These Audichya Brahman community

[ghanshyam]

Interesting History

These Audichya Brahman community owns a vibrant history and culture
worth knowing.

They were invited by Siddharaj Jaysinh, for rituals during Sahasra
Ling Talav (a lake created by the rular Siddharaj which has 1000 Shaiv
lings surround it). These 1000 Brahmins group known as Sahasra group
were donated land and the Tolak didn't opt for were in small group.

Their history of origin as Audichchya Brahmins can be traced from
around the year 950 AD only. It was in the year 942 AD that Mulraj
Solanki captured the throne of Anhilpur Patan after murdering his
maternal uncle Samant Sinh Chawda, the then ruling king.

In the olden days there were two crimes, considered the worst crimes.
These crimes were (1) murdering a ruling king & (2) murdering a
priest. In India the punishment and atonement for these crimes was
self immolation by burning or by drowning.

So naturally Mulraj’s murdering the reigning king, even though it was
rightly propagated as inevitable & most necessary, for saving the
kingdom, by his supporters, found no takers from the kingdom’s
Shrimali Brahmin priests.

These priests had come to Gujarat along with the Chawada kings, from
Shrimal/Bhinnmal situated in the southern part of present day state of
Rajasthan. The Shrimali Brahmins were the official priests of the
kingdom. Their function included Dharma & justice.

They refused to give blessings to Mulraj and to annunciate him as the
king. No amount of persuading, cajoling, coxing or threatening had any
effect on those Brahmins. If the priests coroneted him as a king,
Mulraj was ready to perform a Rudra Yagna and also to build
Rudramahal, a huge temple of Rudra (Shiv) as atonement. But the
priests would not budge.

It was also important for Mulraj to be coroneted as a king since, if
the throne was left vacant for a long time there would be a chaos.
Several Chawdas had already started pressing their claim to the
throne. The enemies of the kingdom on the border had started
preparations for conquest of Gujarat.

An immediate action was needed if the kingdom was to be retained. But
the Shrimali priests, even after explaining the circumstances, were
practically unanimous in not accepting Mulraj’s reasons and
credentials. Mulraj had to find another way to overcome this
situation.

Mulraj & his minister Madhav came upon a brilliant idea. Chawda kings
had come from Shrimal & their priests were Shrimali Brahmins. Mulraj
was from Kanyakubja (Kanoj) located in the fertile lands of Ganga &
Yamuna rivers, so if priests from that area could be persuaded to come
and enthrone Mulraj as a king, perform Rudra Yagna and stay in Gujarat
as the kingdom’s priests, two birds could be killed with a single
stone.

First Mulraj would now be a legitimate king and secondly the influence
of Shrimali Brahmins would be curtailed and even nullified. It was
decided to import and lure learned & intelligent Brahmin families in
large numbers, offering them land and positions as the official
kingdom priests. They immediately set to work.

Several ministers under the leadership of Madhav were sent to the
various important cities and areas in plains of rivers Ganga & Yamuna
where there were educated & prominent Brahmins who could be persuaded
to come to Gujarat for permanent settlement. To avoid a conspiracy,
they also ensured that Brahmins came from different places and not
from a single place.

When this big caravan of 1037 Brahmin families reached Siddhpur Patan,
they were royally received by the king and his people.

In India in those days, gradually Brahmins had started being known by
the place of their stay or origin, and not by the Gotras as in the
past. So this big group of Brahmins consisting of various Gotras was
officially named Auduchchya Brahmins.

In Sanskrit, Audichchya means from the northern direction. The list of
Gotras, place of origin and places donated to Brahmin families by King
Mulraj Solanki after their arrival at Shri Sthal, subsequently known
as Siddhpur Patan, is as under.

Number of families Place of original stay of families Places donated
Gotra

• 105 Planes of rivers Ganga & Yamuna From Sihore & Siddhpur areas:
Jamdagni, Vatsas, Bhargav(Bhrugu), Droan Dalabhya, Mandavya, Maunash,
Gangayan, Shankruti, Paulatsya, Vashstha, Upmanu,
• 100 Chuvan Ashram Total Udvahak, Parashar, Laudhkshi, Kashyap,
• 100 Sarau river planes Two Bhardwaj, Kaudinya,Garg, Vishvamitra,
• 100 Kanyakubja Hundred Kaushik, Indrakaushik, Shantatap, Atri,
• 100 Hardwar area And Audalak, Krushnaatri, Shwetaatri, Chandraatri
• 100 Naimasharanya Seventy Atrikahshik, Gautam, Autathya, Krutsas,
Aangirash,
• 200 Kurukshetra Four Shandilya, Gaubhil, Piplad, Agatsya,
• 132 Pushkar area villages (Agatsya,Mahendra) Not in Audichchyas

On arrival at Siddhpur Patan, they were visited by Shrimali Brahmins
(Ex Rajya Gurus) who explained their reason for boycotting Mulraj’s
coronation. Out of 1037 families, 37 families saw the truth in the
reasoning of the Shrimali Brahmins and decided not to participate in
the king’s plans.

They went in a group and intimated their decision & reason to Mulraj.
Since they went about in a Group they were known as Tolakiya
Audichchya Brahmins. The rest came to be known as Audichchya Sahasra
Brahmins, since they were 1000 in numbers.

It might appear that only greed dominated these 1000 Brahmin families
but on the other side i.e. King Mulraj Solanki’s view, explained to
Brahmins, and should also not be over looked.

A strong kingdom was imperative to maintain & stabilize Dharma and
civilization as well as trade & prosperity of the nation. It is a well
known fact that under slavery, Dharma, civilization, prosperity
decline, making the nation poor and a laughing stock.

History proved this to be true as the Solanki kingdom flourished for
nearly three hundred years. Gujarat was the last and well fought
bastion of Hindu kings, to fall against the Islamic onslaught of India
in 1297. With the conquest by Delhi Islamic hordes, the prosperity not
only of Solankies & Audichchya Brahmins but of entire Gujarat was
lost.

Perhaps it will not be out of place at this juncture to explain the
word Gotra which has been predominantly used in the above history of
Audichcya Brahmins. Veda is considered to be the oldest known treaty
about religion.

Hindu religion believes that even though the eternal truth is one,
there are many ways in which it can be interpreted. Since time
immemorial, Seven Rushis have put up their interpreted version and
understanding about Vedas. The name of these Rushis is Jamdagni,
Gautam, Atri, Vishvamitra, Vashistha, and Bharadwaj & Kasyap.

