Brahmbhatt

Brahmbhatt (Devanāgarī ब्रह्मभट्ट) is a surname representing an Indo-Aryan/Indo-Iranian ethnic people that are found mainly across North India, West India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This classic social entity possesses the characteristics of primarily Brahmins. They are Brahmins, regarded as Subhatts or Warrior Brahmins. Primarily, they were found in Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Later on, they are found to have migrated and concentrated in the regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. In social hierarchy and ranks, the Brahma Bhatt / Brahmbhatt clan has further spread into and seem to have covered Bhatt at some places whereas Brahma-Bhatt is originally a distinct ethnic group of a higher rank.

Etymology and Origin

Originally affiliated with the "Bhatt" surname, Brahmbhatt has a prefix of "Brahm" added to the suffix "Bhatt". "Bhatt" denotes "Priest" in Indo-Iranian languages.

Brahmbhatts branched off from and possess lineage from groups of North Indian "Bhatts" (such as Kashmiri Brahmin "Bhatts"). These "Bhatts" can be found in present day Northern-Pakistan and Afghanistan as having the "Butt" surname. Brahmbhatts migrated from North-India (Kashmir) to areas as far as Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. There are high concentrations of Brahmbhatts in Rajasthan and Gujarat particularly at present day. Many Brahmbhatts identify themselves as "Gujarati" or "Rajasthani" as having culturally assimilated in these areas for long periods.

Mythology and History

As per mythological accounts, this identity has been said to have emerged as human embodiment out of a Yajna / Yagna performed by Brahma and they are even to date regarded as Saraswati Putra (descendents of mother Saraswati), while other belief goes for Shiva 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, traversing across Naimisaranya, Gangetic Belt and Indus & Saraswati territories of Vedic era. Their presence includes Nepal, Kashmir, Punjab, Gurgaon, Kannauj, Magadh, Kashi, Buxar, Bhojpur(Arah), present day Bengal and Bangladesh, Rajputana, Malva, Surashtra (Saurashtra), 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, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Buddhism, some Vedic 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. West India, including present day Pakistan. Brahmabhatt 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 Kashmir and Rajputana towards Gujarat and Saurashtra.

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 'Katar (dagger)' being their basic identity and signature, they are said to have been of 9 main types, each type denoting a distinct Katar.

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 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
• Genealogists, etc.

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 Brahmbhatt has right to stop horse of the King’.

Transformation, Social Highs and Lows

During their another successive immigration from kingdoms of Kashmir to 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, Bhatt, 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 Brahmbhatt as they are known as Deviputra (Goddess's own child), and in history, a Brahmbhatt used to drive the chariot of Goddess Bahuchara. Eunuchs believe in Goddess Bahuchara as she is their ‘Kud-devi’ (Progeny Goddess).

Current Status

Even though Brahmbhatts have no genetic or ethinic linage shared with other groups, they are associated with non-related surnames such as "Barot" and "Inamdar" as these groups migrated in similar periods from northern areas of South Asia (such as Kashmir, Northern Pakistan, Afghanistan) to lower western areas of India.

At present, even today, the Brahmbhatts 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
• Vetala or Baital
• Kumārila Bhaṭṭa
• Aryabhata
• Bāṇabhaṭṭa
• Chand Bardai
• Birbal
• Kalhana
• Kavi Gang during Akbar reign

References

While authentic information, verification, correct classification and a due research on Brahmabhatt asking a greater attention and detailing, there is an ongoing research work exploring the History of Brahmabhatts who have been known under different names/identities and titles across the world. The demographic reach of this research covers India, with Asia and Europe continents at large. These efforts are in continuation with some valuable source of references and old research works from various personalities, historians, researchers, and scholars in the past. This edited version covers a mix from various old sources as well as it represents immediate excerpts from present exploration.

1. Harivansh Puraan
2. Bhagavad Gita
3. Bhatt Bhaskar
4. Brahmabhatt Samhita
5. Prithviraj Raso by Chand Bardai
6. Colonel Tod's research works and publications
7. Imperial Gazetteer of India
8. Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha's Publications
9. Jhaverchand Meghani's Publications
10. Bhagavadgomandal by Bhagvatsingh of Gondal
11. Publications by Hemchandracharya
12. Alexander Kinloch Forbes's Publications

khambhat tarapur Matar Kalol