Barot (caste)

Barot is an Indian surname native to Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Barot Honorofic Title is used by both Brahmbhatts and Vahivancha/Vahi Bhaats/Geneologists. The Vahi Bhaats/Vahivanchas^[1] traditionally worked as historians, genealogists and mythographers.^[2] Whereas Brahmbhatts are distinct from "other" Barots or Bhats.

Vahivancha Barots (Western India, c. 1855–1862). For disambiguation, Brahmbhatt Barots, who are different community working as courtiers and poets, are not shown in the image.

Brahmbhatt are a socially elite caste that worked with the various imperial powers by being a member of Royal courts as Advisors, Rajkavi, Administrator, Senapati, Jagirdars.

Turi^[3] caste people also started to appropriate the surname "Barot". The Turi are a Scheduled Caste in India known for traditional bamboo craftsmanship and agricultural labor, often facing social discrimination and economic hardship. Limited literacy and declining demand for their handmade goods have worsened their challenges, despite affirmative action measures.

Origin

• The caste known as "Vahivancha Barots": The word Vahivancha (IAST: "Vahīvancā) literally means "one who reads a vahi" (vahi means a book of genealogy, a ledger or a book in general). The Vahivanchas traditionally maintained genealogies, told stories and recited bardic poetry. According to one theory, the caste of Vahivancha Barots developed from the Bhāts. Widespread tradition states that the Vahivanchas came to Gujarat from Rajputana during the Solanki period (942-1245 CE). The oldest extant Vahivancha book dates back to 1740 CE, written in Old Gujarati language.^[2] The term "Barot" was originally used as an honorific title for both Vahivanchas-Bhats and Brahmbhatts, but was gradually adopted as a caste appellation by the Vahivancha caste people.^[2] Bahi Bhat/Vahivanchas practice Nata pratha according to historic records.

The Vahivancas/Vahivanchas have imitated Rajputs in many ways. Like Rajputs, the Vahivanchas also consider themselves Ksatriyas, as distinct from Brahmbhatts.^[4]

• Whereas Brahmbhatt caste also referred as Bhatt(not to confuse with Bhaat) are descendants of Kavi Rishi the son of Lord Brahma is more of a brahminical caste following vegetarianism strictly, no widow remarriages, and no liquor.^[5] They also wear the sacred thread. Brahmbhatts of Gujarat and Kathiawar did not dine with other division(Bhats), Vaniyas and Kanbis.^[6] Brahmabhatts do not dine with Charans and did not touch utensils used by bhats.^[7] Notable names in Brahmbhatts in history are Chand Bardai^[8] and Birbal.^[9]

Present circumstances

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 patronise them. The younger generation of Barots also became involved in other occupations and businesses and higher studies.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Bhats
• Rai Bhat