Bhattarai

Bhattarai (Nepali:भट्टराई) is a surname used by certain subgroup belonging to the Bramhin caste i.e Bahun of Nepal, India (Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, states) and certain parts of Bhutan. They are believed to be the direct descendant of Rishi Vasisht, one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) in the seventh (i.e. the present) Manvantara (the age of a Manu).

Divisions based on Sub-communities

Bhattarai is a sub caste referred to as thhar in the Nepalese community. The Bhattarai has fourfold divisions: Sindhuley (si:n-δu:-le), Saalukhey (sa:-lu:-khe), Gamlangey (ga:m-la:-ηge) and Chiisungkhey (t∫i:-su:ηg-khe).

Religion

Bhattarai people are the decedents of Khas people of the ancient Khas kingdom of the western Nepal and follow Hinduism. Under the caste system of the Khas people, e.g. Bahun, Chettri, Bhakuni, Thakuri, etc., Bhattarai people fall under the Bahun category.

Culture

Bhattarai people follow the traditional Hindu-Nepali Brahaminic culture. Although now the Bhattarai population is widely distributed across Nepal as well as in neighboring India, they have their origin in the Gandaki basin of central-hilly region of Nepal, that include districts like Gorkha are Syangja. The mother tongue of the Bhattarai people is Nepali.

Notable people with the surname in Nepal

• Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Former Prime Minister (Nepali Congress).^[1]
• Baburam Bhattarai, Former Prime Minister and politician (UCPN Maoists).^[2]
• Dr. Keshav Bhattarai, Professor of Geography University of Central Missouri ^[3]
• Manmohan Bhattarai, politician (Nepali Congress).^[4]
• Yogesh Bhattarai, politician (CPN-UML).
• Madhav Bhattarai, Chairman of the committee of astrologers and religious scholar.^[5]
• Nabin K Bhattarai, singer.^[6]
• Dipesh Kishor Bhattarai, singer.
• Bijay Nath Bhattarai, former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank.

References