ब्रह्मभट्ट) is an India

India

India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

n surname

Surname

A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...

 representing a Vedic

Vedic

Vedic may refer to:* the Vedas, the oldest preserved Indic texts** Vedic Sanskrit, the language of these texts** Vedic period, during which these texts were produced** Vedic pantheon of gods mentioned in Vedas/vedic period...

/Indo-Aryan peoples, to be found mainly across West India and North India, in India. Primarily Warrior Brahmins, this classic social entity possesses the characteristics of Brahmin

Brahmin

Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...

 as well as Kshatriya

Kshatriya

*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...

 as per the caste system prevalent in India. Although, they are basically considered to be Brahmins, regarded as Subhatts or Warrior Brahmins. More often they had been nobles and court advisers in kingdoms since Vedic times. In social hierarchy and ranks, the Brahma Bhatt / Brahmbhatt clan has further spread into and seem to have covered Bhat (surname), Bhatt

Bhatt

Bhatt, meaning a priest or scribe in Sanskrit, is a surname common in most parts of India. A predominantly Hindu last name, it is found most commonly in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Kumaon and Garhwal in Uttarakhand, Doti, Karnataka, Kerala,...

 at some places, Barot

Barot

Barot is a picnic spot and tourist location in Mandi district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated 40 km from Jogindernagar and 66 km from Mandi, the district headquarters. The road to Barot branches off at Jogindernagar-Mandi high ways and from Jogindernagar the...

, Balwa, Badva, Bhatt Raja or Vahivancha groups also, whereas Brahma Bhatt is originally a distinct ethnic group of a higher rank. Primarily, they were found in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Later they are found to have concentrated in Rajasthan and more in Gujarat & Saurashtra regions.

Mythology and History

As per mythological accounts and according to Hinduism

Hinduism

Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...

, this identity has been said to have emerged as human embodiment out of a Yajna / Yagna performed by Brahma

Brahma

Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Mānu, and from Mānu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the...

 and they are even to date regarded as Saraswati

Saraswati

In Hinduism Saraswati , is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. She is the consort of Brahma, also revered as His Shakti....

 Putra (descendents of mother Saraswati) in many parts of Gujarat, while other belief goes for Shiva

Shiva

Shiva is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. God Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a...

 created a branch for preserving order, and spread art, culture, spiritual knowledge in society, while at the same time protect and secure the society, either first by knowledge and enlightenment (Shaastra) or by Astr (at battlegrounds).

And as per those beliefs, Brahmabhatts are said to have originated from Devpuri or Alkapuri and Himalayas

Himalayas

The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...

, traversing across Naimisaranya

Naimisaranya

Naimisaranyam or Devaraja Perumal Temple is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu reverred by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars-Chakra Kunda:...

, Gangetic Belt and Indus & Saraswati territories of Vedic era. Their presence includes Nepal, Kashmir, Punjab, Kannauj, Magadh, Kashi, present day Bengal and Bangladesh, Rajputana, Malva, Surashtra (Saurashtra

Saurashtra

Saurashtra is a region of western India, located on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat state. It is a peninsula also called Kathiawar after the Kathi Darbar who ruled part of the region once. The Peninsula is shared with the Kachchh region which occupies the north, Saurashtra or Sorath forming the...

), Dwarika kingdoms, while spreading up to far West in Europe, primarily occupying present day Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Rome, France and Germany under different definition and identity. The fact is Brahmabhatt, often termed as Subhatt or Warrior Bhatts in Vedic times, are found all across Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, and across Europe. Brahma Bhatts find references in Ramayana

Ramayana

The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is ascribed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and forms an important part of the Hindu canon , considered to be itihāsa. The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India and Nepal, the other being the Mahabharata...

, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita

The ' , also more simply known as Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, but is frequently treated as a freestanding text, and in particular, as an Upanishad in its own right, one of the several books that constitute general Vedic tradition...

, Buddhism

Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...

, some Vedic

Vedic

Vedic may refer to:* the Vedas, the oldest preserved Indic texts** Vedic Sanskrit, the language of these texts** Vedic period, during which these texts were produced** Vedic pantheon of gods mentioned in Vedas/vedic period...

 references, many religious scriptures and imperial gazetteers.

