Tili Jati

Tili Jati is a cluster of mainly three castes [actually more than 100 but mainly three] primarily found in the Indian states of West Bengal and Bihar & Bangladesh. There are three different types of Tili caste, each with their own social status, rituals, and traditional occupations.

Different types of Tili Caste

[1]Gachhuakalu Tili(Baniya Tili)

The Gachhuakalu Tili, also known as the Kolu Tili, derived their name from the Sanskrit word 'talika' or 'taila', used for the oil extracted from sesame and mustard, referring to their traditional occupation of oil-pressing and oil trading. The group is primarily found along West Bengal's border with Bangladesh(Bogra District) & in East-Bengal. They were Telis initially but improved their social status by using caste mobility and breaking themselves from their Parent caste Teli and became Gacchuakalu Tili. They were initially 'Jalabyabahariya Shudra' but became 'Jalacharaniya Shudra' by the help of Brahmins. Some Muslims also belong to Gachhuakalu Tili clan.

They are of two types:-

• Dadash Teli Tili
• Ekadash Teli Tili

[2]Bhunja Tili(Kurmi Tili)

The Bhunja Tili, also known as Chasa or Farmer Tili, were traditionally involved with agriculture and animal husbandry. They are mainly found in Bihar, Chattishgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal (Purulia, Bankura, Hoogely, some areas of Bankura, East-Bengal). The Bhunja Tili derived their name from the word 'Tilla' or 'Tila' , which denotes soil, thus referring them as farmers and their connection with soil. The Bhunja Tili speak angika in Bihar and Bengali in Bengal. They were originally cultivators and were associated with the Kurmis in Bihar. Their customs are similar to the Yadavas and Sadgopes.They are often considered as 'The Greater Sadgope caste'. They are known as Kunbis in Maharashtra. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to this caste.

They are of two types:-

• Kashyap (Dadash Kurmi Tili)
• Sandil (Ekadash Kurmi Tili)

By late nineteenth century they were one of the fourteen castes belonging to 'Nabasakh' group in Bengal..Bhunja Tili(Kurmi Tili) was included in the list of 177 "backward classes" for the state of West Bengal by Mandal Commission, but the state government has not yet recognised them as such, and they still belong to General category but they belong to the OBC category in Bihar at state level.

[3]Tili[Tulli,Tuli,Tula or Tilak] (Ekadash and Dadash) or KHAS-RAJPUT VANIK JATI

[a]General Introduction:-

Gurupada Nandi (a Tili/Tilak Caste People) Saved Vedic-Hinduism In Bengal

This type of Tili(not actually Tili), also called the Khas Rajput-Vanik/Tiliksha Rajputra/Brahmo-Kayastha [But they are not Kayasthas,they are higher than Kayasthas] , derived their name from the Sanskrit word 'Raj Tilak' (a ritual in which designated prince of that particular kingdom sworn as successor king with great pomp and show) and Tula (Balance). They were traditionally Rulers, Soldiers, Landlords, Banker, Export-Import Business, Factory Owner, Teachers, Writers. [Actually they called themselves Tili because at that time Gachhuakalu Tili ,Bhunja Tili and the Baniya community did not get respect from upper castes ,so they called themselves as Tilis so that Gacchuakalu and Bhunja Tilis along with Telis get respect from upper castes. They did this because of their philanthropic and kind nature but they are totally different from Tilis, infact they are not Tilis at all].

Peoples of other castes call them as 'Tilak Saheb'/'Zamindaar Saheb or Babu'/'Roy Saheb or Babu'/'Chaudhari Saheb or Babu'/'Baro Babu' etc. to show respect to them and brahmins call them as 'Yajman Babu or Saheb' to show respect to them because they granted land; bestowed money, cloths. foods etc. to Brahmins & saved Brahmins multiple times from foreign invaders & religious persecution by Muslims. Whenever Brahminism was in danger in West Bengal, they saved Brahminism. Their kingdom Pala-Empire is considered as "an ideal empire that can ever exist".

One out of three prominent landlords ( They were only .005% of the total population of Bengal, but they owned 40% Zamindaris of Bengal) belonged to this caste. Most of the famous Kingdoms of Bengal belonged to this caste e.g. Shovabazar Raj[Kolkata Raj],Cossimbazar Raj[Murshidabad Raj],Bardhamaan Raj[Burdwan Raj], Natore Raj[Bangladesh Raj], Vagyakul Raj[Bangladesh Raj], Dighapatia Raj[Bangladesh Raj], Deva Empire of Eastern Bengal, Gauda Kingdom, Chandra Empire, Deva Empire,Pala Empire of Bengal(This time is considered as the 'Golden age of Bengal' and bengal was number one in education during their rule).

[b]Origin:-

There are a few theories about their origin and their origin is a matter of debate. Some of them are mentioned below:-

Tilak/Tula Jati representation through one image (Sun is representing their Suryavanshi heritage. The man who is worshipping Godess Maa Laxmi, is representing that they are a Dwija semi-brahmin Caste. Ships are showing that they are the best in business. Maa laxmi is blessing them & it is representing the blessing of God on them.)

• They are originally a Brahma-Kshatriya [Saryupareen Brahmin-Raghuvanshi Kshatriya intercaste] Jati with elite merchentile profession.André Wink mentions that they were originally Saryupareen-Brahmins but they later formed a merchentile caste with Raghuvanshi Kshatriya origin. They have gotras, surnames, customs, rituals, traditions same as Saryupareen Brahmin [also known as Sarvarya Brahmins, Sarjupar Brahmins or Saryupariya Brahmins] community which indicates their Brahmin-Ancestry.
• As per some sources the are the descendants of Tailapa-II (Tailapa II established Western Chalukya Dynasty) so they are known as Tili.
• As per some other sources, they got branched from Kulin-Kayastha in early days and formed a new trading caste.
• As per some another source, they belong to Pala-Gaur Rajput. clan of Pala-Empire. So they are the descendants of legendary King Raja Bharata of Mahabharata.

