Mathur Vaishya
Encyclopedia
MathurVaishya is a sub-caste of Vaishya
, a Hindu
caste
. They are also referred as Mathuria (Vaishya).
theology, Lord Brahma
, the Creator, created the four Varnas. Also as per the oldest mention of the varna system in the Purusha sukta of Rigveda 10.90.12, "... his two thighs were the Vaishya
, ... born". According to the Indian caste system, Vanika (Sanskrit) or Bania
(Hindi) is a trader or merchant belonging to the business class. They are also referred to as Vaishya
. Yellow color is associated with Vaishya
. Gupta
is the most widely used surname of Vaishya
, and perhaps symbolizes the highly prosperous period of the pre-6th century A.D. when India occupied half of the world economy.
. Bateshwar was founded by the king Śũrasena grandfather of lord Krishna according to legends. River Yamuna
flow around Bateshwar in shape of Bel Patra
(Aegle marmelos).
According to history, Mahmud Ghaznavi destroyed and plundered the temple city of Thanesar
and massacred its inhabitants in 1014 CE. Mahmud Ghaznavi's army brought to Ghazni 20,000 captives, and much wealth. Then, in 1018, when the news of his imminent attack on Mathura broke out, panic spread in the city, causing mass migration from city of Mathura. One group of the business community (approximately 100 families) rushed to escape southwards along the bank of River Yamuna (about 100 km journey) to Bateshwar (and surrounding area Bah
, Jarar). These migrants from Mathura came to be known as Mathuria Vaishya (Vaishya, who came from Mathura), who were named as Mathur Vaishya in British census. Mathur Vaishya have no connection with the Mathur (including so called Mathur Merchants) sub-caste of Kayastha
, as well as Mathuria from other Varna apart from sharing the same ancestral homeland in the Mathura kingdom. Mathuria Vaishya used to wear the sacred thread, which is the mark of the Dwija or twice-born.
Since MathurVaishya were forced by circumstances to leave most of their belongings back home in Mathura, most of them became poor. They could not retrieve their belongings afterwards, as almost the whole city was burned to earth by the invaders. They restarted their lives with small business opportunities. With the passage of time and broadening of opportunities, they followed other professions along with trading. Some of them moved to nearby village Samugarh (across the river Uttagan), now known as Fatehabad
. Over time, the migration range widened to nearby villages Pinahat
, IradatNagar
and Shamsabad. During early part of British period (1804-1858 CE), Mathur Vaishya took further steps in migration and moved beyond the northern bank of Yamuna (Shikohabad
, Chandwar Nagar
, Sirsaganj
) and the southern bank of the Chambal
(Ambah
, Porsa
, Morena
) & south-west of ephemeral rivers Parbati / Banganga / Uttagan & Gambhiri / Khari-nadi (Dholpur
, Mania
).
city. Mathur Vaishya left Chandwar Nagar (only area of their homeland, where they deserted in toto) because of dacoits problem. With the introduction of railways, Mathur Vaishya also migrated to big cities like Kanpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad. Now they are spread all over India and some abroad too.
The Mathur Vaishya population is still well below a million. Firozabad
has highest Mathur Vaishya population, followed by Agra. Most of the Mathur Vaishya in Firozabad are associated with the glass bangles business. In Firozabad, Mathur Vaishya are also referred to as Mathuria. Mr. Russel mentions that subcastes are of the usual local or territorial type, as ... Mathuria, and so on.. Most of Mathur Vaishya use Gupta
as their surname, while others write their gotra
as surname.
The Mathur Vaishya speak Hindi or BrajBhasha, a dialect of Hindi spoken by people who evolved around the banks of Yamuna river. . Mathur Vaishya have traditionally been strictly vegetarian and non-alcoholic, though some have changed in the modern times. Mathur Vaishya worship deities Rama
, Krishana, Shiva
, Hanuman
, Durga
, Ganesha
& Laxmi. Mathur Vaishya used to (even now) make a visit to the Mata KAILA devi
temple at Karauli
, Rajasthan
to obtain blessing of Kuldevi after an auspicious occasion.
