Brahmin - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

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Brahmin (Brahmana) Avinash
Religions Hinduism
Rishi Agastya, one of seven vedic
sages extolled at many places in the
Vedas and author of Agastya Samhita
Brahmin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brahmin (also called Brahmana; from the Sanskrit
brhmaa () is a term in the traditional Hindu societies
of Nepal and India.
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. 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 the Shudras
(outcastes, chandalas). The Atreya smriti 141-142 enjoins that:
janmana jayate shudrah
One is a Shudra by birth
samskarad dvija ucyate
By observing Sanskara one becomes a Dvija
vedapathi bhaved viprah
By studying the Vedas one becomes a Vipra
brahma janati brahmanah
One who knows Brahman is a Brahmana
Brahmins were engaged in attaining the highest spiritual knowledge
(brahmavidya) and adhered to different branches (shakhas) of Vedas.
This was described to be a difficult path of discipline of body, mind, and
intellect. 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. An example mentioned in mythology is the sage Parashurama who is
considered an avatar of Vishnu. Sage Parashurama is portrayed as a powerful warrior who defeated the Haiheya
kshatriyas twenty one times, was an expert in the use of weapons, and trained others to fight without weapons. He
is said to have established the Bhumihar Brahmins as landowners once he destroyed the Kshatriya race.
[1]
These
Brahmins, after having mostly abandoned their priestly functions (although some still perform), took to land-owning
(Zamindar) as a profession.
[1]
However, certain persons, though very few in number, were born into other varnas but dedicated themselves to
such an austere life that they were also recognized as Brahmins in ancient India (e.g., sage Vishwamitra, a non-
brahmin who attained brahmavidya and composed the Gayatri mantra was venerated as "Brahmarishi", not by caste
but by title / pre-fix accorded to him by the well-read in general in those days).
Historically, the semantic change from a tribal state into the Hindu state of the jati-varna matrix saw the conversion
and absorption of tribals into the Brahmin class, through adoption of the priestly occupation.
[2][3]
In medieval and
colonial India, people in different occupations also proselytized themselves into Brahmins, usually upon leading an
austere life, gaining positions of power or upon becoming wealthy.
[4][5]
The priestly class is 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).
[citation needed]
The fee paid to the Brahmana for performance of a
sacrifice was considered as a return for the priestly duties.
Contents
1 History
2 Practices
3 Brahmin communities
4 Pancha-Gauda
4.1 Saraswat Brahmins
4.2 Kanyakubja Brahmins
4.3 Gauda Brahmins
4.4 Utkala Brahmins (Orissa)
4.5 Maithil Brahmins (Mithila)
4.6 Nepali Brahmin
5 Pancha-Dravida
5.1 Andhra Pradesh
5.2 Gujarat
5.3 Maharashtra
5.4 Karnataka
5.5 Tamil Nadu
5.6 Kerala
6 Gotras and pravaras
7 Sects and Rishis
7.1 Descendants of the Brahmins
7.2 Claimants of Brahmin Status
7.3 Brahmin Kings
8 Sampradayas
8.1 Smartism
8.2 Vaishnavism
8.3 Shaivism
8.4 Buddhism
8.5 Jainism
8.6 Miscellaneous sects
9 Nepal
10 Burma (Myanmar)
11 Thailand
12 Notes
13 References
14 Further reading
15 External links
A four-faced statue of Brahma (Phra
Phrom), the Creator of World and the
Vedas, Thailand.
A Hindu priest performs a Yajna with offerings
and chants into a consecrated fire.
History
Main 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. ruti texts include the four Vedas (the Rigveda, the Yajurveda,
the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda), and their respective Brahmanas,
Aranyakas and Upanishads.
In 1931, Brahmins accounted for around 6%
[6]
of the total population of
India. Today, it comprises around 5% of the total population.
[7]
In West
Bengal the figures stand at 5%, whereas in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Orissa the Brahmin population is quite
near 10%.
[citation needed]
Megasthenes writes, that Brahmins are, "philosophers who are first in
rank but form the smallest class in point of number.""
[8]
He also
compares the Brahmins to the non-Brahmin Shramanas. Megasthenes
also writes, "The philosophers are of two kinds: (I) Brachmanes and
(2) Sarmanes. The Brachmanes are the best esteemed, for they have a more consistent dogmatic system."
[8]
Practices
Brahmins, basically adhere to the principles of the Vedas, related
to the texts of the ruti and Smriti which are some the
foundations of Hinduism, and practise Sanatana Dharma. Vedic
Brhmaas have six occupational duties, of which three are
compulsory studying the Vedas, performing Vedic rituals and
practicing dharma. By teaching the insights of the Vedic literature
which deals with all aspects of life including spirituality,
philosophy, yoga,
[citation needed]
religion, rituals, temples, arts
and culture,
[citation needed]
music, dance, grammar,
pronunciation, metre, astrology,
[citation needed]
astronomy,
[citation needed]
logic, law, medicine,
[citation needed]
surgery,
[citation needed]
technology, martial arts,
[citation needed]
military strategy, etc. By spreading its philosophy, and by
accepting back from the community, the Brahmins receive the
necessities of life.
