Origin of Mohanty ( मोहांती) /Mahanty (महांती) /Mahanti(महांति) Surname & caste.

Surname (उपनाम/कुलनाम) and Title (उपाधि/पदवी):-

Throughout history, surnames have served as a means to categorize individuals into various groups based on factors such as occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, physical characteristics, and more. These surnames, often accompanied by titles or honors, are typically appended to individuals' given names.

सनकादि ऋषियों का एक  दिब्य एवं चमत्कारी

 मंत्र- हरि शरणम 

Surnames can generally be classified as either genealogical or professional, and in some cases, topographical. Genealogical surnames are passed down through generations and often originate from family names, some of which may have originated as personal names. Professional names, on the other hand, have also been adopted as family names and are commonly used as surnames.

For centuries, it has been customary to bestow titles upon individuals who have achieved distinction in areas such as intelligence, learning, wealth, honor, and other notable attributes. Those who have rendered meritorious service to their country have also been granted titles, which have subsequently become absorbed as family names or surnames passed down through generations.

The history of India, dating back to pre-Mughal times, illustrates how Hindu kings in power would confer titles upon individuals and families in recognition of their exceptional service to the nation or their leadership within society. This tradition was continued by the Pathan and Mughal rulers, as well as by their British successors.

Even after India gained independence, the practice of conferring awards, such as the Presidential honors on Republic Day, remains a continuation of the longstanding tradition of recognizing individuals for their valuable contributions to the nation.

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 size and positions.

Narayan Narayan Jai Jai Govind Hare.

Mahanty /Mahanti/Mohanty Surname:-
Mahanty alternative spellings Mahanti, Mohanty & Mahanthi(మహంతి)  is a surname mostly found in Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and rarely found in other parts of India and abroad.  

Origin of Mahanty /Mahanti/Mohanty Surname:-

The surname Mahanty, also spelled as Mahanti, Mohanty, and Mahanthi (మహంతి), finds its origin in the Sanskrit words "Mahan" and "Mahant," both of which mean "great." Mahanty and its variations denote individuals of significant influence who, owing to their personal charisma, intelligence, wisdom, or skill, harnessed their power in a way that had a profound and decisive impact, earning them the distinction of greatness.

This surname is unique in that it transcends caste boundaries and is bestowed as an honor upon those who have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, intellectual prowess, emotional intelligence, or functional competence in serving their state or province.

In historical contexts, the title (उपाधि/पदवी) of Mahanti, Mahanthi, Mohanty, or Mahanty was granted by the king, irrespective of caste considerations, to individuals possessing extensive knowledge of administration, accounting, and various other fields. These individuals were well-versed in the workings of the royal court and often displayed acts of valor. Over time, this title evolved into a hereditary surname, passed down through subsequent generations.

As a result of this historical practice, the surnames Mahanti, Mahanty, Mohanti, and Mohanty are found among various communities, including Utkala Brahmins, Karana, Kshatriya (Khandayat), and other castes. Consequently, different Gotras, Pravaras, Sutras, and Shakhas are associated with these surnames due to their diverse origins and historical significance.

*It is relevant to mention here Mahanty alternative spellings  Mohanty, Mahanti, Mahanthi is neither caste nor a family. It is only an honorific title(उपाधि/पदवी)। यह केवल एक उपाधि/पदवी है ,जैसे कि - Padma Bhushan - पद्म भूषण, Bidya Bhushan" विद्याभूषण, इत्यादि .

Hari Om 

Sri Krishna Bhajan

Sab kuch Sarkar Tumhi Se Hai

Mahanty /Mahanti Surname in West Bengal:-      

Origin of Mahanty/Mahanti surname in West Bengal:-

It is worth noting that Mahanty, alternatively spelled as Mahanti, reside in West Bengal and its surrounding regions. Among them, some belong to the Saraswat Brahmin category, while others are Halua Brahmins (Agrarian Brahmins), and a few are of the Kashyap gotri Nanda, falling under the Vedic Brahmin classification and all of them are descendants of Narasingha Nanda, Chaturbhuj Nanda, Swapneswar Nanda, and Adinath Nanda. 