They are known as Saptrashis. Agatsya the eighth Rushi is also
accepted as a Rushi who have contributed in understanding of Vedas.
Each Rushi had his version of Vedas, their meaning, rituals about mode
of achieving knowledge about the ultimate peace (Nirvan) and God,
sholkas (hymns) for praising Supreme Being etc.

The groups of followers of each Rushi’s methodology are known by that
Gotra which is normally in the name of that Rushi and or his important
disciples. This definitely tends to narrow down horizons of knowledge
of followers. I

t also has a tendency to create disruption and disagreements even
disturbances among people as each sect starts propagating that theirs
is the only correct way to achieve God. In order to avoid such
circumstances a simple method was devised. It was forbidden to marry
in the same Gotra. The bride & groom had to be from different Gotras.

One might wonder how this would help, but it is simplicity and
ingenuity at its best. In the Vedic times boys & girls both had to
undergo compulsory education. Marriages took place at a ripe age of
around 18 for female & 20 for male members. Girls are more adaptive by
nature so they along with the education would have known and
understood rituals as well as knowledge of parent’s Gotra.

Now when she gets married into another Gotra she carries her knowledge
and understands the reasoning & learning of both the Gotras. The
offspring gets the benefit both, from paternal as well as maternal
Gotras, improving his horizon. Normally a house might have two or
three brothers married into different Gotras. In such a case all
cousins are greatly benefited due to interaction and continuous
discussions about Vedas.

Timeline History showing Struggle and Growth of Audichya Brahmins:

• Around Vikram Samvat 1353 the army of Allaudin Khilji committed
aggression on Gujarat and destroyed Rudramahalaya and the city of
patan. The audichya Brahmins of that region migrated to place like
kadi chanasma, karnavati li.e. the Dandhavga region. They settled in
the kingdom of ashawal thakur.

• After the decline and destruction of patan and khambat, the present
city of Ahmedabad was founded in vikram samvat 1467 or 1411 A.D. It
slowly developed as a trade center.

• Being attracted by its glory some audichya Brahmins families left
the kingdom of ashawal and settled in Ahmedabad in vikram samvat 1526
or 1470 A. D. Due to their some customs they became to be known as
ashapara Brahmins.

• Audichya Brahmins belonging to the siddhapur branch also settled in
Ahmedabad with the hope of getting means of ---. They came from
different places like Siddhapur, Unjha, Dethali, Brahmanwada, Varwada,
Kanoda, Ambasana, Kukaruada, Bokarwada, Pushpadara, Mandal,
Chandubhan, Viramgam, Dholka, Kheda, Mahemadabad. Etc.

• Beside, audichya Brahmins belonging to shihor branch also came to
and settled in Ahmedabad. They came from places like shihor,
Bagasthal, Vala Himdi, Halvad, Dhol, etc

• Initialy, all these audichya Brahmins lived in 36-Aubusbs of
Ahmedabad, but by the end of the 18th century the audichya Brahmins of
the siddhapur branch settled in 27-Aubusbs of the city.

• During siddharaj's time the descendants of the Brahmins of the
sihore branch had migrated and settled in ashapur . Present asarwas.

• At that time an attempt was made to establish one caste of audichya
Brahmins in coopration with the new settlers and the old settlers.

• The old settlers believes that they were higher in status than the
other audichya Brahmins. So they described themselves, not as audichya
Brahmins but as ashapuri Brahmins. Today they are completely
obliterated.

• In 1803-04 there were about 1700 households of audichya Brahmins in
the city. At that time an idea was mooted to establish an organization
of all audichya Brahmins living in and around the city Shri Surjibhai
and Shri Mavjibhai jani brothers organized an unofficial conference
and a committee of jani, dave, shukla, mehta, surname caste member.

• First Shri Surjibhai and Shri Mavjibhai gave caste feasts to all the
1700 households. They also gave gifts i.e. lhana of utensils. This was
the beginning of the audichya sahasra Brahman in Ahmedabad.

• There after , all the remaining 25 members also emulated their love
for the caste and every one f them gave caste feast and gifts.

• These 27 members were recognized as the leader of the caste and they
became to be known as tadavis.

• The leadership role of tadvis was exemplified when there was a caste
feast. All the caste members of a particular locality or suburb
assembled at one place and they are preceded trend his guidance in the
light of torch to other place or suburb where the caste feast was
arranged.

• During the region of gaekwads in the city other 500 audichya
families from outside had settled in the city. They settled their
tadvi and entered in the caste. In 1810-12 the case households reached
to 2200.

• The tadvis started the practice of admitting new audichya Brahmins
into the caste on payment of Rs. 25 as hansal ( i.e. entry fee ) and a
caste feast. They were to vouchsafe the character, virtues and merits
of the new entrant member.

• This expanded caste of 2200 households acquired good status in other
Brahmin caste of the city.

• The caste honoured the Jani brothers and gave them the tittle of
Gnati sheth, They in their thanks giving reply adviced the members not
to come in conflict with the caste.

Traditional Marital rituals

Audichaya Brahmans practice endogamy at the community level and
exogamy at the gotra level. The community is characterized by and
internal social hierarchy with those belonging to Siddhpur occupying
the highest position, followed by those of the Zalawad region and
below them are those belonging to the Sihor-kathiawad region.
Formerly, these sections had commenced relations but did not exchange
brides. Now these restrictions are not observed. But they follow
sapinda and pravar exogamy.

Gujarat
In Gujarat, Brahmins are classified into Eight groups: Anavil Brahmin,
Audichya Brahmins, Bardai Brahmins, Girinarayan Brahmins, Khedaval,
Nagar Brahmins, Shrimali Brahmins, Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins and Modh
Brahmins. The Modh Brahmins worship Matangi Modheshwari mata (Modhera)
and are mostly found in North Gujarat and in the Baroda region.

Trivedi Mewada Brahman
Bhatt Mewada Brahman Migrated from Mewad, Rajasthan during time of
Great King Rana pratap to Gujarat some 250 years ago. i.e 1750 to 1760
Saurashtra Trivedi Mewad Brahman
Saurashtra Bhatt Mewada Brahman
Pushkarna Brahman
Nagar Brahman
Audich Brahman
Modh Brahman
Bardai Brahman
Girinarayan Brahman
Khedaval Brahman
Shrimali Brahman
Anavil Brahman
Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins
Sree gauda Brahman
Prashnora Brahman

Brahmins

Brahmin is the class of educators, law makers, doctors, scholars and
preachers in Hinduism. It is said to occupy the highest position among
the four varnas of Hinduism.

