Character

As a class Chitpavans are notable for their cleanness and for their neatness and taste in dress; their stinginess, hardness, and craftiness are also proverbial. Chitpavans are beyond doubt one of the ablest classes in Western India. They were the mainstay of the Maratha power when the Maratha power was at its highest. In 1727 the Nizam found every place filled with Konkan-Brahmans; in 1817 Mr. Elphinstone found all the leading Brahmans in the Poona Government connected with the Konkan. Under the English they have lost much of the power which for a century (1717-1817) they enjoyed.

Still their superior intellect, their eagerness for education, and the high positions they hold in Government service enable them to maintain their supremacy in all Marathi-speaking districts. Beyond the limit of India their talents are admired and respected. In Sir.George Campbell's opinion no Hindus have shown greater administrative talent or acuteness, and Mr. Sherring held that for quickness of intellect, for energy, practical power, and learning they are unsurpassed. They are Government servants, lawyers, engineers, doctors traders, money-lenders, moneychangers, writers, landowners, husbandman, and religious beggars.