Manipuri Brahmin

Manipuri Brahmins or Meitei Brahmins, also called Bamons by the locals, are those Brahmins who reside mostly in the valley areas of Manipur.

Manipuri Brahmin
Total population
131,000
Languages
Meitei
Religion
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Meiteis
Other Brahmin groups - Bengali Brahmins, Utkala Brahmins,[1] Maithil Brahmins, Nagar Brahmins[2]

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

Manipuri Brahmins are the descendants of Indo-Aryan brahmins,[3] who migrated from other parts of India, including Bengal, Mithila, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha to the Manipur Valley in the 15th century and intermixed with the local Meitei people.[1][2] Though historically exogenous, in modern times, the Manipuri Brahmins are an endogamous group.[1]

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

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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