Rohit

Rohit (Devanagri: रोहित), pronounced [ˈroːɦɪt̪]) is a given name, typically male, used among Indian people. It is also used in some parts of Nepal. It is mostly used by Jains, Hindus, and Sikhs.

The word "rohit" at its root signifies the color red. The color red is implicit. It is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "the first rays of the sun". The early morning sunlight usually has much reddish tint. It is also said to be derived from the Sanskrit word Rohitah (रोहित:) which signifies a red coloured deer – a form which Brahma once took. Sanskrit pronunciation: [ˈroːhɪt̪a].

Rohit is also one of the names of the Hindu God Vishnu, when he is said to have first arrived on earth as a beautiful red fish. It appears in the Vishnu Sahasranam (विष्णु सहस्रणाम, "1000 names of Vishnu"). Rohit also means a person, who leads to growth and development of his family (a commonly held belief in Hindu families). Rohit was also the name of one of Krishna's sons.

Notable people

Rohit (caste)

Rohit or Rohitas, also called Bambhi, are a chamar caste of Gujarat, India.

Rohit (or Rohitas) consider themselves to be followers or descendants of the famous saint Rohidas. Traditionally, they did leather or hide work and were also identified as Khalpa. But in 1947, a group of Khalpa organised and decided to call themselves Rohit. They also abandoned all leather works.

The Rohit claim to have sprung from a union between a Rajput and a low caste woman. In the census of 1961, Rohits have been identified as one of the fifteen sub sections of the Chamar caste. They claim they are higher than Bhangis and also claim to be higher in social hierarchy to chamars and khalpas. They are a non-vegetarian group.

From the 1930-40s Rohits were active in changing their caste name from Khlapa to Rohit, like others Dheds to Mahyavanshis, Garua to Guru and Bhangi to Rishi only Mahyavanshis were successful in getting official recognition from the Government of India to get a Kshatriya status officially. As such although Rohit, still maintain themselves to be a Rajput, the claim has not been officially accepted by Government of India and they are still considered a sub-caste of Chamars.