History of Shaharwali Jain community of Murshidabad

History of Shaharwali Jain community of Murshidabad: A request

Jyoti Kothari

It is well-known that the Shaharwali community of Azimganj-Jiaganj-Murshidabad has a rich tradition of vibrant culture. In fact, this community has enriched the culture of Bengal on one hand and of the Jain society on the other. However, it is regrettable that no systemic research work has been done to document the history of Shaharwali society.

It is a well-known fact that the Shaharwali community of Azimganj-Jiaganj-Murshidabad has a very rich tradition of vibrant culture. In fact, this community has enriched the culture of Bengal on one hand and of the Jain society on the other. However, it is regrettable that no systemic research work has done to document the history of Shaharwali society.

Murshidabad Heritage Society has taken the initiative to popularize the rich culture through various events. Few books are also published. However, we need systemic research and that cannot be completed without referring to the Jain temples of Murshidabad, the contributions of Sripujjya Ji, Yatis, and Sadhu-Sadhvis.

The culture of Shaharwali society was so embedded with the Jain religion that cannot be separated. The Jain community of Rajasthan (Rajputana, Marwad) was migrated from Rajasthan to find their fortune in Bengal, especially Murshidabad. They have contributed to the economic and social development of Murshidabad in Bengal.

Though the Shaharwali community was working continually with the Muslim Nawabs and the local Bengali society, they never forgot their religion and carefully protected the same. The huge Jain temples, Poshals, and Amil khata are the symbols of the dedication to the Jain religion.

I have been trying to collect and preserve the history and culture of the Shaharwali society for many years through writing blogs and propagating those I social media. I take the opportunity to request, the office-bearers and executives of Murshidabad Heritage Society along with the Sri Sangh and Murshidabad Sangh to make it a point to conduct systemic research.

I believe they will take my request seriously.

Jyoti Kothari
(Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.) www.vardhamangems.com