Bramins of Nepal
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[edit] Bramins
Main article: Brahmin
The Sanskrit word Brāhmaṇa denotes priestly class (varṇa) and caste (tribe). The Sanskrit terms Brahman and Brāhman ("belonging to Brahman") are also used.The English word brāhmin is an anglicised form of Sanskrit word brāhmana.Brahmins are also called Vipra "inspired", or Dvija "twice-born".
The history of the Brahmin community in Indian subcontinent begins with the Vedic religion, also known as Sanatana Dharma, in ancient India. The Vedas are the primary source of knowledge for brahmin practices. All the sampradayas of Brahmins take inspiration from the Vedas. According to Brahmin tradition, it is believed that Vedas are apauruṣeya and anādi (beginning-less), but are revealed truths of eternal validity. The Vedas are considered Śruti (that which is heard, signifying the oral tradition). Traditional Brahmin accepts Vedas as apaurusheyam (not man-made), but revealed truths and of eternal validity or relevance and hence the Vedas are considered Srutis that which have been heard and are the paramount source of Brahmin traditions and is believed to be divine. These Srutis include not only the four Vedas (the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda), but also their respective Brahmanas.
[edit] Nepalese Bramins
Brahmins are the priestly class of indo-Aryan origin, also known as Bahuns, occupies the highest position in the Hindu hierarchy. They are said to have come to Nepal from different parts of India. Today they are found in every part of Nepal and have taken up different occupations.
Socially and politically, Brahmins have been the dominant caste group in Nepal for a long time. These people are scattered along the middle belt of Nepal, but have rarely settled higher than 6,000 ft in elevation. Only a minority of them live in the Terai. The mother language of these castes is Nepali, which is also spoken by a number of occupational castes. Farming, teaching, and government service are their main occupations. The Brahmins add to their income by acting as family priests. The literary and priestly traditions of the Brahmins has facilitated their taking important roles in modern Nepalese government, education, and business. The two castes together are responsible for the country's national language, Nepali. Brahmins are considered higher caste than the Chetries however other than this minor distinction the two castes share many similarities. Very often, one can identify Brahmins by their middle name. Raj, Prasad, Devi and Kumari. Some Brahmin family names are: Neupane, Koirala, Paudel, Nirwala, Pokhrel, Regmi, Chiluwal, Adhikari, Aryal, Dhakal, Joshi, Bhatta, Panta, Devkota, Dahal, Pandey, Rosyara, Lekhak, Chataut, hattarai, and Ojha.
[edit] How did the caste system begin in Hindu society?
Aryans migrated from Central Europe and settled in the very fertile Indus Valley. Aryans were very clever. They implemented division of labor in their society. The most clever members of society were selected and given the task to teach others. The bravest people were selected and given the task to protect society. The dullest types of individuals who were able to tolerate a heavy workload were selected and given the task of supplying labor to others whenever needed. The rest of the people of the society were given the tasks to grow food, produce materials, trade, and supply the goods to others.
As the Aryans were very clever, they found ways to keep the people doing what they had been doing. Thus, they bred four types of new generations. The ones considered most clever whose duty it was to teach were called "Brahmins". The protectors of society were called "Chetris". The group of producers and suppliers were called "Baishyas". And the group of laborers were called "Sudras".
In Hindu philosophy, every creature in this world is created by the God, Brahma. Brahmins are thought to be created from the mouth of Brahma to symbolize teacher groups. Chetris are thought to be created from the arms of Brahma to symbolize warriors. Baishyas are thought to be created from the lap of Brahma to symbolize a mother feeding her baby. And Sudras are thought to be created from the feet of Brahma to symbolize a weight bearer. Therefore, the Brahmins are the uppermost caste of society, followed by Chetris, Baishyas, and Sudras. The source for proof for this setup is the "Bhaagabad Geeta", one of the holy books of Hindu religion.
In Nepal however, there are truly only three categories of caste: Tagadhari (twice born), Matwali (liquor drinking) and Pani Nachalne. The Tagadharis include Nepals highest castes: Brahmins, Thakuris, and Chetris. The mid-ranking Matwalis include most of Nepals Tibeto-Burman and Indo-European tribal groups. The Pani Nachalne are untouchables associated with specific traditional occupations. These castes are ranked along an axiom of purity and pollution This caste system was codified in Nepal by the National Legal Code (Muluki Ain) of 1853 by Nepals Rana rulers. It lasted until 1951 when the Ranas were overthrown. It heavily favored the Brahmins and brought ruling against them when violating caste rules
