Boyar (caste)
Encyclopedia
A boyar, also spelled boya, meaning Hunter or Warrior, denotes the leader of a group or head of a territory. They constitute the Kshatriya
or Warrior class of India
and are believed to have originated from an ancient people called the Kirata
, a generic term in Sanskrit
literature for people who lived in the mountains, particularly in the Himalayas and North-East India
.
, Ireland
and Romania
. The use of the word "Boyar" in other languages, notably Russian
and Bulgarian
, is thought to be related to the Indian tribes who migrated via Turkey to Slavic lands.
The Russian word Boyar
is considered to be etymologically related to the Indian word, arriving in the Russian language via Turkic
. It is thought to be composed of the roots bai("noble", distinguished) and ar ("a nobleman");. Another explanation for the Russian term is that it originates from the Turkic title boila ("noble"), which is attested in Bulgar inscriptions and rendered as boilades or boliades in Greek or Byzantine
documents.
, or the town of Books, or the town of palm trees. The residents of the above noted towns started calling themselves “Kereti”, which later became Keratite or the Kerite tribe. The Kereti people led a nomadic life and gradually spread towards the eastern and north-eastern countries.
In 2400 BC, a branch which came to Mesopotamia
or Assyrian country, intermingled with the ashur people and formed one nation with them. Later, they migrated to northern India and the Himalayan region via Meydia and Nisa of Northern Persia, with title of Kirat-Ashur tribe. In Sanskrit texts, the Kirat people is included among the Yavanas, Pallavas, kochas and Pulinda races. The Greek had also known the kirats by name Kirhadai. The Kirat-Ashur were great hunters, and preferred to live in the mountainous countries of Kabul
, Kashmir
, Karakoram and other Himalayan Regions. There were certain principalities which were definitely styled as Nishada in the Epic and Alavaka in Pali texts and were doubtless of non-Aryan origin.
The Biblical atlas and scripture Gazetteer of the religious tract society of London proves that the Assura people were situated on the eastern bank of the river Tigris
, bounded on the south by Susa, the capital town of Elam
, or southern Persia. As a kingdom, it is often said to have been founded by Ashura or Assura, the second son of Shem and the second grandson of Noah
, who, on leaving Shinar, or Babylon
, traveled northwards and founded Nineveh
, the capital town of the Ashur land, or Assyria, in 2400-2300 BC.
The history of the Ashur people mentions that they originated from Babylonia, but later on, received Semites and became one nation with them, and they were called the Keratite or Kirat people.
In the book bharat ka brihat Itihas, by Pandit Bhargava, mentions that the Assyria
ns ruled the Indian tribes.
: ). The Sarasvati River
is one of the chief Rigvedic rivers
mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. The Nadistuti hymn in the Rigveda
(10.75) mentions the Sarasvati between the Yamuna
in the east and the Sutlej
in the west, and later Vedic texts, like the Tandya and Jaiminiya Brahmanas, as well as the Mahabharata
, mention that the Sarasvati dried up to become a desert.
Boyas bounded to mountainous regions in south-eastern peninsula
near the Orissa
-Andhra
region. The original population of Boyas was mixed with various linguistic groups later, such as the Telugu
speaking community, and spread to all southern states. These Boya warriors served as the military regiment and chiefs between 10th century to 15th century in Chalukya, Chola, Vijayanagar
, and Hoysala empires.
The eastern Chalukyan empire’s court was essentially a Republic of Badami
, and the administrative subdivisions were known as 'Boya-Kottams'. Boya-Kottams existed across the southern states right from 5th century, according to Kakatiya
inscriptions. Boya-Kottams held assignments of land or revenue in different villages. Chola-Chalukyas used the titles 'Udayar
' or 'Odeyar
' for chieftains at certain periods of time, which included Boya Chieftains.
The Musunuri Nayaks
were Boya and Kamma warrior chieftains in the Kakatiya army who regained Andhra in 1326 from the Delhi
Sultanate in the aftermath of the Kakatiya defeat. King Pratapa Rudra’s Kakatiya kingdom was aptly served by seventy five chieftains called Nayaks. The Nayaks
, who belonged to various agrarian castes such as Boyar, Velama, Kamma, Reddy, Telaga, and Balija, were divided by mutual jealousy and rivalry, but were valiant cousins.
The Chitradurga
Palaegar (Polygar) family was of the Beda, or Boya, caste and belonged to one of the hunting hill tribes. According to one tradition, three Boya families emigrated from Jadikal-durga, in the neighbourhood of Tirupati, and settled at Nirutadi, near Bramhasagara, at about 1475 AD. They are said to have belonged to the Kamageti family. The son and the grandson of one of these was named Hire Hanummappa Nayaka and Timmanna Nayaka, respectively. There were many battles in the reign of this Nayaka between Chitradurga, Harapanahalli, Rayadurga, and Bijapur
, in all of which the Nayaka had splendid success. Rayadurg
and Kalyandurg
are two important forts which were ruled by Boya Palaegars. The name Kalyandurg came from Boya Kalyanappa, who was a Palaegar in the 16th century. Rayadurg was originally a stronghold of Boya Palaegar, which was very turbulent during the Vijayanagar rule. Kalyandurg
was under the rule of Sri Krishnadevaraya and was a part of Vijayanagar Empire.
Sri Krishnadevaraya was ruling over the Vijayanagar
empire from 1509 AD to 1529 AD. In about 1562, there were very well known Nayakas in the Vijayanagar army were 'Boya Ramappa' and 'Tipparaju', the Boya chief of Pulivendakonda and the palaegars of Kotakonda-Kappatralla.
In about 1517, Chitradurga Fort was given by Vijayanagar ruler to a Boya chief. It became a tributary to Bijapur after fall of Vijayanagar. There were portraits of ‘A Boya of Rank’, a member of the royal caste (related to royal family) of Chitradurga Nayaks who was documented by Colin Mackenzie
.
Rayadurg
and Kalyandurg
are two important forts which were ruled by Boya Palaegars. The name Kalyandurg came from Boya Kalyanappa, who was a Palaegar in the 16th century. Rayadurg was originally a stronghold of Boya Palaegar, which was very turbulent during the Vijayanagar rule. Kalyandurg
was under the rule of Sri Krishnadevaraya and was a part of Vijayanagar Empire.
In 1786, Harapanahalli, a town in the Bellary
District, was in possession of a powerful Palaegar of the Boya caste. One of the descendants married a daughter of Palaegar of Chitradurga. The Palaegars at different times paid tribute to the Nizam
, Morari Rao of Gooty
and the Peshwa
. The fort was deserted and now in ruins.
Later, in 17th century, the Boyars distinguished themselves as smiths, sculptors, nobles, leaders, priests, landlords, temple sculptors, arm traders, and seafarers.
' and 'Raju
' rotated can also be distinguished. Two sons of 'nayakas' were able to be in this group, but ‘Setti’ (merchants-artisans) formed another fairly restricted set with just one case of crossover (a 'Setti' father with a 'boya' son). The most fluid of all were the 'Reddi', 'boya' and 'nayaka' categories. 'Nayaka' and 'Lenka' fathers, a military title for Kamma, could have 'Reddi' offspring, while 'nayaka' could come from 'Reddi', 'boya' or 'Kamupati' (Head of army) families.
