Bagherwal

"Bagherwal Digambar Jain community" originated from 'Baghera' a princely state in Rajasthan (in India). Presently this town is situated in Ajmer district of Rajasthan.

History

Historical evidence about this community is available in stone inscriptions of eleventh century A.D. As per these inscriptions, the community was prominently residing at Chittorghar, Ranthambore and Mandalgarh. During Mughal invasion in twelfth century, the community left these forts and spread in different villages and towns of Rajputana and Madhya Pradesh. About six hundred years ago, three hundred families migrated to Maharastra from Chittor under the leadership of Jijaji and Punaji Khatod. This group settled in various parts of Maharastra.

All community members are followers of Jain religion (Digambar). The community has built many Jain temples in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra. Kirti Stambh built by one of the community member Jijaji Kathod at Chittor fort is a historical monument. It is a seven story structure built in 12th century AD.

Pandit Ashadhar a scholar of Jain philosophy, writer of about 100 manuscript in Sanskrit was born in this community.

Bagherwal Today

Currently Bagherwal families are settled mainly in South west Rajasthan (Haroti, Mewar), North West Madhya Pradesh (Malwa) and Maharastra (Vidarbh). Bagherwal population is about thirty thousands. Main occupation of the community is Trade and Agriculture. Now this community has spread to Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Few families have settled outside India in Australia, England, Germany, Thailand and United States

Gotras

There are 52 gotras in Bagherwal community. Main gotras are as follows

Babria, Bagada, Bagdiya, Barmunda, Bhuria, Borkhandia, Chanwre, Dauraya, Dhanopia, Dhanotia, Dugeriya, Dungarwal, Harsora, Jathaniwal, Kathod, Kotia, Lambabans, Madiya, Mohiwal, Samriya, Sarwadi, Sarwadia, sawala, Sethiya, Sidaratod, Surlaya, Surlaya, Tthag, Tthai, Tthola, Nabbepuriya

Organization

A national level organization of the community Akhil Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Bagherwal Sangh was established in 1956 at Bijjoliya. There are five regional organizations covering Kota, Bundi, Malwa, Mewar and Dakshin regions. The community has established a charitable trust ‘Bagherwal Parmarthik Trust’ for welfares of its community members. It was established in 1983. It provides scholarships to students, assistance to widows and medical help.

Publications

Community publications

* Bagherwal Sandesh (Monthly news magazine)
* Pratibimb (Published by Akhil Bhartiya Digambar Jain Bagherwal Sangh )

Books Published About Community

* Bagherwal Jati Ithias by Vidhyadhar Johrapurkar
* Pandit Ashadhar. Vyaktitva and Kratitava by Nemi Chand Dongaonkar