Brothers We Gurjar are more then 11 states like delhi,haryana ,punjab,himachal pradesh.uttar pradesh.rajasthan,jammu& kashmir,uttrakhand,madhya pradesh,gujrat,maharashtra but a gurjar group frm kutch also hav a gud population in orrissa,chattisgarh,Bihar
a sub gurjar Group basically frm GUJRAT and Maharashtra ie kutch Gurjar kshatriya...they left out rajasthan in early 17 century.and resided in kutch of Gujrat region.kutch Gurjar is most rich and prosperous caste in maharashtra ang gujrat.
the coal business in india and indian railways reputed contartors are from Gurjar of kutch only,
READ out the Description about Gurjar of kutch
Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or title Mistris of Kutch or Kadia Kshatriyas are a minority Hindu community of Kutch District of Gujrat State in India. They first established themselves at Dhaneti and were later granted nineteen villages by rulers of Kutch. They are famous designers of and developers of many historic monuments of Kutch, forts, temples and also dams, bridges and railways in India.
Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistri or Kadia Kshatriyas as they are known in Kutch are a group of Rajput or Gurjar Kshatriya clans, who migrated from Rajasthan in early 7th century A.D. fighting and repealing attack from North-West.
They first entered into Saurashtra in 7th century onwards and settled in various places in Saurashtra. Later in 12th century around 1177-78 A.D. (V.S. 1234) a major group of this warrior clan under leadership of Patel Ganga Maru entered Kutch from Saurashtra and established and settled themselves in a village named Dhaneti after a battle over there,which they named Dhaneti, for the war that was fought on this land.
The Parias or Paliyas of Dadas or Shurapura or Surdhan and Deris of Satis of their ancestors are still there in Dhaneti standing there as mute witness to their history more than 1000 years old. Even today the family members, desecendants of these warriors go there to pay their homage and respect, at least once a year.
According to chronicles of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas, the name Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas was adopted by their ancestors to bond their identity that they are Kshatriyas, who migrated to Gurjar region (Gujrat as of now was known as Gurjar Pradesh in those times) and finally made Kutch their home.
These Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistris in course of time left Dhaneti and went on to establish other nineteen villages in Kutch, which were granted to them by the King. Later in 14th century onwards they moved between Bhuj and Anjar and up to Galpadar and founded the nineteen villages of Anjar, Sinugra, Khambhra, Nagalpar, Khedoi, Madhapar, Hajapar, Kukma, Galpadar, Reha, Vidi, Ratnal, Jambudi, Devaliya, Lovaria, Nagor,Meghpar, Chandiya and Kumbharia.
Madhapar was named after Madha Kanji Solanki who had shifted from the Dhaneti village to Madhapar in the year (V.S. 1529) 1473-1474 AD . This early Madhapar today is known as Juna Vaas. At that time 11 (eleven) villages named Anjar, Meghpar, Galpadar, Vidi, Nagalpar, Sinugra, Khambhara, Chandia, Lovaria, Kumbharia, and Devalia were the main centres where they settled. All 11 (eleven) villages are nereby and around Anjar. The area is plain and in general called Ugamna Pat (literally meaning villages to the east). The other villages were called located in Dungaral Pat (meaning area of small mountains) in which there are 7 (seven) villages named Nagher or Nagor, Kukma, Reha, Hajapar, Jambudi and Ratnal and Madhapar where ancestors of different clans of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas settled. As per their chronicles Bhuvad Village was also established by one Piyu Chawda of Mistri Community. And Meghpar on Anjar-Galpadar Road was also founded and initially inhabitated by Mistri community. Khedoi was established later on.
Besides Dhaneti, the Parias or Paliyas of Dadas or Shurdhan and Deris of Satis of these Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistris are also found in large numbers in outskirts of Anjar, especially within the compound wall of Samadhi of Jesal-Toral in Anjar city. The "Paliyas" of these community can also be found scattered along the track and peripheri of nineteen villages founded by them. The Parias of Dadas and Sati of Jethwa, Rathor, Khodiyar, Chudasama & Savaria clans of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas are in this Temple campus.
Parias of the community can also be found at Dabda within temple premises of Kapdi Saint Jai Raja Kapadi Dada also known as Dabda Dada. Paria of Mistri Mavji Dada, Karsan Dada of Gohil and Kalyanji Dada of Jethwa are located here. Also Deri of Sati Lalu Ma of Nagalpar is within this temple.
In the years 1763 to 1765 when Gulam Shah Kalhora of Sind invaded Kutch, Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas have fought in battle along with other casts like Lohanas, Miyani, Memons etc. in defence of this land from side of Jadeja Kings of Kutch.
Religion and customs
Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistris of Kutch is a Hindu community and staunch believers in Hindu or Vedic rites and customs. The community is Vegeterian in diet.
Members of this community also religiously worship their Kuldevi and pay respects to the 'Paliyas' of their 'Dadas' and 'Deris' of their 'Satis'.
The individual families follow different Hindu Gods like Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, God Hanuman and Goddess Durga, as per their own belief and choice. In all the nineteen villages named above, therefore, you can find the temples of these Hindu Gods, built by them, centuries ago. Among which, the Thakor Mandir of Sinugra is very famous for its intricate craftsmanship and vividity. Thakor Mandir of Chandiya, Madhapar also have beautiful carvings and idols of gods & goddesses.
Many of them are also followers of Ramdev Pir (1352-1385 AD), whose Samadhi is at Ramdevra or Ranuja near Pokhran in Jaiselmer District of Rajasthan, whom they consider their Ishta-devata or "Eesht-Dev". This further authenticates their earllier bonds with Rajputs of Rajasthan.
One member of their community named Mistri Kanji was one of the five desciples of famous saint of Kutch - Kapdi Sant Mekan Dada. Mekan Dada is one of the famous saints of Kutch, born around 1720, who it is said established himself in his later life at Dhrang in year 1786. He and his disciples and animal friends Motiyo, the dog and Laliyo, the donkey are well known for the humaniterial services to the lost and hungry travellers lost in Rann of Kutch. He later took a live Samadhi along with his five disciples, one among which, as mentioned above was Mistri Kanji of this community.