Distinct features about Mathur Vaishya, unlike some other vaishya communities are:
a) Mathur Vaishya's initial migration from their home land was invariably to the big cities.
b) Mathur Vaishya did not adopt or convert to other religions (including Jainism), despite surrounding areas under severe influence.
c) Mathur Vaishya preferred wholesale nature of business instead of retail.
d) The clan (exogomus division, also known as Gotra in non-Brahamin) nomenclature was derived from trading business of family's head in Mathura.
Aloo (Potato) Ka Rasa is an integral part of dinner meal, and cooked at least once a week in Mathuria Vaishya's home (probably exclusively). Aloo Ka Rasa is basically a Sour Yoghurt based Indian curry or gravy primarily consisting of a sour yoghurt and water base thickened with boiled Potato. Various herbs and spices (Turmeric powder, Corainder leaves, Cumin seed etc.) are added to the 'Rasa' to give it a very distinct flavour.
Obviously, the clan was very divergent. Some of clan names seems common in other varna, castes and / or sub-castes. Vaishya
are those whose mind is engaged by the VISHAYA. VISHAYA means, subject or specialization or professional knowledge. When a product is sold in volume at consistent basis, it becomes profession. Hence, these migrants from Mathura were Vaishya from time immemorial in true spirit of Vedas
. Some of descendents, from some of clans left Bateshwar area and / or joined their earlier relatives, as life was tough and business aveneues were limited. This has caused some clans big (e.g. Baccharwar), while some small (e.g. Basoriya). In case of adoption, both clan (bio-logical as well adopting) parents linkage was considered. However, marriages are forbidden within two degrees on the biological mother's side, and seven on the bio-logical father. The adopting father gotra becomes gotra of adopted child. Widow re-marriage was not allowed, however widower re-marriage was allowed.
As life moved forward, there was additions in clan (clan names ending with letter 'AL') of those Vaishya of erstwhile Mathura (engaged in businesses mentioned below at time of joining), who could not join them earlier. These following clans were added generations later, when they arrived in Bateshwar area.
In past, Mathur Vaishya did not marry, if any of four Gotra (of Father, Maternal Uncle, Grandmother & Maternal Grandmother) matched among themselves. The reasoning for same was the belief; that many years ago their elders belonged to one clan and hence are blood related brothers and sisters. This worked perfectly for centuries, as there were more than 100 clans. However, with imbalance in clan sizes and desire for specific type of lifemate in the community, forced a change in custom. Now only matching of Gotra of Father & Maternal Uncle is checked, along with check of bride / groom swapping on father's side among living generations (e.g. Bride's brother can not marry Groom's sister in future). Despite the above mentioned additions in community centuries ago, the community over these years has become localized, and may suffer in future the effects of DNA recessive mutations. According to tradition, the dasa
are said to be the close relatives of Mathur Vaishya having non-Mathur Vaishya spouse & their descendants, though this concept is a thing of the past now.
& Jaipur
. About 1970 CE, reforms were mooted in community again. It was suggested that the remarriage and rehabilitation of widows be permitted, and there was renewed demand for abolition of dowry, which continue to hurt community like double edged sword. Following are some of publications about community in Hindi language:
Mathur Vaishya as a community have progressed tremendously. Today many of them are successful too, and moving up the ladder in business graph of India. In pre-independent British India, they actively participated in freedom struggle. There were few MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly), MLC (Member of Legislative Council) & Mayor from Mathur Vaishya community, who represented the constituencies of Jhansi
, Shikohabad
, Fatehabad
& Agra
before caste polarization in Indian politics. In independent India, the initial preference among educated ones were professions of Doctor & Teacher. With the boom in outsourcing opportunities in India, Engineering has become the preferred profession among educated ones. In recent times, they are well placed in Corporate India.