Brahmabhatts' migration and concentration in Gujarat

At present, those who still have maintained their social, traditional and cultural identity, along with their orthodox constitution, are found in Gujarat, and they are popular as Brahmabhatt. Majority of Brahmabhatts would trace their immediate origin to Rajputana, North India and North West India, including present day Pakistan. Apparently, other title signified to Brahmabhatt in Gujarat is Barot and there are several stories behind they are being called as Barot. Brahmabhatt or Barot have been present and have played a very crucial and critical part in the History of West, North-west and North India. Presently often referred with the land of Gujarat due to their large number of population, Brahmabhatts are found present in this province since 7th Century and peculiarly since 11th and 12th Century during several migrations took place from Rajputana towards Gujarat and Saurashtra. However, some old groups across Gujarat and Saurashtra are claimed to have been present in Surashtra and Dwarika Kingdom since the Mahabharat period.

Identity, Role and Functions

They are often said to have natural - god gifted skills and courage to teach difficult subjects pertaining to spirituality, socialism, bravery, diplomacy, humanity, religion and cosmology to people in very understandable and simple form, at the same time, they can offer themselves readily at the battlegrounds, as and when needs be any. And thus, traditionally they are said to have characteristics and duties that of Brahmin and Kshatriya (Rajput), although they are more inclined to and known for their Kshatriya character and such traits. Strict followers and devout of Shakti (Goddess / Devi) they are generally Shaivites, these Brahma Bhatts were known for their dominant following to celibacy, vision, diplomacy, truth, justice, discipline, their promises, sacrifice and penance.

The Nau Katari (9 Daggers) Brahmbhatts

Traditionally and originally, the Brahmbhatts are of nine main types. With a 'Katara (dagger)' being their basic identity and signature, they are said to have been of 9 main types, each type denoting a distinct Katara (dagger).

Function and Profession

Those in traditions of preaching, poetry and genealogy were sometimes alleged for exaggeration and fabrication of matter, however facts and truth still remained there in subtle form. Significantly, during feudal era, and after barbarian attacks and subsequent invasions, the emerging poor socio-economic picture of India prompted other tribes and castes too to indulge into the fields and profession of Brahma Bhatts, eventually picking up as and introducing themselves as Bhat/Bhatt/Brahmbhatt, which would result into literature and poetry of superficial and excessive nature. At the same time, growing population and political - vocational transitions may have attributed to this aspect where their main income source would remain their literature and available service sectors at subjected times.

Primarily they were:

• Advisers & Nobles in kingdoms
• Court Poets & Poets
• Historians
• Litterateur
• Diplomats & Notary
• Warriors
• Preachers & Priests
• Story-tellers
• Artists & Folk Artists
• Singers / Bards
• Genealogists, etc.

Overlooking ancient mythological accounts, some historical research works suggest that it is mentioned in ‘Shrimad Bhagwad Gita’ that kings (Kshatriyas/ warriors) of that time used to get their daughter to ‘Rishi’ (Brahmins) in order to serve or worship them. The mixed breed of Brahmins and Kshatriyas were called ‘Brahmbhatt’= Brahm (Kshatriya) + Bhatt (Brahmin). Thus, Brahmbhatt ‘Sanskar’ (knowledge) of Brahmin, due to the Brahmin father and ‘Rakt’ (Blood) of Kshatriya, due to Kshyatriya Mother. There are some examples like 1. Chavan Rishi, great Brahmin of his time, was made marry to a king’s daughter. 2. King Dushyant’s daughter was given to a rishi.
Brahmbhatts were given due respect in society and were called ‘Deviputra’ (Son of God). They used to be in ‘Rajdarbar’ (committee of the king) as a poet or adviser of king.

It remained in practice for a long time through feudal era that only Brahmbhatts had rights to speak against king or interfere in his talks of decisions. There is a saying in Gujarati ‘Raja no ghodo rokvano hakk fakta Barot nej’ it means, ‘Only Barot has right to stop horse of the King’. Brahmbhatts are very ready wit as, it is said, Goddess Saraswati is placed on their tongue and may be that’s the reason Brahmbhatts got surname of ‘Barot’= Bar (12) + Hoth (Lips), even Birbal was Barot. According to their role in the society and their talents, Brahmbhatts got different surnames like Barot, Dasondi, Sharma, Inamdar, Rao, etc.

Transformation, Social Highs and Lows

During their another successive immigration from kingdoms of Rajputana to Gujarat, they were divided into different levels under their caste. And this is when and where the other castes with a little similar social/cultural orientation, such as Charan, Gadhvi, Vahivancha, Bhat/Bhaat, Bards, etc. who are found across Gujarat have inherited and followed some practices and profession which the Brahmabhatts would do once in a while, such as poetry, story-telling, writing, worship, etc. These phenomenons, along with genealogy became chief identity of other above groups of Charan, Gadhvi, Vahivancha, etc. and later, it became significant to have an official/principal Barot for every caste and community who would keep genealogical and statistical-historical records of generations, and eventual cross-breeding gave birth to many divisions and emergence of a high-to-low social chronology in this caste.

