Origin of Dash & Das surname & caste
Dash/Das is neither caste nor a family.
It is an honorific & religious title.
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 it 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.
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| All the leaves of the inverted Ashvattha (अश्वत्थ) tree, regardless of their size or position, are considered equal. Similarly, all human beings are held in equal esteem, irrespective of variations in their roles and positions. |
Dash or Das/Dasa surname/Title:-
The surname Das or Dash (Hindi: दास, Bengali: দাস, Odia: ଦାଶ) is predominantly found in the Indian states of Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Punjab, as well as in the neighboring country of Bangladesh. It is rarely found in other parts of the world.
Origin & history of Dash/Das Surname.
Dash/Das (Hindi: दास, Bengali: দাস, Odia: ଦାଶ) is derived from the word Dasya,/ Dasa (दास), meaning "servant of God" or a fully devoted devotee of God.
Characteristics of a devotee :
A true devotee, regardless of their faith or spiritual tradition, typically displays the following characteristics:
Das/Dasa Title:-
In Vaishnavism, the title "Das" originates from the concept of Dasya, embodying the devoted service to God with profound devotion, recognizing God as the master and oneself as a humble servant."Das" or "Dasya" signifies complete devotion and surrender to God, reflecting the idea of being a servant to the Divine. Central to Bhakti traditions, "Dasya Bhava" represents humility, selfless service, and unwavering love for the Supreme. Individuals who embody this surrender to God are often given the title "Dash" or "Das." This title, predominantly found in India and rarely abroad, is not associated with caste or family lineage but rather with a spiritual identity.
1. Unwavering Faith
A true devotee has steadfast belief in their chosen deity, spiritual guide, or divine principle, even during challenges or hardships. Their faith remains unshaken by doubts or external circumstances.
2. Humility
They approach life with a humble attitude, acknowledging their dependence on a higher power. They do not seek recognition for their devotion and act selflessly.
3. Selfless Love
Their devotion is marked by unconditional love for the divine, expressed through acts of kindness, service, and compassion towards others.
4. Discipline in Practice
A true devotee consistently engages in spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, chanting, or rituals. They prioritize their spiritual journey and integrate their practices into daily life.
5. Surrender to the Divine Will
They accept life's outcomes with grace, trusting in the divine plan. This surrender brings them peace, regardless of external challenges.
6. Purity of Heart
A true devotee strives to cultivate virtues such as honesty, forgiveness, patience, and inner purity. Their intentions are genuine, free from selfish motives.
7. Service-Oriented Attitude
They see serving others as a way to serve the divine. Acts of charity, community service, or helping those in need are natural expressions of their devotion.
8. Detachment
While they live in the world, a true devotee does not get overly attached to material possessions, status, or outcomes. Their focus remains on spiritual growth and the divine.
9. Inner Joy and Contentment
Their devotion brings a sense of peace and joy that does not depend on external conditions. They radiate positivity and inspire others.
10. Respect for All Life
A true devotee recognizes the divine presence in all beings and treats everyone with respect, love, and kindness.
सच्चिदानन्दं परब्रह्म आद्याशक्तिं परेश्वरीम्।
अनन्तं च माधवं च नमामि पादपङ्कजे॥
In Vaishnavism, the title "Das" originates from the concept of Dasya, embodying the devoted service to God with profound devotion, recognizing God as the master and oneself as a humble servant."Das" or "Dasya" signifies complete devotion and surrender to God, reflecting the idea of being a servant to the Divine. Central to Bhakti traditions, "Dasya Bhava" represents humility, selfless service, and unwavering love for the Supreme. Individuals who embody this surrender to God are often given the title "Dash" or "Das." This title, predominantly found in India and rarely abroad, is not associated with caste or family lineage but rather with a spiritual identity.
सनकादि ऋषियों का एक दिब्य एवं चमत्कारी
मंत्र- हरि शरणम
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| सच्चिदानन्दं परब्रह्म आद्याशक्तिं परेश्वरीम्। श्रीहरिं नारायणं च नमामि पादपङ्कजे॥ |
पकड़ लो हाथ बनवारी नहीं तो डूब जाएंगे।
Pakad Lo Hath Banvari
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, an incarnation of God and a Vedic spiritual leader, established Gaudiya Vaishnavism and initiated the Sankirtana movement during the 16th century in the Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha regions. During this era, communities, regardless of caste or creed, devoted to Lord Vishnu or his incarnations, were bestowed with the title "Das"/Dasa (उपाधि). Similarly, followers and priests of Shri Ram Chandra were also honored with the Das title (उपाधि).
Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye
वैष्णव जन तो तेने कहिये
Over time, this title transformed into a hereditary surname (उपनाम/कुलनाम), passed down through subsequent generations. Presently, the tradition of conferring the Dasa title upon devotees of God Sri Krishna by certain religious organizations persists as a continuation of the age-old practice, recognizing individuals for their dedicated service to God Sri Krishna.
Dasi (women servant of Krishna) tile: In Vaishnavism, the title "Dasi" is bestowed upon women from all communities, regardless of caste or creed, who willingly embrace servitude to Lord Vishnu or His incarnations (avatars).
Hare Krishna Hare Rama
Melodious Kirtan By Madhurika Devi Dasi
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| दास्य: ईश्वर को स्वामी और अपने को दास समझकर परम श्रद्धा के साथ सेवा करना। Dasya: To serve God with utmost devotion considering God as master and oneself as slave. |
मधुराष्टकम् । MADHURASHTAKAM
The Das surname is found among Brahmins, Maulika Kayasthas, Kaibartas (Keots), Mahishyas, Banias of Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Tripura and many other communities in Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other states of India, as well as in the neighboring country of Bangladesh.
It is relevant to mention here Dash alternative spelling Das is neither caste nor a family. It is only a title(उपाधि/पदवी)। यह केवल एक उपाधि/पदवी है।
Radhe Govinda Kirtan at Union Chapel,
London 2024 — Radhika Das
Dash Title among Utkala Brahmins:-
Dash is an Utkal Brahmin surname and belongs to the Kanyakubja origin. There are two theories about how this title (surname) has been evolved. The first one says that Dash title was conferred to the Brahmins who could easily memorize 10 granthas (books) assigned to Vedas especially Shukla Yajurveda.
These 10 granthas are Kaanva Samhita, Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana, Bruhadaaranyakam, Ishavasya Upanishad, and 6 Vedangas (Chhandas, Kalpa, Nirukta, Vyakarana, Shiksha, Jyotisha) दशः ग्रन्थाध्ययिन् दाशः-ଦଶଃ ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥାଧ୍ୟାୟିନ୍ ଦାଶ, and the other story is that the Utkal Brahmins who had accepted servitude to Lord Jagannath or the votary (सेवक) of Lord Jagannath were awarded Dash title.
In the course of time, this title(उपाधि) became the surname(उपनाम/कुलनाम ) and the later generations inherited it. Now Dash or alternative spelling Das (West Bengal) titles are mostly found in Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and rarely found in other parts of India and abroad among Utkal Brahmins.
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 |
"My dear devotee of ISKCON, it is highly recommended that you read the Utkala Brahmin: Bhavishya Mâlika at least once, particularly the sections concerning the end of Kali Yuga and the Kalki Avatar, with special emphasis on the ISKCON perspective."
Faith in God's Justice
A devotee stands with steadfast heart,
Bound to their God, never to part.
In storm or sun, through joy and pain,
Their faith unbroken, a sacred chain.
No shadow of doubt, no tempest’s might,
Can dim their trust or steal their light.
For in their soul, a flame does burn,
A truth so pure, to which they return.
Seated in prayer or walking alone,
They carry their God, a cornerstone.
Neither bent by time nor worn by strife,
It shapes their path, it molds their life.
An eternal bond, a love profound,
A faith that echoes, a sacred sound.
Oh, devotee, your heart so true,
A beacon of light, a celestial hue.
Your faith in God’s justice guides your way,
Unmoved, unshaken, come what may.
Kalki Naam Sankirtan
This article has been penned under the divine inspiration of Lord Jagannath. If anybody or any organization doesn't agree with any content of this article, he or they may mention it in the comments with documentary evidence and it will be corrected. Any comments in this regard without documentary evidence and source of Information will be treated as mala fide.
Reference-
1. Wikipedia.
2.The genesis of Utkal Brahmin.
3.Collection of information from Utkal Brahmin scholars.
For more information about Utkala Brahman Dash or Das, you may read the Genesis of Utkal Brahman.
To read Genesis of Utkal Brahmin click on~ Utkal Brahmin
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।
