ओसवाल वैश्य समाज की उत्पत्ति व इतिहास

The origin of Oswal is disputed. There are 3 different schools of thought.

Opinion of Jain Acharyas

According to ‘Upkesh Gachh Pattawali’ Acharya Sri Ratna Prabh Suri did his ‘Chathurmas’ in the Veer Sanwat year 70 at Upkeshpur Pattan and he addressed the king and his people and converted them into Jains. Changing religion is not a big thing but to make a community to follow non-violence from violence was a historical achievement. He preached that Yagya & Havana were all against the Jainism and made all of them mahajan.

New Kingdom of Upkeshpur Pattan (City)

Accordingly to Upkesh Gachh Pattawali, the Raja or King of Srimal Pattan had 2 sons – Utpaldev and Sripunj. One day Utpaldev teased Sripunj, so Sripunj got angry and said, “you are giving me orders as if you have won this kingdom by your own means and power”

Utpaldev immediately realised this and he left the city with his friend Uhad and met Raja Sadhu of Dhelipur (Delhi). With his blessings he built a new city Upkeshpur. As the farming of sugar cane (Ganna) was done on that place, the name of the city was kept as Upkeshpur, which in a short time became famous as Upkeshpur Pattan. The city was about 12 yojans in length and 9 yojans in breadth. Many traders, scholars, Brahmins settled in this new city of Upkeshpur Pattan.

Acharya Ratna Prabh Suri

The city of Raganpur in the state of Vidyadhar was ruled by Raja Mahendra Chud. The queen Mahadevi Laxmi gave birth to a son who was named ‘Ratna Chud Vidhyadhar’. Ratna Chud was a great scholar, very brilliant and had skills in many Vidhyas. One day when he was flying in his ‘Viman’ (plane), it stopped near Mount Abu. On inquiry it was found that Acharya Sri Swamprabh Suri was passing by. Ratna Chud got down from his plane and bowed to the Acharya. From the preaching’s of Acharya he became disciple of Acharya and took ‘Disksha’ in the year Veer Sanwat 52. After getting skilled in various philosophical, intellectual and spiritual rites he became Acharya.

One day Acharya Sri Ratna Prabh Suri was touring near Abu, ‘Chakreshwari Devi’ came and asked Acharya if he could visit Upkeshpur Pattan then the Jain religion could be spread much faster. So the Acharya along with his 500 disciples reached Upkeshpur Pattan.

In Upkeshpur Brahmins were very powerful. They had blessings from the king in doing Havan, yagya etc. So when Acharya came the brahmins did not allow the Acharya to enter the city. So the Acharya and disciples were forced to stay on Lunadri mountain. All saints were under the ritual of ‘Maas Shraman’ (Fasting for a month) so in the evening after evening prayer (Pratikraman) the Acharya ordered to return back in the morning.

At night ‘Chamunda Devi’ came and bowed to Acharya and asked for forgiveness that she had forgotten the message of Chakreshwari Devi because she was busy in dancing. She requested the Acharya that she would create ‘maya’ so that the citizens will welcome Acharya and disciples. However in the morning Acharya announced to his disciples, that saints busy in Ghor Tapasya to stay and the rest to move else where. 465 saints left and 35 remained to continue the fasting and Tapasya.

The daughter, Saubhagya Kumari of Raja Utpaldev got married to Trilok Singh son of the minister Uhad. A snake bite Trilok singh at night when they both were sleeping. So he died. In the morning when the funeral procession was going Chamunda Devi appeared in saints form and told people why they were taking a living man for funeral and disappeared.

Every body discussed and some people told that they had seen similar saints on Lunadri mountain. All went there with the procession, there the Devi again reappeared in saints dress and told that the sadhus have divine powers. If you sprinkle hot water poured on the Acharya toe on the prince body the prince would regain life. This was immediately done and as expected the prince was back to life.

The visit of Acharya Ratna Prabh Suri

The whole city was overjoyed. The Acharya and his disciples were treated with full honour and respect and they entered the city. Crowd was cheering with Jai-Jaikar. Acharya stopped in front of the fort and said to remove luxurious things like carpets etc. than only they can enter. All decoration and luxuries were removed and than Acharya and his disciples entered in the palace. When the king offered jewels etc. to Acharya, he said, “Oh king, we have already left all material things long back and we remain busy in tapasya and prayers to the almighty, we have no pleasures even in seeing these things.“ Everyone was surprised.

