Origin and History of KUMARAKHANIYA

Description:

Kumarakhaniyas are an Indian caste belonging to the Maratha community, who are believed to have originated from the Maratha warrior clan, the Chhatrapatis of Satara. The name Kumarakhaniya is derived from the Sanskrit word, Kumara, meaning 'prince' and Khan, meaning 'lord'. The Kumarkhaniyas are believed to have migrated to Maharashtra from the Deccan region during the 16th century. They are traditionally associated with the military, and many of them served in the Maratha armies of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The Kumarkhaniyas are distributed across the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. They are mainly concentrated in the districts of Satara, Kolhapur, and Sangli in Maharashtra. The Kumarkhaniyas are a patrilineal community and follow the Maratha customs and traditions. They practice endogamy and prefer to marry within their own caste. The Kumarkhaniyas are divided into various clans, such as the Deshmukh, Desai, Bhonsle, and Chavan. These clans are further divided into sub-groups, based on their family name. The Kumarkhaniyas are mainly involved in agriculture, and some are also engaged in small-scale businesses. They are also involved in politics and are known for their loyalty to the Maratha cause. The Kumarkhaniyas speak Marathi and follow Hinduism. They worship various deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha. They celebrate all major Hindu festivals, such as Diwali, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi.