Originally, Ghosalkar surname is derived from the ghosali clan which lived in the western India. The brahmin surname reflects migrations, social mobility, trades and many other factors behind its existence. It is mainly influenced by the Maratha Empire of the age-old British colonial era. The family history of each Ghosalkars derives its significance from different parts of India.
Ghosalkar origin and description
The Konkan region of Maharashtra has a heavy population of Ghosalkars. The Gowda Saraswat Brahmin clan is the main gotra of the community. It is linked with the community beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation.
Even in the current period, the Brahmin community has ample role to play in educating the society and spreading the importance of religious practices.
Most surname bearers choose to speak English, Marathi and Hindi as their mother tongue. However, they may choose another language depending on their regional settlements. The fascinating Ghosalkar caste also adopts the titles of Ghoslakar. celebration of festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ganesh Chaturthi remains the same amongst all the family members.
Traditions of Ghosalkars
The Maharashtrian Brahmins are not just limited to practising and preaching in Vedas and Brahmanical texts.They have equal participation in the task of administrations, Warriorship, politics and business. The Ghosalkars of the earlier British Empire looked after the financial tasks while preaching the Hindu scripts. They were intellectual elites who even served during the mughal era and were provided with high end status. They only visited the Trimbakeshwar temple and settled in the banks of Godavari River for rituals and religious activities.
Ghosalkar current situation
In the current period, the Ghosalkar Maharashtrian Brahmins are involved in politics, record keeping, teaching and various other occupations. Unlike the British colonial era, many Ghosalkars have made their mark in the Socio economic development of Maharashtra. They are both vegetarians and non-vegetarians and are available to handle both Brahminical and non-Brahminical tasks.
The Ghosalkar caste mostly worships Hindu deities in the form of symbols, idols and pictures. They also visit the local temples of Maharashtra and prominently play Saibaba and Lord Vitthal with full zeal. Since, the caste has a superior intellect and administration scale, they are commonly recruited as scholars and teachers in various universities. They no longer practice untouchability and give equal importance to the lower caste members in Maharashtra. The current generation Ghosalkars sit and dine together with all the sub-castes irrespective of the power position and finances .
Final words
Ghosalkar comes under the Samast Brahmin Samaj which accounts for approximately 10% of the total population of Maharashtra. They are categorised under general caste category and have no special reservations or quotas in the government colleges and jobs. The literate and economically uplifted part of the Maharashtra in society is given added respect because of their high Varna. They continue to carry their original surnames as a part of their paternal legacy but practise many other occupations besides teaching Brahmanical Vedas and Puranas.