Birtia

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This article is an extract from

THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. By H.H. RISLEY, INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE, OFFICIER D'ACADÉMIE FRANÇAISE. Ethnographic Glossary. CALCUTTA: Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. .

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Birtia

A Brahman who lives on a grant made to him for religious service or as a Kathak or reciter of sacred poems.

Details

from AD 2023 sources

"Brahmin Birtia," also known as a "Brahmin Bard" or "Brahmin Kattar." In India, the Brahmin Birtia is a type of priest or bard who traditionally lived on a grant provided to them by a patron in exchange for religious or cultural services.

Brahmin Birtias are typically associated with the eastern Indian states of Bihar and West Bengal, where they have been a part of the region's cultural and religious fabric for centuries. They are known for their mastery of the Sanskrit language and their ability to recite Hindu scriptures and epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

In addition to their religious duties, Brahmin Birtias may also serve as advisors and mediators in social and cultural disputes within their communities. In some cases, they may also be involved in traditional medicine and healing practices.

However, in recent times, the role of the Brahmin Birtia has changed significantly, with many moving away from traditional patronage and towards more secular employment opportunities. Despite this, they remain an important cultural and historical link to India's past, and their contributions to the country's rich cultural heritage cannot be overstated.