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{{Distinguish|text=[[Bhāts]], a traditional genealogist and bardic caste, or the [[Thai baht]], a currency}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2016}}
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{{Use British English|date=August 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}


'''Bhat''' (also spelled as '''Bhatt''' or '''Butt''') is a surname in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. Bhat and Bhatt are shortened renditions of '''Bhatta'''.
'''Bhat''' (also spelled '''Bhatt''' or '''Butt''', {{IAST3|Bhāṭ}}) is a [[Brahmin]] title and a surname used in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. Bhat and Bhatt are shortened renditions of '''Bhatta''' or '''Brahmabhatta'''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hanks |first=Patrick |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG7MZ9J6dAgC&dq=brahmbhatt+surname&pg=PA214 |title=Dictionary of American Family Names: 3-Volume Set |date=8 May 2003 |publisher=Oxford University Press, USA |isbn=978-0-19-508137-4 |pages=214}}</ref>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The word "Bhat" ({{lang-sa|भट}}, {{IAST3|Bhaṭa}}) means "scholar” in [[Sanskrit]].<ref name="Sahagala1994">{{cite book |last1=Sahagala |first1=Narendra |title=Converted Kashmir: Memorial of Mistakes |date=1994 |publisher=Utpal Publications |isbn=978-81-85217-06-2 |page=53 |language=English |quote=Bhat means a Brahmin, teacher, who imparts knowledge.}}</ref><ref name="Sehgal2013">{{cite book |last1=Sehgal |first1=Narender |title=A State In Turbulence Jammu & Kashmir |date=1 January 2013 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |isbn=978-81-8430-242-4 |page=18 |language=English}}</ref> While the original shortened rendition of "Bhatta" was "Bhat" or "Bhatt,"<ref name="Saligram Bhatt">{{cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=It1LePnN2LsC&q=Bhat&pg=PA134|title=Kashmiri Scholars Contribution to Knowledge and World Peace|author=Saligram Bhatt|quote=Bhat {Bhatt},  surnames are found in Uttaranchal, Northern Belt, Central and Western parts of the country and is a surname of sizeable Brahmins in Konkan, Maharashtra and Gujarat; where they had migrated in sizeable strength. Bhattas who migrated to Gauda {Bengal} were called ''Acharaya's'' {Scholars} and thus ''Bhattacharaya's''. In Nepal, they became priests, ardent worshippers of ''Bhadrakali'' and spread ''Kali'' worship; mostly around ''Pashupatinath''  Temple. In Uttaranchal, they became the ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class, adopted the surname ''Purohit'', many changed profession but retained the Bhatt surname. In northern plains, few became Bhattas, many Bhatts; in both cases ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class. In Central and Western parts, strict requirements of a Bhatta {Purohit} could not be sustained, and to indicate the Brahmin roots they opted for a surname only. Thus Bhatta and ''Purohit'' are surnames of the same category. Bhatta has a shortened version, Bhat {Bhatt}; referring to the same class of people. Surname Bhat {Bhatt} in ''Kas'mira'' can also be traced to the short form of Bhatta. In ''Kas'mira'', the Bhatta honorific has been associated with many personalities, scholars of the 9th and 10th centuries, scriptures, and specific in many cases in the 14th century and later.|access-date=2 December 2010|isbn=9788131304020|year=2008}}</ref> many of the [[Kashmiri Pandits|Kashmiri Brahmin]] migrants to the [[Punjab]] region started spelling their surname as "Butt", which is the spelling of the clan used in certain dialects of the [[Punjabi language]], such as Pahari.<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2"/><ref name=" P. K. Kaul"/><ref name="Madras Literary Society and Auxiliary of the Royal Asiatic Society">{{cite web|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hVMYAQAAIAAJ&dq=bhat+butt+name&pg=PA143|title=Madras journal of literature and science, Volume 4|year=1836 |publisher=[[Athenæum Press]]|quote=''Bhatt'' (vulgarly ''Butt'') is the distinctive name of a class of Bramins in the north; and in the south the same class bear the distinctive title of ''Pattar''.|accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref>
The word "Bhat" ({{langx|sa|भट्ट}}, {{IAST3|Bhaṭṭa}}) means "scholar" in [[Sanskrit]].<ref name="Sahagala1994">{{cite book |last1=Sahagala |first1=Narendra |title=Converted Kashmir: Memorial of Mistakes |date=1994 |publisher=Utpal Publications |isbn=978-81-85217-06-2 |page=53 |language=English |quote=Bhat means a Brahmin, teacher, who imparts knowledge.}}</ref><ref name="Sehgal2013">{{cite book |last1=Sehgal |first1=Narender |title=A State In Turbulence Jammu & Kashmir |date=1 January 2013 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |isbn=978-81-8430-242-4 |page=18 |language=English}}</ref> While the original shortened rendition of "Bhatta" was "Bhat" or "Bhatt,"<ref name="Saligram Bhatt">{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=It1LePnN2LsC&q=Bhat&pg=PA134 |title=Kashmiri Scholars Contribution to Knowledge and World Peace|author=Saligram Bhatt|quote=Bhat {Bhatt},  surnames are found in Uttaranchal, Northern Belt, Central and Western parts of the country and is a surname of sizeable Brahmins in Konkan, Maharashtra and Gujarat; where they had migrated in sizeable strength. Bhattas who migrated to Gauda {Bengal} were called ''Acharaya's'' {Scholars} and thus ''Bhattacharaya's''. In Nepal, they became priests, ardent worshippers of ''Bhadrakali'' and spread ''Kali'' worship; mostly around ''Pashupatinath''  Temple. In Uttaranchal, they became the ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class, adopted the surname ''Purohit'', many changed profession but retained the Bhatt surname. In northern plains, few became Bhattas, many Bhatts; in both cases ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class. In Central and Western parts, strict requirements of a Bhatta {Purohit} could not be sustained, and to indicate the Brahmin roots they opted for a surname only. Thus Bhatta and ''Purohit'' are surnames of the same category. Bhatta has a shortened version, Bhat {Bhatt}; referring to the same class of people. Surname Bhat {Bhatt} in ''Kas'mira'' can also be traced to the short form of Bhatta. In ''Kas'mira'', the Bhatta honorific has been associated with many personalities, scholars of the 9th and 10th centuries, scriptures, and specific in many cases in the 14th century and later. |access-date=2 December 2010 |isbn=9788131304020 |year=2008 |publisher=APH}}</ref> many of the [[Kashmiri Pandits|Kashmiri Brahmin]] migrants to the [[Punjab]] region started spelling their surname as "Butt", which is the transliteration of the name when written using the [[Urdu alphabet|Urdu]]/[[Persian alphabet|Persian]] alphabet (as opposed to Bhat when using the [[Devanagari|Devanagari alphabet]]).<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2"/><ref name=" P. K. Kaul"/><ref name="Madras Literary Society and Auxiliary of the Royal Asiatic Society">{{cite web|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hVMYAQAAIAAJ&dq=bhat+butt+name&pg=PA143|title=Madras journal of literature and science, Volume 4|year=1836 |publisher=[[Athenæum Press]]|quote=''Bhatt'' (vulgarly ''Butt'') is the distinctive name of a class of Bramins in the north; and in the south the same class bear the distinctive title of ''Pattar'' |access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref>