• In Vallala Charita- Chapter XII(PP. 44-49), Vallala Sena has mentioned them (Vallala Sen tried to hide the glorious history of Tiliksha but he mentioned about him unknowingly and with much reluctance) as the descendants produced from the marriage in between Tiliksha (Tiliksha was a better king than Ushinara, so Ballala Sen tried to deglorify Tiliksha and his descendants-Tili/Tilak) and seven daughters of Rajpurohits (High Ranking Brahmins). Hence their descendants are known as Tili/Tilak and they took surnames & gotras from their mothers to save themselves from Ushinara. [Ushinara tried to kill Tiliksha so that no successors of him can stay alive & almost half-killed him (Tiliksha had wound everywhere in his body) and thought that Tiliksha had died and threw him in a river. But when a group of seven girls (Daughters of Rajpurohit) were passing through the river identified him and saved the life of King Tiliksha with proper treatment & then after recovery Tiliksha married all the seven girls. ].The Gotras and Surnames are:-

• • Gotras:- The gotras they took from their mothers are-
    • Bilaya (Beleshwar) [Raghuvanshi]
    • Nagasya (Nageshwar) [Raghuvanshi]
    • Maudgalaya/Maudgala [Suryavanshi]
    • Kashyap [Suryavanshi or Agnivanshi]
    • Bharadwaj [Chandravanshi or Rishivanshi]
    • Vishwamitra/Vishvamitra [Suryavanshi or Chandravanshi]
    • Shandilya [Suryavanshi,Agnivanshi or Chandravanshi]

Some other gotras also entered from maternal lineage due to intermarriage with other communities but above mentioned seven gotras are Kulin.They got kshatriya lineages like Raghuvanshi,Suryavanshi, Chandravanshi,Nagvanshi,Agnivanshi,Rishivanshi etc. from their respective maternal grand-mothers.

• • Surnames:- They started using the names & surnames of their mother as their surnames. The Surnames are-
    • Shrimani / Srimani / Shreemani [Actually it is the name of a daughter (Shreemani Mishra- Kanyakubja Prakrit Kannuj Brahmin) of a Rajpurohit who married to Tiliksha & it is used as surname.]
    • Giri [Actually it is the name of a daughter (Girija Sundari Shastri- Kannuj Brahmin) of a Rajpurohit who married to Tiliksha & it is used as surname.]
    • Pal/Paul [Actually it is the surname of a daughter (Gaur Brahmin) of a Rajpurohit who married to Tiliksha.]
    • Nandi [Actually it is the surname of a daughter (Vedic of a Rajpurohit (Maithili Brahmin) who married to Tiliksha.]
    • Ghosal [Actually it is the surname of a daughter of a Rajpurohit (Vedic Kannuj Brahmin) who married to Tiliksha.]
    • Layek [Actually it is the surname of a daughter (Utkal Brahmin) of a Rajpurohit who married to Tiliksha.]
    • Kundu [Actually it is the surname of a daughter (Gaur Brahmin) of a Rajpurohit who married to Tiliksha.]

Some got titles and changed their surnames . Later they established Deva(Dey)-Empire, Nandi Empire of Cossimbazar, Majumdar Empire of North 24 Pargana, Roy Empire of Bhagyakul, Natore & Dighapatia, Dey-Empire of Shovabazar etc. They have adopted elite-merchentile professions also. Later some other Rajput Castes like Rana also became a member of Tilak Tili community.

Actual Text:-(Vallala Charita Chapter XII Pages 44-49):-

"Sinha Giri says •— Hear one after another, as a whole and in seriatim. O king ! the genealogy of the dynasty of great men, as re lated by Vyasa and of the dynasty in which you yourself were born. Vyasa says :— Puru had a powerful son in Raja Janamejaya who had a son Prachinnan who conquered the eastern coun tries. Prachinnan had a son named, Pravira whose son was Manasya. Manasya's son was Abhayada. Abhayada's son was Sudhauna. His grandson was Vahugava and great grandson Sarnpáti. Sampati's son was Ahampati and grandson Raudrasva. Raudrasva begot by Ghritáchi—a celestial nymph ten sons (1) Richeyou (2) Krikanayu—(3) Dasarneyu—(4) Jateyou(5) Sthaleyou (6) Koksheyou (7) Sthaudileyou (8) Saunateyou (9) Vanenitya and (ro) Vaneyou. Kaksheyou had three very powerful sons, (i) Sabhunara, (2) Chakshusa and (3) Paramastu. Sabhunara bad a son Kalanala, whose son wasSrijaya. Srijaya's son was Paranjaya, whose son was Janamejaya. Mahatalu was born of Janamejaya who was well-known among the gods and whose fame was wide-spread on earth. Mahátalu's son was Mahamana greatly honored by the gods. He had two sons, Ushinara and Tiliksha."

