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Revision as of 10:05, 24 August 2006 by Hkelkar (talk | contribs) (rv vandalism)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)- This page deals with the Hindu varna. For other uses of this word and similar words, see Brahmana, Brahman and Brahman (disambiguation).
A Brahmin (anglicised from the Sanskrit word IAST Brāhmaṇa; Devanagari ब्राह्मण), also known as Vipra, Dvija, Dvijottama (best of the Dvijas), Bhūsura (god on Earth) is a member of a caste within Hindu society. Historically, Hindu society consisted of four varṇas based on occupation and divine birth: Brahmin (reciter of the Vedas as they came from the mouth of Brahma), Kshatriya (protectors of Dharma, since they are the arms of Brahma), Vaishya (mercantile and agricultural class, considered to be from the thighs of Brahma) and Shudra (artisan and labour class, considered to be from the feet of Brahma). However, in addition to these four classes, there were many other tribes mentioned in mythology such as Gandharvas, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Rakshasas, Nagas, Suparnas, Vanaras, Vidyadharas, Valikilyas, Pisachas, Devas, Vasus, Rudras, Maruts, Adityas, Asuras, Danavas, Daityas, Kalakeyas, Mlechchas etc. Today, the Hindu society in modern India is divided into four classes based on birth: Forward Castes/communities (FCs), Backward Caste/communities (BCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
In the 1931 caste census taken by the Colonial British government, Brahmins were 4.32% of the total population. Even in Uttar Pradesh, where they are most numerous, the Brahmins constituted just 9% of the total populace. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, they formed less than 3% and 2% of the population respectively.
The Nirukta of sage Yaska says Brahmam Jānati iti Brāhmaṇam — A Brahmin is a person who knows Brahman, the ultimate reality or God; hence Brahmin means, "knower of God". However, the historical situation in Hindu society is that Brahmins are the traditional priests and pundits (scholars). Today however, many Brahmins are employed in secular occupations and their religious traditions and culture are fast disappearing from their lives.
History
Main article: History of HinduismThe history of the Brahmin community in India begins with the Vedic religion in ancient India. The Manu Smriti, an ancient Smriti, refers to Aryavarta. The Vedas are the primary source of knowledge for all brahmin practices. All the sampradayas of Brahmins take inspiration from the Vedas. Traditionally, it is believed that Vedas are apauruṣeya (not written by either humans or God) and anādi (beginingless), but are revealed truths of eternal validity. The Vedas are considered Śruti (that which is heard, signifying the oral tradition).
Due to the diversity in religious and cultural traditions and practices, and the Vedic schools which they belong to, Brahmins are further divided into various subcastes. During the sutra period, roughly between 1000 BCE to 200 BCE, Brahmins became divided into various Shakhas (branches), based on the adoption of different Vedas and different rescension Vedas. Sects for different denominations of the same branch of the Vedas were formed, under the leadership of distinguished teachers among Brahmins. The teachings of these distinguished rishis are called sūtras. Every Veda has its own sūtra. The sūtras that deal with social, moral and legal precepts are called Dharma Sutras, whereas those sūtras that deal with ceremonials are called Shrauta Sutras and domestic rituals are called Grhya Sutras. Sūtras are generally written in prose or in mixed prose and verse.
There are several Brahmin law givers such as Angirasa, Apasthambha, Atri, Brihaspati, Boudhayana, Daksha, Gautam, Harita, Katyayana, Likhita, Manu, Parasara, Samvarta, Shankha, Shatatapa, Ushanasa, Vashishta, Vishnu, Vyasa, Yajnavalkya and Yama. These twenty-one rishis were the propounders of Smritis. The oldest among these smritis are Apastamba, Baudhayana, Gautama, and Vasishta Sutras.
Nature of Brahmin
“Samodamastapah Saucham
Kshanthiraarjavamevacha
Jnanam Vijnaanamaastikyam
Brahmakarma Swabhavajam!”
Control on emotions, Control on senses, Purity, Tolerance, Simplicity, Concentration and belief in knowledge and science
Duties of Brahmin
The six duties of a Brahmin are given as per the Sloka
"Adhyaapanam Adhyayanam
Yajanam Yaajanam Tathaa
Daanam Pratigraham Chaiva
Brahmanaanaamakalpayaat"
Teaching, learning, performing Yaaga, make performing Yaga, accept Daana, and give Daana are the six duties of a Brahmin.
Practices
Brahmins adhere to the principles of Hinduism, such as acceptance of the Vedas with reverence, adherence to the position that the means or ways to salvation and realization of the ultimate truth are diverse, that God is one, but has innumerable names and forms to chant and worship due to our varied perceptions, cultures and languages. Brahmins believe in Sarvejanāssukhinobhavaṃtu — Let the entire society be happy and prosperous and Vasudhaiva kuṭuṃbakaṃ — the whole world is one family. Some Brahmins practice vegetarianism (Bengali Brahmins and Kashmiri Pandits are exceptions to this).