[citation needed]
Brahmins practice vegetarianism or lacto-vegetarianism which has been a custom for centuries, dating back to the
pre-Christian era.
[citation needed]
However, some Brahmins inhabiting regions of Mithila, Punjab, Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Nepal, are non-vegetarian.
Most Brahmin sects wear the Yagnopaveetham (or sacred thread) that is a symbol of initiation to the Gayatri
recital. This ritual is often referred to as Upanayana. This marks the learning of the Gayatri hymn. Brahmin sects
also generally identify themselves as belonging to a particular Gotra, a classification based on patrilineal descent,
which is specific for each family and indicates their origin.
Brahmin communities
The Brahmin castes may be broadly divided into two regional groups: Pancha-Gauda Brahmins from the Northern
part of India (considered to be the region north of the Vindhya mountains) and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins from the
region south of the Vindhya mountains as per the shloka of Kalhana. This shloka was composed only in the 11th
century CE.
[citation needed]
1 = c = F =1d ||
5 5 =H || (Saraswat,Kanyakubja, Gaud ,Utkala and Mithila)
Pancha Guada (Karnataka Telangaa Dravida Maharashtra Gurjarat) Pancha Dravida
Pancha-Gauda
Main article: Pancha-Gauda
1 = c = F =1d || (Saraswat,Kanyakubja,
Gaud ,Utkala and Mithila)
Those from Uttarapatha (Aryavarta) (northern and eastern India) approximately ordered according to
geographical regions. Northern and Eastern Brahmins are divded in 5 main category. Guad brahmins or Gaudiya
comprises of Kashmir to Bengal.
Saraswat Brahmins
Saraswat Brahmins
Kashmiri Pandits
Goud Saraswat Brahmins
Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins
Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins
Kudaldeshkar gaud Brahmin s
Mohyals
Kanyakubja Brahmins
Saryupareen Brahmins
Assamese Brahmins
Kamrupi Brahmins
Kanyakubja Brahmins
Sanadhya Brahmins
Bhumihar Brahmins
Bengali Brahmins
Adi Guru Shri
Gauapdchrya, the
grand guru of Shri Adi
Shankaracharya and the
first historical proponent of
Advaita Vedanta, also
believed to be the founder
of Shri Gaudapadacharya
Math.
Bahun
Goswami
Manipuri Brahmins
Garhwali Brahmins
Sakdwipe Brahmins
"Kanyakubj Vanshavali" mentions five branches of Kanyakubja Brahmins as
Saryupareen, Sanadhya, Bhumihar, Jujhautiya and Prakrit Kanaujia:
Saryupari Sanadhyashcha Bhumiharo Jijhoutayah
Prakritashcha Iti Panchabhedastasya Prakartitah
[9]
Gauda Brahmins
Gaur brahmin
Among Gaur brahmana of Haryana,Rajasthan & west Uttar Pradesh,Adi Gaur
/Pachauri,Sanadhya & Paliwal are also Gaur brahmans.
Utkala Brahmins (Orissa)
Utkala Brahmin
The Sanskrit text Brhmaotpatti-Mrtaa by Pt. Harikrishna stri mentions that a king named Utkala invited
Brahmins from the Gangetic Valley to perform a yajna in Jagannath-Puri in Orissa. When the yajna ended, these
Brahmins laid the foundation of Lord Jagannath there and settled around Orissa, Jharkhand and Medinipur. The
Utkala Brahmins are of three classes 1) Shrautiya (vaidika), 2) Sevayata and 3) Halua Brahmins.
Maithil Brahmins (Mithila)
Maithil Brahmins
Maithil Brhamaas, are a group of Brahmins typically originating from and living in and around Mithila, which is
part of North Bihar. They are a community of highly cohesive, traditional Brahmins who strive to follow rites and
rituals according to ancient Hindu canons.
[citation needed]
They have a reputation for orthodoxy and interest in
learning.
[citation needed]
A large number of Maithil Brahmins migrated a few centuries ago to adjoining areas of
South-east Bihar and Jharkhand, as well as to adjoining Terai regions of Nepal. Most of the Maithil Brahmins are
ktas (worshippers of akti) . Maithili is their mother tongue, though many use Angika (a south-eastern dialect of
Maithili) as their mother tongue.
Nepali Brahmin
See Nepal.
Pancha-Dravida
5 , 5 =H || (Karnatakaashcha Telangaa
Dravidaa Maharashtrakaaha, Gurjarashcheti panchauva dravidaa vindhyadakshine)
Brahmins who live in south of Vidhya mountains are called Pancha-Dravida Brahmins and they are divided in to
following groups.
Karnataka
Telugu
Dravida (Tamil Nadu)
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Andhra Pradesh
Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh known as Telugu Brahmins are broadly classified into four groups: Vaidiki Brahmins,
Niyogi, Dravida Brahmins, and Vaikhnasa.
