Oshwal Community History

Very little recorded history of Oshwal is available. Most of the details are compiled from events and happenings witnessed by people and passed on to future generations. It is possible to have different understanding and interpretation of the same event.

It is believed that about 2500 years ago, members of the warrior caste within the traditional Hindu hierarchy, the Kshatriyas in the town of Upkeshpattan adopted Jainism as their faith. Upkeshpattan is said to be analogous to a town situated about 32 miles northwest of Jodhpur in the state of Rajesthan called Osiya or Ossia. Thus this group of people is called Oshwal. Nevertheless no Oshwal families are said to inhabit the present day Osiya.

The Oshwal ranks swelled with Jainism's antagonism to the caste structure as the Kshatriyas were joined by people from other castes, which with Jainism's austere adherence to the philosophy of extreme non-violence and respect of all things, animate and inanimate, resulted in the development of trade as the primary occupation amongst the Oshwals. The Kshatriyas in Rajesthan viz Rajput and Oshwals constantly do share common social etiquettes which serve as distinguishing social indicators and identities.

Both Rajesthani Rajput and Oshwals prefer the use of the honorific suffix "SA"

The Oshwals are primarily adherents of Shevtamber (the white clad) school of Jainism. A strong Oshwal identity can be found amongst certain Punjabi and Kutchi groups as well.

Kutch is a land of many religions and religious people. Migration of people in and out led to the birth of many religions, inscriptions of which can be found on stones and other carvings. The inscriptions found of Andrau and Rudradamn regime give out the fact that two centuries before Jesus, Buddhism and Jainism had already spread in Kutch. Jainism become prominently followed and practiced religion. Even to-day Jainism is the principal religion followed in Kutch.

A small group of Oshwal accompanied Great Jam Rawal, who descended on the northern coast of Kathiawar in 1535 AD. Jam Rawal's father Jam Lakhaji ruled in Terabanu in Kutch. According to bardic chronicles, Jam Lakhaji had two cousins Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja, who envied his reputation for valour. Their envy was heightened by the fame of Jam Lakhaji during the battle of Pawagadh. So largely did he contribute to its capture by Bahadurshah, the Emperor of Gujarat that he was bestowed twelve villages. As Jam Lakhaji was about to take possession of his new fiefdom, his cousins, Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja, treacherously killed him. Jam Lakhaji's son Jam Rawal escaped. Later on he killed both his cousins.

Hamirji's two sons Khengarji and Sabibji fled to Delhi. Great Moghul Emperor Hamayun helped these two to regain their Kingdom. With the help of Imperial army Jam Rawal was defeated. Along with his followers including some Oshwals of Vagad District crossed the desert of Kutch and established a settlement in Kathiawar. On his way he conquered the town of Dhroj and its dependencies and gave them to his brother Hardholji. This area was later to be known as Halar. Oshwals from 52 villages around Jamnagar are known as Halari Oshwal or ' bavan-nagri '

Jam Rawal needed a new capital. Once on a hunting trip on the land of present day Jamnagar, a hare was found to be brave enough to turn on hunting dogs, putting them to flight. Deeply impressed by this, Jam Rawal thought that if this land produced such brave hare, then it would be ideal for my capital. He consulted his astrologers and wise men and laid the foundation stone of his Capital in August 1540 AD on the banks of two rivers Rangmati and Nagmati and named it Nawanagar meaning new town. Nawanagar eventually came to be known as Jamnagar meaning the town of the Jams.

To-day Jamnagar serves as the capital of Jamnagar District. It has a population of about 400000 people. Most residents of Jamnagar are Gujarati and speak Gujarati language. A small percentage speaks Kutchi language.

Jamnagar is a sleepy town on the coast of Gulf of Kutch with unspoilt islands, beaches, hills, temples, palaces, forest and fantastic bird sanctuary. Recently it has come to prominence with Reliance Industries putting up world's largest refinery near Moti Khavdi village.