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BrahminFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about the social caste. For the moth family, see Brahmaeidae. For similarly spelled words, see Brahman (disambiguation). This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page.

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Brahmin (also Brahman; Brhmaa) (Sanskrit: )[Note 1] (Tamil: ) is a name used to designate a member of one of the four varnas in the traditional Hindu society. The English word brahmin is an anglicised form of the Sanskrit word Brhmana. In the Smriti view there are four "varnas", or classes: the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas, and Shudras. Traditionally Brahmins were fire-priests who adhered to different branches (shakhas) of Vedas. However, historically, the semantic change from a tribal state into the Hindu state of jati-varna matrix saw the conversion and absorption of tribals into the Brahmin class, through adoption of the priestly occupation later.[1][2] In Medieval and Colonial India, people in mundane occupations have also proselytized themselves into Brahmins, usually upon gaining positions of power or upon becoming wealthy.[3][4] The Smritis conferred upon the Brahmins, the position of being the highest of the four Varnas. The priestly class was expected to practice self-abnegation and play the role of being the custodians of Dharma (as a Brhman who is well versed in Vedic texts). However, the fee paid to the Brahmana for performance of a sacrifice was grossly material.[5]

Contents[hide]

1 History 2 Brahmin communities 3 Pancha-Gauda

3.1 Kanyakubja Brahmins 3.2 Gauda Brahmins 3.3 Saraswat Brahmins 3.4 Assam 3.5 Utkala (Orissa) 3.6 Maithil Brahmin (Mithila) 3.7 Nepal 4.1 Andhra Pradesh 4.2 Gujarat 4.3 Maharashtra 4.4 Karnataka 4.5 Tamil Nadu 4.6 Kerala

4 Pancha-Dravida

5 Gotras and pravaras 6 Sects and Rishis

6.1 Descendants of the Brahmins 6.2 Claimants of Brahmin Status

7 Brahmins taking up other duties 8 Practices 9 Sampradayas

9.1 Smartism 9.2 Vaishnavism 9.3 Shaivism 9.4 Buddhism 9.5 Jainism 9.6 Sikhism 9.7 Miscellaneous sects

10 Relationships of Brahmin and Kshatriyas 11 Nepal 12 Burma (Myanmar) 13 Notes 14 References 15 Further reading 16 External links

[edit] HistoryMain article: History of Hinduism Most sampradayas (sects) of modern Brahmins claim to take inspiration from the Vedas. According to orthodox Hindu tradition, the Vedas are apaurueya and andi (beginning-less), and are revealed truths of eternal validity. The Vedas are considered ruti ("that which is heard") and are the paramount source on which Brahmin tradition claims to be based. Shruti includes not only the four Vedas[citation needed] (the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda), but also their respective Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. In 1931, Brahmins accounted for 9% of the total population. In Andhra Pradesh, they formed less than 2%; in Tamil Nadu they formed less than 3%.[6] In Kerala, Nambudiri Brahmins make up 0.7% of the population. In West Bengal the figures stand at 5 %, whereas in Uttar Prdesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Orissa the brahmin population is quite near 10%.

[edit] Brahmin communitiesSee also: Brahmin communities

The Brahmin castes may be broadly divided into two regional groups: Pancha-Gauda Brahmins from Northern India and considered to be North of Vindhya mountains and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins from South of Vindhya mountains as per the shloka. However, this sloka is from Rajatarangini of Kalhana, which was composed only in the 11th century CE. , || , ||[7] Translation: Karnataka (Kannada), Telugu (Andhra), Dravida (Tamil and Kerala), Maharashtra and Gujarat are Five Southern (Panch Dravida). Saraswata (Punjab,Kashmir & Sindh), Kanyakubja (Uttar Pradesh), Gauda (Kurukshetra and Rajasthan), Utkala (Orissa), Maithili (Bihar) are Five Northern (Pancha Gauda). This classification occurs in Rajatarangini of Kalhana and earlier in some inscriptions[8]

[edit] Pancha-GaudaMain article: Pancha-Gauda Those from Uttarapatha (Aryavarta) (northern and eastern India.) Approximately ordered according to geographical regions.

[edit] Kanyakubja Brahmins

Kanyakubja Brahmins Assamese Brahmins Kamrupi Brahmins Saryupareen Brahmins Jaiswal Brahmins Sanadhya Bhumihar Brahmins Bengali Brahmins Bahun Kandelwal Gauda brahmins Saraswat Brahmins Goud Saraswat Brahmins Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins

[edit] Gauda Brahmins [edit] Saraswat Brahmins

[edit] AssamMain article: Assamese Brahmins

See also: Kamrupi Brahmins In Assam,many sects of Hindu people which include Brahmins, Kyastas, Shudras and Dooms,lives in harmony maintaining the Vedic culture. Assamese Brahmins are found mostly in Lower Assam, Upper Assam and throughout entire Brahmaputra Valley. Assamese Brahmins are believed to be having their origins in Kannauj, in ancient Magadha who generally migrated during Kamarupa period to Lower Assam and then to rest of Brahmaputra Valley. Brahmins in Assam are same as per their faith and customs with that of any other Brahmin community across India. Each Brahmin family within the community carries specific Gotra (Proper Brahmin Identity Surname) which is specific for each family thereby indicating their origin. Sarma/Sharma, Bhagawati, Goswami,Chakraborty are few of common Assamese Brahmin surnames amongst many others. Kamrupi king Bhaskarvarman regularly used to grant land,copper plates, cows to Brahmins. Kamrupi kings takes regular advices from Brahmins for political and religious purposes.

