Karanam

Karana
Religions	Hinduism
Languages	Oriya
Populated states	Odisha

Karana (also known as Karanam and Mohanty) is a brahmin caste found predominantly in Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They fulfill same functions of Kayasthas elsewhere.

The name Karan in Sanskrit means a doer. The derivation of Mohanty is derived from sanskrit word Mahan means Great. But in the historical context the title of Mohanty is awarded by the king to those who are full of ideas and knowledge in the King's court.

The Karanas like the Kayasthas claim descent from Chitragupta. They are divided into two subcastes in Orissa, namely, Jhadua and Utkal. Some of them identify as Brahminical gotras yet some seem to be totemistic in origin. They identify as Smarthas, Madhwas and observe holidays and sacraments like all other Hindus.

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