User:Sattvic7/Kayastha
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Historically, they started to consolidate into a distinct caste or sub-castes around the 11th- 12th centuries CE[1] i.e from the time of Gurjara-Pratihara Empire to the subsequent rise of independent Rajput kingdoms of Northern India, and traditionally wrote eulogies for the Hindu Kings prior to Turkic invasions of North India.[2] Under the Chahamana and Parmara dynasties—Naigama Kayastha[3] (Nigam), Vallabhya Kayastha and Māthuranvaya Kayastha (Mathur i.e original settlers from Mathura)—wrote royal charters[4] and held prominent administrative positions.[5][6] Some Mathur Kayasthas in the Rajaputana had even earned the title of thakkura[7] and had built temples.[8][9]
While some scholars identify Gauda Kayasthas with Bengali Kayasthas, J.N. Bhattacharya notes that Bengali Kayasthas were different from "North-Indian Gaudas" who were found in almost all districts lying between Delhi and Patna, and identifies Bhatnagar Kayasthas as Gauda Kayasthas.[10] The Gauda Kayasthas rendered their services in writing eulogies for several ruling kings and their feudatories—including the Chahamana, Chaulukya[11] Chandela of Jejakabhukti, Kalachuri and Gahadavala rulers.[12] The Bhatnagars take their name possibly from the old town of 'Bhatner', near Bikaner in Rajasthan.[13]
The members of Śrī-Vāstavya[14] (Srivastava) community rose to very high administrative positions—many of whom enjoyed the status of thakkura and were involved in military services—under the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti [15][16][17] as well as the Gahadavala kings Govindachandra and Jayachandra.[18][19][20][21] Another Vastavya family served as hereditary scribes and poets under the Kalachuris of Ratanpur.[22] The inscriptions of Vastavya family suggest that they might have originally migrated from Takkarika or Kausamyapur (Prayagraj).[19]
The Ambashtha Kayasthas (found chiefly in Southern Bihar), Crooke suggests "may be connected with the old Ambastha caste of Western-Punjab mentioned in the Mahabharata" as some Kayasthas are also associated with the practice of medicine and surgery.[23][13]