Gaur Brahmins: Difference between revisions
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Brahmins mostly Gaurs have large population , larger than than the combined population of Jats are Gujjars and they plays a dominant role in politics. | Brahmins mostly Gaurs have large population , larger than than the combined population of Jats are Gujjars and they plays a dominant role in politics. | ||
=== Religious figures === | == List of Notable Gaur Brahmins == | ||
=== Religious figures === | |||
[[Ramananda]] - Ramananda was a 15th-century (c. 1400s) Indian saint and religious reformer who promoted the idea of devotion to God through love and service, and played a significant role in the development of Vaishnavism and the Bhakti movement. | [[Ramananda]] - Ramananda was a 15th-century (c. 1400s) Indian saint and religious reformer who promoted the idea of devotion to God through love and service, and played a significant role in the development of Vaishnavism and the Bhakti movement. | ||
[[Dadu Dayal]] - Dadu Dayal was a 16th-century (1544-1603 AD) Indian saint and poet who emphasized the importance of inner purity, social harmony, and unity in his teachings as part of the Bhakti movement. | [[Dadu Dayal]] - Dadu Dayal was a 16th-century (1544-1603 AD) Indian saint and poet who emphasized the importance of inner purity, social harmony, and unity in his teachings as part of the Bhakti movement. | ||
[[Bhagat Parmanand|Parmananda]] - Parmananda was a 15th-century (1483 AD) Indian saint and poet of the Bhakti movement. | [[Bhagat Parmanand|Parmananda]] - Parmananda was a 15th-century (1483 AD) Indian saint and poet of the Bhakti movement. | ||
[[Bhai Almast]] - Almast was a 16th century (1553-1643 AD) Udasi saint and leader of a | [[Bhai Almast]] - Almast was a 16th century (1553-1643 AD) Udasi saint and leader of a branch of the Udasi Sampradaya who preached Udasi faith in Sindh and East regions of India. | ||
[[Bhai Balu Hasna]] - Balu Hasna was a 16th century (1564-1660 AD) Udasi saint and leader of a | [[Bhai Balu Hasna]] - Balu Hasna was a 16th century (1564-1660 AD) Udasi saint and leader of a branch of the Udasi Sampradaya who preached Udasi faith in Pothohar region of Punjab and other regions of India. | ||
Bhai Sant Rain - Sant Rain was an 18th century (1741-1871 AD) | Bhai Sant Rain - Sant Rain was an 18th century (1741-1871 AD) Udasi saint and scholar, who wrote ''Guru Nanak Vijay, Man Prabodh, Anbhai Amrit, Sri Guru Nanak Bodh and Udasi Bodh''. | ||
Baba Mula Sant - Mula Sant was a 16th century | Baba Mula Sant - Mula Sant was a 16th century Vaishnav saint from Wazirabad, most of his followers come from Jhang, Shahpur, Gujranwala (Pakistan), and Aroras have a great reverence for him. | ||
[[Bhatt Kirat|Bhai Kirat Bhatt]] - son of Bhai Bhikkha and grandson of Bhai Raiya and brother of | [[Bhatt Kirat|Bhai Kirat Bhatt]] - son of Bhai Bhikkha and grandson of Bhai Raiya and brother of Bhatt Mathura, a Kaushik was a poet of Bhatt family. Eight stanzas written by him have been included in Guru Granth Sahib. | ||
[[Bhatt Mathura|Bhai Bhatt Mattura]] - (brother of Kirat Bhatt) was a bard in the court of [[Guru Arjan|Guru Arjan Dev Ji]], whose 14 hymns are present in ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]].'' | [[Bhatt Mathura|Bhai Bhatt Mattura]] - (brother of Kirat Bhatt) was a bard in the court of [[Guru Arjan|Guru Arjan Dev Ji]], whose 14 hymns are present in ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]].'' | ||
=== Historical figures === | |||
==== During Sur Empire (1538–1556) ==== | |||
[[Brahmjit Gaur]] - Brahmjit Gaur was a prominent general in [[Sher Shah Suri]]'s army, known for his military skills and strategic thinking. | |||
==== During Mughal Empire (1526–1857) ==== | |||
[[Hemu|Hemu Bhargav]] - Hemchandra Vikramaditya, also known as Hemu Bhargav, was a 16th-century Indian ruler who briefly served as the Prime Minister and de facto ruler of Delhi after winning a series of battles against the Mughal emperor Akbar's forces. | |||