[10]
Vaidiki Brahmins are further divided into the following sub-categories: Dravidlu (Aadi Shaivulu, Shaivulu), Vaidiki
Velanadu, Vaidiki Venginadu, Vaidiki Kosalanadu or Kasalnadu, Vaidiki Mulakanadu, Vaidiki Murikinadu, Vaidiki
Telaganya (Originated from Telangana but might have migrated to other regions).
[citation needed]
Niyogis are further divided into the following subcategories: Nandavarika Niyogi, Prathama Shakha Niyogi, Aaru
Vela Niyogulu, Golkonda Vyapari, Karanaalu, Sistukaranalu, Karana kamma vyaparlu, Karanakammulu.
[11]
Each
Rishi's name is mentioned in the Yajurveda (4.3.3). Sanaga (Son of Manu (Shiva)) Sanatana (Son of Maya
(Vishnu)) Abhuvana (Son of Tvashta (Brahma of four faces)) Pratanan (Son of Shilpi (Indra)) Another sub-section,
known as Dravida Brahmins, is made up of a group of Saraswat Brahmins who migrated to Andhra Pradesh from
Tamil Nadu.
[citation needed]
They had originally migrated to Tamil Nadu from Saurashtra. Islamic invasions affected
this group by forcing its slow migration from Kashmir to Andhra Pradesh via Gujarat and Tamil
Nadu.
[citation needed]
As a result of their migration from Tamil Nadu, this group of Brahmins is known as Dravida
Brahmins or Dravidlu. They remain with the Vedic traditions.
[citation needed]
This sect is also related to the Vadama
Brahmins.
[citation needed]
Gujarat
Gurjara Brhmans refer to the Brahmins of Gujart, and are subdivided into many groups and subcastes. Many of
them have origins in Rajasthan. Some of the sub-categories are:
[12]
Girinarayan Brahmin, Shrigod Brahmin,
Sachora Brahmin, Anavil Brahmin, Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins, Prashnora Brahmins, Vadadra Brahmin, Sree gauda
Brahmin, Trivedi Mewada Brahmin, Palival Brahmin (Dasha and visha), Modh Brahmin, Tapodhan Brahmin,
Audichya Brahmin (http://www.brahmsamaj.org/?p=311) , Sahastra Audichya Gorwal Brahmin, Nagar Brahmin,
Pushkarna Brahmin (http://www.brahmsamaj.org/?p=128) , Saurashtra Bhatt Mewada Brahmin, Saurashtra Trivedi
Mewad Brahmin, Chauriyasi Mewada Brahmin, Rajgor Brahmin (http://www.brahmsamaj.org/?p=206) (Gujarat
Origin), Bajkhedawal Brahmins (origin Kheda in central Gujarat or Khedbrahma in north Gujarat), Jangid Brahmin,
Rajgor Brahmin, Bhatt Mewada Brahmin, Shrimali Brahmins and Chvyan Brahmin (or bharah gaon Brahmin),
Adhyagoud Brahmins (Rajasthan origin) and Jaiswal Brahmin (North-Indian origin),Rayakwad Brahmin(Kubabthal
region)
Kanaujiya or Kanyakumbj Brahmins migrated from Kanauj and entered the Kutch area via Sindh along with the
lohanas.
[citation needed]
They are divided into the categories bhuvdiyas, vondhiyas and sandhliyas, according to
their village temple. Others in Gujarat are mainly found in Jamnagar, Morbi, Junaghath and Rajkot. Surnames like
Bhatt, Kaileyas, Bhaglani, Pingal, Lakhlani, Ghediya etc. are common among them.
Maharashtra
They include the following : Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Chitpavan Brahmins (Konkanastha), Daivadnya Brahmins,
Deshastha Brahmins, Karhade Brahmins and Devrukhe Brahmins.
Karnataka
Kannada Brhmans( ): The Brhmans of the Carnatic, or the Canarese country. The Canarese area
comprises Mysore State, and the British Districts of Canara, Dharwar and Belgaum.
[13]
Kannada Brahmins :
[citation needed]
These are further subdivided into the following castes : Babbur Kamme Brahmins, Badaganadu Brahmins,
Deshastha Brahmin, 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, Vishwabrahmin, Niyogi Brahmins, Panchagrama Brahmins, Sankethi
Brahmins, Sattada vaishnava Brahmins, Shukla Yajurveda Brahmins, Smartha Brahmins, Srivaishnava Brahmins,
Sthanika Brahmins, Ulucha Kamme Brahmins
Mysore Iyers
Ashtagrama Iyer
Tuluva Brahmins,
[14]
which consist of Kandavara Brahmins, Karhade Brahmins, Padia Brahmins, Saklapuri
Brahmins, Shivalli Brahmins, Smartha Shivalli Brahmins, Sthanika Brahmins, Padarthi Brahmins
Tamil Nadu
Iyer (sub-divided further into Vadama, Vathima, Brahacharanam, Ashtasahasram, Sholiyar, Dikshitar,
Kaniyalar, Prathamasaki)
Iyengar (sub-divided into Vadakalai and Thenkalai)
Kerala
Kerala Brahmins include the following categories of Brahmins: Namboothiri Brahmin, Embranthiri, Pushpaka
Brahmin (subdivided into Nambissans and Unnis), Sharada Brahmins, Vishwabrahmins
Gotras and pravaras
See also: Classification of Brahmins
Brahmins classify themselves on the basis of their patrilineal descent from a notable ancestor.
