Mahishya

Mahishya (IAST: Māhiṣya) is a Bengali Hindu traditionally agrarian caste, and formed the largest caste in undivided Bengal. Mahisyas were, and still are, an extremely heterogeneous caste, encompassing all possible classes in terms of material conditions and ranks — ranging from a majority of small farmers and working class individuals to a significant section of landed magnates and industrial entrepreneurs.

==Origin, epigraphy and texts== ===Epigraphy=== The Kalaikuri-Sultanpur copperplate inscription of 439 CE brings to light the presence of Kaivartaśarman, a Brahmin Kuṭumbin (peasant landholder) in the local administration (adhikaraṇa) in Varendra of Gupta period. There are references to vṛttis (enclosed land) in same administrative unit like Osinnakaivartavṛtti, Uddhannakaivartavṛttivahikala, in the copperplate inscriptions of Mahīpāla I. Historian Ryosuke Furui suggests this as the probable location of the leader of Samantas who revolted against the Pala regime. In one inscription of Madanapala, Kaivarta was assigned vritti in royal estate along with Buddhist establishment and Carmakāra. In one plate of Gopala II, kaivartta was listed as one of the lowest categories of the rural society. It makes a striking contrast with the references to kaivartta in the later inscriptions and the Råmacarita, which rather show their higher social position. Furui notes this ‘shift’ may mean the upward social mobility of a part of kaivarttas. Otherwise it shows some diversity within a social group labelled as 'kaivartta'.