==Geographic distribution==
==Geographic distribution==
===Goa===
===Goa===
The surname is in use among some Konkani [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmin|Goud Saraswat Brahmins]] as well as [[Konkani people#Christians|Konkani Christians]] (who trace their ancestry to the [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmin|Goud Saraswat Brahmins]] of [[Goa]]).<ref name="Machado">''Sarasvati's Children: A History of the Mangalorean Christians'', Alan Machado Prabhu, I.J.A. Publications, 1999, p. 137</ref>
The surname is in use among some Konkani [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmin|Goud Saraswat Brahmins]] as well as [[Konkani people|Konkani]] [[Christians]] (who trace their ancestry to the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins of [[Goa]]).<ref name="Machado">{{cite book |title=Sarasvati's Children: A History of the Mangalorean Christians |author=Alan Machado Prabhu |publisher=I.J.A. Publications |year=1999 |page=137}}</ref>


===Kashmir===
===Kashmir===
Bhat, also spelled as Bhatt or Butt, is a [[Kashmiri Pandits|Kashmiri Pandit]] surname found among the [[Brahmin]]s of the [[Kashmir Valley]], as well as [[Kashmiris in Punjab|Kashmiri]] who migrated to [[Punjab]],<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gPmBAAAAMAAJ |title=The Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India, Volume 52 |publisher=The Survey |year=2003 |quote=The But/Butt of Punjab were originally Brahmin migrants from Kashmir during 1878 famine. |access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="P. K. Kaul">{{cite book |author=[[P. K. Kaul|Kaul, P.K.]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DKFjAAAAMAAJ&q=butt+pahari |title=Pahāṛi and other tribal dialects of Jammu, Volume 1 |publisher=Eastern Book Linkers |year=2006 |isbn=9788178541013 |quote=The But/Butt of Punjab were originally Brahmin migrants from Kashmir during 1878 famine. |access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Bansi Pandit">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zsoC6GWr47QC&pg=PA99|title=Explore Kashmiri Pandits|publisher=Dharma Publications|isbn=9780963479860|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref> a region now divided between India and the neighbouring [[Pakistan]].<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2"/> Many such Kashmiri Muslims migrated to Punjab in the late 19th century/early 20th century due to the 1878 Kashmir drought, escaping discrimination by local rulers and seeking trade opportunities.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|title=From Jinnah to Jihad: Pakistan's Kashmir Quest and the Limits of Realism|last=Bahl|first=Arvin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iaYPyVAjHH8C|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|year=2007|isbn=9788126907212|pages=76}}</ref><ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2" /><ref name="University of Michigan2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SANuAAAAMAAJ|title=The quarterly journal of the Mythic Society (Bangalore)., Volume 96|publisher=The Society|year=2005|quote=Even today most common family name in Kashmir is Butt, a distortion of Bhatt, a Hindu surname common amongst the Brahmins in India.|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Saligram Bhatt2">{{cite book|author=Saligram Bhatt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=It1LePnN2LsC&q=Bhat&pg=PA134|title=Kashmiri Scholars Contribution to Knowledge and World Peace|year=2008|isbn=9788131304020|quote=Bhat {Bhatt}, surnames are found in Uttaranchal, Northern Belt, Central and Western parts of the country and are a surname of sizeable Brahmins in Konkan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat; where they had migrated in sizeable strength. Bhattas who migrated to Gauda {Bengal} were called ''Acharaya's'' {Scholars} and thus ''Bhattacharaya's''. In Nepal, they became priests, ardent worshippers of ''Bhadrakali'' and spread ''Kali'' worship; mostly around ''Pashupatinath''  Temple. In [[Uttarakhand|Uttaranchal]], they became ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class, adopted the surname ''Purohit'', many changed profession but retained the Bhatt surname. In northern plains, few became Bhattas, many Bhatts; in both cases ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class. In Central and Western parts, strict requirements of a Bhatta {Purohit} could not be sustained, and to indicate the Brahmin roots they opted for a surname only. Thus Bhatta and ''Purohit'' are surnames of the same category. Bhatta has a shortened version, Bhat {Bhatt}; referring to the same class of people. Surname Bhat {Bhatt} in ''Kas'mira'' can also be traced to a short form of Bhatta. In ''Kas'mira'', the Bhatta honorific has been associated with many personalities, scholars of the 9th and 10th centuries, scriptures, and specific in many cases in the 14th century and later.|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref> The surname is now shared by both [[Kashmiri Hindus]] and [[Kashmiri Muslims]] who mostly retained their last names.<ref name="Parvéz Dewân">{{cite book|author=Parvéz Dewân|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fF0wAQAAIAAJ|title=Parvéz Dewân's Jammû, Kashmîr, and Ladâkh: Kashmîr|date=January 2004|publisher=Manas Publications|isbn=9788170491798|quote=This is a surname shared by Hindus and Muslims.|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Sharma2001">{{cite book|last=Sharma|first=Usha|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b3gwAQAAIAAJ|title=Political development in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh|date=1 January 2001|publisher=Radha Publications|isbn=9788174870629|language=en|quote=Surnames like 'Bhatt' and 'Pandit' are common to both Hindus and Muslims.|access-date=11 January 2015}}</ref> Some Kashmiri Muslim Butts changed their surname to "Sheikh" after the advent of [[Islam]], as this is the equivalent term for "scholar" used in Muslim society.
Batt or Butt (a local Kashmiri language form of Sanskrit language Brahmin title Bhatt) is a generic term used for all Brahmins or [[Kashmiri Pandit]] of Kashmir valley irrespective of their individual surnames, as well as the Kashmiri Brahmins who [[Kashmiris in Punjab|migrated]] to [[Punjab]],<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gPmBAAAAMAAJ |title=The Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India, Volume 52 |publisher=The Survey |year=2003 |quote=The But/Butt of Punjab were originally Brahmin migrants from Kashmir during 1878 famine. |access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="P. K. Kaul">{{cite book |author=[[P. K. Kaul|Kaul, P.K.]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DKFjAAAAMAAJ&q=butt+pahari |title=Pahāṛi and other tribal dialects of Jammu, Volume 1 |publisher=Eastern Book Linkers |year=2006 |isbn=9788178541013 |quote=The But/Butt of Punjab were originally Brahmin migrants from Kashmir during 1878 famine. |access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Bansi Pandit">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zsoC6GWr47QC&pg=PA99|title=Explore Kashmiri Pandits|publisher=Dharma Publications|isbn=9780963479860|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref> a region now divided between India and the neighbouring [[Pakistan]].<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2"/>
 
