Topics on Brahmins

First Online: March 12, 2003
Page Last Updated: February 17, 2024

Introduction to The Brahmins

According Sir S. Radhakrishnan, although used very widely, the term brahmin is not a correct word [1]. In the ancient Hindu texts, the word brahmana is used to indicate "absolute" or the "infinite spirit" of Lord Brahma. In the course of history, as the varna or the caste system developed, the group of priestly people came to be known as brahmanas or brahmins. In this section, the word brahmin is used to refer to the community of people known as brahmins in today's India.

Brahmin Castes and Communities

Boy Becomes Man
Pictorial exhibition of the Hindu ordaining ritual known as the Upanayanam or Munji

 

Brahmin Communities
A comprehensive list of Brahmin communities of India documented for anthropological research purposes.
HolymenSages, Sadhus, and Swamis
A classification of the holy men of India. Also a fascinating potpourri of pictures
Havyak Brahmins
Article on the Havyak Brahmin community includes community's history, prominent leaders and community's contributions.
Weblogs on Brahmin Culture

List of Pictures of Brahmins

 

References on Brahmins

  1. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles Moore (Eds.) , A Sourcebook in Indian Philosophy, Princeton University Press, 1957