Vaishya Vani is a sub-caste of Vaishyas, one of the varnas of Hinduism. In the Gujarat state and the Daman territory, they are also known as Vaishnav or Vaishnav Vanik. In Uttara Kannada districts of Karwar and Ankola they are called as Kannada Vaishyas where Kannada is indicative of the region and not the Kannada language as their mother tongue is Konkani which they speak among themselves in the states of Gujrat, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

History

During the period of the Kadambas of Goa, they were known as Banajigas (merchants) who were engaged in trade. The reference to these Banajigas from Savoi Verem, Narve, Khandepar, Kapilagram, Bandivade and Taligram are mentioned in Khandepar copper plate of 1358 CE. Now they are proclaimed with various names like Vaishya Vani, Lingayat Vani, Hindu Vani or Vani.

Social status

OBC status was given to Vaishya Vanis in 2008 in Maharashtra, which was later removed in 2011. At present, certain sections of the sub-caste can avail OBC status based on historical considerations. However, the sub-caste is not listed in the Central List for the State of Maharahstra.