Many families of this community are followers of Pranami Sampraday - an off-shoot of Hindu religion, who worship Lord Krishna in his 'Bal-swaroop' (child form). This sect of Hinduism came to prominence in Gujrat in early 17th century around 1630s.
With the advent of Swaminarayan Sampraday in Kutch during 1810-1820s many families of these Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas community adopted Swaminarayan Religion and they were instrumental in construction of Swaminarayan Temples|Mandir and Dharamsalas in some of the nineteen villages, like Anjar,Kumbharia, Madhapar, Sinugra, etc., where there were large numbers of followers of this sect.
However, though the different families independetly worshipped different Gods but their core identity remained same as Kshatriyas and Hindu and all of them always remained in unison and bound as per their historical identity of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas and inter-married only within these nineteen villages, irrespective of the fact, whichever, God & Goddess or sect, the other family followed in their individual capacity.
During historic times every village had a Head. The head of village was often called "Gaam Na Patel". That is similar to Sarpanch of recent times.
Head of all nineteen villages i.e. whole community was elected every few years. The Head of community was called "Patel" or "Naat na Patel". It was an honorary title and head-man used to use title "Patel" before their name. This "Patel" is not to be confused with Patel Surname commonly found in Gujrat.
The community was called "Naat". The community gatherings were called "Moti-Naat". "Moti-Naat" had their leader called "Patel", Village head of each Nineteen Villages and Juduicial Body of five people called "Panch", members of which were elected by Community ("Naat"). The decisions given by this "Moti-Naat" and "Panch" were considered final in case of any dispute regarding partition of property, marriage, divorce, etc and whole community used to abide by their decsions.
Surnames
These group of warrior consits of various Kshatriya clans like Jethwa, Chawda -Chowra, Rathor -Rathod,Chauhan -Chouhan-Chowhan, Maru, Varu, Vaghela, Sawaria -Savaria, Chudasama, Solanki, Parmar, Khodiyar,Padhiyar, Yadav, Tank -Taunk, Gohil, Vadher,Wegad -Vegad, Makwana, etc. The names of their Kuldevis differ as per their clan - surname. "Patel" & "Seth" were honorary titles used by community persons and not their surnames.
They have idols ('Farias') of their Kuldevi in the nineteen villages established by them, mentioned above. The names of their Kuldveis are Chamunda Maa, Brahmani Maa, Sikotar Maa, Khodiyar Maa, Peethal Maa,Chaval Maa, etc.
Skills and their contributions in history of Kutch
These Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas were also master crafts-man and architects and have played major role in erection and construction of majority of Forts, Palaces and architects of Kutch. It was because of their this quality they later came to be known as Mistris in Kutch.
As mentioned above, not only these Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistri community were expert and specialised in stone cutting and construction of forts, palaces, temples and buildings but they were also skilled architects and artisans, who could do articulate carvings of doors, windows, pillars, idols of gods and goddesses and ceilings. They have been main engineers of almost all historical monuments of Princely State of Kutch.
Mistri community were major land holders and jagirdars or garasdars in Kutch from many centuries. They also used to do farming and maintained large land-holdings and 'Vadis' (farm-house) and 'Khetars' (farm-lands) in around the nineteen villages they settled like Sapeda, Chandrani, Sugaria, Mindiyani, Bhadroi, Meghpar, Dhaneti, Bhuvad, Jakhu, Dabada to name a few. They were once a prosporous community and there was a proverb in Kutch "Mafa-vara Gada to Mistri-na-j hoy".
As per records of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas community 'Gaidher' Jagmal Pitamber of Anjar was Gaidher of Kutch Raaj in middle of 17th century and the "Gadh" meaning Forts of Bhuj, Anjar, Mandvi and Mundra are erected and construction under supervision of 'Gaidher' Jagmal Pitamber with help of other Mistris of the nineteen villages mentioned supra.
Third in line of succession of Jagaml Pitamber i.e. his son Ruda Jagmal and his son Jairam Ruda became 'Gaidher' in time of Maharao Shree Pragmalji, in whose time during V.S. 1925 to 1935 ( 1868 AD to 1878 AD) Prag-Mahal was constructed in Bhuj. His Assistant Engineer was 'Giadher' Devshi Gova of Khedoi. Maharo Shree Pragmalji held special affection for Gaidher Jairam Ruda and Mistris of nineteen villages were hired on recommendation of Gaidher. Alfred High School, Museum, Library, Hamisar ni paal (embankment of Lake Hamirsar), Aara Ghat all were constructed during the regin of Maharao Shree Pragmalji, when Gaidher Jairam Ruda of Anjar was the Gaidher of the State.
Mistri Kanji Gova of Khedoi was 'Gaidher' in Darbar of Gagubha of Kothara and the Jain Dersar Jain Temples now famous as Absada-ni- Panchtirthi and other palaces of Kothara were built under supervison of Mistri Kanji Gova of Khedoi with help of other Mistris of nineteen villages. The renovation and reconstruction of Bhadreswar Jain Temples was also done by Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas.
Mistri Kanji Gova was also 'Gaidher' of Darbar of Kaira during the years 1880 to 1895 and all the erection done by Kaira Darbar was done under his supervision.
Brother of Kanji Gova, Mistri Ruda Gova of Khedoi was also a 'Gaidher', who constructed in Nagalpar, the Aga Khan's Kubo of Khoja community. The construction started in the year 1860 and was completed in about five years.
It should be noted here that word "Gaidher" derives its name from word "Gadh". "Gadh" or "Garh" means Fort in almost all North Indian language like Hindi, Gujrati, Marathi, Rajasthani. For example Chittorgadh, Sinhgadh, etc. The persons, who were expert in building such Forts were called "Gaidhar". It is actually an honorary title.
The Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas have also built and donated funds for religious and chartitable purposes, building temples as well as hospitals and in field of child and girls education by building schools in Kutch as well through out various places in India. All early Mandir and other infrastructure like Chhabutaro, Dharamsalas in their nineteen villages are built by them. A few examples are given below.