Vaishya
Vaishya is one of the four varnas of the Hindu social order. According to Vedic tradition, this caste primarily comprises merchants, farmers, cattle-herders and artisans.-Duties of Vaishyas:...
, a Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
caste
Caste
Caste is an elaborate and complex social system that combines elements of endogamy, occupation, culture, social class, tribal affiliation and political power. It should not be confused with race or social class, e.g. members of different castes in one society may belong to the same race, as in India...
. They are also referred as Mathuria (Vaishya).
Origins
According to the HinduHindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
theology, Lord Brahma
Brahma
Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Mānu, and from Mānu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the...
, the Creator, created the four Varnas. Also as per the oldest mention of the varna system in the Purusha sukta of Rigveda 10.90.12, "... his two thighs were the Vaishya
Vaishya
Vaishya is one of the four varnas of the Hindu social order. According to Vedic tradition, this caste primarily comprises merchants, farmers, cattle-herders and artisans.-Duties of Vaishyas:...
, ... born". According to the Indian caste system, Vanika (Sanskrit) or Bania
Bania
Bania may refer to:* Bania or Vanika, a trader or merchant belonging to the Indian business class** Punjabi Banias* Bănia, a commune in Caraş-Severin County, Romania* Bănia River, a tributary of the Nera River in Romania...
(Hindi) is a trader or merchant belonging to the business class. They are also referred to as Vaishya
Vaishya
Vaishya is one of the four varnas of the Hindu social order. According to Vedic tradition, this caste primarily comprises merchants, farmers, cattle-herders and artisans.-Duties of Vaishyas:...
. Yellow color is associated with Vaishya
Vaishya
Vaishya is one of the four varnas of the Hindu social order. According to Vedic tradition, this caste primarily comprises merchants, farmers, cattle-herders and artisans.-Duties of Vaishyas:...
. Gupta
Gupta
Gupta is a common surname of Indian origin.According to some academicians, the name Gupta is derived from Sanskrit goptri, meaning military governor. A more direct translation of the Sanskrit word gupta is 'secret' or 'hidden'. According to prominent historian R. C...
is the most widely used surname of Vaishya
Vaishya
Vaishya is one of the four varnas of the Hindu social order. According to Vedic tradition, this caste primarily comprises merchants, farmers, cattle-herders and artisans.-Duties of Vaishyas:...
, and perhaps symbolizes the highly prosperous period of the pre-6th century A.D. when India occupied half of the world economy.
History
The Mathuria Vaishya sub-caste of the Vaishya were a part of trading community in Mathura until around 1018 CE. During the ancient period, Mathura was an economic hub, located at the junction of very important caravan routes. Mathura had historical links with Bateshwar, which is also located on the banks of river YamunaYamuna
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in northern India...
. Bateshwar was founded by the king Śũrasena grandfather of lord Krishna according to legends. River Yamuna
Yamuna
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in northern India...
flow around Bateshwar in shape of Bel Patra
Bael
Bael Bael (Aegle marmelos) Bael (Aegle marmelos) (Bengal quince, stone apple, Sanskrit : विल्व, Malayalam: കൂവളം, Bengali: বেল, Hindi: बेल (Sirphal), Marathi: बेल or कवीठ (Kaveeth), , Sindhi: ڪاٺ گدرو , Sinhalese: beli, Tamil: வில்வம் is a species of tree native to India...
(Aegle marmelos).
According to history, Mahmud Ghaznavi destroyed and plundered the temple city of Thanesar
Thanesar
Thanesar is an old and historic town on the banks of the Sarsawati Ghaggar river in the state of Haryana in northern India. It is located in Kurukshetra District, approximately 160 km northwest of Delhi...
and massacred its inhabitants in 1014 CE. Mahmud Ghaznavi's army brought to Ghazni 20,000 captives, and much wealth. Then, in 1018, when the news of his imminent attack on Mathura broke out, panic spread in the city, causing mass migration from city of Mathura. One group of the business community (approximately 100 families) rushed to escape southwards along the bank of River Yamuna (about 100 km journey) to Bateshwar (and surrounding area Bah
Bah
Bah is a city in Agra District of Uttar Pradesh in India.-Demographics: India census, Bah had a population of 14,593. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%.-Overview:Location and Name...