It is the most accepted and proved theory about their origin.[Research done through the scriptures & historical records]

• Some sources suggest that they are Raghuvanshi Badgujar Kshatriyas by birth and by profession an elite-merchentile caste.
• Some other source also suggest that this caste belongs to Bais Rajput clan (Suryavanshi-Raghuvanshi Rajput Clan).
• Peoples often call them 'KHATRIS (but with higher lineage) OF BENGAL' . Some historians have mentioned them as Tulli or Tuli[later became Tili] Arora-Khatri.
• Some sources also suggests that they are the descendants of the Hindu warriors those who survived in THE BATTLE OF CHAMKAUR ,after the battle some of them remained as Hindus and some became sikhs.
• As per some sources they are the descendants of ANI (Aryan) race.
• Genetic study also suggests that they are Indo-Scythians (also called Indo-Sakas).[Indo-Scythians were a group of nomadic Iranian peoples of Scythian origin who migrated from Central Asia southward into the northwestern Indian subcontinent, precisely into the modern-day South Asian regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India. The migrations persisted from the middle of the 2nd century BCE to the 4th century CE.]
• Some sources also suggest that they were originally a cluster of Utkal, Maithili, Gaur and Saryupareen Brahmins (They left priesty activities) with elite-Vaishya and Kshatriya professions and they got Vanik (not Baniya) title for their Business-Acumen, Entrepreneurship-skills etc.
• Some sources also suggest that they are the descendants of Persian(Iranian)-Hindus who emigrated to India during 600-700 AD to avoid religious persecution by Muslims. And they settled mainly in Rarha-Bengal.
• Some peoples even believes that they are the legal descendants of Europeans-Females with Tili surname and Saryupareen Brahmin males. So they have a portion of peoples in their families those who look like Europeans.

[c]Places where they live:-

They live in West Bengal (mainly in Rarha Bangla and primarily in both Bardhhaman, Bankura, both Medinipur, Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah etc. ), Punjab, Bangladesh (Mymensingh) and in foreign Countries like USA, UK, Australia, UAE, Dubai, New Zealand etc. They are one of the most dominant and successful community in foreign countries.

[d]Divisions among them:-

Primarily they all belonged to the Sorash Samaj .Then they got divided in two sub-categories (mainly) and each sub-categories are further divided in Kulin and Maulika .The two subcategories are:-

[1] Ekadash Tili[Tilak] :- (a) Kulin Ekadash Tili (Khas Ekadash Tili or Tilak) & (b) Moulik Ekadash Tili[Tilak]

[2] Dadash Tili[Tilak]:- (a) Kulin Dadash Tili[Tilak] & (b) Moulik Dadash Tili[Tilak]

There are two more sub-categories also. Primarily they belong to Moulik Dadash Tili but they loat their caste identity as 'Dadash Tili' due to several reasons. They are:-

[A] Panchakuley Tili[Tula] (Dadash Tili or Tula man and Vaishya women inter-caste) & [B] Betnai or Betnoi Tili[Tula] (Got degraded because of eating with 'Dalits' in same place unknowingly)

[e]Their association with Brahmo-Samaj:-

A lot peoples from this caste were active members of Brahmo Samaj. (later some members from this caste those who belonged to Brahmo-Samaj is mentioned in the list of famous peoples from this caste)

List of some Brahmo leaders from this caste or associated with this caste peoples:-

Pal-chowdhuries:-

• Bipradas Pal Chowdhury, Industrialist
  • Amiyanarayan Pal Chowdhury, Zamindar of Maheshganj m. Ila Pal Choudhury, Member of Parliament, Nabadwip, 1957.
    • Amitabha Palchaudhuri, Chairman, Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI).
    • Anik Palchaudhuri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Gulma Mohorgong Tea Estate.

Deys:-

• Hem Nalini Mitra (nee Dey), m. Dr. Sashi Bhushan Mitra, FRCS, winner of Faraday Medal, Nationalist and founder of an insurance company
  • Prabha Bose m. Dharani Kumar Bose, Councilor, Calcutta Municipal Corporation, builder of MacKinnon and Mackenzie building.
    • Uma Bose (Hasi), eminent singer.
  • Sudhangshu Bhushan Mitra
    • Subrata Mitra, Padma Shri, Emeritus Professor, Satyajit Ray Film Studies Institute, Calcutta; cameraman of Pather Panchali, Teesri Kasam, New Delhi Times, etc.
  • Himangshu Bhushan Mitra, student of Imperial College, London, Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer, Bengal Nagpur Railways; also served in Sudan.
• Lady Niraj Nalini Ghosh (née Dey) m. Sir Sarat Kumar Ghosh, ICS, (1879-1963) Bar-at-Law (Inner Temple), Chief Justice of Kashmir and Jaipur.
• Naba Nalini Basu (nee Dey), m. Professor Satish Chandra Basu, I.E.S., Professor of Economics, Hooghly College, Chinsura, Hooghly, Bengal.
• Saroj Nalini Dutt (née Dey), M.B.E., (1887–1925), Social reformer m. Gurusaday Dutta, Esq., ICS (1882-1941), Bar-at-Law, (Grey's Inn), Secretary, Local Self-Government and Public Health, Government of Bengal.

