Bhatt Prabhu

The Bhatt Prabhu community belongs to the Panch Darvida category of Brahmins, and claims to be a sub-caste of the Karhade Brahmin community.

Parabhu people

Total population
Few hundreds
Regions with significant populations
Primary populations in: Goa
Languages
Konkani
Religion
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Konkani people, Brahmins, Indo-Aryans, Karhade, Padye, Chitpavan, Goud Saraswat Brahmin, Daivajna

History

It is said that certain Padye families were excommunicated for some reason during the 14th or 15th century, which led to the formation of a new community known as the Bhatt Prabhus.^[1] But unlike Padyes they did not migrate to any other state and chose to remain in Goa.

Intercaste dispute and ritual status

Karhade and Chitpavan were regarded as inferior by Rigvedi Deshasthas, who refrained from interdining with them due to their perceived lower ritual status.Karhades who settled in Desh considered Padhyes, a subsection of Karhades as inferior.Padhyes were farmers and Khots.Deshasthas considered Chitpavans as inferior due to their menial origin.^[2]