Niyogi Brahmin
Indian Hindu Telugu Brahmin subcaste
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Niyogi Brahmin is a Telugu Brahmin subcaste[2] native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but are spread throughout South India and Maharashtra.[3][4] The traditional occupations of the Niyogi Brahmins are settled cultivation and priesthood,[5] but a majority of them took up various secular vocations including military activities and karanams. They were associated with administration, economics, literature, music composing, politics, scholarly, scientific, engineering, defense and warfare careers.[6][7]
Other Dravidian languages[1]
| Niyogi Brahmin | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Forward caste |
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Languages | Telugu (primary) Other Dravidian languages[1] |
| Country | Primarily India |
Etymology
Niyogin in Sanskrit means "employed", "appointed" or "assigned" and it is probable that Niyogis were given this name because they accept secular employment.[8] As per Eastern Chalukyan records, Brahmins who were appointed to a 'Niyoga', commission, charge or office, were called 'Niyogins', officials or functionaries. The term 'Niyogikavallabha' finds mention in a record of Eastern Chalukyan king Mangi Yuvaraja (r. 682 – 706 CE).[9]
Sub-divisions
Niyogis are divided into groups like Aruvela Niyogis, Pakanati Niyogis, Prathamasaki Niyogis and others.[10] Golkonda Vyaparis were said to be a part of Niyogis. The word "vyapari" means trader. While Niyogis were Smartas, Vyaparis are Vaishnavas.[11][12][13] In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, there are some sections of Niyogis such as Aruvela and Prathamasaki who follow Dvaita Vedanta of Madhvacharya.[14][15]