Audichya

By far the most numerous of the Gujarati Brahmins. And is also by far the best type of all the Brahmins of India. Gujarati Brahmins are considered, like Patidars, a privileged caste in Gujarat. (Patels are a common surname of the Patidar caste). According to the local saying all Audichyás are seers, Audichya sarv Rushiya. Gujarati Brahmins came from northern India and betray this through north Indian surnames (Trivedi, Joshi, Vaidya, etc). The Audichyas are divided into Tolakia Audichyas and Sahasra Audichyas, and the name Audichya or Northerner shows that they entered Gujarat from Upper India. According to their caste traditions they were invited to Gujarát by Mularája, king of Anahilaváda (A.D. 961—996), to help him in holding a sacrifice. When this was over, the king offered them money and grants of lands to induce them to stay in this country. About a thousand (sahasra), who readily agreed, came to be known as Audich Sahasra, while the rest who formed a toli (band) and refused till they were persuaded by further grants, came to be known as Audich Tolakia. Strangely, however, the Sahasras are looked upon as superior in social rank. The Audichya Sahasras are again sub-divided into Sihora and Sidhporá. The Sidhporá Audichyas are regarded as superior to other Audichyas. Most of the Audich Brahmans were the beggers of alms, but some practiced cultivation, and some were cooks or village priests. Many of them have now received higher education and are working in offices.