SARASWATS, LOOKING AT THEIR PAST AND PRESENT ... PANJIM, Goa: The origins of Goa's most influential caste grouping, the Saraswats, is enveloped in historical obscurity, says a new book focussing exclusively on this community.
"Scholars have put forth a number of theories based on their study of (the) epics and the Puranas, but these theories are largely unsubstantiated," says 'The Saraswats', a just-released book authored by ex-editor Chandrakant Keni. Evidence has also been largely derived from legends and folklore, but "rather nebulously", writes the book. "Prejudiced theories in favour of one's own sect are also common." Keni notes that "groups of the community" have sought to differentiate themselves from "mainstream Saraswats" by attributing their distinctive identity to theor gepgraphical location. He points out that followers of the Chitrapur Mutt "assert their own identity" by calling themselves Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins (CSBs) and refer to the followers of other Saraswat mutts (religious or monastic institution) .. as Gaud Saraswat Brahmins (GSBs). But, he says, Sashtikars, Shenais, Bardezkars and Pednekars have "done away with mental and practical barriers". Even the Rajapur Saraswats have returned to acknowledge their GSB roots, writes Keni. "Numerous research scholars have produced sufficient evidence to prove that the community is one, and th enames which have been associated with each group are related only to the geographical area of their settlement -- either in the Gomanta or Aparanta (regions along the western Indian coast)," writes the former editor of the Rashtramath. >From where, when and why the members of this community migrated (to coastal India and Goa) is a subject of divergent opinion, argues Keni. The word 'Saraswat' is derived from the River Saraswati, which sprang from the Himalayas and a number of references to it can be found in the Rig-Veda, the Mahabharata and the Smritis. Yet another theory is that the Saraswats were natives of Tirhut. A few Portuguese chronicles trace the origins of the Saraswat to the South. Keni notes that there are ten 'distinct categories' of Saraswat Brahmins, who comprise of traders on the eastern and western seas. Some are 'pure', some 'impure', and others are 'siddhas' (or, who do not observe any restrictions. Keni writes: "At present, small communities of Saraswats also exist in Rajputana, Sind, Gujarat and Kathiawar. These communities are likely to have their roots in Kashmir." He cites theories regarding the Saraswats' migration from Kashmir, including by Dr James Buchanan. Of the various Saraswat communities, which are to be found in the North and the South of India, the Saraswats of Goa and the west coast alone are known as Gaud Saraswats, says Keni. His 431-page recently-published book is published by the V M Salgaocar Foundation of Vasco-da-Gama and priced at Rs 395. ENDS
