What is "kabiraj"

Kabiraj is a title of honor found in persons of India or Indian origin. The title was given to literates, poets and bards attached to royal court in medieval India. In old days the people practicing Ayurveda (or customs involving medicines) in India were also called Kabi ( Vaidhya). As such they were given the honorable title of Kabiraj. The descendants of such persons started using Kabiraj or Kaviraj as a surname. The word Kabi for a Vaidhya was used generally in Eastern India ( West Bengal, Assam, Orissa) as such these surname is often found in persons originating from these regions.