Bairy, a modern scholar on caste and sociology quotes a statement made by Viroopaksha Pandita on the Chitpavans non-Brahmin or non-Dvija origin by citing their scriptures. The successful argument was made by him during Shastrartha and was regarding Brahmin purity and was cited in Nanjundaradhya(1969). The opposing side, headed by Mr.Bapat was unable to argue the case - as reported by the Star of Mysore. The Chitpavan story of shipwrecked people is similar to the legendary arrival of Bene Israel Jews in the Raigad district. According to the historian Roshen Dalal, similarities between the legends may be due to a connection between the Chitpavans and the Bene Israel communities. The history of the Bene Israel, who also settled in Konkan, claims that the Chitpavans are also of Jewish origin. Historian Jadunath Sarkar also agrees with the non-Indian origin and bases his views on "traditions and inscriptions". The Konkan region witnessed the immigration of groups, such as the Bene Israel, and Kudaldeshkars. Each of these settled in distinct parts of the region and there was little mingling between them. The Chitpavans were apparently the last major community to arrive there and consequently the area in which they settled, around Ratnagiri, was the least fertile and had few good ports for trading. The other groups generally took up trade as their primary occupation. In ancient times, the Chitpavans were employed as messengers and spies. Later, with the rise of the Chitpavan Peshwa in the 18th century they began migrating to Pune and found employment as military men, diplomats and clerks in the administration. A 1763-4 document shows that at least 67% of the clerks at the time were Chitpavans. History Rise during the Maratha rule Very little is known of the Chitpavans before 1707 CE Balaji Vishwanth Bhat, a Chitpavan arrived from Ratnagiri to the Pune-Satara area. He was brought there on the basis of his reputation of being an efficient administrator. He quickly gained the attention of Chhatrapati Shahu. Balaji's work so pleased the Chhatrapati that he was appointed the Peshwa or Prime Minister in 1713. He ran a well-organized administration and, by the time of his death in 1720, he had laid the groundwork for the expansion of the Maratha Empire. Since this time until the fall of the Maratha Empire, the seat of the Peshwa would be held by the members of the Bhat family. With the ascension of