Manipuri Brahmin

Manipuri Brahmins or Meitei Brahmins, also called Bamons by locals, are Brahmins that reside mainly in the valley areas of Manipur.

Manipuri Brahmin
Total population
131,000
Languages
Meitei, Bishnupriya Manipuri
Religion
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Meitei
Other Brahmin groups:

Description

Manipuri Brahmin origins stretch as far as Bengal, Odisha and other parts of India.[1] Each Brahmin family within the community belongs to a specific gotra indicating their origin. They have many clans of Maithil Brahmins.

Ethnicity, origin and history

In the 15th century, Brahmins from Northern, Eastern and Central parts of India migrated to Manipur valley,[1][3] including from Bengal, Mithila, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha.[1][2] They learned the Manipuri language, adopted local customs, later inter-marrying with the local women, especially the Meitei Kshatriyas, and became a part of the larger Manipuri society.[1][3] The Manipuri Brahmins, or Bamons, bear surnames like Sarma and Singh. A section among them are writers, do not wear the sacred thread and bear the surnames like Basu and Das.[1]

They were instrumental in the spread of Hinduism (especially Vaishnavism) in Manipur.[1]

Language

Manipuri Brahmins speak Manipuri as their first language.

References
  1. Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. A-100, Mohan Garden, New Delhi-110059: K.M. Rai Mittal for Mittal Publications. pp. 68–69. ISBN 81-7099-310-5.CS1 maint: location (link)
  2. Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur. Manipur Commercial Co.
  3. Prakash, Ved (2007). Encyclopedia of North-East India, Volume 4. B-2, Vishal Enclave, Opp. Rajouri Garden, New Delhi- 110027: ATLANTIC. p. 1540. ISBN 978-81-269-0706-9.CS1 maint: location (link)
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