Bhat
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Bhat or Bhatt, meaning "scholar", is predominantly a Hindu surname, and is common in many ethnicities in India. This surname is commonly used in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat (spelled "Bhatt") and Kashmir (spelled "Bhat").
Bhat are considered a Kashmiri tribe in Pakistan.
Bhat is also a rank-title used in the White Wolf, Inc. game of Bastet, a supplementary to Werewolf: The Apocalypse.
Batbayan- Batbai/Batpai (d. 690) was also the eldest son of Bulgarian Kubrat Khan.
There are also Brahma Bhats or Brahmbhatts. Bhat were also known to keep genealogies of Rajput kings. The most common surnames for the Bhat caste are Barot, Brahmbhatt, and Rao. Some famous Bhats include Aryabhatta (ancient Indian astronomer), Bana Bhatt (renowned 7th century Sanskrit scholar), Birbal, Sanjay (from the Mahabharata) Brahmanand Swami and DR ISHWAR BHAT (The renowned author of many scientific journals)
The earliest reference of Bhat can be found in Chandragupta's empire. In 'Mudrarakshasa', while describing different divisions in Chandragupta's army, a reference can be found to Bhat-Bala. Here 'Bala' means a division, hence 'Bhat-Bala' would mean a division composed of 'Bhat'. Chanakya had brought with him his disciples from Taxilla, who served as his loyal companions throughout his life. These disciples were also charged with training armies of Brahmins, to reduce the upper hand maintained by Kshatriyas in the indian politics. It can be conjenctured that the 'Bhat' spread all over the india is due to the reason that they were posted throughout the Maurya Empire as required.
The name "Bhat" is a predominantly Brahmin last name. Among the communities in India with this last name are the Havyaka Brahmins, the Goud Saraswat Brahmins, and the Madhva's.
