Rishis, Maharshis, Brahmarshis... / Pranava K Chaudhary

PATNA: The word Brahmarshi has of late gained currency as a synonym for the Bhumihar caste. Academics are not enthused. Many of them feel the word is best left to describe ancient sages. Among the sages too, the honorific was conferred upon only a chosen few, according to Hindu scriptures. 

The first reference to the word Brahmarshi in the context of Bhumihars is found in Swami Sahajanand Saraswati's book Brahmarshi Vansh Vistar published in 1915. 


"Nobody can claim to be a Brahmarshi in the present context," says sociologist Hetukar Jha, " as it would be denigrating the word by identifying it with any caste." 

Jha refers to Vishwamitra, a Kshatriya, seeking entry into the Brahmin fold and the differences between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha figuring prominently in the ancient Indian texts. 

In the first "Bhumihar Brahmin Mahasabha" held at Muzaffarpur in 1889, a concerted voice was raised under the leadership of the late Langat Singh for their recognition as "Brahmins". 

Later in 1915, Swami Sahajanand Saraswati took up this cause in the "Bhumihar Brahmin Mahasabha" at Balia (UP) and fought for their recognition as "Brahmins". According to Jha, Bhumihar Brahmin was referred to as "Military Brahmin" by Francis Buchanan and as "Magadh Brahmin" by William Adam in 1883. However, an entire caste was never given the status of "Rishi", "Maharshi" or "Brahmarshi". 

ADRI secretary Shaibal Gupta says the declaration of Bhumihars as "non-Brahmins" in the 1901 census led to the movement for their "self-identity". The "identity movement" had two streams — one led by Sir Ganesh Dutta and the other by Swami Sahajanand Saraswati. 

"Initially, Sir Ganesh Dutta articulated the interests of Bhumihar landlords and Swamiji led the movement of Bhumihar tenants. 

But Swamiji's concern for Bhumihar tenants turned into the concern for all tenants, which led to the formation of Kisan Sabha, and subsequently, it got converted into Socialist and Communist movements," says Gupta. 

A college teacher of history belonging to the Bhumihar caste, speaking on condition of anonymity, says: "In mythological perspective, Bhumihars have always identified themselves with Parashuram, a Bharadwaj gotra Brahmin." 

There is urgent need for in-depth research on the origin and growth of Bhumihars in the historical perspective, says Ajay K Singh, head of the history department of Patna University. Several academics belonging to the Bhumihar caste refuse to comment. 

A few years ago, the late Bibha Jha did her PhD from Patna University on the topic "Bhumihar Brahmins: A Sociological Study". But the thesis is yet to be published. "Except for Swamiji's work and a few articles, nothing substantial has been written on this caste," says another historian. 

"Humko kuchh nahin bolna hai," says one. "If all Bhumihars are Brahmarshis, then what about Brahmins? They all, too, must be Brahmarshis, if not Devarshis," quips another.