A family tree (वंशावळी / कुटुंब वृक्ष) is a mandatory document for caste certificate verification in Maharashtra. The Caste Scrutiny Committee requires a genealogy chart tracing your lineage through multiple generations. Getting the format right is crucial — an incorrectly formatted family tree can delay your caste verification process.
What the Caste Scrutiny Committee Requires
The committee typically asks for a family tree spanning 3-5 generations, starting from the oldest known ancestor and descending to the applicant. Each person in the tree should show their full name and relationship. Marriages should be clearly indicated connecting husband and wife. The tree should follow the male lineage (patrilineal), though maternal details may be required in some cases.
Standard Vanshavali Format
The traditional format shows the oldest ancestor at the top, with each generation below. Horizontal lines connect married couples. Vertical lines connect parents to children. Siblings are shown at the same level, connected to the same parents. The applicant's position should be clearly highlighted or marked.
Creating Your Family Tree Online
The Family Tree Maker on PC Tool Hub is designed specifically for Maharashtra caste certificate requirements. Add family members with names in Marathi (Devanagari script). The tool uses a union-based data model — you create couples (unions) and add their children, building the tree naturally. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, and the layout adjusts automatically.
Using Family Tree with Form-3 Affidavit
The Caste Affidavit Form-3 tool generates the affidavit with an integrated family tree. This is the format most commonly accepted by the Caste Scrutiny Committee. The affidavit includes the standard legal text in Marathi, and the family tree is embedded within the document as required.
Tips for Accuracy
Verify all names with elderly family members before submitting. Spelling of ancestor names must match existing records — check old ration cards, land records, or school certificates for correct spellings. If you are unsure about a generation, consult with your village talathi or sarpanch who may have historical records. The family tree you submit becomes a legal document, so accuracy is essential.