[edit] Utkala (Orissa)

Utkala Brahmin

The Sanskrit textBrhmaotpatti-Mrtaa by Pt. Harikrishna stri mentions according to which a king named Utkala invited Brahmins from Gangetic Valley for performing a yajna in Jagannath-Puri in Orissa; when the yajna ended the invited Brahmins laid the foundation of the Lord Jagannath there and settled there for serving the Lord in around Orissa, Jharkhand, Medinipur. The Utkala Brahmins are of three classes 1) Shrautiya(vaidika) 2) Sevayata and 3)Halua Brahman.

[edit] Maithil Brahmin (Mithila)

Maithil Brahmins

In India and Nepal, typically originating from the Mithilanchal. Maithil Brhamaas are a part of Panch-gauda Pachgaua, a group of highest-ranking castes among Brahmin, who still strive to follow rites and rituals according to ancient Hindu canons. Maithil Brahmin is a community of highly cohesive, traditional Brahmins. They have a reputation for orthodoxy and interest in learning. Most of them live in and around Mithila, which is a portion of North Bihar. A large number of Mathil Brahmins migrated a few centuries back to adjoining areas of South-east Bihar & Jharkhand as well as to adjoining Terai regions of Nepal. Mithila was the name of the capital of the ancient kingdom of legendary King Janak. Most of the Maithil Brahmins are ktas (worshippers of akti) . Maithili is their mother tongue, though many use Angika (a southeastern dialect of Maithili) as their mother tongue.

[edit] NepalBrahmins are the second largest caste group in Nepal, Chhetri(Kshatriya) being the first. Brahmins were inhabitants of Nepal from the prehistoric time. There are references about brahmins of Nepal in bansawali and purans.

[edit] Pancha-Dravida[edit] Andhra PradeshBrahmins of Andhra Pradesh are broadly classified into 5 groups: Vaidiki Brahmins (meaning educated in vedas and performing religious vocations), Vaikhnasa(worships Vishnu), Sri-

Vaishnas(worships Vishnu), and Niyogi (performing only secular vocation)[[Vishwakarma (caste)|Vishwakarmaviswa brahmin] blacksmiths, carpenters, coppersmiths, goldsmiths and sculptors ]. They are further divided into several sub-castes.[9] Vaidiki Brahmins are further divided into following sub-categories

Dravidlu (Aadi Saivulu, Saivulu) Vaidiki Velanadu. Vaidiki Venginadu. Vaidiki Kosalanadu or Kasalnadu. Vaidiki Mulakanadu. Vaidiki Murikinadu. Vaidiki Telaganya. Nandavarika Niyogi. Pradhama Shakha Niyogi. 6000 Niyogi or Aaru Vela Niyogulu. Golkonda Vyapari. karanaalu,sistukaranalu,karana kamma vyaparlu, karanakammulu.

Niyogis are further divided into following sub-categories

There is another sub-section "Dravida" made up of Tamil Brahmins who had migrated to Andhra Pradesh. Vishwakarma Brahmins are also called Rathakara Brahmins, and the Rathakara mentioned in the Rigveda (1.6.32) indicates high status and is associated with the placing of the holy sacrificial fire in the Yajna kunda.[1]

[edit] GujaratGurjara Brhmans: The Brhmans of Gujart, many groups and subcastes related to those groups are found. Some of them are as follows:

Bardai Brahmins[10] Trivedi Mewada Brahmin Rajgor Brahmin Palival Brahmin (Dasha and visha) Bhatt Mewada Brahmin, are from Rajasthan Chauriyasi Mewada Brahmin Saurashtra Trivedi Mewad Brahmin Saurashtra Bhatt Mewada Brahmin Pushkarna Brahmin Jaiswal Brahmin are from North India. Nagar Brahmin Audichya Brahmin

Sahastra Audichya Gorwal Brahmin Tapodhan Brahmin Modh Brahmin Girinarayan Brahmin Shrimali Brahman Sachora Brahmin Anavil Brahmin Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins Sree gauda Brahmin Rajgor Brahmin Basically comes from Rajeshtan .. edited by Jitendra Ravia Prashnora Brahmin Vadadra Brahmin Chvyan Brahmin or bharah gaon brahmin from rajasthan Kanaujiya or Kanyakumbj Brahmin migrated from kanoj,entered in kutch via sindh along with lohanas have surname Bhatt in kutch,divided as bhuvdiyas,vondhiyas,sandhliyas according to their village temple.others in Gujarat mainly found in jamnagar,morbi,junaghath and rajkot.surnames like Bhatt,Kaileyas,bhaglani,pingal,lakhlani,ghediya etc. are common. Bajkhedawal Brahmin Khetak brahmins believed to be originated from kheda in central Gujarat or khedbrahma in north Gujarat. Some believe them to have migrated from south India to Gujarat. Goud Saraswat Brahmin Chitpavan Brahmin (Konkanastha) Deshastha Brahmin Karhade Brahmin Devrukhe Brahmin patal brahmin

[edit] Maharashtra

[edit] KarnatakaKarnta Brhmans( ): The Brhmans of the Carnatic, or the Canarese country. The Canarese area comprises the Mysore State, and the British Districts of Canara, Dharwar and Belgaum.[11]

Kannada Brahmins

Babbur Kamme Brahmins Deshastha Brahmin Koota Brahmins

Badaganadu Brahmins

Hale naadu Karnataka Brahmins Havyaka Brahmin Hasan Iyengars Hebbar Iyengars Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins Jangam Brahmins Karhade Brahmin Koota Brahmins Madhva Brahmins Mandyam Iyengars Mysore Iyengars Niyogi Brahmins Panchagrama Brahmin Sankethi Brahmins Shukla Yajurveda Brahmins Smartha Brahmins Srivaishnava Brahmins Sthanika Brahmins Ulucha Kamme Brahmins