[citation needed]
These
ancestors are either ancient Indian sages or kshatriyas (warriors), who chose to become Brahmins.
[citation needed]
The major gotras that trace descent from sages are: Shri Vatsya, Kanva, Jamadagni, Bhrigu, Bharadvja,
Kaundinya, Gautama Maharishi, Sandilya, Bhrigu, Vashista, Parshara, Atryasa, Harithasa, Kashyapa, and
Agastya gotra. Other gotras are Mitra, Vishvamitra and Chaurasia gotra.
[citation needed]
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'.
[15]Provide Vepachedu's Sources[citation needed]
The gotras are divided into three tiers of ganas, then into pakshas, and finally into individual gotras. According to
the svalyana-srautastra, there are four subdivisions of the Vashista gana, viz. Upamanyu, Parshara, Kundina
and Vashista (other than the first three). 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.
Therefore 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, 'sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara' and '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. For a sishya-
prasishya-rishi-parampara marriage it is not acceptable if half, or more than half, of the rishis are the same in both
bride and bridegroom gotras. If it is putraparampara, a marriage is totally unacceptable even if one rishi
matches.
[16]Provide Vepachedu's Sources-[citation needed]
Sects and Rishis
Due to the diversity in religious and cultural traditions and practices, and the Vedic schools to which they belong,
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 the Brahmins.
There are several Brahmin law givers, such as Angiras, Apasthambha, Atri, Bhrigu, Brihaspati, Boudhayana,
Daksha, Gautama, Harita, Katyayana, Likhita, Manu,
[17]
Parasara, Samvarta, Shankha, Shatatapa, Ushanasa,
Vashista, Vishnu, Vyasa, Yajnavalkya, and Yama. These twenty-one rishis were the propounders of the Smritis.
The oldest among these smritis are Apastamba, Baudhayana, Gautama, and Vashista Sutras.
[18]Provide Vepachedu's
Sources[citation needed]
Descendants of the Brahmins
Many Indians and non-Indians claim descent from the Vedic Rishis of both Brahmin and non-Brahmin
descent.
[citation needed]
For example, the Dasharna and Nagas are said to be the descendants of Kashyapa
Muni.
[citation needed]
The descent of Brahmins is generally indicated by the gotra, which refers to his patrilineage. It
is indicated by the name of the 'great sage' to whose descent the Brahmin is said to belong.
is indicated by the name of the 'great sage' to whose descent the Brahmin is said to belong.
The Vishwakarmas are the descendants of Pancha Rishis or Brahmarishies. According to Yajurveda and
Brahmanda purana, they are Sanaka, Sanatana, Abhuvanasa, Prajnasa, and Suparnasa.
[citation needed]
The Panchal movement to reclaim Brahminical rights claimed that the Panchals have Brahminic culture, or
sacraments, and perform their ceremonies according to Vedic Rituals.
[citation needed]
The Kani tribe of South India claim to descend from Agastya Muni.
[citation needed]
The Gondhali, Kanet, Bhot, Lohar, Dagi, and Hessis claim to be from Renuka Devi.
[citation needed]
The Kasi Kapadi Sudras claim to originate from the Brahmin Sukradeva. Their duty was to transfer water to the
sacred city of Kashi.
[19]
The Padmashalis claim they came from the Maharishi Markandeya, who wrote the Markandeya
Purana.
[citation needed]
The Saini (gardener) community claim in one of their stories that they descended from a Brahmin and call
themselves Parpadh Brahman, which in course of time became Phulmali.
[20]
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 lineage of Duda Rishi.
[citation needed]
Lord Buddha was a descendant of Angirasa through Gautama. There were Kshatriyas of other clans whose
members descend from Angirasa, to fulfill a childless king's wish.
[21]
The (so-called) backward caste Matangs claim to descend from Matang Muni, who became a Brahmin through his
karma.
[citation needed]
According to one legend, the nomadic tribe of Kerala, the Kakkarissi, were descendants of a Brahmin who came
out of the mouth of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
[citation needed]
The Roman Catholic Brahmin caste among the Goan Catholics and Mangalorean Catholics are descended from
Konkani Brahmins who converted to Roman Catholicism during the Portuguese colonial rule in Goa.
Claimants of Brahmin Status
In Andhra Pradesh the Panchanamvaru, the artisan caste of five groups (goldsmith, carpenters, blacksmiths,
brasiers and stone-cutters) claim to descend from Vishwakarma and his five sons (Manu, Maya, Silpa, Tvastra and
Daivagna), and claim to be Vishwa-Brahmin.
[22]
The Vipravinodins also claim the status.
[23]
In Bengal (West Bengal State and Bangladesh) the Namasudras, now named as Namasudra (Namassej) also
claimed Brahmin status. It is claimed
[citation needed]
that King Ballal Sen expelled them from society and declared
them as out-castes. A Vyavastha
[24][25][26]
was signed in 1901 by forty odd Brahmin pundits, headed by Chief
Brahmin pundit (Nabadwip) of Bengal. This is supported by Dr. Nihar Ray in "The History Of Bengali People ,
Ancient Period", published in "Desh", The Famous Bengali Literary Magazine in 1951, and included in the special
issue of "Articles of One Century".