The transverse of boundaries between these status groups also characterizes female donors in inscriptions. A woman had a father who was a 'nayaka', but was married to a 'Reddi'. Another had a 'nayaka' husband but was the daughter of a 'boya'. A third woman was the sister of a 'nayaka' and wife of a 'Reddi'. Marriage patterns indicate much interchange among members of the 'nayaka', 'Reddi' and 'boya' statuses. Additionally, several 'nayaka' daughters became the wives of 'Raju's', 'Maharajah's' and 'Rautus' or 'Rao's'.
Boya Kannapa or Kannappa Nayanar
'Boya Tinnadu', who is also known as 'Bhakta Kannappa', is one of the Alwars in Shaivism. A youth from Boya caste became a great devotee of Shiva and attained such eminence as to join the galaxy of Nayanars. There stands a shrine for this great Bhakta in the magnificent temple at Sri Kalahasti, on banks of Swarnamukhi
river.
Boya Temples
1. 'Boya' temple exists amidst Jain temples at Lunawa Nagar. It is believed that the temples were built in 14th century. Lunawa Nagar is situated at the foot of the Aravali range of mountains of Rajasthan
, 16 km east of Falna
railway station.
2. ' Vijay eswara Swami ' Temple - The Vijayeswara temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill near Vijayawada
, Andhra Pradesh
. The installation of Vijayeswara is said to have been done by Arjuna to commemorate his victory with Lord Shiva in the form of 'Kirata' (hunter).
3. ' Boyar Gudi ' (South East of the Aihole Village) at Aihole
-Pattadakal
, Bagalkot District, Karnataka was built in 14th century for the Boyar community worship. Many more temples were constructed in Andhra-Orissa region by Boya Chieftains.
4. ' Jasma Devi ' Temple was built in the memory of Jasma Devi of the Ode Tribe. It was built in 12th century and is situated at Pattan railway station, near Baroda in Gujarat State.
5. 'Boyakonda Gangamma
' Temple is situated near Diguvapalli in the Chowdepalli mandal near Chittoor, Andhrapradesh. About centuries ago, ‘Boyas’ and ‘yelikas’ lived in the forest area around the hillock. They stood up and resented the repressive and rule of the nawabs, retaliating against the Muslim soldiers. Then, Golconda Nawab rushed additional troops to crush the revolt. Boya tribals could not withstand the onslaught of the Muslim army and fled into the forest, prostrating near the hillock and praying for the Almighty to save them. The spirit of the goddess ‘Shakti’ descended from the hillock and shielded the tribals, crushing the Nawab’s army.
The Boya cave temple in Thailand
In the early 6th century AD, the belief in Hinduism
was widespread in South East Asia. All avatars of Lord Vishnu
and Lord Krishna
sculptures were discovered there. The encounter of sculptures is the indication of Hinduism influence which includes the belief in 'Siva-lingam' in the society. This belief was transmitted from ancient Khmer to Thailand through the northeastern route. It is not unusual to find Lord Shiva still being worshiped as in the Boya cave today.
'Guheshwara' is a name of 'Lord Shiva' and means Lord of the Caves. 'Lord Shiva' lived in a cave in the Himalayas on Mount Kailash
, so his presence within a cave is a way to pay respects to 'Lord Shiva'. In 'Wat Tham Boya' in 'Nakhon Sawan
', Thailand
, the cave is known as Boya Cave and is located in Khao Luang
Forest Park, which has a large out-cropping of lime stone hills which are filled with many caverns. 'Wat Tham Boya' sits at the base of one of these hills with a very long staircase which ascends the steep hill and finally reaches the entrance to Boya cave.
War Tactics of Boya warriors
The Boya were inducted into the armies of the Vijayanagar empire because of their skills in archery. They used two type of arrows; The ‘potu ammu’ (male arrow) for smaller range targets and the ‘penti ammu’ (female arrow) for longer range targets. Also, newer techniques were incorporated with the use of spears and sharp weapons, which were used only in hunting games.
Inscriptions about Boyas
An inscription in the Vijay eswara temple, Vijayawada
, of the 9th century AD, in the usual Telugu script is strangely recorded from bottom upwards. It says that a certain Thrikoti Boyi, or Trikoti Boya, the son of Kaliyama-Boya of Pechchevada, set up the pillar as a commemoration of his own fame in order to secure distinction for his race. The Thrikoti Boyi is identified in the inscription as a Guhyaka Yaksha, who in Dwaparayuga was directed by Indra to direct Arjuna to Indrakila hill, where Arjuna should worship the Lord Siva in order to obtain Pasupatha Astra from him.
Boyas often appear in kakatiya-period inscriptions as the people who are entrusted with livestock endowed to temples, donating perpetual lamp Nanda deepa and as military
chieftains. The meaning of Boya has changed considerably with the passage of time.
In Addanki, near Nellore inscription of Panduranga (848 AD), the landscape and surrounding is mentioned as Boya Kottamulu. It is also called Boyavidu. In 15th century inscriptions, it is also mentioned as Boya vihara desamu.
During the 7th century, various inscriptions from Southern India mention Boya-Brahmans in the Kondanaaru grant of Vishnuvardhana-II, dated 673 AD. The boyas organized themselves into a massive social entity by sanskritising themselves and calling a few members boya-brahmans. This is indicative of not only the attempt of the boyas to organise into a sociological and political unit but also attempting to extend further into the plains and come into contact with neighbouring groups. As result of this interaction they claimed some of the Brahmanical values in neighbouring society to have superimposed in their community.
During the Vijayanagar period, women incorporated the status titles of their husband into their names, such as with 'Peda Potana Boyusani', the wife of 'Peda Potana Boya', the aristocratic class.
By the 18th century, the label 'Boya' was used for the Telugu
speaking community in the Kurnool
-Anantpur region, resembling the Kannada speaking Bedars, who were associated with hunting and often served in local armies.
Political, Administration and Planning in 9 AD
Boya communal growth called for a settled way of life. Although they were primarily nomadic, they created political land units, like Rajya (kingdom), Desa (Province), Sima (region) and Vidu or Bidu (settlement). This indicates the entire Boya viharadesa was divided into twelve Boya Kottams, which could be found in the regions of the Nellore and Prakasam districts. The role of the simhasanaboyas was to be the ruling class.
Boya marriage tradition titles
Owing to promiscuous unions, the following classes spring into existence:
1. Swajathee Sampradayam: Pure Boyas, the offspring of parents who have been properly married in the proper divisions and sub-divisions.
2. Koodakonna Sampradayam: The offspring of a Boya female who is separated or divorced from her husband who is still alive, and who co-habits with another Boya.
3. Vithunthu Sampradayam: The offspring of a Boya widow by a Boya.
4. Arsampradayam : The offspring of a Boya man or woman, resulting from co-habitation with a member of some other caste.
The Swajathee Sampradayam should only marry among themselves. Koodakonna Sampradayam and Vithunthu Sumpradayam may marry among themselves or with each other. Both being considered illegitimate, they cannot marry Swajathee Sumpradayam, and would not marry Arsumpradayam, as these are not true Boyas and are nominally outcasts who must marry among themselves.
Books about Boyas
Gingee
or Chenji Nayaks were Boyas. Chitradurga & Rayadurga Nayaks were also Boyas according to Andhra Pradesh Zamindaries and Samasthanams book written by 'Acharya Thoomati Donappa'.
Boyar Symbol
'Boyar
symbol' in Russia
is similar to Mysore state symbol 'Ganda Berunda'
The Gandaberunda (also known as the Berunda) is a two headed mythological bird of Hindu mythology
thought to possess magical strength. It is used as the official emblem by the Karnataka
government and it is seen as an intricately sculptured motif in Hindu
temples.