The Bhats who migrated to Punjab in the late 19th century and the early 20th century due to the 1878 drought, were [[Brahmin]] migrants<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2" /> from Kashmir, escaping discrimination by local rulers and seeking trade opportunities.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|title=From Jinnah to Jihad: Pakistan's Kashmir Quest and the Limits of Realism|last=Bahl|first=Arvin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iaYPyVAjHH8C|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|year=2007|isbn=9788126907212|pages=76}}</ref><ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2" /><ref name="University of Michigan2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SANuAAAAMAAJ|title=The quarterly journal of the Mythic Society (Bangalore)., Volume 96|publisher=The Society|year=2005|quote=Even today most common family name in Kashmir is Butt, a distortion of Bhatt, a Hindu surname common amongst the Brahmins in India.|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Saligram Bhatt2">{{cite book|author=Saligram Bhatt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=It1LePnN2LsC&q=Bhat&pg=PA134|title=Kashmiri Scholars Contribution to Knowledge and World Peace|year=2008| publisher=APH |isbn=9788131304020|quote=Bhat {Bhatt}, surnames are found in Uttaranchal, Northern Belt, Central and Western parts of the country and are a surname of sizeable Brahmins in Konkan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat; where they had migrated in sizeable strength. Bhattas who migrated to Gauda {Bengal} were called ''Acharaya's'' {Scholars} and thus ''Bhattacharaya's''. In Nepal, they became priests, ardent worshippers of ''Bhadrakali'' and spread ''Kali'' worship; mostly around ''Pashupatinath''  Temple. In [[Uttarakhand|Uttaranchal]], they became ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class, adopted the surname ''Purohit'', many changed profession but retained the Bhatt surname. In northern plains, few became Bhattas, many Bhatts; in both cases ''Purohit'' {Priestly} class. In Central and Western parts, strict requirements of a Bhatta {Purohit} could not be sustained, and to indicate the Brahmin roots they opted for a surname only. Thus Bhatta and ''Purohit'' are surnames of the same category. Bhatta has a shortened version, Bhat {Bhatt}; referring to the same class of people. Surname Bhat {Bhatt} in ''Kas'mira'' can also be traced to a short form of Bhatta. In ''Kas'mira'', the Bhatta honorific has been associated with many personalities, scholars of the 9th and 10th centuries, scriptures, and specific in many cases in the 14th century and later.|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref>
 
The surname is now shared by both [[Kashmiri Hindus]] and [[Kashmiri Muslims]] who mostly retained their [[Hindu]] last names.<ref name = "WMClements">{{Cite book |last1=Clements |first1=William M.|title=The Greenwood Encyclopedia of World Folklore and Folklife: Southeast Asia and India, Central and East Asia, Middle East |last2=Green |first2=Thomas A. |date=2006 |publisher=[[Greenwood Press]]|isbn=978-0-313-32849-7 |page=60 |language=English |quote=A variety of '''Hindu surnames''' such as Dar, '''Bhatt''', Handoo, Kachru, Kichlu, Matoo and Pandit persist in Muslim families. }}</ref><ref name="Parvéz Dewân">{{cite book|author=Parvéz Dewân|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fF0wAQAAIAAJ|title=Parvéz Dewân's Jammû, Kashmîr, and Ladâkh: Kashmîr|date=January 2004|publisher=Manas Publications|isbn=9788170491798|quote=This is a surname shared by Hindus and Muslims.|access-date=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Sharma2001">{{cite book|last=Sharma|first=Usha|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b3gwAQAAIAAJ|title=Political development in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh|date=1 January 2001|publisher=Radha Publications|isbn=9788174870629|language=en|quote=Surnames like 'Bhatt' and 'Pandit' are common to both Hindus and Muslims.|access-date=11 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Samiuddin |first1=Abida |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qEXFxCK-ulUC&dq=global+encyclopaedic+ethnography+of+indian+muslim+by+abida+samiuddin%2C+r.+khanam+volume+0&pg=RA1-PA361 |title=Global Encyclopaedic Ethnography of Indian Muslim |last2=Khanam |first2=R. |publisher=Global Vision Publishing House |isbn=978-81-8220-299-3 |pages=102–105 |language=en}}</ref>


