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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|Indian caste}}<br />
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[[File:Baroots (9938560423).jpg|thumb|Barots in western India (c. 1855–1862)]]<br />
'''Barot''' is an [[Indian caste system|Indian caste]] native to [[Gujarat]] and [[Rajasthan]]. They traditionally worked as [[genealogists]] and [[mythographers]].<ref name="AMS_RGS_1958">{{Citation|title=The Vahīvancā Bāroṭs of Gujarat: A Caste of Genealogists and Mythographers|last1=Shah|first1=A. M.|last2=Shroff|first2=R. G.|journal=[[The Journal of American Folklore]]|volume=71|issue=Traditional India|pages=246–276|publisher=[[American Folklore Society]]|year=1958|jstor=538561|doi=10.2307/538561}}</ref><br />
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== Origin ==<br />
The caste is also known as "Vahivancha Barots". The word Vahivancha ([[IAST]]: "Vahīvancā) literally means "one who reads a ''vahi''" (''vahi'' means a book of genealogy, a [[general ledger|ledger]] or a book in general). The Vahivanchas traditionally maintained genealogies, told stories and recited bardic poetry. The term "Barot" was originally used as an honorific title for both Vahivanchas and [[Bhat]], and was gradually adopted as a caste appellation by the Vahivanchas.<ref name="AMS_RGS_1958"/><br />
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According to one theory, the caste of Vahivancha Barots developed from the Bhats. Widespread tradition states that the Vahivanchas came to Gujarat from [[Rajputana]] during the [[Solanki dynasty|Solanki]] period (942-1245 CE). The oldest extant Vahivancha book dates back to 1740 CE, written in [[Old Gujarati]] language.<ref name="AMS_RGS_1958"/> They are said to be of [[Brahmin]] origin.<ref name=p> People of India Gujarat Volume XXII Part One edited by R.B Lal, S.V Padmanabham & A Mohideen page 137 to 140 Popular Prakashan</ref><br />
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== Present circumstances ==<br />
At present, the traditional occupation of Barots or Bhatts is on the verge of extinction as the new generation of the casts/communities for whom they worked as Barots, no longer patronise them. Further, the young generation of Barots, also have got involved in other occupation and businesses and higher studies.<ref name=p/><br />
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== See also ==<br />
*[[Bhats]]<br />
*[[Charan]]<br />
*[[Rai Bhat]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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[[Category:Social groups of Gujarat]]<br />
[[Category:Indian surnames]]<br />
[[Category:Social groups of Rajasthan]]<br />
[[Category:Scheduled Castes of Gujarat]]</div>>Fylindfotberserk