Generation after generation Brahmins preserved knowledge and taught it freely. They lived on alms given by others though they could have used the knowledge to enrich themselves. Christian missionaries saw them as rivals and impediments to conversion. Their religion taught them others worshipped the devil. So per the missionary account, Brahmins had hypnotized everyone to worship the devil and "put themselves on top of the hierarchy." In practise, Brahmins neither had state power, nor money power, only knowledge and respect. That missionary story was turned by colonial scholars into stories of "Brahminical oppression." Brahmins were at the forefront of the independence struggle. They were targeted by colonial stooges like EVR who wanted British rule to continue. Yet they contributed to the country in many fields. Even when driven out, they continued to work for the nation. The narrative of making Brahmins into villains must end. It is not based on reality but on the machinations and frustrations of Christian missionaries, spread via colonial education. (ps I'm not a jaati-Brahmin).