Sharma

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Sharma is one of the most common Brahmin surnames among Hindus in India, Nepal and abroad.

Contents

[edit] Meaning of the Surname

Sharma is derived from the Sanskrit 'Sharman' which means teacher. According to Sanskrit scholar Dr. Charan Das Shastri, the word 'Sharman' refers to a universal well-wisher or sublime personality who has achieved the highest state of concentration. According to scholars Pt. Raghunath Prashad Shastri and Yaskacharya the word Sharma refers to 'Srinatehimsayam-dhatu' — the sacred person who eradicates his own sins and those of mankind with acquired powers of self-consciousness.

[edit] Demographic Distribution

Most Sharmas originate from Uttar Pradesh, but are also to be found in many other states in India. In North India Brahmins of almost every subcaste use this surname. Many Sharmas are also found in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Assam and Tamilnadu. In Andhra Pradesh & Assam, the Brahmin communities pronounce it as Sarma. In South India, many brahmins have dropped their surnames in favour of family names, as the surnames indicate their caste.

[edit] Theories of Origin

[edit] From Manusmriti

Manu, in Hindu mythology is a title accorded the progenitor of humankind and first holy king to rule this earth, was the author of Manusmriti, regarded as a foundational work of Hindu law and ancient Indian society. Manusmriti suggests that the Brahmin should use 'Sharman' with their names and the Kshatriya, a warrior clan, should use 'Verman' as they wear 'Verm' or 'Kawach' (i.e., armour) with their name.

[edit] From Brahmksatryas

According to Bherumal Maherchand, a Sindhi historian, the Brahmksatrya clan came into existence during the time of the sage Parshuram, who is said to have stayed in Sindh for five days during a campaign he had undertaken to weed out anti-social elements from society. The ruler of the state was King Rattan Sen. When the news of Parshuram's arrival reached the king, he fled along with his queens to seek asylum in the ashram of Rishi Deghichi, situated on the bank of the Saraswati river. Each queen bore a son there. They were called Brahmans by virtue of birth and were brought up in the ashram. The eldest son Jai Sen became Jaisen Sharma. This is considered by some to be first use of the surname ever recorded in history. The legend continues that subsequently Parshuram killed the king who was hunting in the forest.

[edit] From Shakuntala

According to another school of thought, the surname Sharma finds its origin in the commentary of Shakuntala by Kalidasa.

[edit] Sub-castes

The Brahmins have many sub-castes. This means that not all Sharmas will have the same sub-caste.

[edit] Some examples of notable Sharmas

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