===Punjab===
===Punjab===
Some Bhats/Butts found in the [[Punjab region]] are descendants of those who migrated to different cities of (undivided) Punjab from [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Kashmir and Jammu]] during the [[Great Famine of 1876–1878|1878 famine]],<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2"/><ref name=" P. K. Kaul"/><ref name="University of Michigan2"/> In [[Ludhiana]], Kashmiris became known for their contribution to the handicraft arena.<ref name="The Tribune">{{cite book|url =http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030724/ldh1.htm|title=Kashmiris' contribution to Ludhianvi culture|work =[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|quote= In fact, the Ludhiana hosiery industry owes its origin to Kashmiris. According to the Ludhiana District Gazetteer, during a devastating famine in the 19th century a number of Kashmiris migrated to Ludhiana. They are known world over for their handicraft skills. They started weaving woollen fabric here. Slowly the trade got popular and Ludhiana started to be identified with hosiery only.|accessdate = 2007-03-25}}</ref> Not all using the surname Bhat or Butt belong to the caste. "Bhat" or "Butt" in the Punjab Province of colonial India became a collective title given to Kashmiri immigrants as it was the most common name of the immigrants. Even Kashmiris who did not have this surname were erroneously identified as "Butt" in official records in the same way that "[[Khan (surname)|Khan]]" was used for all Pashtun/Afghan immigrants.
Some Bhats/Butts found in the [[Punjab region]] are descendants of those [[Kashmiri Brahmins]]<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2" /> who migrated to different cities of (undivided) Punjab from the [[princely state]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] during the [[Great Famine of 1876–1878|1878 famine]] in [[British India]].<ref name="Anthropological Survey of India2"/><ref name=" P. K. Kaul"/><ref name="University of Michigan2"/>


===South India===
In [[Ludhiana]], Kashmiris became known for their contribution to the handicraft arena.<ref name="The Tribune">{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030724/ldh1.htm |title=Kashmiris' contribution to Ludhianvi culture |work =[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date=24 July 2003 |access-date = 25 March 2007 |quote=In fact, the Ludhiana hosiery industry owes its origin to Kashmiris. According to the Ludhiana District Gazetteer, during a devastating famine in the 19th century a number of Kashmiris migrated to Ludhiana. They are known world over for their handicraft skills. They started weaving woollen fabric there. Slowly the trade got popular and Ludhiana started to be identified with hosiery only}}</ref>
The word Bhaṭṭa (Kannada:ಭಟ್ಟ) or Bhaṭṭar (Tamil: பட்டர்) is traditionally used, especially in the states of [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu]] and [[Karnataka]] usually to denote a "learned man" or a "scholar" (mostly [[Pancha-Dravida|Brahmins]]), but also in other southern states.


It was originally used as an honorific like [[Shastri|śāstri]] or paṇḍita, but has become a surname in parts of the country in modern times used as a family name rather than an honorific. In [[South Karnataka|Southern Karnataka]] naming convention followed is such that, generally, one's fathers name is kept as the surname irrespective of caste and many of these honorifics continue to be used as honorifics.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/India_Personal_Names |title=India Personal Names |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=www.familysearch.org}}</ref>
===Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh===
The word Bhaṭṭa (Kannada: ಭಟ್ಟ) or Bhaṭṭar (Tamil: பட்டர்) or Bhaṭṭu (Telugu: భట్టు) is traditionally used, especially in the states of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Karnataka]], [[Telangana]], and [[Andhra Pradesh]] usually to denote a "learned man" or a "scholar" ([[Pancha-Dravida|Brahmins]]), but also in other southern states.


In earlier times a caste name or village name was used by the Tamils as their last name, but due to the influence of the [[Dravidian movement]], Tamils of all castes have mostly given up caste surnames. However, frequently adopt their father's or husband's name and take it for successive generations. But, honorific like Bhaṭṭar are still in use in spoke language rather than as a surname.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Culture - Naming |url=http://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture/indian-culture-naming |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=Cultural Atlas |language=en}}</ref>
It was originally used as an honorific like [[Shastri|śāstri]] or paṇḍita, but has become a surname in parts of the country in modern times used as a family name rather than an honorific. In [[South Karnataka|Southern Karnataka]] naming convention followed is such that, generally, one's father's name is kept as the surname irrespective of caste and many of these honorifics continue to be used as honorifics.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/India_Personal_Names |title=India Personal Names |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=www.familysearch.org}}</ref>


This surname is commonly found in [[Havyaka Brahmins]], [[Kota Brahmins]], [[Shivalli Brahmins]], [[Sthanika Brahmins]], [[Koteshwara Brahmin]]s, [[Kandavara Brahmins]], [[Gaud Saraswat Brahmin|Goud Saraswat Brahmins]], [[Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins|Hoysala Brahmins]] of Karnataka.<ref>{{Citation |title=Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins |date=2023-05-15 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hoysala_Karnataka_Brahmins&oldid=1154956086 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-05-30 |language=en}}</ref>
In earlier times a caste name or village name was used by the Tamils as their last name, but due to the influence of the [[Dravidian movement]], Tamils of all castes have mostly given up caste surnames. However, women frequently adopt their father's or husband's name and take it for successive generations. But, honorific like Bhaṭṭar are still in use in spoken language rather than as a surname.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Culture - Naming |url=http://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture/indian-culture-naming |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=Cultural Atlas |date=January 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