Mysore Iyers Ashtagrama Iyer Tuluva Brahmins[12]

Kandavara Brahmins Karhade Brahmins Padia Brahmins Saklapuri Brahmins Shivalli Brahmins Smartha Shivalli Brahmins Sthanika Brahmins

[edit] Tamil Nadu

Iyengar (sub-divided into Vadakalai and Thenkalai) Iyer (sub-divided further into Vadama, Vathima, Brahacharanam, Ashtasahasram, Gurukkal, Dikshitar, Kaniyalar, Prathamasaki) Vishwa Brahmins

[edit] Kerala

Namboothiri Brahmins Kerala Iyers Embranthiri Pushpaka Brahmins (Ambalavasis) Nambissans (Unni) Sharada Brahmins Vishwabrahmins (Vishwakarma) Nagariks or the Brahmin migrants from north India

[edit] Gotras and pravarasSee also: Classification of Brahmins Brahmins classify themselves on the basis of their patrilineal descent from a notable ancestor. These ancestors are either ancient Indian sages or kshatriyas (warriors) who chose to become Brahmins. The ten major gotras that trace descent from sages are: Kanva, Jamadagni, Bharadvja, koundinya, Gautama Maharishi, Vashista, Atryasa, Harithasa, Kashyapa, Agastya gotra. Other gotras are Mitra, Vishvamitra and Chaurasia gotra. In general, gotra denotes any person who traces descent in an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor. Pini defines gotra for grammatical purposes as 'apatyam pautraprabhrti gotram' (IV. 1. 162), which means: "the word gotra denotes the progeny (of a sage) beginning with the son's son". When a person says, "I am Kashypasa-gotra", he means that he traces his descent from the ancient sage Kashyapa by unbroken male descent. This enumeration of eight primary gotras seems to have been known to Pini. These gotras are not directly connected to Prajapathy or latter brama. The offspring (apatya) of these Eight are gotras and others than these are called 'gotrvayava'.[13] The gotras are arranged in groups, e. g. there are according to the svalyana-srautastra four subdivisions of the Vashista gana, viz. Upamanyu, Parshara, Kundina and Vashista (other than the first three). Each of these four again has numerous sub-sections, each being called gotra. So the arrangement is first into ganas, then into pakshas, then into individual gotras. The first has survived in the Bhrigu and ngirasa gana. According to Baudh., the principal eight gotras were divided into pakshas. The pravara of Upamanyu is Vashista, Bharadvasu, Indrapramada; the pravara of the Parshara gotra is Vashista, Shktya, Prsharya; the pravara of the Kundina gotra is Vashista, Maitrvaruna, Kaundinya and the pravara of Vashistas other than these three is simply Vashista. It is therefore that some define pravara as the group of sages that distinguishes the founder (lit. the starter) of one gotra from another. There are two kinds of pravaras, 1) sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara, and 2) putrparampara. Gotrapravaras can be ekarsheya, dwarsheya, triarsheya, pancharsheya, saptarsheya, and up to 19 rishis. Kashyapasa gotra has at least two distinct pravaras in Andhra Pradesh: one with three sages (triarsheya pravara) and the other with seven sages (saptarsheya pravara). This pravara may be either sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara or putraparampara. Similarly, Srivatsasa gotra has five sages or is called Pancharsheya and are the descendants of Jamadagni. When it is sishyaprasishya-rishi-parampara marriage is not acceptable if half or more than half of the rishis are

same in both bride and bridegroom gotras. If it is putraparampara, marriage is totally unacceptable even if one rishi matches.[14]

[edit] Sects and RishisDue to the diversity in religious and cultural traditions and practices, and the Vedic schools which they belong to, Brahmins are further divided into various subcastes. During the sutra period, roughly between 1000 BCE to 200 BCE, Brahmins became divided into various Shakhas (branches), based on the adoption of different Vedas and different rescension Vedas. Sects for different denominations of the same branch of the Vedas were formed, under the leadership of distinguished teachers among Brahmins. There are several Brahmin law givers, such as Angirasa, Apasthambha, Atri, Bhrigu, Brihaspati, Boudhayana, Daksha, Gautama, Harita, Katyayana, Likhita, Manu,[15] Parasara, Samvarta, Shankha, Shatatapa, Ushanasa, Vashista, Vishnu, Vyasa, Yajnavalkya, Yama. These twenty-one rishis were the propounders of Smritis. The oldest among these smritis are Apastamba, Baudhayana, Gautama, and Vashista Sutras.[16]

