Barot (caste)

Barots in western India (c. 1855–1862)

Barot is an Indian caste native to Gujarat. They traditionally worked as genealogists and mythographers.[1]

Origin

The caste is known as "Brahmbhatt"

Brahmbhatt is an Indian surname and subcaste traditionally related to the Brahmin caste. Brahmbhatt is derived from the Sanskrit roots "Brahm", meaning "to grow, increase",[1] and "Bhatt", meaning "priest"[1] and possibly indicating the subcaste's position in both the Brahmin and Kshatriya varnas. Brahmbhatt (Devanāgarī ब्रह्मभट्ट) is an Indian surname representing a Vedic/Indo-Aryan peoples, to be found mainly across West India and North India, in India. This caste is also related to Charan and are also regarded as "devi putras". Primarily Warrior Brahmins, this classic social entity possesses the characteristics of Brahmin as well as Kshatriya 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 at some places, Barot, 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.[2]

As per mythological accounts and according to Hinduism, 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) in many parts of Gujarat, 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, Kannauj, Magadh, Kashi, 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.[1][2]

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.[2]

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.[1]

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.[1][2]

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.

Present circumstances

At present, the traditional occupation of Barots or Bhatts is on the verge of extinction as the new generation of the casts/communities for whom they worked as Barots, no longer patronize them. Further, the young generation of Barots, also have got involved in other occupation and businesses and higher studies.[2]

Barot is a commonly found surname in Gujarat. Barot, Inamdar, Bhat, Brahmbhatt,Rao are some of the surnames belonging to this caste or community.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Shah, A. M.; Shroff, R. G. (1958), "The Bāroṭs are not vahivanchas of Gujarat: A Caste of Genealogists and Mythographers", The Journal of American Folklore (American Folklore Society) 71 (Traditional India): 246–276
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 People of India Gujarat Volume XXII Part One edited by R.B Lal, S.V Padmanabham & A Mohideen page 137 to 140 Popular Prakashan
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