Barot (caste)

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Vahivancha Barots (Western India, c. 1855-1862). For disambiguation, Brahmbhatt Barots, who are different community working as courtiers and poets, are not shown in the image. Baroots (9938560423).jpg
Vahivancha Barots (Western India, c. 1855–1862). For disambiguation, Brahmbhatt Barots, who are different community working as courtiers and poets, are not shown in the image.

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.

Contents

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

The Vahivancas/Vahivanchas have imitated Rajputs in many ways. Like Rajputs, the Vahivanchas also consider themselves Ksatriyas, as distinct from Brahmbhatts. [4]

Present circumstances

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

References

  1. "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)
  2. 1 2 3 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
  3. "Turi (Hindu traditions) in India". Joshua Project. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  4. "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)
  5. Mukerjea, Satyavrata (1921). Census of India 1921, Volume 17: Baroda State. Government of Baroda. p. BK 1289.
  6. Mukerjea, Satyavrata (1922). Census of India 1921, Volume 17: Baroda State, Part I - Report. Government of India. Digital Library of India Item 2015.56005.
  7. Singh, Munshi Haridayal (1891). Castes of Marwar. Jodhpur: [Publisher not specified].
  8. 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.
  9. Verma, H.N. (1896). Great Indians Through The Ages. Government Press. p. [insert page number]. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  10. Bhāts - Wikipedia