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Kaniyan ,Kanikal and Kaniyar are corrupted Tamilised form of Sanskrit word "Ganaka",which means astrologer or astronomer. Instead of the alphabet "Gh' , the consonant letter "K" was the only option for usage , because there was no alphabet ''Gh" in Tamil language.The same was followed in Malayalam as well. The term "Kanak" implies ' to calculate' corrupted form of sanskrit word "Ganik"
The name Ganak Acharyan (Jyothish Teacher ) became corrupted as Kaniya Asan in malayalam. Eventually varoius colloquial forms of its usage had been adopted at different regions of Kerala. They are noted as Kaniasan ,Kanisan ,Kannassan,Kaniyan etc.
It is well evident that the ancient brahmins immigrated to south India as waves. So Kaniyar or Ganaka were a sect of ancient brahmins who arrived at southern India before era of the sangham Age. Since then they were respectfully reconised by the society as Arivor ( knowledged persons ) or Trikalanjani(wise men having the knowledge of future, past and present). It is believed that they were descendants of Maga people or Sakadwipi brahmins. some claims that few of them had adopted heterodox (Janism, Budhism) religious practice.
Jyothish (Astrology) was a science of brahminical varna.The pracice of astrology was monoplised by Kaniyar or Ganaka, till the arrival of further groups of brahmins in pre medieval era. Brahmins were the only people who entitled for practicing the professions of ayurveda and teaching , apart from priestly service . So exempting the sacerdotal service , the teaching and ayurvedic practice were also monopolised avocations of Kaniyar or Ganaka till the medieval era.
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∙ 11y ago
Ganaka and Kaniyar are both terms used to refer to caste groups in India. Ganaka typically refers to traditional Brahmin priests or scholars, while Kaniyar can refer to a group traditionally associated with Astrology, ritual practices, and traditional healing. Both groups play specific social roles within the Indian Caste System.
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Why were the Kaniyar or Ganaka people called Asan?
The Ganaka or Kaniyar of south Kerala region in India were honored with the title Asan (malayalam corrupt word of sanskrit "Acharya') because of their functional role as teachers. The Kaniyar or Ganaka people were generally scholars in sanskrit and astrology. The Kaniyar or Ganaka Asans ( Acharya ) were the basic teachers of malayali of ancient and medieval kerala. Eventually all of their descendants were known as Asan.
What is the tradition of literacy in kerala and Kaniyar Asan?
Kaniyar (Ganaka) Asans were teachers of the past generations ,who had served as the sole media for sanskritastion of Kerala people.
When and why the Kaniyar or Ganaka discontinued sacred thread?
In karnataka the kaniyar community has never discontinued sacred thread ceremony.it will be invaribly celebrated at the young age of the boy .
Is Ganaka a caste or community?
Ganaka or Kaniyar is the caste name of traditional astrologers with origins in the states of Kerala and Karnataka. They are known by various other names such as Kanisan, Kanisu, Kani, Kaniyar Panicker, Kalari Panicker, Kalari Kurup, kaniyan, Balyaya, etc. in different local regions. Their ancestors were the first group of ancient Brahmins who reached into the south India region, far ahead of the arrival of the alien Brahmins of pre-medieval era.
Who are the Ganaka or Kaniyar?