[edit] Descendants of the BrahminsMany Indians and non-Indians claim descent from the Vedic Rishis of both Brahmin and nonBrahmin descent. For example, the Dasharna and Nagas are said to be the descendants of Kashyapa Muni. The Descendants of Brahmins can be easily depicted. The Gotra of a true brahmin literally is the name of the great person to whom the family was descended. Vishwakarmas are the descendants of Pancha Rishis or Brahmarishies. According to Yajurveda and Brahmanda purana, they are Sanaka, Sanatana, Abhuvanasa, Prajnasa, and Suparnasa. Panchal Movement to Reclaim Brahminical Right"Panchals have the Brahmanic sanskars, or sacraments, and perform their ceremonies according to the Vedic Ritual. Frequent attempts were made in the days preceding British rule to deny them the rights to these Brahmanic privileges; but when the decision of pandits, or religious advisers when referred to, was in their favor." James Hastings[5] The Peshwas belonged to the Chitpavan Brahmin caste and were actually late migrants to India, having arrived from the Middle East and Central Asia. The Peshwas competed with the Panchals, who saw themselves as being the original Brahmins and first builders of the Aryan Vedic civilization. Nelson Hindu Law, Page 139-140 states - "The refusal of many castes in ancient times to accept the Brahmins as their pastors and masters would seem to have bred a hereditary feud between castes. The origin and history of the feud at present are wholly unknown but it seem to me to be not improbable that the feud sprang from rivalries and contentions between the supporters and adherents of Brahmins on one hand and those of the goldsmiths and other artificers on the other hand. In south of India the goldsmiths appear to have strenuously resisted the aggressive supremacy of Brahmans and have, for ages, claimed for themselves the right to be priests and spiritual guides styling themselves as Acharyas (religious teacher) by wearing the sacred thread. Meharban, a British collector, in his book Bombay Gazetteer states in Solapur Vol XX page 125: "Panchals are composed of five classes: goldsmiths, bronzesmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters and masons. They consider themselves equals, if not superior, to the local Brahmins. Their family priests, who are members of their own community, are held in high respect. They gird

their boys with the sacred thread at the age of seven to nine years. A feast called the Brahmins' feast or Brahma Bhojan is held where kith and kin and members of the caste are invited." The Kani tribe of South India claim to descend from Agastya Muni. The Gondhali, Kanet, Bhot, Lohar, Dagi, and Hessis claim to be from Renuka Devi. The Kasi Kapadi Sudras claim to originate from the Brahmin Sukradeva. Their duty was to transfer water to the sacred city of Kashi.[17] The Padmashalis claim they came from Maharishi Markandeya, who wrote Markandeya Purana. In one of the stories of the Saini (gardener) community, in they claim descent frm an Brahman and call themselves Parpadh Brahman who in course of time became Phulmali.[18] Dadheech Brahmins/dayama Brahmin trace their roots from Dadhichi Rishi. Many Jat clans claim to descend from Dadhichi Rishi while the Dudi Jats claim to be in the linear of Duda Rishi. Lord Buddha was a descendant of Angirasa through Gautama. There too were Kshatriyas of other clans to whom members descend from Angirasa, to fulfill a childless king's wish.[19] The backward-caste Matangs claim to descend from Matang Muni, who became a Brahmin by his karma. According to one legend, the nomadic tribe of Kerala, the Kakkarissi, are derived from the mouth of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, and came out a Brahmin.[20] Scholar Udai Narain Roy endorses the suggestion that the imperial Guptas were Brahmins by contributing an article for K.P.Jayaswal memorial volume, 1981(published under the patronage of Bihar Government).

[edit] Claimants of Brahmin StatusIn Haryana, The Tagas (4000) claim to be a Brahman race, which has abandoned the priestly profession and taken to agriculture. In Punjab, the misari of the Multan Langrials claim descent Brahmin of Bikanir.[21] Both the Langrail and Golia claim that they were Brahmin Charans.[22] In Uttar Pradesh the Oudh Belwars have also claimed Brahman descent. Their main subcaste was always Sanadh, which is a Brahman subcaste. In undivided Bengal The Namasudras, now named as Namasudra(Namassej) also claimed Brahmin status although they were a out-caste avarna group outside Bengali Hindu society.A Vyavastha was also signed at that time (1901) by forty odd Brahmin pundits headed by Chief Brahmin pundit of (Nabadwip) of Bengal and later practically supported by Dr. Nihar .R. Ray in "The History Of Bengali People , Ancient Period" and the Article was published in "Desh" The Famous Bengali Literary Magazine in 1951 and included in special issue of "Articles of One Century".It is claimed that King Ballal Sen expelled them (like many other communities) from society and declared out-caste. If you observe the 1931 census you will find that the two states of Ganga River Valley basin ,namely U.P. and Bihar had 10% Brahmin population and even the adjacent ( though shielded by forest from north) Orissa also had 10% population but Bengal had exactly the half , 5%. Dr.N.R.Ray is right to mention in his book that this Namasudra(Namassejas) are the Lost Tribe.

[edit] Brahmins taking up other duties

The Reciting Brahman Illustration from Sougandhika Parinaya, 19th Century Brahmins have taken on many professions - from being priests, ascetics and scholars to warriors and business people, as is attested for example in Kalhana's Rajatarangini. Brahmins with the qualities of Kshatriyas are known as 'Brahmakshatriyas'. An example is the avatar Parashurama who is considered an avatar of Vishnu. Sage Parashurama was a powerful warrior who had defeated the Haiheya kshatriyas twenty one times, was an expert in the use of weapons, and trained others to fight without weapons. After Sage Parshuram destroyed the Kshatriya race, he was excluded by other Brahmin communities and denied to perform any religious ceremonies for him. At the coast of Arabian sea i.e. the Western Ghats he decided to create a new Brahmin community where he found dead bodies of people came out floating from the sea. He purified them with Agni and brought back to life. Then he taught them all the veda's, weapons, religious knowledge and made the Brahmin known as Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmins. Chitapavan means Chit + Pavan the Brahmins whose chit/soul was purified, Konkanastha means belong to Konkan region. Chitapavan Konkanastha Brahmin's did not have their own land hence were insulted by other rulers & Brahmins. Hence Sage Parshurama asked the Sea Lord to go back and give some land which he denied. Sage Parshurama got angry and made ready the Brahmastra to destroy the Sea Lord. Sea Lord frightned and asked to forgive him. Sage Parshurama said that as he has made Brahmhaastra on the arrow ready to launch he cannot return the arrow backwards but he will remove the Brahmaastra and wherever the arrow will land till that point sea will leave the Land for his followers Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmin and Daivadnya Brahmins. The place from where Sage Parshurama released the arrow is there in Konkan area known as Lote Parshuram and has a temple of Sage Parshuram. The Bhumihar Brahmins were established when Parashurama destroyed the Kshatriya race, and he set up in their place the descendants of Brahmins, who, after a time, having mostly abandoned their priestly functions (although some still perform), took to land-owning.[23] Many Brahmins took up the profession of medicine. They are Vaidya Brahmins called Baidya Brahmins of Bengal [gupta, dasgupta and senguptas] are descendants of Dhanavantari, the god of medicine and father of Ayurveda. The Brahmakhatris caste, descendants of the Khatris, however, are a business caste/community of Punjab and belong to the Kshatriya caste. Perhaps the word Brahma-kshatriya refers to a person belonging to the heritage of both castes.[24] However, among the Royal Rajput households, Brahmins who became the personal teachers and protectors of the royal princes rose to the status of Rajpurohit and taught the princes everything including martial arts. They would also become the keepers of the Royal lineage and its history. They would also be the protectors of the throne in case the regent was orphaned and a minor. Well Known Brahmin Chanakya was a Rajpurohit for Chandragupta, The founder of the Mouryan empire, has helped Chandragupta to get a grip on the well established Nanda Empire

