Synonyms : Hindus of Kashmir, Bhatta
Religion : Hindu
Varna : Brahmin (most are Sarasvat Brahmans)
Gotras : Kashmiri Brahmins are said to have originally belonged to only six gotras, - Dattatreya, Bhardwaja, Paledeva, Mudgalya and Dhaumyayana. But due to intermarriage with other Brahmins the number of gotras is to have become 199.
Surnames : Some scholars state that almost all the Kashmiri Pandits were Koul's and they were later on subdivided according to different nicknames. And with the passage of time, these nicknames became permanent surnames. This seems to be some truth because all the Kashmiri Pandits are Shaivites and 'Mahakoul' is one of the names of Lord Shiva, besides largest number of Kashmiri Pandits still have 'Kaul' as their surname.
Divisions amongst Kashmiri Pandits : Kashmiri Pandits are divided themselves again into:
- Malamasi - immigrants, follow the lunar calendar
- Banamasi - those who did not leave the valley - observe the solar months.
This division has given birth to the practice of observing two Shiv Ratris, two Janmashtamis etc.
Chief Deity : Shiva and Shakti
Language : Kashmiri, popularly known as Koshur
Regional Spread : Most Kashmiri Pandits have migrated to Kashmir valley
Population : Around 300,000
Food Habits : Kashmiri Pandits are great meat eaters. They prefer goat, especially, young goat. Curd plays an important part in their cuisine. Essential feature of Kashmiri Pandit's cuisine is the liberal use of aromatic spices and the avoidance of onion and garlic.
Marriage Preference : Intra-caste marriages, 'Sagotra' marriages or marriages within same gotra is common these days
Famous Personalities : Jawaharlal Nehru, - India's first Prime Minister, Anupam Kher - actor, Suresh Raina - cricketer, M. K. Raina (theatre), Jeevan (actor), Kiran Kumar (actor), Sanjay Suri (actor), Jawahar Wattal - music composers, Kunal Khemu (actor)
History and Origin : Jawaharlal Nehru, - India's first Prime Minister, Anupam Kher - actor, Suresh Raina - cricketer, M. K. Raina (theatre), Jeevan (actor), Kiran Kumar (actor), Sanjay Suri (actor), Jawahar Wattal - music composers, Kunal Khemu (actor)
Kashmiri Pandits excel in various fields like medicine, arts, engineering, technology, bio-sciences etc. and are proud to have a 100% literacy rate in their community.
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