Iyengars of Bero ( Godi Bero ), West Bengal

Iyengars are Vaishnavite Brahmins. This community started taking shape about 1000 years ago based on the philosophy of Nathamuni.

.Ramanuja, the great saint and philosopher could formalize the Nathamuni’s efforts in to religious system of life style. There are to distinct sub sects of Iyengars known as Vadagalai or of Northern origin and Ten kali or Tamil origin. Basic traditions and culture of both the sub sects are same. They can be distinguished by colored religious mark on the forehead.Vadagalai male put U shaped mark while ten kali put Y shaped mark on the forehead.

History of settlement-

Iyengars are mainly settled in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh . A small section has settled in the village Bero (Godi Bero), Purulia, West Bengal. Migration of  this vaishnavite community from South India to a remote  village of  Purulia District of West Bengal is connected with the history of  Panchakot Raj, Although no authentic history of settlement Iyengars in Bero is available but  from the publication of Sri B.K.Gokhle,ICS,Settlement Officer Chotanagpur,named” Survey and Settlement Operation”,”, published in the year 1928 at Govt.Printing Press,Patna.It has been recorded that in the middle of 17^th century a learned and virtuous Brahmin named Trilochanacharya alias Tiru Ranga charya alias Trilochan .of Kanchi,while retuning from pilgrimage of various North Indian shrines on foot came to the foot hills of Panchakot for rest. While he was meditating cowherds nearby saw eminating radiant rays from his body.This supernatural phenomenon was reported to the then Maharaja of Panchakot state, Sri Satrughna Singh alias Gorur Narayan Singh.Maharaja, after seeing the wonderful phenomenon prayed him to live in his palace and to initiate him as his disciple..The saint did not agree to his proposal but agreed to send his brother Rangaraj who was also a saint of high order to become the Guru of Maharaja of Panchakot.After some time probably in the year 1651 brother of Tirumalacharya,Sri Rangaraj arrived at Panchakot and  met the maharaja.Later the saint initiated the maharaja as his disciple.After few days sri Rangaraj  moved his residence to the foothill of Bero hills and prayed for the Mohantaship of the deity Sri Keshab Roy Jiu of the Bero temple.The Maharaja of Panchakot state granted him Sevait(custodian) of the deity and also made him custodian of 57 1\2 Mouzas of Devattar state on behalf of the deity.Other family members of Sri Rangaraj were also brought to Bero.So the village Bero became the permanent seat(Gadi) of Mohantta.since then Bero is also known as Gadi Bero.This also marked the beginning of settlement of Iyengars in this part of  Eastern India.

In course of time many other Iyengar families from different parts of the then Madras Province migrated to this village under the patronage of the Raj Guru and the Maharaja of Panchakot. The Maharaja had special likings for this Vedic orthodox south Indian Brahmins.Brahmotter properties were donated to each such family Migration continued till 19^th century during the tenure of different maharajas, In the mean time the capital of the Panchakot state shifted to Kashipur village after the attack of Bargis.More than forty families settled in this village and gradually adapted to the new socio-linguistic environment.. .This micro settlement of Iyengars kept intact the south Indian traditions and customs and with the passage of time local cultures were also adapted .Functions like Upanayan,Marriage etc. are still being held  in South Indian traditions..

Survival of Iyengars in this alien environment can be attributed to their contributions in the field of Education and culture of the area. Establishment of a High School by the then Mahanta Raj Gopal Acharya Goswami in the village was an impotant step. Later on with the contributions from Iyengar community and also from other donors High School for girls was also established.Since the abolition of zamindari agricultural income of Iyengars of the village was reduced and migration of educated youth for job began. New settlements within the country and abroad are being made by the Iyengars from Bero .Many of them are maintaining contact with their ancestral place. It is expected that this article will evoke response from all persons belonging to Iyengar community who have direct or indirect connection with the place. Their suggestions are welcome.

A number of persons belonging to Godi Bero Iyengar community have contributed in different walks of life such as  Dr V Ranga Chari,Mathematician,Dr Govinda Chari,Pricipal,Patna Medical College,Dr N K Achari,Neuro Surgeon Dr A N Achari Physician,Sri S.Vir Raghab Achari,Freedom fighter,Sri Basudeb Achari,MP,