A roof sculpture depicting a Gandaberunda is found on the roof of the Rameshwara temple in the temple town of Keladi
in Shimoga District
. The Gandaberunda was used by the Odeyar
or Wodeyar
dynasty of Mysore as the Royal emblem. The Karnataka Government adopted this symbol as the state symbol.
, around 5th century, the Boyas migrated from the Indus valley only to be find themselves as nomadic craftsmen, prisoners of war, or captive entertainers. Later they were inducted as soldiers. During various wars and raids they migrated into remote regions of the world and carried titles such as 'Boyari' in Turkey
, 'Boyash' in Romania
and Serbia
, and 'Boyar' in Russia
and Bulgaria
. Slowly, they became land owners, feudal lords and nobles.
Namakarana (Naming ceremony)
Karnavedha (Ear-boring ceremony)
Annaprashana (First solid food-feeding)
Chudakarana (Tonsure; removing impure hair)
Vidyarambha (Teaching alphabets)
Vivaha (Marriage)
Antyeshti (Last or funeral rites)
The Boyar caste consists of many Gotra's or Kulam's. The Kulam, Gotra or Illam are intended to mean the fathers family and ancestry. Marriage by members of the same gotra is traditionally prohibited. This custom is intended to prevent inbreeding as well as to broaden the influence of each gotra through marriage alliances. Gotras are used as surnames in Andhra region which gives quick identity.
Wedding events
Porutham (Horoscope - Matching) - Examination of the horoscopes of the bride and bride-groom makes it possible to ascertain whether there is agreement between the two, and the union will be propitious.
Betrothal ceremony - Once the agreement of both parties are over, an engagement or reception takes place in front of family members and close relatives.
A traditional wedding is usually performed in the presence of a Hindu
Priest who chants Sanskrit slokas. The main point of a typical wedding is the tying of Mangalsutra, a small gold ornament (the design can vary based on a number of factors - caste, region, community and family tradition) tied to a yellow thread or strung in a gold, silver or beaded chain, on the neck of the Bride. She will retain this until the end of her or her spouse's life.
Muhurtham ( Lagnam ) - An auspicious time with respect to couples astrological sign and also with reference to 'Panchangam', the event that takes place with following programs:
' Panigrahanam ' - The brides hand is held by groom in a ceremony,
' Pratigna Karanam ' - Exchanging of solemn vows,
' Parikrama ' - Circum-ambulation of the Holy Fire or ' Agni ',
' Saptapathi ' (praying seven sages) or visualizing 'Arundathi' (worshiping sun) are all part of the elaborate ritualistic traditional south Indian Weddings. At the end, there is a grand lunch offered to the guests.
In general, the Boyar community worship Tirupati
Lord Venkateshwara
, Lord Shiva
, Lord Subramanya
, and Mariamman
, and primarily consider their blessings on all occasions.
, and Odra
(Udra) Desa. The state boundaries varied from time to time and were sometimes much larger. These land names are associated with peoples. The Okkala (Okkaliar), or Utkala, the Kalinga, and the Odra or Oddaka were mentioned in literature as tribes. Ancient Greeks knew the latter two as Kalingai and Oretes. Eventually, the names got identified with the territories later classified with occupation. The land was inhabited by semi-Hinduized tribes (shabaras) in the hinterland, a group of farming Brahmins (halua brahmuna) who practised invincible Tantra method near Jajpur area (the place of Goddess Biraja), and people of other castes and trades as well. For centuries before and after the birth of Christ, Kalinga was a formidable political power, extending from the Ganges river to the Godavari river. Approximately between the 11th and 16th centuries, the name was twisted and the name Odra Desh was gradually transformed into Uddisa, Udisa, or Odisa, which in English became Orissa. The language of Orissa came to be known as Oriya
. The important Deity of Odes is 'Jasma devi'.
The Ode tribes migrated to Gujarat around 12th century for construction of temples in which they are more specialized. People who supplied stone and lime for construction work of Temples, Tanks and Wells were termed as Bovi, Oddar, Vaddera, Uppara
, sagara and Waddar in Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The word 'Bhovi' is a corrupt form of 'Bhavi' which means 'well' in Kannada, it also means 'earth-digger'. They have been involved in the digging of wells. There is a confusion of 'Boya'caste and 'Bovi' caste mix-up and there is no proper evidence in which period this has taken place, but some gotras are common. Many castes in Andhra pradesh have shared common gotras. This may be one of the reason for mix-up in remote regions in different periods. Thus various irrelevant castes has become sub-caste of Boya.
These may be part of Boyar communities also a sub-caste of other caste or community and some have common gotras / surname throughout India.
In the Mysore Census Report of 1891, it was mentioned that the Odde caste divided itself into two main branches, the Kallu and Mannu Vaddas, between whom there is no social intercourse of any kind, or inter-marriage. The former are stone-workers and builders and are more robust than the latter, and are very dexterous in moving large masses of stone by rude and elementary mechanical appliances. They are hardy, and capable of great exertion and endurance. The Kallu Vaddas consider themselves superior to the Mannu Vaddas (earth diggers). Unlike the Kallu Vaddas, the Mannu Vaddas, or Bailu Vaddas, are a nomadic tribe, squatting wherever they can find any large earthwork, such as deepening and repairing tanks, throwing up embankments, and the like. They are expert navvies, turning out within a given time more hard work than any other labouring class.
The Madras Census Report of 1901, stated that the two main divisions of Boyas are called as Pedda Boya (big) and Chinna Boya (small) respectively, and, according to another account, the caste has four endogamous sections, Pedda, Chinna, and Myasa. Sadaru is the name of a subdivision of Lingayats, found mainly in the Bellary and Anantapur districts, where they are largely engaged in cultivation. Some Bedars who live amidst those Lingayats call themselves Sadaru. According to the Manual of the North Arcot district, the Boyas are a "Telugu hunting caste, chiefly found above the ghats. Many of the Poligars of that part of the country used to belong to the caste, and proved themselves so lawless that they were dispossessed. Now they are usually cultivators. They have several divisions, the chief of which are the Mulki Boyas and the Pala Boyas, who cannot intermarry.
According to the Mysore Census Reports, 1891 and 1901, "the Bedas have two distinct divisions, the Kannada and Telugu, and own some twenty sub-divisions, of which the following are the chief: Halu, Machi or Myasa, Nayaka, Pallegar, Barika, Kannaiyyanajati, and Kirataka.
At recent times of census, the following occupational sub-divisions were : — Kallu or Rati (stone-workers) and Mannu (earth-workers), Manti or Bailu (open space), between which there is said to be no inter-marriage. The endogamous sub-divisions Nata-puram and Uru (village men), Bidaru (wanderers), and Konga (territorial) were recorded. ' Beri ' was given as a sub-caste, and 'Odderazu' as a synonym for the caste name. In Ganjam, Bolasi is said to be a sub-division of
the Oddes. The caste titles are Nayakan and Boyan.
Boya / Boyar caste comes under OBC in Central List. In Tamil Nadu & Kerala as BC, Andhra Pradesh as BC ( Group 'A') and Karnataka as BC ( Category I ).
Kshatriya
*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...
or Warrior class of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and are believed to have originated from an ancient people called the Kirata
Kirata
The Kirāta is a generic term in Sanskrit literature for people who lived in the mountains, particularly in the Himalayas and North-East India and who are postulated to have been Mongoloid in origin. It has been theorized that the word Kirata- or Kirati- means people with lion nature. It is derived...
