Bhatraju

In an ancient time the people of Bhatraju community were Scholars, Poets and Singers who had a respectful place in the kings court and as well as in the society.They were as intelligent as Brahmins.‘BHAT’ means Scholar or Pandit in Sanskrit. Since they were one of the King’s courtiers or Noble men they were called ‘BHATRAJU’.

Their last names and Gothras coincide with those of Brahmins in many cases. Most of them are well versed in languages on par with Brahmins and are key people sharing literacy among other communities. God man Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Avadhani Rallabandi kavitha prasad, Janapada dance artist Gopal Raj bhat, Annamacharya Kirthanas Singer Smt. Shoba Raj, Dancer Yamini, Ramaraju bhusana kavi of Ashta Diggajams in Vijaya Nagaram are some of well known icons from this community from state of Andhra pradesh. They also claim links to Bhats in North such as Aryabhatta I and II.