The Journey of Brahmins from Tamil Nadu to Modern India: A Family's Legacy

My ancestors, the Madras Iyengars, journeyed from the historical district of Madras in Tamil Nadu to Mysore in the days of the Vijayanagara empire and the Wodeyar dynasty. This migration, which occurred around 400-600 years ago, was driven by the quest for employment across various forms available to them.

From Scholarly Roots to Diverse Professions

In Tamil Nadu, the Brahmins were more than just scholars; they were versatile individuals who held multiple roles in society. They were revered as teachers, temple priests, administrators, treasury managers, and small landowners. One of their notable occupations was acquiring and cultivating paddy lands, coconut trees, betel nuts, banana plantations, and betel leaves. These lands were managed with the help of Vokkaligas, Gowda's, and Shudras, who were employed for cultivation. The family's prosperity flourished during this time.

The British Influence and Modern Reforms

During the British Raj, the family members adapted to the changing times. They learned English, got themselves educated, and served the Maharajas of Mysore as professors, teachers, administrators, treasurers, and clerks. They also ventured into astrology. Proficient in the Vedas and Sanskrit, their minds were well-trained in learning, and they possessed exceptional mental agility. My father earned his MA from Madras University and D. Litt. from the University of London. He later became a professor of History and Director of Archaeology, with a keen interest in fields such as history, archaeology, Indology, epigraphy, and numismatics.

Modernizing the Family Legacy

The younger generation within my family followed different paths, studying engineering, law, medicine, accounting, and business, and seamlessly integrated into the modern industrialized world. This is a common pattern observed in many Brahmin families who have embraced the transition to contemporary professions and industries. Our patrons were the Wodeyars of Mysore, and our ancestors were employed by the Rajas of the Vijayanagara Empire, spreading their influence throughout Karnataka. They spoke both pure Madras Tamil and Kannada and learned English during the British rule.

Today, members of my family and close relatives are spread across India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. I have been living in the United States since 1968 and obtained US citizenship. My children and grandchildren are also US citizens, holding OCI status. We have no plans to move back to India permanently.

The Current State of Brahmins in India

In modern India, many Brahmins hold prominent positions in the central and state governments, in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) selection jobs, and in the defense services. They are also found among doctors, engineers, and chartered accountants in both public and private sectors. This indicates that there are ample opportunities for Brahmins in various sectors, contrary to the perception that their influence is waning.

India, under the leadership of non-Brahmin communities such as Vokkaligas and Lingayats, has seen changes at the political level. These groups have emerged as leaders and politicians. The country has grown more corrupt, with some notable exceptions like Narendra Modi and others like him. However, the current state of India is one of prosperity, with the economy becoming the fifth or sixth largest in the world. We, as a family, are very proud of India and wish for its continued growth and well-being.

The Indian middle class has experienced significant upward mobility, creating more opportunities for all castes and creeds. The key lies in harnessing these opportunities for the welfare of the nation. There is a pressing need for more jobs to cater to the growing pool of graduates and the labor force, ensuring the sustainable development of the economy.