and also to fight Alexander the Great from invading India. Alexander failed to conquer or win over Chandragupta Maurya and started for his country but was died on the way. Kshatriyan Brahmin is a term associated with people of both caste's components.[25] The Pallavas were an example of Brahmakshatriyas as that is what they called themselves. King Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir ruled all of India and even Central Asia. King Rudravarma of Champa (Vietnam) of 657 A.D. was the son of a Brahmin father.[24] King Jayavarma I of Kambuja (Kampuchea) of 781 A.D. was a Brahma-kshatriya.[24] Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (Hemu), born in a family of Purohits, started the manufacturing of Cannons for the first time in North India with Portugese knowhow and dealt in Gunpowder for supplies to Sher Shah Suri's army. Later he became Prime Minister-cum-Chief of Army of Suris and Emperor of North India in 1556, defeating Akbar's army at Agra and Delhi. Brahmins with the qualities of a Vaisya or merchant are known as 'Brahmvyasya'. An example of such persons are people of the Ambastha[26] caste, which exist in places like South India. They perform medical work - that is from ancient times have practised the Ayurveda and have been Vaidyas (or doctors) as have been claimed by these people during the British rule when the Govt. expressed the will to promote cast mobilisation, thence from they started bearing the thread also, but neither the Govt. nor the Hindu oligarchs, none expressed any such sanction . Many Pallis of South India claim to be Brahmins (while others claim to be Agnikula Kshatriyas.) [27] Kulaman Pallis are nicknamed by outsiders as Kulaman Brahmans.[27] Hemu from Rewari, Haryana was also a Brahmin by birth.

[edit] PracticesBrahmins, basically adhere to the principles of the Vedas, Manu Smriti, Sanatana Dharma, and can be found in any of the different religions of Hinduism, such as acceptance of the Vedas. By birth Brahmins are Vedic only,later they accept any other faith. Brhmaas have six occupational duties, of which three are compulsorynamely, studying the Vedas, doing Vedic Sacrifices for God and giving charity. By teaching Veda, by inducing others to worship the God, and by accepting charity back, the brhmaas receive the necessities of life. This is also confirmed in the Manu-sahit: a tu karmam asya tri karmi jvik yajandhypane caiva viuddhc ca pratigraha A brhmaa cannot take up any professional occupational duty for his livelihood. The stras especially stress this, if one claims to be a brhmaa.[28] Brahmins believe in SarvejanssukhinobhavatuLet the entire society be happy and prosperous and Vasudhaiva kuubakathe whole world is one family. Many Brahmins are reformers. Brahmins practice vegetarianism or lacto-vegetarianism which has been a custom since several centuries dating back to B.C. Following this custom is mandatory in Brahmin culture. However, some among the Brahmins inhabiting cold regions of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, and coastal areas like Bengal etc., eat fish and other locally available non-vegetarian foods and hence are pesco-vegetarians.

Brahmins have a "choti", a braid that is grown on the back of their heads- the main purpose of this was to help differentiate Brahmins from other Hindu Castes, as well as to show that they possess sacred knowledge, unlike others. But, in fact, choti is for all Hindus (law of Manu).

[edit] SampradayasThe three sampradayas (sects) of Brahmins, mostly in South India are the Smarta sampradaya, the Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Madhva sampradaya.

[edit] SmartismSmartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as it is termed in Sanskrit) is a liberal or nonsectarian denomination of the Hindu religion who accept all the major Hindu deities as forms of the one Brahman in contrast to Shaivism and Shaktism, for example. The term Smarta refers to adherents who follow the Vedas and Shastras.

[edit] VaishnavismOne form of Vaishnavism is Madhwa ( Dwaita Sampradaya), and the other is Sri Vaishnava (Vishist Adwaita sampradaya). Madhwa Brahmins are mainly located in the Carnatic plains and some of them are seen in Andhra, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala areas. They follow the preachings of Sri Madhwacharya, who was born in South Canara district of Karnataka in 12th Century. He preached that God and atma (our soul ) is different contrary to the teachings of Sri Sankaracharya, who preached aham Brahmasmi (God and my soul are the same). In south India Srivaishnava sampradayam was propagated by Srimad Ramanjuacharya which has given as bhakti marga by azhwar saints.

