Karan (caste)

The Karan is a writer caste community found in the state of Odisha in India. The post of Karana used to be a professional designation that was occupied by literate peoples. They held Karanam posts in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, where they speak Odia and played a similar role in Odisha to that of the Kayasthas of West Bengal and Bihar. In the social hierarchy of Odisha they rank next to Brahmins, they are also considered a highly influential and prosperous caste of Odisha. They exclusively served the ruling powers as their ministers, advisors, governors, military commanders, village headman, accountants, record keepers and dewans. They owned most Zamindaris in Odisha. They have the highest literacy caste-wise and are highly prosperous. Today they are a politically dominant community and have reigned over the politics of Odisha for more than 50 years.