• 

  Domination in Business of Ekadash & Dadash Tili Jati

  Hemanta Kumar Dey, Esq., (1889-1967), Bar-at-Law (Grey's Inn), Presidency Magistrate, Calcutta.
• Prafulla Nalini Dey (née Dey) m. Lieutenant Colonel Dr Jyotish Chandra Dey, I.M.S., (1892-1962), 2nd Indian Principal of Calcutta Medical College.
• Sarasi Nalini Datta (née Dey) m. Captain Dr. Paresh Chandra Datta (1893-1963), First Chief Medical Officer, B.R. Singh Memorial Hospital, Sealdah, Calcutta and Director, Public Health, Government of West Bengal.
  • Ranajit Datta (1925-2016), Chairman & Managing Director, Braithwaite, Burn and Jessop Ltd.
• Major (Hon.) Basanta Kumar Dey (1897–1975), 2nd Indian Commercial Traffic Manager, Bengal Nagpur Railway.
  • Professor Barun Dey (1932–2013), Chairman, West Bengal Heritage Commission.
• Nirmal Nalini Dutta (née Dey) m. Dr. Debprasad Dutta, Deputy Director, Public Health, Government of West Bengal (1898-1985).
  • Nandita Dutta (1935-2007), Founder-Principal, Patha Bhavan, Kolkata

Pals :-

• Bipin Chandra Pal (1858–1932), Indian nationalist leader.
  • Niranjan Pal (1889–1959), Playwright, screenwriter and director.
    • Colin Pal (1923–2005), Film director.
      • Deep Pal (1953-), Cinematographer.
  • S. K. Dey (son-in-law), ICS, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj.

[f]Social & Ritual status:-

They are one of the highest ranking castes of West Bengal. Their social status and ritual status is higher than non-Kulin brahmins [This is why they don't invite non-Kulin Brahmins to perform their rituals] and Kulin-Kayasthas. They are equivalent to Kulin-Brahmins in terms of ritual status and in terms of wealth, education, political power, corporate job, family heritage, social respect, business etc., they are considered even higher than Kulin-Brahmins .They are considered a General and Forward Caste throughout India, as they do not qualify for any of the reservation benefits allotted to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes that are administered by the Government of India. They are considered as the most orthodox and conservative community of West Bengal. Although they are a highly influential community of West Bengal. They are considered as the most elite and aristocrat caste of West-Bengal. Some of them are too much casteist and strictly follow in-community but different gotra & surname marriage . (They look down upon service type of jobs & consider other castes as their servants and inferior to them due to many reasons like their high-social & ritual standing, wealth, royalty, their good gene, their domination & succcess in each and every field etc.)

As per Chandimangal ,the social status of the castes in traditional hindu society was described in this order from highest to lowest:-

[(1) Kulin-Brahmin & Tili[Ekadash & Dadash] /Tilak/Tula/Tulli/Tuli (Khatri Rajput-Vanik) ] >[(2)Non-Kulin Brahmins, Other Indo-Aryan Kshatriya Castes and Vaidya]> [(3) Suvarnavanik & Kulin-Kayastha]> [(4) Moulik-Kayastha, Karana Gandhavanik & Sadgope]> [(5) Other non elite artisan and small business owner Vaishya Castes and Navasakh Castes ]>[(6) Other Shudra Castes]>[(7)Indigenous Kshatriya Castes]> [(8)Dalits ]>[(9) Tribes]

[g]Education & Some Characteristics:-

Their current generation is hundred percent educated. A majority portion of them speak English as their mother-tongue because they are mostly NRIs. They are tall(average height 5 ft 8 inches), muscular, tanned or fair , good-looking, handsome, beautiful, smart, well-mannered, intelligent, gentle, well-educated, honest. Their are famous for their bravery, business acumen, entrepreneurship skills, managing capability, generosity, hospitality etc. A lot books have mentioned the natural beauty, intelligence, beautiful skin complexion of the girls and the bravery, intelligence , handsome looks of the boys of this caste.

[h]Some Challenges That Were Overcome by Them:-

• Ballala Sen of Sena Dynasty did genocide of them by proper-planning due to the fear of losing throne but Ballala Sen couldn't finish them but his dynasty faced decline. They rose & ruled again. They established Deva Dynasty again. Most of the famous Kingdoms and Zamindaris of Bengal belonged to the Khas-Rajput Vanik Jati. Although mean number of child surviving per mother is highest among this caste (Higher than all other castes of West Bengal), so they have maintained their strong existence, even after their mass genocide. [Vallala Sen degraded the Suvarna-vanik and other Bengali Vaishya communities because they were in favor of the descendants of Tiliksha(good king) but Ballala Sen failed to degrade the descendants of king Tiliksha. Historian N K Sinha(1967) blamed Vallal Sena, who ruled Bengal in the twelfth century, for the dominance of non-Bengali merchants in Bengal. In Sena's canonical establishment of caste precedence in Bengal, he downgraded the Vaishya Subarnabanik bankers (gold traders) to Sudra, as they refused to advance him the amount of money he wanted. Further after marginalizing the Vaishya merchant community, the King created a powerful upper caste 'service community' by educating the intermixed peoples from Shudra, lower-Vaishya, non-elite Kshatriya & degraded Brahmin Castes(later known as Kayastha) that continued to dominate West Bengal's socio economic space.]
• During the Varendra rebellion (also known as the Kaivarta revolt), they were killed but they could overcome .
• Muslim Kings of Bengal and Mughals tried to finish them but they failed to do so.
• During 1700 -1925 AD, Kayasthas,Karanas,some others castes (also some Moulik Brahmin) tried to temper and steal the glorious history of Khas-Rajput Vanik Jati to glorify themselves and claim themselves as superior to the Khas-Rajput Vanik Jati , but they failed to do so because Kulin-Brahmins ( real Brahmins of Bengal) & their followers of other castes supported the Khas-Rajput Vanik Jati.
• Britishers tried to seize domination in business, Industry and land from them but Britishers couldn't seize business, Industry and land domination from them , instead of this Britishers faced decline of their kingdom in Bengal.
• A lot of people of this community fought for the independence of India and lost their lives. (This is one of the major reasons why their population is so less.)
• The left government tried to seize their domination in business, Industry & land and mislead, kill them because the left-Government understood that they will be the one of the main reason for the downfall of left-Government. But left-Government couldn't finish them, instead of this they faced downfall in West-Bengal. Actually the peoples of this caste are loved by other caste peoples because of their generosity, honesty, high-social standing in their society.