[27]
It is claimed that the 1931 census of India shows that the two states of the
Ganga River Valley basin, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, had a 10% Brahmin population and adjacent Orissa also had a
The Reciting Brahman Illustration
from Sougandhika Parinaya, 19th
Century
Ganga River Valley basin, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, had a 10% Brahmin population and adjacent Orissa also had a
10% population, but Bengal had exactly half, 5%. Dr. N.R. Ray mentions in his book that Namasudra
(Namassejas) are the Lost Tribe.
[27]
In Gujarat, the Brahmbhatts, Brahmakshatriyas, Panchals, and Shrimali Sonis claim Brahmin status.
In Haryana, the Tagas claim to be a Brahmins who had abandoned the priestly profession and taken to
agriculture.
[citation needed]
In Karnataka, the Sthanika Brahmins claim to be Saiva Brahmins.
[28]
In Punjab, the Misari of the Multan Langrials claim descent from Brahmins of Bikanir.
[29]
Both the Langrail and
Golia claim that they were Brahmin Charans.
[30]
In Uttar Pradesh the Oudh Belwar also claim descent from the Sanadhya Brahmin caste.
[citation needed]
Even in the time of the Buddha there were a few Brahmins who took up
laboring professions. For example, Subhadra, the loast convert of the
Buddha, and a Brahmin by caste was a barber by profession in Atuma
village.
[31]
Brahmin sects that have taken up the profession of medicine include the
Vaidya (or Baidya) Brahmins of Bengal, with surnames Gupta, Dasgupta
and Senguptas.
[32]
They are considered descendants of Dhanvantari, the
Hindu god of medicine and father of Ayurveda.
[citation needed]
Kshatriya Brahmin
[33]
and Brahma-kshatriya
[34]
are terms associated
with people of both the Brahmin and Kshatriya caste components.
Brahmin Kings
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. The well-known Brahmin Chanakya was a Rajpurohit for
Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Mauryan empire, who helped Chandragupta get a grip on the well-
established Nanda Empire and prevent Alexander the Great from invading India. The Pallava kings also claimed to
be Brahmakshatriyas.
[citation needed]
King Jayavarma I of Kambuja (Kampuchea) of 781 A.D. was a Brahma-
kshatriya.
[34]
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.
[34]
Medieval king Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya or Hemu, born into a family of Purohits, started the manufacture
of cannons for the first time in North India in 1540s, with Portuguese know-how and dealt in gunpowder supplies
to Sher Shah Suri's army. Later he became Prime Minister and Chief of Army of the Suris and Emperor of North
India in 1556, defeating Akbar's army at Agra and Battle for Delhi at Tughlakabad Fort in Delhi.
[35]
India in 1556, defeating Akbar's army at Agra and Battle for Delhi at Tughlakabad Fort in Delhi.
[35]
Brahmins with the qualities of a Vaisya or merchant are known as 'Brahmvyasya'.
[citation needed]
An example of
such persons are people of the Ambastha
[36]
caste, which exist in South India.
[citation needed]
They perform
medical work, and claim that from ancient times they have practised Ayurveda and have been Vaidyas (or
doctors).
[citation needed]
During British rule, when the government desired to promote caste mobility, they started
bearing the sacred thread also, but neither the government nor the Hindu oligarchs supported any such
sanction.
[citation needed]
Sampradayas
The three sampradayas (sects) of Brahmins, mostly in South India are the Smarta sampradaya, the Srivaishnava
sampradaya and the Madhva sampradaya.
Smartism
Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as it is termed in Sanskrit) is a liberal or nonsectarian
denomination of the Hindu religion. This tradition is based on the Advaithic teachings of Adi Sankaracharya. He
united various sects of Hinduism under on umbrella by accepting all the major Hindu deities as forms of the one
Brahman. He implored the Smarthas to have an Ishta devatha in the form of Siva, Sakthi, Vishnu, Ganesha,
Murugan (Subrahmanya) or Sun. The term Smarta refers to adherents who follow the Vedas and
Shastras.
[citation needed]
Vaishnavism
One form of Vaishnavism is Madhwa (Dwaita Sampradaya), and the other is Sri Vaishnava (Vishishtadvaita
sampradaya). Madhwa Brahmins are mainly located in the Carnatic plains and some of them are seen in Andhra,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They follow the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya, who was born in South
Canara district of Karnataka in the 12th Century. He preached Dvaita, which says that God and atma (soul) are
different entities, which is contradictory to the teachings of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, who preached Advaita vedanta
(non-duality). In South India, Sri Vaishnava sampradayam was propagated by Srimad Ramanujacharya.
Shaivism
Shaivism (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.
[citation needed]
Saiva sects contains many subsects, such as
Asdisaivas, Rudrasaivas, Veerasiavas, Paramasaivas, etc. Ravana, the ruler of Lanka in the Hindu epic Ramayana,
was a staunch Siva devotee, who was the grandson of creator Brahma.