==Notable individuals==
==Notable individuals==
<!-- PLEASE KEEP THE LIST ALPHABETIZED -->
===Academics===
===Academics===
* [[Aryabhatta]] (476–550 [[Common Era|CE]]), first of the major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and astronomy
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
* [[Aryabhata]] (476–550 [[Common Era|CE]]), first of the major mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and astronomy
* [[B. V. Rajarama Bhat]] (born 1966), Indian mathematician
* [[Bāṇabhaṭṭa]], [[Sanskrit]], prose writer and poet
* [[Bāṇabhaṭṭa]], [[Sanskrit]], prose writer and poet
* [[B. V. Rajarama Bhat]], Indian mathematician
* [[Eric Bhat]] (1956–2025), French journalist
* [[Kiran Bhat]] (born 1990), Indian-American novelist
* [[Mayurbhatta]], poet of Harsha's court
* [[Mayurbhatta]], poet of Harsha's court
* [[Miriam Butt]], Professor of Linguistics and Chair of the Department of Linguistics (Facereich Sprachwissenschaft) at the University of Konstanz
* [[Miriam Butt]], Professor of Linguistics and Chair of the Department of Linguistics (Facereich Sprachwissenschaft) at the University of Konstanz
* [[Motiram Bhatta]] (1866–1896), Nepali Sanskrit and Khas language poet
* [[Muhammad Asim Butt]], Pakistani Urdu novelist and short story writer
* [[Muhammad Asim Butt]], Pakistani Urdu novelist and short story writer
* [[Motiram Bhatta]] (1866–1896), Nepali Sanskrit and Khas language poet
* [[P. Gururaja Bhat]] (1924–1978), Indian archaeologist
* [[P. Gururaja Bhat]] (1924–1978), Indian archaeologist
* [[Pamposh Bhat]] (born 19 September 1958), Kashmiri Indian environmentalist
* [[Pamposh Bhat]] (born 1958), Kashmiri Indian environmentalist
* [[Rasheed Butt]] (born 1944), renowned Pakistani artist and recipient of "The Pride of Performance" 1989
* [[Rasheed Butt]] (born 1944), renowned Pakistani artist and recipient of "The Pride of Performance" 1989
* [[Shyam Bhat]], physician
* [[Suresh Bhat]] (1932–2003), Marathi Indian ghazal writer
* [[Suresh Bhat]] (1932–2003), Marathi Indian ghazal writer
* [[U. Narayan Bhat]] (born 1934), Indian mathematician
* [[U. Narayan Bhat]] (1934–2021), Indian mathematician
* [[U. R. Bhat]], economist
* [[U. R. Bhat]], economist
* [[Vasanti N. Bhat-Nayak]], Indian mathematician
* [[Vasanti N. Bhat-Nayak]], Indian mathematician
* [[Vinay Bhat]] (born 1984), American chess player
* [[Vinay Bhat]] (born 1984), American chess player
* [[Kiran Bhat]] (born 1990), Indian-American novelist


===Actors, models, technicians and musicians===
===Actors, models, technicians and musicians===
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
* [[Ahmed Butt]] (born 1975), male Pakistani model and actor
* [[Ahmed Butt]] (born 1975), male Pakistani model and actor
* [[Ali Azmat|Ali Azmat Butt]] (born 20 April 1970), Pakistani rock artist and former lead singer of rock band Junoon
* [[Ali Azmat|Ali Azmat Butt]] (born 20 April 1970), Pakistani rock artist and former lead singer of rock band Junoon
* [[Alia Bhatt]] (born 15 March 1993), Bollywood actress
* [[Alia Bhatt]] (born 1993), Bollywood actress
* [[Ambreen Butt]], Pakistani model
* [[Ambreen Butt]], Pakistani model
* [[Anuradha Bhat]] (born 1969), Indian playback singer
* [[Anuradha Bhat]] (born 1969), Indian playback singer
Line 77: Line 85:


===Businesspeople===
===Businesspeople===
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
* [[Baiju Bhatt]] (born 1984/1985), American billionaire, co-founder of Robinhood
* [[Baiju Bhatt]] (born 1984/1985), American billionaire, co-founder of Robinhood


===Military===
===Military===
* [[Muhammad Zaki Butt]] (26 January 1929), former Air Commodore in the Pakistan Air Force and bodyguard of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
* [[Malik Tazi Bhat]], 15th-century warlord, from Jammu, who fought the Lodhi Dynasty
* [[Muhammad Zaki Butt]] (1929–1993), former Air Commodore in the Pakistan Air Force and bodyguard of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
* [[Tahir Rafique Butt]] (born 1955), 20th Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force
* [[Ziauddin Butt]], former Chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence
* [[Ziauddin Butt]], former Chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence
* [[Tahir Rafique Butt]] (born 1955), 20th Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force
* [[Malik Tazi Bhat]], 15th-century warlord, from Jammu, who fought the Lodhi Dynasty


