Punjabi Brahmins

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The Brahmins of the Punjab region are chiefly Saraswat Brahmins. They have a special association with the Punjab since they take their name from the river, Saraswati.

In Punjab, the Sraswat Brahmins are further divied into four main sections.

1. Barahis (twelvers), who marry among twelve castes only^[1]. This group belongs to the Shakadweepi Brahmins/ Maga Brahmins. They are Sun Worshippers and include, Mehras (Mihira), Kapoor (Kripakar) and Chopras (Chau-Pada) also known in the ancient times as Chakravali were Sun Priests
2. Bawanjais (fifty-twoers), who marry among fifty-two houses only.
3. Athwans (eight families/eighters) and include Joshis, Kurals, Sands, Pathaks, Bharadwajs, Shouries and Tewaris. These eight families marry among each other.
4. Mohyals- the warrior brahmin race. They are a distinct category of Brahmins who combine military knowledge with learning, they strictly refrain from performing priestly duties, often to the point of excommunicating anyone who violates that rule. They are a group comprising of seven clans (Balis, Bhimwals, Chhibbers, Datts, Laus, Mohans, and Vaids). They generally own lands,and are mostly involved in military and administrative services, they eat meat and are not very strict in the observance of religious taboos. They also marry within the seven clans.
5. Bhaskars Gotra Vashisht, originating from a place "Badu ki Gusaiyaan" now in Pakistan.

In the changed socio-economic circumstances however, the rigidity of having matrimonial alliances within particular groups amongst Barahis, Bawanjais, Athwans and Mohyals has greatly diminished and they generally inter-marry now-a-days.

Athwans (eight families/eighters) the seven families (except Kurals) are considered to be direct descendants of seven original rishis upon whom the word of God (The four Vedas: Hindu Religious Text) was sent.

Mohyals trace their descent from Lord Parshuram who was the first Brahmin as per Hindu beliefs to wear arms and to conquer territories.

[edit] See also

• Mohyal
• Chhibber
• Chawla
• Datt
• Mohan
• Vaid

[edit] References

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