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The findings presented in this book are of
preliminary nature. The study is not complete and needs further research. The
material compiled for this work, however, should be useful for the
historiography. There is no documentary material or books on the history of Chitpavans.
The data are, therefore, based on the views of historians, sociologists,
legends, ancient literature and the information provided personally by
various people.
The book deals with the following topics: etymology
of the word Chitpavan, Parashurama and Chitpavan, gotras,
Vedas, Chitpavans from the south Canara ( Karnataka), family
names, family deities, village deity, family traditions and rituals,
language, legends, original settlements in Konkan, and Vadeshwarodaya poem.
Many of these topics have been described in detail and discussed.
Chitpavan is a sub-caste of Brahman community in Ratnagiri
district. The typically characteristic features of Chitpavans are that
they have fair complexion, lean stature with sharp features. They are rice eating
people. Chiplone and Konknastha are the other names used in
place of Chitpavan. The word Chitpavan appears to be more
ancient than the word Konknastha which, however, is more
general. Kayastha and Daivednya also consider themselves Konknastha.
The Chitpavans were the inhabitants of the
region around Khed, Chiplun and Dapoli. However, the dialect Chitpavani
was not spoken in this region. It was current in the region from Rajapur to
Goa.
It is believed that Parashurama was closely associated with Chitpavans.
However it is not supported by any kind of evidence. On the contrary, he
belonged to other parts of India. He had very limited link with Konkan and no
link whatsoever with Chitpavans. Parashuram came to the west coast and
settled there perhaps because of the defeat in the long-drawn conflict with Haiheya
or out of repentance over the destruction of Kshatriyas. He was
accompanied there by a few people who were not Chitpavan.
It is also possible that Parashurama and Bhargava are
two different individuals. Bhargava’s activities were in North India.
Parashurama might have come from outside India crossing the sea.
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