When the sermon was given then they found out how better the Jain Religion is. The greater happiness can be found by sacrifice and religious ceremonies. The wealth, prosperity and physical pleasures are worldly desires. They increase sorrow & unhappiness at the end. This road leads to hell. The road to heaven is in sacrifices, donations, Dhyan, meditation etc. Before the birth the child faces 9 months of acute hell. The pain at the time of labor cannot be explained. By the action of sacrifices and meditation all pleasures can be gained.

In the year Veer Sanwat 70 the Acharya did his chaturmas (where Muni stay in a place for 4 months) The Acharya and his disciples broke the fast there and due to his continued preaching and sermons 1500 men and 3000 women became sadhu and Sadhvi and 140,000 people adopted Jainism.

The foundation day of OswalsAccording to Muni Sri Gyan Sunderji the foundation day of Oswals falls on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravan. All Jain-Oswals celebrate this with sacrifice, prayers and meditation.

The KULDEVI of Oswals

The KULDEVI of Oswals is “Maa Jagat Bhawani Sachhiyay Mata”.

There was a big temple of Chamunda Mata in Upkeshpur presently known as Osiya situated near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The temple was known for chamatkars and therefore everybody prayed to Chamunda Mata. In Navratri buffaloes were butchered. People used to give offerings of flash of buffaloes to please the Devi. The Acharya Shri Ratna Prabh Suri stopped this practice of animal killing. Because of this the goddess got angry and she created pain in the eyes of Sri Acharya. He did not do anything but continued with the suffering, when Devi found out that no reaction has taken place, she was ashamed. She asked forgiveness from the Acharya. Acharya explained that, “You better not allow killing of animals as offering to you, by asking your devotees to offer you flashes of buffaloes or other animals you are doing your own harm. You will have to face all the wrong that are committed in your name, you have been made Goddess because of your good actions but now you will have to face the hell “ The Goddess got enlightened she told Acharya,” from today no more such killings would be allowed in the temple and even red colored flower shall not be offered. I will accept Prasad & Lapsi, my worship will be done by kesar, chandan (Sandal wood) and Dhup (incense sticks). I will be happy as long as people are devoted to lord Mahavira. I will fulfill all the prayers of my devotees.’

Acharya told from today you are Sachhi Mata. From that day Chamunda mata became and known as Sachhiyay Mata.

The Jain Mandir of Lord Mahavira at OsiyaIt is believed and said that Sachhiyay mata was devoted in the Bhakti of lord Mahavira so much so that she decided to build a temple for Lord Mahavira.

The Upkeshpur king had a holy cow. A vary mysterious thing started happening. Everyday in the evening when the cow returns from jungle, she had no milk left. This continued for a while. The person looking after the cows was asked to explain why at particular place cows carried no milk. The shepherd explained that while the cow was roaming in a heightened land the milk flowed out from her automatically in all the four directions, when the milk was finished the cow returned to the herd. Next day also same scene was seen by thousands of people. King Utpal Dev was informed of the incident. Next day the king, the Prime minister & several thousand people gathered and saw the scene. The king narrated the incident to Acharya Sriji and acharya sri ji understood that this was the work of Chamunda Devi. Next day at the auspicious hour, the place was dug up and a deity of lord Mahavira made up of sand was retrieved. In the digging also 9 laks gold coins were also found which were melted and the idol of God Mahavira was covered with gold. Later a temple was built. It is said that the opening Pratistha (the way in which deity is installed) was done by Acharya sriji on Thursday the 5th day of shukla panchami in the year Veer Samvat 70. At the same time Acharya by his Devik powers did Pratistha for another Lord Parshvanath temple in Konarpur, which was miles away from Osiya.

Views/ Philosophy of Bhats and Charans

According to the writing of Bhats and Charans, the Oswal community was founded in year Vikram Sanwat 222. According to historian Mr. Pooran Chand Nahar and Daulat singh Bhati the oswal community came into existence in 222. However Jagga Shah of Abha Nagri made a big procession of Oswals in 222 and Jagga Shah was Oswal. Which means Oswals were in existence even before 222 but they were called Mahajans and not Oswals.

It is believed that before year 222 all Oswals were of Mahajan community. In year 222 there was a big meeting of Mahajans in Khandela (Near Jaipur) in that meeting Mahajans from Osiya (Upkeshpur), Srimal Nagar, Khandela, Pali, Agrova, Pragvat Nagar etc. came and attended. From that day all the Mahajans were named according to their places. Like from Osiya Oswals, from Srimal Srimali, From Khandela Khandelwal, from Pali Palliwal, from Agrova Agarwal and from Pragvat Porwal etc. Therefore in 70 AD Mahajans came in existence and 222 Ad Oswals came in existence.