Buddhism
See also: Buddhist Brahmins
Brahmins(caste) were treated as equals to all the rest, in the eyes of the Buddha and there are countless references
to Brahmins throughout the Buddhist scriptures also.Buddha rejected the notion of gradation along caste lines and
of the legitimacy of the higher social status,as well as the notion of ritual purity as claimed by the Brahmins
compared to others
[37]
. Many of the major Buddhist followers and teachers were from Brahmins. They include
Sariputra, Maudgalyayana, Mahakashyapa, Nagarjuna, Asvaghosha, Padmasambhava, Shantarakshita, Nagasena,
Kumarajiva and Shantideva, all of whom were referred by their titles devoid of their caste as Arahats etc. The word
Brahmin, meaning "priest class", was redefined by the Buddha and it continued to be used alongside Arahat in their
relevant contexts.
[38]
Max Muller points out that in the Dhamapada, Buddha etymologizes the word "Bahama", the
Prakrit form of "Brahmana", by playing off the Sanskrit/Prakrit etymon -bra.
In the Ambattha Sutra, we find the Buddha debated many Brahmins who were clearly not Arahats. Also in many
important dharanis, Brahmins are mentioned in an entirely different capacity from Arahats, and therefore there is a
marked difference depending on the context. The Buddha insisted that Brahmins had to live up to seek the truth
,hence reach liberation(Nirvana) through the Dhamma, and this could not be by ascriptive factor of birth alone. 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 as well.
[39]
The Buddha did not believe in caste discrimination but he did endorse a fair division of labour based on merit and
equality, while condemning pathological division of labour through slavery , forced labour ,superstition etc.
According to him, Brahmins were not to discriminate against lower castes and those of their own who joined the
sangha, through the notion of purity and superior social status ,which according to the buddha was false.
[38][40]
but
were to serve them wholeheartedly. Many sutras indicate that the Buddha himself was a Brahmin in a previous life
and, due to his good merit as in the previous lives, was reborn as the Buddha.
[41]
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
[42]
On 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".
[43]
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."
[44]
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 the Tapsas, who were competing with Gautama
to reach the top of a hill, achieved moksha by seeing Gautama win.
[45]
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.
Reputedly a wealthy Brahmin named Dhangiri, in the town of Tumbhivan, lost his interest in wealth and
decided to take Diksha, after hearing the sermons of the Jain Acharya Sinhgiri.
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 said to the pioneer in the field of Jain logic.
[46]
There is a Brahmin community in South Karnataka which is traditional follower of Jainism and is known as
Jain Brahmin. They have a hostel for students in Mysore, known as Jain Brahmin Hostel. This community is
different from the Jain priests in Jain temples.
Miscellaneous sects
There are additional sampradayas, which are not as widely followed:
The Mahima Dharma or "Satya Mahima Alekha Dharma" was founded by the Brahmin Mukunda Das of present-
day Orissa, popularly known by followers as Mahima Swami according to the Bhima Bhoi text.
[47]
He was born in
the last part of the 18th century, in the former state of Baudh, 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.
[47]
This sampradaya was
founded in the latter part of the 18th century.
[47]
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.
Nepal
Bahun 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. Brahmins are the second
largest caste group in Nepal (31% of the population), with the Chhetri (Kshatriya) being the first
(42%).
[citation needed]
Brahmins were inhabitants of Nepal in prehistoric times.
[citation needed]
The Brahmin
community is the major part of the indigenous Khas community of Nepal.
[citation needed]
They moved eastward
along Xinjiang province of China, Western Tibet, the Himalayan foothills from Kashmir and Kumao/Garwal. They
settled first in the Karnali River basin, then the Gandaki and finally the Kosi basin and into Sikkim and
Bhutan.
[citation needed]
Some Jaiswal Brahmins are Chaurasi Brahmins from Nepal or North India.
[citation needed]
There are references
about Brahmins of Nepal in bansawali and purans. By traditionand by civil law until 1962they represented the
highest of the four Hindu varna or castes.
[citation needed]
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.
[citation needed]
The top leaders of the all the major parties
are also Bahuns: the Maoist opposition (Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai), the Communist Party of
Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) Jhalanath Khanal, Madhav Kumar (Nepal), and the Nepali Congress (Sushil
Koirla).
Very often, Khas Bahuns can be identified by their middle names being Dev ( ), Nath (), Mani (), Raj
(), Prasad (), Devi ( ) or Kumari ( |). They never use bahadur ( ) in their names because it
is associated mainly with Chhetris (Kshatriya) and "martial tribes".