In most of the nineteen villages belonging to Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas, they have built and started Primary Schools during early 1900s. Khoda Ramji started Primary School in Sinugra in 1910. Bhimji Devji Rathod started Girls School in Madhapar. Jagmal Raja Chauhan of Nagor built Borading House for students in Bhuj in 1932. Lira Raja Rathod of Khambhra and Dhanji Ratanji Rathod of Nagalpar built Boradring House in Anjar. They also helped to develop Ashrams of Dhrang and Vandhay in Kutch. Swaminarayan Mandir in Kumbharia was built by Jivan Narayan Chauhan in 1868. The famous Thakor Mandir of Sinugra were built by Khoda Ramji Chawda and Khoda Ratna Tank of Sinugra in 1895. Hanuman Temple and Vaadi of Hajapar are built by Nanji Govindji Tank. Temple and Ponds of Khambhra by Lira Raja. Thakor Mandir at Nagalpar was built by Lira Valji Tank.
In 1923 by request of Commissioner, Kadia Bhanji Dhanji Rathod of Devaliya had done repair and rehabilation of Dwarakadheesh temple Temple with help of Ranchhod Ramji Chauhan of Nagalpar, as per details mentioned in Temple's records. Mistri Bhanji Dhanji and his sons Mulji Bhanji & Bhimji Bhanji were Railway Contrctors of repute who have done major works in Bhusaval and Manmad section.
Renovation work and expansion of Suralbhit - Jadeshwar Mahadev Temple near Bhuj was done by Mistris - Manji Jeram Rathod and Valji Bhimji Rathod of Madhapar Village in the year 1914 (V.S. 1971) financed by Maharao Sri of Kutch. In year 1943 (V.S. 2000) Manji Jairam Rathod of Madhapar again did the renovation of Suralbhit - Jadeshwar Temple. The Step-wells near Dhorava Hanuman Temple were built by Mistri Manji Jeram Rathod of Madhapar in 1927 from his personal finance. Mistri Valji Bhimji Rathod of Madhapar was among the few persons who,apart from Royal family, owned car by permission of King of Kutch.
Besides, being in construction works Mistris were also enterprenuers and many of them owned fleet of ships and used to import & export dry fruits and spices and trade with Muscat, Mombasa, and other countries. Notable among them were Seth Raja Narayan Chawda of Kumbharia, Seth Khora Ramji Chawda of Sinugra, Kachrani Varu of Anjar in the decades of 1880-1900.
Migration out of Kutch
The major migration of Mistris from Kutch began when the British started the laying of Railway Lines in India and these Mistris or Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas community which had been skilled in construction works decided to move out of Kutch and try their skill in Railway Construction lines for which British needed skilled manforce. Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas have major contribution in History of Indian Railways, a pioneers in field of laying Railway lines through-out British India and Coal Mining in India.
Many families of Mistris also migrated outside India to other British Colonies like East Africa, Fiji and Burma during middle of 19th century around 1850. They were encouraged by British to go there as there was dearth of skilled persons in those countries and British needed them to build infrastructure over there. The contribution of Mistri community in infrastructure development of many East African Countries, Burma, Maldives, Ceylon and as far as Fiji is immense. Even today, you can find their descendants living in Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, etc. Although, at present, many have moved out of East Africa and settled in United Kingdom or have returned back to India, due to political uncertainty in East African countries.
Contribution in history of railways in British India
It was during this years starting from 1850 AD to 1930 AD the Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistris community migrated outside Kutch and have done construction of all major rail-bridges and laying down of railway tracks in almost all major rail routes of undivided British India doing the Railway "Thekedari" i.e. Railway Contractors and as Contractors ("Thekedar") in Irrigation Projects. Their families, in course of time, settled in various parts of India during these early years of Railway Construction 1850 to 1930 and have continued to prosper and progress in various other fields in various States of Union of India. The testimonials and details of which can be found from their community chronicles and books referred under.
They have done the pioneering works in Scind Railways, Punjab Railways, East Indian Railway,Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway , Great Indian Peninsula Railway, North West Railways, Northeast Frontier Railways, Bengal Nagpur Railway, Bankura Damodar Railway, Assam-Bengal Railways, Maharashtra Southern Railway, Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway, East Coast Railway, Morvi & Junagarh State Railways, Kutch State Railway, Nizam State Railway,Hyderabad-Godavari Valley Railways, South Indian Railway, Tapti Valley Railway, Gaikwad Railway, Bhavnagar State Railway, Scindia State Railway, Central India Railway,Mysore State Railway, etc. to name a few. The first persons to enter into this field were in the decade of 1850 and many Mistris soon followed and by 1910 the Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas had established their monopolies as Railway Contractors various divisions of Indian Railways by gaining praise and affection of British authorities with their skill, simplicity, endurance and hard work.
