Somani

Somani is a surname of Indian origin. They belong to a sub-sect called Maheshwaris who in turn are a sub-sect of Marwaris.

Historically, the Somani surname was adopted along with 71 other surcastes of Maheshwari caste about 5000 years ago, at the time of origin of the Maheshwari caste, by 72 umaraos of court of King of Khandela (a town in Rajasthan). The 72 umaraos were cursed by saints and after many years, god Shiva and Parvati blessed them, and they became businessmen. Thus the origin of Somanis along with all other Maheshwari sub-castes, is Rajasthan.

Somani's being a business caste, spread from their origin Rajasthan, to all over India and all over world.

According to popular belief, the Somanis were initially involved in business and now moving towards industries, professions etc. The central family had split and each brother moved to a different village where they started trading commodities like textiles, grains, spices etc.

Somanis also had a passion for birds at one time. Somanis were philanthropists and helped in building many schools, hospitals and charitable trusts. They are no more confined in Rajasthan and have settled in various parts of the globe.

Famous and influential Somanis

Hazarimal Somani - The Hazarimal Somani College of Arts & Science, Somani Marg (Mumbai)

Basant Kumar Somani [http://www.sophiacampus.com/]

GD Somani [http://www.gdsomani.org/g_d_somani/about_us.htm]

<"to be updated"> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marwaris#Famous_and_Influential_Marwaris] -->

See also

*Maheshwari
*Marwari

References

http://www.somanig.com/sfamily.htm

[http://www.rajasthaninfoline.com/rinfo/marwarih.htm "History of Marwari"] , Rajasthan Infoline