The Brahman caste in Nepal includes numerous family names such as:
A Acharya (), Adhikari (|), Arjel ()/Arjyal (7 )/Aryal ( ), Awasthi
(1)
Atreya (),
B Badal (), Banskota (1), Baral (), Bastakoti (1|), Bastola (1),
Basyal/Bashyal/Basel (1/ ?/ )
Bh Bhandari (=|), Bhatta (), Bhattarai (), Bhetuwal ( ), Bhurtel (), Bhusal
( / )
Ch Chalise ( ), Chapagain ((), Chataut (), Chaulagain ()/ ,
Chiluwal ()
D Dahal (), Devkota ( )
D Dallakoti (~|), Dumre ( P )
Dh Dhakal (), Dhungel ( ), Dhital ()
G Gajurel ( ), Gaudel ( ), Gautam (), Gotame ( ), Guragain/Gurangain
( (), Gyanwali (7), Gaire ( ), Gauli ()
Gh Ghimire ( )
H Humagain (
()
J Jaisi(), Joshi ()
K Kafle (9 /9 ), Kalakheti (), Kandel ( )/Kadel ( ), Koirala ()
Kh Khanal (), Kharel ( ), Khatiwada ()
L Lamsal(), Lekhak ( ), Lohani (), Lamichhane
M Mainali (), Maratha (), Mishra ()
N Nepal ( ), Neupane ( /= ), Niroula (), Nyaupane (= )
O Ojha (), Oli (|)
P Prasai(n) ((), Parajuli(), Pageni (), Pandey ( / ), Pandit (), Pant
(=), Pathak (), Pokhrel/Pokharel ( ), Paudyal ()/Poudyal/Paudel ( ), Pudasiani
(), Pyakurel (! ), Panthi (=)
Ph Phuyal ( )
R Regmi ( ), Rijal (), Rimal (), Rishal ()
Sh Sharma ( ), Shivakoti (|)
S Sangraula (T), Sapkota (), Satyal (c), Sedhain ( ), Sigdel ( ),
Simkhada (),Subedi ( |),
T Timilsina (~ /~), Tiwari (|), Tripathi (|)
Th Thapaliya ()
W Wagle ( )
U Upadhyaya (), Upreti/Uprety ( )
The Audichya Brahmin community is connected with Parashurama (Bhargava-Gotra), and are said to have earned
a good deal of confidence and respect among kings.
[citation needed]
Burma (Myanmar)
Historically, Brahmins, known as ponna () in modern-day Burmese, formed an influential group in
Burma prior to British colonialism. Until the 1900s, ponna referred to Indians who had arrived prior to colonial
rule, distinct from kala, Indians who arrived during British rule. During the Konbaung dynasty, court Brahmins were
Manipuri astrologers and Brahmins in
Burma, 1900
consulted by kings before moving royal capitals, waging wars, making offerings to Buddhist sites like the Mahamuni
Buddha, and for astrology.
[48]
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: the oldest Brahmins in Burmese society, who
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 (puzaw in Burmese) for
appeasing nine divinities, Buddha and the eight arahats, or a group of nine deities, five Hindu gods and four nat
spirits.
[48]
This practice continues to be practiced in modern-day Burma.
Thailand
Brahmins in Thailand are known as 'Phram' or 'Paahm' and claim ancestry to Indian Brahmins who migrated to
Thailand in the 6th century AD
[49]
There are fewer Brahmins in Thailand than in Burma.
One of the theories that orthodox Brahmins of Thailand believe in is that the earth shall be destroyed by fire, and
that a new Earth will be created after the destruction.
[50]
In the 19th century at Bangkok all the medical practitioners were Chinese or Cochin - Chinese, while astronomy
and divination was in the hands of the Brahmins.
[51]
Notes
References
1. ^
a

b
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 81-206-1210-8.
2. ^ Indian Economic and Social History Review 1987, Himanshu P Ray, 24: 443
3. ^ Ancient India: a history of its culture and civilization, Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi, p.166-170
4. ^ A social history of India, by SN Sadasivan
5. ^ Castes and tribes of Southern India, By Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari
6. ^ http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?269768
7. ^ http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?234783
8. ^
a

b
P. 184 Chandragupta Maurya And His Times By Radhakumud Mookerji
9. ^ Saraswati, Swami Sahajanand (2003). Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Rachnawali in Six volumes (in Volume 1 at
p. 518, Parishist by Acharya Tarineesh Jha, 515-519). Prakashan Sansthan. ISBN 81-7714-097-3.
10. ^ Article on Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
(http://www.vedah.net/manasanskriti/Brahmins.html#Brahmins_of_Andhra_Pradesh)
11. ^ http://www.vedah.net/manasanskriti/Brahmins.html
12. ^ Bardai Brahmins (http://www.brahmsamaj.org)
13. ^ The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India By R.V. Russell
14. ^ The Tale of Tuluva Brahmins (http://www.boloji.com/places/0019.htm)
15. ^ Article on Gotras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
(http://www.vedah.net/manasanskriti/Brahmins.html#Brahmin_Sages_and_Branches)
16. ^ Article on Gotras and pravaras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
(http://www.vedah.net/manasanskriti/Brahmins.html)
17. ^ Manu Smriti on learning of the Vedas (http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/manu/manu02.htm)
18. ^ Article on various sects and rishis of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
(http://www.vedah.net/manasanskriti/Brahmins.html#Brahmin_Sages_and_Branches)
19. ^ Bhanu, B. V., People of India, p. 948.
