Sharma: A Brahmin Caste Among Native Sindhi Hindus
The surname Sharma is deeply rooted in Hindu Brahmin traditions and is commonly found among native indigenous Hindus as well as across India. The term “Sharma” (शर्मा) originates from Sanskrit, meaning “joy” or “comfort,” and is often used as a title for Brahmins, particularly those involved in religious, scholarly, or teaching professions.
In Sindh, which historically had a significant Hindu population before the partition of India in 1947, this surname was commonly associated with Brahmin families who played an important role in religious rituals, temple management, astrology, and education.
Hindu Sindhis Population as per Census
Before Partition (1947), Sindhi Hindus made up 27% of Sindh’s population (1941 census). Most migrated to India, leaving around 4.2 million Sindhi Hindus in Pakistan today, constituting 9% of Sindh’s population. They remain Pakistan’s largest Hindu ethnolinguistic group.
As per the 2023 census, 4.9 million Sindhi Hindus reside in Sindh, Pakistan, with over 2 million concentrated in Mirpur Khas and Hyderabad Divisions. In India, the 2011 census recorded 2.77 million Sindhi speakers, excluding those who no longer speak the language. Most Sindhi Hindus in India belong to the Lohana jāti, including Amil, Bhaiband, and Sahiti sub-groups.
As a Caste in Sindh
Among Sindhi Hindus, Brahmins with the Sharma surname were traditionally respected for their knowledge of Vedic scriptures, rituals, and astrology. They served as priests in temples, performed religious ceremonies, and were responsible for preserving Hindu traditions in Sindh. Even today, despite migration to India and other parts of the world, many Sindhi Brahmins continue to use this surname, maintaining their religious and cultural identity.
Notable Sindhi Origin
Many famous personalities in India carry this surname, belonging to various fields such as entertainment, sports, and politics. Some notable figures include:
Notable Celebrities
| Name | Profession | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit | Cricketer | One of India’s greatest batsmen, multiple double centuries in ODIs |
| Anushka | Actress | Starred in PK, Sultan, and NH10, co-founder of Clean Slate Filmz |
| Pankaj (Pankaj Udhas) | Ghazal Singer | Renowned for popularizing ghazals in India |
| Ravi | Actor | Worked in various Indian television shows and films |
| Kapil | Comedian | Hosts The Kapil Show, India’s top comedy talk show |
Sharma Community Today
They have largely migrated to India after Partition, settling in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, where they continue their traditional roles in Hindu society. However, some Sindhi Brahmins with the Sharma surname still reside in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh’s cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, where they practice their faith and cultural traditions.
Mohanlal Sharma Kotai
Shri Mohanlal Kotai, a distinguished teacher, writer, and scholar, was born on December 18, 1932, in Karachi, Sindh. His ancestral home in Kotri Sindh, near Jeewat Ram Street, still stands, now occupied by Ubed Brohi’s family.
He earned degrees in Science, Education, and NCC Officers Training from VITI College, Mumbai. His teaching career spanned across Agra, Mumbai, and Dubai, serving as a Senior Science Teacher in reputed schools.
A passionate Sindhi writer, he authored Sindhi and English books, including Pawan Tha Yaad, Sindhi Pearls in Dubai, and The Legendary People.
Mangla Sharma
Ms. Mangla is a Pakistani politician affiliated with Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P). Born in Hyderabad, she holds an MA in International Relations from Karachi University and a B.Com from Sachal Sarmast College, Hyderabad. She served as City Councilor KMC (2001-2005, 2016-2018) and has represented Pakistan in conferences across India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Narendar Sharma: Lecturer in Pharmacy
Narendar is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. He recently completed his M.Phil. and has contributed to pharmaceutical research and education. His academic achievements and dedication to pharmacy studies make him a respected figure among students and faculty members at Sindh University.
Conclusion
This surname carries a rich historical and cultural significance, particularly among Sindhi Brahmins. As a caste, they have played an essential role in preserving Hindu traditions, religious practices, and education. Even today, the legacy of the indigenous community continues through generations, whether in Pakistan, India, or the global Sindhi diaspora.
Raja Dahir, the last Hindu ruler of Sindh, was a proud Brahmin who fought bravely against invaders in 712 CE. His sacrifice is deeply connected to Sindhi identity. This community, a prominent Brahmin caste in Sindh, shares this historic lineage. We cannot forget Raja Dahir’s legacy, as he remains a symbol of Sindhi resilience and pride, inspiring generations of Sindhi Hindus, including the Sharma caste, to uphold their cultural heritage.