, Jarar). These migrants from Mathura came to be known as Mathuria Vaishya (Vaishya, who came from Mathura), who were named as Mathur Vaishya in British census. Mathur Vaishya have no connection with the Mathur (including so called Mathur Merchants) sub-caste of Kayastha
Kayastha
Kayastha or Kayasth or Kayeth is a caste or community of Hindus originating in India. Kayastha means "scribe" in Sanskrit, and has traditionally denoted members of the writer caste....
, as well as Mathuria from other Varna apart from sharing the same ancestral homeland in the Mathura kingdom. Mathuria Vaishya used to wear the sacred thread, which is the mark of the Dwija or twice-born.
Since MathurVaishya were forced by circumstances to leave most of their belongings back home in Mathura, most of them became poor. They could not retrieve their belongings afterwards, as almost the whole city was burned to earth by the invaders. They restarted their lives with small business opportunities. With the passage of time and broadening of opportunities, they followed other professions along with trading. Some of them moved to nearby village Samugarh (across the river Uttagan), now known as Fatehabad
Fatehabad
Fatehabad may refer to:* Fatehabad, Afghanistan* Fatehabad, Haryana a town in Haryana, India* Fatehabad district, a district in Haryana, India* Fatehabad, Madhya Pradesh, a city in Madhya Pradesh, India* Fatehabad, Agra, a village in Uttar Pradesh, India...
. Over time, the migration range widened to nearby villages Pinahat
Pinahat
Pinahat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Agra district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.-Demographics:At the 2001 India census, Pinahat had a population of 17,028. Males constituted 53% of the population and females 47%. Pinahat had an average literacy rate of 52%, lower than the national...
, IradatNagar
Kheragarh
Kheragarh is a town and a nagar panchayat in Agra district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The distance of the town from Agra is 40 kilometers.-Demographics:...
and Shamsabad. During early part of British period (1804-1858 CE), Mathur Vaishya took further steps in migration and moved beyond the northern bank of Yamuna (Shikohabad
Shikohabad
Shikohabad is a city and a municipal board in the Firozabad district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city has been famous since the British Period for its Glass Industry. Shikihabad has one of the oldest Bulb and Electric Tube manufacturing units , established in 1951, which was the...
, Chandwar Nagar
Firozabad
Firozabad is a city in India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh.The ancient name of this town was Chandwar nagar; it is said that once in reign of Akbar the great, revenue was being brought through the city. it was looted by the people who lived here...
, Sirsaganj
Sirsaganj
Sirsaganj is a town and a municipal board in Firozabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.Sirsaganj is a Vidhan Sabha constituency of the State of Uttar Pradesh in India. Sirsaganj( سیرساگانج) is a town and a municipal board in Firozabad district in the Indian state of Uttar...
) and the southern bank of the Chambal
Chambal
Chambal may refer to:* Chambal Jatt* Chambal Division* Chambal River...
(Ambah
Ambah
Ambah is a city and a municipality in Morena district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.-Geography:Ambah is located at . It has an average elevation of 161 metres . This area is located near the Chambal Ghat. River chambal flows very near to Ambah and forms border between M.P. & U.P. and...
, Porsa
Porsa
Porsa is a city and a municipality in Morena district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.-Geography:Porsa is located at . It has an average elevation of 154 metres ....
, Morena
Morena
Morena is a city and a municipality in Morena district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as Muraina and is the administrative headquarters of Morena District and of Chambal Division. It is 39 km away from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh...
) & south-west of ephemeral rivers Parbati / Banganga / Uttagan & Gambhiri / Khari-nadi (Dholpur
Dholpur
Dholpur is a city in eastern-most parts of the Rajasthan state of India. It is the administrative headquarters of Dholpur District and was formerly seat of the Dholpur princely state, before Independence....