Historical View

Some of the historians like Sri Pooran Chand Nahar, Dr. Bhandarkar, Agarchand Nahata , Hira Chand Ojha, Jagdish Singh Ghelot, Mohnot, Nensi are of the view that Oswals came in existence during the period between 70 AD and 222 AD.

Dr. Bhandarkar says that Utpaldev once asked for Shelter with Parihar king. The Parihar king gave the permission to re-build Bhelpur Pattan. It is said that shelter which was given is called Oslakiya (means take shelter) which later on was turned as Osiya. This was in 9th century.

According to Sohan Raj Bhansali the Oswals started from 8th century.

Osiya in history 

The archeological team found many old samples, statues of olden times in Osiya. In the temple of Osiya there is a deity of Harihar, which is half Shiva & half Vishnu, which is vary ancient. The paintings found in Osiya include Vasudeva with baby Krishna on his head, Krishna fighting with horse, Killing of Putna, Kalidaman, Govardhan dharan, butter stealing etc. from the same comes the interesting images of Balram which seem to represent him as the incarnation of Seshnaga.

In olden days Osiya was a very big town. Osiya’s Telivada was situated 3 miles away in Tinvari village, at 6 miles is Pandit ji ki Dhani (small Village which is Pandit pur), at another 6 miles away village Kshatripura, at 24 miles is Lohavat which was place iron smiths colony of Osiya. There were 108 Jain temples in Osiya.

Present Osiya is situated about 40 KM from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is connected by road & train with Jodhpur and Pokharan.

Conclusions

The Bhat, Charans and historians have believed Utpaldev as Parmar after seeing his name in Upkesh gachh Pattawali and concluded that he is the founder of Oswal dynasty, just by finding name of Utpaldev in Parmar dynasty it cannot be concluded that Oswals originated from there.

According to poet Rishab Das book (Hari Vijay Sri Ras) Agar Chand Nahata concludes that Oswals originated in 510 by Sri Ratna Suriji.

According to ‘Mahir Stavan’ and ‘Oswal utpati Vratant’ it is Vikram Sanvat 1011 – 15. Dr. Laxmi Mal Singhvi concluded that Oswal originated in 5th century BC. Mr. Bhansali concluded 8th century .Sri Sukh Sampat Raj Bhandari Concludes Vikram Samvat 508.

According to ‘mathuri vachan 2nd’, Skandal Suri (357-360) stated about Mathura resident Oswal Polak who made description on the Tadpatra and gave to various saints there. Which means Oswals were in existence in Mathura before 4th century.

According to Col. Todd hundreds of people of Kshatriya community settled in Osiya gram and were later called Oswals.

Munsi Devi Prasad has written a book “Rajputane ki khoj”. As per that an idol of Lord Mahavira found in Kota while digging and on that name of Bhaisa Shah and V.S. is written, Bhaisa Shah is of Aditya Nag Gotra. Which proves that Oswals were in existence before V.S. 508.

We can conclude that the Mahajans originated in VS 70 and later were called Oswals or they might have been named as oswals in VS 222.

साभार : Mahavir S. Chavan

Origin of Gotra in Oswals Vaishya

Acharya Sri Ratna Prabh Suri in the year Veer Sanvat 70 converted Raja Utpaldev of Upkeshpur Pattan (presently known as Osiya) and his entire kingdom into Jains. According to ‘Jain Jati Mahodaya’ Acharya Sriji named 18 Gotras as follow probably based on their original Gotra or business or status.

Tater

Bafna

Karnavat

Balaha

Morakh

Kulahat

Virhat

Shrishrimal

Shreshthi

Sancheti

Aditya

Nag

Bhuri

Bhadra

Chinchat

Kumat

Didu

Kannojia

Lagushreshti

All above were Mahajans in Osiya. In VS 222 a big Mahajan community gathered in Khandela near Jaipur. At that time all Mahajans of Osiya were named as Oswal and all above Gotra became part of Oswal.

According to Yati Rupchandji “Jain Sampradaya Shiksha” the total Gotras of Oswals were 440 and according to Yati Ramlalji “Mahajan Vansh Muktavali” it was 609. According to myth one Bhat had made a list of 1444 Gotra but it is not available. We have published list of above 2700 gotras and origin of more than 800 gotra.

According to Sri Muni Gyan Sunderji 458 Gotras were made from 18 Gotras.

List of First 18 Gotras and Sub-Gotras

1. TATER:- Tater, ToNdiani, Chomola, Kosia, Dhavda, Chainavat, Talobda, Narvra, SAnghvi, Dungaria, Chaudhari, Ravat, Malavat, Surti, Jorvela, Panchayat, Vinayaka, SaDherao, Nagda, Paka, HArsot, Kelani (22 sub-gotras).