The English word brahmin is an anglicised form of the Sanskrit word
Brahmana (Brahman also refers to a sanskrit word Brahma- meaning
'knowledge', Brahman (noun form) who possesses the 'knowledge.'
Brahmins are also called Vipra "learned" or Dvija "twice-born".

In Buddhist sources written in Pali and Prakrit, including Ashokan
inscriptions, Brahmins are commonly called Babhans which is the Pali
word for Brahmins.

Historically, the rulers acted in close relationship with Brahmins,
and relied on them as their advisors. Gradually, the Brahmins became a
powerful and influential group in India, attracting accusations of
discriminating against 'lower' castes. In modern India, the Brahmins
have complained of reverse discrimination.

Brahmin communities

The Brahmin castes may be broadly divided into two regional groups:
Pancha-Gauda Brahmins and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins as per the write up
is from Rajatarangini of Kalhana which is composed only in 11th CE and
many communities find their traces from sages mentioned in much older
Vedas and puranas.


Pancha Gauda Brahmins
Pancha Gauda (the five classes of Northern India): (1) Saraswat,(2)
Kanyakubja, (3)Maithil Brahmins (4) Gauda brahmins (including
Sanadhyas)) (5)Utkala Brahmins .

Pancha Dravida Brahmins
Paara Thrivikraman Namboothiri, Priest of Guruvayoor Temple in Kerala,
1960'sPanch Dravida (the five classes of Southern India): 1) Andhra,
2) Dravida (Tamil and Kerala), 3) Karnataka, 4) Maharashtra and
Konkon, and 5) Gujarat. They originate from north of the (now-extinct)
Saraswati River.

Pancha-Gauda (Five Northern - Aryavrata) Brahimns

Saraswat
Kashmiri Pandits
Mohyal Brahmins
Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins
Gouda Saraswat Brahmins
Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin
Nasarpuri Sindh Saraswat Brahmin

Kanyakubja
Kanyakubja Brahmins
Saryupareen Brahmins

Gauda
Khandelwal Brahmin
Kota Brahmin
Dadhich Brahmin
Gaur Brahmin
Sanadhya Brahmin

Sanskrit gauda is a vrddhi derivation of guda, literally "sugar
molass", but also the name of a tribe of the Madhyadesha. A school of
thought believes that Gauda is sometimes taken to mean the Gaur region
of Bengal. However the original meaning of the term coincides with
region termed as Brahmakshetra:

Bhumihar
Bengali Brahmins

Utkal(Orissa)
Utkala Brahmins
' One brahmin drunk tomorrow in Abu'

Pancha-Dravida (Five Southern Daxinapatha) Brahimns

Gujarat
In Gujarat, Brahmins are classified into Eight groups: Anavil Brahmin,
Audichya Brahmins, Bardai Brahmins, Girinarayan Brahmins, Khedaval,
Nagar Brahmins, Shrimali Brahmins, Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins and Modh
Brahmins. The Modh Brahmins worship Matangi Modheshwari mata (Modhera)
and are mostly found in North Gujarat and in the Baroda region.

Trivedi Mewada Brahman
Bhatt Mewada Brahman Migrated from Mewad, Rajasthan during time of
Great King Rana pratap to Gujarat some 250 years ago. i.e 1750 to 1760
Saurashtra Trivedi Mewad Brahman
Saurashtra Bhatt Mewada Brahman
Pushkarna Brahman
Nagar Brahman
Audich Brahman
Modh Brahman
Bardai Brahman
Girinarayan Brahman
Khedaval Brahman
Shrimali Brahman
Anavil Brahman
Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins
Sree gauda Brahman
Prashnora Brahman

Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Brahmins are classified into five groups: Chitpavan
Konkanastha Brahmins, Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Pareek, Deshastha Brahmin,
Karhade Brahmin, and Devrukhe. As the name indicates, Kokanastha
Brahmin are from Konkan area. Gaud Saraswat Brahmins are from Konkan
region or they may come from Goa or Karnataka, Deshastha Brahmin are
from plains of Maharashtra, Karhade Brahmins are perhaps from Karhatak
(an ancient region in India that included present day south
Maharashtra and northern Karnataka) and Devrukhe Brahmins are from
Devrukh near Ratnagiri.

Deshastha Brahmin
Chitpavan Brahmin(Konkanastha)
Karhade Brahmin
Devrukhe Brahmin
Daivadnya Brahmin

Karnataka
In Karnataka, Brahmins are broadly classified into 2 groups: Madhwa
(followers of Shri Madhwacharya) and Smartha (followers of Shri Adi
Sankaracharya). They are further divided into several sub-castes.
Other than these groups, there are other brahmin communities viz,
Havyaka, Kota, Shivalli, Saraswata etc.

Kannada Brahmins
Daivajna Brahmins
Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins
Badaganadu Brahmins
Babbur Kamme Brahmins
Shukla Yajurveda Brahmins
Ulucha Kamme Brahmins
Niyogi Brahmins
Madhva Brahmins
Mandyam Iyengars
Hebbar Iyengars
Mysore Iyengars
Havyaka Brahmin
Sankethi Brahmins
Sthanika Brahmins
Koota Brahmins
Smartha Brahmins
Karhade Brahmins
Deshastha Brahmin
Mysore Iyers
Panchagrama Brahmin
Ashtagrama iyers
Mulukanadu Brahmins
Saraswat Brahmins, totally different from Gowda Saraswat Brahmins and
one of the smallest groups of Brahmins in terms of population.
Gauda Saraswat Brahmins (Generally considered Pancha-Gauda)
Tuluva Brahmins
Shivalli Brahmins
Sthanika Brahmins
Padia Brahmins
Saklapuri Brahmins
Kandavara Brahmins
Maratha Brahmins
Karhade Brahmins

Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Brahmins are broadly classified into 2 groups:
Vaidika (meaning educated in vedas and performing religious vocations)
and Niyogi (performing only secular vocation). They are further
divided into several sub-castes. However, majority of the Brahmins,
both Vaidika and Niyogi, perform only secular professions.