[edit] ShaivismShaivism (sometimes called Shivaism) is a belief system where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Supreme Lord. It is a derivative faith of the core Vedic tradition. Saiva sects contains many subsects, such as Asdisaivas, Rudrasaivas, Veerasiavas, Paramasaivas, etc. Ravana, the ruler of Lanka in the Hindu epic Ramayana, was a Devgan Brahmin.

[edit] BuddhismSee also: Buddhist Brahmins Brahmins were treated with the greatest veneration in the time of the Buddha and there are countless references to Brahmins throughout all of the Buddhist scriptures. Furthermore, most of the major Buddhist founders were Brahmins. They include Sariputra, Maudgalyayana, Mahakashyapa, Bodhi Dharma, Nagarjuna, Asvaghosha, Padmasambhava, Shantarakshita, Nagasena, Kumarajiva and Shantideva all of whom have always been referred to their titles as Brahmins in all scriptures. The word Brahmin was not redefined by the Buddha and it continued to be used alongside Arahat in separate capacities. For example, in the Ambattha Sutra, we find the Buddha debated a Brahmin who was clearly not an Arahat. Also, in many important dharanis, Brahmins are mentioned in an entirely different capacity to Arahats and therefore there is a marked difference. The Buddha however insisted that Brahmins had to live up to their great legacy and could not be by birth alone but also had to have the meritorious acts. In the Dhammapada, the Buddha mentions Brahmins and Arahats in very different capacities and dedicates an entire chapter to what it means to be a real Brahmin called the Brahmana-vagga.[29] The Buddha did not believe in caste discrimination but he did endorse a fair division of labour based on merit. Brahmins were not to discriminate against lower castes but were to serve them wholeheartedly. Many sutras believe that the Buddha himself was a Brahmin in a previous life

and due to his good merit as a Brahmin, he was re-born as the Buddha.[30] Other experts believe the Buddha descended from Brahmin sage Angiras whose descendants like Dronacharya were Shatra Brahmins or warrior Brahmins that eventually became Kshatriya warriors. The notion of ritual purity provided a conceptual foundation for the caste system, by identifying occupations and duties associated with impure or taboo objects as being themselves impure. Regulations imposing such a system of ritual purity and taboos are absent from the Buddhist monastic code, and not generally regarded as being part of Buddhist teachings[31] To the contrary, the early Buddhist scriptures defined purity as determined by one's state of mind, and refer to anyone who behaves unethically, of whatever caste, as "rotting within", or "a rubbish heap of impurity".[32] There are many places in which the Buddha explains his use of the word brahman. At Sutta Nipata 1.7 Vasala Sutta, verse 12, he states: "Not by birth is one an outcast; not by birth is one a brahman. By deed one becomes an outcast, by deed one becomes a brahman."[33]

[edit] Jainism

The first convert of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was Indrabhuti (aka Gautamswami) the Brahmin, who headed a group of other Brahmins and converted them to Jainism. He was from the village Gobbar (also called Govarya) near Rajgriha. It is said that at the sight of Gautama, the tapsas who were competing with him to reach the top of a hill once, by seeing the winner Gautama at the top, achieved moksha.[34] Sajjambhava was another born from Rajgriha and was elected the head of the Jain temple. He is famous for his composition of the "Dasavaikalika Sutra." Acharya Vidyanand is a Brahmin of the Dhigambar Jain sect and compiled in the Sanskrit language, "Ashta Shahastri" with eight thousand verses. Acharya Shushil Kumar, known better to Jains as "Guruji", was born a Vaidik in the Shakarpur village of the Haryana province. At the age of 15, he took Diksha (became a sanyassin) into the Sthanakvasi, a Swhetambara sub-sect. There is also a story about a wealthy Brahmin named Dhangiri in the town of Tumbhivan, who, when heard the sermons of the Jain Acharya Sinhgiri, while he regularly listened to but later lost his interest in wealth and decided to take the Diksha. Umasvati was a composer who was so loved by Jains that he is considered by the Dhigambar sect to be a Dhigambar member and the Svetambara sect to be a Svetambara member. Akalanka of the 8th century is saod to the poineer in rthe field of Jain logic.[35]

[edit] SikhismMany writers of the Guru Granth Sahib are of the Bhatt surname.[36] The Sikh composed Mathura Bhatt's fourteen verses are seven each in praise of Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan. There are also several Mohyals (Brahmin warriors) in the Sikh community.

[edit] Miscellaneous sectsThere are additional sampradayas as well which are not as widely followed as the rest. The Mahima Dharma or "Satya Mahima Alekha Dharma" was founded by the Brahmin Mukunda Das of present-day Orissa, popularly know by followers as Mahima Swami according to the Bhima Bhoi text.[37] He was born in the last part of 18th century in Baudh ex-state as a son

of Ananta Mishra. He was Brahmin by caste as mentioned in Mahima Vinod of Bhima Bhoi in Vol.11. This sampradaya is similar to Vaishnavism. Although the members of this sect do not worship Lord Vishnu as their Ishta-Deva, they believe that the Srimad Bhagavatam is sacred. The founder of this sect was a Vaishnavite before founding the new order.[37] This sampradaya was founded in the latter part of the 18th century.[37] There is also the Avadhoot Panth, wherein Lord Dattatreya and his forms such as Narasimha Saraswati and Sai Baba of Shirdi are worshiped. Lord Dattatreya is worshiped by many as the Hindu trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in one divine entity. Many even worship Dattatreya as an Avatar of Vishnu or of Shiva.