Daily routine
Hindu Brahmins hold practice of Dharma more important than beliefs. This is a distinct feature of the Dharmic religions. The practices include mainly Yajnas. The daily routine includes performing Snana (bathing), Sandhyavandanam, Japa, Puja, Aupasana and Agnihotra. The last two named Yajnas are performed in only a few households today. Brahmacharis perform Agnikaryam instead of Agnihotra or Aupasana. The other rituals followed include Amavasya tarpanam and Shraddha.
See Also: Nitya karma and Kaamya karma
Samskaras
Main article: Samskara (rites)Brahmins also perform sixteen major Samskaras (rites) during the course of their life-time. In the pre-natal stage, Garbhadharana (Conception), Pumsavana (Rite for consecrating a male child in the womb) and Simantonnayana (Rite for parting the hair of a pregnant woman) are performed. During childhood, Jatakarma (Birth ceremony), Namakarana (Naming ceremony), Nishkarmana (First outing) Annaprasana (First feeding solid food), Choodakarana (First tonsure) and Karnavedha (Piercing of the ear lobes) are performed. During education of the child, Vidhyarambha (Starting of education), Upanayanam (Thread ceremony- Initiation), Vedarambha (Starting of the study of the Vedas), Keshanta or Godana (First shaving of the beard) and Samavartanam or Snaana (Ending of studentship) are performed. Suring adulthood, Vivaha (Marriage) and Anthyesthi (Funeral rites) are the main ceremonies.
Sampradayas
The three sampradayas (traditions) of Brahmins, especially in South India are the Smarta sampradaya, the Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Maadhva sampradaya.
Status of Brahmins Today
Historically Brahmins have been not only ascetics, sages and priests for millennia seeking welfare of the society, but also secular clerks, merchants, agriculturists, artisans, etc. They were also very poor. In the modern democratic India, the Brahmins are still not only poverty stricken, but also shunted out of every opportunity, despite the fact that Prime Ministers like Jawaharlal Nehru, Venkatanarasimharao Pamulaparti (P.V. Narasimha Rao), and Atal Behari Vajpayee have been Brahmins. French journalist Francois Gautier has written on the sad state of Brahmins in India today.
Contributions to modern India
Brahmins have contributed immensely to the making of modern India in many fields like literature, science and technology, politics, culture, scholarship, religion etc. In the Indian independence movement, many Brahmins like Balgangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, C. Rajagopalachari and others were at the forefront of the struggle for freedom. After independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, a Brahmin and an atheist, became the first Prime Minister of India. Later, Brahmins like P.V. Narasimha Rao and Atal Behari Vajpayee became Prime Ministers. even now after persecution of brahmans by politicians they hold top posts in administration, academia ,business, army, jouranalism etc. Infact it was those Brahmin leaders like Rajagopalachari and Thilak who fought for the upliftment of the socially backward dalits and their equality in the society.
See also:List of Brahmins
Persecution
Main article: Anti-BrahmanismThe anti-Brahmin sentiment was first kindled in India by the Dravidar Kazhagam movement in Tamil Nadu. This was a reaction to the Brahmin hegemony in the Civil services under the British government. In later years, this movement caught on in many other parts of India even after independence.
Communities
Brahmin castes in the Indian subcontinent are traditionally divided into two regional groups: Pancha-Gauda Brahmins and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins as per the shloka,
कर्णाटकाश्च तैलंगा द्राविडा महाराष्ट्रकाः,
गुर्जराश्चेति पञ्चैव द्राविडा विन्ध्यदक्षिणे ||
सारस्वताः कान्यकुब्जा गौडा उत्कलमैथिलाः,
पन्चगौडा इति ख्याता विन्ध्स्योत्तरवासिनः ||
The classification first occurs in Rajatarangini of Kalhana.
See also
Notes
- Manu Smriti on learning of the Vedas
- A day in the life of a Brahmin
- The Forty Samskaras
- The status of Brahmins in Andhra Pradesh
- http://www.vedah.net/manasanskriti/puranam.html#Poor_Brahmins Brahmin Poverty]
- FrancoisGautier.com
- Are Brahmins the Dalits of today?
- Caste & the Tamil Nation -Brahmins, Non Brahmins & Dalits
References
- Definitions: A Sanskrit English Dictionary by Sir Monier Monier-Williams
- Mayne's "Treatise on Hindu Law and Usage.
- Hindu Castes and Sects Jogendranath Bhattacharya.
- Andhra Viprula Gotramulu, Indla Perlu, Sakhalu by Emmesroy Sastri.
- History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh Rao PR.
- History of India Herman Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund.
- Acharalu sastriyataNarayanareddi Patil.
- Hindu Manners, Customs, and Ceremonies Abbe J. A. Dubois
External links
- List Of Andhra Brahmins And Surnames
- Brahmins
- Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh
- Poverty Stricken Brahmins
- Source: Vepachedu Educational Foundation Inc.
- Brahmin Sages and Branches (Gotras and Subcastes)
- A Long List of Brahmin Castes and Sub-castes
- Brahmin Yahoo Groups