Ganaka or Kaniyar is a caste name of traditional astrologers in south India. They are known by various other names such as Kanisan, Kanisu, kani, Kaniyar Panicker , Kalari Panicker,Kalari Kurup, kaniyan ,Balyaya etc as well, at different local regions. Their ancestors were the first group of ancient Brahmins who reached in south Indian region,far ahead of the arrival of the alien Brahmins of pre medieval era. Predecessors of Ganaka/kaniyar were earlier known by the name Arivor .More over they had a supreme status in social hierarchy by virtue of their excellent sense of past ,future and present (Trikaala ngani)and profound skills in guiding the society. They are actually descendants of sakadwipi Brahmins. Origin dates back to vedic period ,Before 2000BC . Their ancestors were " Maga"people came from indo- Iranian region, eventually migrated and settled at various parts of ancient India .Some of them had taken up the practice and belief of heterodox groups (Ajivka , Jainism, Budhism) . Later their predecessors become separated and segregated in to different groups by taking up different calling or names at different places. Ganak Brahmins in Assam , Acharya in Tripura , Graha Bipra in Bihar, Nakshtra Darsa, Jothishi in Orrisa, Joshi in western and central India, Kaniyar, Ganaka , Kaniyan kanikal, kaniyar panicker, kalari panicker in south India. Ganaka were scholarly people and were traditionally engaged in intellectual vocations such as Astronomy Astrology,Literature, Ayurveda, Teaching , physicking etc. Kannassa Panickers, Ayyappilli asan, and Ezhuthachan are some of the noted personalities among them who set out the process of development of a regional language ''Malayalam'' . Kaniyar or Ganaka people were the only media who enabled the sanskritasation of non Brahmins in the kerala region.Many historians including foreign travelers have noted their proficiency in mathematics and Sanskrit. In general, they had taken up the role of astute physical and psychic healers ,as astrology is said to have a major role in social regulation by means of social and individual psychological intervention. In Kerala region, they had many titles such as Bhata, kookaniyal, Nakaniyal, Panicker , Kurup, Asan, Kalari or Ezhuthu asan, Gurukkal, Viadyan or Vaidyar ,jyotsian or Jyotsiar confered to them by then local Royal authorities, in virtue of their eminence in the respective occupational fields such as royal court scholarship , martial art preceptior, teaching, Indian medicine and astrology. Eventually such titles were adopted by the descendant family members and regarded themselves as different sub sects. From 18th century or so the privileged titles such as Asan, Vaidyar or Vaidyan, Jolsian or Jyolsiar , Panicker become no longer restricted to the arena of Kaniyar or Ganaka community ,but members of other castes and religion were also found eager to adopt and hold such surnames. Many eminent and scholarly people among Ganaka had made tremendous contributions in astronomy, astrology , literature and ayurveda. It has enriched the Indian culture. { ex : Aryabhata Ganaka of 5th century AD, Kalidas Ganaka of AD 500 , Kumara Ganaka of 14thcentury AD,Ayippilli Asan of 14 th century AD (Ramacharitha pattu) ,Niranam poets (Kannassa panickers) ,Ezhuthachan (father of malayalam) ,Edakkadu Sankaran Kookaniyal etc}. Ganaka or Kaniyar were indeed the guiding spirits of the society. Kaniyar were noted for their indispensability to the society .Opinion of Kaniyar were keenly sought by every individual at the moments of auspiciousness and at times of misfortunes alike. Hence they were highly respected by the society till 16th century.
How did the Ganaka people lose their Brahmin status?
The Ganaka people lost their Brahmin status due to their firm egalitarian attitude in providing astrological service to all in the society (for King and sudra alike). Other Brahman groups considered the Ganaka to be inferior. In addition to that, the intolerance towards the Kaniyar people's excellence in ancient branches of science (astronomy, astrology and Ayurveda) and the Sanskrit language is also believed to have paved the way to degrading them to a lower status.
Who were the basic Teachers of ancient and medieval Kerala?
The Kaniyar or Ganaka Asans ( Acharya ) were the basic teachers of malayali of ancient and medieval kerala. The Kaniyar or Ganaka people were generally scholars in sanskrit and astrology. They were the only agents for sanskritisation of eligible non- brahmin people of Kerala till 17th century. For the acquisition of intellectual abilities in literacy and numeracy ,all non -Brahmin pupils of ancient and medieval kerala were indebted to Kaniyar or Ganaka Asans . Even though the sudra people were prohibetd from learning sanskrit in that era ,the Kaniyar or Ganaka Asans had taught them to read, write ,recite and calculate , along with the sanskrit literature ( kavyas ) and superficial knowledge of astronomy and astrology. They had set up ezhuthu salai and ezhuthu palli (kalari or pallikoodam) in pre- medieval and medieval era respectively . When most of the people lost their interest in intellectual pursuite and turned for martial training during the medieval period ,again the Kalari Panicker or Kalari Kurup of ( a sect of Kaniyar panicker) Kochin region become their preceptors (Asan ) in Kalari. Every academic year were begun on Vijaya dasami pooja day. Elementary education was initiated with oral learning and then allowed to practice with writing in sand , eventually taught them to scriblbe on palm leaf . Since 18th century ,the learned members from other castes had also begun take up the role of Asan and helped their pupil to acquire literacy and numeracy. During the later half of British imperialistic era ,the ezhuthupalli (pials) had lost its significance as the English education had gained a higher momentum.