Telugu Brahmins
Niyogi Brahmins
Vaidiki Brahmins
Dravida Brahmins

Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Brahmins belong to 2 major groups: Iyer and Iyengar.
Iyers comprise of Smartha and Saivite Brahmins and are broadly
classified into Vadama, Vathima, Brhatcharnam, Ashtasahasram, Sholiyar
and Gurukkal. There are mostly followers of Adi Shankaracharya and
form about three-fourths of Tamil Nadu's Brahmin population. Iyengars
comprise of Vaishnavite Brahmins and are divided into two sects:
Vadakalai and Thenkalai. They are mostly followers of Ramanuja and
make up the remaining one-fourth of the Tamil Brahmin population.

Iyers (sub-divided further into Vadama, Vathima, Brahacharanam,
Ashtasahasram, Gurukkal, Dikshitar, Kaniyalar, Prathamasaki)
Iyengars (sub-divided into Vadakalai and Thenkalai)

Kerala
In Kerala, Brahmins are classified into three groups: Namboothiris,
Pottis and Pushpaka. The major priestly activities are performed by
Namboothiris while the other temple related activities known as
Kazhakam are performed by Pushpaka Brahmins and other Ampalavasis. Sri
Adi Shankara was born in Kalady, a village in Kerala, to a Namboothiri
Brahmin couple, Shivaguru and Aryamba, and lived for thirty-two years.
The Namboothiri Brahmins, Potti Brahmins and Pushpaka Brahmins in
Kerala follow the Philosophies of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Nagariks are
the common name for north indian immigrant brahmins The Brahmins who
migrated to Kerala from Tamil Nadu are known as Pattar in Kerala. They
possess almost same status of Potti Brahmins in Kerala.

Namboothiri Brahmins
Kerala Iyers
Embranthiris
Pushpaka Brahmins (Ambalavasis)
Sharada Brahmins
Nagariks or the Brahmin migrants from north India

List of sub-castes
Some of the existing sub-castes from Panch-Gaur group of Brahmins are:

Assamese Brahmins
Bengali Brahmins
Bhargav Brahmins
Bhumihar Brahmins
Dadhich Brahmins
Dube Brahmins
Gaur Brahmins
Gautam Brahmins
Kashmiri Pandits
Khandelwal Brahmins
Khedaval Brahmins
Mohyal Brahmins
Kanyakubja Brahmins
Kota Brahmins
Kulin Brahmins
Maithili Brahmins
Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins
Sanadhya Brahmins
Saraswat Brahmins
Saryupareen Brahmins
Shakdwipi Brahmins
Shrimali Brahmins
Suryadhwaja Brahmins
Tyagi Brahmins

Some of the existing sub-castes from Panch-Dravida group of Brahmins
are:

Bardai Brahmins
Chitpavan Brahmins (Konkanasth)
Daivajna Brahmin
Dhima Brahmins
Deshastha Brahmin
Gouda Saraswat Brahmins
Havyaka Brahmin
Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins
Iyers, Iyengar (Vadakalai Thenkalai )
Kandavara Brahmins
Kannada Brahmins
Karhade Brahmins
Koota Brahmins
Koteshwara Brahmins
Nagar Brahmins
Namboothiri (Namboodiri, Namboodiripad, Bhatathiripad)
Padia Brahmins
Pushpaka Brahmins (Ambalavasi Brahmins)
Saklapuri Brahmins
Sankethi Brahmins
Shivalli Brahmins
Sthanika Brahmins
Telugu Brahmins (Vaidiki, Niyogi)
Tuluva Brahmins

Gotras

In general, gotra denotes any person who traces descent in an unbroken
male line from a common male ancestor. Panini defines gotra for
grammatical purposes as ' apatyam pautraprabhrti gotram', 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.

According to the Baudhâyanas'rauta-sûtra are 8 sages; the progeny of
these eight sages is declared to be gotras:

1. Visvamitra,
2. Jamadagni,
3. Bharadvâja,
4. Gautama,
5. Atri or Krisnatriya,
6. Vasishtha,
7. Kashyapa and
8. Agastya

This enumeration of eight primary gotras seems to have been known to
Panini. 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 ' gotrâvayava '.

The gotras are arranged in groups. There are according to the
Âsvalâyana-srautasûtra four subdivisions of the Vasishtha gana, viz.
Upamanyu, Parashara, Kundina and Vasishtha (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 Angirasa
gana. According to Baudh., the principal eight gotras were divided
into pakshas.

The pravara of Upamanyu is Vasishtha, Bharadvasu, Indrapramada;
The pravara of the Parâshara gotra is Vasishtha, Shâktya, Pârâsharya;
The pravara of the Kundina gotra is Vasishtha, Maitrâvaruna, Kaundinya
and
The pravara of Vasishthas other than these three is simply Vasishtha.

It is therefore that some define pravara as the group of sages that
distinguishes the founder (lit. the starter) of one gotra from
another.

Pravaras

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.

When it is sishya-prasishya-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.

Sects and rishis

Due 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 (also sometimes more realized as Krishnatriya), Brihaspati,
Boudhayana, Daksha, Gautam, Harita, Katyayana, Likhita, Manu,
Parasara, Samvarta, Shankha, Shatatapa, Ushanasa, Vashishta, Vishnu,
Vyasa, Yajnavalkya and Yama.

These twenty-one rishis were the propounders of Smritis.
The oldest among these smritis are Apastamba, Baudhayana, Gautama, and
Vasishta Sutras.

Descendants from Brahmins

 Many Indians claim descent from the Vedic Rishis of both Brahmin and
non-Brahmin descent.

 For example the Dash and Nagas are said to be the descendants of
Kashyapa Muni.

 The Rajput gothras which correspond to the name of the Rishis mean
that they employ(ed) (and protect) Brahmin priest of that gothras.

 Visvakarmas are the descendants of Pancha Rishis or Brahmarshies.

 According to Yajurveda and brahmanda purana They are Sanagha,
Sanathana, Abhuvanasa, Prajnasa, Suparnasa.

 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.

 Dadheech Brahmins/dayama brahmin trace their roots from Dadhichi
Rishi. Many Jats clans claim to descend from Dadhichi Rishi while the
Dudi Jats claim to be in the linear of Duda Rishi.

 Lord Buddha of course, was a descendant of Angirasa through Gautama.
There too were Kshatiryas of other clans to whom members descend from
Angirasa, to fulfill a childless king's wish.

 The backward-caste Matangs claim to descend from Matang Muni, who
became a Brahmin by his karma.

 The nomadic tribe of Kerala, the Kakkarissi according to one legend
are derived from the mouth of Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, and came
out Brahmin.

Brahmins taking up other duties 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.

Two of the largest empires in India were established and ruled by
Brahmins. When the Kshatriyas failed to conduct their duties, Brahmins
have become warriors and eventually restored law and order.

