Bhattarai
| भट्टराई | |
|---|---|
 Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, ex-leader of Nepali Congress | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
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Primary populations in:
| |
| Languages | |
| English used for professional purposes, Sanskrit used for religious purposes | |
| Religion | |
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Hinduism with a Masto Deity
| |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Nepali people |
Bhattarai (Nepali:भट्टराई) is a surname used by certain subgroup belonging to the Brahmin caste, Kshetri and natives of Nepal, Northeast India, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Bhattarai were the advisor and rajpurohit of King Prithivi Narayan Shah. They advised king to unite various small kingdom to block British expansion. They are believed to be the direct descendant of Rishi Vasisht, one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) in the seventh (i.e. the present) Manvantara (the age of a Manu).
Divisions based on Sub-communities
Bhattarai is a sub caste referred to as thar in the Nepalese community. The Bhattarai has fourfold divisions: Sindhuley (si:n-δu:-le), Saalukhey (sa:-lu:-khe), Gamlangey (ga:m-la:-ηge) and Chiisungkhey (t∫i:-su:ηg-khe).
Gamlangey Bhattarai
They come from the region of Gamlangtar according to their oral traditions. They worship a local Masto Deity. They are called "Mundali Masta" coming from Mundal (Udder) of Gauri Gai, a cow species.
Religion
Bhattarai people are the decedents of Khas people of the ancient Khas kingdom of the western Nepal and follow Hinduism. Under the caste system of the Khas people, e.g. Bahun, Chettri, Bhakuni, Thakuri, etc., Bhattarai people fall under the Bahun and Chettri category.
Culture
Bhattarai people follow the traditional Hindu-Nepali Brahaminic culture. Although now the Bhattarai population is widely distributed across Nepal as well as in neighboring India, they have their origin in the Gandaki basin of central-hilly region of Nepal that include districts like Gorkha and Syangja.
Gotras of Bhattarai
Gotra is the clan system. Generally it is the group of people of several generations who are the descendants of an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor. Bhattarai belongs to Vashista gotra. They are known to be the descendants of Rishi Vishista. The gotras of Bhattarai's are Bhandari, Chalise, Dwadi, Gaire, Kharel, Mudabhari, Raut, Suyal (Garthi), Suyal (Thapa), Thangsine
Notable people with the surname in Nepal
- Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Former Prime Minister (Nepali Congress).[1]
- Baburam Bhattarai, Former Prime Minister and politician (UCPN Maoists).[2]
- Madhav Bhattarai, Chairman of the committee of astrologers and religious scholar.[3]
- Nabin K Bhattarai, Pop singer.[4]
- Subin Bhattarai, Writer of Summer Love (novel), Saaya (novel) Record breaking best-selling books in the country.
- Amrit Bhattarai, A renowned Nepalese cricketer.
- Durga Prasad Bhattarai, A Nepali diplomat who currently serves as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations.
- Govinda Raj Bhattarai, A Nepalese novelist, essayist, literary critic, and linguist.
- Krishna Dharabasi aka born Krishna Bhattarai. Author of Radha (Novel), Jhola
- Naresh Bhattarai , Famous Journalist.
References
- ↑ "Krishna Prasad Bhattarai". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2012-05-13.
- ↑ Navin Singh Khadka (2005-05-06). "Nepal's Maoist leadership divisions". South Asia. BBC News. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
- ↑ "Vijaya Dashami being celebrated". Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ↑ "Upclose with Nabin K Bhattarai". CyberSansar. Retrieved 13 May 2012.