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विद्यारूपेण संस्थिता
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

According to  Utkal Brahmin historians, Lal Nanda and Bhim Nanda were two brothers, and Rajguru & landowners, they resisted the attack of Maratha led by Raghoji I Bhonsale's general Pandit Bhaskar Ram Kolhatkar, widely known as Bhaskar Pandit in 1740-1742 AD. During this time King of Panchakot conferred them the new title( उपाधि/पदवी) Mahanty(মহান্তী)/Mahanti( মহান্তি) (महांती / महांति)।Here Mahanty/Mahanti means" great person".हिंदी- यहां  पर महांती का मतलब है -जो अत्यंत महान हो। বাংলা - এখানে মহান্তীর  অর্থ - যিনি অত্যন্ত মহান।

Palace of Panchakot where Lal Nanda & Bhim Nanda got the Mahanty title.

Later on, descendants of Bhim Nanda, Lal Nanda, and their other brothers were settled at Bansgad, Barabhum, Jharbagda, Hirbandh & Manbhum now under the Indian state of West Bengal and Singhbhum area now under in the Indian state of Jharkhand.

Manbhum, Singhbhum, Bankura-in the Imperial Gazetteer Atlas of India.

In course of time, the title Mahanty alternative spelling Mahanti became the surname of their descendants. During this time and later on, offspring /descendants of Lal Nanda & Bhim Nanda and their brothers were married to the Princess of Simlapal (previously known as Garh) and Bhelaidiha and the king of Simlapal ( Utkal Brahmin king of Mahapatra dynasty).

Simlapal Raj ruled by Utkal Brahmin King
सिमलापाल (आधुनिक नाम) गड़ (प्राचीन नाम)

and Bhelaidiha (Utkal Brahmin king of Mahapatra dynasty) settled their sons-in-law and daughters at Jarisha and Nutangarh and in some other places, as a result of this Mahanty/Mahanti community spread in Simlapal and its adjacent area in the Indian state of West Bengal. Besides this, some descendants of Bhim (Nanda) Mahanty were migrated into this region (Sarenga) after being invited by King/Zamindars of this region.

The Satapathy Brahmins of Simlapal serve as the kulapurohit for the Mahantys in Simlapal area. According to them, the Mahantys in the Simlapal region are acknowledged as Dev "Sharma," and the surname ''Dev- Sharmana"(Sanskrit) is utilized in all  religious rituals. They are Vedic Brahmin(वैदिक ब्राह्मण) of Kanyakubja origin and they  are the follower of Rig Veda & Shukla Yajur Veda (kanva Shakha). For this reason, they have been intermarrying exclusively with Vedic and priestly Brahmins since ancient times. 

Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye 

वैष्णव जन तो तेने कहिये

सच्चिदानन्दं परब्रह्म आद्याशक्तिं परेश्वरीम्।

अनन्तं च माधवं च नमामि पादपङ्कजे॥

Krishna Balaram Kirtan

Mohanty/Mahanti/Mahanty Surname in Odisha(ଓଡ଼ିଶା):- 

The popular Odia proverb "Jara nahi jati, taku bolanti Mohanty" conveys the message that Mohanty is not indicative of a specific caste or ethnicity but is simply a title.
Origin of Mohanty/Mahanti(ମହାନ୍ତି) surname in Odisha:- 
In Odisha Mohanty/Mahanty/Mahanti (ମହାନ୍ତି) surnames are mainly found among Saraswat or Sarua Brahmin (Loukik) Padhia Brahmin (Loukik), Bhadri Brahmin, Halua Brahmins, Khandayat (Kshatriya-क्षत्रिय), and Karana caste, but among Mohanty/Mahanty/Mahanti surname majority of them is Karana.

For this reason, there is a misconception in the mind of many people of Odisha that all the people who hold Mohanty/Mahanty/Mahanti surname (title) are Karana. 

Mohanty surname among Karana.

Mohanty is a privileged surname of the Karana. Karana is an intellectual community of Odisha and was anciently known for its excellence in accounting, record keeping & writing. It is pertinent to mention here  Karana got the title Mohanty from Gajapati king or by some other kings or by his feudatory kings. In the course of time, this title became the surname and the later generations inherited it. 

Mohanty surname among Khandayat.

Mohanty is a privileged surname of the Kshatriya or Khandayat caste of Odisha, comprising people who come from warrior classes and were anciently known for their greatness on the battlefield. It is pertinent to mention here Khandayats got the title Mohanty from Gajapati king or by some other kings or by his feudatory kings. In the course of time, this title became the surname and the later generations inherited it.