Who were the basic Teachers of Malayali of ancient and medieval Kerala?
The Kaniyar or Ganaka Asans ( Acharya ) were the basic teachers of malayali of ancient and medieval kerala. The Kaniyar or Ganaka people were generally scholars in sanskrit and astrology. They were the only agents for sanskritisation of eligible non- brahmin people of Kerala till 17th century. For the acquisition of intellectual abilities in literacy and numeracy ,all non -Brahmin pupils of ancient and medieval kerala were indebted to Kaniyar or Ganaka Asans . Even though the sudra people were prohibetd from learning sanskrit in that era ,the Kaniyar or Ganaka Asans had taught them to read, write ,recite and calculate , along with the sanskrit literature ( kavyas ) and superficial knowledge of astronomy and astrology. They had set up ezhuthu salai and ezhuthu palli (kalari or pallikoodam) in pre- medieval and medieval era respectively . When most of the people lost their interest in intellectual pursuite and turned for martial training during the medieval period ,again the Kalari Panicker or Kalari Kurup of ( a sect of Kaniyar panicker) Kochin region become their preceptors (Asan ) in Kalari. Every academic year were begun on Vijaya dasami pooja day. Elementary education was initiated with oral learning and then allowed to practice with writing in sand , eventually taught them to scriblbe on palm leaf . Since 18th centuary ,the learned members from other castes had also taken up the role of Asan to conduct ezhuthu pallikkodam. During later half of the British imperialistic era ,the ezhuthupalli (pials) had lost its significance as the English education had gained tremendous momentum.
How does the Ramakatha paattu relate with the Asan community?
The author of the Ramakatha paattu was a member of the traditional astrology community of ancient Kerala. His name was Ayippally Asan. The traditional astrology community of Kerala was known as Kaniyar or Ganaka. Kaniyar people had two titles, Asan and Panicker, in southern and northern Kerala respectively. These titles were believed to be socially assigned to them by virtue of their preceptor status to the traditional martial art of Kerala (Kalaripayattu) and literacy and numeracy. The Author of Ramakatha paattu belonged to the Asan sect of Kaniyar, which lived in the southern region of Kerala, at Kovalam near Thiruvanthapuram.
Is Kaniyar or Ganaka a caste in India?
Ganaka or Kaniyar is a caste name of traditional astrologers in south India . They are known by various other names such as Kanisan, Kanisu, kani, Kaniyar Panicker , Kalari Panicker,Kalari Kurup, kaniyan ,Balyaya etc as well, at different local regions. Their ancestors were the first group of ancient Brahmins who reached in south Indian region,far ahead of the arrival of the alien Brahmins of pre medieval era. Predecessors of Ganaka/kaniyar were earlier known by the name Arivor .More over they had a supreme status in social hierarchy by virtue of their excellent sense of past ,future and present (Trikaala ngani)and profound skills in guiding the society. They are actually descendants of sakadwipi Brahmins. Origin dates back to vedic period ,Before 2000BC . Their ancestors were " Maga"people came from indo- Iranian region, eventually migrated and settled at various parts of ancient India .Some of them had taken up the practice and belief of heterodox groups (Ajivka , Jainism, Budhism) . Later their predecessors become separated and segregated in to different groups by taking up different calling or names at different places. Ganak Brahmins in Assam , Acharya in Tripura , Graha Bipra in Bihar, Nakshtra Darsa, Jothishi in Orrisa, Joshi in western and central India, Kaniyar, Ganaka , Kaniyan kanikal, kaniyar panicker, kalari panicker in south India. Ganaka were scholarly people and were traditionally engaged in intellectual vocations such as Astronomy Astrology,Literature, Ayurveda, Teaching , physicking etc. Kannassa Panickers, Ayyappilli asan, and Ezhuthachan are some of the noted personalities among them who set out the process of development of a regional language ''Malayalam'' . Kaniyar or Ganaka