Gomantak Maratha Samaj

Origin

Gomantak Maratha is a relatively new ameliorative name (coined in the late 20th century) given to the group of temple service personnels, for uniting and emancipating them. They were previously known by the following names:

Kalavant,Kulambini

Devli

Etymologically Devli, the word Devli is derived from the word Devul or Dev meaning God. So Devalis are those who were dedicated or devoted to the temple or to God. The duties of Devli males (Jyotkar) included lighting the temple lamps and mashal(torch), hold Devdanda, act as temple attendants (Katkars), and play the ritual musical instruments like Mahavadya,Panchavadya,Ranavadya.

Chedvaan,Chede,Bandi,Naik,Farjand

They were not always connected to the temple but with the landlords(Bhatkars),at whose residence they attended all type of household work.

Perni

Their main occupation was acrobatics.They used to play Jagar(a form of their play) and it was main source of their livelihood,and held a lower status in their community.

History

Goa and neighboring Sindhudurg and Uttar Kannada had a system of temple-artists. The system of Devadasi was prevalent in Goa since times immemorial and is thought to have been introduced by the Sumerians, though they held high status in the society then. It finds references throughout Goan history. It is said that the widows of Marathas (and sometimes even other castes) sought shelter in the temples as they were forced to follow the Sati tradition. Most of those widows were given shelter by the temples,some of whom became temples attendants and some turned to prostitution of some sort.Perhaps this is the reason why the modern community has got the appellation Maratha attached. Portuguese colonial rulers called them "bailadeiras"(dancers). Whereas in Sindhudurg, British and Dutch called them Devalis (Devali means who comes from temple). Later, with the religious intolerance of the Portuguese rulers, the temples shifted and lost their glory.

People fled to the neighboring Bombay province, where they had joined the music gharanas to perfect their art and talent. They began organizing themselves after the post-1910 liberal period of Portuguese rule. In 1910, Rajaram Painginikar started Movement from Paingini Village of Goa. In 1917, Maratha Gayan Samaj (Maratha Singers Society) was formed in Kakode. In 1937, in the leadership of Rajaram Panginikar Gomantak Maratha Samaj, Mumbai's Goa branch started. This community being educated has a large number of doctors, actors, engineers etc.

At present, all the above-mentioned once exogamous divisions of the community have become united under Gomantak Maratha Samaj. The main functions of the society were as follows:

Demography

Marriage and divorce

Marriage was not prevalent amongst many in the past. In the present era, all the old customs have been banned. They marry according to the Hindu rites. Marriage is prohibited amongst members of community bearing the same surname as they are believed to belong to the same Kul or clan. Cross-cousin marriages are prevalent and they follow customs followed by other Hindus. Earlier a bride-price was prevalent. Widow marriage is permitted and divorce is not so common.

Death

Their dead are cremated,and death pollution is observed.

Occupational activities

Some of them now own lands and are engaged in agriculture(cashewnuts,coconuts).Many are engaged in white collar jobs.Most of them are economically sound and educated.Some of them have earned reputation as politicians.

Religion and culture

As Hindus they follow all Gods and Goddesses.They revere their clan deities and celebrate most of the Hindu festivals.

The community is noted for excellence in music and dance.While worshiping deities in the temples they played the ritual music.They play classical Indian musical instruments besides the temple instruments.

Notable people

People of this community are well known for their intelligence and success in the fields of art, education and science. People include top artists, surgeons, educationalists, politicians and others from Goa,Maharshtra and Karnataka.

Classical Singers and Playback Singers

Politicians

Film Actors and Actresses

Royal Military, India Army Officers

Drama Actors and Actress

Musicians,Lyricist,Writers, Novelists,Directors,Producers

Engineers,Doctors,Scientist, Bureaucrats and Lawyers