The Bisht are a Rajput community living primarily in the Central Himmalayas, such as the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Bisht Rajputs refers to the title of Rajputs in Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. Bishts are also found in the erstwhile princely state of Rampur in Himachal Pradesh.
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Bisht was a title given by kings to nobles, derived from the Sanskrit vishisht ("distinguished").
Bisht originated as an occupational title. It was given to nobles who were courtiers to the kings. They possessed grants of lands (jagirs) from the kings and in turn collected taxes from the tillers. This practice continued over centuries and was abolished by the British when they enforced land reforms in the hills and as a result the land ownership went to the tiller.
Being a title of status, Bisht became obsolete with caste reforms, but many families still remember the origin of their last names or surnames. Khadeti Bisht, Parihaar Bisht, Panwar Bisht, Newal Bisht, Nainwal Bisht, Rawal Bisht, Sheela Bisht, Dhaira Bisht, Heet Bisht, Timle Bisht etc. denotes linegaes in hills and its usage is quite prevalent in Garhwal region while in Kumaon region it is only practiced discreetly . It is said about Parihaar Bishts that their origin came to existence during the 'Hawan' at mount Abu by Shaks & Hoons alongwith Chauhans,Chalukyas and Panwars in early days of the civilization of these tribes. Parihaars ruled the state of Jaipur (Rajsthan) in seventh & eighth century. It is also believed that these Rajputs shifted to various parts of Garhwal and Kumao region in sixteenth century for the reason given above.One such group of Parihars shifted to a popularly known village Birmoli,Distt Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand from Dhar (Rajsthan), now in MP, and then scattered to the different parts of the area. The title 'Bisht' represents the royal post (incharge of supplies) in army, bestowed to this royal group by the king of Garhwal when they joined it for their livelihood.