Malviya Brahmin

The Malviya or Malaviya (Hindi: मालवीय) are a Brahmin sub-caste found in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in India.^[1]

The word Malviya literally means those from Malwa in Central India. They are a branch of the Panch Gauda Brahmins. Traditionally, they are said to be divided into thirteen and a half gotras, these being Bharadwaj, Chaube Parasara, Angiras Chaube, Bhargava Chaube and Dube. All these gotras are Rigvedis. While the Sandilya, Kasapa Chaube and Kauta Dube are Yajurvedi. The remaining gotras, the Vats, Vyas, Gautam, Tivari, Lohita Tivari and Kaundinya are Samavedis. In Uttar Pradesh, they are found throughout the state and speak Hindi. Their customs are similar to neighbouring Brahmin communities such as the Kanyakubja Brahmins.^[2]

In Madhya Pradesh, the Malviya are found mainly in Hoshangabad and Betul districts. According to their traditions, they were invited to settle in Malwa by the Gond kings of Kherla. As such, they are said to be the earliest settlers in the Narbada river valley. Most Malviya, in addition to their traditional occupation are cultivators.^[3]

Reference

1. ^ Tribes and Castes of the Northwestern Provinces and Oudh Volume III by William Crook pages 451 to 453
2. ^ Tribes and Castes of the Northwestern Provinces and Oudh Volume III by William Crook pages 451 to 453
3. ^ Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume I by R.V Russel

    Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya