Vishwakarma

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Vishwakarmas or Vishwabrahmins is a term used in India to describe five castes of engineers, architects, sculptors, statue and temple builders and artists. Vishwakarma is a common term for five castes: Goldsmith, blacksmith, copper-smith, carpenter and sculptors.

Contents 1 Sub-divisions of Vishvakarmas in different parts of India 1.1 Tamilnadu 1.2 Andhra Pradesh 1.3 Kerala 1.4 Karnataka 1.5 Goa 1.6 Maharashtra and Gujarat 1.7 Rajasthan 1.8 Bengal 1.9 UP and Bihar 2 Origin 3 Panchal Movement for Brahminical right 4 Gotras 5 Pillars of Indian Culture and Civilization 6 Eminent Vishwabrahmin Individuals 6.1 Spiritual Saints 6.2 Literature 6.3 Shilpacharyulu & Vaasthu 6.4 Film Industry 6.5 Administration 6.6 Politics 6.7 Sports 6.8 Television Personalities 6.9 Artists 7 See also 8 Books on History of Vishwabrahmins 9 References

Sub-divisions of Vishvakarmas in different parts of India

Tamilnadu

Vishvabrahmins or Kamaalar or Aachari or Aasaari in Tamilnadu form serveral occupational subdivisions.

• Aasaari or Porkolan(Goldsmiths),
• Kolan(Iron-smiths),
• Thachaan(Carpenters),
• Sirpi(stone-masons), etc.,

There are five sons of vishwakarma( RAjasthan mythology). 1.Manu(Black smith) 2.Maya(carpenter r Wood-smith) 3.Twasta(Bronze-smith) 4.Shilpi(stone-smith ) 5.viswajgna(Gold smith)

Andhra Pradesh

Vishvabrahmins or Kamasalas in Andhra pradesh form five occupational subdivisions. Kamasali(Goldsmiths), Kanchari or Musari(Brass-smiths),Vadrangi(Carpenters) and Kasi or silpi(stone-masons).In addition they have territorial sub-divisions such as Murikinadu, Pakinadu, Dravida etc.^[1] They claim Brahmin status and follow brahmin customs^[1]

Kerala

Vishvakarmas or Viswabrahmins of Kerala known as the Achary or viswabrahmins.^[2] They are again divided into five sub-castes namely, the Achary carpenters, braziers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths and coppersmiths. The Kerala viswakarma community is most confused community in Kerala. Preindipendence era the community was not able to capitalize and polarise as a social or political group due the lack of common ideology or common thinking. They were not been able to form as community - political powerhouse post independence like other communities like Ezhavas or Nairs due to lack of strong spiritual leadership and vision. The lack of unity in the community and each subsect claiming supremacy on others is another contributing factor of the marginization of the community from mainstream socio - political circles. Kerala Viswakarma community long political affiliation to Communist parties in Kerala has also not really helped community upliftment either. Even though being one of biggest caste after Ezhava and Nairs in Kerala, the community is alway be deprived of what it deserves in socio political arena in Kerala. Viswakaramas in Kerala sociofabrics has been thus been most exploited group, the division in the subsects has been designed by savarnas, as viswakaramas has always challenged the braminism. They considered themselves equal to Brahmins, established their own belief systems called pathis and priests. In the modern times too it is hard to find any community representation in the political or economic spheres. When other communities embraced modern education and moved forward, due to the social and economic backwardness the viswakarama community was left behind. The long years of social and economic backwardness, division in the sects and exploitation has taken the culturally progressive viswakarama to backfoot, when compared to other communities in Kerala.^[2]

Karnataka

The Vishwakarmas of south Karnataka is composed of several sub-castes^[3].

• The Kulachars(ironsmiths and carpenters)
• The Shivachars(ironsmiths-cum-carpenters,founders-cum-sculptors)
• The Uttaradi goldsmiths
• The Matachar founders
• The Muddekammaras
• The Doddamanes^[3]

Most of these sub-castes do not intermarry,and do have an hierarchy amongst them^[3]. All the sub-castes worships goddess Kali,they are very similar to brahmins in their ritual practices but few of them are non-vegetarians^[3]. The Vishvakarmas of North Karnataka are also divided into five sub-castes,and many of them follow Lingayatism.

Goa

In the state of Goa,Vishvakarmas are known as Charis who call themselves as Vishwakarma Manu Maya Brahmins.Rest other artisan castes do not claim Vishvakarma status.Many artisans got converted and few immigrated during the Portuguese rule.

Maharashtra and Gujarat

Many Vishwakarma castes are found in both the above mentioned states.

Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the Vishwakarmas are also known as Jangid Brahmins. ^[4]

Bengal

Vishwakarmas in the state of Bengal have the last name of Kar or Karmakar. In Bengal they come under the upper caste category.

UP and Bihar

Vishwakarmas in the state of UP and Bihar have the surname of Vishwakarma and Sharma.

Origin

According to traditional belief, Vishwabrahmins are descended from five sons of lord Vishwakarma. They are Manu (blacksmith), Maya (carpenter), Thwastha (metal craftsman), Silpi (stone-carver) Vishvajnya (goldsmith). The community is spread widely throughout India and played a vital role in the village economy. Their socio-economic status varied from a very high level to the low level in different parts of India as they earned high wages in towns because of their factory employment and low in villages^[5]. About Vishwabrahmins Anand K. Coomaraswamy says ‘the Kammalar (i.e. Panchal) were known as Vishwa or Dev Brahman or Dev Kammalar. They spread gradually towards the south and then reached Ceylon, Burma & Java. The Kammalar claim to have been the spiritual guides and priests and their position in the society survives in the saying The Kammalar is guru to the world. They still have their own priests & do not relay on Brahman. They also perform priestly rites in connection with consecration of images^[6]. They both claim and possess various special privileges, which they always upheld with much vigour, in some cases they claim a rank equal to that of Brahmans.” He also mentions “throughout the rest of ceremony all priest officers had been performed by the craftsman themselves acting as Brahman priest” ^[6].

Dr. Krishna Rao says “The most highly organized & efficient of the industrial classes was Virpanchal comprising of Goldsmith, coiner blacksmith, carpenter and mason. In finest period of Indian art particularly between eighth and ninth century, they claimed and enjoyed a social status in the community, equal to Brahmans. The art of engraving & sculpture had attained a high stage of development. It was exclusively cultivated by Panchals who wore sacred thread & considered themselves as Vishwakarma Brahmans. The craftsman being deeply versed in national epic literature always figured in the history of India as missionaries of civilization, culture & religion. The intellectual influence being creative & not merely assimilative was at least as great as that of the priest and the author” ^[7].

Panchal are called as Missionaries of civilization, culture & religion because they spread Hindu Religion to the whole world through their art. Ernest B. Havell says “The northern quarter of (Patliputra) was assigned to Brahmans & certain of the higher craftsman such as armor, ironsmiths & workers in precious stones. The association of skilled craftsmen with Brahmans & Kshatriya is additional evidence that craftsmanship did not hold inferior status in Indo Aryan society^[8]. The Stapathy or master builder is described in the Shilpa Shastra as officiating at religious ceremonies which preceded the laying out of the Indo Aryan town or village and some of the metal worker& carpenter of the south of India still retains as their caste indication the name Acharya which denotes a teacher of religion”. In ancient India Vishwabrahmins had great importance. Only Vishwabrahmins could hold the degree Jagatgur i.e. Guru to whole world which can be seen in the saying ‘Kammalar is guru to the world’.

Lohars established the Lohara dynasty. Further information regarding this dynasty can be found at the following web site: http://www.kashmir-information.com/ConvertedKashmir/Chapter7.html

Panchal Movement for Brahminical right

Though the Panchal had great importance in olden times some Brahmins refused to accept Panchal as Brahmins which lead to have bread hereditary feud between two groups of caste i.e. Panchal & other Brahmins. During Peshwa rule they suffered a lot. Since Peshwa were Brahmins. Peshwa even did not allowed Panchal to tide the dhoti or waist cloth up between legs and in at the waist a mark of Brahminic rank. The Peshwas belonged to the Chitpavan Brahmin caste and are later migrants to India from the Middle East and Central Asia. They were at odds with Vishwakarma Brahmins who identified themselves as the original Brahmins and builder of the Aryan Vedic civilization.

• Nelson Hindu Law “Page 139-140 says - “The refusal of many castes in ancient times to accept the Brahmans as their pastors and master would seem to have bread hereditary feud between two group of caste known as right hand and left hand. the origin and history of the feud at present are wholly unknown" but it seem to me to be not improbable that the feud sprang from rivalries & contention between the supporters & adherents of Brahmans on one hand & those of the Goldsmith & other artificers on the other hand. In south of India the Goldsmith’s appear as body strenuously to have resisted the aggressive supremacy of Brahmans & for ages to have claimed for themselves the right to be priest & spiritual guides styling themselves Acharyas (religious teacher) &wearing a sacred.”
• Meharban once British collector in his book ‘Bombay Gazetteer’ says “Solapur Vol XX page 125:-Panchals are composed of five classes" goldsmith, Blacksmith, carpenter and masons. They consider themselves equals if not superior to local Brahmans. Their family priest who are member of their own community are held in high respect. They grid their boys with sacred thread when they are between seven & nine. A feast called the Brahmans feast or Brahma Bhojan is held when Kin folic and caste follows are asked to dine.

Gotras

Vishvabrahmins are divided into five gotras or exogamous clans, each corresponding to a Rishi named in the Yajur Veda (4.3.3)

• Sanagasya Manu
• Sanatanasya Maya
• Abhuvanasya Tvashta
• Pratanansya Silpi
• twasta brhamarshi
• Suparnasya Vishvajna^[9]

The five gotras are further divided into a total of 25 sub-clans called as upagotras.For instance: Virupasksha,Charuhasta,Bhadradatta,Brahmadikshita,Vedapala,Shilpi,Aditya,Yajna,Vipala,Revata.^[10]

Pillars of Indian Culture and Civilization

The Vishwakarma Brahmins have contributed greatly to Indian civilization and culture as temple and city builders, architects, engineers and artists. Without their immense contribution, Indian civilization would be very poor indeed.

Contribution of Vishwakarma Brahmins to Indian culture and civilization:

1) Nalanda - Vishwakarma Brahmins built this giant educational complex accommodating over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. Nalanda had eight separate compounds and ten temples, along with many other meditation halls and classrooms. On the grounds were lakes and parks. The library was located in a nine storied building where meticulous copies of texts were produced. The subjects taught at Nalanda University covered every field of learning, and it attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.

2) Iron pillar of Delhi - The pillar is made up of 98% wrought iron of pure quality, and is a testament to the high level of skill achieved by ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of iron. It has attracted the attention of archaeologists and metallurgists as it has withstood corrosion for the last 1600 years, despite harsh weather.

3) Hindu architecture - A basic Hindu temple consists of an inner sanctum, the garbha griha or womb-chamber, in which the image is housed, often with space for its circumambulation, a congregation hall, and possibly an antechamber and porch. The sanctum is crowned by a tower-like shikara. At the turn of the first millennium CE two major types of temples existed, the northern or Nagara style and the southern or Dravida type of temple. They are distinguishable by the shape and decoration of their shikharas.

4) Buddhist architecture - Viharas (Buddhist monasteries) began to appear soon after the death of the Buddha, particularly during the Mauryan Empire (321 - 232 B.C) with characteristic stupa monuments; and chaityas (meditation halls housing a stupa). The same period saw the beginning of stone architecture, evidenced by palace remains at Pataliputra as well as the Ashoka Stambha - the monolithic free-standing columns inscribed with edicts put up by the Emperor Ashoka. The Ashokan period is also marked for the introduction of brilliant rock-cut architecture, which formed into the 1000-year-long tradition of cutting and sculpting vast, complex and multi-roomed shrines into natural rock, resulting in religious edifices belonging to Ajivika Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths.

5) South Indian architecture - South Indian architecture was a style of architecture that emerged thousands of years ago in the Indian subcontinent. They consist primarily of pyramid shaped temples which are dependent on intricate carved stone in order to create a step design consisting of numerous statues of deities, kings, and dancers.

6) Konark Sun Temple - Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark, in Orissa. It was built in red sandstone (Khandolite) and black granite by King Narasimhadeva I (AD 1236-1264) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is one of the most well renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site.

7) Vastu Shastra - Vishwakarmas are the creators of this ancient Indian system of architectural design that has gained national and international respect and following. Vaastu Shastra deals with various aspects of designing and building living environments that are in harmony with the physical and metaphysical forces.

8) Mahabodhi Temple - The Mahabodhi Temple (Literally: "Great Awakening Temple") is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is located about 96 km (60 miles) from Patna, Bihar state, India.

9) Indian rock-cut architecture - Indian rock-cut architecture is more various and found in greater abundance than any other form of rock-cut architecture around the world.

10) Ellora Caves - Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture.The 34 "caves" – Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples and monasteries excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills – were built between the 5th century and 10th century. The 12 Buddhist (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain caves (caves 30-34), built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.

11) Ajanta Caves - Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are rock-cut cave monuments dating from the second century BCE, containing paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both "Buddhist religious art" and "universal pictorial art". Since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12) Mahabalipuram - The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic, and constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. They are constituted by cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), sculpted reliefs and structural temples. The pillars are of the Dravidian order. The sculptures are excellent examples of Pallava art. It is believed that this area served as a school for young sculptors. The different sculptures, some half finished, may have been examples of different styles of architecture, probably demonstrated by instructors and practiced on by young students. This can be seen in the Pancha Rathas where each Ratha is sculpted in a different style.

13) Badami Cave Temples - The Badami Cave Temples are composed of four caves, all carved out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff in the late 6th century. The four caves are simple in style. The entrance is a verandah with stone columns and brackets, a distinctive feature of these caves, leading to a columned mantapa and then to the small square shrine (sanctum sanctorum) cut deep into the cave. The temple caves represent different religious sects. Among them, two are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one to Lord Shiva and the fourth is a Jain temple. The first three are devoted to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain temple at Badami.

14) Pancha Rathas - Pancha Rathas an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century located at Mamallapuram, a tiny village south of Madras in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The village was a busy port during the 7th and 8th century reign of the Pallava dynasty. The site is famous for the rock-cut caves and the sculptured rock that line a granite hill, including one depicting Arjuna's Penance. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pancha Rathas shrines were carved during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. Each temple is a monolith, carved whole from a rock outcropping of pink granite. The five monolithic pyramidal structured shrines are named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi. As noted, each shrine is not assembled from cut rock but carved from one single large piece of stone. It is likely their original design traces back to wood constructions.

15) Indian art - The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies which place art production and patronage in social and cultural contexts.

16) Indian painting - Somewhere around 1st century BC the Sadanga or Six Limbs of Indian Painting, were evolved, a series of canons laying down the main principles of the art. Vatsyayana, who lived during the third century A.D., enumerates these in his Kamasutra having extracted them from still more ancient works. These ‘Six Limbs’ have been translated as follows : 1. Rupabheda The knowledge of appearances. 2. Pramanam Correct perception, measure and structure. 3. Bhava Action of feelings on forms. 4. Lavanya Yojanam Infusion of grace, artistic representation. 5. Sadrisyam Similitude. 6. Varnikabhanga Artistic manner of using the brush and colours. (Tagore.) The subsequent development of painting by the Buddhists indicates that these ' Six Limbs ' were put into practice by Indian artists, and are the .basic principles on which their art was founded.

17) Buddhist art - Buddhist art originated on the Indian subcontinent following the historical life of Gautama Buddha, 6th to 5th century BCE, and thereafter evolved by contact with other cultures as it spread throughout Asia and the world.

18) Indian coinage - The Vishwakarma Brahmins minted beautiful coins displaying great artistic talent.

19) History of metallurgy in the Indian subcontinent - History of metallurgy in the Indian subcontinent begins during the 2nd millennium BCE and continues well into the British Raj. The Indian cultural and commercial contacts with the Near East and the Greco-Roman world enable an exchange of metallurgic sciences.

20) History of Indian Science and Technology - The History of Science and Technology in India begins in the pre-modern era. Archaeological evidence from Mehrgarh (7000 BCE) shows construction of mud brick houses and granaries. Farming, metal working, flint knapping, bead production, and dentistry, are known to the people of Mehrgarh. The more advanced Indus Valley civilization yields evidence of hydrography, metrology and city planning being practiced on a sizable scale. Great attention to medicine, astronomy and mathematics is seen during the Vedic period (1500 BCE—400 BCE)—which also witnesses the first inquiry being made into the field of linguistics. Construction of stepwells and stupas, use of diamond as a gemstone, and plastic surgery operations become visible during later periods. Indian mathematicians made early contributions to the study of the decimal number system, zero, negative numbers, arithmetic, and algebra.

21) Jaivana cannon - The Jaivana cannon is the largest wheeled cannon ever constructed. It is located at the Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur.

22) Yantra Mandir - The Yantra Mandir (commonly known as the Jantar Mantar) is an equinoctial dial, consisting a gigantic triangular gnomon with the hypotenuse parallel to the Earth's axis. On either side of the gnomon is a quadrant of a circle, parallel to the plane of the equator. The instrument is intended to measure the time of day, correct to half a second and declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies.

23) Khajuraho - The Khajuraho temples, constructed with spiral superstructures, adhere to a northern Indian shikhara temple style and often to a Panchayatana plan or layout. A few of the temples are dedicated to the Jain pantheon and the rest to Hindu deities - to God's Trio, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and various Devi forms, such as the Devi Jagadambi temple. A Panchayatana temple had four subordinate shrines on four corners and the main shrine in the center of the podium, which comprises their base. The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern. With a graded rise secondary shikharas (spires) cluster to create an appropriate base for the main shikhara over the sanctum. Kandariya Mahadeva, one of the most accomplished temples of the Western group, comprises eighty-four shikharas, the main being 116 feet from the ground level. These temples of Khajuraho have sculptures that look very realistic and are studied even today. The Khajuraho temples are UNESCO World Heritage Site.

24) Wootz steel - Wootz is a steel characterized by a pattern of bands or sheets of micro carbides within a tempered martensite or pearlite matrix. It was developed in India around 300 BC.

25) Chennakesava Temple - The Chennakesava Temple originally called Vijayanarayana Temple was built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, an early capital of the Hoysala Empire. Amarashilpi Jakanachari received a vision to build the Chennakeshava temple in his native place Kridapura.

26) Hoysala architecture - Hoysala architecture is the building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, in the region known today as Karnataka, a state of India. Hoysala influence was at its peak in the 13th century, when it dominated the Southern Deccan Plateau region. Large and small temples built during this era remain as examples of the Hoysala architectural style, including the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura.

27) Hoysaleswara Temple - Hoysaleswara temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It was built in Halebidu (in modern Karnataka state) during the Hoysala Empire rule.

28) Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura - The Chennakesava Temple located at Somanathapura is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by the famous architect/sculptor Ruvari Malithamma who was well-known for his expertise in ornamentation.

Eminent Vishwabrahmin Individuals

Spiritual Saints

• Brahmarishi Mayan
• Bhogar
• Changdev
• Narahari Sonar
• Sri Potuluri Veera Brahmendra Swami (AP, India. He is considered as Indian Nostradamous)

Literature

• Bimal Kar- A well known Bengali writer and novelist and winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975
• Mr. A. Karthickayen- A well known Tamil writer and novelist and winner of the Documentry Flim Award in 2004(Title: PONVANAM).

Shilpacharyulu & Vaasthu

• Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati (A great living sage who is translating The Pranava Veda and has built the Thiruvalluvar Statue) - Rediff interview with Shri Ganapati Stapati: http://specials.rediff.com/news/2009/mar/13slid1-padma-bhushan-stapathi.htm

• Amarashilpi Jakanachari (Amarashilpi Jakanachari was a legendary sculptor credited with building many fine temples for the Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoysalas, including the famous sculptures at Belur and Halebidu)

• Ruvari Malithamma (Ruvari Malithamma was a famous architect and sculptor in the 12th century who made many important contributions to temples built by the Hoysala Empire in Karnataka state, India)

Film Industry

• M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (First Tamil super star of Tamil film industry also called as MKT)
• (P.Gangadharan)(First viswakarma Art Director in Tamil Industry.(1950-1980)
• Brahmanandam (Guinness book of world record holder for the highest number of comedian roles in Telugu language)
• Jagjit Singh (Viswabrahmins have Dhiman as the last name in Northern India)
• Ramanand Sagar (Famous creator of television series Ramayana and Shri Krishna. Sagar is a common Vishwakarma surname in the state of MP and UP)
• Gulzar (Famous Indian poet, lyricist, film-maker, director - Winner of the Academy Award (Oscar) for best original song lyrics in 2008 for the song 'Jai Ho' from the movie Slumdog Millionarie, along with A.R. Rahman)
• Ajay Devgan (He is of Sikh Ramgarhia origin, Vishwakarma)
• Veeru Devgan (Veteran Bollywood Action composer and father of Ajay Devgan)
• Jagathy Sreekumar (Malayalam Film Actor)
• Preity Zinta (Indian Film Actress, Zinta is a Tarkhan Vishwakarma surname from Punjab)
• Ameet Channa (British Film Actor)
• Kulvinder Ghir (Actor/Comedian Goodness Gracious Me)
• Brahmanandan (Famous Malayalam Singer)

Administration

• P. D. T. Acharya: The Indian Loksabha Secretary General since 2005.
• Sam Pitroda: Inventor, entrepreneur and policymaker. The man behind the Telecom revolution.
• Mr. B. Balamanigandan: The man behind the IT revolution(free online services like matrimony, jobfinder, etc.,).
• Mr. M. Baskkaran: The VGMB Secretary.
• Napoleon (actor): Tamil Actor

Politics

• Giani Zail Singh (VII th President of Indian Republic 1982-87)
• Dalip Singh Saund - He was the first Asian American, Indian American and Sikh member of the United States Congress
• Madhusudan Mistry Ex-M P (Sabarkanta), Politician from Gujarat.
• Aladi Sankaraiyah - State Secretary ,Tamilnadu Congress Committee

Sports

• Harbhajan Singh Indian spin bowler
• Monty Panesar English spin bowler of Indian origin
• Gursharan Singh (Played for the Indian test team)
• Pragyan Ojha - India's left arm spinner

Television Personalities

• Suzanne Virdee - Famous BBC News Presenter.

Artists

• Sobha Singh (painter) - Artist and Famous Religious Painter.
• Kirpal Singh (Artist par excellence who painted the bulk of the Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple, Amritsar)

See also

• Ramgarhia
• Tarkhan
• Barhai

Books on History of Vishwabrahmins

• Roberts, A.E. (1909). Visvakarma and his descendants. Calcutta: All-India Vishvakarma Brahman Mahasabha.
• Dr.Gnanananda, G. (Ed.) (1981). Sri Visvakarmayaya bhushanam (Kannada) original by K.P. Dixit (1878). KGF: Jnana Bhandara.Kashyapa Shilpa Shastram,Brahmeeya Chitra Karma Shastram.

