Maitra

Maitra, alternatively spelled Moitra, is a Bengali Hindu family name found among the Bengali Brahmins of the Kulin Varendra clan.[1]

Maitra is also a synonym for Mettā, a Buddhist philosophy

It is one of the oldest surnames of Bengal, coming from the Varendra Brahmin clans.

It is popularly believed that Brahmins were brought in to preach Hinduism, though really not the Vedic Hinduism as it is commonly believed, but more of the Pouranik Hinduism type, which evolved after Buddhism flourished. This Pouranik Hinduism is what we know as Brahmanism . Varendra (Barendra) Bhumi, i.e. modern-day North Bengal, had its Brahminism awakening soon after the south got its share. Shyamal Varman, a Kshatriya King brought five Brahmanas from Kannauj - Sanaka, Bhardwaja, Savarna, Sandilya, and Vasistha.

The Bhatariya, Maitreya, Satar, Baghshree, and Laheria villages soon gave birth to the Bengali Brahmin clans with surnames like Bhaduri, Moitra/Maitra, Sanyal, Bagchi, and Lahiri, respectively. They came to be known as the Kulin Varendra (Barendra) Brahmins of Bengal, and are regarded as the highest Hindu caste in Bengal along with the Kayasthas and Baidyas.

"Debotar Grash" a famous poem by RabindraNath Tagore, pays tribute to the heroism of one aged Maitra Brahmin who sacrifices his life to save a small child during a pilgrimage journey through a tumultuous Bay of Bengal.

"Maitra" can also refer to a Buddhist philosophy, from its roots in the Sanskrit word "Maitreya".[2]

A few notable people

Dwijendranath Maitra (1878-1950), Indian doctor and social worker
Sisir Kumar Maitra (1887-1963), Indian philosopher
Radhika Mohan Maitra (1917-1981), Indian sarod player
Shantanu Moitra (born 1968), Indian music director
Krishnananda Agamavagisha , was a Moitra in born, (probably 1650-????) , aTantrasadhak and guru of Sadhak Ramprashad Sen and author of "Brihat Tsntrasara" and advent Dakshina Kali idol.

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References

Bhattacharya, Jogendra Nath (1896). Hindu Castes and Sects. Kolkata: Thacker, Spink And Co. p. 42. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
Roots of Maitra,

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[1] Bhattacharya, Jogendra Nath (1896). Hindu Castes and Sects. Kolkata: Thacker, Spink And Co. p. 42. Retrieved July 13, 2012.

[2] Roots of Maitra,