people were the only media who enabled the sanskritasation of non Brahmins in the kerala region.Many historians including foreign travelers have noted their proficiency in mathematics and Sanskrit. In general, they had taken up the role of astute physical and psychic healers ,as astrology is said to have a major role in social regulation by means of social and individual psychological intervention. In Kerala region, they had many titles such as Bhata, kookaniyal, Nakaniyal, Panicker , Kurup, Asan, Kalari or Ezhuthu asan, Gurukkal, Viadyan or Vaidyar ,jyotsian or Jyotsiar confered to them by then local Royal authorities, in virtue of their eminence in the respective occupational fields such as royal court scholarship , martial art preceptior, teaching, Indian medicine and astrology. Eventually such titles were adopted by the descendant family members and regarded themselves as different sub sects. From 18th century or so the privileged titles such as Asan, Vaidyar or Vaidyan, Jolsian or Jyolsiar , Panicker become no longer restricted to the arena of Kaniyar or Ganaka community ,but members of other castes and religion were also found eager to adopt and hold such surnames. Many eminent and scholarly people among Ganaka had made tremendous contributions in astronomy, astrology , literature and ayurveda. It has enriched the Indian culture. { ex : Aryabhata Ganaka of 5th century AD, Kalidas Ganaka of AD 500 , Kumara Ganaka of 14thcentury AD,Ayippilli Asan of 14 th century AD (Ramacharitha pattu) ,Niranam poets (Kannassa panickers) ,Ezhuthachan (father of malayalam) ,Edakkadu Sankaran Kookaniyal etc}. Ganaka or Kaniyar were indeed the guiding spirits of the society. Kaniyar were noted for their indispensability to the society .Opinion of Kaniyar were keenly sought by every individual at the moments of auspiciousness and at times of misfortunes alike. Hence they were highly respected by the society till 16th century. But, due to their firm egalitarian attitude in providing astrological service to all in the society (for King and sudra alike) ,other Brahman groups considered the Ganaka as inferior . In addition to that, the intolerance of the then power enjoying priestly community towards Kaniyar people's excellence in ancient branches of science (astronomy, astrology and Ayurveda) and Sanskrit language is also believed to have paved the way to degrade them to lower status. Different ocuppational groups were existed among them with different names such as Asan ,Ezhuthassan( Teaching reading writing and reciting ), Panicker, Ganaka, Kanisan(Hindu Astrology) Kalari panicker or Kurup (Martial art preception), Thinta(polluted) Kaniyan( exorcism ,palm leaf umbrella making) etc with each signifying their respective chief occupation. The Thinta Kaniyan (polluting Kaniyan) sect was an endo gamous group separated themselves from Kaniyar proper or Ganaka community.They were believed to be non talented ( intellectual vocations) members and their families from Kaniyar proper . Since they had taken up other vocations (such as Palm leaf umbrella making, exorcism, Kolam making) rather than practicing pure astrology , they had to undergo degradation to the status of underprivileged class . The higher social status of Ganaks was begun to lose since the medieval era, as the advances in modern science resulted in loss of relevance of Astrology Eventually they lost the significance of avocations such as traditional healers(Vaidyar) and Kalari sanskrit teachers (Asan) as the practice of western system of medicine and English teaching had pushed back the Ayurveda herbal healing and sanskrit eduaction . The British prohibition of traditional military practice has also made the kalari martial art preceptor (panickers) to lose their vocation. Even though their predecessors had a uniform and unique cultural practice , generally they observed the rituals and customs of high caste Hindu. subtle variations from region to region are seen in following such cultural practice.The humbleness in their behavior as a trait is believed to be a marker of esteem in high level of knowledge.
Who are Ganaka and Kaniyar?
