Barot (caste)

Barots in western India (c. 1855–1862)

Barot are a caste of Gujarat, traditionally their maternal side belongs to Bramins and paternal side belongs to Kshatriya (Rajput). They are mostly known for their wisdom. They also additionally worked as mythographers.^[1] They were also known by name of Brahmbhatt". Barot are also known as Rao, Bhatt, Bhat, butt, Inamdar and Jagirdar. Barot used to be kings advisers and warriors , Bhatt means knowlagable person and this word was used for scholars among North Indian and Pakistani Indo-aryan people, there are some popular Bhatt people like Aryabhatta an astrologer and mathematician, Birbal whose real name was Dilip shingh Bhat known as Akbar's personal adviser, Bajirao Bhat The great Martha who is known as Bajirao Peshwa.

Origin

Traditionally, Barots are half Kshtriya and half Bramin, They are known for their bravery and intelligence. Barots used to motivate kings and their worriers at the time of war. Chand Barot, the friend and advisor of Prithviraj Chauhan belongs to this sub-clan. They were a respected Hindu community, a sub-cast of Brahmin and half Kshatriya origin.^[2]

Barot is a commonly found surname in Gujarat. Barot, Brahmbhatt, Inamdar, Bhat, Bhatt, Jagirdar, Rao etc. are some of the surnames belonging to this caste or community.

Present circumstances

At present, the traditional occupation of Barots or Bhatts is on the verge of extinction as the new generation of the casts/communities for whom they worked as Barots, no longer patronize them. Further, the young generation of Barots, also have got involved in other occupation and businesses and higher studies.^[3]

See also

• Bhat
• Rai Bhat
• Charan
• katariya Bhatt
• Brahm Bhat
• Brahmbhatt
• Barot shrikant

References