[edit] Relationships of Brahmin and KshatriyasBrahmins are at the pinnacle of the caste system and give spiritual guidance to the Kshatriyas. They generally are the ones who perform religious events and educate nobles about the rules of dharma. Brahmins are well educated on the Vedic and Puranic texts and at the time of the Mahabharata were the only people able to interpret them. Brahmins often are seen in the Mahabharata wandering forests in complete silence in order be more god-like. Actions like these have the potential to anger the gods who see the brahmins as trying to be equal to them. When the brahmins are not wandering the forests, they are serving as teachers or advisors to the Kshatriyas, specifically to preach dharma and educate about the vedas. Although above the Kshatriyas in the class system, Brahmins are also in need of assistance from them. They use the kings and warriors for hospitality among other things. Brahmins usually do not have much money and are usually given their necessities by kings. The relationship of the Kshatriyas and the Brahmins were mutually beneficial to both these castes. Kings provided proper essentials for religious performances such as sacrifices which the Brahmins were to lead. Kshatriyas performed great sacrifices at which many gifts were given to Brahmins, and Brahmins studied the Vedas with their branches and Upanishads.".[38] This showed us that the kings were to submit to the brahmins needs and highly respected their place in the caste system by not only preparing a sacrifice but also by bearing great gifts for the brahmins. By giving the brahmins gifts, the kings would hope in return that good things would come to them by following the steps of dharma. A Brahmin named Chanakya(Kautilya/Vishnugupta) was the one who brought up an abandoned boy with Emperors Blood(Chandragupta) and made him the emperor by defeating nandavamsa even before he was 20 years old and made all the small kingdoms to come to one and make them unite in one rule. The Brain power was of chanakya was so amazing that he was the one who wrote Ardhashastra(Economics) even before half the world was ignorant of business and administration. Another Brahmin, Timmarasu who was the prime minister of king Krishnadeva Raya and has dedicated his life to serve the king. He overcame the politics and made Krishnadeva raya the king and later played a critical part in turning a deadly enemy to a friend and married the daughter of that king to Krishnadeva Raya. Later he was falsely accused for killing Krishnadeva raya's son and was blinded by the king.

[edit] NepalBahun is a colloquial Nepali term for a member of the Pahari or "hill" Brahmin () caste, who are traditionally educators, scholars and priests of Hinduism. They are also known as Barmu in Newari. Some Jaiswal Brahmins are Chaurasi Brahmins from Nepal or north India. By

traditionand by civil law until 1962they represented the highest of the four Hindu varna or castes. Bahuns from the "hills" have been represented disproportionately in Nepal's education system, political parties and civil service since the country was unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah and his heirs in the 18th century. The top leaders of the all the major three parties: Maoist opposition (Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai), Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) Jhalanath Khanal, Madhav Kumar (Nepal), and Nepali Congress (Sushil Koirla) are also Bahuns. The Brahman caste in Nepal includes numerous family names such as:

Adhikari, Acharya, Awasthi, Aryal/Arjyal/Arjel Bastakoti, Bhattarai, Bastola, Bhurtel, Bhandari, Bhatta, Baral, Basyal, Chalise, Chaulagain, Chapagain Dahal, Dhakal, Dhungel, Devkota, Dhungana, Dallakoti, Dumre Gajurel, Gautam, Gurangain, Ghimire Humagain Joshi Kafle, Kharel, Khatiwada, Koirala, Kandel, Kalakheti, Khanal, Kattuwal Lamichhane Mishra, Marasheni Nepal, Neupane, Nyaupane, Niraula Ojha Paudyal (), Pokhrel, Paudel, Pandey, Phuyal, Pudasiani, Pyakurel, Pant, Pathak, Pageni Regmi Sharma, Subedi, Sapkota, Sangraula, Silwal Tiwari, Timilsina, Tripathi Wagle Upadhyaya, Upreti, Uprety

Audichya brahmins community among the brahmin communities is connected with Parsurama ( Bhargava-Gotra), always won a very good deal of faith and respect of kings.

[edit] Burma (Myanmar)This article contains Burmese script. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Burmese script.

Historically, Brahmins, known as ponna (in modern-day Burmese (Until the 1900s, ) ponna referred to Indians who had arrived prior to colonial rule, distinct from the kala, Indians who arrived during British rule), formed an influential group in Burma prior to British colonialism. During the Konbaung dynasty, court Brahmins were consulted by kings for moving royal capitals, waging wars, making offerings to Buddhist sites like the Mahamuni Buddha, and

for astrology.[39] Burmese Brahmins can be divided into four general groups, depending on their origins:

Manipur Brahmins (Burmese: - Brahmins who were sent to ) Burma after Manipur became a Burmese vassal state in the 1700s and ambassadors from Manipur Arakanese Brahmins (Burmese: Brahmins brought to Burma ): from Arakan after it was conquered by the Konbaung king Bodawpaya Sagaing Brahmins: oldest Brahmins in Burmese society, who had consulted the Pyu, Burman and Mon kingdoms prior to the Konbaung dynasty Indian Brahmins: Brahmins who arrived with British colonial rule, when Burma became a part of the British Raj

According to Burmese chronicles, Brahmins in Burma were subject to the four-caste system, which included brahmanas ( kshatriyas ( vaishya (), and shudra ), ), ( Because the Burmese monarchy enforced the caste system for Indians, Brahmins who ). broke caste traditions and laws were subject to punishment. In the Arakanese kingdom, punished Brahmins often became kyun ponna ( literally 'slave Brahmins', who made ), flower offerings to Buddha images and performed menial tasks. During the Konbaung dynasty, caste was indicated by the number of salwe (threads) worn; Brahmins wore nine, while the lowest caste wore none. Brahmins are also fundamental in the Nine-God cult, called the Nine Divinities (Phaya Ko Su ) which is essentially a Burmese puja [disambiguationneeded

(puzaw in Burmese) of appeasing nine divinities, Buddha and the eight arahats, or a group of nine deities, five Hindu gods and four nats.[39] This practice continues to be practiced in modern-day Burma.