20. ^ P. 845, People of India: Rajasthan edited by K. S. Singh
21. ^ Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History and Literature, by John Dowson, p.
17.
22. ^ P. 165 Encyclopaedia of India, Volume 27 by Pran Nath Chopra
23. ^ P. 104, Proceedings... annual conference, Issue 16 by National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in
Higher Education and the Professions, Baruch College, CUNY, 1997
24. ^ "Vyabastha" (http://www.scribd.com/doc/81487552/Namasudra-VYAVASTHA-page-1-PARTIAL-REMOVAL-
OF-HATRED-TAGGING) . http://www.scribd.com/doc/81487552/Namasudra-VYAVASTHA-page-1-PARTIAL-
REMOVAL-OF-HATRED-TAGGING.
25. ^ "Vyabastha2nd p" (http://www.scribd.com/doc/81485522/Namasudra-VYAVASTHA-Page-2) .
http://www.scribd.com/doc/81485522/Namasudra-VYAVASTHA-Page-2.
26. ^ "Vyabastha-Signatories" (http://www.scribd.com/doc/81485900/Namasudra-VYAVASTHA-page-3) .
http://www.scribd.com/doc/81485900/Namasudra-VYAVASTHA-page-3.
27. ^
a

b
Ray, Niharranjan (1994). History of the Bengali People: Ancient Period (http://books.google.com/books?
id=sEBuAAAAMAAJ) . Orient Longman. ISBN 978-0-86311-378-9. http://books.google.com/books?
id=sEBuAAAAMAAJ.
28. ^ P, 1343 People of India: Volume 27, Part 3 by Kumar Suresh Singh, Anthropological Survey of India
29. ^ P. 130 The Pakistan gazetteer, Volume 3 By Cosmo Publications (Firm)
30. ^ P. 368 A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North-West frontier By H.A. Rose
31. ^ P. 95 Buddha: His Life, His Teachings, His Order: Together with the History of the Buddhism by Manmatha
Nath Dutt, Society for the Resuscitation of Indian Literature
32. ^ http://saraswatdirectory.com/saraswat6.php
33. ^ P. 29, Cultural History from the Matsyapura, by Sureshachandra Govindlal Kantawala
34. ^
a

b

c
P. 201, Professor A.L. Basham, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of Ancient, by Sachindra Kumar
Maity
35. ^ Page on Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya on wikipedia
36. ^ P. 37 Asian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study By Charles Leslie
37. ^ "27th Sutta of Digha Nikaya" (http://www.columbia.edu/itc/religion/f2001/edit/docs/aggannasutta.pdf) . Digha
Nikaya. columbia university. http://www.columbia.edu/itc/religion/f2001/edit/docs/aggannasutta.pdf.
38. ^
a

b
"verse 385;verse 386" (http://www.buddhanet.net/dhammapada/d_brahmi.htm) . Dhammapada. Buddhanet.
http://www.buddhanet.net/dhammapada/d_brahmi.htm.
39. ^ http://www.buddhanet.net/dhammapada/d_brahmi.htm
40. ^ "27th Sutta of Digha Nikaya" (http://www.columbia.edu/itc/religion/f2001/edit/docs/aggannasutta.pdf) . Digha
Nikaya. columbia university. http://www.columbia.edu/itc/religion/f2001/edit/docs/aggannasutta.pdf.
41. ^ http://www.jatakaonline.com/jataka-tales/0011-the-first-prophecy
42. ^ (Robinson, Johnson & Thanissaro 2005, p. 51)
43. ^ Sue Hamilton, Early Buddhism: A New Approach: The I of the Beholder. Routledge 2000, pages 47, 49.
44. ^ Translation by Piyadassi Thera (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.1.07.piya.html)
45. ^ P.21 Jaina-rpa-maana =: Jaina Iconography By Umakant Premanand Shah
46. ^ P. 374 Buddhist phenomenology: a philosophical investigation of Yogcra Buddhism By Dan Lusthaus
47. ^
a

b

c
"Mahima Dharma, Bhima Bhoi and Biswanathbaba" (http://www.orissa.gov.in/e-
magazine/Orissareview/may2005/engpdf/mahima_dharma_bhima_bhoi_biswanathbaba.pdf)
48. ^
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.
49. ^ P. 91 Thailand into the spirit world by Marlane Guelden
50. ^ P. 327 The London encyclopaedia: or Universal dictionary of science, art ..., Volume 6
51. ^ P. 18 Chambers's papers for the people, Volumes 9-10 By William Chambers, Robert Chambers
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, Bhumihar Brahmins: A Sociological Study, PhD thesis 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.)..
External links
e-learning of Basic Vedic Mantras & rituals from Home for Brahmins (http://swadharmam.blogspot.in)
Online Vedic Courses through Video Conferencing
Daily duties of Brahmins (http://kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part5/chap39.htm)
Brahmin Information Portal (http://www.hindubrahmin.com) at Hindubrahmin.com
List of Brahmin Castes and Sub-castes (http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/people/brahmins/list.htm) at
Kamat.com
Brahmin Patrika Blog (http://brahminpatrika.blogspot.in/)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brahmin&oldid=526284616"
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