2.BAFNA:- Bafna (Bahufana), Nahata, Bhopala, Bhutia, Bhabhu, Navsara, Gugalia, Dagrecha, Chamakia, Chaudhari, Jangda, Kotecha, Bala, Dhaturia, Lihuvana, Kura, Betala, Salagna, Buchani, Savalia, Tosaria, Gandhi, Kothari, Khokhra, Patwa, Daftari, Godawat, Kucheria, Balia, SAnghvi, Sonawat, Selot, Bhavda, Lagu-Nahata, PanchavAYa, Humia, Tatia, Taga, Lagu-Chamakia, Bohara, Mithadia, Maru, Randhira, Brahmecha, Patalia, Banuda, Takalia, Godha, Garola, Dudhia, Badola, Suktia (52 sub-gotras).

3KARNAVAT:- Karnavat, Bagadia, SAnghvi, Ransot, Aachha, Dadalia, Huna, Kakecha, ThaMbhora, Gundecha, Jijot, Labhani. Sankhla, Bhinmala (14 sub-gotras).

4 BALAHA:- Balaha, Ranka, Banka, Seth, Sethia, Chhavat, Chaudhari, Lala, Bohara, Bhuteda, Kothari, Raka, Depara, Nera, Sukhia, Patot, Pepsara, Dharia, Jadia, Salipura, Chitora, Haka, SAnghvi, Kagda, Kushlot, Falodia,(26 sub-gotras).

5. MORAKH:- Morakh, Pokarna, SAnghvi, Tejara, Lagu-Pokarna, Bandolia, ChuNga, Lagu-ChuNga, GaJa-Chaudhari, Goriwal, Kedara, Batokada, Karchu, KolOg, Shigala, Kothari (16 sub-gotras ).

6. KULAHAT:- Kulahat, Surva, Susani, Pukara, Masania, Khodia, SAnghvi, Lagu-Sukha, Borad, Chaudhari, Surania, Sakhecha, Katara, Hakada, Jalori, Manni, Palakhia, Khumana (18 sub-gotras).

7. VIRHAT:- Virhat, Bhurat, Tuhada, Oswala, Lagu-Bhurat, Gaga, Nopta, SAnghvi, nibolia, Hansa, Dharia, Rajsara, Motia, Chaudhari, Punamia, Sara, Ujot (17 sub-gotras).

8. SHRISHRIMAL:- Shrishrimal, srimal, SAnghvi, Lagu-Sanghvi, Niladia, Kotadia, Zabani, Naharlani, Kesaria, Soni, Khopar, Khajanchi, Danesra, Udhawat, Atkalia, Dhakadia, Bhinmala, Devad, Madalia, Koti, Chandalecha, Sanchora, Karva (23 sub-gotras).

9. SHRESHTHI:- Shreshthi, Singhavat, Bhalla, Rawat, Baid-Mutha, Patwa, Sevadia, Chaudhari, Thanavat, Chittora, Jagawat, Kothari, Bothani, Sanghvi, Popawat, Thakurot, Bakheta, Bijot, Devrajot, Gundia, Balota, Nagori, Sekhani, Lakhani, Bhura, Gandhi, Medatia, Randhira, Palawat, Shurma, (30 sub-gotras).

10. SANCHETI:- Sancheti, Suchinti, Dheladia, Dhamani, Motia, Bimba, Malot, Lalot, Chaudhari, Palani, Lagu-Sancheti, Mantri, Hukamia, Kajara, Hipa, Gandhi, Begania, Kothari, Malkha, Chhachha, Chittoria, Israni, Soni, Marua, Gharghanta, Udecha, Lagu-Chaudhari, Chosaria, Bapawat, Sanghvi, Murgipal, Kilola, Lalot, Khar-Bhandari, Bhojawat, Kati, Jata, Tejani, Sahajani, Sena, Mandirwala, Maltia, Bhopawat, Gunia, (44 sub-gotras).

