CONTROVERSY OVER THE TERM “BHUMIHAR BRAHMIN”?

CONTROVERSY OVER THE TERM “BHUMIHAR BRAHMIN”?

18-DEC-ENG 18

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Should "Bhumihar" or "Bhumihar Brahmin" be written in government documents? This issue is now in the hands of the Upper Caste Commission, but even after two meetings, no concrete decision has been reached. ...

In Bihar politics, the debate over identity, history, and administrative terminology has intensified once again. The question is, should "Bhumihar" or "Bhumihar Brahmin" be written in government documents? This issue is now in the hands of the Upper Caste Commission, but even after two meetings, no concrete decision has been reached. If the third meeting also proves inconclusive, the matter will go directly to the state government.

In fact, some organizations within the community had objected to the use of the word "Bhumihar" in government records. Their argument is that Bhumihars are part of the Brahmin caste and specifically belong to the category of non-priestly Brahmins. Therefore, writing only "Bhumihar" in government documents is historically and socially incorrect. Following this objection, the General Administration Department of Bihar wrote a letter to the Upper Caste Commission on October 10, 2025, seeking guidance on whether "Bhumihar Brahmin" should now be written in the documents. Two meetings of the Upper Caste Commission were held on November 21 and December 8 on this question, but both were inconclusive. However, the commission, while maintaining a balance, had sought evidence from both sides, which has now been presented.

The supporters claim that the term "Bhumihar Brahmin" was used in the 1931 census. The same terminology is also recorded in old land documents, which confirms their Brahmin identity. The opposing side, however, says that the traditional profession of Bhumihars has not been priesthood, but farming. Also, the sacred thread ceremony (Janeu) is performed at the time of marriage, not in childhood, which is different from the Brahmin tradition.

If no consensus is reached in the third meeting, the process of forming an opinion through voting within the commission may be adopted. However, Mahachandra Singh, the chairman of the Savarna Commission, refuses to consider this entire matter a "controversy." He stated that there is no conflict before the commission, only discussions based on facts and arguments. He also clarified that the final decision will have to be made by the state government, as the Savarna Commission's role is limited to providing policy suggestions. Clearly, this issue is not just about a single word, but rather a complex interplay of identity, history, and politics, and in Bihar's political landscape, such issues often transcend administrative decisions and become subjects of broader social debate.