what is brahmin

Brahmin is a varna as well as a caste within Hindu society. The Brahmins are the highest-ranking of the four varnas, or social classes, in Hindu India. They are traditionally accorded the highest ritual status of the four social classes and are responsible for teaching and maintaining sacred knowledge. The traditional occupation of Brahmins is that of priesthood at Hindu temples or at socio-religious ceremonies, and the performing of rite of passage rituals such as solemnizing a wedding with hymns and prayers. However, Indian texts suggest that some Brahmins historically also became agriculturalists, warriors, traders, and had also held other occupations in the Indian subcontinent. Brahmins are divided into sub-castes called gotras, and only some members are priests, while other members have held professions as educators, lawmakers, scholars, doctors, writers, poets, landowners, and politicians. The Brahmins are divided into 10 main territorial divisions, five of which are associated with the north and five with the south.