Bhaṭṭa

Bhaṭṭa or Bhaṭṭ is an Indian surname.Bhatt or Bhaṭṭa meaning a priest is a surname common in most parts of India. It is found commonly in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Uttar Pradesh.

History

Bhatt/a were known to keep genealogies of Rajput kings. Bhatt/Bhatta is most common surname for caste like Brahmbhatt, Shakdwipi and Barot.

The earliest reference of Bhatt can be found in Chandragupta's empire. In "Mudrarakshasa", while describing different divisions in Chandragupta's army, a reference can be found to "Bhatt-Bala". Here "Bala" means a division, hence "Bhatt-Bala" would mean a division composed of "Bhatt".

A predominantly Hindu last name, it is commonly found in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar,Gujarat, and Uttarakhand. Among the communities in India with this last name are the Shakdwipi Brahmins,Bhattmewada Brahmins , Avdichya Brahmins and the Smartha Brahmins.

Notable persons

*Aryabhata,
*Jayarāśi Bhaṭṭa (8th century)
*Kumārila Bhaṭṭa (8th century)
*Jayanta Bhatta (9th century)
*Bhaṭṭotpala (10th century)
*Ānanda Bhaṭṭa (16th century)
*Prajna Bhatta (16th century)
*Gopala Bhatta Goswami (16th century)
*Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami (16th century)

*Bana Bhatt, 7th century Sanskrit scholar
*Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
*Chimanlal Bhatt
*Sneh Bhatt