| Languages | |
|---|---|
| Maithili,Angika[1] | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Brahmin groups |
Maithil Brahmins are theIndo-AryanHinduBrahmin community originating from theMithila region of theIndian subcontinent that comprisesTirhut,Darbhanga,Kosi,Purnia,Munger,Bhagalpur andSanthal Pargana divisions[a] of India and parts of Nepalese Terai.[2]They are one of the fivePancha-Gauda Brahmin communities.[3][4]The main language spoken by Maithil Brahmins isMaithili.
Some of the dynastic families of the Mithila region, such as theOiniwar dynasty andKhandwal dynasty (Raj Darbhanga),[5] were Maithil Brahmins and were noted for their patronage of Maithil culture.[6]
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Maithil Brahmins became politically significant in Bihar.Binodanand Jha andLalit Narayan Mishra emerged as prominent political leaders of the community. Under the Chief Ministry ofJagannath Mishra, many Maithil Brahmins assumed important political positions inBihar.[7]
According to the VedicSamhita, Maithil Brahmins are divided into the Vajasaneyi (Yajurvedic) and the Chandogya(Samavedic) and each group is strictlyexogamous. They are also further classified by four main categories, the Srotriyas (Soit), the Yogyas (Bhalmanush), the Painjas and the Jaiwars. They are all expected to be morganatic (anuloma) however these days this is no longer enforced strictly.[citation needed] They are also divided into various Mools or Clan's name. And every mool is further divided into upamool or sub clans.
They are mainly practitioners ofShaktism in various forms, however there are alsoVaishnavites andShaivites.[8][9]
Panjis or Panji Prabandh are extensivegenealogical records maintained among Maithil Brahmins similar to theHindu genealogy registers at Haridwar.[10] While marriage they obtain the “Aswajan”(Non-relative) certificate from the panjikars,this system was started by Harisinghdeva.[11]
In the Mithila area of Bihar, Maethil Brahmins, Kayasthas and Dogamayas speak Maethili, and the rest of the population, including the Bhuhimars speak Angika. ... The Maethil Brahmans speak Maethili at home but Angika outside the home.