Just to give an idea of works Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas have done in Railways laying in undivided British India, the following details are given from their community chronicles & books referred hereunder :- In 1850-1860 - Jivan Narayan Chauhan of Kumbharia with Daya, Manji & Mepa Pachan of Sinugra laid the Railway lines in Scind Railways between Karachi - Kotri - Rawalpindi. His son Govamal Jivan Chuahan was born in Karachi in 1855, who also became a major Contractor and his life sketch along with Khora Ramji Chawda of Sinugra in mentioned in Encyclopedia of Bengal, Bihar & Orissa. While in later decades of 1886 Khoda Ramji Chawda of Sinugra was working on 100 miles of contract between Surat and Amalner in Tapti Valley Railways, in 1887 Manji Daya of Anjar and Lakhu Devji Vegad of Anjar were building the Bridge over the creek from Rameshwaram to Pamban, around that time in 1886-87 Karsan Bhima Rathod of Madhapar was laying lines between Cuttack and Puri and bridge over Dhelang River, Jagmal Gangji Savaria of Kumbharia was building Railway lines between Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur during 1888-1890 and in 1888 Khora Ramji Chawda of Sinugra with Jetha Lira Jethwa of Sinugra was building railway track of Bilaspur to Jharsuguda and bridge over Champa river and Govind Karsan of Hajapar was doing contract of lines between Howrah and Kharagpur and building stations of Baluchak, Raur & Chandpur and at the same time Manji Jeram Rathor of Madhapar was building Midnapore Railway Station. While Bechar Hardas Khodiyar of Anjar in year 1890 was laying tracks between Bilaspur and Katni, his brother Jeram Hardas Khodiyar of Anjar in 1887 was working on doubling of Railway tracks between Itarsi and Khandwa, Govamal Jivan Chuahan of Kumbharia in 1884 was working in Bezwada Section of Nizam Railways near Warangal, Vishram Karman of Chandiya & Jeram Jagmal of Kumbharia in 1886 were building lines between Miraj and Sangli in M.S. Railways, while Ladhha Jiva in 1883 built Bridge over Machhu River at Morvi and 1885 he built bridge over river at Padghari. While during same time Karsan Vishram Chauhan of Nagor was working on Railway tracks in Assam Bengal Railways between Siliguri to Saidpur and Paksey. In 1890 Narayan Mandan of Kumbharia built Railway Track between Sini to Purulia.In 1886 Mavji Kanji Rathod of Madhapar did extensive work in Assam-Bengal Railways near Saidpur, Dacca, Siliguri. Varjang Mulji Tank of Khambhra built 22 miles Railway line between Bhildi & Raniwada in Haryana. Whereas in 1882 Ratanshi Manji Tank of Sinugra built railway track between Cuttack & Kharagpur. In 1919 he built the bridge over River Falgoo near Gaya and railway lines connecting Aripata, Darbhanga, Jaynagar, Samastipur. In 1903 Railway bridge over River Ganga between Allahbad & Lucknow was built by Khoda Ramji Chawda of Sinugra, Agra City Sation in 1903 was built by Mavji Manji of Hajapar and in same year Mulji Maghji of Nagor and Raja Narayan of Nagor built bridge over Jamuna River near Agra and railway lines between Sikohabad to Farukabad were built by Mavji Petha , Dana Khoa both of Hajapar & Jairam Govind of Kukma. In 1918 Anuppur to Barwadi section of Railway was built by Hardas Khimjee of Khambhra in partnership with Narayan Vala, Jeram Premji, Ratna Premji, Khimjee Manji & Vasta Manji all of Kukma. Ramji Gangji of Kumbharia in same year built bridge over Hasdeo River near Chirimiri in this section.
In Nizam State Railways Govamal Jivan Chauhan built track between Vadi to Bezwada with fellow Mistri Ruda Arjan of Kumbharia & Lalji Madan of Madhapar including Railway Station of Bhavangiri, Timalgiri, Aler and Warangal. Nathu Lalji Solanki of Madhapar built 90 miles Railway track in Nizam State Railway and Trikamji Punja Rathod of Khambhra built 10 miles Railway track between Secundrabad to Kazipeth in 1910.
In Kutch State Railways, the first laying of Railways between Anjar & Bhuj in year 1900-01 was done by Mistri Karsan Bhara, Bhanji Bheemji & Bhanji Harji all of Kukma. Also in 1900 Mistri Vishram Karman of Chandiya laid the Kutch State Railways between Tuna Port and Anjar. Mandvi Port Docks and Bridge over Rukhmavati were also built by Mistri Vishram Karman of Chandiya in 1883 to name a few works.
Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas have done the bridges over the Son River at Dehri-on-sone, over Yamuna near Mughalsarai, over Ganga and Yamuna at Allahbad, over Champa River near Bilaspur, Pamban Bridge at Rameshwaram, over Rupnaryani at Kolaghat, over Hooghly at Calcutta to name a few of major Railway works done in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, United Provinces, Central Provinces, Punjab, Sind, Rajasthan, Nizam's Territories, Bombay State & Madras Provinces, etc.
The next generations of these Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas followed their fathers and many earned honorary titles from British for their engineering feats in building major bridges and lines of Railways through out India. Their contributions to building Railway Tracks in India continued thus starting from 1850 to 1950 for almost a century, as per the referred books. They were lovingly called "Kutchi Contractors" by Railway Authorities and people of other States of India. Even today many of their families are working as Railway Contractors in India.
Contribution in history of coal mining in India
Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistris community were also the pioneers to enter in to Coal Mining business in Dhanbad- Jharia -Bokaro Coalfields area starting from 1895 to 1925 and established many collieries breaking the monopoly of British and Europeans in that field. They established Khas Jharia, Jeenagora, Balihari, Fatehpur, Joyrampur, Tisra, Katrasgarh, Kujamo, Golukdih, Pandibri, Rajapur, Basra, Bugatdih, Jambad, Kajoragram in Bihar & Bengal and Donganalla, Hingir-Rampur, Ghorghori, Ghoradongri , Tavaveli etc in Orissa and Madhya Pradesh to name a few.
