Brahmin

Brahmin is a term used in Hinduism and Indian social history to designate a varna traditionally associated with learning, priestly duties, and scholarship. Etymologically, it comes from Sanskrit brahma and means “one belonging to Brahman” or “teacher of sacred knowledge.” In the classical varna system, Brahmins were regarded as the priestly class responsible for performing rituals, preserving sacred texts, and educating others in Vedic knowledge.

Brahmins are not a single, uniform group. They comprise many regional sub-castes and lineages (gotras) with distinct customs, languages, and ritual practices. Examples include Iyengar and Iyer in the south, Saraswat in the western coast, Maithil and Kashmiri Pandit in the north, and Bhumihar, among others. The structure and self-identification of Brahmin communities vary by region, tradition, and temple roles.

Ritual life traditionally includes initiation (upanayana) for male members and adherence to specific schools of Vedanta, the Vedas, or other learned traditions. Practices, dietary rules, and devotional focuses differ across communities and families.

In modern India and the wider region, Brahmins are active in a broad range of occupations, including academia, administration, and culture. They have historically influenced education and literature, while caste-based privilege has also been a focus of criticism and reform movements. Indian law prohibits caste-based discrimination; some Brahmin subgroups are included in state lists for Other Backward Classes, while reservation policies primarily target other categories.

Brahmins are present in Nepal and among diaspora communities worldwide. In Nepal, the community is commonly known as Bahun and has played a prominent role in religious and social life.