Kayastha Caste: Category, Sub-Castes, Surnames and Marriage Customs

The Kayastha caste is one of India's oldest groups of writers and record-keepers. For centuries, Kayasthas kept the books for kings. They wrote royal orders and ran the tax office.

Today, Kayastha families live across North India, Bengal, Maharashtra and Odisha. This guide explains who Kayasthas are and their category. It also covers sub-castes, surnames, Chitragupta Puja and marriage customs.

What Is the Kayastha Caste?

Kayastha, also written Kayasth, is a group of Hindu castes. People call them the "writing castes." In the past, they worked as scribes, clerks, ministers and law officers.

Under Mughal rule, many Kayasthas learnt Persian. They held key posts in the tax and state offices. Under British rule, they moved into state jobs, law, teaching and trade. Today, you will find Kayasthas in every field, from law to medicine.

The Four Main Kayastha Groups

Kayastha is not a single group. It is a cluster of regional groups with their own customs.

Chitraguptavanshi Kayastha Sub-Castes

This group believes it comes from the twelve sons of Lord Chitragupta. Each son gave rise to one sub-caste.

The twelve sub-castes are Srivastava, Saxena, Mathur, Bhatnagar, Nigam and Asthana. The rest are Ambashtha, Gaur, Karna, Kulshreshtha, Suryadhwaj and Valmik. Many families now use these names as surnames.

In the past, families wed within the same sub-caste. Today, matches across Kayastha sub-castes are common. Most homes are fine with them.

Lord Chitragupta and Chitragupta Puja

Lord Chitragupta is the god who keeps a record of each person's good and bad deeds. Kayasthas see him as their first father and their family god.

Chitragupta Puja falls on Yama Dwitiya, the same day as Bhai Dooj, just after Diwali. On this day, many homes worship pens, inkpots and account books. People call this ritual Kalam Dawat Puja. Some homes avoid writing for the day as a mark of respect.

Kayastha Caste Category: General or OBC?

Kayasthas are a forward caste. That means they fall in the General category. They are not in the central OBC, SC or ST lists.

This applies in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and most other states. People often ask if Srivastava or Saxena is OBC. Both are Kayastha sub-castes, so both are General.

Some Kayastha groups have asked for a quota based on income. Today, poorer Kayastha homes may qualify for the EWS quota. They must meet the income and asset limits.

Kayastha Caste in Bihar

Bihar has a large Kayastha population. Many homes here use surnames such as Sinha, Prasad, Srivastava, Verma, Sahay and Ambashtha. Kayasthas in Bihar fall under the General category.

Bihar's Kayasthas have a long past in law, books and public life. Dr Rajendra Prasad, India's first President, came from a Kayastha family in Bihar.

Common Kayastha Surnames

A surname often shows which group a family comes from.

Keep in mind that surnames like Verma, Sinha, Das and Prasad also appear in other groups. A surname alone does not confirm anyone's caste.

Kayastha Caste in Hindi: ?????? ??? ???? ????

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?????? ??????? ???? (General) ??? ??? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??? ?????????? ???? ?? ???-???? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ???

Kayastha Marriage Customs

Kayastha weddings follow North Indian Hindu customs, with a local touch. The main rites are tilak, haldi, mehndi and the baraat. Then come the jaimala, kanyadaan and the saat phere.

Most homes match kundalis. They also avoid a match in the same gotra. Some check the sub-caste too. But younger homes care more about work and values.

Kayastha homes put a high value on learning. So a partner's degree and job often carry real weight. Many homes also say no to dowry, which is illegal in India.

Can a Brahmin Marry a Kayastha?

Yes. Indian law allows marriage between any two Hindus, whatever their caste. Such a marriage is fully valid under the Hindu Marriage Act.

Whether the family agrees is a separate matter. Brahmin and Kayastha homes often value studies in similar ways. So such matches are now common, mainly in cities.

Kayastha Festivals and Family Traditions

Kayastha homes mark the big Hindu festivals, like Diwali, Holi and Navratri. But one day is their own. That day is Chitragupta Puja.

On this day, the family sits together. They place pens, ink and books before the god. They pray for wisdom and fair deeds. Kids often write a short prayer on paper.

Food is a big part of these days too. Many homes make kheer, puris and sweets. Elders tell tales of the family's past, and the young ones listen.

Such small customs keep the bond strong. They also show what a family values. When two Kayastha homes meet for a match, these shared customs often help them feel at ease.

Finding a Kayastha Match

Want a Kayastha match? Then state your sub-caste and gotra from the start. Share what you expect too. It saves time for both sides and avoids mix-ups later.

On Marriage Jodi, you can search Hindu profiles by samaj, studies, work and location. If you are open to inter-caste matches, you can say so too. Read our article on Hindu matrimony for tips on building a strong profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kayastha caste?

Kayastha is a group of Hindu castes known as writers and record-keepers. The main groups are Chitraguptavanshi, CKP, Bengali Kayastha and Karan.

Is Kayastha General or OBC?

Kayasthas are a forward caste and fall under the General category. They are not in the central OBC list. Poorer families may get the EWS quota.

Is Srivastava OBC or General?

Srivastava is a Kayastha sub-caste. So it is General in most states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

What are the 12 sub-castes of Kayastha?

The twelve Chitraguptavanshi sub-castes are Srivastava, Saxena, Mathur, Bhatnagar, Nigam, Asthana, Ambashtha, Gaur, Karna, Kulshreshtha, Suryadhwaj and Valmik.

Who is the god of Kayasthas?

Kayasthas worship Lord Chitragupta, the god who keeps records. Families perform Chitragupta Puja on Yama Dwitiya, the day of Bhai Dooj.

If you are looking for a Kayastha life partner who shares your values, register free on Marriage Jodi.