, Mania
Rajakhera
Rajakhera is a city and a municipality in Dholpur district in the Indian state of Rajasthan.Rajakhera is on the border of Rajasthan state. It is about 32 km from Agra Uttar Predesh and about the same distance from Dholpur. Shamshabad, Uttar Pradesh is the nearest town on Uttar Predesh border...
).
Present conditions
Chandwar Nagar is located on bank of river Yamuna and is south of current FirozabadFirozabad
Firozabad is a city in India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh.The ancient name of this town was Chandwar nagar; it is said that once in reign of Akbar the great, revenue was being brought through the city. it was looted by the people who lived here...
city. Mathur Vaishya left Chandwar Nagar (only area of their homeland, where they deserted in toto) because of dacoits problem. With the introduction of railways, Mathur Vaishya also migrated to big cities like Kanpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad. Now they are spread all over India and some abroad too.
The Mathur Vaishya population is still well below a million. Firozabad
Firozabad
Firozabad is a city in India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh.The ancient name of this town was Chandwar nagar; it is said that once in reign of Akbar the great, revenue was being brought through the city. it was looted by the people who lived here...
has highest Mathur Vaishya population, followed by Agra. Most of the Mathur Vaishya in Firozabad are associated with the glass bangles business. In Firozabad, Mathur Vaishya are also referred to as Mathuria. Mr. Russel mentions that subcastes are of the usual local or territorial type, as ... Mathuria, and so on.. Most of Mathur Vaishya use Gupta
Gupta
Gupta is a common surname of Indian origin.According to some academicians, the name Gupta is derived from Sanskrit goptri, meaning military governor. A more direct translation of the Sanskrit word gupta is 'secret' or 'hidden'. According to prominent historian R. C...
as their surname, while others write their gotra
Gotra
In the Hindu society, the term Gotra broadly refers to people who are descendants in an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor. Panini defines gotra for grammatical purposes as apatyam pautraprabhrti gotram , which means "the word gotra denotes the progeny beginning with the son's son"...
as surname.
The Mathur Vaishya speak Hindi or BrajBhasha, a dialect of Hindi spoken by people who evolved around the banks of Yamuna river. . Mathur Vaishya have traditionally been strictly vegetarian and non-alcoholic, though some have changed in the modern times. Mathur Vaishya worship deities Rama
Rama
Rama or full name Ramachandra is considered to be the seventh avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism, and a king of Ayodhya in ancient Indian...
, Krishana, Shiva
Shiva
Shiva is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. God Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a...
, Hanuman
Hanuman
Hanuman , is a Hindu deity, who is an ardent devotee of Rama, a central character in the Indian epic Ramayana and one of the dearest devotees of lord Rama. A general among the vanaras, an ape-like race of forest-dwellers, Hanuman is an incarnation of the divine and a disciple of Lord Rama in the...
, Durga
Durga
For the 1985 Hindi Film of Rajesh Khanna see DurgaaIn Hinduism, Durga ; ; meaning "the inaccessible" or "the invincible"; , durga) or Maa Durga "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress" is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eighteen arms, riding a lion...
, Ganesha
Ganesha
Ganesha , also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh, also known as Ganapati , Vinayaka , and Pillaiyar , is one of the deities best-known and most widely worshipped in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India and Nepal. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations...
& Laxmi. Mathur Vaishya used to (even now) make a visit to the Mata KAILA devi
Devi
Devī is the Sanskrit word for Goddess, used mostly in Hinduism, its related masculine term is deva. Devi is synonymous with Shakti, the female aspect of the divine, as conceptualized by the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. She is the female counterpart without whom the male aspect, which represents...
temple at Karauli
Karauli
Karauli is a town lying in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The town is the administrative center of Karauli District, and was formerly the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Karauli.-Geography:...
, Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
to obtain blessing of Kuldevi after an auspicious occasion.