Brahmins according to Dharma should assume a ruling position because
they are the law-makers and preservers of Dharma. However, whenever
there have been incidents in the history, where the rulers have failed
to live up to Dharma, Brahmins have assume power to restore proper law
and order.

First, instance is Chanakya (a brahmin) created the Maurya Empire.
Maurya empire was the largest empire in India. Second, the Peshwas
(Brahmins) ruled almost all of greater India, starting from Mysore to
Afghanistan.

Brahmins with the qualities of Kshatriyas are known as
'Brahmakshatriyas'. An example is the avatara Parshurama who destroyed
the entire Haiheyas 21 times. Not only did Sage Parashurama have
warrior skills but he was so powerful that he could even fight without
the use of any weapons and trained others to fight without weapons.

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.

Today there is a caste, Brahmakhatris, who are a clan of the Khatris.

Perhaps the word Brahma-kshatriya refers to a person belonging to the
heritage of both castes. 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.

Kshatriyan Brahmin is a term associated with people of both caste's
components.

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.

King Jayavarma I of Kambuja (Kampuchea) of 781 A.D. was a Brahma-
kshatriya.

Brahmins with the qualities of a Vaisya or merchant are known as
'Brahmvyasya'. An example of such persons are people of the Ambastha
caste, which exist in places like South India and Bengal. They perform
medical work - they have from ancient times practiced the Ayurveda and
have been Vaidyas (or doctors).

Many Pallis of South India claim to be Brahmins (while others claim to
be Agnikula Kshatriyas.) Kulaman Pallis are nicknamed by outsiders as
Kulaman Brahmans. Hemu from Rewari ,Haryana was also a Brahmin by
birth.

Practices

Upanayanam of Shivalli Brahmin boy Brahmins, Vedic priests, adhere to
the principles of Brahmanism, Sanatana Dharma, and can be found in any
of the different religions of Hinduism, such as acceptance of the
Vedas.

Brahmanas have six occupational duties, of which three are compulsory
— namely,
studying the Vedas,
worshiping the Deity and
giving charity.
By teaching, by inducing others to worship the Deity, and by accepting
gifts, the brahma as receive the necessities of life.

Of the six occupational duties of the brahmanas, three are compulsory
— namely, worship of the Deity, study of the Vedas and the giving of
charity. In exchange, a brahmiin should receive charity, and this
should be his means of livelihood. A brahmiin cannot take up any
professional occupational duty for his livelihood.

The sastras especially stress that if one claims to be a brahmana.
Brahmins believe in Sarvejanassukhinobhava? tu — Let the entire
society be happy and prosperous and Vasudhaika ku?u?baka? — the whole
world is one family. Many Brahmins are reformers.

Most Brahmins today practice vegetarianism or lacto-vegetarianism.
There are some Brahmins who are non-vegetarians, mainly the Brahmins
of cold mountain areas like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, and
coastal areas like Bengal, who are fish eaters. However, even the meat
eating Brahmins shun beef.

Sampradayas

The three sampradayas (traditions) of Brahmins, especially in South
India are the Smarta sampraday, the Srivaishnava sampraday and the
Madhv sampraday.

Vaishnavism Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Madhva sampradaya are the
two major Vaishnavite sects. From these two were influenced several
other Vaishnavite sects such as the Ramananda Sampraday, and Ramdassi
Sampraday. The chief propounder of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya was
Ramanuja while Madhava was the founder of the Madhav Sampraday. The
Pushtimarg Sampraday, founded by Vallabh Acharya is yet another sect
influenced by the other two major Vaishnavite sect.

The most well know branch of Vaishnavism is that of Brahma Gaudiya
Vaishnavism from Bengal.citation needed This was founded by Lord
Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This branch of Vaishnavism was the first opened
the status Brahmin to those who were not of Indian decent. These
brahmin are part of the Gaudiya Vaishnava branch known as
International Society for Krishna Consciouness, or ISKCON

Vaishnavism included many sect such as the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

There are many members of the Swaminarayan Sampraday founded by
Bhagwan Swaminarayan, born as Ghanshyam Pande a Vaishnavite Brahmin of
present-day Uttar Pradesh. He later settled in Gujarat, wherein the
highest density of sampraday members live. This is a Vaishnavite sect.
This sect was founded in the latter part of the 18th century.

There is also the Varkari Sampraday, which worships Sri Krishna as
"Vithal". The word "Varkari" means travelers because members of this
sect travel from their home towns on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur,
almost always on foot! Important saints of this movement were the
Brahmins Dnyaneshwar, Muktabai as well as several non-Brahmin icons.

There is also the Mahanubhava sampraday founded by King Cakradhara,
known popularly to members as Sri Chakradhar Swami, in the 12th
century. The members of this sect worship Lord Vishnu in His five
forms; Lord Krishna, Lord Sri Dattatreya, Lord Sri Chakrapani, Lord
Sri Govindaprabhu, and Lord Cakradhara (the founder Himself).

Shaivism The Shaiva Brahmins have important icons such as, Basava
Swami of Karnataka, Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar or Tamil Nadu, and
Lakulisa of Gujarat.

Other sects
There 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 Mukanda Das of present-day Orissa, popularly know by followers
as Mahima Swami according to the Bhima Bhoi text. 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. This sampradaya
was founded in the latter part of the 18th century.

There is also the Avadhoot Panth, wherein Lord Dattertaya 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.

Brahmins in Buddhism Brahmins feature extensively in Buddhist
canonical texts i.e. the Tripitaka, and are found among the chief
disciples of the Buddha. The Brahmana Varga (section on Brahmins)
contained in the Dhammapada lists down the Buddha's views on Brahmins

Brahminism in Thailand's Buddhist Culture Brahminism is inextricably
intertwined with Thailand's Buddhist Faith and Culture; Although the
basic premises of Brahmin Hinduism and Buddhist philosophy do not
converge, the Brahmin presence in Thailand's Buddhist temples and
ceremonial rites is always notable. The main point where Brahminism
and Buddhism fail to converge is that of the Brahmin viewpoint being
that of "Atta"; a permanent immutable transmigratory soul, whereas the
Buddhist viewpoint is that of "Anatta" - the absence of an immutable
self. It is interesting to note however, that all Royal and National
Cermonies performed in the Royal Palace are always performed by the
Brahmin priests, of which there are unfortunately only seven left in
Thailand. The most famous landmark revealing the presence of
Brahminism in Thailand is the "Sao Ching Cha" (?????????? swing
pillar) which has become a tourist attraction over the years. Sao
Ching Cha is a pair of red pillars with a chinese looking arch on the
top; it looks like (and is!) a giant swing.

