WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Brahmins held the most power in Hindu society, they were priests, otherwise known as the spiritual and intellectual leaders of the society. “They devoted their time to studying, teaching, performing sacrifices, and officiating religious services” (Nigosian 136).

Detailed explanation-2: -At the top of the caste system were the Brahmin. These were the priests and they held a tremendous amount of power over everybody. There were the only ones who could both study and teach the Vedas, the holy text.

Detailed explanation-3: -The highest caste within the General Category is Brahmin, historically the priests and other religious leaders who also served as educators. Just 4% of Indians today identify as Brahmin.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Brahmans are divided into 10 main territorial divisions, five of which are associated with the north and five with the south. The northern group consists of Sarasvati, Gauda, Kannauj, Maithil, and Utkal Brahmans, and the southern group comprises Maharashtra, Andhra, Dravida, Karnata, and Malabar Brahmans.

Detailed explanation-5: -Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. At the top of the hierarchy were the Brahmins who were mainly teachers and intellectuals and are believed to have come from Brahma’s head.

Detailed explanation-6: -The seven major Brahmin Gotras take the names of the saints whose lineages they represent: Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, Bhradwaja, Gautama, Atri, Vasishta and Kashyapa.