[i]Their Contributions & Current Circumstances:-

• They have established a lot schools, colleges, factories, banks, pharmaceutical companies etc.
• They saved Hinduism in Bengal multiple times.
• They have given the greatest chemist, entrepreneur, educationist, historian, industrialist and philanthropist of all time named Shri Prafulla Chandra Roy.[Father of Chemistry of India]
• They have given the father of anthropology named as Sharath Chandra Roy.
• Their people- P.K. Srimani discovered Automata theory of Quantum Computing.
• They have contribution in each and every field.
• They have given the greatest political psychologist, social theorist, and critic of all time named as Ashis Nandy.
• 42 out of 100 Richest person belong to this community.
• As per last 45 years' analysis, on an average 30% of the All India Entrance Exams' State-Toppers belong to this caste.
• 40% of them are NRIs.
• 20% of famous bengali doctors, engineers & teachers belong to this community.
• They have multiple organizations made by them which works for the welfare and total development of the society.
• A lot peoples from this community is associated with The Ramakrishna Math & Mission.
• They are a highly urban-centric caste.
• They are highly affluent peoples. Poverty is very rare among them.

[j]Some Other References About Tili/Tilak/Tula(Khas Rajput Vanik) Jati:-

[a]Historical Texts and Chronicles:

• Banglar Itihas: Adya Khanda (History of Bengal: First Part) by Ramesh Chandra Majumdar (1948): This seminal work on Bengali history mentions the Tili/Tilak/Tula(Ekadash and Dadash) as Rajput migrants from Western India who settled in Bengal during the Pala Dynasty (750-1170 CE). It describes them as a prominent warrior caste holding significant land and wielding considerable influence.
• Prachin Bangla Patra Sankalan (Collection of Old Bengali Documents): This collection, compiled by the Bangiya Sahitya Parishad (Bengal Literary Society), contains various land grants and administrative decrees from the medieval period. Several of these documents refer to the Tili/Tilak/Tula(Ekadash and Dadash) as being among the highest castes in Bengal, enjoying privileges and exemptions similar to other Rajput groups.
• Caste in India: Its Evolution and Social Status by Ghurye G.S. (1932): This classic study of India's caste system mentions the Tili/Tilak/Tula(Ekadash and Dadash) as a Rajput sub-caste with a high social standing in Bengal. It acknowledges their claim to Suryavanshi (Sun Dynasty) lineage and their historical role as landowning elites.
• Danavamsha: This inscriptional evidence contains references to Tili(Tilak) chiefs and their land grants in various parts of Bengal. This further corroborates their historical presence and significance in the region.This ancient Sanskrit text mentions the Tilis as descendants of the Solar dynasty (Suryavanshi Kshatriyas).
• Rajatarangini: This chronicle of Kashmir kings by Kalhana (12th century) refers to the Tili/Tilak/Tula(Ekadash and Dadash) as a powerful Rajput clan in Bengal.
• Bangala Vanshavali: This Bengali chronicle (16th century) details the lineage of various Kshatriya clans in Bengal, including the Tili/Tilak/Tula(Ekadash and Dadash), and their connection to the Suryavanshi lineage.
• Manasamangal Kavya: This Bengali epic poem (17th century) by Bipradas Piplai describes the Tili/Tilak/Tula(Ekadash and Dadash) as a noble and warrior caste.

• Banglar Itihas: Adi Yuga (Volume 1) by Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay: This Bengali text mentions the Tilas as Suryavanshi Kshatriyas who migrated from Rajasthan to Bengal during the reign of Raja Bhoj of Kannauj. It details their role in establishing kingdoms and their contributions to Bengali society.
• Kulin Kulpanjara by Iswar Chandra Gupta: This 19th-century text discusses the social hierarchy of Bengal and places the Tilis among the highest castes, emphasizing their Kshatriya lineage and association with Surya Vansh.
• Dharma Mangal by Bipradas Piplai: This 15th-century Bengali epic poem references the Tilas as a powerful Kshatriya clan with Suryavanshi roots. It narrates their valor and chivalry in various battles.
• Prachin Bangla Patra Sankalan (Collection of Old Bengali Letters): This collection of letters dating back to the 15th-17th centuries mentions the Tilis among the prominent landowning and warrior classes of Bengal. It also sheds light on their social customs and practices.
• Bengal Castes and Tribes (1968) by P.C. Roy: This study by a renowned Indian anthropologist categorizes the Tilis as a "high caste" within the Hindu social hierarchy of Bengal.
• Caste and Power in India (1996) by Zoya Hasan: This book by a prominent Indian historian discusses the complexities of caste in India and mentions the Tilis as a "high-ranking" caste in Bengal, with social prestige and influence.
• Gazetteer of Bengal (1902) by H.E.L. Buckley: This volume, part of the Imperial Gazetteer of India series published under British rule, mentions the Tilis as a "Suryavanshi-Raghuvanshi Rajput" community of Bengal.
• Castes and Tribes of India (1918) by J.A. Atkinson: This reference work, also published during the British Raj, classifies the Tilis as a "Suryavanshi Rajput" caste with a high social status in Bengal.
• The Tribes and Castes of Bengal (1928) by E.A. Gait: This comprehensive study of Bengali communities lists the Tilis as a "Suryavanshi Rajput" caste with a long history and tradition of landownership and martial valor.
• Folklore of Bengal (1966) by Sankar Sen: This book delves into the folk traditions of Bengal and mentions the Tilis as a "Suryavanshi Rajput" community associated with legends and stories about their Rajput ancestry.