[[Rao Nandlal Chaudhary]] - Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, Chief of Zamindars of Kampel near Indore, who controlled Indore and its surrounding area under the Mughals, and founder of [[Indore]]. | |||
[[Tansen]] - Tansen, considered one of the greatest musicians in Indian history, was a prominent composer and singer in the court of Mughal Emperor [[Akbar]] during the 16th century. | |||
Sheo Nath Singh - was a brave soldier in [[Shah Alam II]]'s court, he fought bravely against Afghans and received jagir of forty-two villages and title of [[Raja]] himself from the Mughal emperor. | |||
==== During Sikh Empire (1799–1849) ==== | |||
[[Raja Khushal Singh Jamadar]] – was a brave military officer and chamberlain of Maharaja [[Ranjit Singh]]'s court, he commanded the army that conquered [[Dera Ghazi Khan]] and received the title of [[Raja]] from Maharaja [[Ranjit Singh]]. | |||
[[Tej Singh|Raja Teja Singh]] - was General of Maharaja [[Ranjit Singh]]'s court and Nazim (Governor) of [[Peshawar]], and was nephew of Khushal Singh. | |||
[[Sardar]] Ram Singh Jamadar - was General of Maharaja [[Ranjit Singh]]'s court, and was eldest son of Khushal Singh. | |||
[[Sardar]] Ram Singh - was Commander in Sikh [[Khalsa Army]] and was brother of Khushal Singh. | |||
Pandit Tarlok Chand - was General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court. | |||
=== Indian Independence Movement (1857-1947) === | |||
[[Madan Mohan Malaviya|Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya]] - Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, also known as Mahamana Malaviya, was a prominent Indian educationist and freedom fighter who founded Banaras Hindu University, worked tirelessly for the promotion of education and Hind unity, and was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 2014. | |||
[[Neki Ram|Pandit Neki Ram Sharma]] - Pandit Neki Ram Sharma, also known as Haryana Kesari, was an Indian politician, freedom fighter, and advocate for Indian independence and social justice who served as a Member of Parliament representing Haryana in the Rajya Sabha from 1952 to 1956 as a member of the Indian National Congress; he was also involved in anti-British movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India movement, and spent over 2200 days in jail. | |||
Rao Dhan Singh - was the Military Governor of [[Shekhawati]] during the upheaval of 1857. He, along with his kinsman, played an active role in the struggle for independence in 1857 A.D. | |||
=== Historical figures === | === Historical figures === | ||
Revision as of 02:14, 5 November 2024
Gaur Brahmins
Gaur Brahmins (spelling variations: Gor or Gour), also Gaud Brahmins, is a landholding class of Brahmin community in India. The Gauda Brahmins are one of the five Pancha Gauda Brahmin communities that lives in the north of the Vindhyas.
Origins and History
Gaur Brahmins likely originated from Kurukshetra region. Initially inhabiting tracts of land between the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers. Today they are most numerous in the western half of Northern India, particularly in the states of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan as well as in the western parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and a significant amount are present in other northern states of India as well. The Gaurs claim that the other four main divisions of North Indian Brahmins were originally Gaur, and have acquired their present designations of Saraswat Brahmins, Kanyakubja Brahmins, Maithil Brahmins and Utkala Brahmins by immigrating to the provinces where they are now domiciled. In Sir George Campbell's Ethnology of India, it is suggested that Gaurs may have derived their names from the Ghaggar-Hakra River, which, in ancient times, was a tributary of Saraswati and now discharges its waters into the Sutlej near Firozpur.
