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{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Brahmin Sikhs
| image = Sikh martyr Bhai Mati Das being executed by sawed in half while alive, detail of a painting by the court painter of the Maharaja of Nabha, circa 19th century.jpg
| image_caption = Brahmin martyr [[Bhai Mati Das]] being executed by sawed in half while alive, detail of a work by the court painter Basahatullah, circa 19th century.
| popplace = [[India]], [[United Kingdom]]
| languages = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] • [[Dogri]] • [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]] • [[Hindi]] • [[Kangri language|Kangri]]
| religions = [[Sikhism]]
| related_groups = [[Brahmins]] • [[Gaur Brahmin]] • [[Saraswat Brahmin]]
}}
'''Brahmin Sikh''' is a Sikh religious group whose members belong to [[Brahmin]] community. They played a key role in the early years of [[Sikhism]]. Sometimes called Kashmiri Sikhs those who are of Kashmiri origin.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Project |first=Joshua |title=Brahmin (Sikh traditions) in India |url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18058/IN |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=joshuaproject.net |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Project |first=Joshua |title=Brahmin (Sikh traditions) |url=https://www.sikhnet.com/news/sikhs-kashmir-historic-analysis%C2%A0 |website=Sikhnet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XixRAAAAYAAJ&dq=jinsi+sikhs&pg=PA140 |title=Census of India, 1891 |date=1893 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/25665157-brahmin-sikh-history|title=Brahmin Sikh History|via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-01 |title=A turbaned identity |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/latest-news/a-turbaned-identity/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2020-05-14 |title=Who Are Kashmiri Sikhs ? – KashmirPEN |url=https://www.kashmirpen.in/who-are-kashmiri-sikhs/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=www.sikhcastes.com |url=https://sites.google.com/a/sikhcastes.com/sikh-castes |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=sites.google.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freepresskashmir.news/2017/10/13/kashmiri-sikhs-the-vibrant-minority-that-has-always-stood-behind-the-majority/|title=Kashmiri Sikhs: The vibrant minority that has always stood behind the majority | Free Press Kashmir}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Balfour |first=Edward |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eONSAAAAcAAJ&dq=brahmin+converts+to+sikhism&pg=RA2-PA105 |title=Cyclopaedia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia, Commercial, Industrial and Scientific: Products of the Mineral, Vegetable and Animal Kingdoms, Useful Arts and Manufactures. Ed. by Edward Balfour |date=1871 |publisher=[Dr.:] Scottish and Adelphi Press |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=A complete guide to Sikhism {{!}} WorldCat.org |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/319683249 |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=www.worldcat.org |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=History of Bhatra Sikhs |url=https://www.gbscuk.co.uk/about-us/history-of-bhatra-sikhs/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Gurdwara Bhat Sikh Council UK |language=en-US}}</ref>

== History ==

Brahmins of old [[Punjab region]] started to follow [[Sikhism]] from the birth of [[Guru Nanak]]. Mostly Brahmin Sikhs comes from [[Saraswat Brahmin|Saraswat]], sub sect of Brahmins, also called '''Sarsut ''' in Punjabi language and rest comes from [[Gaur Brahmins|Gaur (Gaud)]] section of Brahmins.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the Sikh Faith |url=https://www.thebookreviewindia.org/history-of-the-sikh-faith/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=The Book Review, Monthly Review of Important Books |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Population and Distribution ==
[[File:Brahmin Sikhs.png|thumb|Distribution of Brahmin Sikh population in India. Map taken from website [[Joshua Project]].]]
Mostly Brahmin Sikhs reside in India and UK. The majority of Brahmin Sikhs originate from Punjab, specifically from regions such as Patiala, Hoshiarpur, [[Gurdaspur]], [[Bathinda]], [[Chandigarh]] and [[Nawa Shahar|Nawashahar]]. Additionally, a significant number have migrated and settled in Delhi. Some Brahmin Sikhs can trace their lineage to areas like [[Sialkot]], and [[Lahore]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2"/><ref name=":4" />

