Barthwal

(Devanagari: बड़थ्वाल) is surname, rather a sub-caste of Garhwali Brahmins. Most Barthwals are concentrated in Pauri district of Uttarakhand. The deity of Barthwals is 'Bhairav', who rides on dog. Statistically, their population totals in the thousands. The Barthwals are engaged in various occupations.

Like many sub-castes of Garhwal, it is said that they are not native to Garhwal. One version (Rahul Sankratayan's) has it that they descended from four brothers, each of which settled in a different location in Pauri district. Another version has it that they all originally belonged to a village 'Badeth' in Dwarikhal Block, near Silogi, in Bichla Dhangu 'patti' (a division of block, generally consisting of 25-50 villages). Some Barthwals also live in Udaypur Patti, village Gadmola, Gankya now known as Ganeshpur. From there, their descendants moved to nearby Khand, Balori (near Pauri town) and elsewhere with the passage of time.

Among Barthwals, the most notable name is Pitambar Dutt Barthwal of Pali village, who was the first D. Litt of India in Hindi literature; his thesis was on Kabir's philosophy of dualism. (Second D.Litt after him was Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India).

Another notable figure among Barthwals was Mukund 'Daivagya', the renowned astronomer of village Khand who spent most of his life in Devprayag. His books on astronomy and astrology continue to be part of the curriculum in higher studies of astrology. Interest in his contribution has revived after Bhism Kukreti (a literary stalwart who has been singly contributing more to revive Garhwali culture through internet than anyone else), in his online series of luminaries of Garhwal covered this great astronomer, triggering fresh insights into work of Mukund Daivagya.

Mahidhar Barthwal of village Balodi (Gagwarsyun), another prominent personage among Barthwals, wrote a book classifying the different castes of Garhwal, "Garhwal Mein Kaun Kahan". In his book, Barthwal proved that the Swarnkars (goldsmiths) of Garhwal were originally 'dome' (the scheduled caste, traditionally at the lowest rung of the caste system). Much infuriated being dubbed, the Swarnkars somehow got the book banned. However, the Hon'ble High Court of Allahabad, ruled that the ban be lifted and Mahidhar Barthwal's thesis was vindicated. This book, being a masterpiece of historical and cultural facts has been widely referred by students engaged in research work pertaining to cultural and historical evolution of Garhwal. Mahidhar Barthwal's another book was, "Kashmir Vivad" and also had rich collection of Maangal Geets (songs sung at marriage and other auspicious occasions). Shri Mahidhar Barthwal remained active throughout his life for the upliftment of fellow Garhwali people. He died in 1975 at his native village Budoli. His son, Kamal Kishore Barthwal, a journalist by profession lives in Delhi.