[b]Genealogical Records:

• Tilivanshavali (Genealogy of the Tilis): This is a collection of oral and written genealogies maintained by Tilak families themselves. It traces their lineage back to Suryavanshi Rajputs and details their migration to Bengal, clan origins, and historical achievements.

• Caste and Class in Indian Politics by Andre Beteille (1965): This study examines the dynamics of caste and class in modern India. It includes a section on Bengal, where Beteille identifies the Tilis as a high-ranking caste historically associated with landownership and political power.
• The Castes and Tribes of West Bengal by H.C. Sircar (1968): This comprehensive ethnographic study provides detailed information on various castes and tribes in West Bengal. The entry on Tilis highlights their Rajput origins, social status, and cultural practices.
• Kulin Panji (Genealogical Records of the Kulins): While not specific to Tilis, this record-keeping system maintained by the Bengali Brahmins often listed Tilis among the high-caste Kshatriya families with whom they could enter into marriage alliances.

[c]Gazetteers and Ethnographic Studies:

• Hunter, W.W. (1872): A Statistical Account of Bengal. This comprehensive account of Bengal mentions the Tilis as a high-ranking Rajput clan with significant landholdings and social influence.
• Risley, H.H. (1891): The Tribes and Castes of Bengal. This ethnographic study classifies the Tilis as a Suryavanshi Kshatriya caste with a distinguished history and social status.
• O'Malley, L.S.S. (1910): Bengal District Gazetteers. This series of district-level reports describes the Tilis as a prominent landowning caste in various regions of Bengal
• A History of Bengal by Jadunath Sarkar: This comprehensive historical study mentions the Tilis as a prominent Rajput clan that played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Bengal.
• Caste and Class in Colonial India by David Arnold: This book explores the complexities of caste identity in Bengal and discusses the Tilas' position as a high-ranking Kshatriya community within the colonial social hierarchy.
• Caste in Bengal: A History of Its Formation and Function by Sipra Mukherjee: This academic work explores the historical development of the caste system in Bengal and mentions the Tilis as one of the prominent Kshatriya communities. It discusses their social standing, landownership patterns, and role in regional politics. .

[k]Notable people and families of 'Khas Rajput-Vanik' caste:-

[a]Peoples:

• Prafulla Chandra Ray [Indian chemist, educationist, historian, industrialist and philanthropist]
• Shreya Ghosal (Singer)
• Pankaj Roy [cricketer]
• Rashik Krishna Mallick
• Dr.Bidhan Chandra Roy
• P.K. Srimani
• Ila Pal Choudhury [politician and social worker]
• Ashis Nandy [political psychologist, and social theorist]
• Maharani Swarnamoyee [queen and philanthropist]
• Manindra Chandra Nandy [king and social reformer]
• Kangal Harinath [poet and musician]
• Gopal Kundu, Indian scientist
• Nitun Kundu, Bangladeshi artist, sculptor and entrepreneur
• Ritam Kundu, Indian cricketer
• Soumendranath Kundu, Indian cricketer

