Barot (caste)
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Barot is an Indian surname native to Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Barot Honorofic Title is used by both Brahmbhatts and Vahivancha/Vahi Bhaats/Geneologists. The Vahi Bhaats/Vahivanchas[1] traditionally worked as historians, genealogists and mythographers.[2] Whereas Brahmbhatts are distinct from "other" Barots or Bhats. Brahmbhatt are a socially elite caste that worked with various the imperial powers by being a member of Royal courts as Rajkavi, Bard, Administrator, Mantri, Senapati, Jagirdars. Turi[3] caste people also started to appropriate the surname "Barot". The Turi are a Scheduled Caste in India known for traditional bamboo craftsmanship and agricultural labor, often facing social discrimination and economic hardship. Limited literacy and declining demand for their handmade goods have worsened their challenges, despite affirmative action measures.
Origin
[edit]The caste is also known as "Vahivancha Barots". The word Vahivancha (IAST: "Vahīvancā) literally means "one who reads a vahi" (vahi means a book of genealogy, a ledger or a book in general). The Vahivanchas traditionally maintained genealogies, told stories and recited bardic poetry. The term "Barot" was originally used as an honorific title for both Vahivanchas, Bhats and Brahmbhatts but was gradually adopted as a caste appellation by the Vahivancha caste people.[2]
The Vahivancas/Vahivanchas have imitated Rajputs in many ways. Like Rajputs, the Vahivanchas also consider themselves Ksatriyas, as distinct from Brahmbhatts.[4]
Brahmbhatt also referred as Bhatt(not to confuse with Bhaat) are descendants of Kavi Rishi the son of Lord Brahma is more of a brahminical caste following vegetarianism strictly, no widow remarriages, and no liquor[5]. They also wear the sacred thread. Brahmbhatts of Gujarat and Kathiawar do not dine with other divisions(Bhats), Vaniyas and Kanbis.[6] Bahi Bhat/Vahivanchas on the other hand practice Nata pratha according to the Jodhpur Gazetteer. Brahmabhatts do not dine with Charans and did not touch utensils used by bhats[7]. Notable names in Brahmbhatts in history are Chand Bardai[8] and Birbal[9].
According to one theory, the caste of Vahivancha Barots developed from the Bhats. Widespread tradition states that the Vahivanchas came to Gujarat from Rajputana during the Solanki period (942-1245 CE). The oldest extant Vahivancha book dates back to 1740 CE, written in Old Gujarati language.[2] They are said to be of Brahmin origin.[10]
Present circumstances
[edit]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 patronise them. The younger generation of Barots also became involved in other occupations and businesses and higher studies.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The Vahivancas have imitated Rajputs in many ways. Like Rajputs, the Vahivancas also consider themselves Ksatriyas, as distinct from Brahmabhatts". Journal of American Folklore. 71 (281). American Folklore Society: 264. July–September 1958.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c Shah, A. M.; Shroff, R. G. (1958), "The Vahīvancā Bāroṭs of Gujarat: A Caste of Genealogists and Mythographers", The Journal of American Folklore, 71 (Traditional India), American Folklore Society: 246–276, doi:10.2307/538561, JSTOR 538561
- ^ "Turi (Hindu traditions) in India". Joshua Project. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "The Vahivancas have imitated Rajputs in many ways. Like Rajputs, the Vahivancas also consider themselves Ksatriyas, as distinct from Brahmabhatts". Journal of American Folklore. 71 (281). American Folklore Society: 264. July–September 1958.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Mukerjea, Satyavrata (1921). Census of India 1921, Volume 17: Baroda State. Government of Baroda. p. BK 1289.
- ^ Mukerjea, Satyavrata (1922). Census of India 1921, Volume 17: Baroda State, Part I - Report. Government of India. Digital Library of India Item 2015.56005.
- ^ Singh, Munshi Haridayal (1891). Castes of Marwar. Jodhpur: [Publisher not specified].
- ^ Keay, F. E. (1920). The Heritage of India Series: A History of Hindi Literature. Association Press, Calcutta. p. [insert page number]. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ Verma, H.N. (1896). Great Indians Through The Ages. Government Press. p. [insert page number]. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ a b People of India Gujarat Volume XXII Part One edited by R.B Lal, S.V Padmanabham & A Mohideen page 137 to 140 Popular Prakashan