Related Links to Thai Brahminism Thai Brahminism

Brahmin bhikshus Abhaya Raja (built Mahabouddha temple with his
descendants in Patan, Nepal in year 1604) Asvaghosa (wrote the
'Buddhacharita' and is considered along with Nagarjuna to have founded
the Mahayana). His philosophy was favored in the court of King
Kanishka. Atapa Bakula Bhitka (Buddha's fifth successor) Cuda Panthaka
Dignaga Gopaka Guhyashila Harita (wrote the "Harita Dharmasutra")
Humkara Jnanadharma Kacanna Kamashila (Kashmiri Pandit) Kalika
Kumarajiva (was imprisoned in China for spreading Buddhism) Kanaka
(Yamantaka Tantra) Kukuraja Manjushri (The mentor of Asoka) Padma
(woman) Palden Dekyong Pingala-Koccha (preached to the Buddha the
Culasaropama Sutta, after which he became a dedicated student of the
Buddha) Radhasvami (another mentor of Asoka) Majnushrimitra Nagasena
Narpola Naropa(student of Tipola/tilopa Sahara/saraha (master of
Tipola/Tilopa ) Sariputra Shantideva Shantarakshita (Kashmiri Pandit)
Subha Subhadra Subrahman (coming father of Bodhisattva Maitreya)
Tipola Tilopa(Mahasiddha, from modern-day Bangladesh) Vakkali Vanavasi

Brahmin Bodhisattvas Aryadeva (successor of Nagarjuna) Asangha (from
Hinayana sect and Peshwar city founded the Yogacarya and established
the Classical age of Buddhism)

Nagasena (the famous teacher of the milindapanha) Bodhidharma (royalty
of Pallava, from Kanchi) that went to China Brahmadatta Nagarjuna
(founded the Shunyata concept and considered along with Asvaghosa to
have founded the Mahayana) Vasubandhu (Brother of Asanga and one of
founders of the yogacara school - only historical Buddhist to be
called the 'second Buddha') Dignaga (5th century Buddhist logician
from Kanchipuram) Dharmakirti (7th century Buddhist logician from
Andhra) Buddhaghosa (5th century Pali scholar who led the revival of
the Theravaada) Kusanda Buddha Konagamana Buddha Kasyapsa Buddha
Kshitagarbha Padmasambhava (founder of Vajrayana Buddhism)

Scriptures dedicated to Brahmin bhikkhus Because of the aim of the
Brahmins, and the Buddha following on their path, several Buddhist
texts have been dedicated to them.

Annatara Brahmana Sutta: To a Brahmin Aññatra Sutta: To a certain
Brahman (SN XII.46), To Unnabha the Brahman Cankii Sutta: To the
Brahmin Cankii Esukaari Sutta: To the Brahmin Esukari Janussoni
Brahmana Sutta: To the Brahmin Janussoni Ganakamoggallaanasuttam B: To
the Brahmin Ganakamoggallaana Paccha-bhumika Sutta: To Brahmins of the
Western Land (SN XLII.6) Saleyyaka Sutta A: The Brahmins of Sela
Saleyyaka Sutta B: The Brahmans of Salahar"

In kingdoms There have been Brahmin Buddhists too in Buddhist
kingdoms.

In Cambodia (Sanskrit Kamboja) there is an edict saying that King
Jayavarman and his son Rudravarman build a monument in dedication of
Lord Buddha and appointed a Brahmin to protect it. In Sri Lanka, Maha
Adigar was the first Buddhist emperor of Sri Lanka, converting many to
Buddhism. In 120 BC, the Indo-Greek King Milinda converted to Buddhism
under sage Nagasena. The Shunga Dynasty is thought by neo-Buddhists as
an anti-Buddhist dynasty but the Shungas themselves built a stupa
dedicated to the Buddha at Baharut.

Brahmins in Burma
This article contains Burmese script. Without proper rendering
support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead
of Burmese characters. 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 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. 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
(khettaya), vaishya (beisha), and shudra (thottiya). 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) of appeasing nine divinities, Buddha and the eight
arahats, or a group of nine deities, five Hindu gods and four nats.
This practice continues to be practiced in modern-day Burma.

Brahmins in 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. 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.

In various Indian kingdoms The Jain Acharya Bhadrabahu of
Pundravardhana is said to be the preceptor of Chandragupta Maurya of
the Mauryan dynasty, grandfather of Ashoka the Buddhist ruler. A
copperplate grant from the Gupta period found in the vincity of
Somapura mentioned a Brahmin donating land to a Jain vihara at
Vatagohali. A Brahmin general by the name of Vasudeva in the army of
Kamadeva in the Vijayaditya dynasty had built a temple to Lord
Parshvanath. The Kadamba kings of Palasika were Jain Brahmins who
supported Jainism and gave land grants and erected many temples and
hence, patronised Jainism. This supports the view that Jainism entered
South India through the West and perhaps from Ujjayini itself. King
Mrigesavarman of the Kadamba dynasty of palasika further went on to
give grants to Yapaniyas, Nigranthas and Kurchakas. The Brahmin
Haribhadra was a pupil of Jinabhadra (or Jinabhata) and Jinadatta and
later received the title of "Suri" (an honorable epithet of learning
Jain monks.)

Brahmins in Sikhism Sikhism recognized the three main bhagats before
the life of Guru Nanak; they are Bhagat Ramananda, Bhagat Surdas,
Bhagat Jayadeva.

Many of the other icons of Sikhism are disciple of Brahmins such as
Bhagat Kabir, Bhagat Dhanna, Bhagat Ravidas, Bhagat Pipa, Bhagat Sain.
The writings and sayings of these icons are preserved in the Sikh
text, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Many writers of the Guru Granth Sahib are of the Bhatt surname.68 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.

Although Sikhism takes some inheritance from these Brahmin saints,
Later day Sikhs had many on-going struggles with Brahmins for
societies control. whats more, 2 Bhatt brahmin sikhs contributed to
the guru granth sahib There have been many Brahmin Sikhs since the
start of Sikh history. Bhataa Dhe Swaye which is a Bani in Sri Guru
Granth Sahib jee was composed by Brahmins who were Bhatt Brahimins.

Brahmins in Islam Apart from figures in the Dharmic religions, there
are some Brahmins in the religion of Islam.

