The Origin of the Rath/Rath Sharma surname, found in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and other states of India and abroad.
Surname(उपनाम/कुलनाम ) and Title(उपाधि/पदवी):-
Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, physical characteristics, etc. Surnames (उपनाम/कुलनाम )and titles (उपाधि/पदवी)or decorations used along with the proper names commonly added at the end of the names - are either genealogical or professional and sometimes topographical. The genealogical surname has been in use from generation to generation and is generally family names some of which may even have been personal names. Professional names have also been adopted as family names and are regularly used as surnames.
It has been a practice for quite a few centuries to award titles (उपाधि/पदवी)to persons who occupy positions of distinction in intelligence, learning, wealth, honor, etc. Persons who have rendered meritorious service to the country have also been awarded titles that have gone down from generation to generation and thus got absorbed as family names or surnames. Indian history from pre-Mughal days has shown that the ruling Hindu Kings had awarded titles to persons and families for either meritorious service to the country or for leadership in society. This practice has been followed by the Pathan and the Mughal rulers and by their successors, the British as well. Even in independent India, the Presidential awards on Republic day are a continuation of the old practice of honoring persons for their service to the country.
Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, physical characteristics, etc. Surnames (उपनाम/कुलनाम )and titles (उपाधि/पदवी)or decorations used along with the proper names commonly added at the end of the names - are either genealogical or professional and sometimes topographical. The genealogical surname has been in use from generation to generation and is generally family names some of which may even have been personal names. Professional names have also been adopted as family names and are regularly used as surnames.
It has been a practice for quite a few centuries to award titles (उपाधि/पदवी)to persons who occupy positions of distinction in intelligence, learning, wealth, honor, etc. Persons who have rendered meritorious service to the country have also been awarded titles that have gone down from generation to generation and thus got absorbed as family names or surnames. Indian history from pre-Mughal days has shown that the ruling Hindu Kings had awarded titles to persons and families for either meritorious service to the country or for leadership in society. This practice has been followed by the Pathan and the Mughal rulers and by their successors, the British as well. Even in independent India, the Presidential awards on Republic day are a continuation of the old practice of honoring persons for their service to the country.
Rath Surname:-
Rath or Ratha or Rathasharma (Odia: ରଥ, ରଥଶର୍ମା, Sanskrit: रथ, रथशर्मा) is a surname of Utkala Brahmins mostly found in Odisha, West Bengal, and rarely found in other parts of India and abroad.
Origin & history of Rath or Ratha, or Ratha Sharma Surname.
The oral tradition of the Vedas, known as Śruti, incorporates various pathas or recitation styles aimed at ensuring the precise memorization and pronunciation of Vedic mantras, along with the preservation of the Vedic pitch accent. These pathas were designed to facilitate complete and flawless recitation. Eleven such recitation styles were established, including:
1.Samhita
2.Pada
3.Krama
4.Jata
5.Maalaa
6.Sikha
7.Rekha
8.Dhwaja
9.Danda
10.Ratha
11.Ghana
In the case of the Utkal Brahmins who specialized in the Ratha Patha of the Vedas, they were honored with the title "Ratha" or "Rathasharma" (Odia: ରଥ, ରଥଶର୍ମା, Sanskrit: रथ, रथशर्मा). Over time, this title evolved into a hereditary surname (उपनाम/कुलनाम), which subsequent generations inherited.
The individuals bearing the surnames Rath, Ratha, or Rathasharma are primarily concentrated in the southern regions of Odisha, notably in places like Nayagad, Ganjam, Paralakhemundi, and Jeypore, as well as in certain areas of western Odisha, including Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, and Balangir. Their historical settlement has predominantly remained to the south of the Mahanadi River, with limited migration to northern Odisha. These Brahmins generally belong to the Atreya or Krishnatreya Gotri Brahmin community.
The Atreya or Krishnatreya Gotri Brahmin community traces its lineage to the sage Atri. An Atreya (आत्रेय) is a direct descendant of Atri, and these Brahmins are generally associated with the Kaanva branch (Sakha) of the Yajurveda. A distinctive feature that unites the Atreya Gotri Brahmins, regardless of their regional differences or customs, is their deep devotion to their Ishta Devi, Bhubaneswari.
"जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र में जीव इस वृक्ष
की एक शाखा से दूसरी शाखा तक भ्रमण
करता रहता है।"
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| नित्यं पठ्यते गीता-भागवतम्। मुक्तिमोक्षप्रदाते एतद् द्वयम्॥ |
Atri Rishi:
In the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (Canto 9, Chapter 14), Atri Rishi is revered as one of the esteemed Saptarishis—the seven great sages—born from the mind of Lord Brahmā. According to the scripture, a tear shed by Atri Rishi gave rise to Chandra, the moon god. Chandra later became the progenitor of the Chandra Vaṁśa, or the Lunar Dynasty.
Also known as the Soma Dynasty, the Chandra Vaṁśa holds a place of great importance in ancient Indian tradition. It is the lineage from which many illustrious kings descended, including Yadu, Purūravas, and the Pandavas. Alongside the Sūrya Vaṁśa (Solar Dynasty), the Chandra Vaṁśa is one of the two principal royal lineages mentioned in Indian religious text.
Surname and caste.
A surname alone does not determine caste. Caste identity is shaped by various factors, including family background, social context, and cultural traditions. Many surnames are shared across different communities, and their significance can vary based on region and historical context.
☯In conclusion, we should neither take pride in nor feel sorrow over our surnames or titles, as they are nothing more than temporary labels. Our true focus should be on nurturing virtues like truth, austerity, compassion, charity, purity, love, devotion, and kindness. These enduring qualities shape our true essence far more deeply than any title, surname, label or rank ever can.
Names and Surnames.
On this earth, where names are born,
A title given, love sworn or scorn,
A mark of place, a seal to bind—
A legacy we leave behind.
Surnames rise like rugged peaks,
Voices of clans, the ancient speaks.
In lines and letters etched with pride,
The world decides, who stands, who hides.
Yet walls of stone these names become,
To guard, to block, to silence some.
These syllables, like swords and shields,
They carve out pain; they build, they yield.
Between the names, a chasm grows,
Of justice lost and honor owed.
For names can burn or mend the soul,
Or lock it in a bounded role.
So rise, unmarked by name or kin,
Beyond the walls that keep us in.
With spirit freed from bonds and claims,
We soar beyond the weight of names.
What’s left is pure—a soul set free,
Beyond the binds of blood to be.
🔯
author of Waybackpy,Videohash, etc
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| Inventor-Waybackpy |
1.Reference-The Genesis of Utkal Brahmin.
2.Family historian.
3.Wikipedia
To read popular & famous- "The Genesis of Utkal Brahmins"
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About the Author:-
Prabir is an Indian author who was born into a Utkal Brahmin family in the Indian state of West Bengal. He is known for his books, which are sold through Amazon.com, Flipkart.com, and Abebooks.com. Prabir is known for his genre/style of writing and has gained a dedicated following of readers who appreciate his unique perspective/engaging storytelling/etc. Prabir has a passion for writing and has dedicated his career to creating engaging and thought-provoking works for his readers. His books and articles cover a wide range of genres and topics, and he is highly popular within the intellectual community for his contributions.
प्रबीर एक भारतीय लेखक हैं। उनका जन्म भारतीय राज्य पश्चिम बंगाल में एक उत्कल ब्राह्मण परिवार में हुआ था। उनकी किताबें Amazon.com,flipkart.com और abebooks.com के जरिए बेची जाती हैं। 12 लाख से अधिक लोगों ने उनकी किताबें और लेख पढ़े हैं।
