Jyotish (caste)
The Jyotish caste is a caste comprising people who were opting astrology originally. But from many sources it is found that these people belonged to Brahmin caste. They hailed from Shakadweepa or Sakaldweep.So they were called as sakaldweepiya or shakadweepi brahmans.After entering into India they spreaded mostly in North India and one wing of them settled in Odisha.They were well versed in Astrology and also doing Vedic rituals,teaching and Ayurvedic treatment.However ,with the wake of scientific researches their importance decreased and the later generations were lost the efficiency of their ancestors.Thus lost their incomes. The poor financial state made them socially weak/backward. However,in many places in Odisha these people practise Vedic rituals and act as temple worshipers.But in the undivided Puri district their economic and social status are very miser. In all other places of India the people practising astrology are known as Panditji or Brahmans.In Odisha they are struggling to regain their lost pride. They are really Brahmins of Shakadweep.And they are awaking now a day's to get their social status.
Sources: Padma Purana , Samba Purana
Social Status
They are Classified as an Other Backward Class (OBC) according to Reservation system of India.[1]
References
- ↑ "www.bcmbcmw.tn.gov.in" (PDF).
External links
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