Language(s) | Kumaoni, Garhwali, Nepali |
---|---|
Origin | |
Derivation | Bishishta (Distinguished) |
Meaning | Baron or landholder |
Other names | |
Variant form(s) | Bishta, Bista, Bist |
See also | Mahara, Rawat, Dhami, Airee, Negi, Rautela |
Bisht is a surname found in the Indian state of Uttarakhand,[1] Himachal Pradesh and country Nepal.[2] The term "Bisht" originally referred to someone who held a land grant from the government. The Bisht families in Uttarakhand were chiefly Thokdars[3](Zamindars) of Thuljat[a] origin.[1] In Uttrakhand, Bishts are generally Kshatriya Rajputs. In Nepal, Bisht was adopted as a surname by Raute and Raji people.[2] Bishta, as Bista, was also used as a surname used by Khas people,[4] group under the caste Chhetri.[5][6]