• Sharma, A.S. (1989). Visvakarma Smaj ka sankshipt itihas (short history of Vishvakarma Society). New Delhi: Visvakarma Institute of Research and Education.
• Chinmayacharya, K. (2002), Devudu Manavudu, East Godavari.: Ramesh Kumar, K., http://www.archive.org/download/devudumanavudu014706mbp/devudumanavudu014706mbp.pdf 
• ‘Shilpashastra’ (शिल्पशास्त्र In Marathi). It was written on Shake 1165 that is more than 700 years back & was published by B.S. Sutar (Igatpuri, Nasik 1906).
• Vaddepati Niranjana Shastry. Vishwakarma Brahmana Vamshagamamu. Lang.: Telugu.
• Swarna Subramanya Kavi. Vishwabrahmanulaku Prathama Satkara Arhatha. Lang.: Telugu.
• Phanidapu Prabhakara Sharma. Vishwabrahmana Gothra Gayathri. Lang.: Telugu.
• Bharatiya Viswakarmajar:Edava Somanathan:Analytical study of the Indus valey civilisation
• Vishwabramma Puranam: V.Kathiresan Achari: The history of Vishwabrahmins: Lang: Tamil

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Thurston, Edgar; K. Rangachari. Castes and tribes of Southern India,. Volume 3. pp. 141-145. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Thurston, Edgar; K. Rangachari. Castes and tribes of Southern India,. Volume 3. pp. 126-129. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d} Heesterman, J. C.; A. W. van den Hoek, D. H. A. Kolff. "Goldsmiths of Karnataka". Ritual, state, and history in South Asia: essays in honour of J.C. Heesterman. M. S. Oort. pp. 442-455. 
4. ^ Singh, Kumar Suresh; B. K. Lavanta. Rajasthan, By , ,. Volume 2. Dipak Kumar Samanta, Sushil Kumar Mandal, N. N. Vyas,. Anthropological Survey of India. pp. 201. 
5. ^ Russell R.V. and Lai R.B.H., The tribes and castes of the Central Provinces of India, Asian Educational Services, 1995, ISBN 812060833X
6. ^ ^{a b} Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, Indian Craftsman, Probsthain & co., 1909
7. ^ Krishna Rao M.V., Govardhana Rao M., Jeevanna Rao K., Glimpses of Karnataka, Reception Committee, 65th Session, Indian National Congress, 1960
8. ^ Ernest B. Havell, The history of Aryan rule in India, from the earliest times to the death of Akbar, K.M.N. Publishers; (distributors: Atma Ram, Delhi), 1972, ASIN: B0006C8DA6
9. ^ Hastings, James. Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics. Part 18. pp. 559. 
10. ^ Siraj ul Hassan, Syed. The castes and tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's dominions. Volume 1. pp. 552-554. 

• The Tribes & Caste of Bombay –Enthoven.
• Shree Scanda Puran (Sayadri Khandha)-Ed. Dr. Jarson D. Kunha, Marathi version Ed. By Gajanan shastri Gaytonde. Published by Shree Katyani Publication, Mumbai.
• Gomantak Prakrity & sanskriti –B. D. Satoskar. Shubhada Publication
• The Lohara dynasty of Vishwakarma Hindu Emperors: http://www.kashmir-information.com/ConvertedKashmir/Chapter7.html
• Sacred Writings, Volume 5, Hinduism: The Rig Veda. Edited by Jaroslav Pelikan. Translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith. Published in 1992 in United States of America. Book of the month club, New York

(Pages 591 and 592. The 10th mandal of rig veda has two suktas 81 and 82. Each of these have 7 mantras each, making a total of 14 mantras exclusively talking about Vishwakarma.)

• Books from the publisher Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt Ltd:

1) Brahmavaivaryta Puran, refer to, Krishna Janma Khand, Adhyaya 47 2) Atharaveda, refer to, 19 Khand, Sukta 34 (10 Mantras) and 35 (5 Mantras) 3) Skanda Purana refer to Kashi Khand, Skanda Purana refer to Prabhas Khanda 4) Vayu Purana refer to Adhaya 22 5) Matsya Purana refer to Adhaya 5 6) Yajurved, refer to Adhaya 17, Mantra 17 to 34