, a generic term in Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
literature for people who lived in the mountains, particularly in the Himalayas and North-East India
North-East India
Northeast India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States, Sikkim, and parts of North Bengal...
.
Etymology of the Russian word "Boyar"
The Boyars migrated from Indo-Iran around 5th century BCE to the Indian sub-continent, and in the 9th century to TurkeyTurkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. The use of the word "Boyar" in other languages, notably Russian
Russian language
Russian is a Slavic language used primarily in Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. It is an unofficial but widely spoken language in Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia, Turkmenistan and Estonia and, to a lesser extent, the other countries that were once constituent republics...
and Bulgarian
Bulgarian language
Bulgarian is an Indo-European language, a member of the Slavic linguistic group.Bulgarian, along with the closely related Macedonian language, demonstrates several linguistic characteristics that set it apart from all other Slavic languages such as the elimination of case declension, the...
, is thought to be related to the Indian tribes who migrated via Turkey to Slavic lands.
The Russian word Boyar
Boyar
A boyar, or bolyar , was a member of the highest rank of the feudal Moscovian, Kievan Rus'ian, Bulgarian, Wallachian, and Moldavian aristocracies, second only to the ruling princes , from the 10th century through the 17th century....
is considered to be etymologically related to the Indian word, arriving in the Russian language via Turkic
Turkic languages
The Turkic languages constitute a language family of at least thirty five languages, spoken by Turkic peoples across a vast area from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean to Siberia and Western China, and are considered to be part of the proposed Altaic language family.Turkic languages are spoken...
. It is thought to be composed of the roots bai("noble", distinguished) and ar ("a nobleman");. Another explanation for the Russian term is that it originates from the Turkic title boila ("noble"), which is attested in Bulgar inscriptions and rendered as boilades or boliades in Greek or Byzantine
Byzantium
Byzantium was an ancient Greek city, founded by Greek colonists from Megara in 667 BC and named after their king Byzas . The name Byzantium is a Latinization of the original name Byzantion...
documents.
History
The term "Kirat" is a corrupt form of kiriat, kiryat, or kirjat, which means a fort or town in the Moabite language of the Mediterranean region. When their number increased, they built many forts and towns and called them Kiriat-hime, Kiryat-yarim, Kirjath-arba, Kiryat-baal, Kiryat hujro, Kiryat-sanna and kiryat-sapher, which indicate the meaning of the town or fort of the forest or the town of the god BaalBaal
Baʿal is a Northwest Semitic title and honorific meaning "master" or "lord" that is used for various gods who were patrons of cities in the Levant and Asia Minor, cognate to Akkadian Bēlu...
, or the town of Books, or the town of palm trees. The residents of the above noted towns started calling themselves “Kereti”, which later became Keratite or the Kerite tribe. The Kereti people led a nomadic life and gradually spread towards the eastern and north-eastern countries.
In 2400 BC, a branch which came to Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia is a toponym for the area of the Tigris–Euphrates river system, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and southwestern Iran.Widely considered to be the cradle of civilization, Bronze Age Mesopotamia included Sumer and the...
or Assyrian country, intermingled with the ashur people and formed one nation with them. Later, they migrated to northern India and the Himalayan region via Meydia and Nisa of Northern Persia, with title of Kirat-Ashur tribe. In Sanskrit texts, the Kirat people is included among the Yavanas, Pallavas, kochas and Pulinda races. The Greek had also known the kirats by name Kirhadai. The Kirat-Ashur were great hunters, and preferred to live in the mountainous countries of Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
, Kashmir
Kashmir
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range...
, Karakoram and other Himalayan Regions. There were certain principalities which were definitely styled as Nishada in the Epic and Alavaka in Pali texts and were doubtless of non-Aryan origin.
The Biblical atlas and scripture Gazetteer of the religious tract society of London proves that the Assura people were situated on the eastern bank of the river Tigris
Tigris
The Tigris River is the eastern member of the two great rivers that define Mesopotamia, the other being the Euphrates. The river flows south from the mountains of southeastern Turkey through Iraq.-Geography:...
, bounded on the south by Susa, the capital town of Elam
Elam
Elam was an ancient civilization located in what is now southwest Iran. Elam was centered in the far west and the southwest of modern-day Iran, stretching from the lowlands of Khuzestan and Ilam Province, as well as a small part of southern Iraq...
, or southern Persia. As a kingdom, it is often said to have been founded by Ashura or Assura, the second son of Shem and the second grandson of Noah
Noah
Noah was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the tenth and last of the antediluvian Patriarchs. The biblical story of Noah is contained in chapters 6–9 of the book of Genesis, where he saves his family and representatives of all animals from the flood by constructing an ark...
, who, on leaving Shinar, or Babylon
Babylon
Babylon was an Akkadian city-state of ancient Mesopotamia, the remains of which are found in present-day Al Hillah, Babil Province, Iraq, about 85 kilometers south of Baghdad...
, traveled northwards and founded Nineveh
Nineveh
Nineveh was an ancient Assyrian city on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, and capital of the Neo Assyrian Empire. Its ruins are across the river from the modern-day major city of Mosul, in the Ninawa Governorate of Iraq....
, the capital town of the Ashur land, or Assyria, in 2400-2300 BC.
The history of the Ashur people mentions that they originated from Babylonia, but later on, received Semites and became one nation with them, and they were called the Keratite or Kirat people.
In the book bharat ka brihat Itihas, by Pandit Bhargava, mentions that the Assyria
Assyria
Assyria was a Semitic Akkadian kingdom, extant as a nation state from the mid–23rd century BC to 608 BC centred on the Upper Tigris river, in northern Mesopotamia , that came to rule regional empires a number of times through history. It was named for its original capital, the ancient city of Assur...
ns ruled the Indian tribes.
In South India
The Boya warriors migrated from the Indus valley after the Sarasvati River dried up(SanskritSanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
: ). The Sarasvati River
Sarasvati River
The Sarasvati River is one of the chief Rigvedic rivers mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. The Nadistuti hymn in the Rigveda mentions the Sarasvati between the Yamuna in the east and the Sutlej in the west, and later Vedic texts like Tandya and Jaiminiya Brahmanas as well as the Mahabharata...
is one of the chief Rigvedic rivers
Rigvedic rivers
Rivers, such as the Sapta Sindhu , play a prominent part in the hymns of the Rigveda, and consequently in early Vedic religion...
mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. The Nadistuti hymn in the Rigveda
Rigveda
The Rigveda is an ancient Indian sacred collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns...
(10.75) mentions the Sarasvati between the Yamuna
Yamuna
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in northern India...
in the east and the Sutlej
Sutlej
The Sutlej River is the longest of the five rivers that flow through the historic crossroad region of Punjab in northern India and Pakistan. It is located north of the Vindhya Range, south of the Hindu Kush segment of the Himalayas, and east of the Central Sulaiman Range in Pakistan.The Sutlej...
in the west, and later Vedic texts, like the Tandya and Jaiminiya Brahmanas, as well as the Mahabharata
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and Nepal, the other being the Ramayana. The epic is part of itihasa....
, mention that the Sarasvati dried up to become a desert.