== Contribution and Influence on Sikhism ==
[[File:Bhatts.jpg|thumb|210x210px|Satgur [[Bhattan De Savaiye|Bhatts]] – Image by Isher Singh Charitable Trust Kaleran (Punjab)]]
[[Brahmin]]s made exceptional contributions during the period of [[Sikh gurus|Sikh Gurus]], demonstrating their remarkable abilities and skills. Their invaluable contributions played a crucial role in shaping the Sikh community and its culture. The writings of 35 authors are included in [[Guru Granth Sahib]], and among them were 16 Brahmins whose contribution amounted to 45 percent. The [[Writers of the Guru Granth Sahib|Bhatt Brahmins]], who sang and wrote in praise of the Sikh Gurus, made significant sacrifices for the cause of Sikhism, with 11 laying down their lives during the lifetime of the Gurus. In recognition of their devotion, the Gurus conferred upon them the prestigious title of preacher (Manjis).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-11-17 |title=Brahmins' contribution to Sikhism highlighted |url=http://www.sikhnet.com/news/brahmins-contribution-sikhism-highlighted |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=SikhNet |language=en}}</ref> There writings known as [[Bhattan De Savaiye]] i.e. '''Hym of Bhatts''<nowiki/>'.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>Chauhan, Dr. G.S. (2006). ''Bani Of Bhagats''. Hemkunt Press. p. 125.</ref>

== List of Notable Brahmin Sikhs ==
{{See also|Bhatra Sikhs|Bhattan De Savaiye}}

=== Bhats ===

{| class="wikitable"
|+'''No. of Saviyas by each Bhatts and their name'''
|-
! '''Name''' || '''Mahalla Pehla''' || '''Mahalla 2''' || '''Mahalla 3''' || '''Mahalla 4''' || '''Mahalla 5'''||'''Total'''
|-
| Bhatt Tal ||10||10 ||9||13||12||54
|-
| [[Bhatt Balh]] ||-||-||-||5||-||5
|-
| [[Bhatt Bhalh]] ||-||-||1||-||-||1
|-
| [[Bhatt Bhika]] ||-||-||2||-||-||2
|-
| [[Bhatt Gayand]] ||-||-||-||13||-||13
|-
| [[Bhatt Harbans]] ||-||-||-||-||2||2
|-
| [[Bhatt Jalap]] ||-||-||5||-||-||5
|-
| [[Bhatt Kirat]]||-||-||4||4||-||8
|-
| [[Bhatt Mathura]] ||-||-||-||7||7||14
|-
| [[Bhatt Nalh]]||-||-||-||16||-||16
|-
| [[Bhatt Salh]] ||-||-||1||2||-||3
|}

