Pleased to assist you, Himanshu paudalji, Brahmins originally were one varna of Hindu society. In the C10th divisions (jati) had originated based upon areas of subsequent habitation. As Brahmins were resident in numerous towns & villages later divisions were based upon these criteria. Hence the present situation. Most Brahmins are defined by: 1. Varna (eg Brahmin), caste 2. Jati (eg Kanyakubj), area of ancestral residence 3. Gotra (eg Vashisth), patrilineal ancestor who was a Vedic rishi) 4. Gan-jati (eg Jajhotiya; subdivision of Kanyakubj Brahmins), region of later ancestral habitation 5. Gan-gotra (eg Parasuramaiya gotra cf Bhrigu), name of ancestral rishi descended from Vedic rishi 6. Maithil Brahmins have 2 further divisions: a. Mul (village of original ancestral settlement) b. Diba (villages of subsequent settlement) Useful websites: www.gsbkerala.com www.geocities.com/bhumiharsamaj/bhumihar_bs.html www.maithilsonline.com www.rajan.com Ramesh Paudyalji, The name Paudyal is from the Purbi Brahmin jati ( from northeast Hindustan) and pertain to the Atreya gotra. thugged out. This is excellent information. I am a Kanyakubj Brahmin from the Terai area and very involved in the geneology of Brahmin society. All Brahmins originate from either the Saraswat Brahmins (Punjab) or the Bhumihar Brahmins (Gandhara). In Nepal the following Brahmin jati are found: Kumai (Kumaoni), Kanyakubj, Maithil, Purbi, Upadhyaya, Jayci The jatis Kanyakubj and Maithil originate from the Saraswat Brahmins whereas the Kumai Brahmins originate from Bhumihar Brahmins. Could you please clarify as to the origins of Upadhyaya, Jayci and Purbi Brahmins.l