bhatt

Bhatt, occasionally spelled Bhat, is a surname and clan-name found in parts of India, most prominently in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The name is derived from Sanskrit bhatta or bhattā, meaning learned person, scholar, or priest. Historically, Bhats were associated with scholarly and custodial roles at court.

In traditional contexts, Bhats served as genealogists, poets, and chroniclers for noble families. They often acted as hereditary keepers of lineage, composing and reciting family histories, genealogies, and panegyrics for rulers and their clans. This work placed them within the broader sphere of bardic and scholarly professions that supported royal courts and regional communities.

Geographically, Bhats are found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, with speakers of regional languages such as Marwari, Rajasthani, and Gujarati. In modern times, the surname Bhatt is used by people across various communities, and while it is still associated with historical roles of learning and record-keeping, it no longer implies a single traditional occupation across all bearers.

Today, Bhatt is mainly a surname and place-name marker within northern and western India. The association with scholarship and genealogical memory persists in cultural memory, even as people with the name pursue a wide range of professions. The exact social designation of Bhats can vary regionally, reflecting the diverse social landscape of the Indian subcontinent.