Description of Brahmins of Kurukshetra area in Manusmriti
Kurukshetra and the land of Matsyas, Pañcāla and Sursenkas constitutes the land of Brahmin seers which borders on the Brahmavarta. All the people on Earth should learn their respective practices from a Brahmin born in that land.
Sub-divisions and Lifestyle
Mostly Gaur Brahmins practice agriculture and till their soil with their own hands and follow other secular professions there are different sub sections of Gaurs such as Gujjar Gaur, Shri Gaur, Tyagi Gaur, Paliwal Gaur, Sanadhya Gaur. All of them belong to Gaurs.
Demographics
Gaur Brahmins are found in significant numbers in:
- Haryana: 8-9% of the state's population
- Delhi: Approximately 14%
- Rajasthan: 9-10%
- Western Uttar Pradesh: 12-15% along with Taga Gaurs
Military Contributions
During British Raj, Gaur Brahmins were described as as martial race.
They were mostly composed in below regiments and companies of British Indian Army:
- 1st Brahmans
- 3rd Brahmans
- 9th Bhopal Infantry (which had two companies in 1914 and 1919)
Military spirit
Sikh Author Ajaypal Singh Brar mentions a story of World War-I, he says:
After losing three of her sons, a Gaur Brahmin woman from Rawalpindi sent her remaining sons to war (WW1).'
Haryana State Gazetteer mention:
Given the new circumstances, a significant number of Brahman youths have developed a strong interest in joining the army. As a result, they have become excellent officers who serve their country with distinction. In addition to their military service, many Brahman individuals have pursued careers as advocates, bureaucrats, successful businessmen, and skilled agriculturists.
Education and Social Practices
A study conducted by Delhi University found high literacy rates among Gaur Brahmins, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR), where the literacy rate is approximately 97%.Business and agriculture remain common occupations within the community. The Gaurs practice monogamy and follow exogamous clan-based marriage customs. Widow remarriage is allowed in some sections of the community.
Political Influence
Due to signification population in Haryana , Delhi , Rajasthan , West UP. Gaur Brahmins are politically strong community in these state and Western UP.
Haryana GT-Karnal belt is known as the Brahmin belt of Haryana along with other communities most of the time here MP comes from the Brahmin community.
Delhi Brahmins mostly Gaurs have large population , larger than than the combined population of Jats are Gujjars and they plays a dominant role in politics.
List of Notable Gaur Brahmins
Religious figures
Ramananda - Ramananda was a 15th-century (c. 1400s) Indian saint and religious reformer who promoted the idea of devotion to God through love and service, and played a significant role in the development of Vaishnavism and the Bhakti movement. Dadu Dayal - Dadu Dayal was a 16th-century (1544-1603 AD) Indian saint and poet who emphasized the importance of inner purity, social harmony, and unity in his teachings as part of the Bhakti movement. Parmananda - Parmananda was a 15th-century (1483 AD) Indian saint and poet of the Bhakti movement. Bhai Almast - Almast was a 16th century (1553-1643 AD) Udasi saint and leader of a branch of the Udasi Sampradaya who preached Udasi faith in Sindh and East regions of India. Bhai Balu Hasna - Balu Hasna was a 16th century (1564-1660 AD) Udasi saint and leader of a branch of the Udasi Sampradaya who preached Udasi faith in Pothohar region of Punjab and other regions of India. Bhai Sant Rain - Sant Rain was an 18th century (1741-1871 AD) Udasi saint and scholar, who wrote Guru Nanak Vijay, Man Prabodh, Anbhai Amrit, Sri Guru Nanak Bodh and Udasi Bodh. Baba Mula Sant - Mula Sant was a 16th century Vaishnav saint from Wazirabad, most of his followers come from Jhang, Shahpur, Gujranwala (Pakistan), and Aroras have a great reverence for him. Bhai Kirat Bhatt - son of Bhai Bhikkha and grandson of Bhai Raiya and brother of Bhatt Mathura, a Kaushik was a poet of Bhatt family. Eight stanzas written by him have been included in Guru Granth Sahib. Bhai Bhatt Mattura - (brother of Kirat Bhatt) was a bard in the court of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, whose 14 hymns are present in Guru Granth Sahib.