===Politics===
===Politics===
* [[Balaji Vishwanath Bhat]] (born 1662), Peshwa of the Maratha Empire
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
* [[Baji Rao I]] (born 1700), Peshwa of the Maratha Empire
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
* [[Ghulam Mustafa Bhat]], former Mayor of Srinagar
* [[Balaji Vishwanath Bhat]] (1662–1720), Peshwa of the Maratha Empire
* [[Hassan Butt]] (born 1980), the former spokesman for the disbanded British Islamist group Al-Muhajiroun
* [[Ghulam Mustafa Bhat]], former mayor of Srinagar
* [[Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif]], Three time Prime Minister of Pakistan, of Kashmiri origin (Amritsari)
* [[Hassan Butt]] (born 1980), the former spokesman for the disbanded British Islamist group Al-Muhajiroun
* [[Kalsoom Nawaz Sharif]], First Lady of Pakistan, wife of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, of Kashmiri origin
* [[Kalsoom Nawaz Sharif]], First Lady of Pakistan, wife of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, of Kashmiri origin
* [[Khem Raj Bhatta Mayalu|Khemraj Bhatta "Mayalu"]], [[Nepali Congress]] politician
* [[Khemraj Bhatta 'Mayalu'|Khemraj Bhatta "Mayalu"]], [[Nepali Congress]] politician
* [[Lekh Raj Bhatta]], Nepali [[CPN Maoist]] politician
* [[Lekh Raj Bhatta]], Nepali [[CPN Maoist]] politician
* [[Masarat Alam Bhat]] (born 1971), Kashmiri separatist
* [[Masarat Alam Bhat]] (born 1971), Kashmiri separatist
* [[Maqbool Bhat]] (18 February 1938 – 11 February 1984), executed Kashmiri separatist
* [[Maqbool Bhat]] (1938–1984), executed Kashmiri separatist
* [[Shakeel Ahmad Bhat|Shakeel Bhat]] (born around 1978), outspoken Kashmiri separatist activist, labeled as an "Islamic Rage Boy" by Western media
* [[Sanjiv Bhatt]] former [[Indian Police Service]] officer
* [[Shakeel Ahmad Bhat|Shakeel Bhat]] (born c. 1978), outspoken Kashmiri separatist activist, labelled as an "Islamic Rage Boy" by Western media
* [[S. L. Bhat]], Kashmiri Indian serving as chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission
* [[S. L. Bhat]], Kashmiri Indian serving as chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission
* [[Sohail Shaukat Butt]] (born 1 April 1983), Pakistani politician
* [[Shailen Bhatt]] administrator of the Federal Highway Administration
* [[Sohail Shaukat Butt]] (born 1983), Pakistani politician
* [[Trilochan Bhatta]] (born 1969), Nepalese politician and current Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal
* [[Trilochan Bhatta]] (born 1969), Nepalese politician and current Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal
* [[Umer Tanveer]] Butt (born 6 March 1982), politician and Member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, businessman, and philanthropist
* [[Umer Tanveer]] Butt (born 1982), politician and Member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, businessman, and philanthropist


===Scientists===
===Scientists===
* [[Noor Muhammad Butt]](born on 3 June 1936), Pakistani nuclear physicist, research scientist, and chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
* [[Parvez Butt]] (born on 4 October 1942), Pakistani nuclear engineer and former chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
* [[Atul Butte]], researcher in biomedical informatics and biotechnology entrepreneur in Silicon Valley
* [[Atul Butte]], researcher in biomedical informatics and biotechnology entrepreneur in Silicon Valley
* [[Noor Muhammad Butt]] (born 1936), Pakistani nuclear physicist, research scientist, and chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation
* [[Parvez Butt]] (born 1942), Pakistani nuclear engineer and former chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission


===Sports===
===Sports===
*[[Amad Butt]] (born 10 May 1995), Pakistani cricket player for Islamabad United, of Kashmiri origin
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
*[[Arif Butt]] ( 17 May 1944 – 11 July 2007), Pakistani cricket player
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
*[[Arvind Bhat]] (born 7 June 1979), Indian badminton player
* [[Abhishek Bhat]] (born 1989), Indian cricket player
*[[Abhishek Bhat]] (born 19 November 1989), Indian cricket player
* [[Amad Butt]] (born 1995), Pakistani cricket player for Islamabad United, of Kashmiri origin
*[[The Great Gama|Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt]] (22 May 1878 – 23 May 1960), popularly known by his [[ring name]] the Great Gama, [[pehlwani]] wrestler of Kashmiri Muslim origin
* [[Arif Butt]] (1944–2007), Pakistani cricket player
*[[Hussain Butt]] (born 7 August 1976), Pakistani cricketer
* [[Arvind Bhat]] (born 1979), Indian badminton player
*[[Ijaz Butt]] (born 10 March 1938), former chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board and cricket player, of Kashmiri origin
* [[Danish Farooq Bhat]] (born 1996), Indian professional footballer
*[[Ikram Butt]] (born 25 October 1968), rugby player for England, of Pakistani/Kashmiri origin
* [[The Great Gama|Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt]] (1878–1960), popularly known by his [[ring name]] the Great Gama, [[pehlwani]] wrestler of Kashmiri Muslim origin
*[[Muhammad Sharif Butt]] (15 January 1926 – 8 June 2015), Pakistani sprinter
* [[Hussain Butt]] (born 1976), Pakistani cricketer
*[[Pramila Bhatt]] (born 16 September 1969), Indian cricketer
* [[Ijaz Butt]] (1938–2023), former chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board and cricket player, of Kashmiri origin
*[[Raghuram Bhat]] (born 16 April 1958), Indian cricketer
* [[Ikram Butt]] (born 1968), rugby player for England, of Pakistani/Kashmiri origin
*[[Rehan Butt]] (6 July 1980), Pakistani field hockey player
* [[Muhammad Sharif Butt]] (1926–2015), Pakistani sprinter
*[[Samad Bhat]] (born 2 October 1995), Indian cricket player
* [[Pramila Bhatt]] (born 1969), Indian cricketer
*[[Salman Butt]] (born 7 October 1984), Pakistani cricketer
* [[Raghuram Bhat]] (born 1958), Indian cricketer
*[[Sadia Butt]] (born 2 March 1975), Pakistani cricketer
* [[Rehan Butt]] (born 1980), Pakistani field hockey player
*[[Shujauddin Butt]] (10 April 1930 – 7 February 2006), Pakistani cricketer
* [[Sadia Butt]] (born 1975), Pakistani cricketer
*[[Yasir Butt]] (born 3 July 1986), Pakistani squash player
* [[Salman Butt]] (born 1984), Pakistani cricketer
*[[Yousuf Butt]] (born 18 October 1989), Pakistani footballer
* [[Samad Bhat]] (born 1995), Indian cricket player
* [[Shujauddin Butt]] (1930–2006), Pakistani cricketer
* [[Yasir Butt]] (born 1986), Pakistani squash player
* [[Yousuf Butt]] (born 1989), Pakistani footballer
 
==Fictional==
* [[List of Seinfeld characters|Babu Bhatt]], [[Pakistani]] restaurateur in the US sitcom ''[[Seinfeld]]''