To give a few examples, in Jharia-Dhanbad belt Seth Khora Ramji Chawda of Sinugra founded Khas Jharia, Fatehpur, Balihari, Jeenagora, East Bagatdih Colliries. with their brothers, Teja Ramji, Jetha Lira Jethwa, Mulji Akhoy, Narayan Pachan Chowra between years 1895-1910. Govamal Jivan Chauhan of Kumbharia founded Pandubra and Golukdih Collieries during 1908-10. The life-sketch of Seth Khora Ramji Chawda of Sinugra and Govamal Jivan Chauhan of Kumbharia is mentioned specially by British in Encyclopedia of Bengal, Bihar & Orissa mentioning their feats of Railway works and Coal Mining. The other notable from this community were Ramji Gangji Sawaria of Kumbharia founded Basra Colliery, brothers Khimjee Dossa & Gangjee Dossa Jethwa of Nagalpar founded collieries at Tisra and Katras, Joyram Gohil of Sinugra founded Joyrampur & Khas Bagatdih Collieries, Rai Bahadur Jagmal Raja of Nagor & Manji Jeram of Madhapar founded Rajapur Colliery, Dana Premji, Karamsinh Ghela Chawda, Khimji Valji of Reha, Dhanji Ratanji of Nagalpar, all started collieries at Tisra, Ramji Dhanji Chawda of Kumbharia founded Hingir-Rampur Colliery near Brajrajnagar, brothers Rai Sahib Mulji Jagmal & Ranchhod Jagmal of Kumbharia founded Donganalla Colliery near Pali in Chhattisgarh, while Rai Sahib Vishram Walji Rathod of Madhapar founded Ghoraghori, Ghoradongri & Tavaveli colliaries near Chhindwara, Ghela Pachan Parmar of Kukma founded Jambad & Kajoragram Coal Mines near Asansol in Bengal, to name a few. Arjan Ladhha & Varjang Harji Rathod of Kumbharia founded the Manganese Ore mines in Chaibasa in 1910. Rai Sahib Mulji Jagmal of Kumbharia and Rai Bahadur Jairam Valji of Khambra also owned Manganese, Dolomite and Limestone Mines in at Jairamnagar, Akaltara, Tirodi, Katni in Central Provinces. Jeevram Jairam of Sinugra owned Minerals mines in Saraikela. The Rathod Market and Chawda Market in Dhanbad are built by this community during those years. They laid the foundation of coalliries in Dhanbad-Jharia-Bokaro fields on which the later other communities like Punjabis (Khanna,Thapar), other Kutchi Communities (Nandwans, Chanchani, Worah, Ojhas), Marwaris (Agarwals, Poddars), Gujrati (Patel, Thacker) also followed and prospered in decades after 1930. Out of 92 collieries belonging to Gujratis in Jharia Coalfields Area during 1930s - 50 belonged to Mistris of Kutch. In the lifesketch of Khora Ramji given in Encyclopedia of Bengal, Bihar & Orissa - the British have noted that - "In Jharia Coalfield he was first Indian to seize the oppertunity and by his propmpt entry into colliery business, he was able to remove the stigma that would otherwise be levelled against his community as backward class." Seth Khora Ramji of Sinugra was also honoured by King of Kutch by giving him a Paghdi. Khora Ramji died in year 1923, just after his death in 1925, two of his colliries Khas Jharia & Golden Jharia capsized due to now infamous underground fires.
Although, after nationalisation of the coal mines in 1971-73 all of them lost their mines and assets and a downturn in fortune of this community came. But history is witness to the fact that the credit of being the first Indians goes to Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistris of Kutch, who broke monpoly of British and European companies in coal mining field, a fact noted by British themselves in Life-sketch of Khora Ramji Chawda in Encyclopedia of Bengal, Bihar & Orissa. You can still find the many buildings and markets constructed by them in Dhanbad and Jharia and Raipur in Chhatisgarh, during their heyday, as a witness to their history. The Chawda Market, Rathod Market, Gohil Cold Storage in Dhanbad, Gujrati School at Jharia and Ramdev Market, Ramji Building in Raipur built during 1920-30 are a few examples.
A brief idea of their contribution in various cities and states of India
Mistris or Kadia ' of Kutch were also involved in construction of many historical buildings of Mumbai. The Port of Bombay were built during years 1750 to 1760 and the people who worked in construction of this Port were Kamthi of South India, Sikar of Rajasthan and Mistris or Kadia of Kutch & Saurashtra. Besides the first Railway lines of BB&CI in an around Bombay, Kalyan and Thane. Mistris were also involved in construction of Victoria Terminus, High Court, Taj Hotel to name a few. Ranchhod Pachan Rathod of Khambhra settled in Kalyan had erected Saind-Hudsort and Mazgaon Railway cross bridge and also yards and station of Khandala. "Kutch Castle" of Bombay belonging to Royal family of Kutch was erected by Rai Bahadur Jagmal Raja Chauhan of Nagor during time of Maharao Shri Khengarji Bawa, who shared a personal friendship with Jagmal Raja.
In Calcutta, Mistris have built the Bally Bridge of Calcutta, King George Dock of Khiddirpore, and were involved in construction of Howrah Bridge. They were also involved in construction many majestic buildings of Calcutta, then the Capital of British India. The erection of Bally Bridge and King George Dock extension at Khhidirpore was done by Rai Bahadur Jagmal Raja Chauhan of Nagor. The Tatanagar Railway Station was erected by Nanji Govindji Tank of Hajapar.
In Orissa, the famous "Shail Sadan Palace" of Bolangir Raj was constructed in 1886 by Karsan Bhima Rathor of Madhapar, while he was stationed at Cuttack doing Railway Contracts. His son Kunwarji Karsan Rathod was later given title of 'Rai Saheb' by British for major Railway works in Orissa.
In Nasik, Jairam Daya Chauhan of Kumbharia after having done major Railway Contracts entered into other business and later constructed Muktidham, which is now a famous attraction of the town.
The community was also one the first to venture into Entertainment business and many of the built and owned Cinema Hall or Talkies as they were called then. They have built Cinema Halls in Raipur, Raigarh, Bilaspur, Manmad, Bankura, Kharasia, Kotma, Cuttack, Nasik, Gondia, Vapi, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Asansol, Dhanbad, Itarsi, Bhopal, Balaghat during nascant years of the Entertainment Industry in decades of 1920-50. They also ventued into Hotel and hospitality industry.
While, Manji Daya with Lakhu Devji both of Anjar built the Railway lines and Pamban Bridge over creek of Rameshwaram to Pamban construction of which they started in year 1887 and completed in around 1910. While working on Pamban Bridge the Mistris Lakhu Devji of Anjar and Gangji Narayan of Khedoi also built famous Temple of Neel-Mandir having seven domes at Rameshwaram, construction which, they started in 1899 and completed in about five years by 1905.
In 1932, when Rai Bahadur Jagmal Raja of Nagor had just completed construction of Bally Bridge in Calcutta. He was recommanded by Viceroy of India to King of Nepal, who needed Contractor of repute to do renovation and rehabilation of his Palaces. He was given the Contract for the same and Parbat Harji Chauhan, Karaman Devji Chauhan both of Kukma and Manji Shivjee of Madhapar were delegated by Jagmal Raja to supervise and complete the work.