=== Military, Saints & Scholars ===
{{multiple image|total_width=250|perrow=2
| image1 = PunditTaraSingh.png
|caption1= Pandit Tara Singh's (1822–1891) image found on the cover of "Updesh Shatak Basha"
| image2 = Portrait of Jamadar Khushal Singh seated leaning against a bolster. Indian, Pahari, ca.1830–40.jpg
| caption2=Portrait of Jamadar Khushal Singh
| image3 = Miniature painting of a seated Raja Tej Singh with a sword on his lap and shield on his back.jpg
| caption3=Painting of a seated Raja Teja Singh with a sword on his lap and shield on his back
| image4 =Banda Singh Bahadur mural fresco.jpg
| caption4=Mural fresco of Banda Bairagi (seated right) with his son, Ranjit Singh (seated left)
| image5 =Detail of Mahan Singh Mirpuri from a painting of the Darbar (royal court) of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, ca.1850.jpg
| caption5=[[Mahan Singh Mirpuri]] wearing " ''Red [[Poshak]] "'' with a white beard with a sword in left hand and mala beads in right hand}}
* [[Pundit Tara Singh|Pandit Tara Singh Narotam]]<ref name="HS_1998">{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Harbans|title=The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism: S-Z|date=1998|publisher=Publications Bureau|isbn=9788173805301|page=315}}</ref> – Most well-known Nirmala sadhu, scholar who discover [[Hemkund Sahib|Hemkunt Sahib]] and writer of ''Gurmat Nirnay Sagar, Sri Gur Tirath Sangrah and Guru Girarath Kosh''
* Raja Khushal Singh Jamadar<ref>{{cite book |last=Latif |first= Syed Muhammad |date=1891 |title=History Of The Panjab |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.34649/page/n414/mode/1up |publisher=Calcutta Central Press Company Limited |page=391 |access-date=2009-11-29 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-01-27 |title=Samadh Jamadar Khushal Singh At Lahore – Gateway To Sikhism |url=https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/gurudwaras/gurudwaras-in-pakistan/samadh-jamadar-khushal-singh-at-lahore/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.allaboutsikhs.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Grewal |first=J.S. |date=1990 |title=The Sikhs of the Punjab |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2_nryFANsoYC&pg=PA107 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=107 |isbn=0-521-63764-3 |access-date=15 April 2014 }}</ref> – General and Jamadar/Wazir (till 1818) of [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]]'s court and Uncle of [[Tej Singh|Raja Teja Singh]]
* [[Tej Singh|Raja Teja Singh]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-03-24 |title=Tej Singh, Raja – Gateway To Sikhism |url=https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/biographies/1800/tej-singh-raja/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.allaboutsikhs.com |language=en-us}}</ref> – commander in the [[Sikh Empire]]
* [[Banda Singh Bahadur|Banda Bairagi]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sufi |first=G. M. D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ImRDAAAAYAAJ&q=banda+bairagi+brahmin |title=Kashīr, Being a History of Kashmir from the Earliest Times to Our Own |date=1974 |publisher=Light & Life Publishers |language=en}}</ref> – Military commander who fought against the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century. He played a significant role in establishing [[Sikh Empire|Sikh rule]] in [[Punjab]].
* [[Mahan Singh Mirpuri|Mahan Singh Mirpuri Bali]]<ref><nowiki>''Mohyal History''</nowiki> (Urdu, 1940) Chuni Lal Dutt</ref> – one of the prominent generals of Maharaja [[Ranjit Singh]].
* [[Lal Singh|Raja Lal Singh]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-12-19 |title=LAL SINGH, RAJA – The Sikh Encyclopedia |url=https://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/biographical/hindu-bhagats-and-poets-and-punjabi-officials/lal-singh-raja/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> – Wazir of the Sikh Empire and commander of Sikh Khalsa Army
* Bhai Kirpa Singh<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhai KIRPA SINGH DUTT – from supplicant to a Khalsa martyr |url=https://www.jksikhs.com/en/articles/2020/06/26/bhai-kirpa-singh-dutt-supplicant-to-khalsa-martyr/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.jksikhs.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-11-30 |title=Pandit Kirpa Singh Dutt – Gateway To Sikhism |url=https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/biographies/sikh-martyrs/pandit-kirpa-singh-dutt/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.allaboutsikhs.com |language=en-us}}</ref> – Teacher of [[Guru Gobind Singh]] and one of the martyrs of [[Battle of Chamkaur]] with his brother Sanmukh Singh.
