Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Bhumihar vs Bhumihar Brahmin: Protests Threatened in Bihar
In Bihar, India, there's a big argument about what to call a group of people called Bhumihars.
Some people want the official papers to say 'Bhumihar Brahmin' instead of just 'Bhumihar'.
They say that's what was used a long time ago in a big count of people in 1931.
But a special group that helps decide these things has been saying to use 'Bhumihar' since 2015.
Now, the people who want 'Bhumihar Brahmin' are getting upset and threatening to protest if the government doesn't change it back.
The government is still deciding what to do.
Bhumihar organisations in Bihar demand the reinstatement of 'Bhumihar Brahmin' in official records and caste certificates, citing its usage in the 1931 national caste survey.
The Bihar State Commission for Development of Upper Castes is divided on the issue and has referred it back to the state government for a final decision.
Bhumihar organisations have threatened to intensify protests if the government does not correct what they describe as an anomaly.
The Bihar caste-based survey Report 2022–2023 lists 'Bhumihar' among seven upper castes out of 215 castes or caste groups.
The Census of India, 1931, mentions 'Bhumihar Brahmin' with a population of 8,95,602.
- Who
- Bhumihar organisations and the Bihar State Commission for Development of Upper Castes
- What
- A dispute over whether 'Bhumihar Brahmin' should replace 'Bhumihar' in official records and caste certificates
- When
- The issue has been ongoing since 2015, with recent hearings in November 2023 and a decision deferred to the state government
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- Bhumihar organisations argue that 'Bhumihar Brahmin' was used in the 1931 caste survey and other historical records, while the upper caste panel has recommended using 'Bhumihar' since 2015
- Population of Bhumihars in Bihar
- 2.86%
- Population of Brahmins in Bihar
- 3.65%
- Population of Rajputs in Bihar
- 3.45%
- Year of last national caste survey
- 1931
- Population of Bhumihar Brahmins in 1931
- 8,95,602
- Year caste certificates started using 'Bhumihar'
- 2015
- Number of upper castes in Bihar
- 7
- Total castes or caste groups in Bihar
- 215