The group known as "Hussaini Brahmins" are the disciples of Imam
Hussain, grandson of the prophet Mohammad.

A popular saying about the Hussainis has it thus:

But there is also another version of how the Dutts of Punjab came to
be known as Hussaini Brahmins. One of the wives of Imam Hussain, the
Persian princess Shahr Banu, was the sister of Chandra Lekha or Mehr
Banu, the wife of an Indian king called Chandragupta. When it became
clear that Yazid was adamant on wiping out the Imam, the Imam’s son
Ali ibn Hussain rushed off a letter to Chandragupta asking him for
help against Yazid. When Chandragupta received the letter, he
dispatched a large army to Iraq to assist the Imam. By the time they
arrived, however, the Imam had been slain. In the town of Kufa, in
present-day Iraq, they met with one Mukhtar Saqaffi, a disciple of the
Imam, who arranged for them to stay in a special part of the town,
which even today is known by the name of Dair-i-Hindiya or ‘the Indian
quarter’.

Some Dutt Brahmins, under the leadership of one Bhurya Dutt, got
together with Mukhtar Saqaffi to avenge the death of the Imam. They
stayed behind in Kufa, while the rest returned to India. Here they
built up a community of their own, calling themselves Hussaini
Brahmins, and although they did not convert to Islam they kept alive
the memory of their links with Imam Hussain.

The Hussaini Brahmins believe that Krishna had foretold the event of
the Imam’s death at Karbala in the Gita. According to them, the
Kalanki Purana, the last of eighteen Puranas, as well as the Atharva
Veda, the fourth Veda, refer to Imam Hussain as the divine incarnation
or avatar of the Kali Yug, the present age. They hold Imam Ali, Imam
Hussain’s father, and son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad,
in particular reverence, refer-ring to him with the honorific title of
Om Murti.

This group applies the tilak on their forehead just like many other
Hindus. They have also maintained the shrine of the Sufi saint
Mu‘inu’d-din Chishti in Ajmer.

In addition, for the purpose of giving an account of Northern Brahmins
each of the provinces must be considered separately, such as, Kashmir,
Nepal, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Kurukshetra, Rajputana, Uttar Pradesh,
Ayodhya (Oudh); in modern Pakistani regions such as Punjab, Sindh, and
the North-West Frontier Province; Central India, Trihoot, Bihar,
Orissa, Bengal, Assam, etc. The originate from south of the (now-
extinct) Saraswati River.

In Bihar, majority of Brahmins are Kanyakubja Brahmins, Bhumihar
Brahmins and Maithil Brahmins with a significant population of
Sakaldiwiya or Shakdwipi Brahmins. The Bhumihar Brahmins, of whom
many, though not all, belong to the Saryupareen Brahmin division of
Kanyakubja Brahmins. Therefore, there is a lot of brotherhood among
these Brahmin sub-castes. On the Jijhoutia clan of Bhumihar Brahmins
(eg. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati), William Crooke writes, "A branch of
the Kanaujia Brahmins (Kanyakubja Brahmins) who take their name from
the country of Jajakshuku, which is mentioned in the Madanpur
inscription."

In the 19th and 20th national convention of Kanyakubja Brahmins by
Kanyakubja Mahati Sabha, in 1926 and 1927 respectively, it reiterated
Bhumihar Brahmins to be Kanyakubja Brahmins and appealed for unity
among Kanyakubja Brahmins whose different branches included Sanadhya,
Pahadi, Jujhoutia, Saryupareen, Chattisgadhi, Bhumihar and different
Bengali Brahmins.

With the decline of Mughal Empire, in the area of south of Avadh, in
the fertile rive-rain rice growing areas of Benares, Gorakhpur,
Deoria, Ghazipur, Ballia and Bihar and on the fringes of Bengal, it
was the 'military' or Bhumihar Brahmins who strengthened their sway.
The distinctive 'caste' identity of Bhumihar Brahman emerged largely
through military service, and then confirmed by the forms of
continuous 'social spending' which defined a man and his kin as
superior and lordly. In 19th century, many of the Bhumihar Brahmins
were zamindars. Of the 67000 Hindus in the Bengal Army in 1842, 28000
were identified as Rajputs and 25000 as Brahmins, a category that
included Bhumihar Brahmins. The Brahmin presence in the Bengal Army
was reduced in the late nineteenth century because of their perceived
primary role as mutineers in the Mutiny of 1857, led by Mangal Pandey.
The Kingdom of Kashi belonged to Bhumihar Brahmins and big zamindaris
like Bettiah Raj, Hathwa Raj and Tekari Raj belonged to them.

In Gujarat, the Brahmin are classified in mainly Nagar Brahmin, Unewal
Brahmin, Khedaval Brahmin, Aavdhich Brahmin and Shrimali Brahmin.

In Haryana, the Brahmin are classified in mainly Dadhich_Brahmin, Gaud
Brahmin, Khandelwal Brahmin. But large proportion of Brahmin in
Haryana are Gaud(about 90%). Approximately all Brahmin in west U P are
adi gaur.

In Madhya Pradesh, the Brahmins are classified in mainly Shri Gaud,
Sanadhya brahmin, Gujar-Gaud Brahmins. Majority of Shri Gaud Brahmins
are found in the Malwa region (Indore, Ujjain, Dewas). Eastern MP has
dense population of Sarayuparain Brahmins. Hoshangabad and Harda
Distt. of MP have a considerable population of Jujhotia (a clan of
Bhumihar Brahmins, eg. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati) and Naremdev
Brahmins.

In Nepal, the hill Brahmins are classified in mainly Upadhaya Brahmin,
Jaisi Brahmin and Kumain Brahmins. Upadhaya Brahmins are supposed to
have settled in Nepal long before the other two groups. Majority of
hill Brahmins are supposed to be of Khasa origin.

In Punjab, they are classified as Saraswat Brahmins.

In Karnataka, Brahmins are mainly classified into Havyaka speaking
Havigannada, Babbur Kamme, Hoysala Karnataka speaking kannada,
Shivalli and Kota speaking Tulu, Karahada speaking Marathi and have
their own tradition and culture.

Utkala Brahmins, also known as Oriya or Orissa Brahmins, are a Jati
(caste) who live mainly in the Indian state of Orissa & neighbouring
states of Chhatishgarh, Northern Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal &
Jharkhand. They constitute farthest branch of the Panch-Gauda in the
east, south of Maithila(present day Bihar).Utkala Brahmins are mainly
classified into Utkala Kulina Brahmins, Utkala Aranyaka Brahmins,
Utkala Halua Brahmins, Utkala Panda Brahmins.