Distinct features about Mathur Vaishya, unlike some other vaishya communities are:
a) Mathur Vaishya's initial migration from their home land was invariably to the big cities.
b) Mathur Vaishya did not adopt or convert to other religions (including Jainism), despite surrounding areas under severe influence.
c) Mathur Vaishya preferred wholesale nature of business instead of retail.
d) The clan (exogomus division, also known as Gotra in non-Brahamin) nomenclature was derived from trading business of family's head in Mathura.
Aloo (Potato) Ka Rasa is an integral part of dinner meal, and cooked at least once a week in Mathuria Vaishya's home (probably exclusively). Aloo Ka Rasa is basically a Sour Yoghurt based Indian curry or gravy primarily consisting of a sour yoghurt and water base thickened with boiled Potato. Various herbs and spices (Turmeric powder, Corainder leaves, Cumin seed etc.) are added to the 'Rasa' to give it a very distinct flavour.
Clan System
Mathuria Vaishya ancestors in Mathura were wholesale traders, who were engaged in businesses of Food items, Cloth, Kitchen Wares, Gold, Medicines, Health Supplements, Beauty Care products, Building Material, Wood, Plant Leaves, Arms. Hence, the clan system was derived to preserve identity of family tree. Few more clan increased, as bigger clans got sub-divided. The comedy of error (mis-spellings) also helped to add few more clans. People from same clan were Gotriya brother & sistser. Later, Khandan was defined as seven contiguous generations through unbroken male siblings of a clan.| S. No. | Clan Name | Business Type | S. No. | Clan Name | Business Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Annawaria, | Food Grain | 02 | Athabariya, | Vedas | |
| 03 | Arabhariya, | Bow & Arrow | 04 | Akharwar, | Worship offerings | |
| 05 | Alampuria, | Architect Material | 06 | Etiwar, | Cannibas Resin | |
| 07 | Oahawar, | Conches | 08 | Auriya, | Ghee (Butter) | |
| 09 | Theksere, | Boat | 10 | Pengoria, | Books (Science & Fiction) | |
| 11 | Pachadhari, | Art (Readymade) | 12 | Panwaria, | Plant Leaves | |
| 13 | Paroliya, | Betting | 14 | Panniwar, | Language Learning Tool | |
| 15 | Pipraiya, | Wood | 16 | Suraiya, | Music Instruments | |
| 17 | Sanwasit, | Cosmetics | 18 | Sujanpuria, | Colors | |
| 19 | Sudaisak, | Diamond | 20 | Senkda, | Copper | |
| 21 | Soni, | Jweller | 22 | Sandilya, | Cap & Turban | |
| 23 | Samasin, | Dance Costumes | 24 | Sakriwar, | Jaggery | |
| 25 | Shanichara, | Oil | 26 | Shalya, | Medical Equipments | |
| 27 | Shiroiya, | Mirror | 28 | Shambashah, | Theatre | |
| 29 | Raipuria, | Iron | 30 | Rainguriya, | Cart | |
| 31 | Rampuria, | Ayurvedic products | 32 | Rainduha, | Chariot | |
| 33 | Ramberiya, | Ramayan | 34 | Revadi, | Sweets | |
| 35 | Bagula, | Mustard | 36 | Baraiya, | Honey | |
| 37 | Bagbular, | Berry | 38 | Bachharwar, | Cattle | |
| 39 | Balaiwar, | Health Supplements | 40 | Bansalas, | Cloth | |
| 41 | Bariwar, | Cotton | 42 | Basoriya, | Bamboo | |
| 43 | Babarpuria, | Hunting Equipments | 44 | Bandesiya, | Teak, Rose Wood | |
| 45 | Badlas, | Horse | 46 | Bamaniya, | Dry Fruits | |
| 47 | Badua, | Aroma | 48 | Virehua, | Dumbbell | |
