Question: who are deshmukh by caste?
Answer: Deshmukhis were granted by the Deccan sultanates, Mughal emperors, Nizams of Hyderabad and other Muslim rulers and by Maratha emperors (Chhatrapatis) to Deshastha Brahmins, Chitpavan Brahmins, Marathas, Lingayats, Reddys, CKPs, Jains and Muslims.