Boyas bounded to mountainous regions in south-eastern peninsula
Peninsula
A peninsula is a piece of land that is bordered by water on three sides but connected to mainland. In many Germanic and Celtic languages and also in Baltic, Slavic and Hungarian, peninsulas are called "half-islands"....
near the Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
-Andhra
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
region. The original population of Boyas was mixed with various linguistic groups later, such as the Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
speaking community, and spread to all southern states. These Boya warriors served as the military regiment and chiefs between 10th century to 15th century in Chalukya, Chola, Vijayanagar
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
, and Hoysala empires.
The eastern Chalukyan empire’s court was essentially a Republic of Badami
Badami
Badami , formerly known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples...
, and the administrative subdivisions were known as 'Boya-Kottams'. Boya-Kottams existed across the southern states right from 5th century, according to Kakatiya
Kakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
inscriptions. Boya-Kottams held assignments of land or revenue in different villages. Chola-Chalukyas used the titles 'Udayar
Udayar
Udayar may refer to the following:*Udayar , a Tamil novel written by Balakumaran.*Udayar , a title of Tamil community Parkavakulam.*Udayar , a title of Tamil community Nathamar.*Udayar , a title of Tamil King Rajaraja Chola I....
' or 'Odeyar
Odeyar
Odeyar/Wodeyar is a surname in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.The word oDeyar is more popularly associated with the Royal Family of Mysore better spelled among English speaking as Wodeyers. However, it would be wrong to assume that this word is popular and typical to communities descended from or...
' for chieftains at certain periods of time, which included Boya Chieftains.
The Musunuri Nayaks
Musunuri Nayaks
The Musunuri Nayaks were Kamma warrior chieftains in the Kakatiya army, who regained Andhradesa in 1326 from the Delhi Sultanate in the aftermath of the Kakatiya defeat...
were Boya and Kamma warrior chieftains in the Kakatiya army who regained Andhra in 1326 from the Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
Sultanate in the aftermath of the Kakatiya defeat. King Pratapa Rudra’s Kakatiya kingdom was aptly served by seventy five chieftains called Nayaks. The Nayaks
Nayak (ethnic group)
-History and origin:The word nayak means a head of a regiment. This word is derived from the Sanskrit senanayaka, which means head of a regiment. The community trace there descent from the Vaghela Rajputs who converted to Islam in the 12th Century. They established a number of petty states in...
, who belonged to various agrarian castes such as Boyar, Velama, Kamma, Reddy, Telaga, and Balija, were divided by mutual jealousy and rivalry, but were valiant cousins.
The Chitradurga
Chitradurga
Chitradurga is a town in the southern part of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is also the headquarters of Chitradurga district. Chitradurga was also known by the names Chitradurg, Chitrakaladurga, Chittaldurg. Chittaldrug was the name officially used by the British Govt.-Geography:Chitradurga is...
Palaegar (Polygar) family was of the Beda, or Boya, caste and belonged to one of the hunting hill tribes. According to one tradition, three Boya families emigrated from Jadikal-durga, in the neighbourhood of Tirupati, and settled at Nirutadi, near Bramhasagara, at about 1475 AD. They are said to have belonged to the Kamageti family. The son and the grandson of one of these was named Hire Hanummappa Nayaka and Timmanna Nayaka, respectively. There were many battles in the reign of this Nayaka between Chitradurga, Harapanahalli, Rayadurga, and Bijapur
Bijapur, Karnataka
Bijapur Urdu:بیجاپور city is the district headquarters of Bijapur District of Karnataka state. Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of Adil Shahi dynasty...
, in all of which the Nayaka had splendid success. Rayadurg
Rayadurg
Rayadurg is a taluk headquarters and municipality in Anantapur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Demographics:...
and Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg or Kalyandurgam is a census town located in the Anantapur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kalyandurg is located at . It has an average elevation of 591 metres .-History:...
are two important forts which were ruled by Boya Palaegars. The name Kalyandurg came from Boya Kalyanappa, who was a Palaegar in the 16th century. Rayadurg was originally a stronghold of Boya Palaegar, which was very turbulent during the Vijayanagar rule. Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg or Kalyandurgam is a census town located in the Anantapur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kalyandurg is located at . It has an average elevation of 591 metres .-History:...
was under the rule of Sri Krishnadevaraya and was a part of Vijayanagar Empire.
Sri Krishnadevaraya was ruling over the Vijayanagar
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
empire from 1509 AD to 1529 AD. In about 1562, there were very well known Nayakas in the Vijayanagar army were 'Boya Ramappa' and 'Tipparaju', the Boya chief of Pulivendakonda and the palaegars of Kotakonda-Kappatralla.
In about 1517, Chitradurga Fort was given by Vijayanagar ruler to a Boya chief. It became a tributary to Bijapur after fall of Vijayanagar. There were portraits of ‘A Boya of Rank’, a member of the royal caste (related to royal family) of Chitradurga Nayaks who was documented by Colin Mackenzie
Colin Mackenzie
Colonel Colin Mackenzie was Surveyor General of India, and an art collector and orientalist.Mackenzie was born in Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, Scotland...
.
Rayadurg
Rayadurg is a taluk headquarters and municipality in Anantapur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Demographics:...
and Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg or Kalyandurgam is a census town located in the Anantapur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kalyandurg is located at . It has an average elevation of 591 metres .-History:...
are two important forts which were ruled by Boya Palaegars. The name Kalyandurg came from Boya Kalyanappa, who was a Palaegar in the 16th century. Rayadurg was originally a stronghold of Boya Palaegar, which was very turbulent during the Vijayanagar rule. Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg
Kalyandurg or Kalyandurgam is a census town located in the Anantapur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.-Geography:Kalyandurg is located at . It has an average elevation of 591 metres .-History:...
was under the rule of Sri Krishnadevaraya and was a part of Vijayanagar Empire.
In 1786, Harapanahalli, a town in the Bellary
Bellary
Bellary is a historic city in Bellary District in Karnataka state, India.-Origins of the city's name:There are several legends about how Bellary got its name....
District, was in possession of a powerful Palaegar of the Boya caste. One of the descendants married a daughter of Palaegar of Chitradurga. The Palaegars at different times paid tribute to the Nizam
Nizam
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad popularly known as Nizams of Hyderabad was a former monarchy of the Hyderabad State, now in the states of Andhra Pradesh , Karnataka , and Maharashtra in India...
, Morari Rao of Gooty
Gooty
Gooty is a census town in Anantapur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The history of Gooty dates back to the 7th century when is was previously known as Gowthamapuri. The region of Gooty was first under the rule of king Ashoka and there is a minor rock edict in Yerraguda...
and the Peshwa
Peshwa
A Peshwa is the titular equivalent of a modern Prime Minister. Emporer Shivaji created the Peshwa designation in order to more effectively delegate administrative duties during the growth of the Maratha Empire. Prior to 1749, Peshwas held office for 8-9 years and controlled the Maratha army...
. The fort was deserted and now in ruins.
Later, in 17th century, the Boyars distinguished themselves as smiths, sculptors, nobles, leaders, priests, landlords, temple sculptors, arm traders, and seafarers.
Caste Hierarchy in Kakatiya society
According to a medieval inscription in the Kakatiya kingdom, there was considerable fluidity among half of the male titled population. An analysis of the variations listed confirms the existence of distinct social classes within which specific sets of titles circulated. One set are the secular Brahmans, who used titles like 'Pregada', 'Mantri' and 'Raju' interchangeably. Only once did a person whose father have the status title 'Boya' enter into this exclusive category. A circumscribed royal or noble class in which the titles 'MaharajaMaharaja
Mahārāja is a Sanskrit title for a "great king" or "high king". The female equivalent title Maharani denotes either the wife of a Maharaja or, in states where that was customary, a woman ruling in her own right. The widow of a Maharaja is known as a Rajamata...
