Bhattarai () or Bhattrai is a Nepalese surname. Typically those with the surname belong to the Bahuns or Chetri of India and Nepal.

Etymology

Bhatta Bhat (also spelled as Bhatt or Butt, ) is a Brahmin surname used in the Indian subcontinent. Bhat and Bhatt are shortened renditions of Bhatta or Brahmabhatta. Etymology The word "Bhat" (, ) means "scholar" in Sanskrit. While the original shorte ...

means scholar in Sanskrit and

Rai (), commercially styled as since 2000 and known until 1954 as (RAI), is the national public broadcasting company of Italy, owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. RAI operates many terrestrial and subscription television channels a ...

means King. Bhattarai were ancient Kings who later became priests.

Notable people with the surname in Nepal

Krishna Prasad Bhattarai Krishna Prasad Bhattarai ( Nepali: कृष्णप्रसाद भट्टराई; 13 December 19244 March 2011) also known as Kishunji was a Nepalese political leader. He was one of the main leaders involved in transitioning Nepal from ...

, Former Prime Minister (

Nepali Congress The Nepali Congress ( ; Abbreviation, abbr. NC), colloquially the Congress Party, or simply the Congress, is a Social democracy, social democratic List of political parties in Nepal, political party in Nepal and the largest party in the country ...

) *

Baburam Bhattarai Baburam Bhattarai (, ; born 18 June 1954), also known by his nom de guerre Laaldhwoj, is a Nepalese politician, architect and former Prime Minister of Nepal, Prime Minister who presently serves as leader of the Nepal Socialist Party. Bhattarai ...

, former Prime Minister of Nepal. *

Nabin K Bhattarai Nabin K Bhattarai (; born March 14, 1974) is a Nepali singer, songwriter, and composer known for his work in Nepalese music industry. Education Nabin Bhattarai studied at Budhanilkantha School Budhanilkantha School, often referred to as BNKS ...

, Pop singer * Samriddha Bhattarai, Nepali chairman of business and finance society * Amrit Bhattarai, Nepali cricketer * Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Nepali diplomat * Krishna Dharabasi, born Krishna Bhattarai. Author of Radha (Novel),

Jhola Jhola () is a 2013 Nepali film based on a story by writer Krishna Dharawasi. It is about ''Sati (practice), Sati'' culture that was prevalent in the Nepalese society until the 1920s in which wife had to immolate herself upon her husband's death, ...

* Biraj Bhattarai, Nepali musical artist * Srijan Bhattarai, Actor, professional ballet & contemporary dancer/choreographer Roadies

References

{{Chhetri communities Ethnic groups in Nepal Bahun Nepali-language surnames Khas surnames