11.AADITYANAG:- adityanag, Choradia, from choradia à Sodhani, SAnghvi, UDAK, Gasania, MInIyar , Kothari, Nabaria, Saraf, Kamani, Dudhoni, Sipani, Aasani, Sahlot, Lagu-sodhani, Dedani, Rampuria, Dhanani, Molani, Devsayani, Nani, Shravani, Bakad, Makkad, Bhakkad, Layunkad, Sansara, Kobera, Bhatarakia, Pitalia, Falodia, Bohara, Chaudhari, Parakh, from parakh à Bhavsara, Lagu-Parakh, Sanghvi, Dheladia, Jasani, Malhani, Trandak, Tajani, Rupawat, Chaudhari, Nagori, Patania, Chhadot, Mammaiya, Bohara, Khajanchi, Soni, Hadera, Daftari, Tolawat, Rao-Johari, Galani, Golechha, from go;echha à Daultani, Sangani, Sanghvi, Napada, Kajani, Hulla, Mehajawat, Nagada, Chitoda, Chaudhari, Datara, Minagra, Shravansukha (Shamsukha), from shravansukha à Minara, Lola, Bijani, Kesaria, Bala, Kothari, Nandecha, Bhatnera-Chaudhari, from bhatnera chaudhary à Kumpawat, Bhandari, Jimania, Chedavat, Sambharia, Kanuga, Gadhaiya, from gadhaiyaà Gehlot, Lunawat, Ranshobha, Balot, Singhvi, Nopta, Buchha, Sonara, Bhandalia, Karmot, Dalia, Ratanpura (98 sub-gotras).

12.BHURI:- Bhuri, Bhatevra, Udak, Singhi, Chaudhari, Hirania, Machha, Bokadia, Balota, Bosudia, Pitalia, Sinhavat, Jalot, Dosakha, Ladva, Haldiya, Nachani, Murda, Kothari, Patolia, (20 sub-gotras).

13.BHADRA:- Bhadra (Bhardwaz), Samdaria, Hingad, Jogad, Ginga, Khapatia, Chavhera, Balada, Namani, Bhamrani, Dheladia, Sangi, Sadavat, Bhandavat, Chatur, Kothari, Lagu-Samdaria, Lagu-Hingad, Sandha, Chaudhari, Bhati, Surpuria, Patania, Nanecha, Gogad, Kuldhara, Ramani, Nathavat, Fulgara, (29 sub-gotras ).

14.CHINCHAT:- Chinchat, Desarda (Deshlahara), Sanghvi, Thakura, Goslani, Khinvasra, Lagu-Chinchat, Pachora, Purvia, Nasaniya, Naupola, Kothari, Tarawal, Ladsakha, Shah, Aaktara, Posalia, Pujara, Banavat, (19 sub-gotras).

15.KUMAT:- Kumat(Kumbhat), Kajalia, Dhanantari, Suga, Jagavat, Sanghvi, Pungalia, Kathoria, Kapurit, Samaria, Chaukha, Sonigara, Lahora, Lakhani, Makhani, Marvani, Morchia, Chhalia, Malot, Nagori, Lagu-Kumat, (21 sub-gotras).

16.DIDU:- Didu, Rajot, Soslani, Dhapa, Dhirat, Khandia, Yodhha, Bhatia, Bhandari, Samdaria, Sindhuda, Lalan, Kochar, Darva, Bhimavat, Palania, Sikharia, Banka, barbara, gadalia, kanunga (21 sub-gotra).

17.KANNOJIA:- Kannojia, Badbhata, Rakawal, Tolia, Chhachhalia, Ghevaria, Gunglecha, Karva, Gadwani, Karelia, Rada, Mitha, Bhopawat, Jalora, Jamgota, Patwa, Musalia, (17 sub-gotras).

18.LAGU-SHRESHTHI:- Lagu-Shreshthi, Vardhman, Bhomalia, Lunecha, Bohara, Patwa, Singhi, Chittora, Khajanchi, Punot, Godhara, Hada, Kuwalia, Lunna, Nateria, Gorecha, (16 sub-gotras).

In these 18 main gotras there are total 503 sub-gotras. The magazine “Bandhu-Sanesh” printed this list in 1990.

CLASSIFICATION OF GOTRASClassification of Gotras are as per following logic:-

1. As per ORIGINAL CAST

2. As per ACHARYAS

3. As per GACHHA

4. As per FIRST Ancestor

5. As per PLACE

6. AS PER BUSINESS, PROFESSION JOB, SERVICE

1. AS PER ORIGINAL CASTS:-FROM KSHATRYAS:-

1. PANWAR:- Nahar, Bafna, Bardia, Darda, Nahata, Lalwani, Banthia, Barmecha, Kumkum-Chopra, etc.,

2. CHAUHANS:- Lodha, Kataria, Khimasra, Daga, Pithalia, Dugar, Babel, Bhandari, Sankhlecha, Kansatia, Mamaiya, Abeda, Khated, etc.,

