Murshidabad is place of Nawabs and Azimganj- Jiaganj are towns in Murshidabad district situated in two sides of Bhagirathi (Ganga) river in West Bengal state of India.
Jain society of Azimganj- Jiaganj and Murshidabad is predominantly referred as Shaharwali. Shaharwali society have very rich tradition and culture.
Jyoti Kothari
Tirthankar Neminath and Vasudeva Krishna were cousin brothers according to Jain stories. We find the story in Kalpasutra Teeka that is preached on the ocasion of Paryushan.
A play " Neminath and Krishna" will be staged at Azimganj Kothi on 15 August, Independence day on the auspices of Sadhwi Shashiprabha Shree Ji Maharaj and her disciples.
Thanks, (Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry)
Singhi family of Azimganj is also a renowned Shaharwali family. Bahadur Singh Singhi and Dalchand Singhi were the pioneers of the family. They established their business and business system well. They have found their fortune in collieries. They had lion's share in coal production of Bengal before nationalization of collieries.
Singhi family was fond of Gemstones, especially flat diamonds and emeralds. They were instrumental in making wonderful "Aangi" of sri Dharmanath Swami in Tulapatti Jain Temple, Kolkata. This Kundan Jadau "Aangi" is studded with hundreds of big size flawless flat diamonds.
The Singhi family had built two high schools, one in Lalbagh and another in Jiaganj, both in Murshidabad district. Their residential house Singhi Sadan in Azimganj is now converted to Azimganj Kothi. Rajendra Singh Singhi of this family was the first one in Shaharwali society to marry a Gujrati Girl.
However, their main contribution to Jain society is publications of "Singhi Granthamala". This is a series of Jain texts published first time in printed form. This series is an asset to Jain academic world. Prakrit Bharati, Jaipur is set to re-publish the same.
Paryushan is the greatest Parva of Jain. It will be started from 17 August and Samvatsari will be on 24 August this year 2009. It is only five days from now. Azimganj will celebrate Paryushana in the auspieces of Sadhwi Shashiprabha Shreeji Maharaj and Jiaganj with her Disciples. The twin cities are very fortunate this year.
I have cretaed a blog for Paryushan in that you can read and post materials regarding Paryushan.
Bahadur Singh Bothra of Jiaganj was part of Indian National team (Football) in 1930s. He played in India as well as overseas to represent Indian team. He played football for Mohan Bagan team in league matches. We found his name in as player in 1931 and 1933 in official website of Mohan Bagan club. Dilip Singh Kothari, another famous footballer from Azimganj brought him into this game. Dilip Singh Kothari is also listed in the said website for 1926 and 1927. It is worth noted that D Kothari from Mahasingh Meghraj Kothari family was maternal uncle of Bhadur Singh Bothra.
Besides his hobby in football he was a good businessman and earned reputation working in east Pakistan presently Bangladesh.
He belonged to famous Udaichand Bothra family and was son of late Chunnilal Bothra. He had been President of Jiaganj Sri Sangh for few years. Late Lalit Bothra, Pradip Bothra and Jyoti Singh Bothra are his three sons.
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Few people know that Dr. Bimal Bachchhawat of Azimganj had been awarded with Padmabhushana, one of the highest award by the Government of India. He was also Bhatnagar award winner in science. He adorned the chair of the President of Indian scientists association for long time. We are proud of him as Azimganjites.
Thanks, (Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry)
Shaharwali community had marital relationship in Rajasthan and Gujarat since early 20 th century.
1. Rajendra Singh Singhi married to Sushila D/o Kasturbhai of Ahmedabad, Gujrat. Kasturbhai was the Chairman of Lalbhai Kasturbhai group. The family had the honor of being heridatiry President of Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, representing a large group of Shwetambar Jain Murtipoojak community.
2. Taj Bahadoor Singh Dugar was married to daughter of Seth Bhuramal Surana of Jaipur and Badindrapat Singh Dugar to grand daughter of Bhuramal Surana and daughter of Rajmal Surana. Bhuramal Rajmal Surana family is renowned worldwide for Kundan Jadau Meena Jewelry.
3. Charitra Kumar Singh Nowlakha was married in renowned Rampuria family of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Haweli of Rampuria's in Bikaner is a tourist place. Kamal Singh rampuria of the family is the present President of Sammet Shikhar Tirth.
4. Darshan Kumar Nowlakha was married in famous Shah family and his brother Gyan Kumar Nowlakha in Seth Ratanlal Phophalia family. Ratanlal Phophalia was a renowned Jeweler and Mentor of Rajroop Tank, Dean of Jaipur gem dealers.
5. Dev Kumar Singhi was married in famous Baid family of "Gulab Niwas" in Jaipur.
Thanks, (Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry)
Neminath Temple courtyard decorated with chandeliers Built by Kothari family
Maha Singh Meghraj Kothari was one of the most famous Shaharwali merchants from Azimganj. They have expanded their business in Assam. Their business houses were called "Badgola" that means big godown in the local language. Both Maha Singh and Meghraj Kothari had been awarded the title Rai Bahadur.
The family built Neminath temple that is now known as Panchayati Mandir and Badi poshal in Azimganj. The most important aspect of building the temple was that none of their family members put their name in the temple. They remain anonymous though spending a huge amount of money in building the temple.
The family left Azimganj and most of the family members are now living in Vidyasagar street, Maniktalla, Kolkata.
The family has got some very famous personality. Dilip Singh Kothari of the family had represented Indian national team in Football. Achal Singh Kothari of the family was the first one to be a medical Doctor from Shaharwali society. Jyoti Kothari remained as President of Murshidabad Sangh for very long time.