Historical figures
During Sur Empire (1538–1556)
Brahmjit Gaur - Brahmjit Gaur was a prominent general in Sher Shah Suri's army, known for his military skills and strategic thinking.
During Mughal Empire (1526–1857)
Hemu Bhargav - Hemchandra Vikramaditya, also known as Hemu Bhargav, was a 16th-century Indian ruler who briefly served as the Prime Minister and de facto ruler of Delhi after winning a series of battles against the Mughal emperor Akbar's forces. Rao Nandlal Chaudhary - Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, Chief of Zamindars of Kampel near Indore, who controlled Indore and its surrounding area under the Mughals, and founder of Indore. Tansen - Tansen, considered one of the greatest musicians in Indian history, was a prominent composer and singer in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th century. Sheo Nath Singh - was a brave soldier in Shah Alam II's court, he fought bravely against Afghans and received jagir of forty-two villages and title of Raja himself from the Mughal emperor.
During Sikh Empire (1799–1849)
Raja Khushal Singh Jamadar – was a brave military officer and chamberlain of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court, he commanded the army that conquered Dera Ghazi Khan and received the title of Raja from Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Raja Teja Singh - was General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court and Nazim (Governor) of Peshawar, and was nephew of Khushal Singh. Sardar Ram Singh Jamadar - was General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court, and was eldest son of Khushal Singh. Sardar Ram Singh - was Commander in Sikh Khalsa Army and was brother of Khushal Singh. Pandit Tarlok Chand - was General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court.
Indian Independence Movement (1857-1947)
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya - Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, also known as Mahamana Malaviya, was a prominent Indian educationist and freedom fighter who founded Banaras Hindu University, worked tirelessly for the promotion of education and Hind unity, and was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 2014. Pandit Neki Ram Sharma - Pandit Neki Ram Sharma, also known as Haryana Kesari, was an Indian politician, freedom fighter, and advocate for Indian independence and social justice who served as a Member of Parliament representing Haryana in the Rajya Sabha from 1952 to 1956 as a member of the Indian National Congress; he was also involved in anti-British movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India movement, and spent over 2200 days in jail. Rao Dhan Singh - was the Military Governor of Shekhawati during the upheaval of 1857. He, along with his kinsman, played an active role in the struggle for independence in 1857 A.D.
Historical figures
During Sur Empire (1538–1556)
Brahmjit Gaur - Brahmjit Gaur was a prominent general in Sher Shah Suri's army, known for his military skills and strategic thinking. ==== During Mughal Empire (1526–1857) ==== [[File Hemu Bhargava - Victor of Twenty Two Pitched Battles, 1910s.jpg|thumb|261x261px|Maharaja Hemu Bhargava - Victor of Twenty Two]]
Hemu Bhargav - Hemchandra Vikramaditya, also known as Hemu Bhargav, was a 16th-century Indian ruler who briefly served as the Prime Minister and de facto ruler of Delhi after winning a series of battles against the Mughal emperor Akbar's forces. Rao Nandlal Chaudhary - Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, Chief of Zamindars of Kampel near Indore, who controlled Indore and its surrounding area under the Mughals, and founder of Indore. Tansen - Tansen, considered one of the greatest musicians in Indian history, was a prominent composer and singer in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th century. Sheo Nath Singh - was a brave soldier in Shah Alam II's court, he fought bravely against Afghans and received jagir of forty-two villages and title of Raja himself from the Mughal emperor. ==== During Sikh Empire (1799–1849) ==== Template:Multiple image
Raja Khushal Singh Jamadar – was a brave military officer and chamberlain of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court, he commanded the army that conquered Dera Ghazi Khan and received the title of Raja from Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Raja Teja Singh - was General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court and Nazim (Governor) of Peshawar, and was nephew of Khushal Singh. Sardar Ram Singh Jamadar - was General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court, and was eldest son of Khushal Singh. Sardar Ram Singh - was Commander in Sikh Khalsa Army and was brother of Khushal Singh. Pandit Tarlok Chand - was General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's court.
