Manipuri Brahmin
Manipuri Brahmins or Meitei Brahmins, also called Bamons by the locals, are those Brahmins who reside mostly in the valley areas of Manipur.
Description
Manipuri Brahmin origins stretch as far as Gujarat to West Bengal, Bangladesh, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.[1] Each Brahmin family within the community belongs to a specific gotra indicating their origin.
Ethnicity, origin and history
Manipuri Brahmins are the descendants of Indo-Aryan[2] people. Brahmins from different parts of India such as Bengal, Mithila, North India, and Orissa began to migrate to Manipur Valley in the 15th Century.[1] The appearance of Brahmins in Manipur in the 15th century may be due to the rise of Muslim power in Bengal and the subsequent repression and religious persecution of the Hindus there.[3] In 1717, King Pamheiba of Manipur adopted Hinduism [4] and Toward the end of the 19th century and at the advent of the 20th century, a great force of Gaudiya Vaishnavism came and spread in Manipur. During this period, a greater number of Brahmin immigrants setteled in Manipur and many of them married the Meitei women. These Brahmins, living with the Meiteis and sharing with them a corporate life by adopting Meitei ways of living and language,[3] formed the Manipuri Brahmins.
Surnames of Manipuri Brahmins
Manipuri Brahmins write the conferred surnames, either given to them as a gift by the Manipuri kings or adopted after being in Manipur for a long time. Each surname helps in identifying his or her gotra.
- Guru Aribam - King Pamheiba of Manipur adopted a Hindu preacher as guru. Thus his descendants use 'Guru Aribam' as their surname.[4] These descendant Brahmins (Guru Aribam) occupied a full locality in Brahmapur, Imphal.
Other common surnames of Manipuri Brahmins are Aribam, Anoubam, Adhikarimayum, Brahmacharimayum, Bisnulatpam, Bachaspatimayum, Choudhurymayum, Gotimayum, Gurumayum, Hajarimayum, Hanjanbam, Hidangmayum, Kongbrailatpam, Kakchingtabam, Laimayum, Leihaothabam, Phurailatpam, Sanglakpam, Shamurailatpam, Shijagurumayum and Takhelchangbam.
Language
Manipuri Brahmins speak Meeteilon as their first language.
References
- 1 2 Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. A-100, Mohan Garden, New Delhi-110059: K.M. Rai Mittal for Mittal Publications. pp. 68–69. ISBN 81-7099-310-5.
- ↑ Prakash, Ved (2007). Encyclopedia of North-East India, Volume 4. B-2, Vishal Enclave, Opp. Rajouri Garden, New Delhi- 110027: ATLANTIC. p. 1540. ISBN 81-269-0706-1.
- 1 2 Robinson, Rowena (2004). Sociology of Religion in India. B-42, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi 110 017: Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd. pp. 125–126. ISBN 81-7829-255-6.
- 1 2 S.C., Bhatt (2005). Land and People of Indian States and Union Territories. C-30, Satyawati Nagar, Delha- 110052: Kalpaz Publications. pp. 21–22. ISBN 81-7835-356-3.