Nirmal Kumar Singh Nowlakha was one of the most famous "Rais" of Azimganj. Shaharwali society was known for its "Raisi" and there were several "Rais" families in both Azimganj and Jiaganj. However, Nirmal Kumar Singh Nowlakha popularly known as "Nowlakha ji" was the talk of the town. He was married to the daughter of Maharaj Bahadur Singh Dugar, another Rais of Jiaganj.
He was renowned for organizing "Holi", the Indian festival of colors. Nowlakha Rose garden in Azimganj was the best in whole Murshidabad district. He had also been organizing Football tournaments.
Besides his Raisi he founded hospital in Azimganj. This is the only hospital in Azimganj till date (Now Government runs that).
Parent of present Acharya Padmasagar ji was working under him.
Shashi Nowlakha, his Grandson (S/o Charitra Kumar Singh) is now very active in social field. He is trustee of several Teerthas and other social and Charitable institutes.
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Relationship between Shaharwali and Johari Sath, two major Jain communities in Bengal started at around 1870s. However, it took fifty more years to have a marital relationship. It is to be noted that most of theShaharwali families were living in Azimganj and Jiaganj (Murshidabad district) and Johari Sath families in Kolkata. Johari Sath is community of early days Jain Jewelers engaged in Gems and Jewelry business.
Meena Kumari, daughter of Mansingh Shrimal, of Shaharwali society (Azimganj) was first to be married with a Johari Sath guy Mohanlal S/o Chunnilal Mahamwal, 83, Beadon street, Kolkata (Acording to the best of my knowledge). They were married around 1920. Later on their daughter Putul Kumari was married in Azimganj to Samarendrapat S/o Chandrapat Kothari. Putul Kumari is 85 now.
Some other early day marriages: 1. Kanchan Kumari (83) of Rai Badridas Family (Johari Sath) was married to Kiran Singh Shrimal S/o Man Singh.
2. Vimal Kumar Singh, of Rai Badridas family married to Kabita Kumari D/o Parichand Bothra of Azimganj.
3. Kanak Kumari, again from Rai Badridas family married to Ajeet Singh Nahar, Azimganj.
4. Kusum Kumari from Rai Badridas family was married to Dhirendrapat Kothari of
Azimganj.
5. Shobhavati Baid of Azimganj married to Maniklal Dusaj of Johari sath.
6. Some Samsukha girl (I do not know name) of Shaharwali society was married in Raisurana Family of Johari Sath.
7. Daughter of Parichand Kothari was married to Ratanchand Mogha of Johari Sath.
8. Ranu Kumari D/o Mukandilal Mookim (Johari Sath) married to Rajendra Singh Bothra S/0 Kamalapat Bothra of Jiaganj.
9.Kammo Bibi D/o Mukandilal Mookim (Johari Sath) married to Moni babu Dudhoria S/o Sripat Singh Dudhoria of Azimganj.
Most of these marriages happened between 1940 and 1950.
I think, there are many more. I request all readers to share more information in this blog.
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Shaharwali and Johari Sath are the oldest Rajasthani Jain communities migrated to Bengal. Connection and co-operation between these two oldest communities are obvious.
Few interesting features:
1. Shaharwali community is the oldest to come in Bengal and Johari Sath followed them.
however, Johari Sath had come to Kolkata first and Shaharwali community afterward.
2. Shaharwali community had influence overNawabs of Murshidabadbut Johari Sath had it
over Nawab of Avadh andBritish rulers.
3. Shaharwali community worked as Bankers and traders initially and then switched over to
Zemindari but Johari Sath were in Gems and Jewelry businessonly.
4. Shaharwali community is comprised ofOswal Jain clan but only one Shrimal family where
asJohari Sathis dominated by Shrimal clan of Jain.
5. Shaharwali community came directly from Rajasthan but Johari Sath people came mainly
via UP and Delhi.
6. Management of Sammet ShikharTirth always remained with Shaharwali community whereas that of Rajagriha remained with Johari Sath. Pawapuriis managed jointly by both
the communities. However, Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim contributed a lot to Sammet
Shikhar Tirth.
He built Parasnath Toonkon the top of the hills and played major role in buying Parasnath hills on behalf of Shwetambar Jain community represented by Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi. He also influenced the then Viceroy and Governor General of British India in stopping order of
establishing a slaughter house in the sacred Jain Tirth.
7. Shaharwali society have always taken active part in politics but Johari Sath never. Shaharwali
community have many MP, MLA, MLCs and even Deputy Chief Minister of West Bengal but Johari Sath have none.
8. Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim of Johri Sath founded Bengal National Chamber of Commerce But he handed over it to Rai Dhanpat Singh Bahadoor Dugar of Shaharwali Community and he
adorned the chair.
9.Sayaji Conferences of Jain were organized by Maharaja Baroda. Many times Shaharwali community and Johari Sath had shared the key posts of Presidents and Secretaries of those conferences. Once, that I know, Rai Budh Singh Dudhoria of Bari Kothi, Azimganj was in the Chair and Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim was handling the matters as Secretary.
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Comment I get from Mr. DK Bhandia
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Hi Jyoti Bhai,
great to see this site blog here. You have been spearheading the
documentation of this Jain clan from West Bengal very nicely. I wish to add...
Jyoti Kothari is proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, a leading Gem and Jewelry manufacturers and traders having Head office in Jaipur and operating in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. Vardhaman Gems (http://vardhamangems.com) have global client base. Business and franchisee inquiries solicited.
He is senior adviser to Vardhaman Infotech (www.vardhamaninfotech.com/), a mobile applications and eCommerce website development firm in Jaipur.
Jyoti Kothari is also a Quality Management System (ISO 9000) Trainer, Consultant and Lead Auditor.
He is Educationist, writer, Social worker and Philanthropist.
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