In 1923 Jagmal Raja was given title of Rai Bahadur at a convocation held in Simla, the summer Capital of British India. Jagmal Raja was one of the first persons given permission by King of Kutch State to own car in Kutch after the Royal family. H.H. Maharao Sri Khengarji Bawa of Kutch held close intimacy with Jagmal Raja of Nagor. He was A.D.C. to H.H. Maharao of Kutch in the Coronation of King George VI in 1937 in London. Perheps the only person from any community of Kutch to have the honour of being ADC to King of Kutch.
Jagmal Raja Chauhan of Nagor, though studied up to 5th Standard, had the distinction of being conferred with Degree of AEIE (UK) on recommandation of Lord Irwin after completion of Bally Bridge in London. His life-sketch is noted in Encyclopædia Britannica and also noted in Book of World Knowledge. H.H. Rao of Kutch also honoured Jagmal Raja by his presence at the convocation confeering this Degree in London to him.
Jagmal Raja was also an Industrialist and had started Glass factories at Naini near Allahbad and at Bombay, Straw factory at Dahanu, Pickle factory at Calcutta, Sanitary & Potteries factory at Derol in Gujrat. He also owned a Private Airlines Company named Ambica Airlines.
British authorities named the station on its inauguration in 1929 Jairamnagar (a Railway Station at a distance of about 14 km from Bilaspur) in honour of the famous Railway Contrator of the community, Rai Bahadur Jairam Valji Chawda of Khambhra, who established himself at Raigarh for Railway Contracts. Jairamnagar is perheps the only case apart from Tatanagar, where the British have named a Railway Station after an Indian. Jairam Valji was given title of Rai Bahadur for his majestic works in field of laying and building Railways tracks and bridges.
Similarly Hirji Karamsi Chauhan of Devaliya in years 1887 onwards built the railway track betweeen Ranchi and Purulia. His son Lalji Hirji Chauhan was later given title of Rai Sahib for magnificent works of Railways done in Bihar and Bengal. Even toady there is a road by his name - Lalji Hirji Road in Ranchi.
Many members of this community were given the honorary title of 'Rai Bahadur' and 'Rai Sahib' for their majestic and magnificent work done in construction and laying down of Railway lines and pioneering efforts in fields of Coal Mining in British India. Feats of many of them have been also noted in the Encyclopedia of Bengal, Bihar & Orissa. Names of some are given here-under. Other books mentioned below also mentions their feat.
Religious and charitable contributions outside Kutch
Outside Kutch also they have built many temples, Dharamsalsas, schools for example - The Kutchi Ashram in Haridwar was also built mainly from donations of this community under guidance and leadership of Manji Jeram Rathod of Madhapar in 1954. The land for Kutchi Dharamsala in Dwarka was donated by Lira Raja Rathod of Khambhra. The Kutchi Kadia Dharamsala in Mathura was built by Khoda Ramji Chawda and Jetha Lira Jethwa of Sinugra. The Gujrati Dharamsala in Amarkantak was also built by Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas. Bechar Hardas Khodiyar of Anjar started Gujrati School and constructed Ram Temple at Kharagpur in West Bengal. The community also donated a large sums to built Arya-Kanya Gurukul at Porbandar, Vikas Vidhaylaya of Wadhwan, started Gujrati Primary School in Jharia and Raipur and built "Jharia House" Hostel at Rajgaht Besant Collage, Varanasi. They have also donated large sums to Gurukul Kangri Vidhyalaya of Haridwar & Navajivan Trust of Ahmedabad during their founding years. The famous Ramdev Pir Temple in Raipur at Fafadih Chowk was built and financed by Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas. Further, in 1900s Mistri Jagmal Gangji Savaria of Kumbharia built a Ram Temple in Bilaspur in 1890 and his brothers Shyamji Gangji Savaria of Kumbharia a temple in Raigarh in 1895 and Jeevan Gangji Savaria of Kumbharia built a temple & pond in Chhatna in 1903 when they were working as Railway Contractors. The famous Chabutro near Raigarh railway station (almost a replica of one found in villages of Mistri) - a landmark of city, was also erected by Shayamji Gangji Sawaria of Kumbharia. Rai Saheb Gopal Nanji Tank of Kukma built a Hospital in Amravati. Rai Sahib Mulji Jagmal & Ranchhod Jagmal Savaria built a Hospital in Ratanpur. M.H.Wegad Science Collage in Umred was built by Harlilal Devanda Vegad of Kumbharia & Balaghat. Jairam Daya Chauhan of Kumbharia, who built Muktidham Temple at Nashik Road also donated a large sums to start Collage in Nasik named J.D.Bytco. At Rameshwaram famous Neel-Mamdir was built between years 1899-1904 by Lakhu Devji of Anjar and Gangji Narayan of Khedoi. Rai Bahadur Jagmal Raja Chauhan of Nagor built the huge Dharamsala near Jhusi Ashram housing more than 100 rooms on banks of Ganga River at Allahbad during 1910, a temple in Rajkot and boarding house for students in Pune. The Gujrati School in Valsad was started by Rai Sahib Vishram Valji Rathor of Madhapar.
Present status
Post independence, a downturn in fortune of community came. The community suffered a double blow by way of two legislations.
In years of 1947 to 1958 there were major land reforms acts passed by Parliament. Zamindari Abolition Act in 1947, Bihar Zamindari Abolition Act(1948), Bihar Land Reforms Act, 1950, The Saurashtra Land Refors Act, 1951 and The Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands (Vidarbha Region and Kutch Area) Act, 1958 and came into effect, due to which their lagre land holdings in Kutch and also in Gujrat were lost as the law provided that "land belongs to whom, who tills it" ("Khede teni jamin"). Most of the male members of Mistri community were enterprenuers and involved in Railway & PWD Contracts as well Coal Mining all over India.As such the agriculture lands of Mistri community in Kutch were tilled by Ahirs, Rabari , Sorathias and Miyana communities. By stroke of these laws the lands were transferred by Government to the persons who tilled. While in other States of Bombay, Bihar & Saurashtra where they also had purchased agriculture lands were also lost due to other Acts mentioned supra.
