Bramins of Nepal

Bramins

Main article: Brahmin

The Sanskrit word Brāhmaṇa denotes priestly class (varṇa) and caste (tribe). The Sanskrit terms Brahman and Brāhman ("belonging to Brahman") are also used.The English word brāhmin is an anglicised form of Sanskrit word brāhmana.Brahmins are also called Vipra "inspired", or Dvija "twice-born".

The history of the Brahmin community in Indian subcontinent begins with the Vedic religion, also known as Sanatana Dharma, in ancient India. The Vedas are the primary source of knowledge for brahmin practices. All the sampradayas of Brahmins take inspiration from the Vedas. According to Brahmin tradition, it is believed that Vedas are apauruṣeya and anādi (beginning-less), but are revealed truths of eternal validity. The Vedas are considered Śruti (that which is heard, signifying the oral tradition). Traditional Brahmin accepts Vedas as apaurusheyam (not man-made), but revealed truths and of eternal validity or relevance and hence the Vedas are considered Srutis that which have been heard and are the paramount source of Brahmin traditions and is believed to be divine. These Srutis include not only the four Vedas (the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda), but also their respective Brahmanas.

Nepalese Bramins

Brahmins are the priestly class of indo-Aryan origin, also known as Bahuns, occupies the highest position in the Hindu hierarchy. They are said to have come to Nepal from different parts of India. Today they are found in every part of Nepal and have taken up different occupations.

Socially and politically, Brahmins have been the dominant caste group in Nepal for a long time. These people are scattered along the middle belt of Nepal, but have rarely settled higher than 6,000 ft in elevation. Only a minority of them live in the Terai. The mother language of these castes is Nepali, which is also spoken by a number of occupational castes. Farming, teaching, and government service are their main occupations. The Brahmins add to their income by acting as family priests. The literary and priestly traditions of the Brahmins has facilitated their taking important roles in modern Nepalese government, education, and business. The two castes together are responsible for the country's national language, Nepali. Brahmins are considered higher caste than the Chetries however other than this minor distinction the two castes share many similarities. Very often, one can identify Brahmins by their middle name. Raj, Prasad, Devi and Kumari. Some Brahmin family names are: Neupane, Koirala, Paudel, Nirwala, Pokhrel, Regmi, Chiluwal, Adhikari, Aryal, Dhakal, Joshi, Bhatta, Panta, Devkota, Dahal, Pandey, Rosyara, Lekhak, Chataut, hattarai, and Ojha.

References

* [http://www.smileadventure.com/nepal/people.php different cast system in Nepal]

* [http://www.iias.nl/nl/42/IIAS_NL42_26.pdf Filming fire rituals in Nepal]

* [http://internet.cybermesa.com/~rotto/caste1.html caste system in Nepal ]
* [http://www.uniquetreks.com/nepal/information_about_nepal/people_of_nepal.php Peoples of Nepal]