Caste Affiliation of Srivastav: Unraveling Myths and Realities

Are Srivastav part of the Scheduled Castes (SCs)? This question often arises given the diverse and complex nature of Indian caste systems and the various communities within them. To address this, we need to delve into the historical and contemporary contexts of the Srivastav community, their origins, and their caste affiliation.

Understanding the Srivastav Community

The Srivastav or Shrivastav community is primarily associated with the Kayastha caste in Hindu society. Kayasthas, traditionally, are a well-known learned community, often associated with government services, administration, and record-keeping. Srivastav, in particular, traces its lineage back to Chitragupta Maharaj, the legendary accountant of Lord Yama (the deity of the dead and judge of souls).

Srivastav and the Kayastha Caste

Historically, Srivastav is one of the twelve sub-castes that belong to the larger Kayastha community. These 12 sub-castes include:

Srivastava Gaur Saxena Karan Nigam Sinha Bhatnagar Ambashtha Asthana Kulshreshtha Valmiki Kayastha Surajdhwaj Kayastha

These sub-castes share common ancestral roots and cultural practices, which have helped maintain a certain level of social cohesion and identity within the Kayastha community.

Modern Perceptions and Stereotypes

However, the cultural and social landscape of India is dynamic, and with it, the perceptions and realities of caste affiliations can evolve. It is not uncommon for individuals from different castes to adopt surnames from other communities or to change their caste affiliations due to various social, economic, or political reasons. This is exemplified by the case of Srivastav, where many individuals holding this surname are found in various caste categories, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Contemporary Case Studies

Some individuals from the Srivastav community now hold certificates that classify them as SCs, STs, or OBCs. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily indicate a change in their broader caste affiliation. Such changes can be due to various socio-economic factors, social mobility, and community dynamics rather than a genuine change in caste.

Example of Saxena in OBC Category

For instance, a case of a person named Saxena holding OBC status is often cited as evidence of caste change. However, this should not be taken as definitive proof that all Saxenas or Srivastavs are from different castes. It is possible that such individuals have obtained these certificates for various reasons, including social, economic, or political benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Srivastav community is historically rooted in the Kayastha caste, and specifically the Chitragupta lineage, modern socio-economic factors can lead to changes in caste affiliations as evidenced by cases where some individuals hold certificates of SC, ST, or OBC categories. However, these changes do not necessarily represent a wholesale change in the broader caste identity and should be understood within the broader context of Indian social dynamics.

Keyword

Srivastav caste, Kayastha caste, Scheduled Castes (SCs)