Ghaisas

About Ghaisas surname

This surname is quite unusual in the sense that it is neither a title, nor does it relate to a place. It is therefore interesting to know the history of its origin which can be traced back to an Eighth century stone engraving (shila lekh) from the period of Govinda II, the Third king of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty where it was being referred to as "Gahiyasahas". The word however has meaning and refers to the intellectual abilities of a person who can explore into complex subjects. Historically, Ghaisas had proficiency in astrology. This profession led them to be experts in matchmaking and also in the calculation of the precise time called "muhurta" for solemnising marriages and other religious ceremonies. Time was measured by placing a brass bowl having a minute hole in its bottom into a big urn filled with water. To arrive at the muhurta, needed skills and complex calculation of weight and area as an empty bowl was required to be filled in exactly 1 Ghatika (equivalent to 24 minutes), a measure of time in those days.

Forecasts based on Astrology as well as calculation of time was called ‘Ghatit’, the word was derived from ‘Ghatika-paatra’ i.e. bowl. The method of exploring these probables was an exercise of intellect, which very few people could achieve, and was therefore called Gahiyasahas. The person doing this was called ‘Gahiyasahasik’.

There is another attribute to the word 'Gahiyasahas', meaning the administrator of justice and of religious offences. Ghaisas were also holding the posts of ‘Dharmadhikari’, a person who used to take decisions of ‘Garhya’ i.e. despisable misdeeds relating to religion.The exercise needed utmost caution and deep knowledge of religious matters. These persons were called ‘Dharmik Garhyasahasik’.

The third attribute to the word ‘Gahiyasahasik’ can be found in the history of Karnataka. There were several ‘Ghatika’s meaning religious centers in ancient times, which used to impart advanced learning in various fields of knowledge. Since admission to these Ghatikasthana’s were given only to merited students who excelled in learning, it was known as ‘Ghatikasahas’. In colloquial language, the word got converted into the present surname.

References to the surname are found on a Bronze plaque i.e. Tamra-pat, which dates back to eleventh century. There is an akin surname called ‘Ghalasasi’, however it belongs to persons of Vatsa Gotra.

Thus it is evident that the surname has been derived from their profession. In a brass scroll of Bagewadi of 12th century, Ghaisas have been attributed with several surnames which means it belonged to various families and professions. The surname at that time was used in respect for extraordinary proficiency in Vedanta, Nyaya (Judicial matters), Tarka (Logic), Astrology, Literature (Grammar),etc. Ghaisas were also good at writing manuscripts and reports, including those on stones (shila-lekhs). This job ran through the generations in Ghaisas and a reference to that effect can be seen on a tamra-pat (bronze plaque) of the Year 1060, belonging to the King Mamruni of Shilahara Kingdom found at Diveagar in Konkan. This plaque is first of its kind and is written in Prakrut Marathi.

Current status

All Ghaisas are believed to be Chitpavan Brahman’s of Bharadwaj Gotra, originating from Kelshi, a small village in the Konkan region of western Maharashtra. Over a period of time these Ghaisas migrated to different places like Pune, Mumbai, Trimbakeshwar and in the states of Karnataka, Goa and Gujarat for livelihood. Today, they have dispersed to even far off places like U.S., Australia, etc. Many of them have earned name and prosperity, by their hardwork and intellect. Ghaisas have had a great tradition of excellence in the fields of education, law, astrology and Vedic rituals and knowledge. Today’s generations have embraced the newer fields of technology and software equally well.

Notable Ghaisas