Ojha

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The term Ojha is a surname for Brahmin castes. As per the old Indian caste classification, this class was considered as part of the top spectrum of the upper class. This term is also used as a generic description in many modern Indian languages for an upper class Brahmin. The term is used amongst speakers of Hindi, Oriya and Bengali, as well as amongst the Santals. This term has been derived from Sanskrit over time. Literal translations vary, but one such example is "he who controls the spirits on Earth".

In Indian culture, Ojha is also the name given to the profession of an exorcist. These 'professionals' can be found practicing their work all across India, albeit with different modes of operation. Bollywood and TV have continued to fuel the stereotype about 'Ojhas' by portraying them as humans with superpowers, who can control ghosts and remove evil spirits from human bodies.

It is also an often used last-name in Nepal. There, Ojhas belong to the first caste, the spirit leaders and teachers, placed even above the King (who always comes off the second caste of kings and warriors). First caste is the enlightenment and inner development specialists. Including exorcism (driving out evil spirits), Ojha can also be a healer, or a teacher, such as of a religious dance. Right now there are still many Ojhas practicing their traditional occupations, such as astrology too.