* Bhai Lal Singh Kurukshetra<ref>{{cite book |last=Gandhi |first=Surjit Singh |date=2007 |title=History of Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E Vol. 2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vZFBp89UInUC&dq=pandit+lal+chand&pg=PA606 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist. |page=606|isbn=9788126908585 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Randhir |first=G.S. |title=Sikh Shrines in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BCyYDQAAQBAJ&dq=pandit+lal+chand&pg=PT46 |publisher=Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting |isbn=8-123-02260-3}}</ref> - was one of the martyrs of [[Battle of Chamkaur]] and heroic participater of [[Battle of Bhangani]]
* [[Bhai Balu Hasna]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-12-19 |title=BALU HASNA – The Sikh Encyclopedia |url=https://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/biographical/sikh-mystics-and-traditional-scholars/balu-hasna/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>P. 493 ''The Sikh Reference Book'' By Harajindara Siṅgha Dilagīra</ref><ref name="Dilagīra 1997">{{Cite book |last=Dilagīra |first=Harajindara Siṅgha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mRpuAAAAMAAJ&q=bhai+almast+gaur+brahmin |title=The Sikh Reference Book |date=1997 |publisher=Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark |isbn=978-0-9695964-2-4 |language=en}}</ref> (1564-1660) – was a [[Udasi]] saint, who was disciple of [[Baba Gurditta]] (Successor of Baba [[Sri Chand]]), and later became head of a dhuari (or branch) of the Udasi Sampradaya
* [[Bhai Almast]]<ref name="Dilagīra 1997"/> (1553-1643) – was a Udasi saint and head of a dhuari (or branch) of the [[Udasi]] Sampradaya, was born in a [[Kashmiris|Kashmiri]] [[Gaur Brahmin|Gaur Brahman]] family to Bhai Hardatt and Mai Prabha, and was the elder brother of [[Bhai Balu Hasna]], another equally prominent preacher of the Sampradaya.
* Bhai Sant Rein<ref>{{cite book |last=Vaid |first=Ram Das |title=Sri Sant Rain Granthaavali |url=http://www.panjabdigilib.org/webuser/searches/displayPageContent.jsp?ID=3325&CategoryID=1&Searched=W3GX |publisher=Shri Sant Renashrem |quote=English translation: Sant Rein was born on 1741 to Pandit Hari Vallabh and Mata Savitri Devi in Gaur Brahmin family of Sri Nagar, Kashmir |page=1 |date=1953}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Padam |first=Piara Singh |title=Mahatma Sant Rein |publisher=Punjabi University, Patiala |page=1-2 |year=1978}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Singh |first=Sulakhan |title=The Udasis In The Colonial Punjab 1849-1947 A.D. |url=https://archive.org/details/TheUdasisInTheColonialPunjab1849-1947/page/n163/mode/1up |publisher=Department of History (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar) |year=2011 |page=157}}</ref> - was an 18th century (1741-1871 AD) [[Udasi]] saint and scholar, who wrote ''Guru Nanak Vijay, Man Prabodh, Anbhai Amrit, Sri Guru Nanak Bodh and Udasi Bodh''
* [[Bhai Singha Purhoit|Bhai Singha Purohit]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dilagīra |first=Harajindara Siṅgha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mRpuAAAAMAAJ&q=bhai+singha+purohit |title=The Sikh Reference Book |date=1997 |publisher=Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark |isbn=978-0-9695964-2-4 |language=en}}</ref> – was [[Purohit|Kul-Purohit]] and General of [[Guru Hargobind]], 6th Sikh Guru who rescued Guru's young daughter from Mughal's clutches and killed Mughal commander Mohammed Ali before attaining martyrdom in battle against Mughals in Amritsar.
* [[Akali Kaur Singh Nihang]]<ref>[http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/biographies/sikh-mystics-and-traditional-scholars/kaur-singh-nihang-akali Kaur Singh Nihang Akali] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504074920/http://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/biographies/sikh-mystics-and-traditional-scholars/kaur-singh-nihang-akali |date=2014-05-04 }}: Retrieved sikhencyclopedia.com</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Sasan |first=Prem Singh |title=Brahmin Sikh Itihas |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/25665157/Brahmin-Sikh-History |publisher=All India Central Brahmin Sikh Committee (New Delhi) |page=153}}</ref> - Kaur Singh (formerly known as Puran Singh) was a religious Preacher and scholar who wrote Guru Shabad Ratan Prakash and other books.