' and 'Raju
Raju
Raju may refer to:* Raju, a Telugu caste of India* Venkatapathy Raju is a former Indian left arm spin bowler* Rajuvula, an Indo-Scythian ruler*MMA Raju, an Estonian mixed martial arts promotion...
' rotated can also be distinguished. Two sons of 'nayakas' were able to be in this group, but ‘Setti’ (merchants-artisans) formed another fairly restricted set with just one case of crossover (a 'Setti' father with a 'boya' son). The most fluid of all were the 'Reddi', 'boya' and 'nayaka' categories. 'Nayaka' and 'Lenka' fathers, a military title for Kamma, could have 'Reddi' offspring, while 'nayaka' could come from 'Reddi', 'boya' or 'Kamupati' (Head of army) families.
The transverse of boundaries between these status groups also characterizes female donors in inscriptions. A woman had a father who was a 'nayaka', but was married to a 'Reddi'. Another had a 'nayaka' husband but was the daughter of a 'boya'. A third woman was the sister of a 'nayaka' and wife of a 'Reddi'. Marriage patterns indicate much interchange among members of the 'nayaka', 'Reddi' and 'boya' statuses. Additionally, several 'nayaka' daughters became the wives of 'Raju's', 'Maharajah's' and 'Rautus' or 'Rao's'.
| SON | FATHER |
|---|---|
| Maharaja Raju Nayaka Reddi Boya Lenka Pregada Amatya Bhatta Bhakta Dasa |
Raju Maharaja, Nayaka Boya, Kamupati, Reddi Nayaka, Lenka Nayaka, Setti Reddi, Boya Mantri, Raju, Boya Raju Pandita Setti Reddi, Raju |
Other references
Kannappa Nayanar
Kannappa Nayanar or Kannappan was one of the 63 Nayanmars or holy Saivite saints, the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva...
'Boya Tinnadu', who is also known as 'Bhakta Kannappa', is one of the Alwars in Shaivism. A youth from Boya caste became a great devotee of Shiva and attained such eminence as to join the galaxy of Nayanars. There stands a shrine for this great Bhakta in the magnificent temple at Sri Kalahasti, on banks of Swarnamukhi
Swarnamukhi
The Swarnamukhi is a river of southern India. It was mentioned as Mogaleru in the works of Dhurjati.The river flows near famous piligrimage Srikalahasti in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh state, India.The Swarnamukhi river has five major Saivite shrines along its course in the district...
river.
Boya Temples
1. 'Boya' temple exists amidst Jain temples at Lunawa Nagar. It is believed that the temples were built in 14th century. Lunawa Nagar is situated at the foot of the Aravali range of mountains of Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
, 16 km east of Falna
Falna
Falna is a town in Pali District in Indian state of Rajasthan. It is an important railway station on Ahmedabad-Jaipur railway line. Falna is 75 km from the district headquarter of Pali....
railway station.
2. ' Vijay eswara Swami ' Temple - The Vijayeswara temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill near Vijayawada
Vijayawada
Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India, located on the banks of the Krishna River and bounded by the Indrakiladri Hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. The city is located in the Krishna District, about from the state capital Hyderabad.Vijayawada literally...
, Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
. The installation of Vijayeswara is said to have been done by Arjuna to commemorate his victory with Lord Shiva in the form of 'Kirata' (hunter).
3. ' Boyar Gudi ' (South East of the Aihole Village) at Aihole
Aihole
Aihole is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both....
-Pattadakal
Pattadakal
Pattadakal is a village in Karnataka. It lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole...
, Bagalkot District, Karnataka was built in 14th century for the Boyar community worship. Many more temples were constructed in Andhra-Orissa region by Boya Chieftains.
4. ' Jasma Devi ' Temple was built in the memory of Jasma Devi of the Ode Tribe. It was built in 12th century and is situated at Pattan railway station, near Baroda in Gujarat State.
5. 'Boyakonda Gangamma
Boyakonda Gangamma
- Gangamma Temple, Boyakonda :Gangamma is the incarnation of Shakti. Located at Chowdepalli, Chittoor District, near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, her temple is dedicated to the sister of Venkateswara.- History :...
' Temple is situated near Diguvapalli in the Chowdepalli mandal near Chittoor, Andhrapradesh. About centuries ago, ‘Boyas’ and ‘yelikas’ lived in the forest area around the hillock. They stood up and resented the repressive and rule of the nawabs, retaliating against the Muslim soldiers. Then, Golconda Nawab rushed additional troops to crush the revolt. Boya tribals could not withstand the onslaught of the Muslim army and fled into the forest, prostrating near the hillock and praying for the Almighty to save them. The spirit of the goddess ‘Shakti’ descended from the hillock and shielded the tribals, crushing the Nawab’s army.
The Boya cave temple in Thailand
In the early 6th century AD, the belief in Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
was widespread in South East Asia. All avatars of Lord Vishnu
Vishnu
Vishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
and Lord Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
sculptures were discovered there. The encounter of sculptures is the indication of Hinduism influence which includes the belief in 'Siva-lingam' in the society. This belief was transmitted from ancient Khmer to Thailand through the northeastern route. It is not unusual to find Lord Shiva still being worshiped as in the Boya cave today.
'Guheshwara' is a name of 'Lord Shiva' and means Lord of the Caves. 'Lord Shiva' lived in a cave in the Himalayas on Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is a peak in the Gangdisê Mountains, which are part of the Himalayas in Tibet...
, so his presence within a cave is a way to pay respects to 'Lord Shiva'. In 'Wat Tham Boya' in 'Nakhon Sawan
Nakhon Sawan
Nakhon Sawan is a city in Thailand, the name literally means "Heavenly City". The city is the capital of Nakhon Sawan Province, and covers the complete subdistrict Pak Nam Pho and parts of Khwae Yai, Nakhon Sawan Tok, Nakhon Sawan Ok and Wat Sai, all of Mueang Nakhon Sawan district...
', Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, the cave is known as Boya Cave and is located in Khao Luang
Khao Luang
Khao Luang is the tallest mountain in southern Thailand. It is located in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province.-Geography:The Khao Luang mountain is the highest summit of a massif of several hills with steep slopes...
Forest Park, which has a large out-cropping of lime stone hills which are filled with many caverns. 'Wat Tham Boya' sits at the base of one of these hills with a very long staircase which ascends the steep hill and finally reaches the entrance to Boya cave.
War Tactics of Boya warriors
The Boya were inducted into the armies of the Vijayanagar empire because of their skills in archery. They used two type of arrows; The ‘potu ammu’ (male arrow) for smaller range targets and the ‘penti ammu’ (female arrow) for longer range targets. Also, newer techniques were incorporated with the use of spears and sharp weapons, which were used only in hunting games.
Inscriptions about Boyas
An inscription in the Vijay eswara temple, Vijayawada
Vijayawada
Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh, India, located on the banks of the Krishna River and bounded by the Indrakiladri Hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. The city is located in the Krishna District, about from the state capital Hyderabad.Vijayawada literally...
, of the 9th century AD, in the usual Telugu script is strangely recorded from bottom upwards. It says that a certain Thrikoti Boyi, or Trikoti Boya, the son of Kaliyama-Boya of Pechchevada, set up the pillar as a commemoration of his own fame in order to secure distinction for his race. The Thrikoti Boyi is identified in the inscription as a Guhyaka Yaksha, who in Dwaparayuga was directed by Indra to direct Arjuna to Indrakila hill, where Arjuna should worship the Lord Siva in order to obtain Pasupatha Astra from him.