==See also==
==See also==
 
{{Portal|India|Pakistan}}
* [[Barot (caste)]]
* [[Barot (caste)]]
* [[Bhatia (caste)|Bhatia]]
* [[Bhati]]
* [[Bhattacharya (surname)|Bhattacharyya]]
* [[Bhattacharya (surname)|Bhattacharyya]]
* [[Bhati]]
* [[Bhatra Sikhs]]


==References==
==References==
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{{Bahun communities}}
{{Bahun communities}}
{{Chhetri communities}}
{{Chhetri communities}}
{{Surname}}
{{Surname}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhat (Kashmir)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhat (Kashmir)}}
[[Category: Muslim communities of India]]
[[Category:Brahmin communities of Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Brahmin communities]]
[[Category:Brahmin communities]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in India]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Indian surnames]]
[[Category:Kashmiri tribes]]
[[Category:Social groups of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Kashmiri-language surnames]]
[[Category:Mulla Brahmins]]
[[Category:Konkani-language surnames]]
[[Category:Surnames of Indian origin]]
[[Category:Surnames]]
[[Category:Surnames]]
[[Category:Brahmin communities of Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Titles in India]]
[[Category:Kashmiri-language surnames]]
[[Category:Kashmiri tribes]]

Latest revision as of 04:34, 24 February 2026

Not to be confused with Bhāts, a traditional genealogist and bardic caste, or the Thai baht, a currency.


Bhat (also spelled Bhatt or Butt, IAST: Bhāṭ) is a Brahmin title and a surname used in the Indian subcontinent. Bhat and Bhatt are shortened renditions of Bhatta or Brahmabhatta.[1]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The word "Bhat" (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., IAST: Bhaṭṭa) means "scholar" in Sanskrit.[2][3] While the original shortened rendition of "Bhatta" was "Bhat" or "Bhatt,"[4] many of the Kashmiri Brahmin migrants to the Punjab region started spelling their surname as "Butt", which is the transliteration of the name when written using the Urdu/Persian alphabet (as opposed to Bhat when using the Devanagari alphabet).[5][6][7]

Geographic distribution[edit | edit source]

Goa[edit | edit source]

The surname is in use among some Konkani Goud Saraswat Brahmins as well as Konkani Christians (who trace their ancestry to the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins of Goa).[8]

Kashmir[edit | edit source]

Batt or Butt (a local Kashmiri language form of Sanskrit language Brahmin title Bhatt) is a generic term used for all Brahmins or Kashmiri Pandit of Kashmir valley irrespective of their individual surnames, as well as the Kashmiri Brahmins who migrated to Punjab,[5][6][9] a region now divided between India and the neighbouring Pakistan.[5]

The Bhats who migrated to Punjab in the late 19th century and the early 20th century due to the 1878 drought, were Brahmin migrants[5] from Kashmir, escaping discrimination by local rulers and seeking trade opportunities.[10][5][11][12]

The surname is now shared by both Kashmiri Hindus and Kashmiri Muslims who mostly retained their Hindu last names.[13][14][15][16]

Punjab[edit | edit source]

Some Bhats/Butts found in the Punjab region are descendants of those Kashmiri Brahmins[5] who migrated to different cities of (undivided) Punjab from the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir during the 1878 famine in British India.[5][6][11]

In Ludhiana, Kashmiris became known for their contribution to the handicraft arena.[17]

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh[edit | edit source]

The word Bhaṭṭa (Kannada: ಭಟ್ಟ) or Bhaṭṭar (Tamil: பட்டர்) or Bhaṭṭu (Telugu: భట్టు) is traditionally used, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh usually to denote a "learned man" or a "scholar" (Brahmins), but also in other southern states.

It was originally used as an honorific like śāstri or paṇḍita, but has become a surname in parts of the country in modern times used as a family name rather than an honorific. In Southern Karnataka naming convention followed is such that, generally, one's father's name is kept as the surname irrespective of caste and many of these honorifics continue to be used as honorifics.[18]

In earlier times a caste name or village name was used by the Tamils as their last name, but due to the influence of the Dravidian movement, Tamils of all castes have mostly given up caste surnames. However, women frequently adopt their father's or husband's name and take it for successive generations. But, honorific like Bhaṭṭar are still in use in spoken language rather than as a surname.[19]

Notable individuals[edit | edit source]

Academics[edit | edit source]

Actors, models, technicians and musicians[edit | edit source]

Businesspeople[edit | edit source]

  • Baiju Bhatt (born 1984/1985), American billionaire, co-founder of Robinhood

Military[edit | edit source]

  • Malik Tazi Bhat, 15th-century warlord, from Jammu, who fought the Lodhi Dynasty
  • Muhammad Zaki Butt (1929–1993), former Air Commodore in the Pakistan Air Force and bodyguard of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
  • Tahir Rafique Butt (born 1955), 20th Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force
  • Ziauddin Butt, former Chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence

Politics[edit | edit source]

Scientists[edit | edit source]

  • Atul Butte, researcher in biomedical informatics and biotechnology entrepreneur in Silicon Valley
  • Noor Muhammad Butt (born 1936), Pakistani nuclear physicist, research scientist, and chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation
  • Parvez Butt (born 1942), Pakistani nuclear engineer and former chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission

Sports[edit | edit source]