| 49 | Virthariya, | Arrow Targets | 50 | Viroriya, | Howdah | |
| 51 | Gajpuria, | Transporter | 52 | Gidoriya, | Binoculars | |
| 53 | Gangalas, | Flower | 54 | Gulia, | Water Vessel | |
| 55 | Ganpati, | Fruits | 56 | Guteriya, | Dice Games (e.g. Chaturaji) | |
| 57 | Gotanlas, | Robes | 58 | Golas, | Milk & milk prodcts | |
| 59 | Jatua, | Hair Products | 60 | Jabrewa, | Tooth Powder | |
| 61 | Jigariya, | Culinary Herbs (Digestive) | 62 | Jiroliya, | Cumin Seed | |
| 63 | Jigarwar, | Money Lender | 64 | Katheriya, | Sword | |
| 65 | Kashiwar, | Jaree (Silk) | 66 | Kuteriya, | Axe, Rammer | |
| 67 | Kutwariya, | Box & Vault | 68 | Kachchlas, | Spices | |
| 69 | Katrauliya, | Pulley | 70 | Kankatia, | Weaving Thread | |
| 71 | Katas, | Ignition Material | 72 | Kothia, | Lacquer ware | |
| 73 | Mohaniya, | Trap & Cage | 74 | Modi, | Grocer | |
| 75 | Merothiya, | Knitting Material | 76 | Madhawar, | Sorghum | |
| 77 | Mathesuriya, | Flute & Pungi (Blow Pipe) | 78 | Murwaria, | Pickle & Related products | |
| 79 | Mahamaniya, | Ivory | 80 | Mahawar, | Calenders | |
| 81 | Mandalas, | Magic Tools | 82 | Bhesanwar, | Cattle Feed | |
| 83 | Bhatarkotia, | Building Material | 84 | Bhabhalpuria, | Mineral Goods | |
| 85 | Bhadrauliya, | Umbrella | 86 | Chandalas, | Lantern | |
| 87 | Chaudahrana, | Smoking Pipe | 88 | Chausia, | Areca Nut | |
| 89 | Laghua, | Photo Material | 90 | Therahmaniya, | Buddhist Text - Tipitaka | |
| 91 | Tainguriya, | Latex Products | 92 | Ghagharwar, | Bride Dress | |
| 93 | Khobadiya, | Protective Gears | 94 | Khuteriya, | Rope Halter | |
| 95 | Fanjoloya, | Basmati Rice | 96 | Farsaiya, | Knife, Sickle | |
| 97 | Hathkatia, | Weaving Tools | 98 | Jayadeva, | Maths Learning Tools | |
| 99 | Doneriya, | Cup & Plates | 100 | Niboriya, | Preservatives | |
| 101 | Naugaiya, | Astrological Gems | 102 | Nirjawar, | Stain Remover | |
| 103 | Ghunnpuria, | Insecticides |
Obviously, the clan was very divergent. Some of clan names seems common in other varna, castes and / or sub-castes. Vaishya
Vaishya
Vaishya is one of the four varnas of the Hindu social order. According to Vedic tradition, this caste primarily comprises merchants, farmers, cattle-herders and artisans.-Duties of Vaishyas:...
are those whose mind is engaged by the VISHAYA. VISHAYA means, subject or specialization or professional knowledge. When a product is sold in volume at consistent basis, it becomes profession. Hence, these migrants from Mathura were Vaishya from time immemorial in true spirit of Vedas
Vedas
The Vedas are a large body of texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism....
. Some of descendents, from some of clans left Bateshwar area and / or joined their earlier relatives, as life was tough and business aveneues were limited. This has caused some clans big (e.g. Baccharwar), while some small (e.g. Basoriya). In case of adoption, both clan (bio-logical as well adopting) parents linkage was considered. However, marriages are forbidden within two degrees on the biological mother's side, and seven on the bio-logical father. The adopting father gotra becomes gotra of adopted child. Widow re-marriage was not allowed, however widower re-marriage was allowed.
