaiva Shakta tradition, whereas some follow the Smarta tradition.
Found chiefly in the coastal talukas of Mormugao, Salcete and Tiswadi, the Catholic Kharvis generally speak the Konkani language but some use Portuguese. They write Konkani using Roman script. Arranged marriages are common but not prevalent, and monogamy is practised. The traditional joint family arrangements are increasingly giving way to the nuclear family. Their principal diet is rice and fish curry but meat and vegetables are also important constituents.[3] ".
The word Kharvi has derived from Kha+Ravi=Kharvi. Kha means Sky and Ravi means Sun, this means Kharvi is as bright as sun in the sky.
It is found in history that king Kharvela was once a Samrat. This king was a devotee of sun. He used to consider himself as Suryavanshi. Hence it is considered that Kharvis are the Kharvas of Kharvela.
Historically the kharvis were part of the Kshatriya Maratha and they started fishing and sea associated business in 17th century. They were part of shivajis army and navy for the southern maratha kingdom.
They are Kshatriya by Varna, they have right of sacred thread. Since they belonged to the Kshatriya Maratha Caste, many records make it clear that this community was Bhatars (soldiers) in the southern Maratha now Goa region during Shivaji's time. It is known from historical records that after the Maratha Empire they picked up fishing instinct.It is believed 3 century ago kharvis started fishing to survive.
The festival of Holi is called Shigmo in Goa and celebrated with gaiety. Chavath or Ganesh chaturthi festival as it is called by Goan Hindus is a major festival in Goa. Deepavali is celebrated with the lighting of the deepastambhas in the temples.
Sathish Kharvi: Asian power lifting gold medal winner.
As of the 1996, the Kharvi in Goa were designated as an Other Backward Class in the central list maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). At that time they are known as known as Kshatriyta Marathas but the NCBC listed them as "Kharvi" (including Christian Kharvi)".
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