राष्ट्र रक्षा समं पुण्यं,राष्ट्र रक्षा समं व्रतम्, 

राष्ट्र रक्षा समं यज्ञो,दृष्टो नैव च नैव च।।

अर्थात्

 "राष्ट्र रक्षा के समान कोई पुण्य नहीं,

राष्ट्र रक्षा के समान कोई व्रत नहीं,

राष्ट्र रक्षा के समान कोई यज्ञ नहीं, ऐसा कहीं देखा नहीं गया है।"

Mohanty surname among Brahmins.

The Mohanty/Mahanti surname is primarily associated with several Brahmin communities in the state of Odisha, including Saraswat, Bhadri, and Halua Brahmins. This information is based on a research paper authored by Dr. Saroj Kumar Dhall and Dr. Priyadarshini Sahoo, published in Anthropo-In Dialogs, Volume 2, No. 2, ISSN: 2583-1070. The paper discusses the different types of Brahmins in Ganjam District of Odisha and provides insights into their social hierarchy. Here are the key points from the research paper:

1.Sasani or Danua Brahmin (Vaidik):

These are Vaidika Brahmins who perform various religious rites and accept 'daan'.

Common surnames among them include Mishra, Mahapatra, Acharya, Nanda, Kar, Ghanta, Hota, Udgata, Pani, Dash, Tripathy, Rajguru, and others.

They follow the Yajur Veda and are found in different districts of Odisha.

2.Padhia Brahmin (Loukik):

Padhia Brahmins are involved in performing various temple rites and ceremonies, including marriages and house-entering ceremonies.

Surnames among them include Padhi, Panda, Nayak, Sharma, Acharya, and others.

They are concentrated mainly in Chikiti and Patrapur Blocks in Ganjam District.

3.Saraswat or Sarua Brahmin:

These Brahmins claim to have migrated to Odisha from the banks of the river Saraswati under the patronage of King Yajati Keshari for performing the Aswamedha Yagna.

They are Yadurvedi Brahmins with surnames such as Dash, Acharya, Prahraj, Panda, Padhi, Brahma, Mishra, Sahu, Mahapatra, Patra, Panigrahi, Kar, Gantayata, Mahanti, and others.

They are mainly found in the Rushikulya Valley, particularly in areas like Purusotampur, Ganja, Belaguntha, Bhanja Nagar, Dharakota, and Shoroda.

4.Halua Brahmin (Balabhadra Gotri):

A significant population of Halua Brahmins resides in Ganjam District, particularly in areas such as Belagaon, Gandolla, Digapahandi, Patrapur, Chatrapur, Ganja, Rambha, Aska, Bhanja Nagar, and Goshaninuagon.

Common surnames among them include Sahu, Sabat, Panigrahi, Pradhan, Nayak, Padhi, Panda, Adhikari, Patra, Sharma, Samantaroy, Pani, Dash, Nepak, Paricha, and others.

Halua Brahmins are primarily engaged in agriculture.

5.Bhadri Brahmin:

Bhadri Brahmins are identified by surnames like Rath, Panigrahi, Panda, Padhy, Mahapatra, Pani, Sabat, Dash, Mahanti, Sahu.

They follow Sam Veda for auspicious occasions like marriage ceremonies and thread ceremonies.

They are primarily found in areas such as Sheragada, Badakhemundi, and Aska in Ganjam District.

This research paper provides valuable insights into the diverse Brahmin communities in Ganjam District, highlighting their roles, traditions, and regional concentrations.

कल्कि नाम संकीर्तनं।

I dedicate this writing for the peace of the departed soul of my only son late ৺  Akash Mahanty author of Waybackpy,Videohash, etc -Prabir kumar Mahanty.

Appreciation Mail of  Jeremie Lumbroso
lecturer Princeton University. USA

Gajapati Palace- Where Karanas, Khandayats, and few Brahmins of Odisha
got the Mohanty/Mahanti title

 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.

                                

1. Reference-The Genesis of Utkal Brahmin.

2. Family historian.
To read popular & famous- "The Genesis of Utkal Brahmins, Bhavishya Mâlika: End of Kali Yuga: Kalki Avatar : " 

Click on~🔗Utkala Brahmin : Bhavishya Mâlika: End of Kali Yuga: Kalki Avatar :-

Read >>🔗 Prathamastami-(प्रथमाष्टमी) प्रौढ़ाष्टमी ।

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।

Comment of Author:-
Comment of Author:-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 and will be deleted.