page_title: Mahishya
hierarchical_section_title: Mahishya
caption_attribution_description: English: Own photograph
context_page_description: Mahishya, also spelled Mahisya, is a Bengali Hindu agrarian caste. It is believed that the Mahishyas are basically 'Haliya' Kaibartas or 'Chashi' Kaibartas, who abandoned traditional occupations like fishing and took up agriculture. The Mahishyas do not enjoy any reservation benefits and are thus considered as a Forward caste group.
  Along with other agricultural castes, the Mahishyas are regarded as middle-castes groups in Bengal.
  They are traditionally found in the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and Odisha. Mahishyas are one of the predominant castes in West Bengal, especially in the southern districts of Howrah, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas. Some members are now employed in the business and service sectors as well.
context_section_description: Mahishya, also spelled Mahisya, is a Bengali Hindu agrarian caste. It is believed that the Mahishyas are basically 'Haliya' Kaibartas or 'Chashi' (ploughmen) Kaibartas, who abandoned traditional occupations like fishing and took up agriculture. The Mahishyas do not enjoy any reservation benefits and are thus considered as a Forward caste group.
  Along with other agricultural castes, the Mahishyas are regarded as middle-castes groups in Bengal. 
  They are traditionally found in the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and Odisha. Mahishyas are one of the predominant castes in West Bengal, especially in the southern districts of Howrah, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas. Some members are now employed in the business and service sectors as well.
caption: Rani Rashmoni, is from Mahishya family, founder of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Calcutta
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