Ganaka or Kaniyar is a caste name of traditional astrologers in south India . They are known by various other names such as Kanisan, Kanisu, kani, Kaniyar Panicker , Kalari Panicker,Kalari Kurup, kaniyan ,Balyaya etc as well, at different local regions. Their ancestors were the first group of ancient Brahmins who reached in south Indian region,far ahead of the arrival of the alien Brahmins of pre medieval era. Predecessors of Ganaka/kaniyar were earlier known by the name Arivor .More over they had a supreme status in social hierarchy by virtue of their excellent sense of past ,future and present (Trikaala ngani)and profound skills in guiding the society. They are actually descendants of sakadwipi Brahmins. Origin dates back to vedic period ,Before 2000BC . Their ancestors were " Maga"people came from indo- Iranian region, eventually migrated and settled at various parts of ancient India .Some of them had taken up the practice and belief of heterodox groups (Ajivka , Jainism, Budhism) . Later their predecessors become separated and segregated in to different groups by taking up different calling or names at different places. Ganak Brahmins in Assam , Acharya in Tripura , Graha Bipra in Bihar, Nakshtra Darsa, Jothishi in Orrisa, Joshi in western and central India, Kaniyar, Ganaka , Kaniyan kanikal, kaniyar panicker, kalari panicker in south India. Ganaka were scholarly people and were traditionally engaged in intellectual vocations such as Astronomy Astrology,Literature, Ayurveda, Teaching , physicking etc. Kannassa Panickers, Ayyappilli asan, and Ezhuthachan are some of the noted personalities among them who set out the process of development of a regional language ''Malayalam'' . Kaniyar or Ganaka people were the only media who enabled the sanskritasation of non Brahmins in the kerala region.Many historians including foreign travelers have noted their proficiency in mathematics and Sanskrit. In general, they had taken up the role of astute physical and psychic healers ,as astrology is said to have a major role in social regulation by means of social and individual psychological intervention. In Kerala region, they had many titles such as Bhata, kookaniyal, Nakaniyal, Panicker , Kurup, Asan, Kalari or Ezhuthu asan, Gurukkal, Viadyan or Vaidyar ,jyotsian or Jyotsiar confered to them by then local Royal authorities, in virtue of their eminence in the respective occupational fields such as royal court scholarship , martial art preceptior, teaching, Indian medicine and astrology. Eventually such titles were adopted by the descendant family members and regarded themselves as different sub sects. From 18th century or so the privileged titles such as Asan, Vaidyar or Vaidyan, Jolsian or Jyolsiar , Panicker become no longer restricted to the arena of Kaniyar or Ganaka community ,but members of other castes and religion were also found eager to adopt and hold such surnames. Many eminent and scholarly people among Ganaka had made tremendous contributions in astronomy, astrology , literature and ayurveda. It has enriched the Indian culture. { ex : Aryabhata Ganaka of 5th century AD, Kalidas Ganaka of AD 500 , Kumara Ganaka of 14thcentury AD,Ayippilli Asan of 14 th century AD (Ramacharitha pattu) ,Niranam poets (Kannassa panickers) ,Ezhuthachan (father of malayalam) ,Edakkadu Sankaran Kookaniyal etc}. Ganaka or Kaniyar were indeed the guiding spirits of the society. Kaniyar were noted for their indispensability to the society .Opinion of Kaniyar were keenly sought by every individual at the moments of auspiciousness and at times of misfortunes alike. Hence they were highly respected by the society till 16th century. But, due to their firm egalitarian attitude in providing astrological service to all in the society (for King and sudra alike) ,other Brahman groups considered the Ganaka as inferior . In addition to that, the intolerance of the then power enjoying priestly community towards Kaniyar people's excellence in ancient branches of science (astronomy, astrology and Ayurveda) and Sanskrit language is also believed to have paved the way to degrade them to lower status. Different ocuppational groups were existed among them with different names such as Asan ,Ezhuthassan( Teaching reading writing and reciting ), Panicker, Ganaka, Kanisan(Hindu Astrology) Kalari panicker or Kurup (Martial art preception), Thinta(polluted) Kaniyan( exorcism ,palm leaf umbrella making) etc with each signifying their respective chief occupation. The Thinta Kaniyan (polluting Kaniyan) sect was an endo gamous group separated themselves from Kaniyar proper or Ganaka community.They were believed to be non talented ( intellectual vocations) members and their families from Kaniyar proper . Since they had taken up other vocations (such as Palm leaf umbrella making, exorcism, Kolam making) rather than practicing pure astrology , they had to undergo degradation to the status of underprivileged class . The higher social status of Ganaks was begun to lose since the medieval era, as the advances in modern science resulted in loss of relevance of Astrology Eventually they lost the significance of avocations such as traditional healers(Vaidyar) and Kalari sanskrit teachers (Asan) as the practice of western system of medicine and English teaching had pushed back the Ayurveda herbal healing and sanskrit eduaction . The British prohibition of traditional military practice has also made the kalari martial art preceptor (panickers) to lose their vocation. Even though their predecessors had a uniform and unique cultural practice , generally they observed the rituals and customs of high caste Hindu. subtle variations from region to region are seen in following such cultural practice.The humbleness in their behavior as a trait is believed to be a marker of esteem in high level of knowledge.
When was Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka born?
Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka was born in 1937.
