Who is a Hindu? Are Brahmins a single, homogenous group? Who is a Hindu? Are Brahmins a single, homogenous group? ByDevdutt PattanaikDevdutt Pattanaik / Updated: Apr 25, 2021, 06:00 IST . Most of us use the word ‘brahmin’ to denote one category of caste. But the fact is, this powerful five per cent of the population, is a highly diverse and dynamic group Brahmins have to be distinguished from rishis, who actually ‘saw’ the mantras and transmitted them in the Vedas. They were different from tapasvis, sanyasis and sramanas who meditated, practiced yoga, and performed tantric rites. In t...