Boyas often appear in kakatiya-period inscriptions as the people who are entrusted with livestock endowed to temples, donating perpetual lamp Nanda deepa and as military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
chieftains. The meaning of Boya has changed considerably with the passage of time.
In Addanki, near Nellore inscription of Panduranga (848 AD), the landscape and surrounding is mentioned as Boya Kottamulu. It is also called Boyavidu. In 15th century inscriptions, it is also mentioned as Boya vihara desamu.
During the 7th century, various inscriptions from Southern India mention Boya-Brahmans in the Kondanaaru grant of Vishnuvardhana-II, dated 673 AD. The boyas organized themselves into a massive social entity by sanskritising themselves and calling a few members boya-brahmans. This is indicative of not only the attempt of the boyas to organise into a sociological and political unit but also attempting to extend further into the plains and come into contact with neighbouring groups. As result of this interaction they claimed some of the Brahmanical values in neighbouring society to have superimposed in their community.
During the Vijayanagar period, women incorporated the status titles of their husband into their names, such as with 'Peda Potana Boyusani', the wife of 'Peda Potana Boya', the aristocratic class.
By the 18th century, the label 'Boya' was used for the Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
speaking community in the Kurnool
Kurnool
Kurnool is located at . It has an average elevation of 273 metres .Kurnool lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The Handry and Neeva rivers also flow through the city. The K.C...
-Anantpur region, resembling the Kannada speaking Bedars, who were associated with hunting and often served in local armies.
Political, Administration and Planning in 9 AD
Boya communal growth called for a settled way of life. Although they were primarily nomadic, they created political land units, like Rajya (kingdom), Desa (Province), Sima (region) and Vidu or Bidu (settlement). This indicates the entire Boya viharadesa was divided into twelve Boya Kottams, which could be found in the regions of the Nellore and Prakasam districts. The role of the simhasanaboyas was to be the ruling class.
Boya marriage tradition titles
Owing to promiscuous unions, the following classes spring into existence:
1. Swajathee Sampradayam: Pure Boyas, the offspring of parents who have been properly married in the proper divisions and sub-divisions.
2. Koodakonna Sampradayam: The offspring of a Boya female who is separated or divorced from her husband who is still alive, and who co-habits with another Boya.
3. Vithunthu Sampradayam: The offspring of a Boya widow by a Boya.
4. Arsampradayam : The offspring of a Boya man or woman, resulting from co-habitation with a member of some other caste.
The Swajathee Sampradayam should only marry among themselves. Koodakonna Sampradayam and Vithunthu Sumpradayam may marry among themselves or with each other. Both being considered illegitimate, they cannot marry Swajathee Sumpradayam, and would not marry Arsumpradayam, as these are not true Boyas and are nominally outcasts who must marry among themselves.
Books about Boyas
Gingee
Gingee
Gingee is a panchayat town in Viluppuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The nearest town with a railway station is Tindivanam, 28 km away....
or Chenji Nayaks were Boyas. Chitradurga & Rayadurga Nayaks were also Boyas according to Andhra Pradesh Zamindaries and Samasthanams book written by 'Acharya Thoomati Donappa'.
Boyar Symbol
'Boyar
Boyar
A boyar, or bolyar , was a member of the highest rank of the feudal Moscovian, Kievan Rus'ian, Bulgarian, Wallachian, and Moldavian aristocracies, second only to the ruling princes , from the 10th century through the 17th century....
symbol' in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
is similar to Mysore state symbol 'Ganda Berunda'
Hindu mythology
Hindu religious literature is the large body of traditional narratives related to Hinduism, notably as contained in Sanskrit literature, such as the Sanskrit epics and the Puranas. As such, it is a subset of Nepali and Indian culture...
thought to possess magical strength. It is used as the official emblem by the Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
government and it is seen as an intricately sculptured motif in Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
temples.
A roof sculpture depicting a Gandaberunda is found on the roof of the Rameshwara temple in the temple town of Keladi
Keladi
Keladi is a temple town in Shimoga district of the state of Karnataka in India.Located about 8 KM from Sagara town.-History:It is interesting as the place whence the Ikkeri chiefs derived their origin, which is thus related :-...
in Shimoga District
Shimoga District
Shimoga District is a district in the Karnataka state of India. A major part of Shimoga District lies in the Malnad region of the Western Ghats, a hilly area known for its green forests, plentiful rainfall, and as the source of many of the area's rivers. Shimoga City is the administrative centre...
. The Gandaberunda was used by the Odeyar
Odeyar
Odeyar/Wodeyar is a surname in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.The word oDeyar is more popularly associated with the Royal Family of Mysore better spelled among English speaking as Wodeyers. However, it would be wrong to assume that this word is popular and typical to communities descended from or...
or Wodeyar
Wodeyar
The Wodeyar dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947, until the independence of India from British rule and the subsequent unification of the Indian dominion and princely states into the Republic of India.The spelling Wodeyar/Wadiyar is found in most...
dynasty of Mysore as the Royal emblem. The Karnataka Government adopted this symbol as the state symbol.
Boyar in medieval Europe as Landlords and Peasants
In EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, around 5th century, the Boyas migrated from the Indus valley only to be find themselves as nomadic craftsmen, prisoners of war, or captive entertainers. Later they were inducted as soldiers. During various wars and raids they migrated into remote regions of the world and carried titles such as 'Boyari' in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, 'Boyash' in Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
and Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
, and 'Boyar' in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
and Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
. Slowly, they became land owners, feudal lords and nobles.
Tradition and Culture
As per Hindu tradition the following rituals are compulsory,Namakarana (Naming ceremony)
Karnavedha (Ear-boring ceremony)
Annaprashana (First solid food-feeding)
Chudakarana (Tonsure; removing impure hair)
Vidyarambha (Teaching alphabets)
Vivaha (Marriage)
Antyeshti (Last or funeral rites)
Wedding events
Porutham (Horoscope - Matching) - Examination of the horoscopes of the bride and bride-groom makes it possible to ascertain whether there is agreement between the two, and the union will be propitious.
Betrothal ceremony - Once the agreement of both parties are over, an engagement or reception takes place in front of family members and close relatives.
A traditional wedding is usually performed in the presence of a Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
Priest who chants Sanskrit slokas. The main point of a typical wedding is the tying of Mangalsutra, a small gold ornament (the design can vary based on a number of factors - caste, region, community and family tradition) tied to a yellow thread or strung in a gold, silver or beaded chain, on the neck of the Bride. She will retain this until the end of her or her spouse's life.
Muhurtham ( Lagnam ) - An auspicious time with respect to couples astrological sign and also with reference to 'Panchangam', the event that takes place with following programs:
' Panigrahanam ' - The brides hand is held by groom in a ceremony,
' Pratigna Karanam ' - Exchanging of solemn vows,
' Parikrama ' - Circum-ambulation of the Holy Fire or ' Agni ',
' Saptapathi ' (praying seven sages) or visualizing 'Arundathi' (worshiping sun) are all part of the elaborate ritualistic traditional south Indian Weddings. At the end, there is a grand lunch offered to the guests.
In general, the Boyar community worship Tirupati
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple ), is a Hindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, South India. It is around from Chennai, from Hyderabad, and from Bangalore....
Lord Venkateshwara
Venkateshwara
Venkateswara also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, Venkata and Venkatachalapati , is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Venkateswara means the Lord who destroys the sins of the people...