]

[edit] Notes1. ^ Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin. Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different

meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self. Brahmin or Brahmana refers to an individual, while the word Brahma refers to the creative aspect of the universal consciousness.[citation needed]

[edit] References1. ^ Indian Economic and Social History Review 1987, Himanshu P Ray, 24: 443 2. ^ Ancient India: a history of its culture and civilization, Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi,

p.166-1703. ^ A social history of India, by SN Sadasivan 4. ^ Castes and tribes of Southern India, By Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari 5. ^ Hopkins, Religions of India, p.192 states: "As to the fees, the rules are precise, and the

propounders of them are unblushing. The priest performs the sacrifice for the fee alone, and it must consist of valuable garments, kine, horses, or gold; when each is to be given is carefully stated. Gold is coveted most, for this is immortality, the seed of Agni, and therefore peculiarly agreeable to the pious priest"6. ^ A detailed article on Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation 7. ^ Brhmanotpatti Martanda, cf. Dorilal Sharma, p.41-42

8. ^ Mentioned by Jogendra Nath Bhattacharya in "Hindu Castes and Sects", a detailed

article on various castes and groups of Brahmins9. ^ Article on Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh at Vepachedu Educational Foundation 10. ^ http://bbsl.org.uk/bardai_brahmins.php 11. ^ The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India By R.V. Russell 12. ^ The Tale of Tuluva Brahmins 13. ^ Article on Gotras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation 14. ^ Article on Gotras and pravaras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation 15. ^ Manu Smriti on learning of the Vedas 16. ^ Article on various sects and rishis of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation 17. ^ Bhanu, B. V., People of India, p. 948. 18. ^ P. 845, People of India: Rajasthan edited by K. S. Singh 19. ^ Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History and

Literature, by John Dowson, p. 17.20. ^ History of Indian Theatre, by Manohar Laxman Varadpande, p. 227. 21. ^ P. 130 The Pakistan gazetteer, Volume 3 By Cosmo Publications (Firm) 22. ^ P. 368 A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North-West frontier By

H.A. Rose23. ^ Crooke, William (1999). The Tribes and Castes of the North-Western Provinces and

Oudh. 6A, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi-110049, India: Asian Educational Services. pp. 1809 (at page 64). ISBN 8120612108.24. ^ a b c P. 201, Professor A.L. Basham, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of

Ancient, by Sachindra Kumar Maity25. ^ P. 29, Cultural History from the Matsyapura, by Sureshachandra Govindlal

Kantawala26. ^ P. 37 Asian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study By Charles Leslie 27. ^ a b P. 13 Castes And Tribes Of Southern India By Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari 28. ^ http://vedabase.net/sb/7/11/14/en | rmad Bhgavatam 7.11.14 29. ^ http://www.buddhanet.net/dhammapada/d_brahmi.htm 30. ^ http://www.jatakaonline.com/jataka-tales/0011-the-first-prophecy 31. ^ (Robinson, Johnson & Thanissaro 2005, p. 51) 32. ^ Sue Hamilton, Early Buddhism: A New Approach: The I of the Beholder. Routledge

2000, pages 47, 49.33. ^ Translation by Piyadassi Thera 34. ^ P.21 Jaina-rpa-maana =: Jaina Iconography By Umakant Premanand Shah 35. ^ P. 374 Buddhist phenomenology: a philosophical investigation of Yogcra Buddhism

By Dan Lusthaus36. ^ Bards/Bhatts in Adi Granth: Bhatt Mathura

37. ^ a b c "Mahima Dharma, Bhima Bhoi and Biswanathbaba" 38. ^ Smith, John. "The Mahbhrata : an abridged translation". Penguin Books, 2009, p.18 39. ^ a b Leider, Jacques P.. "Specialists for Ritual, Magic and Devotion: The Court Brahmins

of the Konbaung Kings". The Journal of Burma Studies 10: 159180.

[edit] Further reading

Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Rachnawali (Selected works of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati), Prakashan Sansthan, Delhi, 2003. Baldev Upadhyaya, Kashi Ki Panditya Parampara, Sharda Sansthan, Varanasi, 1985. M.A. Sherring, Hindu Tribes and Castes as Reproduced in Benaras, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, First ed 1872, new ed 2008. Jogendra Nath Bhattacharya, Hindu Castes and Sects, Munshiram Manoharlal, Delhi, first edition 1896, new edition 1995. E.A.H.Blunt, The Caste System of North India, S.Chand Publishers, 1969. Christopher Alan Bayly, Rulers, Townsmen, and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 17701870, Cambridge University Press, 1983. Anand A. Yang, Bazaar India: Markets, Society, and the Colonial State in Bihar, University of California Press, 1999. Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi Rachnawali, Rajkamal Prakashan, Delhi. Bibha Jha's PhD thesis Bhumihar Brahmins: A Sociological Study submitted to the Patna University. M. N. Srinivas, Social Change in Modern India, Orient Longman, Delhi, 1995. Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi essays. Apte (1965) (Fourth Revised and Enlarged ed.). New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. Apte (1966) (Reprint 1997 ed.). New Delhi. Macdonell (1924) (1966 ed.). New Delhi. Monier-Williams, Monier (1899). Delhi. Sontakke, N. S., ed (1972). (First ed.). Pune: . Brahmin Information Portal at Hindubrahmin.com List of Brahmin Castes and Sub-castes at Kamat.com

[edit] External links

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