| Karan | |
|---|---|
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Languages | Odia |
| Populated states | Odisha |
| Subdivisions | Karan, Karan Vaishnav |
| Related groups | Brahmin |
| Status | Forward caste |
The KaranorKarana is a community of scribes[1] found in the state of OdishainIndia. The post of Karana used to be a professional designation that was occupied by literate members of the lower as well as the higher castes.[2] They also held Karanam post in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, where they speak Odia[3] and played the similar role in Odisha as that of the KayasthasofWest Bengal and Bihar. Traditionally they were the official record-keepers in the royal courts of the Odia princely states historically (Orissa Tributary States).[4] Today they are a politically dominant community and have reigned over the politics of Odisha for 40 years.[5]
The frequent admission of land grants to princes, Brahmins and various officials gave rise to a new class of scribes. They were recruited from lower as well as higher castes. However the Karanas crystallized into a distinct caste only in the 10th or 11th century AD owing to social mobility. Any mention of the term prior to that period simply denotes its functional aspect rather than a caste affiliation.[2]
The Karanas are a forward caste of Odisha.[6] In mediaeval Odisha, Karanas climbed the social ladder by supplying brides to the ruling dynasties. An example of this can be found in the Arasavali copper plate of the Eastern Ganga monarch Vajrahasta III.[2] During the British colonial era, many Karanas of Odisha had received zamindaris.[7] In recent post-Independence era India, they have also played a dominant role in politics. Such is their prominence in politics that many members from the Karan community have been elected as the Chief Ministers of Odisha, hence they are also dubbed as the political caste of Odisha.[8]
Prominent surnames of the Karan community include Patnaik, Mohanty, Das etc.[9][10]