, Lord Shiva
Shiva
Shiva is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. God Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a...
, Lord Subramanya
Subramanya
Subramanya is a commonly used Indian name. It is also another name for the Hindu deity Murugan. Other common spellings are Subrahmanya, Subramania and Subramaniam. The name may refer to:People...
, and Mariamman
Mariamman
Māri ,Tulu, also known as Mariamman , both meaning "Mother Mari", spelt also Maariamma , or simply Amman or Aatha is the South Indian Hindu goddess of disease and rain. She is the main South Indian mother goddess, predominant in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and...
, and primarily consider their blessings on all occasions.
Other sub-groups
During the medieval times, the state corresponding roughly with modern-day Orissa passed under the various names such as; Utkala, KalingaKalinga
Kalinga is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Tabuk and borders Mountain Province to the south, Abra to the west, Isabela to the east, Cagayan to the northeast, and Apayao to the north...
, and Odra
Odra
Odra may refer to:* Oder, a river in Czech Republic, Poland and Germany* Odra , a computer once made in Poland* Name of several Polish football clubs, e.g...
(Udra) Desa. The state boundaries varied from time to time and were sometimes much larger. These land names are associated with peoples. The Okkala (Okkaliar), or Utkala, the Kalinga, and the Odra or Oddaka were mentioned in literature as tribes. Ancient Greeks knew the latter two as Kalingai and Oretes. Eventually, the names got identified with the territories later classified with occupation. The land was inhabited by semi-Hinduized tribes (shabaras) in the hinterland, a group of farming Brahmins (halua brahmuna) who practised invincible Tantra method near Jajpur area (the place of Goddess Biraja), and people of other castes and trades as well. For centuries before and after the birth of Christ, Kalinga was a formidable political power, extending from the Ganges river to the Godavari river. Approximately between the 11th and 16th centuries, the name was twisted and the name Odra Desh was gradually transformed into Uddisa, Udisa, or Odisa, which in English became Orissa. The language of Orissa came to be known as Oriya
Oriya language
Oriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal...
. The important Deity of Odes is 'Jasma devi'.
The Ode tribes migrated to Gujarat around 12th century for construction of temples in which they are more specialized. People who supplied stone and lime for construction work of Temples, Tanks and Wells were termed as Bovi, Oddar, Vaddera, Uppara
Uppara
Uppara is the name of a caste or minority group in India. By tradition, their occupation is agriculture.Uppara is the name of a caste or minority group in India. By tradition, their occupation is agriculture.Upaara caste is called as Sagara...
, sagara and Waddar in Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The word 'Bhovi' is a corrupt form of 'Bhavi' which means 'well' in Kannada, it also means 'earth-digger'. They have been involved in the digging of wells. There is a confusion of 'Boya'caste and 'Bovi' caste mix-up and there is no proper evidence in which period this has taken place, but some gotras are common. Many castes in Andhra pradesh have shared common gotras. This may be one of the reason for mix-up in remote regions in different periods. Thus various irrelevant castes has become sub-caste of Boya.
These may be part of Boyar communities also a sub-caste of other caste or community and some have common gotras / surname throughout India.
- Boya naidu / Bhoir naidu
- Bhoyar / Bhuyal
- Beda / Beldar / Bedar / Bendar / Bendre
- Besta Boya / Maratha
- Chauhan / Chavan
- Pawar / Powar
- Vadde / Vaddera / Vaddi
- Vadde Raju
- Vada Balija
- Vadde Reddy
- Waddar / Wadkar / Waddera
In the Mysore Census Report of 1891, it was mentioned that the Odde caste divided itself into two main branches, the Kallu and Mannu Vaddas, between whom there is no social intercourse of any kind, or inter-marriage. The former are stone-workers and builders and are more robust than the latter, and are very dexterous in moving large masses of stone by rude and elementary mechanical appliances. They are hardy, and capable of great exertion and endurance. The Kallu Vaddas consider themselves superior to the Mannu Vaddas (earth diggers). Unlike the Kallu Vaddas, the Mannu Vaddas, or Bailu Vaddas, are a nomadic tribe, squatting wherever they can find any large earthwork, such as deepening and repairing tanks, throwing up embankments, and the like. They are expert navvies, turning out within a given time more hard work than any other labouring class.
The Madras Census Report of 1901, stated that the two main divisions of Boyas are called as Pedda Boya (big) and Chinna Boya (small) respectively, and, according to another account, the caste has four endogamous sections, Pedda, Chinna, and Myasa. Sadaru is the name of a subdivision of Lingayats, found mainly in the Bellary and Anantapur districts, where they are largely engaged in cultivation. Some Bedars who live amidst those Lingayats call themselves Sadaru. According to the Manual of the North Arcot district, the Boyas are a "Telugu hunting caste, chiefly found above the ghats. Many of the Poligars of that part of the country used to belong to the caste, and proved themselves so lawless that they were dispossessed. Now they are usually cultivators. They have several divisions, the chief of which are the Mulki Boyas and the Pala Boyas, who cannot intermarry.
According to the Mysore Census Reports, 1891 and 1901, "the Bedas have two distinct divisions, the Kannada and Telugu, and own some twenty sub-divisions, of which the following are the chief: Halu, Machi or Myasa, Nayaka, Pallegar, Barika, Kannaiyyanajati, and Kirataka.
At recent times of census, the following occupational sub-divisions were : — Kallu or Rati (stone-workers) and Mannu (earth-workers), Manti or Bailu (open space), between which there is said to be no inter-marriage. The endogamous sub-divisions Nata-puram and Uru (village men), Bidaru (wanderers), and Konga (territorial) were recorded. ' Beri ' was given as a sub-caste, and 'Odderazu' as a synonym for the caste name. In Ganjam, Bolasi is said to be a sub-division of
the Oddes. The caste titles are Nayakan and Boyan.
Epics
- The Story of Jasma DeviJasma DeviThe Jasma devi temple constructed by ode tribe in 12th century situated at ' Sahasra Talao ' tank at Pattan, near Baroda in Gujarat State, India.- Story of Jasma Devi :...
- The Story of Kannappa NayanarKannappa NayanarKannappa Nayanar or Kannappan was one of the 63 Nayanmars or holy Saivite saints, the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva...
( Bhakta Kannappa) - The Story of Nayakas of ChitradurgaNayakas of ChitradurgaNayakas of Chitradurga ruled parts of eastern Karnataka. During the rule of Hoysala Empire and Vijayanagara Empire, they served as a feudatory. Later after the fall of the Vijayanagara empire, they ruled at times as an independent kingdom and at other times as feudatory of the Mysore Kingdom,...
Palaegar family and Madakari NayakaMadakari NayakaMadakari Nayaka was the last ruler of Chitradurga, India. Nayaka lost Chitradurga in a siege of Mysore by Hyder Ali, and was slain by Ali's son Tipu Sultan....
Present day
The people of warrior race who were the erstwhile professional warriors lost their identity with the collapse of powerful local kingdoms. Those warrior soldiers who managed to retain their control over large tracts of lands became zamindars, administrators, farmers, etc. The rest of them were gradually forced to become Backward Class ( BC ) and Other Backward classes ( OBC) people without any fixed / organized profession in their hands.Boya / Boyar caste comes under OBC in Central List. In Tamil Nadu & Kerala as BC, Andhra Pradesh as BC ( Group 'A') and Karnataka as BC ( Category I ).