As life moved forward, there was additions in clan (clan names ending with letter 'AL') of those Vaishya of erstwhile Mathura (engaged in businesses mentioned below at time of joining), who could not join them earlier. These following clans were added generations later, when they arrived in Bateshwar area.
| S. No. | Clan Name | Business Type | S. No. | Clan Name | Business Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Kotwal, | Confiscated Goods | 02 | Kaushal, | Astronomy Yantra (Instruments) | |
| 03 | Bachhal, | Metal |
In past, Mathur Vaishya did not marry, if any of four Gotra (of Father, Maternal Uncle, Grandmother & Maternal Grandmother) matched among themselves. The reasoning for same was the belief; that many years ago their elders belonged to one clan and hence are blood related brothers and sisters. This worked perfectly for centuries, as there were more than 100 clans. However, with imbalance in clan sizes and desire for specific type of lifemate in the community, forced a change in custom. Now only matching of Gotra of Father & Maternal Uncle is checked, along with check of bride / groom swapping on father's side among living generations (e.g. Bride's brother can not marry Groom's sister in future). Despite the above mentioned additions in community centuries ago, the community over these years has become localized, and may suffer in future the effects of DNA recessive mutations. According to tradition, the dasa
Dasa
Dasa is a term used with the primary meaning 'enemy', especially relating to tribes identified as the enemies of the Indo-Aryan tribes in the Rigveda....
are said to be the close relatives of Mathur Vaishya having non-Mathur Vaishya spouse & their descendants, though this concept is a thing of the past now.
Community Organization
Mathur vaishya have an all India organization called Akhil Bharatiya Mathur Vaishya Mahasabha which was founded in 1887 CE, (and also a women organisation called Mahila Sammelan), having its office in all big cities of India, and main offices at AgraAgra
Agra a.k.a. Akbarabad is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, west of state capital, Lucknow and south from national capital New Delhi. With a population of 1,686,976 , it is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh and the 19th most...
& Jaipur
Jaipur
Jaipur , also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of more than 3.1 million....
. About 1970 CE, reforms were mooted in community again. It was suggested that the remarriage and rehabilitation of widows be permitted, and there was renewed demand for abolition of dowry, which continue to hurt community like double edged sword. Following are some of publications about community in Hindi language:
| S. No. | Name | S. No. | Name | S. No. | Name | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mathurvaishya Bandhu | 02 | Mathurvaishya Chetna | 03 | Mathurvaishya Chitran | ||
| 04 | Mathurvaishya Darpan | 05 | Mathurvaishya Jagrati | 06 | |
Mathur Vaishya as a community have progressed tremendously. Today many of them are successful too, and moving up the ladder in business graph of India. In pre-independent British India, they actively participated in freedom struggle. There were few MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly), MLC (Member of Legislative Council) & Mayor from Mathur Vaishya community, who represented the constituencies of Jhansi
Jhansi
Jhansi Hindi:झाँसी, , Marathi: झाशी, is a historical city of India. Jhansi is the administrative headquarters of Jhansi District and Jhansi Division. The original walled city grew up around its stone fort, which crowns a neighboring rock. This district is on the bank of river Betwa.The National...
, Shikohabad
Shikohabad
Shikohabad is a city and a municipal board in the Firozabad district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city has been famous since the British Period for its Glass Industry. Shikihabad has one of the oldest Bulb and Electric Tube manufacturing units , established in 1951, which was the...
, Fatehabad
Fatehabad
Fatehabad may refer to:* Fatehabad, Afghanistan* Fatehabad, Haryana a town in Haryana, India* Fatehabad district, a district in Haryana, India* Fatehabad, Madhya Pradesh, a city in Madhya Pradesh, India* Fatehabad, Agra, a village in Uttar Pradesh, India...
& Agra
Agra
Agra a.k.a. Akbarabad is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, west of state capital, Lucknow and south from national capital New Delhi. With a population of 1,686,976 , it is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh and the 19th most...
before caste polarization in Indian politics. In independent India, the initial preference among educated ones were professions of Doctor & Teacher. With the boom in outsourcing opportunities in India, Engineering has become the preferred profession among educated ones. In recent times, they are well placed in Corporate India.