3. Parmar:- Karania, Gang, Borad, Singhvi-Didu, etc.,

4. RATHORE:- Chordia, Golechha , Parakh, Chhajed, Zabak, Pokarna, Mohnot, etc.,

5. KHINCHI:- GALDA,6. GAHLOT:- PIPARA, etc

7. SONGARA CHAUHAN:- Doshi, Bagrecha, Subti, etc.,

8. BHATI:- Bhansali, Rakhecha, Pungalia, Aiyaria (Lunavat),

9. GAUD:- Ranka, Banka, etc

10. SIDHA:_Roonwal etc

11. SOLANKI:- Loonkad, Shripati, Dadha, Tilora, etc.,

12. DEORA:- Singhi, Singhvi,

13. DAIYA:- Salecha-Bohara, etc.

Some gotras are from Kshatryas but their original castes are not known. As Bothra, Kankaria, Mukim etc., From BRAHMINS:- Kathotia, Pagaria, Nanvana , Bhadra, Singhvi, Devananda sakhaFrom KAYASTH:- Gfundhar-ChopraFrom VAISHYA:- Pokarna, Bhabhu, Lunia, Rihod, Malu etc.,

2. As per ACHARYAS:-

Shri RATNAPRABH SURI:-First 18 Gotras and their sub-gotras.

Shri VARDHAMAN SURI:- Pipara, Kamani

Shri JINESHWAR SURI:- Shripati, Dhadha, Tilora, Chil-Bhansali, Bhansali

Shri JINCHANDRA SURI:- Shrimal,

Shri ABHEY DEO SURI:- Khetsi, Pagaria, Medatwal

Shri JINVALLABH SURI:-Kankaria, Chopra, Gandhar-Chopra, Kukad-Chopra, Vader, Sand, Singhi, Banthia, Lalwani, Barmecha, Shah, Solanki, Ghemawat, Otavat

Shri JINDUTT SURI:- Patwa, Tatia, Borad, Khimasra, Samdaria, Katotia, Kataria, Ratanpura, Lalwani, Daga, Malu, Bhabhu,Sethi, Sethia, Ranka, Dhoka, Rakhecha, Sanklecha, Pungalia, Choradia, Soni, Lunia, Nabaria, Pitalia, Bothra, Aiyaria, Lunawat, Bafna, Bhansali, Chandalia, Abeda, Khatol, Bhadgatya, Pokarna,

Shri MANIDHARI JINCHANDRA SURI:- Aagharia, Chhajed, Minni, Khajanchi, Mungadi, Shrimal, Salecha, Gang, Dugar, Shekhani,Alawat,

Shri JINKUSHAL SURI:- Babel, Jadia, Daga,

Shri JINCHANDRA SURI:- Pahalia, Pincha,

Shri JINHANSH SURI:- Galda,

Shri JINPRABH SURI:- Lagu-Khandelwal, DiduShri Jinbhadrasuri:- ZabakShri Tarunprabh Suri:- BhutariaShri Aryara Rakshat Suri:- Mahipal, Mithodia, Vader Shri Shanti Suri:- Gugalia, Gulundia

Shri KUSHAL SURI:- Daga,

Shri MANDEO SURI:- Nahar,

Shri UDHYOTAN SURI:- Baradia, Darda, Baldota-Singhvi,

Shri YASHOBHADRA SURI:- Bhandari, Shisodiya

Shri SHIVSEN SURI:- Mohnot,

Shri DHANESHWAR SURI:- Lunkad, Daddha, Tilora

Shri Dharmaghosh Suri:- Dadiyalecha, Devananda-sakha

Shri Namdeo Suri:- Nahar

Shri ChandraPrabh Suri:- Patavat

Shri Bhavdeo Suri:- Pamecha

Shri Kanak Suri:- Bolia

Shri Boppbhatt Suri:- Kosthagar

Shri Mahatma Posalia:- Kochar

Shri JaiSingh Suri:- Gala, Chhajol, Dedhiya, Nagda, Padiya, Peladia, Rathod, Lalan

Shri Ratnaprabh Suri:- Gudka

Shri Yashodeo Suri:- Vangni

Shri Vimal Chandra Suri:- Banda-Mehta

Shri RAVIPRABH SURI:- Lodha,

Shri DEOGUPTA SURI:- Lunawat,

Shri HEM SURI:- Surana,

3. As per GACHHA:-

UPKESH GACHHA:- First 18 gotras mentioned above

KHARTTAR GACHHA:- Kataria, Kankaria, Karnia,Kathotia, Khajanchi, Minni, Khimasra, Gadwani, Bhadgatia, Gelda, Gang, Gothi, Chopra,Gundhar, Kumkum, Choradia, Chhajed, Zabak, Daga, Doshi, Pithalia, Dugar,Dhadia, Tatia, Pagaria, Pokarna, Pipada, Babel, Borad, Bafna, Bothra, Mukim, Bhabhu, Bhansali, Malu, , Rakhecha,Pungalia, Lalwani, Banthia, Barmecha, Ranka, Runwal, Lodha, Lunia, Ayiaria, Lunawat, Kanstia, Mamiya, Salecha, Dhadha, Tilora , Singhi, Aabeda, Kamani, etc.,