Then in years 1971-73, coal mines all over India were nationalised by an Emergency Act passed by Parliament. The Coking Coal Mines (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1971 followed by the Coking Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1972 & Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 came into effect and the Coal mines assets of the community majority of which were in Bihar & West Bengal in Jharia-Bokaro-Asansol coal-belt and in other States of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa were all taken over by Government.
At present this community members are found scattered though-out India, the descendats of first Railways Contrators and Coal Mining Enterpruers, whose families you can find maily along major rail-routes and Railway Junctions in India. As said earlier, the migration of these families outside Kutch has taken place during the decades of 1850-1930 mainly for the railway contracts and coal Mining business they had pioneered. Their settlements along major rail-heads are a proof to their history.
At present, in Gujrat in Kutch District -- Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas are mainly residing Anjar, Nagalpar, Sinugra, Galpadar, Chandiya, Adipur, Gandhidham, Mandavi, Mundra, Varmanagar, Khedoi, Reha, Hajapar, Madhapar, Kukma, Devaliya, Kumbharia, Lovaria, Khambhra, Nagor & Bhuj. It may be wothwhile to mention that today out of nineteen villages founded by them, there are no families of these community in Ratnal & Meghpar.
While in Saurashtra region of Gujrat they are in Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Okha, Surat, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Mithapur, Vapi, Valsad, Umred, Navsari, Vasad, Daman, Dharampur,Piploi, etc.
In Maharashtra, families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Mumbai, Kalyan, Thane, Dahanu, Pune, Nashik, Nashik Road, Ratnagiri, Manmad, Bhusaval, Nandurbar, Igatpuri, Amravati, Akola, Nagpur, Gondia, Wardha, Balaghat, Umrer, Tirodi, Tumsar, Yawatmal, Chandrapur, Ballar-shah, Barsi, Latur, Osmanabad, Parli-Baijnath, Purnea, Parbhani, Umred, Pandharpur, Nanded, Hingoli, Jalna, Aurnagabad, Shrirampur, Nandurbar, Beed.
In Chhattisgarh, families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Durg, Bhilai, Kumhari, Raipur, Dhamtari, Abhanpur, Bilaspur, Jairamnagar, Korba, Pali, Pendra Raod, Manendragarh, Kawardha, Chirimiri, Bagbahra, Bhatapara, Mahasamund, Jagdalpur, Raigarh, Kharasia.
In Madhya Pradesh, families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Bhopal, Bagra-Tawa, Hoshangabad, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Shahdol, Katni, Keymoor, Umaria, Kotma, Chhindwara, Indore & Ujjain.
In Uttar Pradesh, families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Varanasi, Agra, Jaunpur, Mughalsarai, Kanpur, Robertsgunj, Allahbad.
In Delhi-Rajasthan route the Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Abu Road, Phulera, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaipur, Kota and Delhi.
In Orissa, families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in cities of Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Kanrabagi, Jeypore, Baripada, Khariar Road, Raigada, Jaiyor, Cuttak, Kenjorgadh, Bhubneshvar, Beharampur, Balasor, Angul, Kantabhaji
In Bihar & Jharkhand families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts and Coal Mining have settled in Chakardahrpur, Chaibasa, Tatanagar, Ghatshila, Dhanbad, Katras, Jharia, Bhaga, Ranchi and Patna, Bankudi, Purnea, Gaya.
In West Bengal, families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts and Coal Mining have settled in Kharagpur, Asansol, Burdwan, Raniguj, Bankura, Adra, Purulia, Kolaghat, Uttarpara and Calcutta. The families living in North-East citites of Tinsukia, Guwahati have now mostly left them due to turmoils in decade of 1980-90.
In Andhra Pradesh, families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Nizamabad, Sirpur - Kagaz Nagar, Karim Nagar, Mancharial, Kazipeth, Hyderabad, Secundrabad, Vishakhapatnam.
In Karnataka families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Vijaywada, Gulbarga, Kurnool, Solapur, Belur Hasan, Bangalore.
In Tamilnadu families of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas while doing Railway Contracts have settled in Coimbtore, Tiruchinapalli, Madurai, Madras.
Today, they have formed their associations in different States of India and organise seminars and meetings at State as well National levels and organise community meetings two to three times in year where Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas families from all over India come to re-strengthen their bonds and heritage and also organise meetings to find suitable brides and grooms for their siblings and also to resolve their family disputes through guidance of their elders. Every three years they also elect their leader(President) by voting. Like in historic times even today they have their internal judiciary body called "Panch", who try to settle family disputes by mutual and amicable ways. The members of this "Panch" are appointed by the community's working board. President of the community in consultations with heads of different state level organisation then selects his working committee for three years. These Community gatherings of theirs takes place in different places of India and once a year they also assemble in Kutch - their Native State.
They also have a woman's wing called "Mahila Mandal" at State and national level. Every three years a woman president is also elected by ladies of the community. The woman's wing works independently and also in co-operation with President of the community. The national level women's body of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas is called "Akhil Bharatiya Mahila Mandal". The woman president of this wing then democratically appoints her working committee members.
Similarly, they also have a youth wing at state and national organisational levels called "Yuvak Mandal". The young generation help in organising major national and state level events and the youths also organise an sports event every three years called "Kutchyadd" taking their cue from Asiad sports. The event also coincides with Dance, Music & match-making event. They also organise a match-making event called "Sagpan-sammelan" and other musical and dance programmes every year at different locations in India.
Every year, at different State level a mass-marriage event is also held called "Samuh-Lagna", where-in the marriages of financially weak families or couples are held with blessings and financial co-operation of whole community at a very nominal expense.
It is customary for them to mention the name of Villages of Kutch from which they hailed in their Wedding Cards, even today after over a century of their migration outside Kutch. Further, the newly-wed couple has to come at least once, even though they may living outside India to bow to their Kuldevi, temples of whom are located in the Nineteen Villages in Kutch, which were originally founded by their ancestors. Further, there is a custom in Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas also to offer special prayers and pooja called "Kar" to their Kuldevis, whenever a boy is born in the family. For, which they come with the boy to these Villages to offer their prayers and "Kar" and "Naivadh" to their Kuldevis. All the members of the community, whether living in Kutch, in others states of India or outside India religiously follow this customs, even today.
