Smarta brahmins

[Bapat Jb]

Smartas are those people who recognise both Siva and Vishnu
and most brahmins in Maharashtra are supposed to be Smartas.
Where does this word come from? Can someone help me with the
etymology of this word and also with some background information 
on this topic? Thanking you in advance.
Jayant Bapat
 
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Dr J.B. Bapat                                     Phone (03)9054510
Chemistry Department                              Fax   (03)9054597 
Monash University           e-mail:jayant.b.bapat at sci.monash.edu.au
Clayton, Victoria
Australia
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