SANDER GACHH:- Bhandari,TAPPA GACHHA:- Mohnot, Kochar etc.,KORANT GACHHA:- Sanklecha,Anchal Gachha:- Gala, Gudka, Chhajol, Dedhiya, Nagda, Mahipal, Mithodia

4. AS PER FIRST ANCESTOR :-Lalsingh -LuniaLuna -LunawatHarakhchand- HarkhawatDoongarsi –DoongraniMall –MallawatDasu- DassanniKheta –KhetaniAspal –AssaniMahaldeo –MaluBohith –BothraBachhaji –BachhawatDunga –DagaGonga –GangDudheda –DudheriaBrahmdeo –BrhmechaGada Shah –GadhaiyaLalsingh –LalwaniPilda –PithaliaBhardwaj –BhadraDaulatsingh –DaultaniRoopsingh –RoopaniTejsingh –TejaniMahaldeo –MahlaniJasa –Jasani etc.,

5. AS PER PLACEBhandsal - BhansaliKhivsar - KhinvsaraPipar - PipadaNagour - NagoriMedta - Medatwal/MedatiaPungal - PungaliaKankrot - KankariaSankhwal - SankhlechaRoon - RoonwalZabua - ZabakHala -HalakhandiJalor - JaloriKhatu - KhatolMandor - MandoraSirohi - SirohiaSanchor - SanchoraKuchera -KucheriaChitor -ChitoraFalodi - Falodia

6. AS PER BUSINESS, PROFESSION, JOB, SERVICE ETC.Tel (oil) -TiloraGhee -GhiyaGugal -GugaliaJewellery – JohariBohari - BoharaChaudhrahat- ChaudhariTreasurar - KhajanchiKothar -KothariHakumat - HakimBhandar - BhandariAccounts - MehtaShah, Seth, Sethia Vaidhya, Parakh, Singhvi.

by Mahavir S. Chavan

ओसवाल वैश्य

Oswals

Oswals also called Oswal Marwaris, or Saraogi, who are mainly Jains, hail from the town of Osia(n), or Osnagar, near Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

According to one legend of their origin, the Raja of Osnagar had no son and obtained one through the promise of a Jain ascetic. Osadev, the guardian goddess of the palace told the ascetic to convert the Raja by a miracle. So she took a small hank of cotton and passed it along the back of the saint, when it immediately became a snake and bit Jaichand, the son of the Raja, in the toe. He died and as the corpse was about to be burnt, the ascetic sent one of his disciples and stopped the cremation. He ordered the body to be returned to the place where the prince had been bitten. At midnight the snake returned and licked the bite, when the prince was returned to lie. Then the Raja became a Jain and founded the gotra now known as Sri Srimal or most noble; his servants formed that known as Srimal or most noble, while the other people of the town became ordinary Oswals.

When the Brahmans of that place asked the saint how they were to live, as all their clients had become Jains, the saint directed that they should continue to be the family priests of the Oswals. Another version of the story is that the king of Srimali (now called Bhinmal) allowed no millionaire to live within the walls of the city. As a consequence, many Srimalis left and settled in Mandovad, calling it Osa, or the frontier. The large majority of Oswals are Jain, the remainder being Vasnava Hindus.

Like the Agarwals the Oswals are divided into the Bisas, Dasas and Pachas. The Oswals are divided into 48 gotras, a list of which is given by Mr. Crooke. Most of them cannot be recognised, but a few of them are titular, Lorha - a caste which grows hemp, Nunia - a salt-refiner, Seth - a banker, Daftari - an officeboy, Bhandari - a cook, and Kukura - a dog, Buntia or Bantia etc.

The Oswal Jains celebrate their festivals with great regularity, gaiety, colour and song. They are found scattered in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharastra. The men add chand (moon), das (slave), lal (favourite) and mal (warrior) to their names viz. Punamehand, Bhagvandas, Maniklal and Naharmal etc.

Babaji and Kakaji are terms of respect used to elders and caste leaders.

The names in common use among women are Chandkuvar, Jamni, Kesar, Kasturi, Moti, Rajkuvar, Rambha, Sankri and Suryakuvar.