* Baba Praga Das<ref>{{Cite book |last=Society |first=Sikhi Sewa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=80x1CAAAQBAJ&dq=Bhai+Praga+Das&pg=PA53 |title=I Martiri |publisher=Sikhi Sewa Society |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Anurag |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zVmaEAAAQBAJ&dq=Baba+Praga&pg=PT24 |title=BRAHMINS WHO REFUSED TO BEG: BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUMIHARS, "AYACHAK" BRAHMINS OF EAST INDIA) |date=2022-11-12 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=979-8-88833-371-6 |language=en}}</ref> – Baba Praga was a [[Brahmin]] of [[Chhibber]] clan belonging to the village of [[Karyala]]. He was a notable figure in Sikh history, and participated in many battles. Chowk Paraga Das of [[Amritsar]] is named after him. His loyalty and spiritual devotion to different Gurus particularly [[Guru Arjan|Guru Arjan Dev]] finds a mention in the book [[Suraj Prakash]].
* Dwarka Das<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Mohyal |url=https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mohyal |website=Sikhwiki}}</ref> – He was the son of Baba Praga, was Dewan to [[Guru Hargobind|Guru Har Gobind]] and successive Gurus until [[Guru Har Rai]].
* Bhai Lakhiya<ref name=":5" /> – Also known as Bhai Lakhi Das, he was the son of Dwarka Das. He was appointed Dewan after the death of his father, but did not live long after that himself. He was the first Chhibber of Karyala to be bestowed the title of "Bhai" by a Guru.
* Bhai Dargah Mal<ref name=":5" /> – Was the Dewan after Bhai Lakhiya, up to the reign of [[Guru Har Krishan|Guru Har Kishen.]]
* [[Bhai Mati Das]]<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fQpDAAAAYAAJ |title=Proceedings |date=1998 |publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University. |isbn=978-81-7380-462-5 |language=en}}</ref>–He was a descendant of the same family as Baba Praga and was a disciple of [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]]. He preferred a barbaric death instead of a forced conversion to Islam. [[Bhai Mati Das]] was sawed in half on 9 November 1675 under the orders of [[Aurangzeb]] for his refusal to convert, and his only last wish was that he be allowed to face his Guru while the execution was being carried out.
* [[Bhai Sati Das]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Bakhshish |title=Punjab History Conference |volume=1 |year=1998 |isbn=9788173804625 |location=Patiala |publisher=Publication Bureau, Punjabi University |page=113}}</ref> – He was the younger brother of [[Bhai Mati Das]], and a scholar of Persian who translated hymns of [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] for the understanding of some of his Muslim followers. He too was executed in a barbaric fashion on 10 November 1675 by being subjected to cuts and later burned alive, for his refusal to convert to Islam.
* Bhai Chaupa Singh Chhibber<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Anurag |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zVmaEAAAQBAJ&dq=Chaupa+Singh+Chhibber&pg=PT24 |title=BRAHMINS WHO REFUSED TO BEG: BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUMIHARS, "AYACHAK" BRAHMINS OF EAST INDIA) |date=2022-11-12 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=979-8-88833-371-6 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Manpreet J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SypOEAAAQBAJ&dq=Chaupa+Singh+Chhibber+brahmjn&pg=PA147 |title=The Sikh Next Door: An Identity in Transition |date=2021-12-30 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-93-89812-71-8 |language=en}}</ref>– He was a descendant of the same family as Bhai Mati Das, and was tutor and care-taker of [[Guru Gobind Singh|Guru Govind Singh]].
* Bhai Sahib Singh<ref name=":5" /> – He was a nephew of Bhai Mati Das, was appointed Dewan by [[Guru Gobind Singh|Guru Govind Singh]].
* Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh<ref name=":5" /> – He was a son of Bhai Sahib Singh. Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh died defending the [[Golden Temple|Harmandir Sahib]] during a raid by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
* Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-10 |title=Kesar Singh Chibber |url=https://www.sikhnet.com/news/kesar-singh-chibber |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=SikhNet |language=en}}</ref>– Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibber was author of 'Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Da'. He was the son of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh.

== Role and Presence at Lahore Darbar ==
Out of 152 Hindu Courtiers And Officials in Lahore Darbar 56 of them were Brahmins making there contribution 44%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Role of Select Courtiers and Officials at Lahore Darbar (1799–1849) |url=https://apnaorg.com/research-papers/english/paper-14/page-260.shtml |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=apnaorg.com}}</ref>

*

== See also ==
* [[Sikhism|Sikhsim]]
* [[Bhatra Sikhs]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Sikhism]]
[[Category:Brahmins]]
[[Category:Hinduism]]

Brahmin Sikhs - Revision history

Lildon at 17:54, 8 October 2023