Fictional[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Hanks, Patrick (8 May 2003). Dictionary of American Family Names: 3-Volume Set. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 214. ISBN 978-0-19-508137-4.
  2. ↑ Sahagala, Narendra (1994). Converted Kashmir: Memorial of Mistakes. Utpal Publications. p. 53. ISBN 978-81-85217-06-2. Bhat means a Brahmin, teacher, who imparts knowledge.
  3. ↑ Sehgal, Narender (1 January 2013). A State In Turbulence Jammu & Kashmir. Prabhat Prakashan. p. 18. ISBN 978-81-8430-242-4.
  4. ↑ Saligram Bhatt (2008). Kashmiri Scholars Contribution to Knowledge and World Peace. APH. ISBN 9788131304020. Retrieved 2 December 2010. Bhat {Bhatt}, surnames are found in Uttaranchal, Northern Belt, Central and Western parts of the country and is a surname of sizeable Brahmins in Konkan, Maharashtra and Gujarat; where they had migrated in sizeable strength. Bhattas who migrated to Gauda {Bengal} were called Acharaya's {Scholars} and thus Bhattacharaya's. In Nepal, they became priests, ardent worshippers of Bhadrakali and spread Kali worship; mostly around Pashupatinath Temple. In Uttaranchal, they became the Purohit {Priestly} class, adopted the surname Purohit, many changed profession but retained the Bhatt surname. In northern plains, few became Bhattas, many Bhatts; in both cases Purohit {Priestly} class. In Central and Western parts, strict requirements of a Bhatta {Purohit} could not be sustained, and to indicate the Brahmin roots they opted for a surname only. Thus Bhatta and Purohit are surnames of the same category. Bhatta has a shortened version, Bhat {Bhatt}; referring to the same class of people. Surname Bhat {Bhatt} in Kas'mira can also be traced to the short form of Bhatta. In Kas'mira, the Bhatta honorific has been associated with many personalities, scholars of the 9th and 10th centuries, scriptures, and specific in many cases in the 14th century and later.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 The Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India, Volume 52. The Survey. 2003. Retrieved 2 December 2010. The But/Butt of Punjab were originally Brahmin migrants from Kashmir during 1878 famine.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Kaul, P.K. (2006). Pahāṛi and other tribal dialects of Jammu, Volume 1. Eastern Book Linkers. ISBN 9788178541013. Retrieved 2 December 2010. The But/Butt of Punjab were originally Brahmin migrants from Kashmir during 1878 famine.
  7. ↑ "Madras journal of literature and science, Volume 4". Athenæum Press. 1836. Retrieved 2 December 2010. Bhatt (vulgarly Butt) is the distinctive name of a class of Bramins in the north; and in the south the same class bear the distinctive title of Pattar
  8. ↑ Alan Machado Prabhu (1999). Sarasvati's Children: A History of the Mangalorean Christians. I.J.A. Publications. p. 137.
  9. ↑ Explore Kashmiri Pandits. Dharma Publications. ISBN 9780963479860. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  10. ↑ Bahl, Arvin (2007). From Jinnah to Jihad: Pakistan's Kashmir Quest and the Limits of Realism. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p. 76. ISBN 9788126907212.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 The quarterly journal of the Mythic Society (Bangalore)., Volume 96. The Society. 2005. Retrieved 2 December 2010. Even today most common family name in Kashmir is Butt, a distortion of Bhatt, a Hindu surname common amongst the Brahmins in India.
  12. ↑ Saligram Bhatt (2008). Kashmiri Scholars Contribution to Knowledge and World Peace. APH. ISBN 9788131304020. Retrieved 2 December 2010. Bhat {Bhatt}, surnames are found in Uttaranchal, Northern Belt, Central and Western parts of the country and are a surname of sizeable Brahmins in Konkan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat; where they had migrated in sizeable strength. Bhattas who migrated to Gauda {Bengal} were called Acharaya's {Scholars} and thus Bhattacharaya's. In Nepal, they became priests, ardent worshippers of Bhadrakali and spread Kali worship; mostly around Pashupatinath Temple. In Uttaranchal, they became Purohit {Priestly} class, adopted the surname Purohit, many changed profession but retained the Bhatt surname. In northern plains, few became Bhattas, many Bhatts; in both cases Purohit {Priestly} class. In Central and Western parts, strict requirements of a Bhatta {Purohit} could not be sustained, and to indicate the Brahmin roots they opted for a surname only. Thus Bhatta and Purohit are surnames of the same category. Bhatta has a shortened version, Bhat {Bhatt}; referring to the same class of people. Surname Bhat {Bhatt} in Kas'mira can also be traced to a short form of Bhatta. In Kas'mira, the Bhatta honorific has been associated with many personalities, scholars of the 9th and 10th centuries, scriptures, and specific in many cases in the 14th century and later.
  13. ↑ Clements, William M.; Green, Thomas A. (2006). The Greenwood Encyclopedia of World Folklore and Folklife: Southeast Asia and India, Central and East Asia, Middle East. Greenwood Press. p. 60. ISBN 978-0-313-32849-7. A variety of Hindu surnames such as Dar, Bhatt, Handoo, Kachru, Kichlu, Matoo and Pandit persist in Muslim families.
  14. ↑ Parvéz Dewân (January 2004). Parvéz Dewân's Jammû, Kashmîr, and Ladâkh: Kashmîr. Manas Publications. ISBN 9788170491798. Retrieved 2 December 2010. This is a surname shared by Hindus and Muslims.
  15. ↑ Sharma, Usha (1 January 2001). Political development in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Radha Publications. ISBN 9788174870629. Retrieved 11 January 2015. Surnames like 'Bhatt' and 'Pandit' are common to both Hindus and Muslims.
  16. ↑ Samiuddin, Abida; Khanam, R. Global Encyclopaedic Ethnography of Indian Muslim. Global Vision Publishing House. pp. 102–105. ISBN 978-81-8220-299-3.
  17. ↑ "Kashmiris' contribution to Ludhianvi culture". The Tribune. 24 July 2003. Retrieved 25 March 2007. In fact, the Ludhiana hosiery industry owes its origin to Kashmiris. According to the Ludhiana District Gazetteer, during a devastating famine in the 19th century a number of Kashmiris migrated to Ludhiana. They are known world over for their handicraft skills. They started weaving woollen fabric there. Slowly the trade got popular and Ludhiana started to be identified with hosiery only
  18. ↑ "India Personal Names". www.familysearch.org. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  19. ↑ "Indian Culture - Naming". Cultural Atlas. January 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2023.

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