Bai or lady is generally added to woman's name. Their surnames are Bahira, Bhalkat, Bhandari, Chandgire, Chopade, Gadhe, Gadhate, Gandhi, Gugale, Gulecha, Kothar, Loda, Lukadrap, Mini, Mutachopada, Paragh, Pothame, Punavate, Sand, Sangide, Shinge, Sigavi, Sukhadi, Suma, Surana, Surapani and Vagmar.

Persons bearing the same surnames cannot inter-marry. As a rule, like Gujaratis, relationship on the mother's side is held to bar marriage as much as relationship on the father's side. Their home-tongue is Marwari and their family-gods are Ajitnath and Parasnath of Banaras, and Rikhabnath of Dhuleva in Udhepur.

Oswals have two divisions, Bade Sajans or Big Good men who are of the Dases or Tens, and the Chhote Sajans or Little Good men, who are of the Vise or Score division of the caste. Of the cause of the split in the caste the story is told that, about 800 years ago, a caste-feast was given at a village in Marwar when all members were asked except an old widow and her son whose names were forgotten by mistake. The old lady took offence and she and her son separated from the rest of the caste and founded the Bade or senior branch of the community. The two classes eat together but do not inter-marry. The home-tongue is Marwari, but they write their account books in Gujarati and speak Marathi or Hindi with others. They are religious, worshipping their family-god Parasnath and visiting his shrine at Shatranja hill in Palitana, and the shrine of Balaji or Vyankatraman at Tirupati. Their priest is a Marwar Brahman whom they call padhanevala or teacher, and in his absence, they ask local Brahmans to officiate at their ceremonies. They respect Brahmans of all classes and often make them money-gifts or dakshina.

They belong to the Digambar or sky-clad, that is the naked-god worshipping Jains. Their leading doctrine is that the taking of life is a sin. They worship images of the Jain gods without the help of a Jain priest. The Marwari bridegroom carries a sword and is regally clad in a turban, jewellery and a coconut is tied to his side. He is mounted on a lavishly decorated mare and led in a procession to the bride's house. It is customary for him to touch a decoration fixed on the door with a 'neem' twig or perhaps his sword before entering. The marriage ceremonies that follow his arrival are elaborate and many of them are common to other Hindu communities. The light hearted ceremonies or 'games' that are played by the couple such as fishing for the ring in a bowl filled with milk or untying the knots on the bracelets are full of gaiety and laughter!

Some common surnames

:

Baid, Jain, Sethia, Surana, Bhandary, Bahira, Bhalkat, Bhandari, Chandgire, Chopade, Gadhe, Gadhate, Gandhi, Gugale, Gulecha, Kothar, Loda, Lukadrap, Mini, Mutachopada, Parakh, Pothame, Punavate, Sand, Sangide, Shinge, Shrishrimal, Sigavi, Sukhadi, Suma, Surana, Surapani and Vagmar.

Shrishrimal is one of the 18 original gotras of the Oswals. The list of 18 gotras is given in Upakesh-gachchha-charitra composed by Kakkasuri of Upakesh Gachchha in vikram 1393. Thus shrishrimals were the residents of Ukesh (Osia) when the Oswal nyat originated. Accounts mention that Osia was settled by former residents of Shrimal (Bhinmal) town. It seems that Shrishrimals originally lived in Shrimal before they moved to Osia. The residents of Osia eventually left and settled in various places. Osia was deserted. The main temple was restored in 18th century. There are several branches of Shrishrimals. Shrishrimals are related to Agarwal, Banddhmati, Jaiswal, Jati, Kharelwal, Lohiya, Sri Mal, Sri Sri Mal, Sri Mali Pattan, Palliwal, Purwal.

Srimali banya take their name from the Srimal, more than two-thirds were Hindus and the remainder Jains. Tod writes about Bhinmal and Sanchor: "These town are on the high road to Cutch and Gujarat, which has given them from the most remote times a commercial celebrity. Bhinmal is said to contain about 1500 houses and Sanchor half that number. Very wealthy mahajans or merchants used to reside here, but insecurity both within and without has much injured these cities".

From Bhinmal the Srimalis seem to have gone to Gujarat, where they are found in considerable numbers. Like the other banias they are divided into Bisa and Dasa. In Gujarat they also have a third territorial group known as Ladva, from Lad, the old name for Gujarat. All 3 sections take food together, but do not intermarry. The 2 highest sections of the Oswals are the Srimals and the SriSrimals and it is possible that further investigation might show that the Srimals and the Oswals to have been originally of one stock.