During the reign of Gayekead in Gujarat, many Brahmbhatts got converted into Barot because ‘Baharvatiya’ (pirates of that time) were only leaving ‘Bawa (Sadhu/ Prophet), Baman (Brahmin) and Barot’ while raiding people. Baharvatiyas used to inform the person to be looted 24 hours in advance sending them ‘Jasachitthi’ (Raid-note). One of the writers mentions, the Grandfather of his Grandmother was sent this Jasachitthi by Mirkha, a very famous pirate of his time, but he (great maternal grandfather) was not looted as pirates came to know that he was Brahmbhatt (Barot). Eunuchs, even today, give due respect to Barot as they are known as Deviputra (Goddess's own child), and in history, a Barot used to drive the chariot of Goddess Bahuchara. Eunuchs believe in Goddess Bahuchara as she is their ‘Kud-devi’ (Progeny Goddess). So, now, if you come to India and have to face any eunuch just say that you are Barot, He/she will leave you.

Mainly the Vahivancha Barots/Bhats and other such groups denoting the lower layers and categories used to work in Gujarat to keep ancestral records of Brahmbhatts and gradually, they also started being considered as a low caste Barot. In Gujarat, around 36 different sub castes of Brahmbhatts are considered in lower layer/category. Vahivancha Barots roam in Gujarat, family to family and update records for which they get some money. One may get lots of information about his family, of last 7 or more generations and also related stories of our ancestors. However, the practice of genealogy has almost ended and those rare manuscripts of some eminent Vahivancha Barots of ancient times across India, are matter of antiquity and history, with a great neglect being shown towards this fine piece of empirical historical data which can help lay down and correct some great authentic chapters of Indian History.

Modern times

When India become republic Barot caste were added in the list of SEBC (Socially and Economically Backward Cast) so they can get certain benefits from Govt. of being SEBC. Actually, Barots have never been SEBC but while kingdoms were getting merged into the Government, all the kings were asked if they wanted to put any caste of their kingdom in the list of SEBC. As, Barots were adviser and very close to the King, even at that time, they asked kings to put Barot caste in SEBC list. And at that time also, many Brahmbhatts had changed their surname to Barot because Brahambhatt caste was not included as a sub caste of Barot (Hindu-Barot as in constitution).

At present, even today, the Brahmabhatts majorly occupy the branches and sectors of administration, defense, security, art, literature, theater, governance, advisory, diplomacy, consultancy, law and jurisdiction and such infrastructure.

Some notable figures

• Sanjaya
  Sanjaya
  Sanjaya is a character from the ancient Indian epic Mahābhārata.In Mahabharata, a story of war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the blind king Dhritarashtra is the father of the principals of the Kaurava side. Sanjaya is Dhritarashtra's advisor and also his charioteer...
  
  
• Vetala
  Vetala
  A vetala is a ghost-like being from Hindu mythology. The vetala are defined as spirits inhabiting corpses and charnel grounds...
  
   or Baital
• Kumārila Bhaṭṭa
  Kumarila Bhatta
  ' was a Hindu philosopher and Mimamsa scholar from Assam. He is famous for many of his seminal theses on Mimamsa, such as Mimamsaslokavarttika. Bhatta was an staunch believer in the supreme validity of Vedic injunction, a great champion of Purva-Mimamsa and a confirmed ritualist...
  
  
• Aryabhata
  Aryabhata
  Aryabhata was the first in the line of great mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy...
  
  
• Chand Bardai
  Chand Bardai
  Chand Bardai was the court poet of the Indian king Prithviraj III Chauhan, who ruled Ajmer and Delhi from 1165 to 1192. A native of Lahore, Chand Bardai composed the Prithviraj Raso, an epic poem in Hindi about the life of Prithviraj...
  
  
• Birbal
  Birbal
  Raja Birbal was the Grand Vizier of the Mughal court in the administration of the Mughal emperor Akbar. He one of his most trusted members along with being a part of Akbar's inner council of nine advisors, known as the navaratna, a Sanskrit word meaning nine jewels...
  
  
• Kalhana
  Kalhana
  Kalhana , a Kashmiri, was the author of Rajatarangini , an account of the history of Kashmir. He wrote the work in Sanskrit between 1148 and 1149. All information regarding his life has to be deduced from his own writing, a major scholar of which is Mark Aurel Stein...
  
  
• Kavi Gang during Akbar reign
• Shankar Bhat during Maharana Pratap reign
• Vidyamal Bhat during Raja Bhoj reign
• Kedar Bhat during Shahabuddin Muhammad Ghori reign