Origin of Rath Surname
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.
This shared reverence for Bhubaneswari serves as a unifying factor across the Atreya Gotri Brahmins, transcending geographic and cultural variations within the community.
Atri Rishi:
As described in the Shrimad Bhagavatam, Canto 9, Chapter 14, Atri Rishi, one of the venerated Saptarishis (seven great sages), was born from the mind of Lord Brahma. According to the text, a tear from Rishi Atri led to the birth of Chandra, the moon god. Chandra subsequently became the progenitor of the Chandra Vansha, or Lunar Dynasty.
The Chandra Vansha, also called the Soma Dynasty, holds great significance in ancient Indian scriptures. Many notable kings, including Yadu, Pururavas, and the Pandavas, are said to be descendants of this prestigious lineage. The Chandra Vansha is one of the two principal dynasties in Indian mythology, the other being the Surya Vansha (Solar Dynasty).
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| सच्चिदानन्दं परब्रह्म आद्याशक्तिं परेश्वरीम्। बलभद्रं च अनन्तं च नमामि पादपङ्कजे॥ |
We should not feel pride or sorrow over our surnames or titles, as they are temporary labels. In this life, I may be a Brahmin; in the next, I could be a Kshatriya. Today I am human; tomorrow, I could be a demon. In one life, I might be an animal, and in another, a divine being. Therefore, we should not cling to any particular identity or status. Instead, we should focus on embodying virtues like truth, austerity, compassion, charity, purity, love, devotion, and kindness. These qualities define us more deeply than any label or rank ever could.
इस जन्म में मैं ब्राह्मण हूँ, अगले जन्म में क्षत्रिय हो सकता हूँ। इस जन्म में मैं मानव हूँ, अगले जन्म में दानव हो सकता हूँ। इस जन्म में मैं पशु हूँ, अगले जन्म में वसु हो सकता हूँ। इसलिए हमें किसी भी पहचान या स्थिति पर गर्व या आसक्ति नहीं रखनी चाहिए, बल्कि सत्य, तप, दया, दान, पवित्रता, प्रेम, भक्ति और करुणा को अपने जीवन में अपनाना चाहिए।
I dedicate this article to my son ৺late Akash Mahanty
author of Waybackpy,Videohash, etc
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| Appreciation Mail of Jeremie Lumbroso lecturer Princeton University. USA |
1.Reference-The Genesis of Utkal Brahmin.
2.Family historian.
3.Wikipedia
To read popular & famous- "The Genesis of Utkal Brahmins"
Comment of Author:-
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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।