In Rajasthan, the Brahmins are classified in mainly Dadhich_Brahmin,
Gaur Brahmin,Sanadhya brahmins, Rajpurohit / Purohit Brahmins, Sri
Gaur Brahmin, Khandelwal Brahmin, Gujar-Gaur Brahmins. Rajpurohit /
Purohit Brahmins are mainly found in Marwar & Godwad region of
Rajasthan. Rajpurohit a Title bestowed upon those learned Brahmins,
who use to perform the rituals and rites for the rulers of some
kingdoms. In the course of their service to the kingdom, according to
ancient traditions, the king use to award a few villages or land known
as Sasan Jagir within his kingdom to their Rajpurohits. These villages
or land were considered to be free from any ruler, and were outside
the ambit of any form of tax. Shakdwipiya Brahmins are also found at
many places in rajasthan they are the major pujari in many temples of
western rajasthan. In Sindh, the saraswat Brahmins from Nasarpur of
Sindh province are called Nasarpuri Sindh Saraswat Brahmin. During the
India and Pakistan partition migrated to India from sindh province.

In Uttar Pradesh from west to east: Sanadhya, Gauda & Tyagi (western
UP), Kanyakubja( Central UP), Sarayuparin (Central Uttar
Pradesh,Eastern, NE,& SE UP), Bhumihar (Varanasi and other parts of
eastern U.P.) and Maithil(Varanasi), the South western UP, i.e.
Bundelkhand has thick population of Jujhotia brahmins(branch of
Kanyakubja brahmins:ref. Between History & Legend:Power & Status in
Bundelkhand by Ravindra K Jain). On the Jijhoutia clan of Bhumihar
Brahmins, William Crooke writes, "A branch of the Kanaujia Brahmins
(Kanyakubja Brahmins) who take their name from the country of
Jajakshuku, which is mentioned in the Madanpur inscription." Mathure
or mathuria Brahmins 'choubeys' are limited to Mathura area.

In West Bengal the Brahmins are classified in Barendra & Rarhi
corresponding to the ancient Barendrabhumi(North Bengal) and
Rarhdesh(South Bengal) making present day Bangladesh & West Bengal. It
is also said that Barendras are traditional Brahmins who practiced the
art of medicinal science and surgury rather than the traditional
function of being the teacher or the priest, and so many a times they
are not considered true brahmins by the Rarhis, although they are
their own offshoots.

The traditional accounts of the origin of Bengali Brahmins are given
in texts termed Kulagranthas (e.g., Kuladipika), composed around the
17th century. They mention a ruler named Adisura who invited five
Brahmins from Kanyakubja 7, so that he could conduct a yajña, because
he could not find Vedic experts locally. Traditional texts mention
that Adisura was ancestor of Ballal Sena from maternal side and five
Brahmins had been invited in AD 1077. Historians have located a ruler
named Adisura ruling in north Bihar, but not in Bengal. But Ballal
Sena and his predecessors ruled over both Bengal and Mithila (i.e.,
North Bihar). It is unlikely that the Brahmins from Kanyakubja may
have been invited to Mithila for performing a yajña, because Mithila
was a strong base of Brahmins since Vedic age. Another account
mentions a king Shyamal Varma who invited five Brahmins from
Kanyakubja who became the progenitors of the Vaidika Brahmins. A third
account refers to five Brahmins being the ancestors of Varendra
Brahmins as well. From similarity of titles (e.g., upadhyaya), the
first account is most probable.

Besides these two major community there are also Utkal Brahmins,
having migrated from present Orissa and Vaidik Brahmins, having
migrated from Western and Northern India.

In Madhya Pradesh the descendents of Somnath temple priests, Naramdev
Brahmin, Who migrated from Gujrat to Madhyapradesh after the Mohd.
Ghazni notorious forays in saurashtra and desacration of Somnath, and
sedenterized along the coast of Narmada river hence derived their name
ie Narmdiya brahmin or Naramdevs. Guru of Adi guru Shankaracharya,
shri Govindacharya claimed to belongs to this community who initiated
him in the Omkareshwar in the bank of river Narmada. Naramdevs are in
high concentration in Nimar (Khandwa and Khargone)and Bhuvana region
(Harda) of Madhyapradesh.

Understanding History and Formation of Audichya Brahmins

Most of the Brahmins located in Gujarat State are known as:

• Anavil Brahmin
• Audichaya Brahmin
• Bardai Brahmins
• Bhattmewada Brahmins
• Brahmbhatt
• Chauriyasi Mewada Brahmin
• Girnara Brahmin
• Khedaval Brahmin
• Modh Brahmins
• Nandwana Brahmins
• Nagar Brahmins
• Sachora Brahmins
• Sidhra-Rudhra Brahmins
• Shrimali Brahmins
• Sompura Brahmins

In my series of articles I want to introduce my Brahmin friends the
rich heritage of all communities as shown above ... one after another
for your knowledge.

Origin

The word audich in Sanskrit means northerner, and the Audichaya are
said to have come from North India to Gujarat on the invitation of
Mulraj Solanki, the ruler of Anhilpur Pattan between 955 to 966 AD.
These Brahmin families were originally from different regions of North
India. They are now a Gujarati speaking community. Audichya Brahmins
are also settled in the southern parts of Rajasthan in and around the
Aravali mounain range and speak the Marwadi language.

Gotras

The community consist of a number of clans or gotras. Their main
gotras are:

• Vatsa,
• Bhargava,
• Dalabhya,
• Dron,
• Maunas,
• Gangayan,
• Sankratrutya,
• Sankruit,
• Panlastva,
• Mandakya,
• Shaunak,
• Bharadwaj,
• Kaudinya,
• Artio,
• Krushnatri,
• Swetatri,
• Chandratri,
• Gautam,
• Kutsas,
• Anfiras,
• Vashishta,
• Upmanu,
• Udvah-Audvah,
• Parashar,
• Laugashi,
• Kashyap,
• Shandilya,
• Gabhil,
• Pipplad,
• Udalak,
• Audalal,
• Garga,
• Kaushik, and
• Hirnyagarbh.

In Audichya Brahmins there are the two sections:

• Audichya Sahasra and
• Audichya Tolak

Sahasra were in a group of 1000, and Tolak were in a small group. In
principle they had differences. The background history about it is
narrated in the history below.