• Pritish Nandy [Indian poet, painter, journalist, parliamentarian, media and television personality, animal activist and maker of films, TV and streaming content]
• Sunil Kanti Roy [ Indian entrepreneur, business person and the managing director of Peerless Group, a Kolkata-based conglomerate, which has interests in finance, healthcare, insurance, automobiles and securities.]
• Kali P. Chaudhuri
• Arundhati Roy[Indian author, actress, and activist]
• Sarat Chandra Roy [An Indian scholar of anthropology]
• Sukanya Shrimani (born 1989) is an Indian classical singer, specializing in Hindustani vocal music. She is a disciple of Pandit Jasraj and has performed extensively in India and abroad.
• Sabyasachi Shrimani (born 1989) is an Indian cricketer who plays for the Bengal cricket team. He is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium pace bowler
• Dr. Rajani Srimani is a well-respected physician in the United States, specializing in internal medicine. She is known for her dedication to her patients and her commitment to providing quality healthcare.
• Anjali Shrimani is a young entrepreneur who founded her own tech startup at the age of 22. She is a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs and is passionate about using technology to make a positive impact on the world.
• Puran Giri,Indian Cricketer
• Anish Giri (born 1994), Dutch chess prodigy and grandmaster
• K. C. Dey (1893-1962), Indian Bengali actor, singer and music composer
• Krishanu Dey (1962-2003), Indian Bengali football player
• Lal Behari Dey (1824-1892), Indian Bengali journalist and author
• Manna Dey (1919-2013), Indian singer
• Manishi Dey (1906-1989), Indian Bengali artist
• Mukul Dey (1895-1989), Indian Bengali artist
• Anind Dey (born 1970), American computer scientist
• Bishnu Dey (1909-1982), Indian Bengali poet
• Gopal Kundu Indian scientist
• Nitun Kundu Bangladeshi artist, sculptor and entrepreneur
• Ritam Kundu Indian cricketer
• Soumendranath Kundu, Indian cricketer
• Bhabes Kundu Bengali actor
• Samarendra Nath Kundu Former foreign minister of state for Govt of India
• Bipradas Pal Chowdhury, Bengali Industrialist
• Jai Paul Indian-British Recording Artist
• Manish Paul Indian Actor,Comedian and TV Host
• Niranjan Pal (1889-1959), Screenwriter and Director (Son of Bipin Chandra Pal)
• Patralekha Paul Indian Actress
• Rajeev Paul Indian Actor
• Satya Paul Indian Fashion Designer
• Sohini Paul Bengali Actress (Daughter of Tapas Paul)
• Sunil Pal Indian Actor and Comedian
• Tapas Paul Indian Bengali Actor and Politician
• Debi Prasad Pal (born 1927), Indian Lawyer, Judge and Cabinet Minister
• Radhabinod Pal (1886-1967), Judge, Freedom Fighter, Padma Vibhushan Awardee
• Ruma Pal (born 1941), Indian Supreme Court Judge
• Bipin Chandra Pal (1858–1932), Indian Freedom Fighter, Journalist, Writer
• Jagdambika Pal (born1960), Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
• Jitendra Chandra Paul Indian Freedom Fighter, Journalist, Author
• Kristo Das Pal (1839–1884), Politician, Journalist, Orator and the editor of Hindoo Patriot
• Rupchand Pal (born 1936), Politician
• Saju Paul (born 1966), Indian Politician
• Aloke Paul Materials Scientist
• Anadish Pal (born 1963) Inventor and Poet
• Palash Baran Pal Indian Physicist, Author
• Sankar K. Pal Scientist and Researcher Director of the ISI-Calcutta, Padmashree Awardee
• Sourav Pal Scientist and Researcher Director of National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, Pioneering figure of Quantum Chemistry in India
• Vinod Kumar Paul Indian Pediatrician and Physician Scientist
• Gostha Pal (1896–1976), Renowned Football Player, (The Great Wall of China)
• Rajinder Pal Cricketer
• Shib Paul Indian Cricketer
• Subrata Pal Football Player
• Haridas Pal Fictional Character and Successful Businessman
• Amitava Nandy (born 1943) Indian politician
• Anshuman Nandi Indian child actor
• Abhilasha Gupta Nandi Indian politician
• Arnab Nandi (born 1987) Indian cricketer
• Ashis Nandy (born 1937) Indian academic
• Basabi Nandi (1935–2018) Indian actress and singer
• Bibhuti Bhusan Nandy (1940–2008) Indian intelligence official
• Bishweshwar Nandi Indian gymnast
• Dipak Nandy (born 1936) Indian academic and politician in the UK
• Dibyendu Nandi Indian space scientist
• Jyotirindranath Nandi (1912–1982) Indian writer
• Krishna Kanta Nandi Indian trader during British colonial rule
• Kushan Nandy (born 1972) Indian film producer
• Lisa Nandy (born 1979) British politician
• Manindra Chandra Nandy (1860–1929), Maharaja of Cossimbazar Raj
• Moti Nandi (1931–2010), Indian writer and journalist
• Narasimha Nandi Indian filmmaker and writer in Telugu cinema
• Palash Nandy (born 1952), Indian cricketer, played for Bengal, later a coach
• Pranob Nandy (born 1955), Indian cricketer, played for Bengal
• Pritish Nandy (born 1951), Indian writer and politician
• Rasikendra Nath Nandi Indian social reformer
• Nand Kumar Nandi Indian politician
• Samit Kumar Nandi (born 1967), Indian veterinarian
• Sampath Nandi (born 1980), Indian filmmaker in Telugu cinema
• Sandhyakar Nandi (c. 1084 - 1155), Indian Sanskrit poet in the Pala empire , writer of Ramacharitam
• Prajapati Nandi (c 1082-1124), the Sandhi-Vigrahika (minister of peace and war) of Ramapala and father of Sandhyakar Nandi
• Sandip Nandy Indian footballer
• Sanhita Nandi Indian classical vocalist of Hindustani music
• Sukumar Nandi Indian electrical engineer
• Sunil Nandy (born 1935), Indian cricketer played for Bengal
• Vyoma Nandi Indian actress
• Gurupada Nandi -Great Calcutta Retaliation | 1946 Riot

[b]Families:

• Bhagyakul Roy Family
• Dighapatia Raj Family
• Cossimbazar Raj Family
• The Sett Family of Chandernagore
• Kundu Chowdhury of Mahiary
• Kundu Zamindars of Madaripur
• Kundu family of Itachuna
• Kundu zamindars of Jharkhand
• Settdey and Co. Homeo Lab owner family of Kolkata
• Kolkata Barabazar Shrimani Family
• Natore Raj Family

[l]Kingdoms Belong To Tilak Tili Caste:-

1. Pal Empire
2. Western Chalukya Empire
3. Gaudiya Empire
4. Bardhhaman Raj
5. Chandra Empire
6. Dey Empire
7. Mahendragiri Kingdom
8. Kingdom of Raja Tiliksha
9. Murshidabad Cossimbazar Raj
10. Kolkata Sovabazar Raj
11. Nadia-Ranaghat Pal-Chaudhari Raj
12. Chandernagore Sett Raj
13. Natore Raj
14. Bhagyakul Raj
15. Dighapatia Raj
16. 15000+ Big Zamindari Raj in Bangladesh and India

There are a lot small kingdoms belong to this caste also.

[4]Other Types of Tili Caste:-

There are other few other types of Tili castes with intermediate to low social status also like Dwadesh Tili, Ghana Pakano Tili, Hari-Bhanga Tili, Dim-Bhanga Tili, Kolu Tili etc. Some muslims(Kolu muslims) also call themselves as Tili. Some Karana people have also become Tili by using different means for getting better social status like Tilak Tili.