Notable persons
Among the prominent people to hailed from this community are many some of whom are mentioned under:-
* Mistri Kanji, Dhrang- Mekan Dada ni Samadhi
* Gaidher Jagmal Pitamber of Anjar
* Gaidher Jairam Ruda of Anjar
* Giadher Mistri Kanji Gova of Khedoi
* Gaidher Mistri Ruda Gova of Khedoi
* Mandan Ramji Patel of Anjar
* Jairam Ruda Gajdhar Rathod of Anjar
* Devram Daya Varu of Anjar
* 'Patel' Kunwarji Ramji Chawda of Devaliya
* Seth Raja Narayan Chawda of Kumbharia
* Seth Khora Ramji Chawda of Sinugra, Jharia, Dhanbad
* Rai Bahadur Jagamal Raja Chauhan of Nagor,Bombay, Allahbad
* Manji Jeram Rathod, Madhapar, Jharia
* Mistri Jairam Jagmal, Kumbharia
* Mistri Lakhu Devji, Anjar
* Mistri Manji Daya, Anjar
* Mistri Gangji Narayan, Khedoi
* Mistri Manji Heera, Kumbharia
* Mistri Mulji Govind, Madhapar
* Mavji Mulji Chauhan, Madhapar, Madurai
* Pragji Premji Rathod of Khedoi
* Kunwarji Ananda Vadher of Sinugra
* Nanji Gokar Parmar
* Premji Pancha Taunk of Kukma
* Ratanshi Manji Tank, Sinugra, Gaya
* Khoda Ratna Tank, Sinugra
* Balram Madhavji Vadher of Sinugra, Bhatapara
* Laddha Ramji Solanki, Madhapar Tiruchirappalli
* Ratilal Madhavji Chawda, Anjar, Gulbarga
* Narayan Pachan Chowra, Sinugra, Jharia
* Ghela Pachan Parmar, Kukma, Asansol
* Harji Gangdas Vegad of Kumbharia
* Premji Meghji Sawaria of Kumbharia
* Mavji Kanji Rathod, Bhopal
* Rai Bahadur Jairam Valji Chawda of Khambhra, Raigarh,Jairamnagar
* Lira Raja Rathor of Khambhra, Calcutta
* Rai Sahib Mulji Jagmal Gangji Sawaria,Kumbharia, Bilaspur
* Rai Sahib Vishram Walji Rathor,Madhapar, Chhindwara,Vapi
* Rai Sahib Kunwarji Karsan Rathor, Madhapar,Cuttack
* Rai Sahib Ruda Ladhha Chawra,Madhapar,Bagra-Tawa,Hoshangabad
* Rai Sahib Narsinh Bechar Khodiyar,Anjar, Kharagpur
* Rai Sahib Lalji Hirji Chauhan, Devaliya, Ranchi
* Rai Sahib Devraj Daya Chauhan, Sinugra, Jharsuguda
* Rai Sahib Gopal Nanji Tank, Kukma, Amravati
* Mandan Bhanji Paramar of Kukma
* Amarsinh Govamal Chauhan, Kumbharia, Dhanbad
* Nanji Govindji Tank, Hajapar, Jamshedpur
* Manji Govamal Chauhan, Kumbharia, Dhanbad
* Jetha Lira Jethwa, Sinugra, Jharia
* Nanji Mavji & Kumbha Mavji Chawda, Galpadar
* Vishram Karman Chawda, Chandiya
* Raja Khimji Chavda, Chandiya
* Nathu Lalji Solanki, Madhapar, Secundrabad
* Ranchhod Pachhan Rathor, Khambhra, Kalyan
* Gangjee Dossa Jethwa, Nagalpar, Jharia
* Khimjee Dossa Jethwa, Nagalpar, Jharia
* Dhanji Ratanji Rathod, Nagalpar, Tisra
* Shyamji Gangji Savaria, Kumbharia, Raigarh
* Karsanji Jetha Jethwa, Sinugra
* Hemraj Kanji Chawda, Sinougra
* Bhimji Lakhu Vegad of Anjar
* Lalji Kachrani Varu, Anjar
* Jairam Karsan Chowhan , Nagor,Sambalpur
* Khimji Walji Chauhan, Reha, Dhanbad
* Jairam Daya Chauhan, (JD Bytco), Kumbharia, Nasik
* Bhanji Dhanji Rathor, Devaliya, Bhusaval
* Purshottam Khimji Chauhan, Reha, Dhanbad
* Ramji Karman Rathod, Khambhra, Raipur
* Ruda Valji Savaria, Kumbharia, Raipur
* Devram Jetha Jethwa, Sinugra, Calcutta
* 'Vaidhraj' Pragji Monji Rathod, Navsari
* Hirji Khimjee Chauhan, Reha, Ratnagiri
* Vijaysinh Kunwarji Rathor, Madhapar, Cuttack
* Amarsinh Lira Raja, Khambhra, Calcutta
* Purshottam Lira Raja, Khambhra, Calcutta
* Hirji Vishram Parmar of Hajapar
* Valamji Hirji Parmar, Hajapar, Uttarpara
* Lalji Raja Waghela, Sinugra, Bankura
* Ranchhod Gangu Gohil, Sinugra, Rajkot
* Amritlal Govamal Vegad,Jabalpur
* Smt. Bhanuben Jairam Chauhan, Bombay, Nagor
* Dharshi Jethalal Tank, Tatanagar, Nagalpar
* Smt. Nirmalaben Chauhan (Tank), Aurangabad, Khambhra
* Visanji Kesavji Khodiyar , Anjar
* Laxman Jairam Chowhan , Nagor,Sambalpur
* Pethaji Khimji Varu , Hajapar,Vizianagram
Read more:
veergujjar.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=0&action=display&thread=11#ixzz12nUY5R6s
