Karan (caste)

Karan (also known as Karanam and Mohanty) is a caste found predominantly in Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They fulfill same functions of Kayasthas elsewhere.

Etymology

The name Karan in Sanskrit means a doer. The derivation of Mohanty is derived from sanskrit word Mahan means Great. But in the historical context the title of Mohanty is awarded by the king to those who are full of ideas and knowledge in the King's court.

Religion and Culture

The Karans like the Kayasthas have descended from Chitragupta. They are divided into two subcastes in Orissa, namely, Jhadua and Utkal. Some of them identify as Brahminical gotras yet some seem to be totemistic in origin. They identify as Smarthas, Madhwas and observe holidays and sacraments like all other Hindus. karan caste is conisdered as a caste belongs to the knowledge and wisdom in the field of Accounting and management of land revenue system historically. The symbol of karan caste is an Iron pen which is worshiped during Durga puja traditionally recognized the caste itself as a supreme founder of writing in Indian civilization. Karan caste is the only group in Odisha which practices many festivals like Rajo, Sabitri, Durga puja, Ganesh chaturthi, Saraswati puja, Prathma astami, Jyastha purnima, Kumara purnima, etc. Eastern Odisha's culture traditions mainly belong to the karanas.