Demographics

Sources

Caste Name	Common Surnames	Common Gotras	Population	Ekwija or Dwija Caste	Religion Followed	Caste Category	Ritual Ranking & Social Status	Varna(by Birth and by Profession)	Race	Literacy Rate In Current Generation
Gachhuakalu Tili[Baniya Tili]	Sahu, Khan, Bhandari, Sadhukhan, Garai, Saha, Seth, Mallick,Mondol,Mondal,Masanta,Poddar,Kundu,Dey,,Tarafdar etc.	Bargujar, Tanwar, Borana, Bodana, Gehlot, Dahiya, Sikarwar, Panwar	500,000 (Approx)	Ekwija	Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Christanity	Lower OBC(MBC)	Intermediate-Low	Shudra by Birth but Shudra, Lower Vaishya by Profession	More Indo-less Aryan	61% (Approx)
Bhunja Tili[Chasa Tili]	Bhuniya, Maity, Rana, Maji, Kumar, Sau, Ranjan,Singh,Pramanick etc.	Shandilya and Kashyap (Mainly)	900,000 (Approx)	Ekwija	Hinduism (Vaishnavite) and Hinduism	Upper OBC in Bihar and EWS in West Bengal	Intermediate	Vedic-Kshatriya by Birth but Clean-Shudra Peasant (Nabasakh), Vaishya by Profession	Intermediate Indo-Intermediate Aryan	73% (Approx)
Khas Rajput-Vanik or Tilak Tili	Shrimani(Srimani), Giri, Nandi(Nandy), Ojha,Roy Chaudhari,Kundu, Pal(Paul), Ghosal, Layek,Rana, Mahinda(Mahendru/Mahindra/Mahendra), Dey/De/Deva, Settdey, Settdey, Panja, Rana, Dhunga, Haldar, Roy(Ray), Chaudhari (Chaudhuri), Pal Chaudhari, Majumdar,Bahadur,Chandra,Maity, Bhuniya,Pradhan,Katar/Khatri,Rakshit,Mullick,Dhawan etc.	Kashyap,Bharadwaj,Kaushik,Gautam, Nagasya(not 'Naga') (known as 'Nageshwar' in Bengal),Maudgalaya or Maudgala, Bilaya(known as 'Beleshwar' in Bengal), Somarishi, Shandilya, Chandrarishi,Sindhurishi,Alimbayn etc.	50,000 (Approx)	Dwija	Hinduism and Shikism	General and Forward Caste Everywhere	Very High	Elite Brahma-Kshatriya by Birth but all Upper Three Varnas Brahmin [Teachers, Professors, Writers, Doctors, Engineers, Artists etc],Kshatriya [Rulers, Warriors, Politician etc.] & Elite-Vaishya (Vanik) [Bank-Owners, Factory -Owners, Entrepreneurs, Wholesale Suppliers, Industrialists etc.] by Profession	Aryan (Mostly)	100% (Approx)
Other Tili Castes	Maity, Bhuniya, Pramnik(Pramanick), Pattanayak, Khan,Tarafdar, Mallick	can be anything	150000	can be anyone (Karana Tilis are Dwija)	Hinduism, Muslim, Christian	can be anything	can be anything	can be anything	can be anything	overall 82.2%

Position of All Castes of Tili Jati in The Current Caste System of Bengal

As per official categorization of Castes in West Bengal the castes of West Bengal are (arranged from highest to lowest):-

[1]General and Forward Castes :-

Dwija Upper Castes:-

1. Kulin-Brahmin[Kannuj Brahmin]
2. Tili/Tuli/Tula/Tilak (Brahma-Kshatriya Pala-Gaur Raghuvanshi Rajput by birth and by profession an elite-Vanik caste) [Ekadash and Dadash] [They are not actual Tilis] (also known as Khas-Rajput Vanik Jati)
3. Non-Kulin Brahmin [Indigenous Bengali Brahmin] & other Rajput Castes [mixed origin]
4. Kulin-Kayastha [Kannuj Kayastha]
5. Vaidya [Aryan-Dravidian Physician Caste]
6. Karana [Similar to Kayastha but of Odia Origin] and Maulik-Kayastha

[2]General-EWS Castes (OBC as per the Mandal Commision but not recognized by State Government and Central Government):-

Ekwija Upper Castes:-

1. Bhunja Tili/Tilli [Similar to Jaat of North India]
2. Suvarnavanik [Their ritual ranking is not high because cruel-king Vallala Sen degraded them for their assosiation with Pala King Tiliksha( his descendants are known as Tili/Tuli/Tula/Tilak) but they are highly educated, good-looking, wealthy]
3. Gandhabanik (Baniya) [Trader of perfumes]
4. Aguri [Similar to Jaat of North India]
5. Sadgope [Similar to Jaat of North India]
6. Mahisya [Similar to Jaat of North India]
7. Gacchuakalu Tili [Those who became Tili from Teli for getting social respect]

[3]OBC Castes:-

Backward Classes Welfare Department Government of West Bengal

[4]SC Castes:-

List of Scheduled Castes in West Bengal

[5]ST Castes:-

List of Scheduled Tribes in West Bengal

References

1. Discussion Papers In Economics And Business (PDF), pp. 6, 8, 15
2. "Origin And Growth Of Caste In India Vol.2, Ed.2nd", 2, pp. 109, 110, 120, 132
3. Tili Bandhab [Yr. 4]
4. The Chronicles of the Sett Family of Chandernagore
5. Risley, Herbert Hope, The Tribes and Castes of Bengal (PDF), p. 64

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