Brahmans of Panjab

This information on Brahmans of Panjab has been taken from "A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes in the Punjab and North-West Province. Based on the Census Report for the Punjab, 1883, by the late Sir Denzil Ibbetson, K.C.S.I., and the Census Report for the Punjab, 1892, by the Hon. Mr. E. D. MacLagan, C.S.I., and compiled by H. A. Rose. Lahore : Printed by the Superintendent, Government Printing, Punjab, 1911-1919 [v.1 - 3].

Brahman, (Panjabi Bahman, Bamhan; fem. Bamhani: dim masc., Bamhaneta; fem. Bamhaneti, a Brahman's son or daughter: cf. Bamhanau, Brahmanhood).

The Brahmans in India are divided into two great geographical groups, the Utrahak, who live to the north of the Vindhias, and the Dakshnat, who inhabit peninsular India to the South of that range. The former are further divided into 5 groups, viz. -

1. Saraswat, (modernised Sarsut)

2. Kankubj

3. Gaur

4. Utkal

5. Maithal

Also, called, collectively, Gaur.

The southern groups (a) also number 5 and are : Darwar, Mahrashtri, Sorashat (Saraswat), or Karnatik, Tailang and Gorjar. (b) Of these the only representative in the Punjab are the Pushkarna Brahmans, who sprang from the Maharashtri group. (c) The mass of the Punjab Brahmans are Sarsuts, but Gaurs are found in the eastern districts of the province. But certain groups of Brahmans are neither recognised as Sarsut nor as Gaur, or have become totally distinct from the Brahman community. Such are the Pushkarnas, Muhials, described below, and the Bhojki, Dhakochi, Taga and Tagu groups.

Saraswat Brahmans of Punjab

Notes

(a) Also collectively, Darwar, from the saint of that name. Another account says the Darwar comprise the Maharashtri, Tailang, Gurjar, Dakshani and Indrik : (Amritsar).

(b) Lest it be too hastily assumed that Gorjar, Gurjar or Gojar Brahmans have any connection with the Gujars, folk-etymology has suggested that the name is derived from gujjh, 'secrecy', because their ancestor had once to conceal his faith.

(c) But unlike the southern Brahmans the Pushkarnas observe ghunghat (i.e. their women veil their faces), but they have no garbha dan (pregnancy rite) and in other respects their customs are dissimilar.

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