Behera () is a popular Odia title. Anciently, "Dala-Behera" or "Behera" was an honorific title reserved for the leader of a group of soldiers.
Primarily, in Odisha it is used by Khandayats, Chasas and Gopals (Also called Gauda/ Gaud) etc. It is also used by some Brahmins and Karans. It is an honorific title of Gopal (Yadav) caste.
Sometimes, it is also used for own caste priest of inferior communities (which do not have Brahmin priest) like Kaibartas and Chamars etc.
It is also used as a surname of sial community in odisha.
It was also adopted by Koli people of Ganjam district, who migrated from South India.
Notable People
Bhagabat Behera, Former Cabinet Minister (O.L.A) Bhubaneswar Behera, Indian Scholar. Chakradhar Behera, Freedom Fighter & Politician. Daitari Behera, Indian Politician. Deepak Behera, Indian Cricketer. Dharmananda Behera, Indian Politician Digambar Behera, Indian Physician. Jayanta Behera, Indian Cricketer. Jayanti Behera, Indian Sprinter. Lokanath Behera, D.G.P of Kerala state Police. Madhusmita Behera, Indian Cricketer. Mandakini Behera, Indian Politician. Nandita Behera, Indian odissi Dancer. Natraj Behera, Indian Cricketer. Niranjan Behera, Indian Cricketer. Prasanta Behera, Indian Politician. Ritwik Behera, American cricketer Shashi Bhusan Behera, Indian Politician