Karhade Brahmin


Karhaḍe Brahmins are a sub-caste of Maharashtrian Brahmins.

Origin

as well as Brahmanda Purana are very harsh towards these Brahmins and it is mentioned that they descended from the bones of camel and hence designated as Karhades.
The Karhada Brahman take the name from the town of Karad in Satara district, the sacred junction of the Koina and Krishna. They migrated to the region between Malvan and Sangameshwar near the Konkan coast and made it their home land.The Karhade section, though it takes its name from Karad, a place in the Deccan region, is found chiefly in the Konkan coast. Karhade Brahmins are generally thought to be a branch of the Deshastha Rigvedi's who immigrated from their home in Satara district to the southern part of Ratnagiri on the Konkan Coast, where they were principally settled.

Divisions

There are three divisions of Karhade Brahmins - Karhade, Padye and Bhatt Prabhu. Padyes hail from present day state of Goa. "Padhye" was a further division of "Padye" - and were Khots or farmers.

Demographics

Most Karhade Brahmins live in Maharashtra though a significant population exist Goa, Karnataka, and cities outside Maharashtra such as Sagar and Indore in present day state of Madhya Pradesh.Ancestors of these people moved to these places during 18th century during the Maratha empire period.A southern branch of the Karhade Brahmins settled around the Kasargod region of the Malabar coast and they are called the "Karada Brahmins" and share their traditions with Kerala Brahmins and the Brahmins of South Karnataka.

Culture

Traditionally, the Karhade Brahmins were a community of priests who offered religious services in Hindu temple and to other communities. They are followers of Smarta tradition, being essentially Rigvedi Brahmins who follow the Ashwalayana Sutra.. Like their Deshastha counterparts, traditionally the karhade allowed cross-cousin marriages.

Language

is the mother tongue of most of the Karhade Brahmins in Maharashtra.

Diet

Karhade Brahmins generally follow a vegetarian diet.

Notable people