Niyogi

This article is about the Indian caste. For people named Niyogi, see Niyogi (disambiguation)
Niyogi
Varna Brahmin[1]
Religions Hinduism
Languages Telugu
Country Primarily South India, a significant population in the United States, and Canada[2]
Populated states Andhra Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
Telangana
Karnataka
Subdivisions Aruvela Niyogi
Prathama Sakha
Golconda Vyapari

Niyogi Brahmins are those Brahmins who took up various secular vocations including military activities and gave up religious vocation, especially the priesthood. They were associated with administration, economics, literature, music composing, politics, scholarly, scientific, defense and warfare careers.[3][4]

Etymology

The word Niyogi is derived from Yoga, which in this context means "religious contemplation", as opposed to Yaga, which means "religious sacrifice". Niyogin in Sanskrit also means "employed", "appointed" or "assigned" and it is probable that Niyogis were given this name because they accept secular employment.[5]

See also

References

  1. Brahmin, brahmana, caste, tribe, gotra, rishi, ritual, india, hindu, religion, Mana Sanskriti (Our Culture), Issue 69
  2. Yang, Anand A. (1999). Bazaar India: Markets, Society, and the Colonial State in Bihar. University of California Press.
  3. Sanatha Dharma, Religion, Gothra, Sages, Saints & Rishis of Vedic Era
  4. Ancient India: a history of its culture and civilization, Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi, p. 166-170
  5. Hopkins, Religions of India, p. 192 states: "As to the fees, the rules are precise, and the propounders of them are unblushing.

Further reading

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