Bura Brahmin

The Bura Brahmin are a Brahmin caste found in the state of Haryana in India. They are also known Mahabrahmin and Acharaj. The Bura of Haryana and the Kattaha Brahmin have a common origin. Most Bura now prefer to be known as Acharya Brahmins.

Origin

The Bura Brahmin are the funeral priests of Hinduism, as such occupy a low status within the larger Brahmin caste. This includes receiving offerings from the deceased family ten days after the death. The offerings are known as das gatra. According to the community’s tradition, they originated in Ujjain in Central India. They are now found mainly in the districts of Hissar, Faridabad and Rohtak.

Present Circumstances

The Bura Brahmin are strictly endogamous, and practice village exogamy. They speak Haryanvi among themselves and Hindi with outsiders.

The Bura Brahmin are now in the process of giving up their traditional occupation, which was to accept offerings at death. Many are now cultivators, while some are involved in daily wage labour. Many, especially in Hissar District, are involved in selling vegetables.

See Also

• Kattaha Brahmins