Khatris: a socio-historical study
Puri, B. N.
Khatris: a socio-historical study c.2 - New Delhi M. N. Pub. 1988 - 176p.
'The war like conquerors of one age' in the words of Campbell (1866) 'should become astute money lenders of another is but the ordinary course of history.' As such, the occupational basis of a caste could not be an inalienable phenomenon. Circumstances conspire and even compel the community and its members to take up another profession. The same was the case with the Khatris (Kshatriyas), the second group of the ancient social organization.
The present study seeks to record the social set-up of the Khatri community, and trace its history through the ages, highlighting the contributions of its members in different fields. Besides considering the origin of the term Khatri, the Prakrit form of Kshatriya as also the other forms recorded in foreign accounts. and inscriptions such as Katha, Katrol and Khatriaioi, an attempt is made to trace the movements of the Khatris from Punjab towards the Gangetic region, as also in the south-west towards Sindh, Gujarat, Kutch and Bombay. Taking the 1901 Census as the cut-off year, the Khatri population, scattered in different parts of the Country, numbered over a million, and included Muslim and Sikh Khatris as well who continued to preserve their ethnic unity. The chapter on 'Khatri society and religion' is considered in detail with reference to the hierarchical set-up, family kinship, marriage customs and sanskaras, all conforming to the Vedic texts and traditions. The Khatris held important positions in civil administration in the Medieval period, and equally contributed to trade and commerce with their estab lishments in Delhi, Bengal and Surat, as also in the South. Their role in the poli tical affairs of the Indian States was equally commendable. Their contribu tions in the nineteenth century and after centred round Literature,' Journalism, Science, Law and the Films. Religious reforms and Religious movements con nected with the Khatris, particularly the Radhaswami sect and its founder Shiva Dayal Khatri, and Munshi Ram Khatri (later Swami Sraddhanand) of the Arya samaj stand prominent in this period. The Khatris also participated in the Indian Freedom Movement as moderates, radicals and non-cooperators. They equ ally manned the three services, as Chiefs in the Post-Independence period, thus testifying to their ancient martial spirit.
As pointed out by the Hon'ble Dr. Hidayatullah in his 'Foreword' to the book. They have come to the very top in whatever field they have chosen for their living and activity. In his words, once again, "This book will be read with great interest and information by not only Indians but others. They will know from it of the services of this great section of our people who although second in the hierarchy of the Hindus have contributed in no small measure to the glory of India.
Social Classes India
305.5 PUR
Khatris: a socio-historical study c.2 - New Delhi M. N. Pub. 1988 - 176p.
'The war like conquerors of one age' in the words of Campbell (1866) 'should become astute money lenders of another is but the ordinary course of history.' As such, the occupational basis of a caste could not be an inalienable phenomenon. Circumstances conspire and even compel the community and its members to take up another profession. The same was the case with the Khatris (Kshatriyas), the second group of the ancient social organization.
The present study seeks to record the social set-up of the Khatri community, and trace its history through the ages, highlighting the contributions of its members in different fields. Besides considering the origin of the term Khatri, the Prakrit form of Kshatriya as also the other forms recorded in foreign accounts. and inscriptions such as Katha, Katrol and Khatriaioi, an attempt is made to trace the movements of the Khatris from Punjab towards the Gangetic region, as also in the south-west towards Sindh, Gujarat, Kutch and Bombay. Taking the 1901 Census as the cut-off year, the Khatri population, scattered in different parts of the Country, numbered over a million, and included Muslim and Sikh Khatris as well who continued to preserve their ethnic unity. The chapter on 'Khatri society and religion' is considered in detail with reference to the hierarchical set-up, family kinship, marriage customs and sanskaras, all conforming to the Vedic texts and traditions. The Khatris held important positions in civil administration in the Medieval period, and equally contributed to trade and commerce with their estab lishments in Delhi, Bengal and Surat, as also in the South. Their role in the poli tical affairs of the Indian States was equally commendable. Their contribu tions in the nineteenth century and after centred round Literature,' Journalism, Science, Law and the Films. Religious reforms and Religious movements con nected with the Khatris, particularly the Radhaswami sect and its founder Shiva Dayal Khatri, and Munshi Ram Khatri (later Swami Sraddhanand) of the Arya samaj stand prominent in this period. The Khatris also participated in the Indian Freedom Movement as moderates, radicals and non-cooperators. They equ ally manned the three services, as Chiefs in the Post-Independence period, thus testifying to their ancient martial spirit.
As pointed out by the Hon'ble Dr. Hidayatullah in his 'Foreword' to the book. They have come to the very top in whatever field they have chosen for their living and activity. In his words, once again, "This book will be read with great interest and information by not only Indians but others. They will know from it of the services of this great section of our people who although second in the hierarchy of the Hindus have contributed in no small measure to the glory of India.
Social Classes India
305.5 PUR